Columbia Flow | Meet Our Instructors | Hot Yoga & Pilates

Lyndsey Peyton

Hot pilates has changed the game for how I manage stress in my life! Over the years, I've had great instructors who have helped push me past what I thought I was capable of, both mentally and physically. Being in the hot room has helped me become stronger and more confident in all areas of life. That confidence ultimately led me to become an instructor.

In my classes, you can expect to be challenged and championed every time you step onto the mat. Let's turn the music up and get stronger together!

Outside the studio, I enjoy spending time outside doing the stereotypical PNW activities: hiking, camping, trail running, and cycling.

When not in motion, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, good food, a sitcom I've seen too many times, and my two kitties, Heehee and Tubby.

Perumal Koshy

Yoga with Perumal offers weekly group classes and unique programs at Columbia Flow. His signature classes, Afterburn, Core Renewal, and Salutation Stretch were specifically designed for Portland, drawing inspiration from his globally renowned Synergistic Retreat Method. Each session builds progressively to suit all levels, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being.

Yoga with Perumal blends effectively with Adventure Wellness, catering to adventure-seeking enthusiasts in Troutdale, offering transformative yoga experiences that combine physical challenges with holistic rejuvenation, as well as Spa Yoga Concepts for deep relaxation and restorative benefits.

Perumal is also a published author featured in Yoga Journals in Italy, France, and Holland, where his innovative approach has gained international recognition. He is also available for private lessons, offering personalized sequences that focus on core strength, alignment, and injury management.

Katie Harris

Katie is 26 years old, originally hailing from Arizona. She has spent the last five years of her life working seasonally around the world, primarily as a member of the United States Antarctic Program. Through all her experiences, yoga and Pilates have grounded her and remained a consistent force of mental and physical connection in her life.

She is thrilled to be relocating to Oregon and pursuing her dream of sharing her love of intentional movement with others. She believes such movement helps us access our potential, and that everyone belongs in the studio. She is excited to be teaching both yoga and Pilates to Columbia Flow members and visitors. When not practicing yoga, Katie can be found backpacking, rock climbing, journaling, or exploring a new, fun recipe to attempt.

Mariana Thorn

Mariana Thorn is a dance and pilates teacher who delivers classes full of vitality, flow, and awareness. She has been teaching dance and functional movement since 2008. Over the years she has worked with people of all ages and skill levels, and she feels most alive when she is learning about the body through studying and teaching movement.

Pilates has long been a part of her personal practice as a dancer, and she dove deeper into the method during her pregnancy and postpartum recovery, obtaining her PMA Pilates Teacher Training certificates through TONE Pilates & Fitness. She particularly loves working with other women, helping to locate and activate the deep structural muscles that support us to be strong, graceful, and balanced.

Jen Fahner

I have been practicing yoga for about 10 years. I’m inspired to teach because of the transformation I’ve personally experienced in studying the practice of yoga. Using my breath to quiet my mind has been transformational in my overall health and wellbeing. The principals of yoga have made me a better person, mother, leader and community member. I hope to bring calm and stress relief to those in my classes. I will focus on matching breath to movement and balance.

I teach mostly Vinyasa Flow and Hatha classes. I’ve had some somatic training that allows me to create a safe space for those around me on their mats. Practicing yoga together can be an emotional experience for some and I try to keep my energy open and inviting.

I live in the Gresham area and spend as much time as I can in the Columbia River Gorge. I’m a mom to 3 sons and I have 3 dogs and an Orange Tabby. My home is filled with love, laughter and good food. I look forward to sharing my practice with you.

Latesha Hopkins

I’m a Pilates instructor with a passion for wellness inside and out! I teach Inferno Hot Pilates, Pilates Sculpt, and Mat Pilates. I’m currently certified in IHP level 1&2, and I'm working on my Yoga Sculpt certification. I didn’t choose Pilates—it chose me! Pilates helped me transform pain into paradise, and now I’m thrilled to share my favorite way to stay fit—mentally and physically—with the world.

I had the incredible honor of having my first Pilates experience at Gabi Walters’ studio (the creator and founder of Inferno Hot Pilates). Gabi saw the future instructor in me and my love of pilates as a regular student attending 4-5 days a week. She approached me about teaching, and the rest is history!

Outside of the studio, you’ll find me enjoying outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and spending time on the water. I also love trying new restaurants around town, traveling, and exploring new experiences. My journey is fueled by movement, connection, and a love for life. Let’s sweat, grow, and thrive together!

