Meet Our Amazing Team!

We pride ourselves on empowering teachers to lead a practice that is unique and true to their own style, providing a multitude of experiences for every yogi. Coming from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds, our teachers are the heart and soul of Bend & Zen.

We are strong, silly, courageous, expressive, kind, open and physical human beings from all walks of life who are united through our love of yoga.

(Showing 1 - 15 of 22)

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Amanda Bell

Amanda Bell (ERYT 500), owner of Bend and Zen Hot Yoga Nashville, has been practicing yoga for 17 years and teaching for 14. A proud military brat, arm balance enthusiast, and former marathon runner, Amanda always dreamed of creating a space where she could share the transformative benefits of yoga to support others in improving their quality of life and overall happiness. For Amanda, yoga has been a powerful tool—helping her manage and reduce panic attacks, recover from an eating disorder, and discover a sustainable, healthy approach to fitness.

Her teaching motto: True yoga begins when we set aside the ego, release comparison, and stop forcing our bodies into shapes they’re not ready for. That’s when the real work unfolds.

Amy Tripp

As a student (and teacher) of yoga I create spaces of healing and connection in the body and mind. This practice can allow us to understand the nature of reality and experience our true self. Yoga is for everybody. We all deserve to know what it feels like to connect with our wholeness. When “the seer abides in its essence” then we are welcomed to a part in the blissful ensemble of life.

I am grateful to be here with you all! In my teachings you can expect a playful and gentle energy. I began teaching after I completed my 200hr YTT in 2017. I love the community and growth yoga has brought into my life and I hope to share it with you! Namaste honeys :)

Andrea Cothern

My name is Andrea Cothern. I’m a Nashville native and have been practicing yoga for inside a decade. I took my first class in 2013 then completed both a 200 Hour Vinyassa and Hot 26 training in the summer of 2020. I found yoga in search of healing an injury and found that it can offer so much more. Not only has yoga helped to heal me physically but it has had a profound impact on my emotional strength. I am continuing my study of yoga by focusing on yoga therapy to help others work through trauma, the way that yoga has helped me through mine. Off the mat, I am a full time photographer and enjoy travel for music, food, and everything in between.

Ashton Maguire

I have been teaching yoga since summer of 2023 and a passionate about creating a welcoming and empowering space for students of all levels. I found yoga after a running injury and will never stop talking about the physical and mental benefits of this practice. There have been emotional and physical wounds that only the practice of yoga has healed for me.
I primarily teach heated power vinyasa and guide students through a sequence designed to unify the body with the breath creating internal regulation. In my class, you can expect a challenging yet accessible sequence integrating physical and mental strength and balance.
Off the mat, I work in the mental health field and enjoy running through McCabe Park, spending time with my two cats (Hazel and Nyx), and finding any and every excuse to go to the beach.

Bri Barbieri

I’ve never felt stronger than when I’m on my yoga mat. I’ve never felt more free than when I’m on my yoga mat. I’ve never felt more in control than when I’m on my yoga mat. I’ve never loved myself as much as I do when I’m on my yoga mat. I’ve never felt more connected to my community and the world around me than when I’m on my yoga mat.

Yoga has brought me (and continues to bring me) so much peace, love, connection and strength. What better way to celebrate all of the magic that yoga has brought to me than share it with others? That’s what led me to become an instructor, and I hope you experience that same magic in my classes!

Brian Jones

Yoga has been a significant part of my life for over 10 years, and my practice has helped me grow stronger in mind, body and spirit…on and off the mat. Yoga inspires me to live each moment more mindfully and with more gratitude and compassion. I completed my 200 hour Vinyasa training in Costa Rica at The Nexus Institute. I will always be a student of yoga and am deeply grateful for the loving wisdom my teachers share and have shared with me. In my classes, I love to combine creative sequencing, a mindful connection of breath to movement and a small dose of meditation to help you deepen your practice. In helping others grow by nurturing body, mind and soul with yoga, my hope is that you step off the mat feeling stronger, more balanced and more alive!”

Caitlin Shannon

I’ve been flipping upside down, dancing, and meditating as long as I can remember. I intentionally started practicing yoga in 2010 as a college class.

My first teacher training was completed in 2017 at Kali Yuga Yoga here in Nashville which as a Ayurvedic and philosophy based training. I enjoy weaving these themes
into dynamic asana sequences that are mindful and playful while challenging the body.

