Team IN Power
Committed to Growth, Grounded in Community
Every teacher at IN Power Yoga brings a unique background, teaching style, and life experience to the studio. Together, we create a welcoming environment where students of every level can grow, connect, and discover the power of a consistent yoga practice.
Many members of our team help lead Teacher Training, guide retreats, and develop workshops that support both new and longtime practitioners. This commitment to growth isn’t just personal—it’s how we stay present, informed, and in service to the strong, supportive community that defines IN Power Yoga.
More Than Teachers — A Community
See the workshops, retreats, student stories, and moments that make IN Power Yoga feel like home.
Which Teacher Is Right for You?
Every teacher at IN Power Yoga brings their own energy, life experience, and teaching style to the studio. Whether you’re looking for an invigorating power flow, a restorative Yin practice, or a welcoming place to begin your yoga journey, you’ll find a teacher who meets you where you are.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful Baptiste-inspired flow, a relaxing Yin practice, strength-building classes, or supportive guidance as a beginner, our teaching team offers a variety of styles and personalities to help you feel at home. Explore our Class Descriptions to find the practice that’s right for you, visit our Hello Page! if you’re new to IN Power Yoga, or browse the Class Schedule to meet your future teacher on the mat.
Liz Merrill
Owner/Operator/Teacher
I discovered yoga 25 years ago in South Norwalk, CT, and have been practicing all over the world ever since. What began as a way to stay fit evolved into a deeper connection with the flow and meditation. Now, yoga is not just something I do—it’s an essential part of my life, my healer, and my anchor.
Above all, I’m married to the love of my life, Jim and mom to three incredible world-changers—Maxwell, Henry, and Fletcher. I’m also the owner at IN Power Yoga, an entrepreneur, and with that get to share my passion as a yoga instructor for the last 7 years. My family loves seeking out live music, attending festivals, and exploring the world. We share our travels and experiences with our community, embracing every new perspective along the way.
I teach at IN Power because of the deep, intimate connections we’ve cultivated here. It’s a space where everyone is welcome, no matter your mood, your experience level, or your practice style. We invite you to join us—practice, feel seen, and flow together with us.
xxoo
Chris B.
Studio Founder/Teacher/ Program Director
In over 20 years as a fitness professional, nothing has sparked transformation and elevation of my life like practicing and sharing Baptiste Power Yoga. I can’t imagine my life without it – and though when a client invited me to try a hot yoga practice for the first time, I almost didn’t show up!
As a successful personal trainer, figure competitor, and expert in weight training and nutrition, what could yoga do for me? After just a few practices, I noticed my mind felt clearer, and I was better at separating from disempowering thoughts. This new fitness experience was all-encompassing and even now, every practice feels like an opportunity to learn, grow, release what I don’t need, and show up for myself and others in new and bigger ways. Who doesn’t want this?!
Having recently semi-retired my personal training business to travel and explore with my best friend/husband of over 24 years, I’m excited about the next chapter of our lives. And – I’m so grateful to continue welcoming students to their mat, leading and coaching Yoga Teacher Training, and showing up for my own practice in the studio. This practice keeps teaching me the value of cultivating resilience and dropping perfection and judgement to make space for freedom and discovery. Plus, I have made the best and dearest of friends in our team and the community!
I am a Certified Personal Trainer (The Cooper Institute), Yoga Teacher (Baptiste Institute, ERYT200), and Certified Yoga Educator & Influencer (Baptiste Institute, 1200hr), and most importantly, a student on my mat next to you every chance I get. I’m just getting started!
Stephanie S.
Teacher / Studio Manager
Yoga found me over 10 years ago.
My very first practice, I left feeling curious, connected and elated. I really met myself for the first time. The curiosity was a continued invitation to call me back.
Yoga continues to provide all I truly need.
Healing, connection, Love, acceptance,
Truth and Safety.
The deeper I went into the practice the more I wanted to share Yoga with other’s.
Someone I Love very much shared yoga with me and now here I am 10 plus years later.
I am currently pursuing my wildest dreams.
I am a Mama Bear to 6 Amazing Souls.
