406 Yoga Conference

2022 Teachers

Meet the teachers of the 2022 Yoga Conference!

October 14-16 in Bozeman, MT

Sharon O'Neill

Sharon O'Neill

Columbia Falls, MT

“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”

Sharon, a Flathead Valley native, fell into the alternative healthcare field in her early 20s and found great purpose in helping people achieve pain free living. She decided to obtain her associates degree as a physical therapist assistant in 2011 and it was during this grueling and demanding period she found yoga.

As so many do, Sharon first began yoga to stretch and combat the long sitting hours in college. The higher effects of yoga didn’t take long to sink in. During that time she was immersed in anatomy and physiology and the coupling of yoga was incredibly logical on a more functional level. She began to use yoga as a form of physical therapy to combat her own daily aches and pains, experimenting with movements, breathing, balance, and strength.

In 2015 she took her teacher training through Camp Utopia Yoga, an alignment and functional based training, in Denver and Costa Rica. She’s taught and shared her passion in California, Baja Mexico, Arizona, Washington State, Idaho, and of course Montana. Combining the continuing education of evidence-based physical therapy with the ancient philosophy of yoga, she teaches both intense power classes and a more therapeutic class designed for living without pain.

Over the years, Sharon has turned her passion into a business. She is co-founder of the 406 Yoga Conference, owner and designer of Downward Dog Designs, a yoga based clothing line that donates a portion of proceeds to global pollution cleanup efforts, founder of Warrior Sculpt™, a certified breathwork coach, and teaches regularly in Whitefish, MT.

Sharon is teaching Posture Lab & Low Back Health on Saturday at 9:30AM and Yoga for Spinal Mobility & Stability on Saturday at 6:30AM

Alyssa Davis

Alyssa Davis

Livingston, MT

Alyssa began yoga after moving to small town Montana, and the only group class the gym offered was yoga. It’s been 20 + years, and her practice has evolved through the years. Alyssa received her first 200hr training with Bridget Lyons (Anusara) in 2013 and completed her 500hr training with Jason Crandell (Vinyasa) in 2021. Alyssa melds different modalities of yoga focusing on strength, mobility and flexibility. As yoga has always been a form of cross training for skiing, running and hiking Alyssa’s classes are playful and challenging yet accessible to everyone!

Alyssa is teaching All About the Inner Thigh on Saturday at 11:30AM

Alecia & Brian Heimes

Columbia Falls, MT

We are a dynamic duo of masculine and feminine weaving together our expertise and experiences to create an impactful personal growth experience. We do this by teaching how to harness the power of our breath and mindset to activate peak states of consciousness and achieve peak life performance. We combine eastern and western practices and theory to provide a comprehensive, yet simple model for improving mental and physical health along with a process for spiritual awakening. Our complementary skill sets are based in a number of disciplines including psychology (developmental, evolutionary, energy, behavioral, etc.), neuroscience, Integral Theory, Kundalini & Hatha Yoga, the Wim Hof method, Oxygen Advantage breathing, shamanic breathing principles, along with a deep-seated wisdom in human nature. We believe that now is the time to take the next step in our evolution and we bring the awareness and tools to make that happen by offering in-person experiences and online trainings. It’s time to stop holding ourselves back from living a life full of excellence, wonder, and bliss. For more information about the facilitators check out www.breatheandbelieve.com, or www.facebook.com/breatheandbelievellc

Alecia is teaching 3rd Eye Opening – Shamanic Sound Journey and Breathwork Meditation on Friday at 4:30PM

Amy Raven

Amy Raven

Bozeman, MT

Amy Raven has traveled the world to explore more of herself. What she discovered is she feels alive in embodiment, connection and play. Her deepest desire is to vibrate in way that support & invites each person to feel safe in their own unique expression. Yoga is not a practice of doing, it is the practice of being. Let’s celebrate each other

Amy is teaching Breath & Sound on Saturday at 5:30PM

Callie Stolz

Callie Stolz

Big Sky, MT

Callie is the heart and soul of Santosha Wellness Center, in Big Sky Montana, where she teaches yoga, offers therapeutic bodywork and practices ayurvedic medicine. Callie became passionate about the power of yoga first in 1998, as she found it helped her recover from her time spent snowboarding, hiking, biking and just generally playing hard in the outdoors.

In the spring of 2004 Callie completed her first of several yoga teacher trainings. Her trainings have included a blend of yoga styles originating in the Hatha tradition of Sivananda, Anusara yoga and vinyasa yoga with Janet Stone.

