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KP Team
This studio has been an absolute crazy experience, but I'm so glad that you're here & helping to create the ride that much better. The studio is constantly changing to better meet your needs, so please always feel free to express anything that you would love to see on the schedule (or in a workshop)!
I hope that you feel welcome & comfortable in the studio & always know that I (& the team)
are here to support you in whatever way we can!
with much love,
KP
Instructors
Kaitlyn P. VanderMeer
Originally from Grand Rapids, I made my way to Kalamazoo to study at WMU for Interior Design. I graduated & was in the field for 6 years before something started to pull me away. The thought of teaching yoga & fitness. It started first with barre, then yoga, then bootcamp/HIIT. Here we are years later creating not only a studio but a home of all things wellness! My hope is that you never leave a session feeling that you didn't accomplish something, that maybe you broke a sweat, & that you have a community here that cares about you.
From the bottom of my heart: Welcome!
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Certifications:
E-RYT200, RYT500 Megan Rader Yoga & Mindful School of Yoga
Certified Group Fitness Instructor, ACE
BFA Barre Instructor, Barre Guild Academy
Certified Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist, AFPA
Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga Simplified Method
SUP Yoga/WPA, Sunchaser SUP Yoga
​50hr Yin Yoga CE, Bernie Clark
Desiree Crossman
I took Asana classes at a local gym when I was 21, in a small town outside San Diego, where I grew up. Not thinking much of it until later in my 20s, an inner voice kept whispering in my ear to revisit yoga but on a deeper, more spiritual level. In 2011, I signed up at YogaWell to receive 200 hours of Classical Hatha yoga. After certifying, I went to the Philippines to teach & live a very austere life while teaching Zumba classes & receiving an AFAA Group Fitness Certification. Upon returning to the States, I began teaching locally in San Diego before embarking on my 300-hour journey in India, followed by Thai Yoga Authorization Certification. In 2017, I continued on the road of certifying in Yoga Therapy through IAYT, certifying in Power Yoga under Bryan Kest, iRest under Dr. Richard Miller, Yin under Bernie Clark, Yoga for Cardiac and Cancer under Nischala Joy Devi, & most recently Yoga for the Back under Dr. Loren Fishman. ​​
My journey through yoga has enabled me to put my passion for writing & facilitating in the same basket by creating the Yoga Simplified Method, helping students & other teachers navigate & facilitate yoga through lecture content & development, 200-hour manual creation, & consulting on course curriculum. Yoga is a never-ending journey & has taught me the balance of life & living with purpose while exercising autonomy, absolute awareness, & inner peace.​​
Although most times you won't have Des teaching a group class, she is the mastermind behind our 200hr Yoga Teacher Training!
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Certifications:
too many to list :)​
Lexi Rich
I am originally from Naperville, Illinois. My passion for fitness grew from being a competitive dancer for over 13 years. Throughout my dance journey, I was trained in ballet, HIIT, yoga, & Pilates. I attended WMU & received my undergrad in Human & Health Sciences with an Occupational Therapy concentration with minors in dance, psychology & ASL. For the past 4 years, I have been on the WMU Team, which has taught me more about nutrition & strength training, all while building connections in the Kalamazoo area. Currently, I am apart of WMU’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.
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When taking a class from me, I strive for you to feel at least 1% better in yourself, in any aspect. I encourage you take the class for you! I can't wait for you to join me & flourish in your love for fitness.
Morgan Sakalian
I grew up in Metro Detroit & moved to Kalamazoo in 2020. I went to Wayne State University where I got my degree in Business Management! I now work remotely doing IT Security.
Fitness has always been a big part of my life. I started dancing at a young age & taught for a few years after graduating. I then became obsessed with barre & HIIT style classes & in the past few years strength training. You’ll also likely see me walking my dog around town when I’m not working or working out!
I can’t wait to see you in class!
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Tye'Ya Storms
("tie ya shoe")
I grew up in small town Marcellus, MI where I cheerlead & danced my way through school. Moved to Kalamazoo, MI for college where I did a lot of the same, then ultimately settled on a career in property management until I got to do what I ever really wanted to do, stay at home with my child. I got into fitness to help drop the baby weight & fell in love with the process. I grew stronger in body & mind. I cultivated my own energy & became part of a community that inspires me daily. Every squat, deadlift & lunge; every mountain pose, forward fold & Warrior II has lead me here with a strong desire to give back what I have received.
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Certifications:
RYT200, Megan Rader Yoga
BUTI Yoga, Hot BUTI Yoga, BUTI Sculpt, Buti Bands; Buti MVMNT
Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga Simplified Method
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Ahnee Arend
I was born in Hawaii, but raised in Kalamazoo. I was introduced to meditation through cassette tapes I found at a garage sale in my teens, I look back & remember the peace it brought me. About 10 years later a friend invited me to a yoga class where I found myself reconnected with that same peace. I suffered a traumatic brain injury, while in the Marine Corp, & the recovery process kicked my third eye’s door open leading me back to yoga. I found Sangha Yoga Institute & became a yoga teacher a few years later.
I love movement, but being taught by a mentor who steeps their training in the science & why behind everything helped me to slow down. I found the focus of my life’s path (my dharma) in helping people find peace & accessibility in yoga & movement. I experienced & feel in love with both Yoga Nidra & Restorative Yoga in my teacher training & now can’t wait to share the same love & peace with you.
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Certifications:
RYT200, Sangha Yoga Institute
Yoga Mindset Coach (YMC), Sangha Yoga Institute ​
Baylee Hayes
I am originally from Battle Creek, MI & moved to Kalamazoo 5 years ago. I grew up playing multiple sports including volleyball throughout college until a serious knee injury in 2019. I started practicing yoga afterwards first as a form of gentle movement; however, it quickly became more than that. The physical practice helped me feel comfortable again in my own skin & I feel so passionate about being able to help others reconnect with their body! I graduated from my 200hr YTT at KP Fitness & I’m currently pursuing my Thai Massage certification this fall to bring my love for yoga & passion for body work & healing together.
When I’m not at the studio, I work at a chiropractic office doing soft tissue work (such as myofascial release, IASTM, therapeutic exercises, cupping, etc). In my free time, I enjoy reading, knitting & crocheting, I still play volleyball a couple days a week & recently started learning how to golf this summer. I’m so excited to meet you on your mat!
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Certifications:
RYT 200, Yoga Simplified/KP Yoga Method
Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga Simplified Method​
Pursuing 85hr YTT Prenatal Yoga Training, YogaRenew
​Ashley Battell
Originally from Indiana, I moved to Marcellus, MI in 2017. I have always loved movement & creative self expression. If you don't see me at the studio working out; you most likely can find me at a concert, dancing & jiving!
In my teens, I fell in love with meditating. I found a book & it resonated with me. In my 20s, I started practicing asana in my backyard. Yoga has helped to tame my anxiety & find my center. In 2013, I took my first class at a studio & fell in love with the collective energy a group class brings. The combination of pranayama, mantras, & asana brings so much joy & balance to my soul. I joined the YTT program at KP Fitness because I wanted to share that same bliss with the community.
I look forward to being the guidance in your practice!!!
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Certifications:
RYT 200, Yoga Simplified/KP Yoga Method
Practical Acupuncture, ​Holistic Health Practitioner
Clinical Nutrition, ​Holistic Health Practitioner
Barre Instructor, Barre Guild Academy
Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga Simplified Method
Pursuing LMT, Great Lakes School of Massage