Riley Peters
Owner
Parallel 45 was founded in 2017 with the mission of building a community centered on love and kindness. Before becoming a yoga teacher, Riley created a studio from her desires as a student. Accessibly priced memberships, a clean welcoming space, and heart forward customer service has been a standard since day one. Pair this with a brilliant team of yoga teachers and you have Parallel 45.
After becoming a yoga teacher, Riley uncovered a deeper understanding of the sacred teachings of yoga and appreciation for all the power that a heart-centered community truly holds. She believes when we connect deep within ourselves, we open up to a world full of love and possibility. Her hope is that Parallel 45 continues to serve as a space holder for connection, harmony and opportunity.
Megan Gallardo
Portland Studio Manager
I first began my yoga practice in 2011 as solely a form of physical exercise. As the years went on, I found there were many deeper layers to the practice that brought a greater sense of balance and peace into my life. In 2018, I took my 200-hour training in Long Beach, CA. While in my training, I realized how much I wanted to share the practice with others.
To any new yogi, or my current/future students, I offer this perspective to you: The journey of yoga is so unique. There is no “one” way to move. This is an invitation to come onto your own mat, into your own body and allow yourself to feel the practice with every part of you. Allow your breath to be the bridge between your mind, your body and your soul. Know that all of you is welcome.
Outside of yoga, I have both an in person and virtual community where I facilitate women's empowerment/spiritual work, somatic breathwork and reiki healing + certification.
Fun facts: I love my kitty, weiner dogs, japanese anime, PNW nature, dancing and ramen!
Brierly Harris
Vancouver Studio Manager
Before becoming a yoga teacher, Brierly taught middle school and college writing in the Portland metro. Her classroom experience informs her approach as a yoga instructor—student-driven, self-reflective, and teaching to all levels. She completed her 200hr RYT in 2022 and has been teaching yoga full-time since.
Brierly began her practice with vinyasa flow and hot yoga classes; these days she balances that warming energy with cooling formats like yin and restorative. When she’s not on her mat, she is curled up with a book or exploring the PNW with her family.
Kelsey Deacon
Lead Teacher Vancouver
Kelsey found yoga after many years of playing sports and her first experience was interesting to say the least! Being a naturally fast paced person, yoga made her slow down, which made her think yoga was not for her. But after taking a few classes and trying out a vinyasa/power class, her outlook totally changed! Flowing through the postures and tuning in to her breath helped her relax and find an inner peace. She decided to further her practice and completed her 200hr RYT in Chicago in 2014 and completed her 1,000 teaching hours in May of 2018. Kelsey loves teaching, meeting new people and learning from her students.
Kelsey also has a passion for nutrition, especially plant-based nutrition. She has her Master's in Health, Wellness and Nutrition and completed her certification in Plant-Based Education in 2013. Her passion for nutrition and yoga are a great combination in finding ashimsa (non-harming) and loves helping others make that connection. Have a food question, don't be afraid to ask her!
When Kelsey is not on her mat, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and wishing she was on a warm, sunny beach!
Kelsey Regan
Lead Teacher Portland
Kelsey began a consistent yoga practice in 2011 in hopes of getting in better physical shape. She went to her first power vinyasa class and was immediately hooked by the sense of belonging she felt there - she didn’t know it yet, but she was home. She continued to practice yoga and gather knowledge over the next several years, taking her first 200 hour teacher training in 2014, and then another in 2016.
Through yoga, Kelsey has found a sense of balance in her life that was not there before. She believes that if you do your practice with consistency, you will be taken care of. Mind, body, and soul. Weaving the philosophy of yoga in with accessible alignment cueing allows for a soulful, dynamic, and challenging vinyasa class. She holds space for students to be exactly where they are, as they are, all while bringing a sense of curiosity and empowerment to her teaching. Her students are encouraged to explore their own practice with grace and ease. Kelsey believes that you never truly “arrive” in the practice of yoga, the work is never done, and that is what makes this life-long practice so special.
