Our Teachers
Heather Rushing Chaney, E-RYT 500 Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist
Ten years ago, I found a piece that was missing in my life, and I’ve continued to delve into the goodness of the mental and physical benefits since. In January 2014, I begrudgingly took my first yoga class, and my life changed.
It didn’t take me long to know I wanted to share it with the world (still do!) so about a year later I took my first yoga teacher training. Since, I’ve taken numerous trainings and I’d say I define “yoga nerd”. I never want to stop learning and growing, and most importantly, I never want to stop sharing and helping others to learn and grow. I deeply care for people, their physical health, yes, but their mental health, YES! I love teaching all ages and abilities, and spreading this beautiful, healing practice.
Along with Alia King, I lead a 200 hr YTT. We’ve led three since 2020 and have another in the works. Please let me know if you’re interested. I’d be happy to discuss!
I’m over the moon excited for the opportunity to teach at Rise Yoga! I hope you’re getting really excited about Rise Yoga too. Help us spread the word.
Jessy Greene, 200hr RYT
Hi I’m Jessy, I taught yoga for over 10 years and owned a studio in Norwood before taking a break to have my daughter, Riley. I received my 200YTT in 2010 with Dolly Stavros. I have always enjoyed teaching yoga, especially HOT POWER! I look forward to seeing new and familiar faces in the studio!
Corey-Beth Travaglini, 200hr RYT
Hey everyone! I am Corey-Beth, you can also call me just Corey or CB!
My true yoga journey started when I stepped back onto my mat in February 2021 after a decade long hiatus. It felt like a “personal homecoming” as yoga has helped me to remember the daily importance of caring for myself in mind, body and spirit.
With my background experiences in military, grief support, spiritual care and a passion for trauma informed care -I knew I needed all the benefits yoga had to offer in my toolbox to help others, as I am caring for myself.
I completed my 200hr RYT this past June under teachers Heather Rushing-Chaney and Alia King.
I love that yoga is a meditative, mind-body based practice that supports mental health + that overall interconnected well-being. So much of what we do on our mats we get to also extend that application out into the world.
As a yoga teacher I am honored I get to help facilitate that as I continue to learn and grow in this beautiful ancient practice that has changed so much how I show up in the world.
So elated to be apart of Rise Yoga here in Albemarle! Looking forward to meeting you and journeying with you on your mat!
Trinida Rapadas, 200hr RYT
Namaste! My name is Trinida Rapadas. I have been working at Gold's Gym for the past 10 years teaching Sliver Sneakers classes from classic, EngerChi, yoga to fall prevention. My passion for yoga started to grow more and more along with finding myself going on my very own spiritual journey. On May 7th, 2023 I received my BIPOC 200 hour Vinyasa yoga teacher training done through Chakra Flow University by my techers Victoria Martinez and Shanna Small. I got a new job at Strive Spinal Health with Dr. Derek Tucker and was able to incorporate teaching yoga classes at the chiropractic office for Spinal Health, joints full range of movement and conditioning. I also got the opportunity to teach chair yoga at the public library for a mid day relax and reset.
I love helping others discover their very own yoga journey and to be able to be apart of that is such a joy. All I want is to spread love to everyone I can. Finding self love by accepting your body just as it is and exploring new edges of yourself by feeling the sensations of your very own body in the moment that you're in while adding mindful breathing and meditation. Super exciting to be apart of Rise Yoga now.
Lisa Znaniecki, 200hr Yoga Teacher
Lisa began teaching group and private fitness classes in 2016. Following a recommendation from her massage therapist, she started practicing yoga in 2022 to alleviate lower back pain. Not only did she find relief, but she also discovered yoga's numerous benefits. Eager to merge her passion for fitness with her newfound love for yoga, Lisa enrolled in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program.
Lisa is dedicated to helping students experience the transformative power of yoga and guiding them on their wellness journey. Outside of teaching and practicing yoga, she enjoys lifting weights, walking, and jogging. She deeply loves the outdoors and cherishes time spent with family and friends.
Lisa resides in Albemarle with her husband, Craig, and two dogs, Stella and Theo.
Steven Yost, RYT 200
Bio coming soon!!
Alia King, E-RYT 500
After a few years in my own practice, I walked into a studio one day in 2013 and saw a flier for an upcoming yoga teacher training. Without even meeting the teacher, I signed up. My goal was to learn more, just for myself, but the end result was an absolute love for teaching yoga! I have taught many styles of yoga to a variety of people, from kids to the elderly, and I honestly enjoy them all! I decided to further my education with my 300 hour and am an E-RYT 500. I love teaching new students, as well as, training others to be teachers themselves, and everyone in between. When I'm not teaching, I am probably watching one of my daughters cheer or the other one dance. I have a wonderful husband, a house I love, dirty animals and too much grass to mow, and during the week, I work at Stanly Community College.
Karla Aldridge, RYT 500
My yoga journey began in 2013 with a Groupon that led me to a yoga studio near uptown Charlotte. Unfamiliar with the various yoga disciplines, I found myself in a “hot power flow” class. It was quite the challenge—every muscle in my body shook uncontrollably, and my face turned as red as a beet. I like to describe my first yoga experience as a Saturday Night Live comedy skit or a Punk’d episode. Despite the tough start, I returned the next day, sore but determined. Over time, I discovered my yoga tribe and groove, thanks to the mentorship and nurturing of my instructors and friends.
In 2022, I became a RYT 200-hour yoga instructor, and by 2024, I completed my RYT 500-hour training. Yet, I remain a lifelong student of yoga. “Yoga is NOT about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on your way down.” ~Jigar Gor
As a grateful wife, mother, and Yaya, I am also a dedicated and passionate yoga instructor committed to nurturing and empowering individuals on their path to holistic well-being. After retiring in 2021 from my roles as a nurse educator and labor and delivery nurse, I bring a unique perspective to yoga and wellness. My classes emphasize mindful movement, relaxation techniques, and breath work to foster a peaceful mind. With my medical and teaching background, I enrich my teaching with a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and healthcare practices, ensuring that every pose and sequence is both beneficial and informed by the body’s mechanics.
Join me on your mat for a transformative journey. Know that you are safe, supported, and most importantly, LOVED. ~Namaste