Kate
Kate Donaldson has been teaching yoga since 2009; practicing for more. She is passionate about yoga because of the great benefits a regular practice has had in her own life. Her training is in Prana Vinyasa, which is a approach to yoga developed by Shiva Rea designed to emphasize the flow of energy (prana) in the body.
Kate's teaching philosophy is to emphasize foundational poses and to add variations as students progress. She provides instruction throughout the class — not just where to place your feet or arms, but how to breathe and where to feel the pose in the body. She strives to help students see relationships between poses and groups of poses; she hopes this knowledge will help them to “demystify” new poses.
Kate believes that advancing a yoga practice is not only about learning new and perhaps "harder" poses; a student can develop a deep awareness of poses, how to sustain a steady breath throughout the practice, how to steady the gaze, to keep the mind steady and "in the room." New postures can be fun, and keep experienced students from stagnating in their practice, but it's not necessary to advance along any one path to have a regular yoga practice.
Finally, Kate believes that to get the most out of a yoga practice, it is useful to try to attend class at least once a week. Although any amount of yoga is good and helpful, a regular, consistent practice will provide the most benefit. It is difficult sometimes to commit to something new in our busy lives, but Simply Yoga strives to make the time students spend in class truly supportive to their well-being.
David Rankin, RYT-500
I was initially drawn to the physical benefits of yoga in 2013 as another discipline to add to other physical fitness activities and soon turned yoga into a way of life. The concepts of self-compassion, remaining present, and finding balance between effort and relaxation have changed my life. The physical practice has become a spiritual journey as well. I have been practicing yoga for 8+ years at various fitness facilities (Gold’s and The Fitness Equation) and various yoga studios ( Inner Power Yoga, Beloved Yoga, Simply Yoga, Dream Yoga, Flow Yoga, Barre Buddhi, Yoga Time, and Lotus Town). Styles practiced included Power Vinyasa, Hatha, Slow Flow, Yin, Ashtanga, Restorative and Yoga Nidra. I completed my 200-hour RYT training in February 2016 in Baptiste Power Vinyasa style. Shortly thereafter, I completed YinYoga teacher certification at Beloved Yoga in April 2016, Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra teacher certification at Dream Yoga in May 2016 and Restorative Yoga teacher certification at Asheville Yoga Center in March 2016. I completed my 300-hour RYT teacher certification in March 2019.
I strive to make my classes challenging and energizing as well as soothing, structuring them around the key elements of classical vinyasa and incorporating creative sequencing to allow students to experiment and try new postures. Knowing that students will increase their strength and flexibility, I also hope they will feel more grounded, self-aware and ready to explore a deeper connection to their own bodies.
Jennifer Jackson, Dance & Yoga Teacher
Jen has been teaching and assisting dance teachers in a variety of styles - including jazz, ballet, tap, and lyrical - since the age of 12. She studied dance with a numerous well-known choreographers. and had the opportunity to dance at a number of theme parks while earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Tennessee. She has taught dance at the Dance Academy of Loudoun for 15 years.
Movement has always been a major part of her life. In addition to her dance studies, she earned certifications for teaching yoga, step, and aerobics, and taught yoga and other movement classes at local fitness centers. She also leads preschool classes in dance and creative movement. She loves working with students of all ages. She is known for using props for teaching technique and skills to keep things interesting for students. Her Stretch & Strengthen classes for Simply Yoga draw from both her dance and fitness backgrounds.
Jen lives in Leesburg with her husband and three kids. As a family they enjoy the pool and cook outs. To relax after work, she also enjoys shopping!
Kelly Plunnecke, RYT-200
Kelly began her yoga journey in 2014 when her orthopedist recommended the practice after recovering from a knee injury. Ever since, yoga benefitted not merely her body but it became an oasis for her mind and soul as well. During the pandemic Kelly reconnected with a past instructor who offered an intensive, one-on-one teacher training and she was able to earn her 200 hour certification in 2021. In Kelly's classes, you will find an instructor who continues to learn alongside her students and seeks to make yoga accessible for each individual. Kelly is happily married and the mother of five amazing kids. Her favorite place to be is on the Florida beach with her family and a good book.
Trish Forrester
On February 16, 2022, Trish found yoga. She was going through a particularly trying time and after practicing on that Wednesday morning, she noticed how calm her usually overactive, worrying mind felt. She was curious to know if this was just a one-time feeling after starting something new, so she started attending class almost every day. Sure enough after each practice, she felt lighter, more lucid, and above all, soothed. She was hooked. In addition to the peace yoga provided, she noticed her body moving about more fluidly and with less physical pain. After time, she became aware of her increased strength, flexibility, and restful sleep. It was clear that yoga would be key to her own healthy, happy aging, and she wanted to learn everything she could about it.
In February 2024, she began a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training rooted in Classical Vinyasa where she learned the principles of yoking mind, body, and breath. She continues to learn and experience something new each time she comes to the mat. Sharing with others the many precious gifts yoga has to offer is deeply satisfying to her, and she hopes you will join her on this journey in the pursuit of mental, emotional, and physical tranquility. She’s looking forward to meeting you on the mat!