MEET OUR TEACHERS
Wayne Campbell
owner and founder
Wayne's journey as a healer began after experiencing a life-changing event. He did a backflip on a concrete sidewalk and "over-flipped", landing on his tailbone/sacrum . The pain was intense and unrelenting, no matter how many chiropractors or massage therapists he consulted with. While his running and dance careers were over, his healing career began as Wayne went on to spend the next 20 years developing the stretches and massage techniques that would become his Stretch Yoga Therapy Method and his Texas Thai Sports Massage offerings.
Wayne is a 500 Hour Certified Bikram Hot Yoga Teacher, creator of the Stretch Yoga Therapy Method, a Licensed Massage Therapist, and owner of Urban Fit Yoga. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, he combines Thai Massage with Sports Massage and Myofascial Release. He received his formal massage training from Avalon School of Massage in Houston, Texas. That was where he was introduced to Thai massage, which was his inspiration and starting point for developing his Texas Thai Sports Massage Technique and his Stretch Yoga Therapy Method.
The Stretch Yoga Therapy and Bikram Hot Yoga have helped Wayne to start taking the Advance 84 Yoga poses for the first time in September 2014, which allowed his body to prepare and compete in the 2014 Texas Yoga Championships. Wayne is the 2017, 2019, 2020 United States Yoga Sports Federation Gold Medal National Champion (Men’s 50+) and the 2022 World Yoga Sports Federation Gold Medal Champion (Men’s 50+) and the 2020 International Yoga Sports Federation Gold Medal Champion (Men’s 50+).
Wayne is a 500 Hour Certified Bikram Hot Yoga Teacher, creator of the Stretch Yoga Therapy Method, a Licensed Massage Therapist, and owner of Urban Fit Yoga. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, he combines Thai Massage with Sports Massage and Myofascial Release. He received his formal massage training from Avalon School of Massage in Houston, Texas. That was where he was introduced to Thai massage, which was his inspiration and starting point for developing his Texas Thai Sports Massage Technique and his Stretch Yoga Therapy Method.
The Stretch Yoga Therapy and Bikram Hot Yoga have helped Wayne to start taking the Advance 84 Yoga poses for the first time in September 2014, which allowed his body to prepare and compete in the 2014 Texas Yoga Championships. Wayne is the 2017, 2019, 2020 United States Yoga Sports Federation Gold Medal National Champion (Men’s 50+) and the 2022 World Yoga Sports Federation Gold Medal Champion (Men’s 50+) and the 2020 International Yoga Sports Federation Gold Medal Champion (Men’s 50+).
Mandy Loughman
A world-traveller and artist with degrees in English education and graphic design, Mandy has always been interested in teaching, learning, and creative expression. Mandy received her 500-hour yoga certification from Robert Boustany’s Pralaya Yoga studio, along with trauma-informed yoga training in 2018. She is deeply passionate about teaching yoga and sharing the profound healing gained from getting to know herself through her body with inner awareness, purpose, and practice. By releasing patterns that were “trapped” deep in muscle tissues from trauma and years of running and weight-lifting, she was astounded by how quickly yoga transformed both her body and mind. “When people tell me they can’t do yoga because they aren’t flexible, I remember thinking the same thing years back. I tell them, ‘Yoga isn’t about how flexible you are/aren’t. It’s a physical journey to finding yourself. Flexibility is just one of the many benefits along the way.’” Mandy is thrilled to have the opportunity to share and grow along with her students.
OLGA Dassayeva
Yoga has been a part of my life for over 10 years initially as a way of dealing with my low back issues, only to realise it is so much more than just an exercise to strengthen the body. The more I practiced yoga, the more I discovered the magic of it. The complete transformation began with my first teacher training course that improved my life on so many levels and helped me develop my full potential I didn’t even know existed! I feel privileged to teach yoga and help people grow stronger, more flexible and fearless, both on and off the mat. Yoga inspires me to live and enjoy each moment of my life without worrying about the past or the future.
