Meet the Shine Squad...
Shannon Burns (Owner)-
Click here to learn more about Shannon
https://www.salutethesunyoga.com/about.html
Click here to learn more about Shannon
https://www.salutethesunyoga.com/about.html
MaryAnn McIvor- Lead Teacher
MaryAnn has been teaching yoga and barre in and around Charlottesville since 2012. Her practice and teaching style vary, drawing from multiple disciplines to create an intuitive flow and a personal experience for each student. Fascinated by the body, she aims to help build strength through thoughtful sequencing based on anatomical knowledge and time for exploration. She believes in going slow to truly feel your body and listen to its subtle cues, over time building awareness and connectivity to yourself and the spaces around you. She received her 200-hour training through Charlottesville Yoga School and her 500-hour training through Om On Yoga in Richmond, both under the guidance of Jennifer Elliott.
MaryAnn has been teaching yoga and barre in and around Charlottesville since 2012. Her practice and teaching style vary, drawing from multiple disciplines to create an intuitive flow and a personal experience for each student. Fascinated by the body, she aims to help build strength through thoughtful sequencing based on anatomical knowledge and time for exploration. She believes in going slow to truly feel your body and listen to its subtle cues, over time building awareness and connectivity to yourself and the spaces around you. She received her 200-hour training through Charlottesville Yoga School and her 500-hour training through Om On Yoga in Richmond, both under the guidance of Jennifer Elliott.
Chloe Watkins-
A yoga practice is not attaining a perfect wheel pose or standing on your hands (though that can be a lot of fun). It is a practice in relationship building: relationship with community, environment, family, coworkers, and most importantly, relationship with body and Self. Chloe believes that everything you interact with in your life is an opportunity for a yoga practice. In studio, she draws inspiration from everyday activities: raising a young family, juggling jobs and school, and making ends meet. Chloe seeks wisdom in the mundane experiences. Her aim is to provide her students the tools with which they can begin to notice the intricacies and joys of their lives as they are today - the good, the bad, and the indifferent.
In her class, you can expect a strong and creative flow sequence with an invitation for deeper contemplation off the mat.
A yoga practice is not attaining a perfect wheel pose or standing on your hands (though that can be a lot of fun). It is a practice in relationship building: relationship with community, environment, family, coworkers, and most importantly, relationship with body and Self. Chloe believes that everything you interact with in your life is an opportunity for a yoga practice. In studio, she draws inspiration from everyday activities: raising a young family, juggling jobs and school, and making ends meet. Chloe seeks wisdom in the mundane experiences. Her aim is to provide her students the tools with which they can begin to notice the intricacies and joys of their lives as they are today - the good, the bad, and the indifferent.
In her class, you can expect a strong and creative flow sequence with an invitation for deeper contemplation off the mat.
Kelly Cox-
Kelly is a 500 RYT, RPYT, LCSW, & Birth Doula.
Kelly has been teaching pre and postnatal yoga for over a decade and trained as a doula in 2014. She completed several prenatal trainings over the years and became a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher in 2018 and established her own Yoga Alliance approved Prenatal Yoga School. She loves being able to support women during their child bearing years, and can literally talk about labor and delivery for hours, if you let her.
Kelly is a 500 RYT, RPYT, LCSW, & Birth Doula.
Kelly has been teaching pre and postnatal yoga for over a decade and trained as a doula in 2014. She completed several prenatal trainings over the years and became a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher in 2018 and established her own Yoga Alliance approved Prenatal Yoga School. She loves being able to support women during their child bearing years, and can literally talk about labor and delivery for hours, if you let her.
Lavon Egleton-
Lavon is a 500 hr registered yoga instructor (RYT500) with a focus on alignment-based flow and form styles of yoga. She has been practicing yoga for over 8 years and has been teaching professionally for 3. She is passionate about sharing the benefits yoga has to offer to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and stages of life. She believes yoga adds strength and balance to the mind and body; regardless of experience level or flexibility. Yoga is for everyone and she absolutely loves sharing that.