Callie believes in leading her students through movement and stillness with one’s breath as their guide in order to find the balance of that delicate dance between strength and surrender, effort and ease.

Aside from teaching Callie also owns and operates Santosha Wellness Center, which she opened in 2012. After over a decade of learning and developing a variety of skills in the holistic healing field she has put them all together under one roof and found a great group of other like-minded practitioners and teachers to join her in her endeavor to offer holistic healing opportunities to the community of Big Sky and its visitors.

Alongside teaching yoga, Callie offers a variety of therapeutic bodywork, holistic health consultations and leads seasonal cleanses. She is a certified Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist. She obtained her degree after studying primarily at the California College of Ayurveda, but also spent some time studying under an Ayurvedic Physician in Vrindavan, India. Ultimately through yogic philosophy further influenced by ayurveda and therapeutic bodywork, Callie encourages her clients, students and patients to live their best life, embracing the balance in body, mind and spirit.

Callie is teaching Introduction to Ayurveda On and Off the Mat on Saturday at 11:30 AM

Courtney Musumeci

Courtney Musumeci

Bozeman, MT

Courtney Musumeci is a 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher, Pilates Instructor and Transformation Coach. Her passion for yoga and wellness has lead her to share it with others. She received her 200hr and 300hr YTT from Always at Aum Yoga School. Courtney has experience in Kids Yoga, Trauma Informed Yoga K-12, Restorative Yoga, Fundamentals of Ashtanga, Hot Yoga and Yin Yoga. She has taught in a variety of settings including corporate offices, schools, yoga studios, fitness centers and veteran support programs. Courtney believes that movement is an essential part of daily life. She is currently pursing her Personal Training Certification through NASM. Having experienced Lyme Disease, she has a knowledge background in modifying asana for chronic illness. Courtney has worked in the field of special education/autism since 2011 and has experience with all ages and abilities. She is currently finishing her bachelors degree in disability studies with a focus in autism.

Courtney is teaching Elemental Yin & Nidra on Sunday at 11:10 AM.

Erica Gerard

Erica Gerard

Bozeman, MT

Originally from Idaho but has been in Bozeman, MT for the last decade. I enjoy traveling, hiking/backpacking, camping, music, fishing, and snow sports. My favorite thing to do is spend quality time with my Boston Terrier Oliver. I am currently a Dental Hygienist but have found that Yoga is my true passion. Yoga came to me after experiencing multiple losses, trauma, and depression. It has been a way for me to cope with life challenges and find stillness. Sharing yoga with others has been an incredible journey, and I want to continue sharing it with anyone who is open to finding stillness and peace of mind.

Erica is teaching Chakra Delight on Saturday at 7:30AM

Erin Anderson

Erin Anderson

Billings, MT

Erin Anderson’s life has been one of learning, education, and service “at best.” She grew up in Billings, Montana and attended UMass Amherst studying sociology and history with a concentration on the Black Arts Movement. Her Masters is in Intercultural Youth and Family Development, which was housed in the counselor education program at the University of Montana in Missoula. She has been practicing Yoga since 2002 and she received her 200 YTT certification from South Boston Yoga in 2017. Her life work is centered on the importance of culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and Yoga has become her main tool for personal healing and social change. She believes Community happens through creation & growth of authentic relationships. Erin’s life inspiration has come through her relationships — her mentors Nelson Stevens, Malia Lazu & David Vendetti. She believes that we must be intentional about both conversation & how we choose to learn, create, and love.

Erin is teaching Yoga to Address the -isms on Sunday at 11:10AM

Lauren Dunne

Lauren Dunne

Great Falls, MT

Lauren has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and has been teaching Power Vinyasa since 2015. In addition to teaching yoga, she is a professional mental health counselor. Lauren fell in love with the physical practice of yoga and quickly realized the benefits of integrating it into her clinical work and personal life. Lauren is committed to achieving balance both on and off the mat, having led students in their individual journeys to self discovery through yoga workshops and instruction in Asia, Africa and North America. She has a zest for life and seeks balance in all she does, and is passionate about facilitating others in discovering their own potential. When not working, Lauren finds her own balance through trail running, white water rafting and kayaking, travel and spending time with her family.

