Teachers

Christina O'Brien Practitioner of Yoga and Meditation, Ordained Minister and owner of Yoga Of Dickson is a clairvoyant teacher guided by her intuition. She connects with her students as a group or individually, creating a practice with the intention of balance. Christina’s voice speaks to the hearts of her students guiding them to healing. She assists and adjusts her students when needed in order to help them feel their alignment fully. You will learn the 8-Limbs, history and philosophy of yoga. Most importantly, you will learn the science of what’s happening in your body throughout the practice. Christina uses her knowledge in chakra work, color therapy, energy healing, assertiveness, and aromatherapy to help students on and off the mat. She is known as well for her work in recovery from childhood abuse and traumas, post traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression, anxiety, addiction etc.. All work leads to students meditating.  The final result is self realization.  

Christina has been studying Yoga for over 19 years now. She became certified through Nancy Wile Ed.D. E-RYT, founder of Yoga Education Institute (Registered Yoga School through Yoga Alliance). She is certified through Doreen Virtue in assertiveness and angel card reading. Christina is certified in Aromatherapy through American Institute of Unani Medicine as well.  

In addition to her Yoga studies, she has an associates degree in Photography and Graphic Design (Visual Communications). Christina continues her teachings through workshops, classes, speaking engagements and one-on-one private practice.  Christina is currently a student of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. 

Connie 64 years young, graduated from Atlanta School of Massage in 1989 and is currently licensed in the state of Tennessee. She taught massage therapy for six years at High Tech Institute in Donelson, TN, 

graduating over 500 students.

After the death of her husband in 2012, she attended yoga classes to help initiate the healing process. Feeling lost and out of shape, yoga began to aid and assist by catapulting her mind, body and spirit to new heights.

Finishing her studies at Yoga of Dickson in May 2014, Connie is now combining her knowledge in Massage and Yoga.   Connie is currently a student of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons founded by: Paramahansa Yogananda. 

Laurie became interested in Yoga about 10 years ago after a knee injury and two knee surgeries, leaving her unable to maintain her running routine. Despite surgery and much physical therapy, she was unable to run or kneel on her right knee. Yoga has allowed her to lengthen her leg muscles and strengthen her knee making running and kneeling possible again. As an avid reader, Laurie was also influenced to try Yoga by authors such as Steven Cope, author of 'The Wisdom of Yoga' and Deepak Chopra, MD, author of Perfect Health, 'The Complete Mind Body Guide'. 

Taylor discovered yoga in college in 2012, taking classes and enrolling in yoga sequencing as part of  physical education. After starting her corporate career, her passion for yoga grew, leading to complete yoga teacher training. Now, a dedicated yogi, Taylor shares her knowledge guiding others to experience the benefits of yoga for mind, body, and spirit.

Hannah Cruse, RYT, dabbled in yoga for 10 years and really got serious about her practice around 2022 when she found YOD. Hannah was drawn towards mind-body healing work in response to chronic physical syndromes and is a huge advocate for practices that develop deeper self-awareness and connection with God. Hannah was trained as a classical musician, working in churches for 15 years, but is also passionate about social justice, art, gardening, and her husband, Matt.

Cat is a mental health specialist & psych major. Specializing in power and trauma informed yoga, she attended Shakti University for a 200Hr RYT. She then continued her education online while teaching trauma informed yoga at Vanderbilt University. 

Cat has offered classes amongst Vandy staff, at power gyms and in private lessons in her own home. While being a teacher and healer, she still finds time to be a mom, as well as maintain a career in high rope access and rock climbing.

She invites you to take a journey into the power where breath-work meets strength, bringing mental clarity, inner calm, and heat, and encourages you in finding the edge and meeting yourself on the other side.