Our Studio and Fitness Instructors - MindBody Yoga + Barre

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

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 Instructor

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

The first hot yoga class I took 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

Natalie Paoletta – Certified Yoga Instructor

Hi! Just starting at MindBody, bio to come.

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!

Karen Nichols – Certified Yoga Instructor

Karen is a Certified Yoga Instructor through Yogafit and is an American College of Sports Medicine certified Exercise Physiologist. She has a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and a bachelor of science in Sports Medicine with a focus on Health and Fitness Promotion. Karen began working in the fitness industry in 2005 and loves helping people find ways to enjoy and fit exercise and wellness into their daily lives. In addition to practicing yoga, Karen loves running and spending time with her husband and daughter.

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 – 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.

Haliel Selig – RYS 200 hrs Yoga Instructor, Yoga Therapy

Hi lovelies! I’m Haliel (pronounced “Ha-lee-ul”) and it’s so nice to meet you! My yoga journey began when I was 18 years old after years of battling an eating disorder and chronic migraines. The moment my feet hit the mat I knew I needed this in my life. My first training was in 2006 with Amazing Yoga (Pittsburgh, PA), then Yoga ed K-12 (Joanne Spence) which all led me to a year long training in 2010 with the amazing Flo Fenton of Intouch Yoga (Byron Bay, Australia). I have also participated in specialized trainings in yoga and eating disorders as well as meditation. I am a current student at the Yogalife Institute pursuing a certification in Yoga Therapy. I’ve taught all over the world…Australia, California and of course Pittsburgh, PA. I am a huge believer in the mind, body, spirit connection and I love to incorporate all aspects into my teachings and practice.

Kristen Lewis – RYS 200 hrs Yoga Instructor

Hi, I’m Kristen Lewis! I recently earned my ERYT-200 certification from 1.1 Yoga in Pittsburgh and I am so excited to be one of the yoga instructors at Mindbody!

We moved to the area this past spring from east of the city and we have been enjoying getting to know the South Hills. I am a full time mama to my on-the-go silly toddler and Westie terrier.

Off the mat, I love being outside and everything nature! You will find me hiking, biking, boating, and lots of other things in the warmer months and skiing and playing in the snow in the colder ones.

My first yoga class was in college, but it was not until I moved to Pittsburgh, 7 years ago, that I really started to focus on my practice.

My yoga journey as a practitioner, and now teacher, continues to evolve and shows up differently daily.

In my all levels vinyasa class you can expect a non-judgement space where you can explore shapes and your breath all while building heat and having fun.

I love to sprinkle in some meditation and breath work too!

I look forward to meeting you!

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.

“Carla’s yoga class is amazing!

Her calming voice and great music selection keep you motivated throughout class, taking your mind and body to depth’s you wouldn’t think possible. Feel refreshed, stretched and strengthened.

She’s a wealth of knowledge and truly cares about each person.”

Camala Haddon

“I took barre for the first time and was blown away!
As a former college athlete I am always looking for a way to stay active and strong, barre is it!”

Kaitlin

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.

Our Classes