Lauren is teaching Yoga & Your Mental Health on Saturday at 2:00PM

Jennifer McIntee

Jennifer McIntee

Polson, MT

Jennifer McIntee took her first yoga class in high school while recovering from knee surgery. With a graduate degree teaching physical education, Jennifer transitioned from yoga practitioner to yoga teacher as she began to use yoga with her classroom students. Continuing her yoga journey, the next step was yoga teacher training and eventually, building a growing practice into a brick-and-mortar studio. After 5 years in a downtown space in western, NC, Beyond Bending Yoga moved online in order to bring the personal feel of a yoga studio to students wherever they are. In addition to the online offering, Jennifer teaches students in a one on one setting and offers fun, thoughtful retreats. Jennifer and her family live in the Mission Mountains in Polson, MT..

Jennifer is teaching Stretch and Strengthen at the Wall on Friday at 7:30PM and Mindful Morning Movement and Meditation on Saturday at 7:30AM

Juanita Smith

Juanita Smith

Billings, MT

My passion for yoga was discovered a few years ago. I had joined the Limber Tree training program with the intention of deepening my personal practice but open to the possibilities that this path would lead me down. What I learned on this journey was that yoga is about discovering the authentic you. Learning from your past, strengthening your present and building your future. Yoga is so much more than just the poses, it’s about you, the authentic you. My mission is to give my students a judgement-free space to explore yoga.  (RYT 200, Buti Yoga (Primal Flow), Yin Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation)

Juanita is teaching Yin Yoga on Saturday at 9:30AM

Leigh Clausen

Leigh Clausen

Coram, MT

Leigh has been practicing yoga since 2006 in a variety of studio and outdoor locations. Leigh works as an Interpretive Park Ranger with the National Park Service, and as a result of living in beautiful, often remote areas, she did not have the luxury of taking a regular class with a single teacher in the early years of her practice. Instead she often used online resources and practiced outdoors, which forced her to take ownership of her practice, and to find how each asana expressed itself in her body. By 2016, after 11 years of personal practice, she was ready to take things to the next level. She received her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Certification through Yoga Hive and Figure Yoga. Her most recent certification was in 2019 with the Accessible Yoga Organization to learn to make yoga available to ALL who are interested. .

Leigh is teaching Freeing Your Feet on Sunday at 7:30AM

Kathleen Karlsen

Kathleen Karlsen

Bozeman, MT

Kathleen Karlsen is a kirtan leader, composer, writer and visual artist focused on the transformative power of the arts. She has led over 500 kirtans, mantra events and workshops in the last five years. Kathleen is the author of the book Vocal Medicine: Transformation through Sound (2019) and a companion CD of original music recorded with her Vocal Medicine Band. Kathleen is passionate about the power of chanting! She loves to share studies demonstrating that chanting and group singing change the chemistry of the brain. She is dedicated to helping others learn to use the science of mantras to create a happy heart, a clear mind and a rejuvenated body. Kathleen leads events and workshops regularly in Bozeman, Montana, and surrounding areas.

Kathleen is teaching Mantras for Self-Transformation on Sunday at 11:10AM

Lauren Rae Hardev Bleck

Lauren Rae Hardev Bleck

Sheridan, MT

Lou found her interest in yoga while in undergraduate studies in Colorado. She graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and set out to explore how she could incorporate her adventurous nature and provide a service to others. She began cultivating a more serious practice on a trip to India in 2011 where she “accidently” earned a Yoga Alliance Certification from World Family Conscious Yoga in Rishikesh, Uttaranchal, India for 200 hours of training. She returned to the United States with a true love for the culture and spiritual practice and went on to study Reiki Level 1 in 2012, and Reiki Level 2 in 2015. She continued on to earn her E-RYT in 500 hours, with a 300 hour teacher training in Kundalini Yoga, with a focus on chanting and sound healing. She is also a continuing education provider for the Yoga Alliance. Lou has lead a very active life following her heart. Previous to residing in Montana, she raced mountain bikes professionally in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Managed a retail store and lived in her van in Colorado. Currently she leads Kundalini yoga classes in Montana, online, and also frequents regional conferences and workshops to teach both beginners as well as yoga teachers.

Lauren is teaching Chant & Be Happy on Saturday at 4:00PM

Marla Wyche

Marla Wyche

Corvallis, MT

My passion is teaching Vinyasa Aligned Flow, melding the vibrancy of flow and breath with strength, balance, and alignment. Combining these elements with creative sequencing, clear cues, music, and a sense of play, MarlaYoga classes inspire a growth mindset with purpose and connection. Seasoned and experienced, I am an E-RYT 500, YACEP certified instructor teaching yoga for 17 years. I also mentor new yoga teachers to elevate their teaching skills and mindset to bridge the gap from their 200-hour training into the world of teaching in-person and online. Originally from Bozeman, Montana, I lived in NYC for over 20 years and traveled extensively. Corvallis, Montana is home and I moved here in 2016 with my husband and three children. I believe practicing yoga is an important key for inner and outer peace, while meeting challenges off the mat with clarity and confidence. I’m excited to be part of your amazing journey!

