Riley Peters
Owner
Parallel 45 was founded with the mission of building a community centered on love and kindness. Before becoming a yoga teacher, Riley created a studio from her desires as a student. Accessibly priced memberships, a clean welcoming space, and heart forward customer service has been a standard since day one. Pair this with a brilliant team of yoga teachers and you have Parallel 45.
After becoming a yoga teacher, Riley uncovered a deeper understanding of the sacred teachings of yoga and appreciation for all the power that a heart-centered community truly holds. She believes when we connect deep within ourselves, we open up to a world full of love and possibility. Her hope is that Parallel 45 continues to serve as a space holder for connection, harmony and infinite opportunity.
Riley now oversees both studios, Vancouver (opened in 2017) & Portland (opened in 2022), remotely from her hometown in Bend, OR where she lives with her partner Alex and two kitties!
Brierly Harris
Manager
Before becoming a yoga teacher, Brierly taught middle school and college writing in the Portland metro. Her classroom experience informs her approach as a yoga instructor—student-driven, self-reflective, and teaching to all levels. She completed her 200hr RYT in 2022 and has been teaching yoga full-time since.
Brierly began her practice with vinyasa flow and hot yoga classes; these days she balances that warming energy with cooling formats like yin and restorative. When she’s not on her mat, she is curled up with a book or exploring the PNW with her family.
Kelsey Deacon
Lead Teacher - Vancouver
Kelsey found yoga after many years of playing sports and her first experience was interesting to say the least! Being a naturally fast paced person, yoga made her slow down, which made her think yoga was not for her. But after taking a few classes and trying out a vinyasa/power class, her outlook totally changed! Flowing through the postures and tuning in to her breath helped her relax and find an inner peace. She decided to further her practice and completed her 200hr RYT in Chicago in 2014 and completed her 1,000 teaching hours in May of 2018. Kelsey loves teaching, meeting new people and learning from her students.
Kelsey also has a passion for nutrition, especially plant-based nutrition. She has her Master's in Health, Wellness and Nutrition and completed her certification in Plant-Based Education in 2013. Her passion for nutrition and yoga are a great combination in finding ashimsa (non-harming) and loves helping others make that connection. Have a food question, don't be afraid to ask her!
When Kelsey is not on her mat, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and wishing she was on a warm, sunny beach!
Kelsey Regan
Lead Teacher - Portland
Kelsey began a consistent yoga practice in 2011 in hopes of getting in better physical shape. She went to her first power vinyasa class and was immediately hooked by the sense of belonging she felt there - she didn’t know it yet, but she was home. She continued to practice yoga and gather knowledge over the next several years, taking her first 200 hour teacher training in 2014, and then another in 2016.
Through yoga, Kelsey has found a sense of balance in her life that was not there before. She believes that if you do your practice with consistency, you will be taken care of. Mind, body, and soul. Weaving the philosophy of yoga in with accessible alignment cueing allows for a soulful, dynamic, and challenging vinyasa class. She holds space for students to be exactly where they are, as they are, all while bringing a sense of curiosity and empowerment to her teaching. Her students are encouraged to explore their own practice with grace and ease. Kelsey believes that you never truly “arrive” in the practice of yoga, the work is never done, and that is what makes this life-long practice so special.
Ashlee Pingree
After experiencing some serious life changes Ashlee fell deeper in love with yoga, finding self acceptance and peace through her practice. Feeling compelled to share this beautiful gift of yoga; she completed her 200 hr YTT with Parallel University. Ashlee initially was drawn to yoga as a natural progression from her 18 years as a competitive dancer. As a previous dance and cheer instructor, teaching yoga has felt like a coming home.
The heart of Ashlee’s yoga practice is learning to honor her body and move with intention, while cultivating self compassion.
Ashlee immediately felt a sense of community with her first class at Parallel 45 and knew she was right where she was meant to be! Ashlee’s classes will be based on a strong spiritual intention with a focus on strength and mindfulness; connecting body, mind and soul.
