meet our team
the people who bring magic to our studio
Teacher, Owner
Shayla Cammarata
Sitting here today I can say that yoga is not simply the workout I found and loved years ago. Yoga is now a part of who I am and a journey I find hard to put into words. Simply stated, yoga has taught me how to actually live in my life. Every time I come to my mat I learn something new and I take those lessons into my daily life; when to soften, when to push and, most simple of all, how to breathe. It is the profound changes I have seen with my family, my work and most of all myself that brings me back to my mat year after year.
In April 2017, I signed up for my RYT 100 in Costa Rica with Amazing Yoga to take some time and reflect during a particularly challenging time in my life. I left with more clarity and peace than I have ever felt in my life. Years later, that week remains one of the most transformative weeks of my life. Two years after my initial training, I went on to complete my RYT 200. Throughout that journey I tapped into a strength and power that is not unique to myself but innately present in each of us. The challenge was unlocking it. What an honor it is to walk with you as you discover the keys to unlock your power and your strength. It is surreal to have that opportunity with the Ignite team.
When I’m not on my mat, I take my yoga with me as an emergency medicine physician. I share this big, messy and beautiful life with my husband Sean, our two wonderful and wildly different children, Dean and Grace, and our two dogs, Granger and Franklin. I love to travel, garden and most of all spend time with friends and family.
Teacher, Manager
Micki Sanner
I was reluctant to try yoga. My sister had been encouraging me to go to a class but I thought it would be slow, boring and not meet the expectations of what I consider a good workout. I put it off for months before finally giving it a chance. It was slower than what I was used to, but it wasn’t boring. It was hard, hot, sweaty, invigorating, and everything I didn’t even know I needed. Power vinyasa yoga fuels and strengthens my body and mind in a way that no other workout can and has been my favorite way to move my body for the past 8 years.
I completed both my Level 1 in 201 and Level 2 in 2016 teacher trainings with Amazing Yoga. I taught for Amazing Yoga for six years and am so excited to be a part of Ignite Yoga with this fabulous group of teachers so that we can continue to spread yoga seeds to our community. Teaching yoga brings so much joy to my life. Yogis come to their mats for different reasons on different days and it is truly an honor to be part of their journey.
I live in Wexford with my husband and 3 sons. I am a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and spend a lot of time volunteering. When I’m not on my mat you can find me running, reading, cooking or at a variety of baseball and soccer fields cheering on my boys.
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Teacher, Social Media Manager
Melanie Lutz
I am a Pittsburgh native who first discovered yoga while in college at Elon University in NC. I was experiencing a lot of stress in my life and was looking for a natural way to ease my anxiety. I found a yoga book on the discount shelf at a bookstore, and after reading about the benefits of yoga, I started practicing at home and was amazed at how quickly yoga positively impacted my life.
Soon after that, I was practicing in studios. In 2013, I felt called to attend a Yoga Teacher Training. I completed Level 1 training in Pittsburgh and began teaching yoga right away. I also completed a 300 hour Yoga and Psychology Training online in 2018. In 2019, I completed my Level 2 Yoga Teacher Training in Tulum, Mexico; where I met studio owner Shayla.
After college, I spent many years living, traveling, and working onboard Disney Cruise Line. I currently live in Mount Washington and work full time as a teacher at an RTF, residential treatment facility, for kids ages 6 to 18 who are experiencing trauma or abuse. This past year, I developed a kids yoga program for the students at my facility. I have taught yoga at many studios, gyms, schools, etc. over the years but this has been one of my proudest accomplishments as a yoga teacher.
Outside of yoga, I enjoy painting, long distance running, traveling, Pittsburgh sports, and spending time with my Westie, Myron. I am excited to be a part of the Ignite team and look forward to practicing with you all.
Krista Garabedian
“Beautiful studio. But most importantly fantastic instructors Every teacher takes the time to choreograph a well rounded fun class that keeps your mind and body working in harmony I always feel so much better when I leave.”
