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!
Anna's journey with yoga began early on, inspired by her mother, who is also a dedicated yoga instructor. Her passion for the practice has turned into a lifelong journey, leading her to complete her teacher training in Charleston, SC, in 2021. Anna firmly believes in the profound connection between mind and body, which is at the root of every class she teaches. Her classes are a welcoming space for all to embrace their authentic selves, with a focus on having fun and letting go. Known for her vibrant energy, Anna's classes are a dynamic blend of upbeat playlists, fluid transitions, and poses that challenge and inspire. Mental wellness is something she is very passionate about and she sees movement as a powerful tool for well-being. Whether you're flowing to the music or finding stillness, Anna’s classes invite you to explore and celebrate your body in new ways. When she’s not on the mat, Anna’s love for adventure takes her around the globe. She spent eight months teaching yoga in Thailand and recently lived in Sydney, Australia, where she continued to share her love of the practice. Whether at home or abroad, Anna’s goal is simple: to bring joy and connection to every class.
elcin riza
anna russell
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
Corri is known for her authentic, energetic and imaginative approach to yoga. She often describes her love of the practice as giving her a lift – allowing her to feel uniquely strong, inside and out. Corri loves exploring a full range of asanas – especially those poses we don’t do so often. Her classes combine a balance of creative sequencing and unique transitions with a focus on alignment and building anatomical strength. Ever amazed, inspired and humbled by the body’s abilities – no matter the age one may begin their yoga journey – she encourages her students to open their minds, trust their ability to build strength and give it a try! Corri has been teaching yoga since October 2017, and has more than 500 hours of training to her credit. Her main experience is teaching power vinyasa flow, all-levels flow and yoga basics. She also loves teaching workshops for inversions and arm balances.
corri macias
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!