Kris Relucio
A true believer in self-growth, Kris' dedication to her practice and teachings is strong and steady. Yoga has connected her mind and body on a very deep level, which has brought her closer to her true and best version of herself (...and it will always continue to evolve!) Her hope is to give back to the community and to share yogic paths with one another through compassion and positivity.
Kris' style is down-to-earth mindful vinyasa yoga with a strong emphasis in alignment and anatomy. She is also playful and loves to have fun! Her style is indirectly inspired by ashtanga and iyengar yoga, and she also loves yin + restorative yoga. She finished her 200-hour training in Chicago, and has continued training under Annie Carpenter in California with 250 hours under her belt thus far. Hungry for learning, Kris is constantly finding ways to better her teachings. Major inspirations include Diana Oppenheim, Kathryn Budig, Tiffany Cruikshank, and many others.
Kateri Davidson
Kateri was introduced to yoga in high school. Over the past decade she has been practicing regularly, finding her own personal style and learning the many different benefits we get from yoga. Her focus has always been to maintain her flexibility, strength, and balance. Yoga is how she relaxes and clears her mind, as well as getting a full body stretch.
As a massage therapist for the past 4 years, she has been sharing different poses and asanas for her clients to practice at home to relieve their pain. Naturally, when it came to getting certified she gravitated towards Hatha Yoga for its slower pace and attention on asanas that her less experienced clients could easily follow. She’s very excited to be able to get more people interested in yoga by making her classes fun for any level!
Haley Finnegan
Haley began practicing yoga in high school after an injury ended her athletic activities as a pole vaulter and cheerleader. Naturally overactive and anxious, yoga (particularly Vinyasa) provided an outlet for Haley’s energy and has helped her find deeper spirituality and inner calm.
Through creative flows and mindful movement, Haley encourages her students to find their own personal edges, listen to their bodies, and find both agency and self-compassion on their mats. Offering her students a challenge, no matter their level, Haley is ready to cheer you on and crack a joke or two (because life shouldn’t be too serious, and neither should yoga!)
When not teaching in the studio, at the park, or on a stand-up paddleboard, Haley leads outdoor journeys guiding womxn to discover their own peak selves through adventure and yoga.
Laura Galvan
Hello there! My name is Laura Galvan and I received my 200 hour teacher training through Parallel 45 in the Fall of 2018. It was one of the best experiences of my adult life thus far. I took my first yoga class 14 years ago and have practiced yoga on and off since then. I never stuck with a yoga studio for long, because I couldn't afford it or I just didn't feel like I belonged. I felt that I wasn't enough; I wasn't in-shape enough or flexible enough. That is until I came to Parallel 45. I immediately felt welcomed by all of the instructors, and that the studio was very warm and non-judgmental.
I took the plunge and signed up for the yoga teacher training. I learned that the practice is never done, and that yoga was not just asanas to help you get in shape. It is a philosophy and a way of living. Recently there have been lots of shifting in my life. Wellness and self-love have now become priorities, and yoga has been integral for that change. My hope as an instructor is to hold space for all beings to feel welcome and a sense of belonging. I want to help build connections and community while helping others find a sense of peace and love, even if it is only for 60 minutes.
Although I was trained in Power Yoga, I find that my style is a challenging slower flow. I find it helps soothe me to intentionally take slower, deeper breaths to find the pose. I am honored to be an instructor and I hope to see you soon in class!
Ghita Denon
Hi I am Ghita! I am passionate about all things health which includes a healthy body, a healthy mind and a healthy spirit! I am a certified holistic health coach and certified yoga instructor. I have also enjoyed a 25+ year career in healthcare.
My greatest joy is creating a healthy life with a well rounded, holistic approach. When I’m not in the studio I’m creating yummy new dishes, hiking, biking and exploring the beautiful NW! I’m currently a gymnastics coach, and I love spending time with my family and friends!
Yoga and meditation are an integral part of what keeps me motivated and happy! Let’s link arms and move forward together! See you on the mat!
