THE TEAM

The Yoga Casa has amazing instructors who have been hand picked for their
experience, knowledge and teaching style.   

Lora Brandt

Along with running the operations of the studio, I will be teaching several classes a week.  In my past life, I was a massage therapist and a social worker. I especially love working with beginners, couch potatoes and those who think yoga is not for them. My classes are great for building strength as well as reconnecting with your body and breath in a mindful way.  I believe everyone can do yoga; my style of teaching is encouraging and fun.  At home, I have three kids, one husband, one mutt and lots of excitement!

Credentials:
-CEO of The Yoga Casa
-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 hour
-Bachelor of Social Work from UT
-Massage Therapist for 15 yrs

Jaime Goldstein

My yoga journey began to unfold when I was in college studying psychology and looking for ways to stay healthy in the body and mind.  Many years later while practicing as a mental health professional in the schools, I began to explore mindful meditation as a way to reduce my stress and anxiety.  Mindful meditation changed the way I related to the stressors in my life. For the first time in many years, I felt empowered and no longer at the whim of my anxiety.  I felt so inspired by my personal benefits of meditation and yoga that I wanted to share them with my students and teachers. I went through University of California San Diego’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher program.  I then followed that with my 200 hour yoga teacher training.  My style is soothing and calming, and I love to interweave mindfulness into each yoga class that I teach.

Credentials
-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hours
-Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher (University of California Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute) 
-Specializations in trauma-informed yoga with Street Yoga and children’s yoga with YogiKids
-Specialist in School Psychology degree, Texas Woman’s University 
-Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, University of North Texas 
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Stephanie McDonald Francis

I stumbled into yoga by accident. I just wanted to try to get into these “fun shapes”. In 2015 after having my youngest boy, I enrolled in my first YTT and it all changed for me. My eyes, my heart and my soul burst open to this practice. I fell in love. And I fell hard!

I spent most of my life in a ball of anxiety, depression, and limiting low self-esteem. When people meet me today, they would never know that was my life. Yoga is medicine to me. It is my joy, my call, and my passion to share this incredible practice with any and everyBODY who will receive. 

I have completed several Yoga teacher trainings and have had to honor to help co-teach (2) 200hr YTT’s in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. At home, I am married and have two young boys. When I am not teaching classes, you can find me hanging with my family or studying and practicing all things yoga.

​Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainties. Because when nothing is certain, everything is possible. 

Credentials:
-Yoga Teacher 200 hour (3 times over!)
-Yoga Nidra certified

Sheila Rogers

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In 2006, I was introduced to yoga while healing from surgery for breast cancer. Yoga helped me heal mentally, physically, and emotionally.  Since I was a nurse for many years (including time in the Air Force),  I decided to focus on yoga for health and well-being.  When facing difficulties, I believe people are stronger than they know.
I did my yoga teacher training with Arpita Shah and Om Yoga Journey in 2017.  I enjoy teaching yoga to people of all ages and especially enjoy working with those new to yoga. I want to offer students the experience of empowerment, strength, and living in the moment that yoga brings. 

At home, I have my husband and two dachshunds to keeping me company after sending off our youngest to college this year.  I enjoy the outdoors, photography, and the unending quest to learn. 

Credentials:
-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 hour
-Registered Nurse (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Shandhi Goulet

Hey y'all!  In 2006, I ventured into a yoga studio in Dallas. My life, my body, and my breath would never be the same. I have been so lucky to have studied with many fantastic teachers. I  am excited to share this precious practice with anyone daring to be curious! I went to yoga teacher training in 2012 with Blue Anjou Yoga Studio in Lewisville.  Expect encouragement, warmth and some jokes here and there in my classes! I have specialized training in Prenatal Yoga and love teaching for  the specific purpose of preparing the body and spirit for childbirth. 

Personally, I am a native Texan, addict in recovery and momma to a fun loving, curious kiddo.  We are active in our church and host bible study once a week. 

Credentials:
-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 hour
​-Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training

Kelly Lawless

My love for yoga came in 2015 at a turning point in my life (especially in dealing with patterns of depression.) Quickly noticing the effects yoga had on my mind, body and soul,
I began incorporating yoga in to my everyday life.  I enjoy my career in Real Estate & Property Management but it can be stressful!!  I've found that Yoga helps with my anxiety and brings balance to my life, work and family.