Michelle Melton

After years in the confines of a desk job, the sedentary lifestyle left me yearning for more vitality and connection to myself. I was inspired to explore yoga, not just as an exercise routine but as a holistic approach to life. I soon recognized that yoga could be a pathway to not only maintain physical health but also nurture mental and emotional well-being.

My philosophy centers around the belief that yoga transcends mere physical postures; it is a personal journey into self-discovery and self-discipline. I have found that through yoga, individuals can uncover their authentic selves, understand and perhaps find meaning in their needs and desires, and cultivate the willpower necessary to prioritize their own well-being. This perspective shapes my teaching style, which is rooted in kindness and empathy. I believe that yoga is truly for everybody, regardless of age or physical ability, which is why I teach various forms, such as chair yoga, Gentle Flow, Yin, and Restorative practices.

In my classes, I encourage participants to tune in to their body and engage in becoming mindful/aware of their needs, abilities, and limitations, while breathing deeply and carefully moving their body to their personal limit. My gentle demeanor fosters an inclusive environment where students feel safe to explore their limits while being guided toward rejuvenation and healing. By integrating breath work with movement, I aim to help my students develop flexibility not only in their bodies but also in their minds.

Outside of teaching yoga, I have my degree in Gerontology and as a certified activity director, I enjoy assisting seniors and differently-abled individuals in exploring their own abilities and adventure for quality of life. I also enjoy painting, crafting and cooking— hobbies that allow me to express creativity and nourish myself and others. Whether it’s experimenting with new recipes or creating art that reflects my inner world, these activities contribute significantly to my sense of fulfillment. Additionally, taking mini vacations/staycations invigorates my spirit and provides fresh perspectives on life.

As a newly certified yoga teacher dedicated to living a healthy and productive life well into old age, I embody the principles I teach: compassion, resilience, and authenticity. My journey from desk-bound professional to passionate instructor serves as an inspiration for others seeking balance in their lives.

Casey Rembold

I have been practicing yoga for the past 10 years and recently finished a 200 hour teaching training program. I am passionate about yoga for mental health and overall wellness. Since I started doing yoga I have felt more balanced and at peace in all aspects of life. I am excited to bring that sense of peace to others and share my practice.

I grew up in southern California and Arizona and went to college in Kentucky. I have been in Oregon for about 5 years now. I got my degree in American Sign Language. Outside of yoga I love exploring and going hiking and kayaking. I also have a passion for baking. I live with my mom and our four dogs and two cats.

In my classes you can expect a relaxed, zen experience. I will be teaching Yin and Hatha classes. I love to incorporate breath work into my classes to get centered and calm the nervous system. I look forward to practicing yoga with you!

Hayley Balabanova

Meet Hayley! Hayley's focus as a practitioner is on integrated health: psychology, physiology, and philosophy. Her classes will offer you an array of encouragement— rain or shine! Hayley is a group fitness instructor and registered 500-hour yoga teacher, and a personal trainer certified through American Council on Exercise. She is currently in the process of studying to attain a 1,000 Hour I-AYT accredited Yoga Therapy certification through YogaFaith.

When Hayley is not in an exercise or sports-based setting, she is playing air guitar with her toddler son, reading books on parenthood, serving at church, adventuring with her husband, or enjoying quality time with friends and family.

Renee Riddle

With a passion for yoga and a love for the great outdoors, I am excited to guide others on their wellness journeys. A few years ago, I discovered the transformative power of yoga, which led me to complete a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program. As a proud grandmother of two, I find immense joy in both family and nature. Whether playing in the mountains or practicing by a serene lakeside, I draw energy and inspiration from the natural world.

Join me for an invigorating Yoga Sculpt class, perfect for everyone, no matter your fitness level. This energetic session blends traditional yoga poses with strength training to challenge and empower you. Experience a heart-pumping flow that builds strength, enhances flexibility, and uplifts the spirit.

As you sweat, feel the release of toxins, the invigoration of your mind, and the rejuvenation of your body. Embrace this invigorating journey with me. I look forward to practicing together and sharing the energy and joy of yoga with you!

Ashley Murray Burgess

Ashley is a dedicated yoga teacher and holistic nutritionist currently residing in the serene beauty of Corbett, OR. Originally from Northern California, she was introduced to yoga and Eastern medicine at an early age, inspired by her mother’s courageous journey to heal from terminal cancer using natural methods after Western medicine proved ineffective. This profound experience instilled in Ashley a deep commitment to holistic healing and wellness.