Heather Jenny
Hello! I have always been interested in mind body interactions. I dabbled in yoga practice throughout my life but began practicing steadily in 2010 to help my own chronic pain. An ankle fracture as a child and three surgeries later, I was looking for something to help with strength and balance but what I found changed my life – literally! Yoga was the one place where I could quiet my mind enough to connect to my body.
I never thought I could be a yoga instructor due to my “one side is not like the other” body but I came to realize that it is not the perfect body or pose that matters in yoga. It is more important to show up on your mat in a pose that is honest in the moment. I believe in the ongoing work to connect to my truest self through all 8 limbs of yoga and try to bring that to the classes I teach.
I have also been a physical therapist for 30+ years and bring that strong neurobiological background to my classes. I specialize in treating persons with pelvic floor problems, older adults (My Masters is in Geriatrics) and people with complex pain. I enjoy helping all body types and ages connect to themselves as they move, breath and ground in class.
In my spare time, I am an avid hiker, love planting and gardening, cooking something new and connecting with my family and friends near and far.
Alison Herrell
Alison’s yoga journey began after she completed graduate school as she found herself in a new place floundering for a sense of community, joyful movement, and looking for a way to reduce stress in her day to day life. Committing to a technology-free hour every day allowed her to calm her mind in addition to building physical strength and rehabbing some knee injuries along the way. She was drawn to the yoga studio because it allowed her to cultivate a community similar to her competitive dance family, which she was part of for almost 2 decades.
In 2016, Alison completed 200 hour yoga teacher training in Chicago and has been teaching ever since. Her teaching style is the same as her personality – practical, yet playful. She encourages her students to take what they need in class; whether it’s advancing to an arm balance or finding constructive rest. Having moved to Portland in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, she is excited to find her yoga “home” here in the Pacific Northwest.
Outside of the studio, Alison is a full time environmental scientist and arborist doing research and development for invasive pests and pathogens in urban trees. In her free time she can be found traveling, skiing, and hiking with her husband and 2 dogs.
Liz Suchinda
Hello! I am a professional life coach, yoga educator, facilitator of teacher trainings & yoga retreats, travel devotee, adventure seeker, and puppy cuddle-er. I am committed to Connection, Empowered Expression, and Transformation: for myself, for my clients, and for the world. The foundation of my instruction combines the physical with an inner emotional and spiritual integration. I strive to promote an understanding of my student's personal health and well-being by integrating body, breath, movement, and meditative awareness in each practice.
After dabbling in many fields, I discovered yoga in 2009 and in that moment I knew I would be a student of yoga. I was certified in 2010 and over the past decade have continued my practice through amazing and inspirational teachers and mentors.
Robin Lorenz
Robin is a Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher with additional certifications in Trauma-Informed, Pre-Natal and Kids Yoga. Although Robin’s personal practice began when she was fourteen years old, her journey as a Yoga Instructor began in 2010. “I am naturally drawn to connect with others beyond the "surface stuff". Deep down we are all the same. Yes, we all have fears, but we also have so much love - which is much more powerful. Asana, Pranayama and Sadhana allows practitioners to open up and to connect with ourselves - and with others - on a very profound level. When you witness and experience the healing of yoga you can’t help but want to share this with others."
Another passion Robin grew up with is one for holistic wellness and she is very excited to soon graduate as an Ayurveda Wellness Counselor this August 2022! She then plans to go on and further her studies to become an Ayurvedic Practitioner. Robin recognizes that living in a mindful and balanced way not only helps one feel better and live a happier more joyful life but it also has a very positive affect on those around us. Bringing the best version of ourselves to our friends and family is a highly powerful gift.
Robin is very honored and excited to join our tribe and looks forward to sharing positivity and kindness with the Parallel 45 community!
Polly Miller
Polly began practicing yoga in 2013 and was initially attracted to how it made her feel: physically stronger and more confident. What she hadn't anticipated was how it helped her mentally and emotionally over time. Life finds ways of adding layers of challenges, yoga can be a way to unstack those challenges and let go of what we cannot change.
