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Studio With A Purpose

Your energy and time are valuable!  High energy and vitality is a result of training your body, eating a healthy diet and focusing your mind on quality thoughts.  With our instructors and coaches you will access more energy, be more productive and achieve your goals.   

  • Build strength and flexibility 
  • Personalize healthy eating
  • Cultivate connection
About Yoga Studio
Yoga Pose - Side Bend

An Active&Fit Direct™ Partner

In addition to supporting small businesses and eco-friendly products, we’re also a proud partner with Active&Fit Direct™. This unique program allows you to stay flexible with your fitness routine and join a vast network of studios and fitness centers catered to your choosing.

While you can sign up for the program individually, many insurance carriers already offer it at a discount or at no cost to you. We suggest contacting your provider to see what’s covered and register. You can also contact us directly for general questions.

Our Instructors

Each of our instructors hold a teaching certification in the areas of their experience.  Knowledge is paramount, instructors are required to complete continuing education to ensure that we evolve with expert recommendations for evolving practice techniques.

Carla Higgins – Owner/Certified Yoga & Barre Instructor – RD, NBC-HWC, RYS 200

Hi! I am Carla, the owner of MindBody Yoga + Barre, but a lot of my time is spent being a caffeinated mom, spontaneous friend, dietitian and health coach.

My first hot yoga class was a rough experience and I don’t know if I would have stepped back into a yoga studio if it had not been for a running injury. My goal was to feel better running and relax from my stressful corporate job. With a consistent practice I slowly noticed that yoga was teaching me self-inquiry, body awareness and overall contentment (crazy right, at 30 I actually thought I had learned everything about life). Instead of following along mindlessly in class, I really began to listen to what my mind and my body were doing and spent the hour-long class in a deeper self-study.

The ultimate value I realized is that yoga is a path to living a life you love, for me it is balancing wild freedom with grounded intention.  In 2014 I received my 200 hr teacher training from Amazing Yoga and have been teaching around Pittsburgh ever since.

In opening this studio, I wanted to offer more than just a space to exercise.  MindBody Yoga + Barre is a place to be yourself and align with your highest intentions for a balanced mind + body.

Peace, Love, Namaste

Bridget Baranet Yoga Instructor

Bridget Baranet – Certified Barre Instructor

Hi, I’m Bridget Baranet, a certified Barre instructor at MindBody Yoga + Barre.  I grew up in Mt. Lebanon where my husband and I are currently raising our son.  I am a full time mom to our loving, energetic two-year-old boy! Growing up I developed an interest for dance and movement which led me to play various sports, including 6 years of Cheerleading. 

After High School, I began working in the childcare industry as a full time nanny, however I spent my spare time furthering my passion for fitness and exercise. I began regularly partaking in yoga, dance and strength training workouts.  When I took my first barre class, I was instantly drawn to the movement/weight training and the synchronization to the music! 

For the past year, I have been studying Barre techniques, pursuing my certification, all while receiving excellent guidance and training from the MindBody crew.  As a Barre instructor, I strive to create an experience where you can push yourself at your own pace, move your body, relieve stress and have fun!

Brooke McClure – Certified Barre Instructor

Hi!  I am recently certified in Barre and excited to be teaching at MindBody Yoga + Barre.  My husband and I grew up in the city and moved to Hastings after 11 years to raise our two boys who are 5 and 2.  They really keep me on my toes and love living in Hastings.

I’ve taken many fitness classes prior to getting certified and was a runner prior to having children.  I love the low impact of barre but also feeling like you are getting a great workout.  This led me to wanting to teach and stay active along with meeting new people.  When not practicing I enjoy being outdoors, reading, plants and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to seeing you at MindBody!

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Kristin LeBeau – Certified Barre Instructor

I’m Kristin and am thrilled to join MindBody Yoga + Barre as a certified Barre instructor!  Throughout my career, I’ve been a dance and movement educator, choreographer and performer.  I’ve taught a variety of skill levels and ages for programs including Dance Alloy Theatre, Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh, Civic Light Opera, Point Park’s International Summer Dance Program and Winchester Thurston School; adjunct professor at Seton Hill University; and guest teacher at several universities in western Pennsylvania. 
I performed professionally with companies such as Attack Theatre (Pittsburgh); The Opera Company of Philadelphia; Kristina Isabelle Dance ( NYC) and several independent choreographers. In addition to dance, I’ve especially enjoyed running, yoga and Pilates.  Having experienced chronic hip pain exacerbated by running in the last few years, I explored additional options that are gentler on the joints and found how much I like the challenge, variety and connection to dance + music that barre provides.
My classes are a judgement-free zone, we are all on our own journeys with different paths.  All levels are welcome!
My husband and I moved back to my native community of USC 10 years ago to raise our three children and to live near my large extended family!  When I”m not working part-time or volunteering at their schools, you’ll see me at local fields and gyms cheering on my kids at their sporting events. I look forward to meeting you!
Kaitlyn Campbell Yoga Instructor

