Who We Are

“A strong woman looks a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink.” -Gina Carey

Meet The Owners

We are so excited to be on this journey together. Peace Out Yoga has an exceptional team of yogis with a wide range of styles and yoga backgrounds. Come take a class and experience the rich variety of yoga in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Meg Pacella

  • Meg Pacella has spent ½ her life in San Diego, California and ½ her life here in Colorado.

    She received a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and found herself missing the ocean and moved back to San Diego shortly after college. In San Diego she attended National University where she earned her Master’s in Special Education and Elementary Education. While studying to be a teacher she began her yoga journey in San Diego where she completed her 200 hour Core Alliance teacher training, sculpt teacher training and level 2 vinyasa certifications at Core Power Yoga. Shortly after her certification was complete, she traveled the world with her husband David. Their travels took them to 37 countries and over 100 different cities. She stayed and immersed herself in different cultures around the world. In India they stayed at an Ashram where she learned various formats of yoga and received her certification in Ayurvedic Medicine. When returning to the United States she decided to pursue the Elementary Education path and worked as a Kindergarten teacher in Chicago, Illinois. She welcomed her first child, Guthrie in 2015 which brought her family back to Colorado to be closer to family. In 2017, they welcomed their 2nd child, Etta. While in Castle Rock, CO she has taught Special Education and 1st grade at Clear Sky Elementary. She hopes to bring her love for kids into Peace Out Yoga offering a variety of kid’s classes and workshops. She is a fitness enthusiast and hopes to also add in some fitness elements to the studio through sculpt classes, health workshops and programs.

Amanda Shefsick

  • Amanda Shefsick is a proud native of Colorado. She has spent the last 21 years living in Castle Rock raising her family with her husband Brad and two teenage children.

    Amanda Shefsick is a proud native of Colorado. She has spent the last 21 years living in Castle Rock raising her family with her husband Brad and two teenage children. She works as a reading specialist in Douglas County School District and has her Masters in Community Counseling. She has been practicing yoga for 24 years. Yoga has always been a practice she applies to her life as a way to find wholeness. Yoga is not just the practice on a mat, it has become a way of life for her. Amanda earned her 285 hour core alliance certification through Inner Connections Yoga Studio under the teachings of John and Jeanne Adams. She is excited to teach hatha inspired, restorative, yin and gentle yoga classes and create community workshops for both adults and children and pass on gratitude, kindness and love to bring the community together. The last year has created fear, anxiety and pain for so many. She wants to create a space that welcomes people in to feel safe, loved, hopeful and put back together.

Meet Our Team

Michelle Hettinger

Lead Instructor

  • Michelle is a seasoned instructor with a passion for yoga (her soul-mate workout) and fitness.

    Michelle is a seasoned instructor with a passion for yoga (her soul-mate workout). 500hr Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher, YACEP, Nidra, Yin, Restorative & Hot Yoga Certified, Exercise Physiology degree and multiple PT and Group Fitness Certifications.


    Her unique energy and style allows her yogis to explore their practice in a creative, challenging and FUN asana playground. Building strong, inclusive yoga communities and integrating dance and music to her yoga flows tied to a specific message is her specialty.  


    Mother to two amazing boys who are the light of her life. Yoga has guided and supported her through her many beautiful and life changing experiences with them both.


    Favorite quote “Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything.  Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t really you so you can become who you were meant to be in the first place.” ~ unknown.



Char Burwell

Yoga Instructor

  • Charlene found yoga in 2010 after going through some trying times which left her feeling lost, out of balance and overwhelmed. When searching for direction in life, she felt “called” to yoga, at the time not knowing the spiritual component that yoga held.

    Yoga has helped her learn patience, flexibility in life, how to listen to her heart, how to let go, and self-love. As her body awareness improved and her connection to self deepened, she was able to experience the challenges of life with calmness, insight, and even joy.