Ashlee Pingree
After experiencing some serious life changes Ashlee fell deeper in love with yoga, finding self acceptance and peace through her practice. Feeling compelled to share this beautiful gift of yoga; she completed her 200 hr YTT with Parallel University. Ashlee initially was drawn to yoga as a natural progression from her 18 years as a competitive dancer. As a previous dance and cheer instructor, teaching yoga has felt like a coming home.
The heart of Ashlee’s yoga practice is learning to honor her body and move with intention, while cultivating self compassion.
Ashlee immediately felt a sense of community with her first class at Parallel 45 and knew she was right where she was meant to be! Ashlee’s classes will be based on a strong spiritual intention with a focus on strength and mindfulness; connecting body, mind and soul.
Kris Relucio
A true believer in self-growth, Kris' dedication to her practice and teachings is strong and steady. Yoga has connected her mind and body on a very deep level, which has brought her closer to her true and best version of herself (...and it will always continue to evolve!) Her hope is to give back to the community and to share yogic paths with one another through compassion and positivity.
Kris' style is down-to-earth mindful vinyasa yoga with a strong emphasis in alignment and anatomy. She is also playful and loves to have fun! Her style is indirectly inspired by ashtanga and iyengar yoga, and she also loves yin + restorative yoga. She finished her 200-hour training in Chicago, and has continued training under Annie Carpenter in California with 250 hours under her belt thus far. Hungry for learning, Kris is constantly finding ways to better her teachings. Major inspirations include Diana Oppenheim, Kathryn Budig, Tiffany Cruikshank, and many others.
Kateri Davidson
Kateri was introduced to yoga in high school. Over the past decade she has been practicing regularly, finding her own personal style and learning the many different benefits we get from yoga. Her focus has always been to maintain her flexibility, strength, and balance. Yoga is how she relaxes and clears her mind, as well as getting a full body stretch.
As a massage therapist for the past 4 years, she has been sharing different poses and asanas for her clients to practice at home to relieve their pain. Naturally, when it came to getting certified she gravitated towards Hatha Yoga for its slower pace and attention on asanas that her less experienced clients could easily follow. She’s very excited to be able to get more people interested in yoga by making her classes fun for any level!
Haley Finnegan
Haley began practicing yoga in high school after an injury ended her athletic activities as a pole vaulter and cheerleader. Naturally overactive and anxious, yoga (particularly Vinyasa) provided an outlet for Haley’s energy and has helped her find deeper spirituality and inner calm.
Through creative flows and mindful movement, Haley encourages her students to find their own personal edges, listen to their bodies, and find both agency and self-compassion on their mats. Offering her students a challenge, no matter their level, Haley is ready to cheer you on and crack a joke or two (because life shouldn’t be too serious, and neither should yoga!)
When not teaching in the studio, at the park, or on a stand-up paddleboard, Haley leads outdoor journeys guiding womxn to discover their own peak selves through adventure and yoga.
Laura Galvan
Hello there! My name is Laura Galvan and I received my 200 hour teacher training through Parallel 45 in the Fall of 2018. It was one of the best experiences of my adult life thus far. I took my first yoga class 14 years ago and have practiced yoga on and off since then. I never stuck with a yoga studio for long, because I couldn't afford it or I just didn't feel like I belonged. I felt that I wasn't enough; I wasn't in-shape enough or flexible enough. That is until I came to Parallel 45. I immediately felt welcomed by all of the instructors, and that the studio was very warm and non-judgmental.
I took the plunge and signed up for the yoga teacher training. I learned that the practice is never done, and that yoga was not just asanas to help you get in shape. It is a philosophy and a way of living. Recently there have been lots of shifting in my life. Wellness and self-love have now become priorities, and yoga has been integral for that change. My hope as an instructor is to hold space for all beings to feel welcome and a sense of belonging. I want to help build connections and community while helping others find a sense of peace and love, even if it is only for 60 minutes.
