wHO WE ARE
a LITTLE BIT ABOUT US...
Lakes Area Yoga Association was founded in 1995 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing yoga to the Lakes area. LAYA, and the late Healing Center, were the first organizations offering yoga in the Brainerd area at that time. As yoga has grown in popularity, so have the number of places to find yoga in the area. We remain dedicated to what we are doing and teaching, providing an authentic and sincere slate of classes rather than a "fitness-model-one-size-fits-all" style of yoga.
We offer an eclectic blend of classes that vary with each teacher’s background. Our teachers respect each individual’s abilities and needs, and offer appropriate variations and props for the asanas (poses) when needed. We make yoga accessible, regardless of age, gender, size or abilities. We are REAL YOGA for REAL PEOPLE.
A note of gratitude...
We are forever grateful for the founders, teachers, and students who have been a part of our rich history over the past 25+ years. YOU are the reason we are still here. YOU are forever woven into fabric of this beautiful community and establishment. To all the founders, supporters, and donors - Thank you!
Employment Opportunities
Yoga Teacher
We would like to offer a variety of classes and styles at our studio. We are open to new or experienced teachers. Flexible schedule and the perk to join other teachers' classes for free.
Meet our current teachers
Galina Weber - Ryt 200
Jessica Monroe - ryt 200
Jessica Monroe - ryt 200
I was born in Minsk, Belarus and moved to the US as a student in 2003. Growing up I was involved in folk dancing and that is definitely the place and the time where my passion for movement was born.
In 2017 I earned my 200hr training through Yoga Fit and during this time I became interested in meditation. While homeschooling my two boys, I studied
with Mindful Schools teaching Mindfulness in education. I’m deeply passionate about living in the present moment and with all my heart would like to share the gift of Mindfulness with others. - Galina
Jessica Monroe - ryt 200
Jessica Monroe - ryt 200
Jessica Monroe - ryt 200
Jessica trained at Sun Moon yoga school in Mankato MN and received her certification in 2015. She has been teaching in the Brainerd Lakes area ever since. Born and raised in Brainerd, Jessica values the connections she’s able to make within the yoga community and loves to share her passion for yoga with others. Sharing fun and different ways to stretch and strengthen comes natural to her, as a former dancer and dance instructor. You will love her all levels approach while she offers a variety of options in your asanas. You can count on Jessicas classes to feel accessible, while also inspiring you to challenge yourself, as well as friendly and inviting to all.
Sandy Kaplan - RYT 200
Jessica Monroe - ryt 200
Colleen Larson - RYT 200
I have been teaching yoga for six years. I specialize in Iyengar yoga and embrace Dianne Bondy’s Yoga for All practice and (body positive/empowerment) philosophy. Like Ms. Bondy I know that yoga benefits all bodies, regardless of their shape, size, age, ethnicity, or ability. “The divine resides in all of us”. I aspire to be the instructor that connects with you in a way that works for you as we practice yoga together. - Sandra
Colleen Larson - RYT 200
In loving memory of the late Rob Rasmussen E-RYT
Colleen Larson - RYT 200
My yoga journey began over ten years ago. Working to be a better person both in mind and body through yoga has helped me grow as a mother, daughter, friend and teacher. My practice includes a variety of styles of yoga with a focus on vinyasa, slow flow yoga and yoga philosophy. My teaching journey has been one of following the path laid before me by the amazing teachers I have been blessed to learn from. The personal journey of yoga is what I want to share by teaching and helping others find their path. And to be able to offer yoga to all. - Colleen
jane peterson - RYT 200
In loving memory of the late Rob Rasmussen E-RYT
In loving memory of the late Rob Rasmussen E-RYT
I first practiced yoga at LAYA more than 25 years ago. I thought I was changing up my fitness routine, but ended up discovering so much people to more. I did a local lyengar teacher training in 2002 and a 200 hour vinyasa teacher training in Costa Rica in 2014. As a former physical education teacher and coach, I spent all of my career teaching people to pay attention to how they move their bodies. I strive to teach students to pay attention to how they FEEL rather than what they LOOK like. Yoga is an individual practice for EVERYONE. You do not need any special skill - just an open mind to discover yourself. Yoga makes sense to me as someone trying to live her best life. When my body feels better, my mind feels better, and my spirit can thrive! This amazing connection, and what I understand of it, is worth sharing!
- Jane
In loving memory of the late Rob Rasmussen E-RYT
In loving memory of the late Rob Rasmussen E-RYT
In loving memory of the late Rob Rasmussen E-RYT
Rob taught with Lakes Area Yoga Association for 26 years! Rob began his training in the Iyengar method in the early 90’s. He attended multiple teacher trainings in Estes Park Colorado sponsored by Yoga Journal Magazine and was exposed to a variety of advanced teachers and styles from all over the world. Eventually, he gravitating towards a more therapeutic approach to Yoga. He was an instructor at various yoga teacher trainings. The majority of his teaching was done at the Nisswa School, supported by LAYA. Most recently, he taught multiple weekly classes at LAYA's present location in the Franklin Arts Building in Brainerd. Rob's class, Yoga as Therapy, was enjoyed by many! Rob retired from his earthly journey in October of 2021. We will forever miss him and his love and passion for the practice of Yoga.
His legacy lives on through his many students.
What to expect
New to Yoga?
Yoga is for everyone. If you can breath, you can do Yoga!
We offer a variety of classes for every level and style and each class offers variations to suit your level of ability.
To have the best experience, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Be prepared to be barefoot (not required, but optimal). Bring your own mat if you have one; if not, we have plenty at the studio for you to use. Along with mats, we have many props, Props, PROPS! Props help expand our physical yoga practice. Our teachers are committed to helping you find your version of the pose, safely and confidently.
Please use the WEST door to enter the Franklin Arts building. We are located straight up the stairs and to the right - in Studio #228.