I completed my first 100 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Wendy Elliott and her SALT POWER YOGA team from Pittsburgh in January 2018. This life-changing training equipped me with the right tools to create powerful yoga sequences and encouraged/inspired me to start teaching volunteer yoga classes at my kids’ school (Memorial Elementary School) providing free yoga classes 2/week for parents, teachers and later for kids in afterschool. Soon after that, I started regularly teaching at the Trotter YMCA – my first family gym and the place where I took my very first yoga class!
In March 2019 I completed Teach. Lead. Inspire. 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Dan and Cristina Houston with Mind Tribes. This beautiful training helped me deepen my knowledge of anatomy, physiology, energetics and many other important aspects of yoga.
I am forever grateful to all my teachers who helped me discover my authenticity and positive transformation shaping my teaching in a unique and powerful way.
I continue broadening my knowledge by taking online classes/courses, reading and self-educating on various aspects of healthy and happy lifestyle and sharing my knowledge and experience while teaching at least 7 classes a week at various YMCA Greater Houston locations.
In my classes there are no levels, neither age nor flexibility limits – everyone is welcome from a curious beginner to an experienced yogi. Every yoga practice is unique and special to ensure each, and all will leave their yoga room feeling inspired, challenged and complete, feeling all parts of the body utilised, toned and massaged. I love to combine variety of creative and strong movements occasionally accompanied with beautiful music, words of encouragements and simple practical cues that empower students to step outside their comfort zone so they can have no other way but “let go” in Shavasana. I continuously seek to help people understand how they can dramatically improve their own health and find positivity, happiness and balance in their lives through yoga thus nurturing their minds, souls and bodies.
I completed my first 100 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Wendy Elliott and her SALT POWER YOGA team from Pittsburgh in January 2018. This life-changing training equipped me with the right tools to create powerful yoga sequences and encouraged/inspired me to start teaching volunteer yoga classes at my kids’ school (Memorial Elementary School) providing free yoga classes 2/week for parents, teachers and later for kids in afterschool. Soon after that, I started regularly teaching at the Trotter YMCA – my first family gym and the place where I took my very first yoga class!
In March 2019 I completed Teach. Lead. Inspire. 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Dan and Cristina Houston with Mind Tribes. This beautiful training helped me deepen my knowledge of anatomy, physiology, energetics and many other important aspects of yoga.
I am forever grateful to all my teachers who helped me discover my authenticity and positive transformation shaping my teaching in a unique and powerful way.
I continue broadening my knowledge by taking online classes/courses, reading and self-educating on various aspects of healthy and happy lifestyle and sharing my knowledge and experience while teaching at least 7 classes a week at various YMCA Greater Houston locations.
In my classes there are no levels, neither age nor flexibility limits – everyone is welcome from a curious beginner to an experienced yogi. Every yoga practice is unique and special to ensure each, and all will leave their yoga room feeling inspired, challenged and complete, feeling all parts of the body utilised, toned and massaged. I love to combine variety of creative and strong movements occasionally accompanied with beautiful music, words of encouragements and simple practical cues that empower students to step outside their comfort zone so they can have no other way but “let go” in Shavasana. I continuously seek to help people understand how they can dramatically improve their own health and find positivity, happiness and balance in their lives through yoga thus nurturing their minds, souls and bodies.
BENU ATRI
Benu brings a unique blend of Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa flow, and meditation practices to our vibrant community. She brings together the fluidity of movement and the stillness of holding a pose, creating an experience for practitioners of all levels.
Benu’s teaching style is a reflection of a compassionate and nurturing approach to yoga. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, Benu guides each class with a focus on alignment, breath awareness, and mindfulness. The classes are not just about physical postures but also about cultivating a mindful connection between the body, mind, and spirit.
