Elcin always says, "I was raised in Toledo, but I grew up in Cleveland". She has lived in and loved on this community for over twenty years. "It's Home".
Elcin is the Founder of SuNaya Studios, E-YRT 200-hour Yoga Certified, holds a certification in SUP Yoga, certified in Pilates, has achieved a Level-2 Reiki Certification, and is an Integrative Nutition Health Coach, through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Since 2017, she’s been teaching local in-studio classes and workshops, as well as working with corporate and small group clients, athletes, and private clients.
Why Yoga? "It's funny, I never had an intention of leading classes locally or on a regular basis. I was initially certified in yoga with the intention of using it as a vehicle to combine all that I love- People, Travel, and Movement- quickly yoga and my practice became the vehicle for so much more". Yoga and Movement have an amazing ability to spark a fire."
I lead my classes in the same way I live. I love listening to people, hearing their stories, and backgrounds, overcome and evolve from challenges, and celebrate in triumph. Our truth comes out on the mat. I can listen to stories being told, but in studio, I witness stories being played out on the mat. I love helping people to shift their perspectives and push their passion beyond expectation. Yoga has helped me go beyond the work out, but the work-in. Yoga has taken me physically, mentally, and emotionally beyond any place I've ever imagined. It's also taken me around the world!
I am a yoga believer & teacher, an Italian Mama of 2 fierce bambinos, a Pug Lover. I am Determined. I am Empowered.
I was introduced to yoga in 2000 as a vehicle to create balance in my life. I quickly fell in love with the way the practice kept both my mind and my body flexible and free. In 2018, I received my 200- hour YTT Certificate and have since led Slow Flow, Energy Flow, Senior Chair Yoga, Power Flows & flows on the Boga FitMat.
My teaching style is dynamic and interactive, inviting a lot of movement and breathe while motivating my students to explore, listen to their bodies, and push themselves to their edge. I often draw inspiration from my kids, my family, and my friends. When I am not on my mat, you will find me enjoying time at the beach, walking, dancing, and paddleboarding.
I absolutely believe that yoga is for everybody and every body. We all can (and should!) practice yoga regularly for healthy minds and bodies.
elcin riza
ann marie barta
Bridget's yoga journey started over 8 years ago with an intention of using the practice as a compliment and recovery to running. After her first class, she realized that the benefits far surpassed stretching after a long run. After years of her own practice, she decided to go to the next level and enter YTT to become E-RYT 200-hour Certified. Through practice, she found focus, calm, confidence, and self-love. Yoga became a self-discovery and healing journey for Bridget and continues to be today in her own practice and teaching others. "I believe that the benefits of yoga are for every body and everyone. I love to teach and it has brought so many amazing people and experiences into my life". Bridget's favorite pose has always been Half Moon. "I feel strength and confidence and an open heart".
bridget o'donnell
Hayley found yoga when she moved to Cleveland after college. Right away she knew she liked the way it made her body feel and soon she started to see how it was helping her mind deal with anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. The more she practiced the happier and calmer she felt, nothing else had the same effect. She completed her 200 hour certification in 2014 and began teaching right away, at different studios, schools, gyms, and community centers. After moving to Atlanta and welcoming her first son she came back to Cleveland and was excited to get back into the yoga community here, it really is something special. She now lives in Lakewood with her husband, two sons, and daughter. Her classes are calming, approachable, fluid, and will leave you feeling great. She offers lots of alternatives to make sure everyone feels included and can embody each pose in their own way. Her attention to alignment and focus on breath ensure you are practicing in a safe and effective way. She wants everyone to be themselves, feel free to have fun, be challenged, rest, and leave feeling cared for.
hayley ziegler
Jenn heard the call to lead yoga after attending an eye-opening yoga retreat in Hawaii in 2016. Jenn discovered everything she was looking for in one place - exercise, inspiration, mindfulness, and creative movement. In 2018, she enrolled in 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training through Puma Yoga. Jenn loves to promote the brain and body connection through pranayamas, and a whole-body experience by expressing movement through gratitude and self-love within each student by guiding them through creative and challenging practice.
Jenn's practice continues to evolve as she loves to explore yoga experiences within her own practice and through her travels. Jenn feels no matter how long you’ve practiced or how many hours of training you’ve completed, there’s always more to learn- and you will feel that in her classes! Her favorite pose is Crescent Moon Lunge. “I feel grounded and balanced in this pose. I feel a connection to the earth as it helps open my Root Chakra. “The pose feels graceful and elegant. If you’ve been to my classes chances are you’ve been in this pose”! Jenn is RYT 200-hour, RPYS 85- hour Prenatal Yoga Certification, and a Level 2 Certified Reiki Practitioner. You can find Jenn leading Energy & Power Flows, Restorative Yoga, & Prenatal Yoga classes with Sunaya Studios.
jennifer hanson-smith
Kim discovered Pilates over 15 years ago and attributes Pilates for her quick recovery from a spine injury in 2015, and for the strength and balance necessary to pursue the many sports and outdoor adventures she loves. Kim is passionate about guiding clients on their own journey, using movements that help bring greater awareness to their body, and designing creative classes and use of props. She loves when a client realizes their own progress once they achieve a challenging exercise such as the Roll Up! Kim received her Pilates certification through Balanced Body and is pursuing additional certification as an Integrated Movement Specialist. Off the mat you will often find Kim walking her two dogs, Max (chocolate lab) and Bogey (black lab) in her Rocky River neighborhood or on the many hiking trails throughout Cleveland.
kim walker
rachel cirino
Rachel's first formal experience with yoga was in 2009 while attending Kent State University. The practice instantly became an important part of her life. "As I personally grow and change, so does my practice, and on and on the circle continues"! Rachel feels the physical practice of yoga allows us to become more sensitive and aware of our bodies as well as our mental and emotional states. "The most beautiful aspect of the practice is that whatever YOU are looking to gain from it, you will"
As a teacher, Rachel's goal is to create an environment for students to turn inward and really feel connected in movement. In Rachel's class, you will find a fun experience where you can groove, get grounded, and recognize that every pose has an intention to promote mindfulness, fluidity, and strength.
Rachel is a 200- hour RYT & a Registered Dietician. Outside of Sunaya Studios, you will find her working as a Health Coach, running her own wellness brand, GreenBee Wellness, and caring for her amazing pup, Luna!