    In 2021 Charlene finished her 285-hour yoga teacher training, working with the Himalayan Tradition. Her classes emphasize the importance of strength and flexibility, effort and ease, breath and awareness, connection with self, and infuses yoga philosophy to help empower students to find inspiration in their daily lives on and off the mat.


    Besides yoga, Char is a Registered Nurse and enjoys spending time with her husband, blended family of six children, two grandchildren, standup paddle boarding, and hiking with her dogs.

Toni Veruchi

Yoga Instructor

  • In 1997 Toni took her first yoga class (Bikram's Hot Yoga) and practiced this for the next five years

    In 1997 Toni took her first yoga class (Bikram's Hot Yoga) and practiced this for the next five years. In 2002 she became certified, with over 20 years of teaching expierence she has

    taught Bikram, Fusion, Power and Vinyasana Flow.


    Teaching is Toni's passion. It is her desire teach from a space of love and compassion and to share the many healing aspects of

    yoga with you. Yoga is beyond the pose, but rather it is about transformation. The joy is knowing that the journey is always

    evolving and is never ending. Toni looks forward to seeing you on the mat soon!

Allison McKean

Yoga Instructor

  • Allison, RYT-500, began her yoga journey in 2005 while playing collegiate softball.

    What started as a way to complement her athletic training quickly became a daily practice that enhanced her mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.


    In 2014, Allison earned her Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning from The University of Edinburgh, where she conducted a study on the physical benefits of yoga. Her research revealed that practicing yoga twice a week for six weeks significantly improves flexibility, strength, and balance. After returning home in 2014, she completed her 200-hour teacher training at Samadhi Yoga in Denver, followed by her 300-hour YTT in 2023.


     As an instructor, Allison is knowledgeable, approachable, and encouraging, often bringing humor into her classes. Her goal is to offer both physical and spiritual benefits, fostering unity, connection, and expanded awareness in a fast-paced world. Currently, Allison teaches yoga, health and weight lifting at a local high school. A native of Castle Rock, Allison cherishes time with her two children.

Julia Morehart

Yoga Instructor

  • Julia is a local special education teacher and a mother.

     Yoga became a part of her life in 2012 at a time where she was looking for a physical practice to improve her overall health, but found that yoga provided much more of a mental release, and a spiritual outlet. In seeking to deepen her practice, Julia completed her 285- hour training in 2021 at Inner Connections Yoga in Castle Rock and became an instructor.


    Julia takes a welcoming, non-judgmental approach to her classes. She brings a calm presence with the intent of guiding students (kids and grownups alike) to find balance, to practice with ease and effort, and to connect the mind with the body. Whether it’s a class for kids, a Vinyasa flow or a Gentle practice, Julia intends for each student to leave her classes feeling stronger, more open, and deeply relaxed.

Renee Mettler

Yoga Instructor

  • RRenee (E-RYT 200, YACEP) started practicing yoga as an adjunct to running, hiking, and skiing and as a way to connect with her, then, teenage daughter.

    She soon realized the intrinsic benefits of a regulated breath, relaxed nervous system, focused mind, and deeper awareness – within and beyond the physical body.


    In 2015, Renee completed ICY’s 285-hour Classical Hatha Yoga Teacher Training and

    began teaching classes ranging from Gentle to heated Power Vinyasa. She’s been

    teaching, learning, and “yoga-journeying” ever since. As a K-12 educator and life-long-

    learner, Renee enjoys continued study – especially regarding the science behind this

    healing practice. She loves that yoga meets EACH of us exactly where we are –

    regardless of background, body type, age, or perceived ability.

     

    As T. Krishnamacharya noted, “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.” You will find that Renee’s classes provide a safe and welcoming space for you to discover and expand upon your own strength, flexibility, and balance in mind and body.


    She invites you to journey with her through challenging, yet meditative, yoga practice.

Lindi Holden

Yoga Instructor

  • Lindi discovered yoga while attending college. She quickly realized that yoga was more than a fun way to exercise and wanted to share the gift of yoga with others.

