Meet Our Incredible Staff

  • Mandy Lal

    Studio Owner

    Hi, everyone! My name is Mandy Lal and I was born and bred right here in Akron, Ohio. Besides yoga, I love to cook up new recipes, read about far away places, and play mom to my three favorite not-so-little anymore kids. I grew up without the slightest inclination of what yoga is and didn’t fully come into my practice until my early 30s. What drew me to yoga in the first place was that when I stepped on to my mat, I had an entire hour dedicated to myself, and all the distractions of my everyday melted away. I realized that a lot of my time was spent helping other people, which I love to do, but when I was on my mat I was able to connect to myself and just breathe. After a few years of practicing regularly, I decided that I wanted to expand my knowledge and delve into the origins and intricacies of yoga, thus I began my yoga teacher training journey. When I graduated from YTT, I just knew that I wanted to share my passions of both yoga and helping others achieve their dreams by opening a studio space. My hope is that this studio will create a place where people, of all kinds, can come and feel at home.

  • Alexa Buda

    Studio Owner

    E-RYT 500, YACEP

    My journey towards becoming a yoga teacher began with a deep desire to transform my life through the practice of yoga. I started practicing yoga in 2015 and since then have completed my 200 and 300 hour yoga teacher trainings.

    I have found that through the practice of yoga, I have been able to cultivate a greater understanding of what it means to be mindful, self-aware and how to live a life of bliss.

    In addition to my passion for yoga, I have also delved deeply into the practice of Ayurveda; the ancient Indian science of health and healing. Through this practice, I have learned how to achieve balance and harmony in my body and mind, and how to use natural remedies and therapies to maintain my health and vitality.

    Ultimately, my goal is to help others find their own path to bliss and inner peace, by sharing the insights and practices that have been so transformative for me.

    Contact : alexa@fallsyogaandbarre.com

  • Amanda Maldonado

    In 2014, my yoga journey began and in December 2023, I completed my 200-hour training becoming a Register Yoga Teacher.

    After several years of practice, yoga has become my passion—a moving meditation that resonates deeply with me, where the synergy of mind and body takes place. While my initial attraction to yoga was rooted in its physical benefits, I soon discovered the impact it had on my personal growth. Yoga’s foundational philosophy has

    provided me tools to navigate life’s challenges, supporting my continuous mission in bettering myself.

    My goal is to infuse each yoga class with transformative energy, fostering an authentic and inclusive space. I strive to blend challenge with joy and to help people unlock powerful potential that can be used in every aspect of their lives.

  • Carrie D'Andrea

    My name is Carrie D’Andrea and I am an RYT-200 and an attorney.

    When I first tried yoga, I didn’t like it. But when I was struggling with finding a way to slow down seemingly endless mind racing and to relieve stress in my personal and professional life, I decided to give yoga another try. I never stopped going after I realized that it worked for me. I fell in love with the “why” and how the practice made me feel.

    I completed my RYT-200 in December 2023 and 30-hour Yoga Sculpt certification in July 2025. In my classes, you can expect thoughtful sequencing that prepares your body for the practice with options for modifications and for challenging yourself. I hope in my classes you learn something about yoga, your practice, or yourself. I am so excited to meet you on your mat.

  • Chris Stahr

    Chris Stahr, LISW, LICDC, CYT 200
    My name is Chris and I believe in wellness. I came to yoga looking to heal my body — and ended up finding so much more. What started as a way to recover physically became a path to emotional resilience, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection to myself. Off the mat, I work as a therapist/clinical coordinator helping people grow and heal through life’s toughest challenges. On the mat, I bring that same mix of compassion, clarity, and drive — blending strong, purposeful movement with breathwork and real-life wisdom. A military veteran shaped by my own healing journey and fueled by a love for running, exploring wild places, and adventure, I believe in pushing ourselves with courage and curiosity, leaning into discomfort, and embracing imperfection as we discover our own strength.

  • Dani Vranesevic

    Hi, I’m Dani — a 200-hour certified yoga and barre instructor with over six years of combined  teaching experience. My classes are high-energy, beat-driven, and designed to challenge you — in the best way.

    I’m all about creating flows that are dynamic and rhymically inspired. I love syncing breath to movement and using music to drive the energy of the room. I want you to hear a song in class and feel like it takes you somewhere — music helps us drop in, stay present, and move with intention.

    I stay fully present with my students, offering hands-on assists and real-time support throughout class. I’ll push you, guide you, and meet you where you are. I also love introducing new poses and movement patterns to keep things fresh and help you explore what your body is truly capable of.

    My goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and leave class feeling seriously empowered.

    Let’s sweat, push limits, and have a real good time doing it!