Although I was trained in Power Yoga, I find that my style is a challenging slower flow. I find it helps soothe me to intentionally take slower, deeper breaths to find the pose. I am honored to be an instructor and I hope to see you soon in class!
Lauren Padula
Lauren's yoga style blends vinyasa yoga, bodyweight movement, and personalized alignment cues (thanks to her background as a Doctor of Physical Therapy) with unique sequencing and great jams to create a diverse, ever-changing, brand new, and challenging style of yoga. When she's not on her mat you'll find her on the trails running with her husband and playing with her two goofy dogs, Arlo and Alice.
Ghita Denon
Hi I am Ghita! I am passionate about all things health which includes a healthy body, a healthy mind and a healthy spirit! I am a certified holistic health coach and certified yoga instructor. I have also enjoyed a 25+ year career in healthcare.
My greatest joy is creating a healthy life with a well rounded, holistic approach. When I’m not in the studio I’m creating yummy new dishes, hiking, biking and exploring the beautiful NW! I’m currently a gymnastics coach, and I love spending time with my family and friends!
Yoga and meditation are an integral part of what keeps me motivated and happy! Let’s link arms and move forward together! See you on the mat!
Heather Jenny
Hello! I have always been interested in mind body interactions. I dabbled in yoga practice throughout my life but began practicing steadily in 2010 to help my own chronic pain. An ankle fracture as a child and three surgeries later, I was looking for something to help with strength and balance but what I found changed my life – literally! Yoga was the one place where I could quiet my mind enough to connect to my body.
I never thought I could be a yoga instructor due to my “one side is not like the other” body but I came to realize that it is not the perfect body or pose that matters in yoga. It is more important to show up on your mat in a pose that is honest in the moment. I believe in the ongoing work to connect to my truest self through all 8 limbs of yoga and try to bring that to the classes I teach.
I have also been a physical therapist for 30+ years and bring that strong neurobiological background to my classes. I specialize in treating persons with pelvic floor problems, older adults (My Masters is in Geriatrics) and people with complex pain. I enjoy helping all body types and ages connect to themselves as they move, breath and ground in class.
In my spare time, I am an avid hiker, love planting and gardening, cooking something new and connecting with my family and friends near and far.
Alison Herrell
Alison’s yoga journey began after she completed graduate school as she found herself in a new place floundering for a sense of community, joyful movement, and looking for a way to reduce stress in her day to day life. Committing to a technology-free hour every day allowed her to calm her mind in addition to building physical strength and rehabbing some knee injuries along the way. She was drawn to the yoga studio because it allowed her to cultivate a community similar to her competitive dance family, which she was part of for almost 2 decades.
In 2016, Alison completed 200 hour yoga teacher training in Chicago and has been teaching ever since. Her teaching style is the same as her personality – practical, yet playful. She encourages her students to take what they need in class; whether it’s advancing to an arm balance or finding constructive rest. Having moved to Portland in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, she is excited to find her yoga “home” here in the Pacific Northwest.
Outside of the studio, Alison is a full time environmental scientist and arborist doing research and development for invasive pests and pathogens in urban trees. In her free time she can be found traveling, skiing, and hiking with her husband and 2 dogs.
Lindsay Anderson
Hi I’m Lindsay. I completed my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in May of 2020 and have been teaching ever since. As a hyper-active and naturally anxious individual I was drawn to the power practice. I love the present moment focus that moving through powerful and dynamic movement naturally brings. In my class, I will provide you space to show up exactly as you are. I will honor your practice and space while gentling encouraging you to push your edge while maintaining safe alignment. I will offer modifications to either cool or heat your practice, allowing you the choice to do what best serves you moment to moment. I will encourage you to be curious with yourself, enabling you to gather information without passing judgements. Most importantly, I will offer you reminders to stay in the present moment, connecting with your breath, your body, and your spirit, both on and off the mat.
I grew up in the Bay Area, attended undergrad at Butler University where I met my husband, Joe. We moved to Portland with our two cats in 2016 so I could attend graduate school at Lewis and Clark. I graduated with my M.A. in Professional Mental Health Counseling – Addictions, and I currently work as Mental Health Counselor in private practice.