Polly sees yoga as a space to be present and not take life so seriously. She hopes by attending class you will feel recharged and grounded for the day ahead. Giggling and smiling is encouraged :) When Polly isn't on her mat, you can find her hand sculpting and throwing pottery on the wheel, working as a project manager at an environmental lab, going to comedy stand-up shows, or trying a new tasty vegan spot!
Zac Katz-Stein
Zac’s yoga journey began in college with "Kenyon Fit" Vinyasa classes. Twice a week he trekked down the hill to the Kenyon Athletic Center and soon started noticing a change. Not only was he becoming stronger and more flexible, but his mind quieted and he felt better able to focus. After college, he knew he wanted to keep yoga in his life and that it would be all too easy to stop practicing in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
To that end, he took a 200 hour teacher training with Yoga to the People in Berkeley, California in February 2013. Since then, Zac has taught more than 1,000 hours of classes at 8 different locations, qualifying him as an E-RYT 200 teacher. His style tends to reflect his Yoga to the People training and their philosophy of “yoga is for every body.” It includes multiple variations in every posture (both modifications and augmentations), precise ques, with a mix of demonstration and hands on adjustments (after receiving verbal permission).
Karrie Carnes
Karrie has been practicing yoga for more than 15 years and is a recent grad of Parallel University. A former dancer and current wordsmith, she enjoys teaching heart-centered, alignment-focused flows that tell a story through movement. Karrie aims to make yoga accessible for all and has a soft spot for working with students new to yoga or those returning to the mat after a break.
Her classes will ground you in the present moment, inspire your practice and may even make you laugh (ask her about blueberries). When she’s not on her mat, she’s hiking or camping, leading events with a local women’s group or going on adventures with her family.
Marybeth Stephens
Marybeth fell in love with yoga in 2017 when she was seeking a new way to build strength and better cope with a fast paced job / the stresses of everyday life. She has been committed to a strong practice ever since.
She has had the privilege and pleasure to belong to three studios in Vancouver which has given her exposure to many teachers and styles of yoga. She is always up for checking out a new studio near and far and loves seeking opportunities to learn new skills, styles and methods. Marybeth completed her RYT200 from Parallel 45 in spring 2022 and is excited to share her practice with the community. Vinyasa is her passion, but she loves every style of yoga.
When she is not working as a Human Resources / Administrative Services Director for an engineering firm or doing yoga, Marybeth can be found spending quality time with her family and friends. In addition to her mat, her favorite places to be are in nature -- on a beach (or near any body of water!), hiking, biking, SUP, visiting her native New England, relaxing with a book and shopping.
Abby Persson
My love for movement took root in the world of dance, where I spent a decade competing in both team and solo competitions. When I aged out of dancing, I took up yoga as a way to continue fostering my love for self expression through athletic movement. I soon came to find purpose in sharing the healing power of yoga with others, so in the spring of 2022, I completed my 200hr RYT course at Parallel 45.
As a DV and SA survivor, I am passionate about helping others find the same healing that I found in yoga. My dream is to one day collaborate with other professionals to develop and lead workshops and retreats geared toward helping other survivors of trauma heal and cultivate healthy coping strategies through the practice of yoga. I wouldn't be where I am today without the health, stability, community, joy, and purpose that yoga has given me, and I am so excited to help others foster these things and find healing through this amazing practice!
Off the mat, you can often find me hiking with my fiance and our two German Shepherds, trying to convince our very independent cat to snuggle with me, sewing, knitting, dancing, cooking, or reading comics.
Monica Natividad
Monica began her yoga journey in March 2020 when her gym closed due to the pandemic. Wanting to practice yoga for the physical aspects, she did not realize the mental and emotional benefits that came from a consistent yoga practice. As a naturally anxious and overthinking person, yoga has been a place of rest and reset -- allowing her to come to her mat and tune inwards to see what she needs in that moment. For Monica, connecting with the breath and being okay with where you are at have been powerful anchors for her practice and hopes to share this simple, but very powerful, message with her students.
