About Us
Focus. Strength. Flexibility. What do you want to embody in your life? Your own personal transformation is here.
Founded in 2005 by Master Baptiste Teacher Mark White, MBody Yoga is Florida’s first Baptiste Power Yoga Affiliate Studio. With two locations—one in the Southside area of Jacksonville; the other in nearby Neptune Beach—MBody Yoga opens up the practice to anyone looking for a challenge. Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, you will find a place for your mat at MBody. In addition to providing classes seven days a week, we offer many innovative and pioneering workshops, events and teacher training programs year-round. Whatever it is you seek to gain from yoga, you will find it at MBody Yoga..
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Our teachers are dedicated to help each student grow and to facilitate a healthy and non-intimidating environment for all to flourish. We pride ourselves in providing high-quality instruction to our community. We work hard to ensure our customers have access to the best yoga instruction and leadership available.
MBody Yoga Instructor Facts:
- Over 50% have been teaching yoga for more than 3 years.
- 100% hold an RYT-200HR Certificate from Yoga Alliance.
- 95% of our RYT-200HR instructors have graduated from MBody Yoga Academy’s 200-HR Teacher Training Program.
- 100% of our 200-HR Academy graduates have completed a 6-month intensive mentorship program prior to teaching on our schedule.
- Over 50% retain, or are in the process of obtaining, an additional RYT-300HR Certificate from Yoga Alliance. Combined, that’s 500-Hours of professional certification.
- Yearly, our instructors attend a mandatory in-house “true-up” training to ensure we are delivering the quality of instruction and leadership our community has grown to expect.
Meet Our Team
Leah Green
Owner, E-RYT-500,Tier 3 Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher, YACEP, FMS Level 1 & 2, TPI certified
Leah GreenOwner, Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher, Tier 3 Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher, E-RYT-500, MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program , YACEP, FMS Level 1 & 2, TPI certified
I started my yoga journey in May 2012 when my husband asked me to join him for a class, so I did and loved it! I signed up for a 30 for $30 Groupon. I got lazy and soon realized I needed some motivation so I entered the March madness contest (2013) with a friend and we won! I began my free month and stayed with it! In August I wanted to do more with MBody and my community, so I became an Ambassador for the studio.
I was also beginning a battle with infertility and struggling with where my career was, at this point in my life, so I entered the 40 days to a Personal Revolution where I realized that my mat and my life were mirroring one another. After that program, I wanted more! More, self discovery, more inquiry, more yoga, more community and more break-throughs!
I approached Dawn in January of 2014 and inquired about the teacher training; she led me to the 200 YTT that started that month. In August 2014 I became a 200 RYT. In February 2016 I completed the 300 hr Embody Mastery program and became a 500 RYT.
Yoga provided me with a fun and safe place to not only receive a physical workout, but a mental one as well. This community has helped build a powerful practice, lifetime friends, a community that I am passionate about and encourage others to join and share. Besides Baptiste Power
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Hayley Pritchett
RYT 200 MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program
Hayley PritchettRYT 200, MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program
Hayley grew up in Neptune Beach, Florida and has been involved in yoga since she was 15. Her yoga journey at MBody began in 2011. Instantly, Hayley loved the MBody community as well as the Baptiste Vinyasa Flow practice and the powerful, sweaty combination of syncing breath and movement. After contemplating the MBody Teacher Training for two years she enrolled in the 200hr-RYT training and became a certified instructor in 2017. Hayley also holds her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of North Florida and her goal for any student who walks in her class is to grow in his/her physical strength and mental awareness. Her classes are easygoing and fun, with an added emphasis on endurance and strength building. You will leave Hayley’s class feeling strong and empowered.
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Chelsea Franklin
Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher, MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, MBody Academy, RYT 500
Chelsea FranklinStudent Advocate
Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher
RYT 500, MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program
Trainer,Chelsea is a certified Baptiste Power Yoga Instructor and the teacher/student advocate at MBody Yoga. She is 200-Hour E-RYT and 500-Hour RYT through MBody Yoga as well. It was her private music instructor that first exposed Chelsea to yoga through a “yoga for musicians” class. She was hooked and began to notice several benefits to having a regular yoga practice. She noticed a heightened sense of well-being and calmness in herself. The chronic back pain she suffered from years of playing an instrument subsided. One of the biggest results she saw was a decrease in her level of performance anxiety. Soon after, Chelsea began to look for a yoga studio to practice at and found MBody Yoga. From the moment she walked in the door, it felt like home. It was the community, something she had never experienced before anywhere else, that kept her coming back for more. Two months later Chelsea signed up for Mark White’s teacher training program. Through her practice and Mark’s training, Chelsea discovered self-confidence and a passion to teach. She has been teaching for over six years now at MBody. Chelsea also teaches an adaptive yoga class at MBody through oMS Yoga, a local organization bringing yoga to people living with Multiple Sclerosis. In addition, she teaches at the Eisenhower Center to veterans and those recovering from sports injuries. She has taught at drug rehabilitation centers and senior chair yoga at a local community center. When Chelsea is not on her mat or teaching, she enjoys both playing and listening to music, being outdoors and is a dog and cat mom to four fur babies (one dog and three cats).