Lavon is a 500 hr registered yoga instructor (RYT500) with a focus on alignment-based flow and form styles of yoga. She has been practicing yoga for over 8 years and has been teaching professionally for 3. She is passionate about sharing the benefits yoga has to offer to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and stages of life. She believes yoga adds strength and balance to the mind and body; regardless of experience level or flexibility. Yoga is for everyone and she absolutely loves sharing that.
Anya Flesher-
Anya is a Charlottesville based Yoga Teacher, Meditation Guide, Feng Shui Consultant, and Flow Artist. Yoga with Anya will help you reconnect with your body. Learn to move with intention to prevent pain and practice moving with acceptance and self love.
Anya is a Charlottesville based Yoga Teacher, Meditation Guide, Feng Shui Consultant, and Flow Artist. Yoga with Anya will help you reconnect with your body. Learn to move with intention to prevent pain and practice moving with acceptance and self love.
Allie Dodd-
A former ballerina, Allie has appreciated the value of mindful movement since a young age. She has been practicing yoga for over a decade for its physical and mental benefits. The positive impact of yoga on her life inspired her to attain her 200 hour yoga teacher certificate to share the practice of yoga with others. As a law student, Allie is particularly excited to share the stress management benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga with other students.
A former ballerina, Allie has appreciated the value of mindful movement since a young age. She has been practicing yoga for over a decade for its physical and mental benefits. The positive impact of yoga on her life inspired her to attain her 200 hour yoga teacher certificate to share the practice of yoga with others. As a law student, Allie is particularly excited to share the stress management benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga with other students.
Megan McGee-
Megan was introduced to yoga in 2011 and has leaned into the practice as a form of cross-training throughout the years. Over time, she has leaned into the mental benefits of yoga and loves that the practice is always there for her through life's ups and downs. She is energized by the community that yoga creates and is grounded in the personal benefits of the practice. As a recent Salute the Sun 200 hour YTT graduate, Megan is excited to share her practice with others, bringing balance of energy and grounding to our community.
Megan was introduced to yoga in 2011 and has leaned into the practice as a form of cross-training throughout the years. Over time, she has leaned into the mental benefits of yoga and loves that the practice is always there for her through life's ups and downs. She is energized by the community that yoga creates and is grounded in the personal benefits of the practice. As a recent Salute the Sun 200 hour YTT graduate, Megan is excited to share her practice with others, bringing balance of energy and grounding to our community.
Destiny Coleman-
Destiny is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor through Salute the Sun Yoga. She completed her training though the inaugural class of yoga teachers at Salute the Sun. She discovered yoga at the age of 13 through online fitness resources. From those initial practices, she knew that one day she would become a yoga instructor. Playing basketball and participating in marching band in high school and college, Destiny always had a fond attraction to fitness and creativity. Connecting the two, yoga has allowed her to find creativity in her body and share that with others through her flow.
Specializing in power vinyasa, Destiny teaches a quick and intentionally beautiful class focusing on connecting to your strength, your power, and your you. Her themes tend to focus on grounding and reflection.
Lastly, Destiny had been a resident of Charlottesville, VA since Summer of 2021. She works full time at UVA Athletics with the tennis, squash, track, and women’s lacrosse teams, and has studied Business Management, Athletic Leadership, and Athletic Administration. In her down time, she practices piano, and likes taking walks and long road trips.
Destiny is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor through Salute the Sun Yoga. She completed her training though the inaugural class of yoga teachers at Salute the Sun. She discovered yoga at the age of 13 through online fitness resources. From those initial practices, she knew that one day she would become a yoga instructor. Playing basketball and participating in marching band in high school and college, Destiny always had a fond attraction to fitness and creativity. Connecting the two, yoga has allowed her to find creativity in her body and share that with others through her flow.
Specializing in power vinyasa, Destiny teaches a quick and intentionally beautiful class focusing on connecting to your strength, your power, and your you. Her themes tend to focus on grounding and reflection.
Lastly, Destiny had been a resident of Charlottesville, VA since Summer of 2021. She works full time at UVA Athletics with the tennis, squash, track, and women’s lacrosse teams, and has studied Business Management, Athletic Leadership, and Athletic Administration. In her down time, she practices piano, and likes taking walks and long road trips.