When Monica is not in the studio, you can find her exploring new areas in the PNW, snowboarding, singing karaoke, or kombucha brewing. She believes life shouldn't be taken too seriously, so she encourages smiling and laughter both on and off the mat!
Monica is a recent RYT-200 graduate from Parallel 45. She is excited to share her practice and provide accessible yoga for everybody!
Leigh Arroyo
Leigh Arroyo is a PNW transplant who received her RYT200 certification right here at Parallel 45. Her background is in dancing and teaching classical ballet for the past 30 years recently led her down a path of much-needed physical and mental healing. A consistent yoga practice is where she found both—plus an exciting pivoting point in her teaching career!
After the life-long pursuit of perfection in the dance world, Leigh found the accommodating practice of yoga to be a beautiful intersection between her love of movement and her passion for connecting with others. She now strongly desires to help humans of all ages explore and discover how yoga can help heal, strengthen, and find a loving relationship with their own bodies and breath.
When she isn’t in the yoga studio, you’ll find Leigh hanging at home with her supportive husband and three kids, walking adorable dogs for neighbors in her community, or teaching sweet preschoolers creative movement. Leigh is humbled and honored to be a part of the supportive yoga community in the Vancouver area!
Theresa Hopkins
Theresa has been practicing yoga since 2018 and has been a part of the Parallel 45 community for over 5 years. She completed her 200 YTT from Parallel 45 in spring of 2023. Theresa first came to yoga for its meditational and strength benefits. Soon after she fell in love with the community and philosophical teachings of yoga.
Theresa loves fun vinyasa style classes however enjoys all types of yoga. Her passion and genuine connection encourages’ her students to move in a way that honors their own individual needs. Theresa aims to create sequences and flows that inspire her students to connect with themselves using the breath as an anchor.
Maurya Gonzalez
Maurya Gonzalez, originally from East Los Angeles and raised in Northern Arizona, has been residing in Washington and Oregon since 2015. I began practicing yoga in 2013 following a sports injury and quickly fell in love with all things yoga. I got a little more serious about teaching yoga right before Covid and decided to get back into it around 2020/1 - I love to share breath and connection with others, and to help everyone feel happy and well within themselves with their practice.
My background is in psychology but my passion is in food. If I’m not on the mat you’ll find me in the kitchen or with my nose deep in a cookbook next to my lil family (fiancée, his daughter and fur children). Excited to share space and challenge our mats together!
Kristina Provinsal
Kristina's passion for movement and fitness has shaped her lifestyle for over 16 years. A yoga practitioner since 2008 and a Barre3 instructor for the past three years, Kristina also embraces strength training, which complements her active engagements like paddleboarding, hiking, and enjoying life's moments with her family and friends. Her love for movement not only enhances her physical well-being but also enriches her connections with loved ones, allowing her to live a fully present life.
Dedicated to growth and community, Kristina pursued yoga teacher training with Parallel 45, completing it in the winter of 2024. With a compassionate and thoughtful teaching style she is eager to help her students explore yoga’s transformative power, fostering balance and peace both on and off the mat.
Karen Loer
Karen began a steady practice of yoga 16 years ago after a back injury. She discovered the power of the breath in her yoga practice to open, strengthen, and calm the body. To deepen her practice she completed a 200 hour Vinyasa Flow Series in 2017 from the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, California and in 2024 received an additional 200 hour yoga training and yin certification.
She has a playful approach to group classes and initiated a series of classes teaching in the redwoods, on the beach and using standup paddle boards. She enjoys a wide range of styles from classical Hatha Yoga, to Vinyasa Flow, and Yin Yoga always incorporating the breath in each movement. She loves teaching to all ages. Her primary teaching goal is to guide students’ awareness using the inner healing power of the breath, to be present and at ease in one’s own body, and find the joy and calmness one can experience practicing yoga.