In 2007, Ashley earned her certification as a Vinyasa yoga instructor in Costa Rica, followed by her holistic nutrition certification in Berkeley, CA. Her passion for sustainable living led her to obtain a certification in permaculture design in 2017. For a decade, she successfully ran her own business while also working as a Human Capital Management System Consultant, helping business owners streamline and automate their responsibilities through customized web-based applications.

Today, Ashley’s most cherished role is that of a mother. She also manages the administrative work for her sister’s Naturopathic Family Practice. As a single mother navigating the complexities of chronic illness and personal loss, Ashley brings a profound sense of empathy and understanding to her practice and teachings.

Ashley's teaching style is influenced by Shadow, Kundalini, Ashtanga, and Iyengar Yoga. Her creative, dance-like flows emphasize proper alignment to enhance chi and balance yin and yang energy.

She empowers students of all levels to cultivate resilience and embrace a growth mindset. Ashley emphasizes that mistakes are valuable opportunities for learning, inspiring individuals to embrace vulnerability and release their resistance to change and imperfection. By shedding negative mindsets, students can create new neural pathways.

In her classes, participants are encouraged to use movement and breath to release stored stress, fostering healing. Ashley recognizes that everyone carries some form of stress or trauma—be it personal, generational, or collective—and believes that true healing begins with a self-connection of mind, body, and soul.

Join Ashley on this transformative journey to unlock the power of healing and experience the beauty of shared experiences as you explore your limits and foster deeper connections with yourself and one another.

Rose Sink

With an open heart to guide, Rose utilizes the ancient powers of sound, vibration, song, and music to bring you on a healing experience back to the truth of who you are. Her voice, rich and resonant, carries melodies that soothe and awaken, while the vibrations of her instruments create a palpable sense of energy. Her songs, infused with intention, act as sonic pathways to deeper understanding.

The shamanic journeys she facilitates are carefully crafted, drawing upon her connection to nature and the unseen realms, inviting participants to explore their subconscious and rediscover their innate wholeness. Rose's approach is personal, recognizing the unique journey of each individual, and she strives to create a supportive environment where healing can unfold naturally.

Rose is a multi-faceted singer, songwriter & ceremonial artist who specializes in women’s holistic health & wellness. She has been a shamanic healing practitioner in Portland since 2018 and has hosted women’s medicine retreats since 2021, cultivating safe and nurturing spaces for women to explore their inner landscapes. Within her Portland practice, she has guided individuals through transformative healing journeys, and her retreats, often held in serene natural settings, offer immersive experiences of reconnection and renewal.

Sherri Kruckman

My love for yoga started more than 20 years ago and knew it would always be a part of my life to some degree. Connecting to the mat- Mind, body and spirit have transformed me mentally, physically and spiritually and I cant imagine life without it. I am finishing my 200 hr certification and also have recently completed Embodiment Somatic Yoga Therapy workshop and will start continued training in Yin yoga. I am looking forward to connecting with the community thru flowing movement, breath work and a connection on the mat.

I was born and raised here in Oregon and have 3 grown boys and am now an empty nester. While I love the PNW I have always rebelled against the cold weather so hot yoga has become my happy place for many years. When not on my mat my husband and I enjoy traveling in our van, rafting, side by siding, overland camping, Harley riding or hiking with our two labradors Oliver and Alli.

Ara Tran

Ara is a sound practitioner, Gene Keys and astrology enthusiast, with an unwavering passion for helping people reconnect with their inner world. She creates a space for individuals to release old stories that no longer serve them and align with the energy of their hearts, allowing them to move through the world feeling deeply connected to who they truly are.

Some of the general benefits of sound baths include deep relaxation, reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, and boosted energy. Beyond these well-known effects, Ara holds space with the specific intention of removing what is “not self” in a person’s energy, adding a layer of protection with the support of the Alchemy Crystal Bowls, and guiding people back to their essence. Her sound baths offer a moment to receive profound cleansing, detoxification, and restoration for the body, mind, and spirit.

Outside the studio, she loves contemplating life, devoting herself to her spiritual practices, working on passion projects, and studying topics of interest from people she admires. She also enjoys connecting with others, building community, and having deep, meaningful conversations.

She looks forward to sharing the magic of sound and reminding others that the magic already exists within them.

Meet our Instructors