FOUNDER & CEO

Throughout my life, I have worn a lot of hats. Ceramic artist, step-dancer, bandmate, project manager, welder, fork-lift operator, Michigander, theme park artist, salsa dancer, dog mom, cat mom, yoga instructor, biker, optimist, visual learner, problem solver, a mover, a facilitator, an adventurer. A doer of all things. Entwined within them all, I’ve known this to be true – I’ve always been in pursuit of deeper well-being and something with greater purpose. I’ve been working to find that not only for myself, but to share that with those around me. I am beside myself, stepping into this opportunity to bring Sisu to the Lakeland community. It is with deep gratitude that I get to open these doors to you, practice beside you, humbly guide you on your journey towards finding liberation in your ability to choose, challenge, rest, push, explore, connect, accomplish, and most importantly find your sense of Sisu. Thank you

FOUNDER & CFO

Chris is a health advocate, serial entrepreneur, martial arts practitioner, musician and avid outdoorsman. He is passionate about bringing people together in this new space that focuses on overall well-being and practices to enrich the longevity and lifestyle of the Lakeland community.

I’m Michelle, a yoga teacher, breathwork guide, and nurse with a passion for whole-body wellness. I blend mindful movement, intentional breath, and a deep love for nature (and all animals!) into everything I share.

I began my yoga journey more than two decades ago, discovering early on how powerful my personal yoga practice can be in creating balance, clarity, and personal growth. In 2019, I completed my 200-Hour Teacher Training with the Central Florida Hatha Yoga School in Orlando, which deepened my understanding of both the physical and philosophical foundations of yoga.

Every practice, no matter how small, has the potential to spark meaningful transformation. My very first asana became a turning point on my journey, providing the space to explore the path toward living as my most authentic self. Yoga has given me tools to navigate life’s challenges with steadiness, patience, and compassion, and it continues to inspire me to explore the unknown with the same curiosity as I had at the beginning. 

As a teacher, I strive to bring warmth, attentiveness, and genuine support to my students’ growth and make yoga accessible to all. I enjoy offering space for breath, reflection, and gentle discovery, both on and off the mat. Off the mat, I bring the same sense of purpose and intentionality to my professional work as a philanthropy advisor and fundraising strategist, helping non-profit organizations build meaningful impact in their communities.

Jae Ingram offers yoga, primal flow, sauna sessions, & stretch therapy at Sisu that blends mindful movement, breathwork, and gentle hands on support.

Her stretch sessions are calm, attentive, and unrushed, allowing the body to open without force in a fully clothed, supportive setting. People come to Jae after workouts, contrast therapy, or when they simply need to reset. Her work supports recovery and long term ease through assisted stretching guided by breath and body awareness.

With years of yoga and movement experience, Jae cues each session thoughtfully, helping clients participate actively and feel subtle shifts as they happen.

At Sisu, her work offers a grounded, meditative form of therapy that helps the body recover, integrate, and move forward with greater ease.

Aaron is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Level 3 Reiki Master whose work at Sisu is quiet, intentional, and deeply felt. His sessions are unhurried and responsive, shaped by close attention to the body rather than a fixed routine.

People come to Aaron when they want work that is thoughtful and real. When they are holding stress they cannot quite name, recovering from long standing tension, or needing support that is both physical and calming. He specializes in therapeutic massage, lymphatic drainage, and Thai table massage, adapting each session as the body opens and responds. Reiki is often woven into his work naturally, offering subtle support without pulling focus from the hands on care.

What clients often notice afterward is a sense of settling. Muscles soften, breath deepens, and the nervous system shifts out of holding. For some, this release is purely physical. For others, it reaches deeper, creating space emotionally as well.

Reflexology, along with hand and scalp work, are available as optional add ons for those seeking additional grounding or relief.

At Sisu, Aaron’s work is about trust, presence, and creating the conditions for the body to recalibrate itself.

I’m Jes, a former law enforcement officer turned spiritual guide, here to help you embrace every emotion on your journey to self-discovery, offering both yoga and sauna sessions at Sisu!