Marla is teaching Connect with Your Inner Compass on Saturday at 2:00PM

Mary Ferrari

Mary Ferrari

Philipsburg, MT

Mary has a grand affinity for the natural world and believes that strengthening our connection with nature offers a profound source of healing. Through the use of her certifications in yoga, herbalism and permaculture design she employs her students with the ability to genuinely connect to themselves and to the Earth. Practicing since 2006, Mary initially found yoga to be a great way to exercise and stretch. As her practice evolved, she learned that yoga enables mental, emotional and spiritual wellness, providing whole body health. The urge to explore yoga in a greater capacity led her to True Nature Healing Arts near Aspen, CO where she completed her 200-hour Integrative Yoga Therapy Instructor course in 2015. As a yoga therapist, Mary wishes to empower people with their own health and wellness through the cultivation of greater self-awareness and connection to the Earth. The asana format of her classes is energetic and largely based on requests and needs of the students. She encourages a mindful practice that her fellow yogis can take with them off the mat and apply to everyday life.

Mary is teaching Activating Your Intuition: Meditation + Sound Healing on Saturday at 9:30AM

Molly Casto

Molly Casto

Bozeman, MT

Molly has been practicing yoga for 20 years and has been teaching and leading for 12. Molly co-owns The Practice Power Yoga in Bozeman, Montana, along with On Point Yoga Adventures, a yoga adventure retreat company. She is an E-RYT 500 teacher and 1200 hour Certified Baptiste Power Yoga Teacher. Molly grew up traveling all over the world and later, working internationally in Africa and South America. She began practicing yoga in 2002 as a way to help rehab a series of sports-related injuries from training horses and to manage anxiety and stress. Through the practice, she found healing, strength and comfort in her body and clarity in her mind. She credits yoga with shifting her entire way of being. Molly loves curating classes, workshops, teacher trainings and retreat experiences for anyone who wants to expand beyond their day to day and discover something new. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking and playing with her family, and snuggling with her sleepy dogs.

Molly is teaching Level Up Your Teaching and Leading on Saturday at 3:30PM

Robyn Lund

Robyn Lund

Helena, MT

Robyn Lund, 500 E-RYT, came to yoga in college as a way to manage anxiety and stress. Having practiced for 15 years, she undertook her first Yoga Teacher Training in 2012, becoming Montana’s only Certified Curvy Yoga Teacher. Robyn has continued to study with Anna Guest-Jelly, founder of Curvy Yoga, Jivana Heyman of the Accessible Yoga Foundation, and Rachael Getecha of the Trauma Center for Trauma Sensitive Yoga, amongst others. In 2013, Robyn opened the Gentle Healing Center in Helena, where she, along with several other teachers, lead weekly classes. In 2019, she founded the Montana Yoga Movement, a 501(c)3, aimed at bringing yoga to at-risk populations such as women’s shelters, in-patient addiction centers, homeless shelters, and more. Robyn focuses on bringing yoga to your body, the one you have right now. Using props, specialized sequencing, and techniques to make classes accessible and enjoyable for everyone, no matter size, shape, ability to background.

Robyn is teaching Embodied Freedom Through Somatic Yoga on Sunday at 7:30 AM.

Allison Rissel

Allison Rissel

Longmont, CO

My passion and inspiration for helping other yoga teachers is contagious and I harness this to inspire other yoga teachers to overcome self-doubt and burnout. I am dedicated to assisting yoga teachers to connect with their authenticity, enabling them to become powerful leaders of transformation in their yoga communities.

I became a yoga teacher in 2006. In addition to my master’s degree in exercise physiology, I have completed over 2,000 hours of formal yoga and yoga therapy trainings and I am a C-IAYT yoga therapist. I use my knowledge and experience to guide yoga teachers along their yoga teacher journey, supporting them through the mental, spiritual, and physical challenges that they face.

I am the co-founder of the North Dakota Yoga Conference, 406 Yoga Conference and the founder of the Yoga Teacher Conf, dedicated to connecting the yoga community through cultivating deeper awareness and education.