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Dani Astfalk
Rachel Backstrom
Emily Bischof
click each teacher's photo below to read their bio
meet our instructors
Teacher
Dani Astfalk
I first started dabbling with yoga in my dorm room in college, during my time as a competitive athlete, but it wasn’t until I found my way into a hot power yoga studio in 2010 that I developed a passion for the practice. I was first attracted to the physical challenge of the practice but soon discovered the sense of peace from shutting out the chaos of the outside world and connecting my body, breath and mind. The practice of yoga has given me so much, but most importantly it is the place I come back to time and time again through life changes to find my way back to me.
I earned my teaching certification through Amazing Yoga, training in 2014 and 2016, and have taken workshops with Bryan Kest and Kathryn Budig. I try to bring some playfulness to my teaching while giving my students to space to explore, learn, and have fun. Off my mat, you can typically find me with my wonderful husband and daughter, my family, and my amazing group of friends.
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Teacher
Rachel Backstrom
I’m so excited to be part of the Ignite family!! I began practicing yoga almost 20 years ago when I was just looking to shake up my workout routine. Little did I know I would find my community, my passion and my therapy all rolled up in one.
I completed my first teacher training in 2008 and have been sharing this beautiful practice ever since. I love giving my classes space to breathe, space to be and space to take exactly what they need from their time on their yoga mat - whether that’s a huge challenge or time to rest.
I live in Wexford with my husband and two kiddos. We love playing, kayaking & traveling together. I also run my own business as a dōTERRA Wellness Advocate - sharing and teaching others about essential oils. I’ve truly found my passion in helping others feel their best. See you on your mat!
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Teacher
Emily Bischof
I found yoga in 2016 when I was struggling with postpartum depression and other health issues - I decided to try yoga on the advice of my doctor. The combinations of mind/body awareness and breath work helped ease my anxiety and the physical aspects of stretching and strengthening helped with my health issues. Shayla (Ignite’s owner) saw my dedication and growth, and asked me to start teaching classes in 2017. In 2018 I received my 200hr RYT certification. Since then, I have also expanded to teaching BogaYoga and aerial yoga.
I’m known for (and love to teach) strength building classes with unique transitions, where you will sweat, feel stronger, and become aware of all your body can do for you. I hope to see you on your mat soon!
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Teacher
Carla Brack
My love of yoga began in 2001 while taking a Hatha yoga class at community college. I was immediately inspired with the dynamic quality of yoga, and that passion deepened when I started practicing heated power yoga in 2005. I love the dynamic energy that exists between building strength and staying calm, moving intentionally and breathing deeply, practicing with both resolve and humility. I became certified via Amazing Yoga in 2014, and finished my 200-hour teacher training certification from South Hills Power Yoga in 2017. In April of 2019, I received an additional 25 hours of training in Anatomy & Asana from 1.1 yoga studio in Pittsburgh.
What inspires me to continue practicing is a belief that yoga helps me to be the best version of myself. The practice of yoga teaches me how to be more present, patient, resilient, strong and joyful. This is the type of mother, partner, friend, sister, daughter (and stranger) I want to be.
In my teaching, I work to adapt the poses and practice to suit your body, rather than the other way around. You can anticipate a powerful, mindful flow. My goal is to help create a union between breath and movement that feels good in your body and inspires your spirit. We will utilize asana and breath to focus on increasing awareness, strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. I have been inspired by many great teachers along the way, and am looking forward to being part of your yoga journey.
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Teacher
Kihei Comerci
Raised on the island of Oahu, I am a 500-RYT and former collegiate athlete with many years of participating in competitive sports. I initially discovered yoga in highschool, as a way to unwind and recover. Since then, my yoga practice has evolved into an ongoing journey of self-discovery and connection. I completed my 200hr Vinyasa teacher training in 2022. Having recently graduated from my 300hr training and my Master’s in Social Work, I take an integrative approach to both my therapeutic and yoga practices.