Aside from being a yogi…I am also an avid hiker, a PNW adventurer, a content creator, a cat mom, a climber, an ice cream lover, a believer in small acts of kindness, and a lifelong learner.
Liz Suchinda
Hello! I am a professional life coach, yoga educator, facilitator of teacher trainings & yoga retreats, travel devotee, adventure seeker, and puppy cuddle-er. I am committed to Connection, Empowered Expression, and Transformation: for myself, for my clients, and for the world. The foundation of my instruction combines the physical with an inner emotional and spiritual integration. I strive to promote an understanding of my student's personal health and well-being by integrating body, breath, movement, and meditative awareness in each practice.
After dabbling in many fields, I discovered yoga in 2009 and in that moment I knew I would be a student of yoga. I was certified in 2010 and over the past decade have continued my practice through amazing and inspirational teachers and mentors.
Vickie Connor
Vickie is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher. Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, Vickie spent many years playing competitive soccer. After that chapter of life closed, she found yoga as a great way to keep physically active. In 2018, she moved to the California desert for her job, and found a wonderful community and a regular practice in yoga. Being mindfully present and physically moving was the ultimate way to unwind from work and life. Her yoga practice helped her through tough days, especially in 2020.
Vickie moved to Portland in 2021 and completed Parallel University's 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Her goal now is to share her love and practice with her students. She is passionate about making yoga fun and accessible to all.
When she is not on her mat, or working her full-time job as a photojournalist, Vickie loves exploring the outdoors, especially with her dog, Stella. She also enjoys climbing, biking, trying new foods and traveling.
Join Vickie in studio for alignment-based vinyasa classes, where you'll flow breath-to-movement to upbeat playlists.
Robin Lorenz
Robin is a Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher with additional certifications in Trauma-Informed, Pre-Natal and Kids Yoga. Although Robin’s personal practice began when she was fourteen years old, her journey as a Yoga Instructor began in 2010. “I am naturally drawn to connect with others beyond the "surface stuff". Deep down we are all the same. Yes, we all have fears, but we also have so much love - which is much more powerful. Asana, Pranayama and Sadhana allows practitioners to open up and to connect with ourselves - and with others - on a very profound level. When you witness and experience the healing of yoga you can’t help but want to share this with others."
Another passion Robin grew up with is one for holistic wellness and she is very excited to soon graduate as an Ayurveda Wellness Counselor this August 2022! She then plans to go on and further her studies to become an Ayurvedic Practitioner. Robin recognizes that living in a mindful and balanced way not only helps one feel better and live a happier more joyful life but it also has a very positive affect on those around us. Bringing the best version of ourselves to our friends and family is a highly powerful gift.
Robin is very honored and excited to join our tribe and looks forward to sharing positivity and kindness with the Parallel 45 community!
Polly Miller
Polly began practicing yoga in 2013 and was initially attracted to how it made her feel: physically stronger and more confident. What she hadn't anticipated was how it helped her mentally and emotionally over time. Life finds ways of adding layers of challenges, yoga can be a way to unstack those challenges and let go of what we cannot change.
Polly sees yoga as a space to be present and not take life so seriously. She hopes by attending class you will feel recharged and grounded for the day ahead. Giggling and smiling is encouraged :) When Polly isn't on her mat, you can find her hand sculpting and throwing pottery on the wheel, working as a project manager at an environmental lab, going to comedy stand-up shows, or trying a new tasty vegan spot!