I’m an extroverted optimist and I love hiking, skiing, and connecting in nature with my husband, Sean.

Allison is teaching Yoga for Neck and Shoulder Relief on Sunday at 9:20AM

Sirena Dudgeon

Sirena Dudgeon

Longmont, CO

Sirena Dudgeon is an experienced yoga teacher holding certifications as an E-RYT 200, RYT 500, and in Yin and Restorative Yoga. As the owner of Life Cycles Yoga she specializes in astrology and yoga, teaching workshops and holding training sessions at various national yoga conferences as a YACEP contributor for Yoga Alliance. Sirena recently co-authored the book Flow on the spiritual aspect of intersecting various mystical and religious beliefs. She engages in a yoga practice that goes beyond the mat and connects deeply with her students, encouraging them to embrace their own practice for where they are in their life journey.

Sirena is teaching Astro-Wellness for students and Teachers on Saturday at 2:00PM

Shara Kees

Shara Kees

Bozeman, MT

Shara is fueled by the wind and the stars, by movement and stillness. Her passion is to help others connect to their bodies and discover the magic that lies within. A dancer and a child by heart, Shara is drawn to the element of play and creatively blending movement forms. In 2005, she fell in love with Nia (a somatic movement practice of Yoga, martial arts, and dance) and thus began her journey of self-discovery and healing, in turn, guiding her to study Yoga. In 2019 Shara completed her first of several Yoga teacher trainings. Her trainings have included a blend of yoga styles originating in the Hatha tradition and Budokon. Shara holds certifications as a 200YT, Blue Belt Nia instructor, Budokon Yoga and Budokon Mobility instructor. In her spare time, you can find Shara foraging wild herbs, playing her frame drum, or spending time in nature with her family.

Shara is teaching Budokon Mobility – Movement for Longevity on Saturday at 4:00PM

Siri Kaur

Siri Kaur

Whitefish, MT

Siri is a KRI certified Level 2 Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Practitioner, a KRI Professional Teacher Trainer, and a Certified Ayurvedic Consultant. She has immersed herself into the study of Kundalini Yoga and Ayurveda around the world, including in Anandpur Sahib, India and loves helping people bring these teachings into their daily life.⁠

Siri is teaching Using the Gong for Meditation on Friday at 7:30PM

Suzy Aragon

Suzy Aragon

Columbia, MT

Suzy Aragon otherwise known as Tiny Dynamite is a petite powerhouse packed with spunk, sass and sometimes a bad mouth. She challenges the status quo, typically takes the path less traveled and is a rebel at heart. Suzy is a mama, yogi, nurse, healer, teacher and leader. She is wickedly passionate about serving others and fiercely leads people to explore and discover their true purpose and path in life.

Suzy is teaching Yin Yoga Reiki Experience on Sunday at 9:20AM and Shift Your Vision: Inversion Playshop on Saturday at 8:00 AM

Talie Stowell

Talie Stowell

Bozeman, MT

Everyone finds yoga when they need it. After returning home from a trip abroad, Talie was dealt with feelings of disassociation and brain fog. Yoga became her anchor and she had amazing mentors to guide her through her journey when she needed it most. She became a RYT-200 Certified Yoga Instructor and is currently working on her certification in Yoga Therapy. Talie incorporates chakras, mantras, pranayama, movement, and alignment to bring awareness to the body and present moment. Let’s get into our bodies and out of our heads!

Talie is teaching Yoga & The Five Senses on Sunday at 7:30AM

Turi Hetherington

Turi Hetherington

Bozeman, MT

Turi’s Scandinavian roots gave her an appreciation for the strength, beauty and solace of nature. The teachings of yoga gave her the tools to understand and appreciate how she, and all beings, are a part of this miraculous creation and a longing for harmony. With kindness, skill and a sprinkling of humor, Turi passes on the wisdom she has learned to help others reveal their peaceful vibrance. She offers a mix of intentional movement and quiet stillness to develop strength, flexibility and balance in body, mind and spirit. Her trainings and certifications include E-RYT200, RYT500 and YACEP, Heart of Sound: Mantra and Nada Yoga, iRest® Yoga Nidra certified, LoveYourBrain Yoga & Mindset, Warriors at Ease Level 1, and Holistic Health Coach. You can catch her inspirational sunrise trail run photos @turi.yoga

Turi is teaching Revealing Your Peaceful Vibrance on Saturday at 11:30AM