Rachael Palm-
Rachael Kesler Palm: Rachael found yoga as a means to process grief, gain perspective and calm, and grow into herself throughout the seasons of life. She is certified to teach prenatal yoga, after completing an 85-hour training program in 2019 with Kelly Cox. She’s also trained to teach a higher intensity fitness class called PowerSculpt. She loves the experience of teaching, and especially loves watching her students embrace their bodies and their power as they challenge themselves and grow stronger.
Rachael Kesler Palm: Rachael found yoga as a means to process grief, gain perspective and calm, and grow into herself throughout the seasons of life. She is certified to teach prenatal yoga, after completing an 85-hour training program in 2019 with Kelly Cox. She’s also trained to teach a higher intensity fitness class called PowerSculpt. She loves the experience of teaching, and especially loves watching her students embrace their bodies and their power as they challenge themselves and grow stronger.
Rebecca Weast-
Rebecca began practicing yoga over a decade ago, in an effort to supplement her rowing workouts in college, and to find some of the fun she had experienced through her childhood in gymnastics. She’s kept a practice through the years to support her mental health through her doctoral work at UVA, and to aid in strength and mobility as she transitioned from running road marathons into running ultra-distance events. After years of practice, she finally took the plunge and completed 200 hour teacher training in early 2020. A firm believer in the value of cross training and finding fun in exercise, she is always looking for new ways to approach her asana practice and teaching. She fills her vinyasa classes with breath, work, flow, stillness and play, and looks forward to meeting you on your mat!
Rebecca began practicing yoga over a decade ago, in an effort to supplement her rowing workouts in college, and to find some of the fun she had experienced through her childhood in gymnastics. She’s kept a practice through the years to support her mental health through her doctoral work at UVA, and to aid in strength and mobility as she transitioned from running road marathons into running ultra-distance events. After years of practice, she finally took the plunge and completed 200 hour teacher training in early 2020. A firm believer in the value of cross training and finding fun in exercise, she is always looking for new ways to approach her asana practice and teaching. She fills her vinyasa classes with breath, work, flow, stillness and play, and looks forward to meeting you on your mat!
Jess Palmer-
The foundations and passion of Jessica’s yoga, pranayama, and meditation practice are rooted in her life-long journey as a long distance runner. Her path led her to pursuing her initial RYT-200 certification in 2015, and she has since then become certified and taught in several different disciplines including children’s yoga, vinyasa, yin, restorative, and prenatal yoga. Jess is continually inspired by the fellow pilgrims she meets both on the road running and on her yoga mat to share a connection of mind, body, and spirit. She leads a quiet and calm practice as an invitation to tune into the core of our being within the collective consciousness and space surrounding us. Jess hopes each of her classes create opportunities for you to connect to your true nature, to find your pace, to feel your breath, and be.
The foundations and passion of Jessica’s yoga, pranayama, and meditation practice are rooted in her life-long journey as a long distance runner. Her path led her to pursuing her initial RYT-200 certification in 2015, and she has since then become certified and taught in several different disciplines including children’s yoga, vinyasa, yin, restorative, and prenatal yoga. Jess is continually inspired by the fellow pilgrims she meets both on the road running and on her yoga mat to share a connection of mind, body, and spirit. She leads a quiet and calm practice as an invitation to tune into the core of our being within the collective consciousness and space surrounding us. Jess hopes each of her classes create opportunities for you to connect to your true nature, to find your pace, to feel your breath, and be.
Chet McDearmon-
Chet has been a fitness professional in the Charlottesville area since 2017. He initially found yoga around 2012 & practiced on & off for about 5 years, until…
He began to practice more consistently after obtaining his personal training certification in late 2017 to incorporate more variety & flexibility to his routine. (These are two essential components, he believes, to help keep the effects of aging at bay). It was a slow burn, but after seeing the many benefits he began to carry the torch for all that yoga can do. Chet also believes that a balanced approach is a key aspect of a well-rounded fitness approach, & he aims to accomplish that through his classes, which are a blend of Vinyasa & Yin, built from his anatomical knowledge.
Chet received his 200 hour training from Salute the Sun Yoga during the summer of 2022 under the instruction & supervision of Shannon & MaryAnn.