Zac Katz-Stein
Zac’s yoga journey began in college with "Kenyon Fit" Vinyasa classes. Twice a week he trekked down the hill to the Kenyon Athletic Center and soon started noticing a change. Not only was he becoming stronger and more flexible, but his mind quieted and he felt better able to focus. After college, he knew he wanted to keep yoga in his life and that it would be all too easy to stop practicing in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
To that end, he took a 200 hour teacher training with Yoga to the People in Berkeley, California in February 2013. Since then, Zac has taught more than 1,000 hours of classes at 8 different locations, qualifying him as an E-RYT 200 teacher. His style tends to reflect his Yoga to the People training and their philosophy of “yoga is for every body.” It includes multiple variations in every posture (both modifications and augmentations), precise ques, with a mix of demonstration and hands on adjustments (after receiving verbal permission).
Karrie Carnes
Karrie has been practicing yoga for more than 15 years and is a recent grad of Parallel University. A former dancer and current wordsmith, she enjoys teaching heart-centered, alignment-focused flows that tell a story through movement. Karrie aims to make yoga accessible for all and has a soft spot for working with students new to yoga or those returning to the mat after a break.
Her classes will ground you in the present moment, inspire your practice and may even make you laugh (ask her about blueberries). When she’s not on her mat, she’s hiking or camping, leading events with a local women’s group or going on adventures with her family.
Marybeth Stephens
Marybeth fell in love with yoga in 2017 when she was seeking a new way to build strength and better cope with a fast paced job / the stresses of everyday life. She has been committed to a strong practice ever since.
She has had the privilege and pleasure to belong to three studios in Vancouver which has given her exposure to many teachers and styles of yoga. She is always up for checking out a new studio near and far and loves seeking opportunities to learn new skills, styles and methods. Marybeth completed her RYT200 from Parallel 45 in spring 2022 and is excited to share her practice with the community. Vinyasa is her passion, but she loves every style of yoga.
When she is not working as a Human Resources / Administrative Services Director for an engineering firm or doing yoga, Marybeth can be found spending quality time with her family and friends. In addition to her mat, her favorite places to be are in nature -- on a beach (or near any body of water!), hiking, biking, SUP, visiting her native New England, relaxing with a book and shopping.
Cary Speath
I have been a dedicated practitioner of Yoga for more than half my life, and have been teaching for more than a decade. I came to Shadow Yoga after the death of my father when I was in my early 30s, having felt the instinctual/intuitive pull to an established and strong container that I understood to be authentic in its approach, and have been on that particular path ever since. The elegance of that practice informs the facilitation I offer, and supports my life in every other way.
In another life I was the steward of North Portland Yoga, and that was an honor in the highest. I attempt to be a humble guest on this path and bow deeply to the lands whence it comes. I have studied in-depth with Sarah Trelease from whom I received certification to teach hatha + vinyasa yoga; and I have learned the Shadow Yoga practice from Mandy Kruger. I have recently embarked upon the path of deathwork, having participated in the training retreat with Alua Arthur and Going With Grace in November, 2022. I am currently enrolled in the course and am soon to become a certified death doula. I am so very honored to be in this practice and in this life with you.
Abby Persson
My love for movement took root in the world of dance, where I spent a decade competing in both team and solo competitions. When I aged out of dancing, I took up yoga as a way to continue fostering my love for self expression through athletic movement. I soon came to find purpose in sharing the healing power of yoga with others, so in the spring of 2022, I completed my 200hr RYT course at Parallel 45.
As a DV and SA survivor, I am passionate about helping others find the same healing that I found in yoga. My dream is to one day collaborate with other professionals to develop and lead workshops and retreats geared toward helping other survivors of trauma heal and cultivate healthy coping strategies through the practice of yoga. I wouldn't be where I am today without the health, stability, community, joy, and purpose that yoga has given me, and I am so excited to help others foster these things and find healing through this amazing practice!
Off the mat, you can often find me hiking with my fiance and our two German Shepherds, trying to convince our very independent cat to snuggle with me, sewing, knitting, dancing, cooking, or reading comics.
Tom Brady
Fitness has been a significant part of my life since high school. It has always been that thing I go to in order to improve my mood and energy levels, but I realized pretty early on that it’s not my passion, it’s more-so a tool.