    In 2010, she began teaching yoga. She has taught various yoga formats, but her favorite is Yin. She challenges her students to lean into discomfort rather than backing away and using their breath through it. It exemplifies that all moments, no matter how challenging they may be, are temporary and that we have the ability to face whatever it is that comes our way.  



    She believes yoga should be noncompetitive, rooted in mindfulness and inclusive of all bodies, ages and abilities.  

Michele Suriano

Yoga Instructor

  • Michele, a Long Island native, embarked on her yoga journey in 2008 after friends suggested it as a way to improve strength and flexibility.

    At the time, she was navigating the challenges of balancing her personal life with the demands of running her own investment company, which she founded in 2006. The stress of frequent travel and long hours left her seeking balance, and yoga became the perfect solution.


    Through yoga, Michele learned to tune into her body and intuition, building both physical

    strength and emotional resilience. It helped her stay present, grateful, and joyful each day.

    Inspired by the profound benefits yoga brought to her life, Michele earned her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2018, with the mission of sharing this transformative practice with others.


    In her classes, Michele encourages the practice of mindful movement, where breath connects with each posture. She loves challenging inversions, which offer a new perspective both physically and mentally. Known for her infectious joy and lighthearted approach, Michele brings a sense of fun and community to every class at Peace Out Yoga. 


    Join her for an upliftingexperience filled with connection and a few well-earned laughs!

Bonnie Thompson

Yoga Instructor

  • Bonnie is a Balanced Body Certified Mat, Apparatus, and CoreAlign Instructor.

    She has been teaching Pilates since 2006 and has a unique history within the health and fitness world ranging from being a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Consultant, National Physique Competitor (NPC), and fitness model.  She is a mother of three children and knows what it is like to try to stay in shape while trying to keep up with a busy family and work life.  Being healthy both mentally and physically should be a priority for all of us and this is definitely a goal when she is teaching Pilates.  

Nicole McCormick

Yoga Instructor

  • Nicole started training as a yoga teacher in 2019 and has a passion for continued learning in yoga and beyond.

    She is a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher and has completed additional training in Katonah Yoga and Yin Yoga. Nicole teaches a grounding practice that encourages mind-body engagement in support of mind-body expansion. Students can expect a class with intentional sequencing and instruction and the invitation to make the practice one's own. Over her years of practice, Nicole has found that yoga prepares us to embrace life with an open heart, mind, and body - and she hopes to share that insight with every student. 


    Nicole lives in Castle Pines with her husband, daughter and multiple fur babies. Off the mat, she works as a Nurse Practitioner, and she enjoys strength training, reading, and spending time outdoors.



     


Amanda Kanaber

Yoga Instructor

  • Amanda found yoga as a student in 2009. As a (then) foster mom of teen boys, yoga became her place of calm in the storm that was a crazy, broken and busy life.

    In 2018 she earned her 200 hr RYT and have additional certifications in yin and hot yoga. She love the presence it takes working on inversions and the discipline to be still in Yin. When not yoga-ing she is a preschool speech therapist. Her passion is sharing a mix of challenge, presence and laughter with her students.

Dawn Miller

Yoga Instructor

  • Dawn Miller is a 200 hour yoga instructor. She has taught for years and finally joined the Peace Out family.

    Dawn Miller is a 200 hour yoga instructor. She has taught for years and has just recently joined the Peace Out family. She is a mother of four and that is her number one source of joy. She loves to adventure, travel, hike and be active in any way. She loves to connect with others and thrives on empowering those around her. Her yoga classes tend to lean toward a hard push that will inspire you to find yourself in a space of kowing YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!



Kristin Schooler

Yoga Instructor

  • Kristin is a 500-hour E-RYT teacher, trained in various yoga styles, including vinyasa, hatha, yin, restorative yoga, yoga Nidra, and therapeutic yoga modalities.

