A community rooted in connection, compassion, and care.
At Rooted Heart Yoga & Wellness, we believe the people who hold space for your practice matter just as much as the practice itself.
Our teachers are a grounded, supportive, and harmonious community of humans who bring their own unique experiences, wisdom, and way of teaching to the mat. We mindfully cultivate a team where safety, authenticity, kindness, and connection come first.
Each teacher offers something a little different, but we share a common intention: to create a welcoming space where you can breathe, soften, explore, and come home to yourself.
We’re honored to practice alongside you.
Meet Our Teachers
Alicia Whitman
Alicia infuses spirituality and mindfulness into every yoga sequence she teaches, aiming to inspire and empower her students. Her classes often feature the use of oracle cards, essential oils or incense with a focus on breathwork.
Alicia has been practicing yoga for over a decade and received her RYT-200 in Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga in 2022 and her Yin Yoga and Hands-on-Assist certifications in 2023. She is also experienced in Kriya. Her goal is to have all individuals leave her classes feeling blissful, rejuvenated and ready to take on their days or evenings.
Mondays ~ Vinyasa ~ 7:30 AM
Tuesdays ~ Yin Yoga ~ 8:15 PM
Anthony Carillo
Anthony Carrillo is a Denver based Chiropractor. He is passionate about all modalities of movement, with a particular fondness for yin yoga.
Having experienced his own health challenges in the past, he is excited to pour his heart into building a thriving community for health conscious individuals. Anthony is here to offer insights on life and Chiropractic and to be a resource to those in need.
Sundays ~ Yin Yoga ~ 5:30 PM
Brianna Amendola
Brianna is a holistic wellness practitioner with a deep passion for all modalities of movement. Receiving her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2018 and becoming a Certified American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist, she began to pursue a path where she could share the medicinal impacts of movement.
She completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training specializing in vinyasa. Living with a chronic spine disorder and her own health challenges, she’s experienced firsthand the healing that comes about through a consistent vinyasa practice.
Off her mat you can find her working as an exercise physiologist for a holistic physical therapy company that utilizes a mind-body approach to treat pain conditions. A lot of what she does in her therapeutic work comes out in her teaching style, providing a well rounded and conscious yoga practice that honors all bodies.
Tuesdays ~ Power Vinyasa ~ 5:45 PM
Thursdays ~ Power Vinyasa ~ 5:45 PM
Brittany Russell
Brittany is a multi-disciplinary educator with a background in yoga, Pilates and dance. Her classes harmonize somatic healing tools, therapeutic dance practices, sound healing, yogic wisdom and 5 Element Theory.
She strives to co-create a warm, welcoming environment in her classes that attract beginners and experienced practitioners alike. She offers trauma informed cueing and choice for each student to feel strong and comfortable in their own skin.
Brittany encourages a learning space for in depth reflection, empowerment and nourishment. Join her for weekly gentle vinyasa, 5 Elements Dance and restorative yoga.
Fridays ~ Gentle Vinyasa ~ 12 PM
Sundays ~ Restorative Yoga & Nidra ~ 7:45 PM
Sundays ~ Gentle Vinyasa ~ 8:45 AM
Cat
Wetenkamp
Cat is an E-RYT 500 Yoga, Kriya, and Meditation Instructor. She intertwines the art of storytelling and kriya into her yoga classes to guide practitioners through a transformative journey on the mat.
Drawing from the wisdom of ancient teachings, Cat illuminates the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, fostering a space for self-discovery and growth.
Cat is passionate about helping others remember their fullest potential. She is a reiki practitioner, sound healer, plant medicine facilitator, and retreat leader. You can learn more about Cat’s experience and offerings at: www.kintsugiyoga.org
Wednesdays ~ Himalayan Kriya Flow & Sound
~ 5:45 PM
Darlynn Lockett
Darlynn (she/her) is a mover, healer, and trauma-informed psychotherapist devoted to integrative and embodied care. With over 780 hours of training in yoga and Vedic philosophy from around the world, her background includes Hatha, Sivananda, Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), and Kundalini Yoga.
Her work weaves somatics, intuitive healing, and earth-based wisdom to support deep transformation. She is passionate about functional and integrative medicine, and believes both the body and the natural world are profound teachers.