While I enjoy the challenge and discipline hot yoga has to offer, I appreciate more so the benefits which extend beyond its physical ones. I believe that the deeper one gets to know the postures, the deeper one gets to know themselves. Hot yoga is an opportunity to cultivate a more positive and confident inner dialogue with oneself. I believe that this practice enables students with a greater sense of resiliency and strength that can serve them in all aspects of life. Off the mat, I enjoy listening to music and spending quality time with my husband and my Doberman pup, Bourbon!
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Teacher
Izzy Cutler
My yoga journey started when I was in high school as a way for me to supplement psychotherapy and complement my workouts. My interest in yoga deepened as I quickly saw the emotional and physical benefits. This led me to a trauma-informed yoga training through the Connection Coalition (2017) while working at a runaway and transitional living shelter for teens. I loved bringing this practice that was monumental to my healing to other teens.
I currently work for a mindfulness school-based program as a licensed social worker. My journey brought me to want to expand my teaching and bring this practice to my staff and students. I embarked on my RYT-200 through Online Yoga & Ayurveda Center (2023). I love combining my personal experience with my professional experience to bring an authentic, warm, and playful flow to students. I am beyond grateful to be a part of the Ignite community! When I am not on my mat, you can find me rollerblading, discovering new places in Pittsburgh, and hiking with my Vizsla and partner.
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Teacher
Rachel Gallagher
I have been practicing yoga for over a decade now and teaching yoga since 2017. I gravitate towards powerful physical flows while creating a calming rhythm with breath. My classes are often infused with postures and transitions that will challenge students to explore what they are capable of - on their mats and in their bodies.
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Teacher
Alejandro Hernandez
Raised in California, I have made cities such as New York, D.C., and Orlando my home, performing as a professional ballet dancer. Through the stressful and sometimes painful life as a dancer, I found hot yoga to be the most beneficial compliment, both mentally and physically, to dance. My initial relationship with yoga has deepened throughout my practice.
I believe wholeheartedly in yoga’s transformative, healing nature, and I respect the power that yoga possesses to keep one grounded, focused, accountable, and aware of even the smallest moments on and off the mat. I have been practicing seriously for over 10 years, and completed my 200 hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher training in Mexico in 2012.
My hope as a teacher is to help each student accomplish whatever he/she is seeking, and in the end to help students discover how yoga allows us to uncover and embrace our true selves, as the healthy and loving beings that we are deep down. My teaching style is fun and creative with great focus on the movement/breath connection and deep stretching. Off of the mat, I love the outdoors, hiking, cycling, kayaking and mini road trips with my dog, Mia.
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Teacher
Julie Klasen
Yoga is a way of life that supports optimal well-being through its philosophy and practices. For me, yoga has contributed to greater patience, physical strength and mobility, resilience, and sense of peace. I am a registered yoga teacher (RYT 500) with additional Yin Yoga, Pranayama, and Trauma-Informed certifications. I value variety and choice, and my classes integrate movement, breath, and meditation practices that are intended to meet everyone, exactly where they are.
I am also a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), and have a special interest in sharing tools of yoga to support, empower, and help people living with cancer or other health challenges find some ease. My best days include morning walks, some quiet, and quality time with my husband and son.
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Teacher
Jessica Lapina
For many years, I tried various yoga classes and couldn’t find the right fit. I had been a runner for many years and an active participant in various group fitness classes. After a friend introduced me to a hot power vinyasa practice, I was hooked. The great workout combined with the intense heat of the studio and cleansing breath transformed my yoga mindset.
In September 2019, I decided to share my love of yoga with others and received my level 1 yoga certification through Amazing Yoga. I began teaching in November 2019, but due to the pandemic, my in-studio teaching ended in March 2020. I missed teaching/sharing my yoga practice with others, so I moved the “studio” to my backyard through the summer as we were all looking for ways to connect with neighbors and friends. I am excited to be back in the studio again!
Outside of yoga, I enjoy running, skiing, reading and pretty much any outdoor activity I can do with my family. I live in Wexford with my husband, Jason, two kiddos (Maggie and Sam) and our two rescue pups (Herbert and Winnie).