Chet has been a fitness professional in the Charlottesville area since 2017. He initially found yoga around 2012 & practiced on & off for about 5 years, until…
He began to practice more consistently after obtaining his personal training certification in late 2017 to incorporate more variety & flexibility to his routine. (These are two essential components, he believes, to help keep the effects of aging at bay). It was a slow burn, but after seeing the many benefits he began to carry the torch for all that yoga can do. Chet also believes that a balanced approach is a key aspect of a well-rounded fitness approach, & he aims to accomplish that through his classes, which are a blend of Vinyasa & Yin, built from his anatomical knowledge.
Chet received his 200 hour training from Salute the Sun Yoga during the summer of 2022 under the instruction & supervision of Shannon & MaryAnn.
Emily Anthony-
Emily began her yoga journey in 2015 while an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia where she quickly became addicted to the physical practice of yoga. After moving to New York City, she decided to build upon her practice by earning her 200-HR YTT from Lyons Den Power Yoga. Emily is very happy to be back in Charlottesville, this time as a graduate student at UVA Darden School of Business, Class of 2023. She is very grateful for her new yoga home at Salute the Sun and is excited for the opportunity to teach alongside so many amazing instructors. You won’t want to miss Emily’s classes, which are unique for how they incorporate sthira sukha—balancing effort and ease—in every movement.
Emily began her yoga journey in 2015 while an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia where she quickly became addicted to the physical practice of yoga. After moving to New York City, she decided to build upon her practice by earning her 200-HR YTT from Lyons Den Power Yoga. Emily is very happy to be back in Charlottesville, this time as a graduate student at UVA Darden School of Business, Class of 2023. She is very grateful for her new yoga home at Salute the Sun and is excited for the opportunity to teach alongside so many amazing instructors. You won’t want to miss Emily’s classes, which are unique for how they incorporate sthira sukha—balancing effort and ease—in every movement.
Helen Cohoon-
Mom of three gals and lover of sweat, Helen Cohoon has been practicing yoga and teaching fitness in Charlottesville since 2018. She loves a good beat, the practice of coming together as a community, and above all, believes in the power of sweat as the absolute best way to turn our busy minds off, even if just for a hot minute. When she is not on her mat at STSY in awe of her fellow instructors and yogis, you can find her on her bike at the Green Room where she gets her cardio fix teaching indoor cycle classes. Get together, get sweaty, get happy!
Mom of three gals and lover of sweat, Helen Cohoon has been practicing yoga and teaching fitness in Charlottesville since 2018. She loves a good beat, the practice of coming together as a community, and above all, believes in the power of sweat as the absolute best way to turn our busy minds off, even if just for a hot minute. When she is not on her mat at STSY in awe of her fellow instructors and yogis, you can find her on her bike at the Green Room where she gets her cardio fix teaching indoor cycle classes. Get together, get sweaty, get happy!
Caroline Patterson
Caroline is a 200 hour RYT and completed her training at FlyDog Yoga in August of 2021. She has been practicing yoga since early high school but it was the summer of 2017 when she really became hooked. It was when she realized everything she needed was already within and that yes, she could in fact hold herself up on her own. She fell in love with the Journey Into Power Sequence. Yoga became a way for her to “get it all out.” Her mat became a safe haven, a way to connect with herself and to others. A space for her to come as she was, nothing to prove, no one to impress. A place where she has come back to unravel and create herself for the past 10 or so years. Over and over again.
Caroline is as equally goofy as she is sweet and hopes to create a space where students feel confident, strong and capable. She uses her strength and self-discipline to challenge, inspire and invite curiosity into her students. In addition to power and vinyasa Caroline is also trained in yin yoga as well as barre. When she is not at the studio you can likely find her adventuring in town with her sweet and VERY sassy corgi, Joey Pickles!!
Caroline is a 200 hour RYT and completed her training at FlyDog Yoga in August of 2021. She has been practicing yoga since early high school but it was the summer of 2017 when she really became hooked. It was when she realized everything she needed was already within and that yes, she could in fact hold herself up on her own. She fell in love with the Journey Into Power Sequence. Yoga became a way for her to “get it all out.” Her mat became a safe haven, a way to connect with herself and to others. A space for her to come as she was, nothing to prove, no one to impress. A place where she has come back to unravel and create herself for the past 10 or so years. Over and over again.