When I was around twenty-five, I stumbled upon the idea of meditation during an extreme self-help phase. I was very intrigued by how simple it sounded and upon further research, I discovered it was even backed by science. I began practicing, and fell in love. I obtained glimpses of true contentment which led to a curiosity in spiritual teachings and practices.
Three years later, I decided to give Yoga a try at Parallel 45 since I lived less than a mile away at the time. After just one class I came to a few conclusions: It’s a combination of two things I love, meditation and movement, it’s an opportunity to be a part of a community, it was a lot more challenging than I could’ve imagined, and it provided an outline of how to live beyond the Asanas. I was hooked. Eventually, I decided to join Parallel University to get my 200 hour YTT certification. I didn’t even know whether I actually wanted to teach, or not. I just wanted to deepen my practice and develop a new skill in the process. But, here I am, I do want to teach, and I feel honored to be able to pass on a little piece of this ancient practice to others.
Amie Sowe
Hello friends! My name is Amie Sowe, I have been a movement specialist for about 5 years. I love seeing people grow and heal their bodies with movement one day at time. Wellness is one of my biggest passions. Being able to help guide people through a path of self worth and healing is so beautiful. Let's move together see you on the mat !
Alexa Rittichier
Alexa is an artist, mover, maker, yoga and movement teacher, birth doula, anatomy lover, and perinatal exercise specialist. She has been dancing her whole life and practicing yoga for over 20 years. Teaching, tutoring and mentoring have been part of Alexa’s life since 2005. She has taught visual art, creative movement, drama, dance, and yoga in a variety of settings to all ages from 3-years-old and up. Alexa has been training yoga teachers since 2016.
Alexa was introduced to yoga in 2001 after a hospitalization from a rare blood disorder. Through the practice of yoga, Alexa began a journey of relearning herself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Throughout her years of practice, Alexa has explored various and lineages of yoga. She has experience teaching a variety of populations, ages, and ability levels. The emphasis in Alexa’s classes is on alignment, accessibility, personal power and connecting with self. Alexa is a relatable and compassionate teacher who is dedicated to meeting students where they are. She continues to learn and study to bring the latest research and techniques to students and clients.
Alexa offers birth doula services and in-person yoga classes in and around Portland, Oregon. Alexa is also involved in multiple yoga teacher training programs, and offers specialty workshops online and in-person throughout the year.
Monica Natividad
Monica began her yoga journey in March 2020 when her gym closed due to the pandemic. Wanting to practice yoga for the physical aspects, she did not realize the mental and emotional benefits that came from a consistent yoga practice. As a naturally anxious and overthinking person, yoga has been a place of rest and reset -- allowing her to come to her mat and tune inwards to see what she needs in that moment. For Monica, connecting with the breath and being okay with where you are at have been powerful anchors for her practice and hopes to share this simple, but very powerful, message with her students.
When Monica is not in the studio, you can find her exploring new areas in the PNW, snowboarding, singing karaoke, or kombucha brewing. She believes life shouldn't be taken too seriously, so she encourages smiling and laughter both on and off the mat!
Monica is a recent RYT-200 graduate from Parallel 45. She is excited to share her practice and provide accessible yoga for everybody!
Carol Arroyo
Carol Arroyo is a PNW transplant who received her RYT200 certification right here at Parallel 45. Her background is in dancing and teaching classical ballet for the past 30 years recently led her down a path of much-needed physical and mental healing. A consistent yoga practice is where she found both—plus an exciting pivoting point in her teaching career!
After the life-long pursuit of perfection in the dance world, Carol found the accommodating practice of yoga to be a beautiful intersection between her love of movement and her passion for connecting with others. She now strongly desires to help humans of all ages explore and discover how yoga can help heal, strengthen, and find a loving relationship with their own bodies and breath.
When she isn’t in the yoga studio, you’ll find Carol hanging at home with her supportive husband and three kids, walking adorable dogs for neighbors in her community, or teaching sweet preschoolers creative movement. Carol is humbled and honored to be a part of the supportive yoga community in the Vancouver area!