I received my 200 HR in April 2019 and began my 300 Hr in the summer of 2019.  I enjoy many different fun aspects of Yoga including: essential oils, crystals, gongs and sound bowls.  My classes are fun and laid back. 

Personally, I love to travel to the mountains and be in nature. 

Credentials:
-Yoga Teacher 200 hour
-Working on 300 hour yoga certification

Dan Hall

I started practicing yoga in graduate school.  In a bottomless pit of deadlines, papers, and presentations, I needed something that was my own. I could not believe how good I felt after each class! Fast forward a few months, I found myself taking regular classes and coaxing my fellow classmates to join.  Craving more, I completed Teacher Training with Dr. Tiffany Denny (my friend and Yoga Jedi Master.)  My goal as a yoga teacher is to always show up for my students. I strive to help my students feel safe, comfortable, and accepted no matter who they are. 

Besides teaching yoga or working my full time job as a chemist, I love to cook, go hiking/camping and travel.  Anything that combines those things is even better!

Credentials:
-Registered Yoga Teacher 500 hour
​-Stand Up Paddle board Yoga Teacher
​-MPS in Forensic Chemistry 

Sharon Stickney

My passion for yoga began in 2003 when I took my first class. Immediately I felt that yoga was going have a deep impact on my life.  Since that first class, I’ve practiced regularly, increasing my physical and spiritual understanding of the form.  Yoga quickly became a critical part of my life.  I experienced many benefits as a result of my practice.  My goal is to pass on my passion and enthusiasm to my students in hopes that they too will discover the benefits in their own lives.  I encourage students to challenge their bodies while still honoring them during their practice.  

I feel very fortunate to share my practice with my 10 year old son and husband of many years.  We enjoy traveling the world and experiencing different cultures as we live this crazy life!  

Credentials:
-Registered Experienced Yoga Teacher 200 hour
-Co-own and train at Prema School of Yoga in Little Rock, Arkansas

​Jamie Anderson

I found yoga at a time in my life when I needed it the most; Yoga provided me with an avenue to self-love. It has taught and continues to teach me to find acceptance for where I am, how to be in my body, to return to my breath in times of discomfort, and to celebrate the little victories. I hope to share this with my students. I am honored to guide them on their journey of self discovery by focusing on the breath & body awareness while shining light on perceived limitations with a gentle and caring perspective. I always like to say that, growth happens just outside of your comfort zone.

In addition to teaching Yoga and being an always student on and off my mat, my life is made full by spending time with my son, creating, and being in nature.

Credentials: 
-250hr certified Yoga Teacher
-50hrs CE with Sembrando Semillas Con Yoga in Peru
-50hrs CE with CorePower Yoga
-Licensed Cosmetologist for 10yrs

Jesi Lovelady

I started practicing yoga at a young age and have always tried to keep a child-like perspective in my practice. I try to help my students tap into this sense of wonder and discovery on the mat as well.  In my classes we move with intention while still allowing room for exploration. I love integrating periods of rest between a series of poses to bring balance to the body. Each of my classes are unique in their purpose, but always welcoming and laid back.

I have a little monkey at home who loves to sing, dance, draw and even practice "yahga" with me. She keeps our home full of love and laughter, and our banana supply scarce.

Credentials: 
-Certified Yoga Teacher 200 hour
-Full-time Mama

Beth Pizzuto

I rolled out my first yoga mat in 2005 and have been bringing myself back to it consistently ever since.  In 2012, I decided I wanted to learn more about yoga and improve my personal practice so I began work on my yoga teaching certification.  Initially I did not think I wanted to teach yoga – I was just there to learn, but that did not last long.  I love yoga so much and what it has done for my body and mind that I could not wait to share it with others.  

In addition to teaching yoga, I also teach math at a local high school.  I do volunteer work with an animal rescue organization that originated at the school where I work.  I have fostered more dogs than I can count and have “foster failed” more times, than I would like to admit. 

Credentials:
-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hour 
-BS in Secondary Mathematics Education, Clarion University of PA
-M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Texas at Arlington
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