My name is Kayla and I have been deepening my practice since 2019. I like to offer my students what yoga has continued to give to me- a pause for myself. To me, yoga is about slowing down and turning inward, stripping away the need to do and replacing it with the rebellious act of simply being. My Yin practices offers an opportunity to shut out the surrounding world and return to your true self, without titles, obligations, and performance. I hope to meet you on the mat soon!

RYT 200 hr Reiki Master, Teacher, Energy Healing Facilitator, and Wellness Coach - I’m here to help you see your own light!

Ella is a 200 hour RYT and 100 hour meditation teacher who specializes in Hatha & Vinyasa yoga. Her style is a return to the traditional purpose of yoga-- to reconnect our fragmented energies and realize our essential wholeness. By centering embodiment, her classes will focus on transcending the mind and flowing with your internal rhythm. 

Nolan is a certified personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry. He specializes in holistic health and wellness, offering both one-on-one and group training sessions. Nolan is affiliated with YF Wellness, where he provides personalized fitness programs aimed at improving strength, conditioning, and overall well-being.

Namaste, I’m Hanna! I am a 300 hr certified yoga teacher with 9 years of teaching experience. I currently teach at Sisu, as well as virtually on the meditation app, Insight Timer. Additionally, I have been a certified personal trainer for 9 years and I train at Southside Barbell and Lakeland Country Club. I love sunshine, movement, fresh air, coffee and animals. My intention for each class is that you leave your mat feeling better than when you started. See you on the mat!

Hi, my name is Gabrielle
I’m 34 a Mom of two and a wife
I’ve been a Pilates instructor since March 2024
Fitness is my passion and has been for over a decade now. I’m a huge nerd and an adventurer.
I love bringing people together to better lifestyles

Victoria discovered yoga in 2006 and soon after realized that coming to the mat daily was life changing. With a passion to share this knowledge, she completed her 200 hour Teacher Training program at Yoga Darshana in West Babylon, New York in 2015.

She leads heart opening, meditative inspired classes that combines her dynamic love of movement with the practice of yoga. Her classes are designed to gently guide students along their own ever evolving practice, and ultimately to find joy in every moment on and off the mat. Victoria believes that yoga is truly for everyone.

Ryan is a certified personal trainer (CPT, ACSM), US Army Resilience Trainer, and Unit Prevention Leader.

Taking his first yoga class in 2022 opened his mind to the concept of wellness, and its a path hes happily been on ever since.

In his spare time he enjoys yoga, weightlifting, spending time with his wife and dog, and volunteering at Polk County Bully Project

I’m a thoughtful, detail-oriented person with a strong interest in creativity, communication, and personal growth. I enjoy learning deeply, asking meaningful questions, and bringing intention into the work I do. I received my first 200YTT in 2015 and have continued to gain knowledge since then and am certified in many other forms of fitness as well. My passion is to teach others and celebrate them as they grow.

With a background in fitness and a deep respect for yoga as a lifelong practice, Kristina enjoys supporting a space where people can move, breathe, and reconnect. She looks forward to welcoming you each visit.

I began practicing yoga in 2011 as a way to incorporate movement into my life. I had danced as a teenager and tried other fitness endeavors as a young adult. As the years passed, I longed for more integration of mind, body, soul and spirit. From the first yoga class, I realized this is what I needed. Shortly thereafter I obtained my first 200 hour hatha yoga certification. Desiring more training, I obtained another 200 hour certification in Baptiste Power Yoga in 2013. I have taught hatha flow, vinyasa flow, slow flow, gentle and restorative. Being on my mat has given me opportunities for mindful meditation. Intentional integration has cultivated transformation in every part of my being. Breath, alignment, stability and balance are key components waiting for each one of us. I invite you to create that sacred space on your mat.

I’m Angie! I’m currently working toward my 200-hour yoga teacher certification and I’m a Reiki Master and Sound Healer. I love guiding meditations, breathwork, and gentle movement. Yoga started as a way for me to simply move my body and ended up becoming a powerful tool for calming my mind too. I believe yoga is for everybody and every body, and that your practice should always meet you exactly where you are.