Baby Levi’s Beloved TUTU
2 Fur babies, Pedro Jackson and Kushie Bear
Chris F.
Teacher/Workshop & Retreat Leader
I discovered yoga in 2018 while looking for cross training that could prevent injuries while I was training for a marathon. I discovered quickly that yoga is more than a physical practice — it not only gives me strength to run 26.2 miles but a spiritual and mental focus I was missing.
In addition to teaching yoga and helping lead workshops and retreats at IN Power Yoga KC, I’m a content writer for a marketing agency and before that I worked in print and digital sports media for more than two decades. Away from yoga and work, I enjoy spending time at home with my wife, Tory, and our dog, Ruby, as well as the outdoors, especially camping and hiking.
My intention in teaching is to share the gifts that yoga gave me. Beyond discovering what is physically possible in my body, yoga, especially the practice of breath, helps me find peace off my mat.
Yoga is a practice that supports us — without judgment or expectations — no matter how we feel or look when we show up on the mat. I never regret coming to practice when class is over.
I welcome you to give up your expectations on your mat and discover what’s possible if you commit to your breath and drishti.
Roseanne C.
Teacher/Workshop Leader
Yoga has served me for almost 2 decades as a tool for grounding, strength, clarity, and growth.
As a wife, mother, licensed counselor, professional coach, and facilitator, my approach is shaped by the principles of positive psychology—resilience, hope, mindfulness, and strengths.
My goal is to empower you to tap into your highest, best self—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In my classes you can expect to be physically challenged, pushing your strength, flexibility and focus.
You’ll leave each session sweaty, energized, centered, and ready to take on whatever lies ahead— all while eager to return to your next yoga practice.
Lyndi M.
Teacher/Retreat Leader
I am thrilled to be your guide on this transformative journey. With over a decade of experience in yoga practice, I bring a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and a passion for helping women feel their best.
I hold a degree in Exercise Science, which has provided me with a solid foundation in the mechanics of the body and the principles of effective exercise.
Additionally, I am an ISSA certified nutritionist, allowing me to integrate comprehensive nutritional guidance into my approach to wellness. My 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (200 RYT) has further equipped me with the skills to create a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all participants.
My mission is to empower women through exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness. I believe that true wellness comes from a balanced approach to health, and I am dedicated to helping women achieve this balance. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a beginner, my goal is to support you in feeling strong, nourished, and mindful.
Outside of working full time and teaching yoga; I run a side business dedicated to women’s health and wellness. You can find more about my journey and daily inspiration on my Instagram handle @midlifemood.food.fitness.
Tracy M.
Teacher
Yoga found me after a hip injury ended my marathon training and forced me to slow down. What started as a free class quickly became a life-changing practice. Yoga gave me tools I use every day—especially the ability to pause, breathe, and begin again when life feels overwhelming.
Teaching allows me to share the transformation I experienced during a difficult season in my life. The studio became a place of safety, empowerment, and connection, and I believe deeply in what’s possible when we commit to the process.
Off the mat, you’ll find me with my husband Jeff, our two boys, and our pups, creating art and designing jewelry—or practicing right alongside you in the studio.
Beth M.
Teacher
I have been practicing yoga since late 2014 as a form of movement therapy to help me cope with the death of a close friend. From the first time on my mat, I discovered the space of being in community with others while moving through poses on my mat.
I am a wife, mother of two young adults, mother of Teddy, the Shiba Inu, as well as a student on and off my mat. I want to be a guide as I teach yoga, and I also encourage us to practice loving kindness to ourselves and others on and off our mat.
On my mat, I have found that dropping judgement has created a space for me to be more open and accepting of people and situations I may have been more rigid with in the past. I have found practicing being in uncomfortable positions on the mat creates a space for me to have uncomfortable conversations with my family and friends as well as to use my voice and be heard.
I have found the gift of just moving on my mat and giving myself a break for however long the class is and step away from life outside the studio.
Tory F.
Teacher
I first walked into yoga for the physical practice, but what kept me coming back was the deep healing I found during a challenging season of my life — and the welcoming community that supported me through it. Yoga became a place where I could breathe, reconnect, and slowly find my way back to myself. I felt called to teach because I wanted to share the practice that changed my life with others.