  • Jacy Guider

    Hello :) I received my 200-hr certification in June of 2022 at Shoshoni Yoga Ashram in Rollinsville, Colorado. I spent a month living in the mountains where I was able to connect with myself, learn what yoga means to me & discover how I can make a beautiful experience for other yogis. My classes are intentional in challenging the physical body and mind. I always remind my students that once they step on their mat, it's their own experience, so they should find what feels good in their body. You'll hear me say "come back to your breath", as I think it's the best way to connect the mind and body through a meditative movement. I also spend a good amount of time creating music playlists to get you into the best flow state possible. If you see me in the studio, say hi

    What I love about teaching:

    I take my personal practice seriously, which means I know the blissful feeling of a good yoga class. The feeling I get when I practice is the reason I became an instructor. I want to spread more of that blissful energy to those around me. It gives me peace knowing I had a positive impact on someone else’s experience.

  • Katie Ann Sallada

    Katie Ann's journey with yoga began during her childhood, inspired by her mother, who became certified in hatha yoga. Her personal practice evolved and flourished during high school and college, eventually leading her to pursue her own 200-hour vinyasa certification.

    Katie Ann is an E-RYT 200 vinyasa yoga instructor with over 1,000 hours of teaching experience since earning her certification in 2016. She is known for creating intelligent sequences that emphasize proper alignment and adapt to individual needs, ensuring a safe and inclusive practice for everyone.

    Katie Ann holds a Master's in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor's in Public Health & Social Justice, which deepens her understanding of holistic wellness. Her healthcare background drives her passion for integrating yoga and wellness, allowing her to share the profound benefits of a mindful practice with others. Her teaching philosophy centers on fostering mindfulness, personal growth, and overall well-being, guiding her students to achieve balance, strength, and personal growth.

  • Kristen Swinehart

    Hi! My name is Kristen. I have been an avid CrossFitter for a decade and started practicing yoga about five years ago to compliment my weekly workouts. I soon realized that yoga brought me a sense of strength and calm that I wasn’t getting anywhere else in my daily life. I decided to learn more and completed my 200-level yoga teacher training in mid-2022. Yoga goes beyond the asanas, and studying all the various aspects, such as meditation, breathwork, Ayurveda, and the historical texts has brought me to a new chapter of my life that I am excited to share with others.

    Outside of yoga, I love spending time reading and being outside in nature hiking with my husband and two stumpy corgis.

  • Mackenzie Pollard

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  • Mica Pflug

    I’ve been building my personal yoga practice since 2016 when I started as a student of YouTube, finding joy, mental clarity, and a deeper sense of well-being through movement ever since. I fell in love with the practice and the way it transforms both body and mind, and in 2022, I earned my 200-hour yoga certification, followed by my barre certification in 2023. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed practicing and teaching various styles, including power, vinyasa, aerial, and barre. My classes focus on mindful movement, strength, and breathwork to help you feel balanced, grounded, and empowered both on and off the mat."

  • Molly Leslein

    My yoga journey began in 2013 as a college student desperately seeking a form of exercise that I actually enjoyed. My aunt took me to my first class and I remember feeling an immediate pull to the practice. While initially I began yoga for the physical benefits, it was and is the mental benefits that keep me coming back time and time again. To be able to move my body and also clear my head, I thought that I struck gold. After many years of debate, In 2022, I decided it was time to complete my Yoga Teacher Training. I went into my training to deepen my own practice to learn about the philosophies and history behind yoga, still unsure if I wanted to ever teach a class. Fast forward to now, as I am actively teaching yoga! In my classes, I strive to find the balance between challenges and modifications. I encourage every student to honor what they are feeling on any given day. I want everyone to feel welcome and I hope they leave feeling better than they did when they came in, mentally & physically. I aspire to be able to give students the amazing benefits yoga has given me on the mat and in everyday life as well. 

  • Nikki Longfellow

    Certified in Yoga, Pilates, TRX, Reiki and Barre , Nikki enjoys inspiring others to empower themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually through the practice of yoga and barre. She has been a member of the fitness professional community for over 17 years. As a strength coach, Nikki has always had a tremendous appreciation and connection to the transformative power of physical activity. Nikki’s goal is to create a safe, challenging and empowering experience that allows students to tap in to the best version of themselves on and off the mat.

  • Shannon Kahoe

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  • Sophie Dever

    Desk Yogi

    My yoga journey started back in 2022 when I won a free month of yoga at FYB at a raffle. I fell in love with the practice and the studio immediately, and FYB became a second home to me. Yoga has made me stronger in both my body and my mind, and it has helped me to find the peace that I had been seeking. I plan to deepen my practice by taking part in Alexa's YTT program in January of 2025, and I am so excited to start my journey as a yoga teacher come spring of next year!

  • Sofie Fishel

    My yoga practice started several years ago with occasional classes as a means of exercise. As I attended more frequently, I began to explore my mental and physical health more deeply. Through wonderful yoga teachers, a personal study of yoga philosophy, and a committed physical practice, yoga has helped me find greater joy, inspiration, and grace with myself and others. I signed up for teacher training as a way to deepen my own practice. Quickly into it, I realized what a privilege it was to learn how to have a safe and thoughtful physical practice as well as a mental framework for how to create a meaningful and blissful life. It would be such a disservice to not offer others the same access. As a teacher, I prioritize holding space for you to experience self-exploration and empowerment.

  • Nina Ricchiuto

    Desk Yogi