Benu’s teaching style is a reflection of a compassionate and nurturing approach to yoga. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, Benu guides each class with a focus on alignment, breath awareness, and mindfulness. The classes are not just about physical postures but also about cultivating a mindful connection between the body, mind, and spirit.
Mary Gentry Roberts
Mary Gentry-Roberts recently moved to Houston from San Diego. She has been working as a YMCA Director for the last 25 years. In her spare time, she teaches and practices Yoga, Pilates, and has competed in over 2 dozen triathlons. Mary is a Certified Inferno Hot Pilates Teacher & Certified 26/2 Hot Yoga Teacher. She has trained with Gabriella Walters & Gianna Purcell. Two years ago she battled cancer and throughout treatment continued to practice yoga as often as possible. She is passionate about yoga and how it heals the body, mind and spirit. She has a love for people, diverse communities and believes in the power of relationships.
Kate Detiveaux
Kate’s passion for fitness and wellbeing stems from her background as a former athlete and her career in workplace design. After years of practicing a variety of yoga styles, she felt a calling to share with others the transformative experiences that yoga has to offer the mind, body, and soul,
and to become a Yoga Instructor.
Kate enjoys creating yoga classes that are set with intention, utilize breath work, and focus on bodily alignment while incorporating stretching techniques to increase overall flexibility, strength, and muscle tone. Students can expect to leave her class feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready for their next encounter. Kate is thrilled to continue her yoga journey with the Urban Fit Yoga community.
and to become a Yoga Instructor.
Kate enjoys creating yoga classes that are set with intention, utilize breath work, and focus on bodily alignment while incorporating stretching techniques to increase overall flexibility, strength, and muscle tone. Students can expect to leave her class feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready for their next encounter. Kate is thrilled to continue her yoga journey with the Urban Fit Yoga community.
donna lorAS
Donna began her yoga journey by taking her first Bikram Yoga class in 2003 in Houston, TX. Little did she know how life changing this decision would be. She became a teacher, graduating from the Bikram Yoga College of India, Class of Summer 2004. She immersed herself in the yoga community, participating in four Yoga Asana Championships as an athlete and has mentored with Mike Winter of Houston and Mardy & Jeff Chen of Austin.
She is happy for the opportunity join the Urban Fit Yoga Houston team, continuing her journey in sharing the healing power of yoga.
She is happy for the opportunity join the Urban Fit Yoga Houston team, continuing her journey in sharing the healing power of yoga.
Caren Legrange
In 2010, walking out of her first Bikram Yoga class, Caren knew it was the beginning of a new journey. This is a journey of physical and personal growth. Since 2010, Caren has continued her yoga practice, participated in yoga demonstrations, and competed in the 2018 and 2019 USA Yoga Championships, qualifying for the Women’s 50+ Finals.
In April 2023, she received certification for completing Wayne Campbell’s 200 Hour Stretch Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Course. SYT has strengthened her yoga practice, increased flexibility and improved joint health. Caren wants to share her passion, and the many benefits of SYT with students, and looks forward to stretching and teaching into her Triple Digits…NEVER TOO OLD!
In April 2023, she received certification for completing Wayne Campbell’s 200 Hour Stretch Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Course. SYT has strengthened her yoga practice, increased flexibility and improved joint health. Caren wants to share her passion, and the many benefits of SYT with students, and looks forward to stretching and teaching into her Triple Digits…NEVER TOO OLD!
WANT TO BE TRAINED BY A CHAMPION?Wayne is a Yoga Athlete Coach through the United States Yoga Federation. He coaches yoga athletes, students, and private clients at Urban Fit Yoga in Houston.
He has trained with National & International Yoga Champions, Master and Senior Yoga Teachers. He is available for one-on-one Yoga or Stretch Sessions. Come train with Wayne and increase your strength, flexibility, balance, knowledge, and yoga practice. |
Wayne Campbell, 2020, 2019, 2017 USA National Yoga Champion Gold Medalist.
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