Teaching allows me to give back, to be part of something bigger than myself, and to help create the same sense of safety and belonging that meant so much to me.
Off my mat, I teach science to 6th graders. I genuinely enjoy their quirky personalities, watching them grow, and the challenge of trying to understand what they’re saying on any given day. I love being in nature — hiking, camping, bird watching, and identifying plants. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and going to see live music, especially the best band ever: The Dave Matthews Band. I get to share all of these adventures with my amazing husband, Chris F., and our dog Ruby.
My favorite yoga pose is Tree. “Root to rise” has always resonated with me — in this pose, I feel grounded and centered, with my heart open. Yoga has given me a whole new way of being. I am more present, intentional, and open to what’s possible. It’s taught me the value of balance and that growth comes from within. The beauty is in the journey.
My heroes are the people who show up for others — in big and small ways. Their quiet strength inspires the way I hope to move through the world.
Brenda D.
Teacher
My yoga journey started in a season of seeking that led me to healing. and I knew something that good had to be shared! Leading me to complete 200-hr teacher training in 2023.
You’ll hear us use the phrase BEGIN AGAIN during class. This is an open invitation to jump in, shake off the story, drop what is holding you back and start over. Having access to this tool has helped me tremendously both on and off the mat.
Outside the studio, you’ll find me with my son out chasing the sun. We love to paddle-board, camp, and explore new cities.
My intention in teaching is to share the beautiful ‘Journey into Power’ practice and create a space for you to find what you are seeking. 💜
Come practice with me Monday’s @ 6 AM or Sunday’s (Yin) @ 5:45 PM.
Tom S.
Teacher
While I had done different types of yoga in the past, it wasn’t until I found IN Power Yoga, that it clicked. Through practice and then teaching, I found community and joy. It is an important part of staying active and connected in my retirement years.
I’m a loving husband to Hollis, Dad to our dog Tess and the brother to 5 sisters and 3 brothers.
I’m also an actor and model. You can see me in commercials, films, print ads and local fashion shows.
My intention in teaching Power Vinyasa Yoga is to provide a powerful break in the day that will resonate for the rest of the day, week, or even longer.
My classes welcome all to a space that is supportive, instructional, and motivational.
Chris O.
Teacher/Yin Leader
I came to yoga while struggling during a difficult time in my life. I have spent my professional life as a school counselor and have found great joy and purpose in helping others. But when it came to my own journey, I was a little stuck. So, I literally Googled “creative ways to combat stress.” Yoga was the number one suggestion!
I signed up for a class and have never looked back. I quickly became interested in sharing the gift of yoga with others and completed my 200 hr yoga teacher training in 2017. Since then, I have also trained as a Yin yoga teacher.
I believe that yoga is a practice that heals us in mind, body and spirit. No matter what brings you to your mat, you will find something to serve you.
I am excited to meet all of my students where they are on their mat. Yoga is a practice for everybody and every body.
When I am not on my mat I am hiking and biking with my husband and grown son
Joey
Teacher
I have been practicing Baptiste yoga since 2020. I originally approached yoga as a purely physical practice and as a way to reconnect to my diving background. However, I soon began applying all aspects of yoga into my daily life. This practice continues to remind me that I can do hard things, take a breath, and begin again.
Yoga first found me in a very stressful time of my life where I was just going through the motions and not listening to my body and what it needed. Yoga disrupted that drift, and I kept showing up every day to become both physically and mentally stronger.
I started attending classes at IPY in 2021, and I love being a member of this community. I graduated from the 200-hour teacher training program in 2026 to give back to this community that means so much to me and to share all that I love about this practice.
Above all, I believe that yoga teaches us to drop what we must and come from you are ready now. Each time you step onto your mat is a new opportunity to learn and experience something new, no matter how long you have been practicing.
Off my mat, I am a software engineer for a healthcare technology company, and I coach an all-ages dive team in North Kansas City. I am also an avid baker, reader, and gardener.