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Frank Markowski
Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher
Lead Trainer, MBody Academy, E-RYT 500
Frank MarkowskiCertified Baptiste Yoga Teacher
Lead Trainer, MBody Academy, E-RYT 500Frank believes, “The world can’t resist passionate people”. His passion for the practice of yoga is what drives his desire to share the practice with others.As a student of yoga, Frank has over 500 hours of training with Mark White, Baron Baptiste and other leaders in the yoga community. Frank embodies the philosophy of the teacher remaining as a student.Using the experiences from his own personal practice and training, Frank has developed a style of teaching that gets people connected to their breath and their bodies. Through that connection, Frank encourages students in fun and creative ways to explore possibility from their own personal sense of empowerment.Frank leads numerous successful workshops. Power Yoga Basics, Arm Balancing, Breath,(pranayama),and Meditation to name a few. He mentors aspiring teachers and supports Mark White’s Teacher Training programs.
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Johanna Markowski
RYT 500, MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program
Johanna MarkowskiMBody Academy
RYT 500 ; Certified KAY (Kidding Around Yoga) TeacherWhile living in Colorado, Johanna Markowski would visit her parents in Jacksonville, Florida. This is where she first discovered hot yoga. It wasn’t until she relocated to Jacksonville, did she realize this was her passion she wanted to pursue.
Johanna fell in love with Baptiste yoga and the MBody Community. Since re-locating to Florida, she became an ambassador for the studio, completed her 100 Teacher Training Certification, 200 RYT and 300 RYT Certification Programs.
The yoga classes provided her with a fun and safe place to not only receive a physical workout, but a mental workout as well. Through MBody, Johanna has created lifelong friends and built a powerful practice that she loves to share with others.
Johanna also enjoys running on the beach, surfing, cycling, and spending time with her husband.
Phone: (904) 565-1005
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Louis Weimer
Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher, RYT 500 MBody Teacher Certification Program
Louis WeimerCertified Baptiste Yoga Teacher, RYT 500
Louis has practiced different styles of yoga off and on since high school. When he came to MBody , he fell in love with Baptiste Power Yoga! He was challenged physically, his mind was stimulated through inquiry and the community was welcoming, gracious and caring. Louis’s journey here started with a Groupon and a class, this lead to him enrolling in the 100-hour Teacher Training which he took to deepen his practice. There he was inspired to take the 200-hour Teacher Leader Program and then the 300-hour Embody Mastery Program. As a 500-hr RYT, he is currently co-facilitating and leading trainings, leading workshops, and teaching classes throughout the week. He constantly enjoys learning and sharing with his fellow “yogis!”
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Kathleen
RYT 200 MBody Teacher Certification Program
KathleenRYT 200, MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program
Kathleen was a marathon runner looking to add yoga a couple days a week to compliment her running, but quickly fell in love with the practice that was so much more than a good stretch. Kathleen loved the grounding and presence yoga brought into her life and the ability to create and live more compassionately and fully. Despite trying a few different styles she chose to practice and study Baptiste for the way it challenged the body physically, the community it provides, as well as the way it challenged her to look into her mind and heart to grow. As an instructor, Kathleen hopes to challenge and guide her students to find their edge and push past doubts to find their breakthroughs and achieve new goals. Kathleen is also a certified SUP yoga instructor, as well as competitive runner, and is currently completing her 300hr teacher training.
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MARIA O'DONNELL
MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, E-RYT 200
MARIA O’DONNELLMBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, E-RYT 200
Maria began her yoga practice in high school with her best friend whose father was a yoga teacher. Throughout college and her five years living in Southeast Asia, Maria continued to practice many different styles of yoga and found introspection and reflection through the movement of body and breath to be incredibly healing. Maria was introduced to Baptiste yoga class shortly after she moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 2007. Immediately, she was completely enthralled with the rhythm and flow of the class. She also found that the heated practice increased her flexibility, as well as physically rinsed her body out. Maria knew she was at home with the sweat, spirit and energy of the Baptiste practice and became a regular practitioner.