    As a faithful student of yoga, she is always in a new training or course, or reading a new book on the topic. Kristin’s approach to teaching is deeply soulful, intuitive, and energetically transformative.  In her teachings, Kristin blends the subtle healing power of yoga with a strong focus on mobility, longevity, and mindful alignment. Her personal health journey through chronic pain and fatigue led her to yoga, where she discovered its profound impact on body, mind, and spirit. In addition to yoga, she is a passionate soul coach, intuitive energy healer, and certified meditation facilitator. Outside of her practice, Kristin enjoys studying energy medicine, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Liz Hochstetler

Yoga Instructor

  • Liz has been teaching yoga classes, since she got certified in Denver 8 years ago. She is a mom of 2 boys that are 5 and 8 years old.

    Her passion is helping others with their health and fitness and is a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer. She loves the practice of yoga, because it is truly a form of art to her, and she loves guiding others, as well as witnessing the light yoga ignites in everyone on and off their mats! 


    Liz loves being able to bring challenging classes to help others grow on their mats/journeys. It is always her goal to have class with her be the best hour of your entire day!

Beryl Fanslow

Yoga Instructor

  • Beryl came to her mat in 2005 where she found a peaceful reprieve from the stressors of life.

    As an E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance certified instructor and continuing education provider with over 10 years of experience, she strives to create an open and safe environment where each student can explore their physical, spiritual, and mental practice of yoga. She encourages each student to find the physical and mental fortitude to develop a more mindful practice through a focus on alignment, safety, logical sequencing, and strength. There is always room to grow on and off the mat, and that growth can be found in the details of our yoga practice.




    Beryl completed her first 200 hour Teaching Training program in 2012, and her 300 hour Advanced Teacher Training program in 2017. Outside of yoga, Beryl is a musician and a mom. She loves spending time outside with her wife and son, hiking and exploring beautiful Colorado.

Ariel Spurlock

Yoga Instructor

  • Ariel (RYT 200) is a Registered Yoga Alliance teacher who first began practicing yoga in 2017.

    A Colorado native, Ariel grew up in Highlands Ranch and studied Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. She has a passion for biomechanical engineering the physics of the human body. She has an extensive background in dance and wanted to blend her passion for movement and music with the grounding qualities of yoga.




    Ariel strives to empower her students both on and off the mat by bringing alignment and intention into their lives. 

Melissa Snell

Yoga Instructor

  • When Yoga first showed up in Missy’s life, it was like meeting the Soul of the Universe.

    When Yoga first showed up in Missy’s life, it was like meeting the Soul of the Universe. Yoga provided a safe place, stillness in the chaos, healing, strength, and inner-awareness. Through the teachings of the Yoga Sutras, guidance and support from other Yogi’s, and the beautiful practice of Mantra and Sound, Missy is the Teacher she is today.


    You can find her teaching a variety of classes: Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga, Yin, Prenatal, Meditation and Sound Healing, to name a few.



    "I'm really friendly, but not quite tame. So may it be for you." - Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Rachel Lee

Yoga Instructor

  • Rachel is honored to be an instructor at Peace Out Yoga and is living out her dream of being involved in a positive, loving, yoga community.

    Rachel completed her studies in yoga and earned her 200 hrs CYT at Simply Yoga, in her hometown of Fort Wayne, IN in 2018. Rachel began to explore yoga more in college as a healthy form of movement for her mind and body. Rachel attended Loyola University Chicago and earned her Bachelor of Science in International Studies and French, then spent the next four years in the Army as a Field Artillery Officer. She was blessed to travel around the world, and serve in the illustrious 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. NC. Rachel first got to use her yoga experience by leading her Paratroopers in yoga during deployments and stateside PT. She found it rewarding to be able to provide her team with a different way to move their bodies and release stress. Rachel and her husband, Michael, welcomed their first child into the world in June of 2024. When she is not at the studio, Rachel enjoys cooking, running, and cuddling her baby. 


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