Caroline is as equally goofy as she is sweet and hopes to create a space where students feel confident, strong and capable. She uses her strength and self-discipline to challenge, inspire and invite curiosity into her students. In addition to power and vinyasa Caroline is also trained in yin yoga as well as barre. When she is not at the studio you can likely find her adventuring in town with her sweet and VERY sassy corgi, Joey Pickles!!
Jelueh Peck- Studio Manager
Jelueh discovered yoga through her best friend in 2003 and has practiced ever since. Formerly an engineer and supply chain professional, she gave up her career to motherhood. In her search for ways to find peace, strength and physical-emotional well-being, she found her passion in yoga and decided to become a teacher. Jelueh culminated her 200hr teacher training with Kaia Yoga in Westport, Connecticut in February 2020 and has been teaching since in person and on-line.
Jelueh enjoys teaching vinyasa flow and power classes that get your heart pumping, help you strengthen and develop flexibility. She will help you find alignment, by gently respecting your innate abilities and anatomy. She received additional training in Gentle Yoga through Kaia.
She is excited for the opportunity to teach at Salute the Sun and join this awesome community after her move to Charlottesville in June 2022. She moved with her husband, 3 children (ages 12, 10 and 7) and their dog Sage. She loves the beach, hiking and spending time with family. If you have any suggestions of things to do with kids around Charlottesville, she would love to hear from you!
Jelueh discovered yoga through her best friend in 2003 and has practiced ever since. Formerly an engineer and supply chain professional, she gave up her career to motherhood. In her search for ways to find peace, strength and physical-emotional well-being, she found her passion in yoga and decided to become a teacher. Jelueh culminated her 200hr teacher training with Kaia Yoga in Westport, Connecticut in February 2020 and has been teaching since in person and on-line.
Jelueh enjoys teaching vinyasa flow and power classes that get your heart pumping, help you strengthen and develop flexibility. She will help you find alignment, by gently respecting your innate abilities and anatomy. She received additional training in Gentle Yoga through Kaia.
She is excited for the opportunity to teach at Salute the Sun and join this awesome community after her move to Charlottesville in June 2022. She moved with her husband, 3 children (ages 12, 10 and 7) and their dog Sage. She loves the beach, hiking and spending time with family. If you have any suggestions of things to do with kids around Charlottesville, she would love to hear from you!
Kelly Jones-
Kelly is a 200 hr experienced registered yoga teacher with an advanced specialization in Yin yoga. Kelly draws her students into the present and believes that in such a busy world, a powerful tool we control is the ability to still the mind and make it a beautiful place to be.
Kelly has been teaching since 2018 and enjoys creating powerful flows that challenge the body and bring peace to the soul.
Kelly is a 200 hr experienced registered yoga teacher with an advanced specialization in Yin yoga. Kelly draws her students into the present and believes that in such a busy world, a powerful tool we control is the ability to still the mind and make it a beautiful place to be.
Kelly has been teaching since 2018 and enjoys creating powerful flows that challenge the body and bring peace to the soul.
Jane Fitts-
Jane is a 200 hour RYT with additional certifications in Yin, The Roll Model Method, and Yoga Remedy Therapeutic Yoga under mentor Dani Ibarra.
She is the daughter of a yogi and has been practicing since she was a child. Jane’s passion and focus is on accessibility for all, with an aim to alleviate pain and stress in the body & mind.
She incorporates aromatherapy, breath work and all the props in order to create a comfortable safe space to access the bliss that is yoga.
Jane is a 200 hour RYT with additional certifications in Yin, The Roll Model Method, and Yoga Remedy Therapeutic Yoga under mentor Dani Ibarra.
She is the daughter of a yogi and has been practicing since she was a child. Jane’s passion and focus is on accessibility for all, with an aim to alleviate pain and stress in the body & mind.
She incorporates aromatherapy, breath work and all the props in order to create a comfortable safe space to access the bliss that is yoga.