Kaitlyn Campbell – Certified Yoga Instructor

Hi, I’m Kaitlyn! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and provide mental health therapy to kids and teens. I grew up locally in Washington and received both undergraduate and master’s degrees at Pitt. I’ve been working as a school therapist for almost a decade in different districts around the area.
I completed my 200 hour yoga training in Pittsburgh and am also certified to teach kids yoga, grades K-12. When I am not working, you can find me exploring the city’s restaurants, lifting weights, singing karaoke, and spending time with my dog and boyfriend. I’ve been practicing yoga since college and find it to be my own form of therapy at home.
I began incorporating yoga into my professional work while at a local high school. It was there that I realized the importance of teaching the mind-body connection to help deal with life’s day-to-day stressors. I now use both my clinical skills and knowledge of yoga to help increase self-awareness, self-care, and mindfulness of my students on and off the mat. In my classes, you can expect a safe space for all ages and abilities to engage in whole body wellness through the practice of poses, breath work and meditation.
Kara Lawson Certified Yoga Instructor

Kara Lawson – Certified RYS 200 Yoga Instructor 

Hi everyone! I’m Kara Lawson. I completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training in January of 2023 and am so excited to share my practice with you! This has been a dream of mine for quite sometime, and I’m incredibly grateful it has come true. 

My yoga journey began in West Virginia, where I grew up. I was a serious dancer, and my company would use yoga classes to supplement our training. Funnily enough, 16 year old me was not a fan! While going through a hard time in college though, I sought it out for myself and have been in love ever since. This love has only grown in the last 2 years through a huge time of personal transformation for me. I adore how never ending this practice is- there is always something more to learn, and I cannot wait to continue learning and growing with you all! 

Outside the studio, I live in the South Hills with my partner Brent and my kitties, Luka and Ruby. My ultimate goal is to teach yoga full time, so I can forever live in a studio. I can’t wait to see you soon!

Sam Lodge Certified Yoga Instructor

Samantha Lodge – E-RYT 200, NASM-CPT, NASM-CNC

Sam has been practicing and teaching yoga for over 10 years. Understanding the symbiotic relationship between the mind and body drove her to begin her path as a coach and teacher. She currently runs her independent business, Samantha Ellen Wellness, as a private Personal Trainer, Yoga Teacher, Nutrition Coach and Group Exercise Instructor. She is registered with Yoga Alliance and teaches individual/group yoga and fitness classes around the Greater Pittsburgh area. Sam strives to create an environment that feels empowering, safe and limitless. She believes the body benefits from movement, the mind benefits from stillness and that yoga is a beautiful way to combine the two. Sams goal is to motivate students to invest in themselves by encouraging them to experience everything from yoga/meditation to strength/resistance training; because she believes our bodies need it all! 

Yoga can help us in every aspect of our lives. Rather than searching for balance, we must grow and create it.Sam 

Danielle Certified Yoga Instructor

Danielle DeCarlucci – Certified RYS 200 Yoga Instructor

Hi, I’m Danielle! I am so excited to be joining MindBody Yoga + Barre as a certified yoga instructor. I grew up in the South Hills and teach first grade for a local school district. Teaching has always been near and dear to my heart! 

When I am not teaching, you can find me spending quality time with my husband and our little yorkie, Jax. We enjoy cozy nights at home, exploring different cities, trying new restaurants, and lounging lakeside.

I began my yoga journey as an elective in high school and I have been practicing on and off ever since. I completed my 200 hour yoga training in Pittsburgh and am certified through Yoga Alliance. I completed most of my teacher training hours through MindBody with Carla.

As I reached my 30s, yoga became a healing practice for me and I want to be able to share that balance and clarity with others. In my classes, you can expect a judgment free space to help you fully connect with your breath, your body, and your mind.

I look forward to seeing you on your mat!

Kari Merski Shine Dance Instructor

Kari Merski – Certified SHiNE Dance Fitness™ Instructor

Hello!  My name is Kari Merski.  I’m a newly certified SHiNE Dance Fitness™ Instructor, and EXCITED to be teaching at MindBody Yoga + Barre. My husband and I just moved to the Hastings Community with our 2 kids and dog from the DC area. I have worked for the Department of Defense for 15+ years and my husband will be retiring from the Air Force soon, so we’ve decided to finally set roots in the PGH area.