Off the mat she enjoys hiking, biking, paddle boarding, and Shinrin-Yoku.
Becky Sotomayor
Hello! In 2022, I completed my Yoga Teacher Training Bali, Indonesia, where my training encompassed Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin yoga styles, each offering unique avenues for exploration and growth. As a teacher, my approach is rooted in empowerment and comfort. I believe in creating a nurturing space where students can explore their edges, both physically and mentally, while honoring their bodies' wisdom.
I encourage students to listen to their bodies, honoring their individual needs and boundaries, while gently nudging them to explore new possibilities. Through mindful movement and breath, I strive to create a sanctuary where students can reconnect with themselves and find peace amidst the busyness of life.
Join me on the mat as we journey together through the transformative practice of yoga. Whether you're seeking to build strength, find peace within, or simply reconnect with your body and breath, I am here to support and guide you every step of the way. Let's breathe, flow, and grow together on the mat.
Merry Convery
Merry embarked on her yoga journey over two decades ago, initially sparked by a transformative experience in a prenatal yoga class. Having initially obtained her certification as a 200-hour RYT, she delved deeper into her practice, acquiring an additional 85 hours in prenatal yoga, and most recently was certified as a breathwork and sound bath facilitator, as well as kids yoga facilitator. Amidst the transition to an empty nest at home, Merry has reignited her passion for teaching.
Merry is nurturing by nature and finds joy in connecting with those who venture into her class, listening to their narratives, and fostering genuine human bonds. Her classes are empowering, while ensuring inclusivity through tailored options to accommodate students' varying needs. She encourages you to come as you are, even if you just need to lay on your mat, breathe, and connect. She will always guarantee a nice and cozy Savasana.
Hiking through the forest or walking on the beach fills her cup to the brim, and she treasures any and all moments she gets with her big kids.
XingYa Fu
XingYa was first introduced to yoga by her mom when she was a teenager. Soon after obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in finance, XingYa landed an investment banking job on wall street in Manhattan. After experiencing burnout working in a big corporate and trauma in personal life, XingYa returned to yoga practice, and that’s where she instantly felt at home and re-connected with her authentic self.
With more than a decade of experience practicing yoga, XingYa completed her 200hr YTT in 2021. And later spent months in Bali, Indonesia and Nepal where she depended her practice through more advanced trainings. The core value of XingYa’s teaching is to serve with compassion and kindness. The focus is students’ health and wellness mentally emotionally and physically. Her classes are spiritual and exhilarating. It is through practice guided by XingYa, students align their mind body and soul, unwind, and create more time for themselves.
When not on a yoga mat, XingYa can be found studying to become a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Renae Golden
Renae began practicing yoga in high school and it has been a part of her life ever since. She has always been drawn to the practice to quiet her mind, ground, and help her process emotions. Yoga has a way of pushing up against your internal limits and it has become a great avenue for healing throughout her life.
Renae completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2019 to deepen her personal practice and found a love for teaching along with it. Her teaching encourages students to listen to their body above all else and make their practice their own.
Renae is also a birth worker, supporting mothers to tap into their intuition and inner knowing through the seasons of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Her own journey of motherhood has been her greatest teacher and she loves to share in these lessons with her fellow sisters.
Renae is a mom of two and is excited to join Parallel 45 teaching Mommy & Me Yoga to continue supporting mothers and babies in the postpartum period.
Faye Stanton
Faye was first introduced to yoga as a teenager when it became incorporated into her dance training curriculum. Although retired from the dance community for many years now, yoga remains integral to her daily life. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher certification with Parallel 45 in 2024 and has since been seeking any available opportunities to share her passion for yoga with those around her. With a focus on alignment, breath, and mindfulness, she aims to create a space for students to explore and deepen their practice, promoting inner peace and physical vitality.
A PNW native, Faye currently resides in Vancouver, WA with her dog and two cats. In her free time, you can find her exploring the outdoors (hiking, camping, or paddleboarding), cooking or travelling.