Darlynn teaches a reimagined, ethical approach to Kundalini yoga—one rooted in personal sovereignty, self-trust, and liberation from hierarchical or harmful systems. For her, yoga is a sacred, personal practice: a devotion to one’s own highest power and self.
Sundays ~ Sivananda Hatha ~ 11:30 AM
Hady Rasid
Hady was introduced to the practices of yoga from both her Grandmother and Mother. Eventually completing her 200 Hour YTT at Heartsong Yoga Center in Massachusetts, with Sheila Magalhaes and Beryl Bender in 2017.
Hady enjoys sharing her passion for the practice. Her background stems from Classical Ashtanga Yoga and The 8 Limb Path. Completing David Swenson’s 40 Hour Ashtanga Primary Series YTT in 2025,
Hady is devoted to the traditional Ashtanga yoga methodology and shares this practice with enthusiasm and reverence. Inspired by those who’ve taught before her, she delivers these practices in a way that is approachable for all with gladness in her heart. Hady enjoys the resilience, strength, structure, joy, and freedom that Ashtanga provides. Not only are you practicing yoga for yourself, you are practicing as an offering to benefit all beings everywhere.
Mondays ~ Ashtanga Vinyasa ~ 9 AM
Holly Hoops
Holly began practicing yoga at 18 years old in Norfolk, VA. She found her teacher, Lisa Rapp, and immersed herself in learning the roots of this sacred practice with a huge, supportive yoga community. She traveled to New York often to practice Jivamukti yoga with Sharon Gannon and David Life, both of whom have had a great impact on her life and teaching.
In 2008, she received her 200 HR Yoga Teacher Certification and has continuously furthered her education over the years in a variety of modalities. She moved to Colorado in 2011 and has taught in many amazing studios in Denver.
She believes that if you can breathe, you can do yoga - this practice is always here to meet you exactly where you are. You can expect unique sequences, great music, and a supportive space to come enjoy your practice as a collective consciousness. Holly is also a 750+ HR Certified Community Herbalist and Cannabis Educator and loves to add botanical elements and themes to her classes.
Wednesdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 4:30 PM
Jenna Harding
Jenna is a yoga teacher, mom, music lover, and language nerd. She has been practicing yoga since 2006 and began teaching in 2023 after completing her RYT-200 with Rooted Heart. Since then, she has completed an additional 35 hours of Yin training and 40 hours of Slow Flow training.
Through teaching, Jenna’s mission is to create safe, nourishing spaces where students feel encouraged and empowered to turn inward. Her teaching style is intentional, invigorating, rejuvenating, and welcoming to all levels. She is known for her grounding, soothing, and invitational language—along with thoughtfully curated, standout playlists.
Jenna is continually inspired by the way yoga brings her home to herself each time she steps onto the mat. In her classes, students are invited to connect with spirit, heart, body, mind, and breath while nurturing the deepest, most authentic parts of themselves.
Connect with Jenna on Instagram at @embodiedspirit.yoga or explore her offerings at www.embodiedspirityoga.com.
Thursdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 12 PM
Jenni Armstrong
I started my yoga journey as a way to heal my body. With guidance from my teachers, I learned that yoga could teach me to heal my mind as well.
I did my first 100 YTT in 2019, and then continued to study Patanjali’s Sutra for the next year. I finished my 200 YTT in 2022 right here at Root Heart!
My classes integrate yogic philosophy, laughter, challenging poses (offered with many modifications), and mindfulness.
Mondays ~ Align & Flow ~ 4:30 PM
Kate Stroud
Kate has been teaching yoga since 2017 and brings her unique background as a registered nurse and reiki practitioner into every class. With a passion for holistic healing, her classes blend breathwork and creative flows that leave you feeling grounded, balanced, and deeply relaxed.
Kate loves guiding students through vinyasa, restorative, and yin yoga, creating space for both movement and stillness. When she’s not teaching, you can find her paddle boarding, hiking with her dog Freckles, skiing in the mountains, or enjoying live music.
Wednesdays ~ Lunar Vinyasa ~ 7 PM
Kimmy Hidalgo
As a lover of nature and an energy medicine facilitator, Kimmy infuses together her teachings and love of yoga, embodiment dance, Reiki, ancestor work, and herbal knowledge, with the intention of helping to bring you back to wholeness.