Maria completed her 200-hour teacher certification program at a Baptiste-affiliated studio in October 2010 and has since been dedicated to her yoga practice, self-growth and development as a teacher and as a healthy balanced individual with a desire to give back to her community. Maria works in the field of early childhood development and social work. Maria has created a community connection between yoga, bringing the healing qualities of the practice to a diverse variety of individuals; self-empowerment is something yoga offers and all communities need. The Baptiste practice has inspired Maria to be a leader in her community. Maria recently completed her Masters in Social Work and has a passion for art, music, food, and international travel.
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Suzanne Cooper
RYT 200, MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program
Suzanne CooperRYT 200, MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program
I joined MBody Yoga June 12, 2012. A friend had invited me a few weeks prior, but I put him off because I was intimidated. I had preconceived notions of yoga studios and didn’t think it was for me. I traveled to CA to visit family and my sister-in-law invited me to her yoga studio. I took that as a sign – I had to try it! I walked out drenched in sweat feeling completely invigorated and so alive! Two days after I returned home, I took my first class at Mbody and I was hooked! I found a community of people (teachers and students alike) who accept, encourage, support and challenge me every time I step into the studio.
The physical benefits of my yoga practice, increased flexibility, stronger muscles, and improved balance were expected and I’m also learning that my body is capable of doing things I never imagined like acroyoga!!! What I did not expect was how a regular practice would benefit me off my mat as well. I’m learning to be more flexible and balanced in my life – I’m learning to breathe more and react less – I am learning to let go of self doubt and realize that I am capable of so much more than I’ve ever imagined.As a graduate of MBody’s 100 hour and 200 hour teacher training programs I am so excited to share some of what I’ve learned from this amazing practice with others and to witness their growth. As an instructor, my goal is to create an atmosphere where students feel safe to learn and progress at their own pace – a place where they feel accepted, challenged, encouraged, and supported in their journey through this practice – a place to discover things about themselves that they never imagined.
Phone: (904) 565-1005
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Dot Bourgeois
MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, E-RYT 200, RYT 500
Dot BourgeoisMBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, E-RYT 200, RYT 500
Dot came to Mbody for the first time with a friend who wanted to try power yoga. She had previously practiced yoga at home or at gym classes but had never been to a yoga studio. At first she thought it was way too hot but she kept coming because she felt welcome in the community and loved how the practice could be modified to meet her needs. Three years later she signed up for a 100 hr teacher training to expand her practice with no intention of ever teaching yoga, but after teaching a class as part of her training she knew that she wanted more and immediately signed up for 200 hr teacher training. Dot loves the physical workout that she gets as well the shift in thinking that her time at the studio has produced. After completing her training she used those shifts to help her let go of over 100 pounds of weight that was not serving her. She teaches power yoga and Yin with a focus on accessing the poses in a way that works for your body as it is right now and exploring the possibility of trying something new.
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Roberta Paixao Cortes
E-RYT 500
Roberta Paixao CortesE-RYT 500
Roberta Paixao Cortes is originally from Brazil, where she studied classical ballet. As a professional dancer, Roberta was always looking for ways to stretch and work out her body, and that is how she was introduced to yoga in 2005. At that time, she had no idea that she was getting hooked in Baptiste Yoga! Roberta went on to get her RYT200-hr at YogaOne Houston in 2012 and got encouraged by Roger Rippy to do level one training with Baron Baptiste in February 2014. The program made such a big impact in Roberta’s life that in the same year she completed level two training with Paige Elenson, and level three training with Baron, as well as started her certification process to become a certified Baptiste Yoga teacher! Roberta is a E-RYT500, tier 2 certified Baptiste Yoga teacher currently in the FIT to Lead program, an ambassador for Africa Yoga Project, a professional contemporary dancer, and the co-director and co-founder of the arts nonprofit Group Acorde. She learns every day from her teachers, students and from herself, and is really grateful for the power of yoga in her life and the opportunity to share that with others. Roberta’s classes are challenging, focus on breath, alignment, and honoring each student’s experience and needs. She is so excited to become a member of the MBody community and is looking forward to virtually connect with you soon!