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Teacher
Kathy Pietropola
As a personal trainer, former collegiate gymnast, and lover of all things “fitness”, I wandered into my first power yoga class over ten years ago, because I heard it was challenging (and sweaty) and, because I thought I needed to stretch and cross-train… I had no idea what a life changing journey I had just begun!
During my Level 1 training in 2014 with Amazing Yoga, after a very long and sweaty two hour practice, I had my “ah-ha!” moment. I had this amazing feeling of calm, peace, presence, and lightness that I had never before experienced. I realized that THIS is how I was supposed to be feeling. I wanted to share this incredible practice with everyone! I completed my Amazing Yoga Level 2 Training in Mexico in early 2016, and I have taken workshops with Baron Baptiste, Bryan Kest, and many others.
Yoga has taught me to be more present, more mindful, and more balanced. It has taught me to slow down and to breathe. It has taught me to appreciate the strength and health of my body. It is teaching me to show myself and others patience and grace. I would love to inspire others to just show up on your mat, breathe, and see what happens. I believe Yoga helps us to be the best version of ourselves that we can be!
Off my mat, you can find me personal training, spinning, kickboxing, and hanging out with my husband and two beautiful daughters. I am forever grateful to all the beautiful yogis that show up on their mats each week. You inspire me each and every class!
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Teacher
Katie Stewart
I’m a firm believer in the idea that if we are open, what we need will find us, usually when we need it most. That’s exactly how this style of yoga worked its way into my life. I had previously tried a different style of hot yoga for a few months and during a very difficult, transitional point in my life, I was living in a town where the only form of hot yoga was hot power yoga. I walked into the studio not knowing what to expect or what I really needed and found a practice that helped me get out of my head and into my body… exactly what I needed. Soon, the practice became my refuge and I craved getting to the studio.
Through a consistent practice of hot power yoga, I felt my practice and my commitment to it deepen. Teacher training seemed like the next logical step, as I wanted to learn more and more about the practice, so I packed my bags for Amazing Yoga’s Level 1 teacher training in sunny Tulum, Mexico in June 2014 just wanting to deepen my practice and be open to possibilities. That week was truly transformational, and I left knowing that I wanted to share this practice in the form of teaching.
I then completed Amazing Yoga’s Level 2 teacher training in Costa Rica in August 2015. Wanting to refine my teaching even more, I started a 300 hour advanced yoga teacher training in December 2019… just a few months before the world shut down. Not wanting to pause my studies any longer when I realized it could be quite some time before in-person training resumed, I started a 300 hour training online with My Vinyasa Practice in August 2020.
Completion of that certification took longer than expected, as just a few months in, I realized I was pregnant and focused my waning energy on growing, birthing, and caring for my son. I completed that training in December 2022 and am proud to be an RYT-500. I hope to teach with a sense of joy, simplicity, and humor infused with lots and lots of breath! I am also a Reiki Master, certified Breathe to Heal facilitator, and certified iRest® Yoga Nidra teacher and am honored to share that practice with the community.
My other practice is as a licensed psychologist, and I love to think and talk about the psychological aspects of the practice. I live in the North Hills with my husband and young son, who loves to show off his downdog! In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
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Teacher
Amy Wilks
Yoga has taught me to be more present, mindful, and accepting of myself and those around me. It keeps me physically strong and mentally grounded. I have been practicing for over a decade and teaching since 2017. In the spring of 2018, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training (RYT 200). Since then, I have continued to refresh my teaching, as well as my personal practice, through workshops, classes, and additional training. It is an honor to share this beautiful practice with others.
My husband and I live in Franklin Park, and we have raised three really nice kids. I am very excited to be part of the Ignite community!
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Dabney
“This is a wonderful studio, the instructors take the time to curate a great class. Highly recommend the evening candlelight classes. The cold lavender towels at the end of class are so relaxing and a great way to cool down ”
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