Stacey Swierzbinski,

E-RYT 200, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Branches of Yoga Founder & Owner

Stacey's yoga journey began 10 years ago after having long time struggles with depression and anxiety. Stacey was looking for ways to help with these issues and came across an article on how yoga can help and decided to give it a try. Stacey immediately fell in love with the practice and continued to attend weekly classes. In 2012 Stacey decided to take the 200 hour yoga teaching training to deepen her personal practice and played with the idea of teaching but was still unsure. After graduating from Blue Heron Wellness in Silver Spring Stacey began teaching a small group of friends and slowly found the confidence to continue teaching adding additional classes along the way. Stacey completed her 300 hour advanced yoga teacher training at The Yoga Center of Columbia in December 2017 and is now a registered yoga teacher at the 500 hour level. Stacey also has continuing education in Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga, and is a certified 40 hour Trauma Informed Yoga teacher. Her teaching style includes meditation, slow flow, building strength, and finding ease while holding and breathing in the postures.

Cheryl Bosse, RYT-500

Cheryl discovered yoga in 2006 when it was offered as part of a workplace wellness program. Quickly recognizing the benefits she was experiencing in both mind and body, she began practicing regularly and knew yoga would be an integral part of her life from that point forward. In 2017, she decided it was time to share her passion and knowledge of yoga with others. She completed her 200 hour teacher training through Charm City Yoga in October 2018 and is registered with the Yoga Alliance. Additionally, she is certified in Restorative and Yin Yoga. An avid equestrian and lover of the outdoors, it is Cher's dream to teach equestrian yoga and give like-minded yogis the tools they need to succeed on the mat and in the saddle. When not practicing, Cher enjoys horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, boating, traveling, and spending time with her family, 2 dogs, and 2 horses.

Jackie Austin, RYT-200

Jackie is a secondary educator turned yogi who first dabbled in yoga as part of an after work wellness program. After a health scare in 2018, her doctor recommended yoga as a way to mitigate the effects of stress, anxiety and depression on her body. Jackie committed to deepening her practice by attending weekly at Branches of Yoga, and found her sanctuary. A recovering “type A” personality, she has discovered the importance of rest and stillness to complement a busy life.
Jackie recently completed her 200 hour training at Branches of Yoga under the guidance of Stacey Sweirbinski and is registered with Yoga Alliance. Her training included an anatomy intensive with Machelle Lee as well as trauma informed intensive with Whitney Ingram. Jackie is drawn to gentle hatha and yin practices as a way to balance movement and rest. She believes a balanced practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation can help one to be healthy, strong and content.
As a certificated educator for over 20 years, Jackie is dedicated to learning. She focuses on creating an inclusive space where all bodies are welcome and participants learn from and with each other. She enjoys incorporating poetry, nature, and sound to complement the themes of her classes. Jackie is excited to be a part of the teaching team that helped her focus on connecting with her body and brings wellness to the community.

Kristin Cook, RYT-500

Kristin began practicing yoga over 15 years ago as a form of exercise and stress relief. After being diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder in 2016, she recommitted herself to a regular yoga practice and discovered that through yoga, she was able to help heal her body, declutter her mind, and nourish her spirit. Being able to share yoga with others so that they too may discover the healing properties of yoga quickly became her passion. A former teacher with a Master’s degree in Education, Kristin brings clear instruction, inclusivity, warmth, and playfulness to her classes. She teaches an invigorating flow that incorporates meditation, breath work, and relaxation. Kristin provides students with options and encouragement based on what feels best in their bodies.

Nancy Fallon,
RYT-500

Nancy specializes in teaching yoga & mindfulness to support mental wellbeing. In her “day job” Nancy works as a licensed chiropractic assistant, which has informed her teaching ten-fold in terms of the relationship between physical pain and mental health. In her teaching, Nancy marries the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and yogic philosophy with contemporary sports medicine research to facilitate a deep integration of mind, body, and spirit within her students. Expect a journey of self-discovery; while Nancy’s teaching is gentle and empathetic, she will nudge you to explore the hidden corners of your heart in the name of uncovering the True-Self. Nancy holds additional training in yin & restorative yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, pranayama, yoga for mental health, and is trauma-informed certified.

Screen+Shot+2020-01-27+at+10.34.14+AM.jpg — Kimberly Luecking,
RYT- 200

Kimberly completed her yoga training with Branches of Yoga in Sykesville, MD in 2019. She began practicing yoga in 2015 and quickly fell in love with the practice when she found that it brought a calming and balanced presence into her life. She was inspired to pursue her teaching certification to enhance her knowledge and share her passion for the practice. When attending Kimberly’s class you can expect to build strength and flexibility, connect with your breath (pranayama) and a calming meditation focus. Off the mat, Kimberly is the mother of two young boys, loves the outdoors and spending time with friends.

Mary Ann Saunders, RYT- 500

Mary Ann began practicing yoga for its physical challenges and benefits, but soon realized yoga offers much more and sought to gain a deeper understanding of the practice. In 2017, Mary Ann completed her Hatha Raja Yoga 200 hour training, in 2018, a 100 hour meditation teacher training and in 2019 Dharma Yoga teacher training; all under the guidance of Yogini Kali Om of Sri Dharma Mittra lineage. Mary Ann is excited to share a classical yoga practice that is accessible to all levels. Her goal is to guide students through a complete practice that helps create balance in their lives.