My certifications include 500 hr E-RYT, Original Hot 26, and numerous back bending, contortion, and breath-work trainings accomplished.

Teaching is the best way to learn, so it’s truly a fulfilling experience. My students have made me the teacher I am and motivate me to keep growing. I love discussing anatomy and specific postures and movements so an interactive experience is always encouraged!

Chelsea Gartner

Discover the magic that happens when physical meets mindful. "I come to my mat to work every muscle and every emotion. The poses, the movement, your breath - they're all your tools to connect inwards; yoga is the work out to work in." Teaching yoga since 2012, Chelsea seeks to share the wisdom and power of yoga in mind and body for personal development and transformation. In Chelsea's class you will refocus your mind back into your body to explore your movement and strengthen from the inside out. Unroll your mat to unlock your power within.

Eliza Neely

Eliza first began yoga as a routine workout in college and quickly realized the psychological and emotional healing that went along with practicing. She knew she wanted to show up for others so that they could find the same healing and wholeness that yoga gives her, so she completed her RYT 200-hr teacher training in 2018 at her home studio in Oxford, MS. Her favorite part about teaching is the people she has gotten to know and practice with over the years. Her yoga practice is what led her to pursue a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling, which she is in school for now.
Eliza’s goal as a teacher is to hold space for others so that they can connect to their truth and find freedom. She believes that each class and each student is beautifully unique and is honored to have the opportunity to practice with each of her students!

Gilbert Valenzuela

Gilbert never considered teaching full-time when he started in the fall of 2017... and look at him go now! His classes are accessible to the yoga curious and physical enough for those exploring new limits to what they are capable of doing in their bodies. He speaks to trusting your body to be your teacher and using your breath as a tool, so everyone can receive the most out of whatever they need from their time on their mat. He still confuses his left and right sides and delights in picking the tunes people get to move to.

Hannah Roberts

My name is Hannah, and I'm an E- RYT 200 yoga teacher from Austin, Texas. My mom put me into my first yoga class when I was in 6th grade, and it became a place of comfort and safety for me from a young age. Outside of the yoga room, I work as a Clinical Mental Health Therapist at the Family Intervention Program where I work with survivors of crime. I am able to incorporate yoga into my therapy practice which has combined two of my greatest passions. I also love trying coffee shops around town, reading, watching reality TV, and having out with my cat, Jolene. In my class, I hope you will find a safe space to connect with yourself and maybe laugh a little too.

Hollon Beasley

Yoga is connection. Human connection and community is what inspired me to be a teacher four years ago. I practice and teach to stay connected to myself and others with a whole lot of LOVE. My classes are full of spontaneity, fun music, and feel-good movement. I create my classes to help my students grow and find a part of themselves that they maybe have forgotten. Something I say often in class is, “Remember who the fuck you are!,” because it’s not about finding something that’s lost but remembering WHO YOU ARE! Come flow with me!

Jaclyn Schaumburger

After being an athlete my entire life and having to quit playing sports due to so many injuries, it felt like the world was ending. That is until I discovered yoga! I was absolutely addicted to the heat, workout, “work-in,” therapy and healing it offered for my back. For five years, I have taught everyone from the complete beginner to the experienced yoga practitioners to athletes. I teach a high energy, upbeat class that will, hopefully, leave you smiling as you walk out of the door. My goal is to help you realize that you can conquer anything your day or week puts in front of you through the practice of yoga.

Jazz Fields

Hi there, I’m Jazz, and I’ve been practicing yoga consistently since 2019. I practice as a way to stay present in life both on and off the mat. For me, yoga is less about flexibility and the physical postures, but instead is more tuned into the breath and self-inquiry. In my class, we will check ego at the door, often making use of props and modifications to elevate our practice. The music is chill, the vibes are groovy, and the class is accessible for all. Yoga is for everybody and every body. Together, let’s tap into the breath and see where it leads us.

Jody Maddigan

Movement + mindfulness = !!!! Yoga is the most beautiful combination of two of my biggest passions in life. My practice, as a student and teacher, has changed my life and will continue to do so. I have practiced for several years, but really began taking it seriously in 2022. Holding space for students to be themselves, explore movement, and live in the moment is the most fulfilling way for me to spend an hour. My classes tend to be filled with super fluid and flowy movement to help students feel into their body and get out of their heads. All levels are welcome always! My hope is that students leave my class with more loving energy than they came in with.

(Showing 1 - 15 of 22)

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