Phone: (904) 565-1005
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Anna Luciano
E-RYT 500
Anna LucianoE-RYT 500
DA former Division I College Pole Vaulter, Anna has been competing in sports since she was a kid and it has taken a toll. At the age of 30, her doctor suggested yoga as a relief for her aching back, hips, knees and feet. She walked into an affiliated Baptiste Yoga Studio and found a yoga practice that was physically challenging and 100% mind clearing. With a regular yoga practice she eased most of her physical pains and strengthened not only her body, but quieted her relentless brain. After every yoga practice she felt balanced, centered, strong and calm…. Something no other sport or workout fully gave her. In an effort to improve her yoga practice she enrolled in a 200 hr yoga alliance teacher training. She never planned on actually teaching yoga, but realized teaching was a lot like coaching and she could see the results instantly in her students. Anna has also trained with Matthew Sanford of Mind Body Solutions in Minnesota and since 2015, has specialized in not just teaching able bodied people, but is passionate about teaching people with disabilities, brain injuries, trauma and other physical limitations. She has found that it doesn’t matter what is going on physically, all of her students, no matter their limitations, have benefited from breathing, movement and mindfulness.
Anna’s classes are challenging and playful, yet compassionate.
Phone: (904) 565-1005
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Chris Massingille
E-RYT 200
Chris MassingilleE-RYT 200
Chris started practicing yoga in 2011 with an Ashtanga practice and also ventured into Bikram for a bit, but in 2015 I landed in a Baptiste studio here in Jacksonville. I appreciated the practice so much that I decided to sign up for the teacher training program in the beginning of 2016. I love the Baptiste practice for so many reasons. I often refer to Baron Baptiste as the, “Bruce Lee of Yoga”, because of the way he has pulled the vital parts of various traditional yoga practices to create a well rounded practice that can be adopted by everyone. As a former massage therapist, Chris would constantly share the benefits of the yoga practice with his clients as a way to increase their strength and flexibility. He become a yoga instructor to further his goal of increasing the quality of life for anyone that may be struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, or just an overwhelming form of stress. If you are a beginner, a seasoned practitioner, or anywhere
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Megan Lipman
RYT 500
Megan LipmanRYT 500
Megan Lipman’s bio When Megan started practicing yoga she knew she had found something she loved but had no idea it would be something that changed the path of her life. After a few years of taking classes in different studios, she decided to take her first teacher training in 2018. She completed her 200hr YTT at Warrior One in Orlando. Megan began teaching and assisting classes immediately after graduating. She then followed it up with her 300 YTT- at Warrior One. Wanting more, she went to Phoenicia, NY and completed Baron Baptiste Level 1 & Art of assisting in Boston, MA. In 2019 Megan went back to Phoenicia, NY and completed Level 2. She enrolled in Fit to lead, a year long program/mentorship with Baron in April of 2019. Today, practicing and teaching yoga has become one of Megan’s biggest passions. Being able to create connections with students and see them grow in their practices and lives is Megan’s favorite part about teaching. She aspires to make her classes a place where you fall in love with yourself over and over again, letting go of whatever is holding you back, and learning to embrace the potential of what’s possible when you learn to love and accept who you are.
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Jeff King
MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, MBody Academy, RYT-200
Jeff KingMBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, RYT 200
Jeff’s Yoga journey began in 2018 while he was on a quest to find a natural solution to manage stress and anxiety.
Jeff began his exploration of Yoga by enrolling in an introduction to Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga class at the MBody studio in Neptune Beach, FL where he was introduced to the three main components of the practice: Breath, Gaze and Movement. After the 3rd class he was a believer in the power of the practice by the sense of calm and clarity he experienced. This ultimately set into motion a series of powerful life-changing events that continue to this day.
Yoga was the catalyst for creating positive changes both mentally and physically for Jeff. Yoga helped him explore and become passionate about his overall mental and physical health. This led Jeff to become passionate about optimizing nutrition, sleep quality and overall health and wellness. In 2021, Jeff felt compelled to learn more about the Baptiste Power Vinyasa practice so decided to join the MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program where he received his RYT 200 certification.
Jeff strives to give back what he has learned to his students and others in the community that are seeking to enhance their personal growth, health and well-being.