Malena Koes-
"My yoga journey began as a complement to running and playing soccer in college. So much of my practice began with the physical aspect. After college, a close friend of mine was opening a Baptiste Power Yoga studio. I was hooked right away, and I like to say that yoga found me. I completed my 200h Baptiste Yoga Teacher Training at Humble Haven Yoga in Richmond, Virginia in 2017. Shortly after, I moved to Chicago and began teaching. I completed my Yin Yoga Teacher training in Spring 2018.
Teaching allows me to open my mind, body, and soul to the kindness in myself and my community. The principles of Baptiste Power Yoga speak to me on and off the mat. For me, yoga is a journey not a destination. I like to focus on a deep connection of self while striving for physical power.
When I'm not on my mat, I'm working part time as a Registered Nurse at Well Room. I also have a little one named Gianna, a golden retriever named Fabio, and a precious gem of a husband. They all keep me busy but yoga keeps me grounded."
"My yoga journey began as a complement to running and playing soccer in college. So much of my practice began with the physical aspect. After college, a close friend of mine was opening a Baptiste Power Yoga studio. I was hooked right away, and I like to say that yoga found me. I completed my 200h Baptiste Yoga Teacher Training at Humble Haven Yoga in Richmond, Virginia in 2017. Shortly after, I moved to Chicago and began teaching. I completed my Yin Yoga Teacher training in Spring 2018.
Teaching allows me to open my mind, body, and soul to the kindness in myself and my community. The principles of Baptiste Power Yoga speak to me on and off the mat. For me, yoga is a journey not a destination. I like to focus on a deep connection of self while striving for physical power.
When I'm not on my mat, I'm working part time as a Registered Nurse at Well Room. I also have a little one named Gianna, a golden retriever named Fabio, and a precious gem of a husband. They all keep me busy but yoga keeps me grounded."
Michael Okusa-
In addition to teaching yoga at Salute the Sun, Michael also coaches strength, conditioning, mobility, and nutrition. His yoga classes often feature sneaky strength elements, creative mobility sequences, and a balance between feel good flow and long fiery holds. Outside the studio, you might find him doing other sporty activities like running around town, doing errands on bike, or dancing for no particular reason.
In addition to teaching yoga at Salute the Sun, Michael also coaches strength, conditioning, mobility, and nutrition. His yoga classes often feature sneaky strength elements, creative mobility sequences, and a balance between feel good flow and long fiery holds. Outside the studio, you might find him doing other sporty activities like running around town, doing errands on bike, or dancing for no particular reason.
Kristen Koch-Kristen discovered yoga while studying in Italy in 2019. She was looking for a way to move her body and find some grounding during her travels, but found much, much more. She jumped into the yoga lifestyle quickly, ultimately getting her RYT 200 in Baptiste Power Vinyasa from Feel Better Yoga in March of 2020. This training sparked her love for sharing the joys of yoga with the community. As a teacher and practitioner, she deeply believes in the mental and physical benefits that come from the practice. Outside of her 200 hour certification, Kristen is certified in restorative yoga lineages, including Yin and Yoga Nidra
Emily Chapman-
Emily found yoga after college and immediately recognized it offered something deeper than a simple workout. She remained curious and practiced on and off for many years while she focused on work and traveling. Then in 2021, she poured herself into yoga completely to help her cope while her husband deployed for 7 months overseas with the military. During that time, she completed her 200 RYT certification at Wilmington Yoga Center in North Carolina. She is passionate about proper form and alignment in the postures and using breath as a tool to quiet the mind and go deeper into the body. She hopes to encourage, challenge and inspire her students to recognize their own strength on and off the mat!
Emily found yoga after college and immediately recognized it offered something deeper than a simple workout. She remained curious and practiced on and off for many years while she focused on work and traveling. Then in 2021, she poured herself into yoga completely to help her cope while her husband deployed for 7 months overseas with the military. During that time, she completed her 200 RYT certification at Wilmington Yoga Center in North Carolina. She is passionate about proper form and alignment in the postures and using breath as a tool to quiet the mind and go deeper into the body. She hopes to encourage, challenge and inspire her students to recognize their own strength on and off the mat!
