Instructors
Havala Schumacher, RYT-200, is a yoga teacher and integrative nutrition health coach emphasizing multi-dimensional wellness and the importance of both deep rest and exuberant play. She began her yoga journey as a teenager nearly three decades ago and completed her teacher training through Yoga Farm Ithaca in 2022. In addition to her vinyasa flow practice, she holds certifications in yin (long, fascia-supportive stretches) and yoga nidra (yogic “sleep”). When she’s not on the mat, Havala can usually be found in her kitchen or garden in Baker, WV.
» To book a private session with Havala, reach out by email: [email protected]
Pia Economou
Pia Economou, E-RYT 200, moved to Hardy County from DC where she taught and practiced yoga and Pilates for over a decade. In class, she honors each individual’s journey and believes yoga can empower students to ignite positive transformation in themselves and their community.
» For group sessions and individualized classes with Pia contact: [email protected]
Joyce Yagerline
Joyce Yagerline is a dancer and yoga teacher whose lifestyle includes yoga and mindfulness. Prior to moving to the Shenandoah Valley, she was a professional ballet dancer and an Associate Professor of Dance at Kansas State University. Her background includes a BA and MFA in Dance and Related Arts, YTT 200/300, Accessible Yoga Teacher Training, Mindfulness Meditation Certification, and Pilates certification. Her yoga teaching is influenced by Cyndi Lee, Jivana Heyman, and Kristine Weber.
Joyce is currently an adjunct instructor in dance at James Madison University. She also teaches ballet in Harrisonburg, as well as yoga and strength training on-line.
“Self-care is an intentional lifestyle approach. It’s a way of designing your life, both inside and out, to create clear and flowing energy so that you can be of benefit to yourself, as well as to others.”
» For group classes and individual sessions with Joyce contact: [email protected]
Lindsay Paul
Lindsay began teaching kids’ yoga in 2017, as a volunteer, which led her to complete a 95-hour children’s yoga training, followed by completion of a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Since then, she’s taught over 500 yoga classes to 100’s of kids and families. Lindsay believes yoga offers an opportunity to connect more confidently to ourselves and the world around us.
She hopes that kids and families in her classes will experience the inner strength and sense of peace that yoga brings to her own life. Outside of yoga, Lindsay enjoys spending time in her garden.
You can learn more about Lindsay’s work at www.littlemountainyoga.com
» Lindsay is available for private or group Family Yoga classes: [email protected]
Kara Joyce
Kara Joyce began practicing yoga more consistently in her 50s, at a time when life was full and fast-paced. Her teaching style blends the grounding qualities of Hatha with intentional breathwork and mindful flow. Her classes emphasize balance – effort and ease, strength and softness – creating a welcoming space for students of all levels. She especially loves guiding students to slow down, reconnect with their breath, and leave feeling both restored and quietly empowered.
Off the mat, Kara enjoys mountain living, hiking, biking, nature, cooking, reading and and cultivating spaces where people can pause and simply breathe. She looks forward to practicing together in Lost River.
Abbie Chessler
Abbie Chessler is an artist, designer and long-time mindfulness practitioner. She finds great joy in supporting others on their path of discovery, healing and compassion through mindfulness. In 2013 Abbie was ordained into the Order of Interbeing by Thich Nhat Hahn. She organizes days of practice, classes and facilitates the Lost River Mindfulness Community in West Virginia and the Still Water Mindfulness Practice Community in Maryland.
Mamta Kaushal
Mamta Kaushal is an alignment-based yoga teacher, who completed her teacher training in 2015. She believes that anyone can do yoga– its not about how “good” you are at the poses, but rather about how “good” you are at listening to your own body. In 2023, Mamta completed her certification in Ayurveda Lifestyles with the Chopra Foundation, as she was interested in this ancient Indian science of life and about how we can live in balance with nature.
By day, Mamta is a lawyer who specializes in international anti-corruption investigations, but the most fulfilling part of her life is living in the mountains of West Virginia with her husband and dog, where she gets to enjoy nature and the beautiful community that surrounds her.