She has been teaching yoga since 2015, and believes we each have the medicine within. She is simply a guide to helping you remember all that is already within you.
Connect with her on Instagram to stay up to date on classes, retreats, events, and offerings: @wildshaktiyogaschool
Vinyasa with Kimmy: Flow through embodiment movement that honors the mind-body connection, guiding you towards healing, self-discovery, and balancing your energy.
Tuesdays ~ Power Vinyasa ~ 5:45 PM
Tuesdays ~ Chandra Moon Flow ~ 7 PM
Wednesdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 12 PM
Luke Hitchcock
Luke is an RYT – 200 Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance. He has been practicing yoga and meditation since 2015 and believes fully in it’s ability to transform and evoke a sense wholeness in ones life.
Once set on a wayward path, the practice of yoga helped him realign and reimagine himself in ways he never thought possible. He believes in the power of yoga so much so that he’s committed himself as a student to deepen his practice and understanding of this ancient wisdom, in hopes that as a teacher, he may share that wisdom with any whom may find themselves seeking union with spirit. When off the mat,
Luke indulges in spending time with his partner and their 4 cats, long visits with his mother, reading books, food prepping, floating, rooting on the Denver Nuggets, and going to shows. He also finds time to express himself as an artist, writing, recording and performing his own hip hop music. Find him on social: @lukeskyyhbc
Tuesdays ~ Foundational Flow ~ 4:30 PM
Thursdays ~ Power Vinyasa ~ 5:45 PM
Madyson Graham
Mady is a trauma informed ceremonialist, adept sound therapist, yoga teacher, somatic breathwork facilitator, kambo and earth medicine facilitator, and holistic space holder devoted to creating transformative experiences rooted in sacred embodiment, healing, and heart awakening.
With over 1,000 hours of formal yogic training, she has completed her 200 RYT in therapeutic-centered yoga, a 300 RYT Integrative Ceremonial Yoga in Peru, and a three-month, 500 RYT immersive training in the Himalayan region of India focused on traditional yogic philosophy, pranayama, kriya, mantra, meditation, and devotional practice.
With a focus on sacred intention, dynamic pranayama, fluid sequencing, kriya, somatic release techniques and sound therapy, each session is crafted to guide participants towards a deeper connection to their practice and hearts.
IG: @newearthresonance_ www.newearthresonance.com
Mondays ~ Vinyasa ~ 5:30 PM
Wednesdays ~ Solar Vinyasa ~ 5:45 PM
Madeleine Page
Originally from upstate New York, Madeleine spent eight years as a senior yoga instructor and teacher mentor in New York City before relocating to Denver to open Allumen Yoga.
Drawing from over 2,000 hours of training in physiyoga and biomechanics, yin and meditation, creative sequencing, and trauma-informed yoga, her passion is making yoga accessible to every body.
Even as an instructor, the most important part of her teaching is to remain a steadfast student, something that helps her reach students regardless of where they are on their yoga journey.
Wednesdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 12 PM
Wednesdays ~ Inner Fire Flow ~ 5:45 PM
Saturdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 1 PM
Maggie Plunkett
Maggie (RYT 500hr) started practicing yoga in 2016 but she fell deeply in love with the practice in 2020 when the world shut down. It was this time she learned the importance of a daily yoga practice and started her journey to teach yoga to others.
In her spare time she loves to travel and sample new yoga studios. In her class you can expect to have fun while learning yogic tools to support yourself. Yoga is a practice to make us better at life!
Saturdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 9 AM
Rachel Robertson
Rachel discovered yoga as a way to reconnect with her body and quickly realized the profound impact it had on her life—both on and off the mat.
After years of dedicated practice, she earned her 200-hour teaching certification in 2023.
Rachel brings her enthusiastic and intuitive nature to every class, creating an inclusive and engaging space where students are encouraged to tune in and move in ways that feel supportive.
Thursdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 4:30 PM
Fridays ~ Gentle Vinyasa ~ 8 AM
Rob Byrd
Rob felt called to teach Yoga after experiencing immense benefits in his own life from nearly 15 years of evolutionary Yoga practice. He studies and practices energetic and tantric based Yoga informed by his immersions with Rod Stryker's Parayoga, Shiva Rea's Prana Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Taoist Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Ayurveda.
He offers his students a dynamic practice that aims to bring balance to body, mind, and spirit through masterful sequencing of energetic asana, pranayama, and meditation.
Rob connects his students with their own innate wisdom and potential. Rob hopes to create a container for his students to experience movement alchemy and energetic embodiment and find sanctuary and resilience in their own bodies even in the face of external and internal challenges.
Thursdays ~ Hatha Vinyasa & Meditation ~ 7 PM
Rumi Choudhuri
Rumika (Rumi) Choudhuri has been immersed in the practice of yoga from a young age, taking her first class at 11 years old at Sivananda Yoga in India. What began early in life has evolved into a lifelong devotion to yoga, meditation, and spiritual inquiry — practices that continue to ground and guide both her personal path and the way she shares this work with others.
After a career as a corporate fashion executive, Rumi made a conscious and wholehearted transition into the world of yoga and wellness over a decade ago. Since then, she has been deeply engaged in the space, and holds her 200- and 300-hour training certifications through ISHTA Yoga.
Rumi teaches weekly classes, teacher trainings, workshops, and retreats. Alongside teaching and mentoring, she oversees Rooted Heart Yoga & Wellness in Capitol Hill, Denver, and also leads the studio’s teacher training programs. Rumi is a featured teacher on Yoga International, one of the world's leading platforms for online yoga, meditation, breathwork, and yoga education. She also works as a business consultant within the yoga and wellness space, and continues her work with ISHTA Yoga.
Originally from the East Coast (Connecticut and New York City) and now based in Denver, Rumi teaches with the intention of creating space for students to reconnect with their own inner wisdom and expand into their fullest, most authentic potential — both on and off the mat.
Mondays ~ Vinyasa ~ 12 PM
Fridays ~ Flow & Breath ~ 10 AM
Sarah Franzino
Sarah is a Yoga Teacher and Reiki Master based in Denver with a deep commitment to fostering healing and empowerment through gentle, nurturing practices.
Originally from the East Coast, she has made Denver her home since 2008. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communication, followed by a Master’s degree in Special Education, during which she dedicated nearly a decade to teaching students with disabilities from kindergarten through 12th grade. Her personal journey led her to discover Yoga and Reiki at a transformative time marked by loss and recovery. As she navigated the grief of losing her father and embraced sobriety through a 12-step program, Sarah found solace in the nourishing, grounding, and self-affirming practices of yoga and Reiki. These experiences inspired her to pursue formal Yoga training, and her certification as a Reiki Master across levels one through three.
Today, Sarah is honored to guide others in discovering a sense of safety and acceptance within themselves. Her sessions are characterized by a gentle, loving, and nurturing approach that leaves her clients feeling enriched, enlivened, and at ease. Whether through Reiki sessions or yoga classes, Sarah is dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey toward inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.
Wednesdays ~ Gentle Vinyasa ~ 8 AM
Wednesdays ~ Restorative Yoga & Nidra ~ 8:15 PM
Saraphina Mesma
Saraphina has taught Yoga, Kirtan, and Teacher Trainings since 2007, inviting students to explore the interconnection of soul, form, and sound.
Rooted in meditation training at Shiva Sai Mandir in Penukonda, India (2008–2012), her classes weave ancient wisdom with modern therapeutics and creative expression.
Experience a joyful, embodied practice that blends breath, movement, and awareness to create a sense of integration, balance and ease.
Tuesdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 12 PM
Saturdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 10:30 AM
Taylor Ruzewski
Taylor (she/her) is a certified RYT 200 yoga instructor in Colorado. She teaches a vinyasa style practice that focuses on an anchored connection between the body and breath.
Taylor believes in the physical strength and resilience of the human body and looks to compliment that in her yoga practice.
Her goal is to provide lighthearted classes that serve the needs of her students and leave them feeling strong and connected to their mind, physical body, and breath. If she isn’t teaching, you can find her climbing, snowboarding, or hiking.
Tuesdays ~ Vinyasa ~ 7:30 AM