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Holly Croom
MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, RYT 200
Holly CroomMBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, MBody Academy, RYT-200
Holly is originally from Atlanta, GA but moved to Jacksonville in 2020. A former competitive cheerleader, Holly cheered for 12 years both in high school and All Star. In 2012 a cheerleading injury led Holly to yoga and she has been obsessed since! Soon after moving to Jacksonville, Holly found Mbody with the $2 Tuesday Class and soon after enrolled in the teacher leadership program. After a 7 month journey, in July 2021, Holly graduated with her RYT200 certification. Her journey from the high-energy world of cheerleading to a more peaceful practice of yoga allowed her a transformation in both lifestyle and mindset. This unique combination of experiences allows her to bring a dynamic and balanced approach to her classes, emphasizing both physical fitness and mental well-being. Fun Fact: Holly is currently learning sign language!
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Ashley Harston
MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, RYT 200
Ashley HarstonMBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, RYT 200
Ashley grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She lived in Washington until going off to college at BYU-Idaho, where she met her husband. Ashley is a Navy wife, which is what brought her to Jacksonville. She has four children, three girls and a boy. Ashley homeschools the kids where they find joy in learning as a family.
In 2019 Ashley was introduced to yoga when a friend invited her to a $2 Tuesday class at MBody. From there, she fell in love with the way yoga challenged both her body and her mind. Ashley just had to know more, so she enrolled in the 200hr teacher training program. She graduated August 2021, just two short weeks after giving birth to her son (the youngest child).
Ashley loves being able to share the strength and mental benefits yoga has to offer to everyBODY; no matter their stage in life, whatever part of their health journey they may be at, and no matter their age. Ashley would love to see you on the mat.
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Becca Marie Lucio
RYT 200
Becca Marie LucioRYT 200
After 17 years of dancing and one too many injuries, specifically a running-induced injury, which led Becca to a yoga class on the advice of her physical therapist. Little did she know that this would mark the beginning of a profound journey toward healing, self-discovery, and a new passion in teaching. Becca’s yoga journey began with gentle and introspective yin yoga, which helped her recover and find solace. Gradually, she worked her way up to the dynamic and empowering world of Baptiste Yoga. Just like crossing the finish line after a half marathon, Becca discovered the same sense of achievement and exhilaration on her mat. In December 2021 Becca completed her RYT-200 teacher training, through Lit from Within Yoga, focusing on the Baptiste methodology . Her journey as a yoga teacher began at Mbody Southside, where she embarked on teaching and sharing the incredible benefits with others. When she isn’t on her mat, you can find Becca exploring the beauty of the great outdoors with her husband and two beloved pups (Pebbles & Rufus). She and her husband share a passion for planning their next adventure in the National Parks, while immersing themselves in the wonders of nature.
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Sara Annotti
Master Reiki Healer
Sara AnnottiMaster Reiki Healer
A California Native, Sarah has lived far and wide from Seattle to Puerto Rico before making Jacksonville Beach her home in 2019. Far from her roots she sought out her go-to comfort zone-Yoga! She walked into Mbody four years ago and considers the community her home away from home. In her 20’s with a desire to grow and expand as a Whole Being, Sarah began a path towards healing personal trauma and attributes yoga as her constant and keystone along the way. While yoga has been a staple in her life for over 20 years ,it was Mbody Yoga and its many offerings (workshops, 40 Day Personal Revolution Course and daily classes) that aided her in deepening her physical practice, as well as overall acumen on how a practice is so much more than physical, but also mental, spiritual, a moving mediation, a trauma healer and how all of these things come together with Presence and Breath. After nearly two decades of experience with many modalities of healing, Energy work is Sarah’s passion and her call to serve others. Sarah’ passion with these experiences contributed to her becoming a Reiki Practitioner leaving her Professional background as a Writer and Editor behind and stepping into her life’s purpose. She is passionate about empowering others to heal and it is her honor to hold space for others as they walk their path.
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Sharif Frink
MBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, MBody Academy, RYT-200
Sharif FrinkMBody Yoga Teacher Certification Program, RYT 200
Sharif’s journey into yoga began in 2008 amidst the vibrant energy of Oakland, California. He moved to Jacksonville in 2016 and found MBody Yoga because he hadn’t done yoga in a while and was struggling with sleep. He knew Yoga would help and found MBody after a quick Google search. Sharif’s dedication to his yoga practice grew and he enrolled in the 200hr teacher leadership program at MBody’s Yoga Academy. He graduated in September 2018, becoming a certified yoga instructor. In March of 2019, Sharif joined the Mbody Yoga teaching team!
Sharif’s classes are challenging and fun. Whether you prefer the serenity of an early morning practice or the perfect way to unwind in the evening, his classes are an excellent choice He encourages you to step onto your mat to improve your overall wellness. In his classes, you’ll laugh, sweat, and most importantly, feel revitalized!
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