Mary
Teacher
Yoga found me after retirement, when my body felt stiff and sore and I needed movement that felt supportive rather than painful. Baptiste Yoga changed everything—it was dynamic, challenging, and gave me strength, movement, and sweat in all the right ways.
Breath is the way yoga shows up in my daily life. Pausing and breathing helps me stay calm and grounded in situations that once felt stressful. Teaching early morning flow allows me to inspire others to start their day with intention, movement, and clarity.
I believe Baptiste Yoga meets each person exactly where they are. Whether it’s your first class or one of many, the practice becomes what you need in that moment—and that’s why I keep showing up.
Tabatha W.
Teacher/Workshop Leader
Yoga didn’t fully land for me until I moved back to Kansas City during a season of deep healing. That’s when Baptiste Yoga found me. For months, I met myself on my mat—breathing, sweating, feeling, and reconnecting with who I truly am. Yoga now guides how I live both on and off the mat.
It reminds me to slow down, pause, and breathe when life moves fast. Teaching is my way of sharing healing, connection, and love, and holding space for others is something I deeply cherish.
Baptiste Yoga is a way of living for me. The consistent, powerful flow feels like a moving meditation, and practicing at IN Power Yoga alongside a community that feels like family is something I’m endlessly grateful for.
Tyra
Teacher
I am a yoga teacher, artist, and engineer who is passionate about creating spaces where people can reconnect with themselves through movement, breath, and self-discovery. I believe yoga is more than a physical practice—it is a pathway to healing, growth, and authenticity.
I began practicing Baptiste Yoga in 2021 and quickly discovered the transformative power of the practice, both on and off the mat. Since then, yoga has become a tool for self-inquiry, resilience, and personal growth. I teach because I want to support people in learning more about themselves through yoga and developing a deeper connection to their bodies, minds, and lives.
I am especially drawn to power and hot yoga, and my classes blend strength, mindfulness, and encouragement. I invite students to challenge themselves while honoring where they are in the present moment. I strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, respected, and supported, regardless of race, gender, background, identity, experience level, or body type. My goal is to cultivate a space where students can show up as their authentic selves and feel empowered both on and off the mat.
Outside of the studio, I am a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, ceramics, sculpture, sewing, and digital media. My creative practice and yoga journey are deeply connected, both serving as outlets for self-expression, healing, and freedom.
I believe there is no perfect way to practice yoga. There is only an opportunity to begin again each time you step onto your mat. Through movement, breath, and community, I hope to help students build strength, find balance, and discover a deeper sense of connection to themselves and those around them.
Pam
Teacher
I was first introduced to hot yoga in 2013 after becoming an empty nester and the tragic loss of my spouse. Initially, I was looking for a new workout and discovered so much more! This beautiful moving meditation transformed me-opened my heart to heal and lead me to new opportunities.
It connected me to a loving community who taught me to trust my instincts and my future. It became my safe place to practice, to begin a new journey and to-just be. Yoga is a gift that keeps on giving. I became a yoga teacher to keep sharing the “Gift” with others in community. When I’m not in the studio I’m traveling to see family, grandkids and friends.
Josie
Teacher
Welcome to IN Power Yoga! I first discovered the power of yoga in 2015 after suffering numerous physical injuries. Yoga not only helped me heal those ailments, but it allowed me to become stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually. My yoga practice allowed me to open new doors, close others that no longer served me, and gave me a great sense of community and belonging, filled with unlimited love and support. I took the plunge to deepen my practice in the fall of 2020 and received my Baptiste Level One: Journey into Power Training. The following spring, I completed my 200 hour certification and have been teaching ever since!
As a teacher, my intention is to create a safe welcoming space for people from all walks of life. I strive to help others see and be seen and support them wherever they may be on their journey of empowerment and enlightenment. Practice, not perfection, is always the goal!
When I’m off my mat, I work as a lactation consultant and registered nurse. I love to spend time with my family including my husband and two wonderful daughters. I enjoy reading, writing (I strive to be the next great Romance author,) physical activity of any kind (I recently discovered paddle boarding!), and all concerts! Music moves my soul.
I can’t wait to see you in class and help you discover all the benefits yoga has to offer!