I grew up playing sports, and still enjoy playing them to this day. As I got older and busier, it was hard to find a consistent workout that I loved…until I discovered SHiNE™. I reluctantly went to my first class several years ago and was hooked immediately. I’ve always LOVED dancing, and this class gave me that in addition to awesome music, and so much fun. I was burning a ton of calories without even thinking about it. Going through certification made me fall in love with SHiNE Dance Fitness™ even more, and I’m GRATEFUL MindBody Yoga + Barre has welcomed this format with open arms.

I always say, “SHiNE™ is my therapy,” and I can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

Jill Keffel – Certified RYS 200 Yoga Instructor and Barre Above Instructor 

Hi! I’m Jill and I am thrilled to be joining the amazing team at MindBody Yoga + Barre as both a certified yoga and barre instructor.  I completed my 200 hr Yoga teacher training in August 2022 through Breath for Chance, which certified me as a trauma-informed Yoga instructor for both children and adults, and also as a socio-emotional learning facilitator – a role I enjoy implementing in my job as a school librarian. In the spring of 2023 I completed my Barre certification through Barre Above and my nutrition coaching certification through Precision Nutrition (PN1).  I am currently working on my Certified Personal Training certification through NASM. 

I grew up in Washington, PA and currently live in Canonsburg with my husband Jason, two sons, Ross (20) and Noah (17) and our cat, Maximus.  I have been an elementary school teacher for 25 years and absolutely adore my position as a school librarian.  Most of my time is spent with family and friends typically centered around reading, eating and exercising. 

Ever since my undergraduate days at Pitt movement has been my medicine.  As I get older yoga and barre have helped me stay consistent as well as the Peloton and weight training.  I can’t wait to share this love of fitness, fun and community with you at the barre and on the mat!

Ameera Venkataraman – Certified RYS 200 Yoga Instructor

Hi! I am Ameera, a certified yoga instructor at Mindbody Yoga + Barre.  I am so excited to meet you on your mat! 

I fell in love with Yoga after being introduced to my first yoga class with a group of friends. I was moved by the teacher’s kindness, ability to hold space and the movement with breath that her class offered. Leaving that class inspired, I grabbed a mat, found a yoga studio and never looked back. I completed my RYT 200 hour certification in Pittsburgh. 

My approach to yoga focuses on creative flows with a dose of yoga philosophy. Expect to fully arrive on your mat and receive opportunities to learn more about yourself and your body. Most importantly, plan to have fun!

When I am not on the mat, you can find me exploring local coffee shops, planning my next vacation or cuddling one or both of my cats.

ali certified yoga instructor

Ali Quarbergt – Certified RYS 200 Yoga Instructor

Hi everyone! I am so glad to meet you. My name is Ali and I am new to PA. I started practicing Yoga Sculpt my freshman year of college. I became obsessed with the class for so many reasons- a break from studying and sitting on my butt, a chance to get off campus with my girlfriends, the intense FUN workout it provided, and the uplifting music. I took sculpt for about five years and always said I’d do teacher training “one day”.

A couple years into my corporate job, I was really craving something outside work that was something I could pour time and energy to. I talked with the local studio manager and signed up for the next Yoga Teacher Training. It was such an amazing experience and I met so many cool people.

I taught at a local studio in MN for a couple years up until the pandemic and studios shut down. I moved to Austin, TX in early 2021 and enjoyed taking all sorts of group fitness classes there but never got back into teaching yoga.

Fast forward, it’s almost the end of 2022 and my fiancé Eric and I recently moved to PA for his job. It felt like the perfect time to start teaching yoga again. I’m so glad my path crossed with Carla and this amazing studio. I am SO looking forward to meeting and sweating with ya’ll! See you soon!

Balanced Health For You

What Sets Us Apart

Community

Building strong connections within our community is at the core of everything we do.

Insight

Have an experienced instructor or coach with insight on effective fitness and nutrition routines.

Focus

Develop your focus, be in the flow to reduce stress and increase mental power.

Mindfulness

Awaken mindful actions and share it with others.

Client Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it. Here what some of our clients have to say about our yoga and barre classes.

Our Available Classes

We welcome you to come try our studio classes and private sessions as well as on-demand recorded subscriptions. Ask your instructor if you are curious about getting deeper into your practice or would like to discuss modifications.