Our Instructors

JennIFER NEWBY

Jennifer Newby is a 200hr RYT who studied at Yogi Hari’s Ashram in Miramar, Fl. Once believing that yoga was only for the young and flexible, yoga found Jen when she needed it the most. Meeting her exactly where she was and helping her to overcome major life obstacles. Jen teaches from a place of unifying the body, mind, and spirit. Her laid back teaching style encourages students to relax, let loose, and have fun while learning how to be kind and gentle with themselves. Jen is also a certified Y12SR leader. Bringing to the mat the unification of yoga with the 12 steps of recovery.

Terry HOLDEN


Terry studied under Ellen MacKay (E-RYT) and Megan Hochheimer (RYT-200) of Karma Yoga in Valrico, Florida. She also studied under Jean Martin (E-RYT, RYT-500, RCYT) with Yoga Ed Institute I for specialized training in children’s yoga. Terry truly enjoys working with beginner and intermediate students, focusing on the foundations of yoga, healthy alignment, and helping others to experience the joy, peace, and calm that yoga can bring.


Terry believes that yoga can benefit everyone, no matter what their physical ability, age, or fitness level. She emphasizes listening to your body, proper breathing, stretching, and the non-competitive nature of yoga. Terry has been involved in teaching and mentoring for over twenty years. Prior to becoming a yoga instructor, she was a drug prevention/healthy living specialist working in Hillsborough County schools for nine years, and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for over twelve years. Terry is married and the mother of three daughters ages 16-25.


Here at Koa, Terry features on our schedule Tuesday and Thursday mornings bringing a balanced blend of morning stretches and warm-ups, gentle flow, and restore/renew poses. After class on Tuesday, enjoy a hot cup of the “Morning Blend of the Day!” The perfect way to start your day. 

Christina fontana

E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500, YACEP®

Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra certified teacher. 

Keen to guide Yoga classes- to help find balance, build strength, flexibility and awareness amongst practitioners in a safe and supported environment. 

Christina’s passion is to share the joy of yoga and the freedoms that bring to one’s mind and body. She encourages her students to use gratitude, kindness and social connection as part of their yoga practice. Her primary focus is alignment to prevent injury during Asana (physical posture), pranayama (breath work) and meditation as a bridge to promote a healthy, abundant life and an overall well-being that can be transferred from the yoga mat to the outside world.

Andrew alleyne


I have worked with the different styles and techniques in martial arts (kung fu, jujitsu, eagle claw, white crane, and capoeira). I strongly believe in self- culture through the practice of tai chi ; the balance coordination and the inner strength one achieves by practicing tai chi.

camryn henry

I received my training at the Lotus Pond Center for Yoga and Health in June 2022. Additionally, I am currently partaking in the 300HR YTT at this studio to further my knowledge and skills. In the past, I have guided 1-on-1 clients in private yoga and lead classes at local studio spaces.

When teaching a class, I believe it is important to offer multiple variations so all students feel welcomed and comfortable. Many times, in my energizing classes, I begin with a centering that focuses on a chakra and have my students return to this in different poses (i.e., solar plexus in warrior poses, or heart in camel). While I enjoy vinyasas that get our energy / prana flowing, I also guide gentle classes that allow students to become grounded - especially after a hectic day.

heather D’andrea

As a dedicated yoga instructor hailing from the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida, I bring a unique blend of expertise to my teaching practice. With an all-inclusive 500-hour teacher certification, specialized training in trauma-informed yoga, and Yoga Nidra, I am deeply committed to guiding individuals on their journey to healing and transformation. My passion lies in empowering trauma survivors and individuals battling addiction to find solace and strength through the practice of yoga, leveraging its therapeutic benefits to foster holistic well-being.

I am deeply committed to teaching yoga adaptively, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities. With a keen understanding of diverse physical abilities and limitations, I tailor my classes to accommodate the unique needs of each student, fostering a supportive environment where everyone can experience the transformative benefits of yoga.

Additionally, I am honored to work with veterans, offering specialized yoga sessions designed to address the unique physical and emotional challenges they may face. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, I strive to empower veterans to find inner peace, strength, and resilience on their path to healing and well-being. With a background in human resource and administrative management within the mental and behavioral health care sector, I seamlessly integrate my professional experience with my love for yoga. Through compassionate guidance and nurturing support, I create a safe space for students to explore their bodies, minds, and spirits. Beyond the yoga mat, you'll find me indulging in my love for dance, music regularly attending drum circles and concerts.

Rebecca nipper-Galvin

Rebecca’s first introduction to yoga was in college and community classes offered on campus.   After college, she practiced sporadically with DVDs.  Later, when recovering from a car accident, Rebecca found a class designed for people with injuries at the local yoga studio in her town.  It was like coming home.  As much as her body needed to mend, her spirit needed it more. 

With a desire to share what yoga had given her, Rebecca enrolled in a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program at Karma Yoga, in Litha, Florida. She believes that a slow, mindful practice helps one develop strength and stability in the body, mind, and spirit.   Additionally, Rebecca has continued her studies to include Vedic Thai Yoga Bodywork and sees clients privately to share this practice.  

In addition to her Yoga practice, Rebecca is an artist with a focus on nature-inspired watercolor paintings, and an active member of the Plant City Commons Community Garden.  Rebecca lives in Plant City, Florida with her husband and four fur-babies.

DEB JOHNSON

In 2008, Deb Johnson began experimenting with yoga in Midlothian, VA. She moved to Tampa with her husband and 2 teen sons in 2018. Her passion for yoga was cultivated by the inspiring teachers at Karma Yoga. In 2020 she began the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. Upon completion in 2021 she became RYT-200 certified.

Deb loves energetic classes that focus on connecting breath with movement. She believes yoga helps us love and accept ourselves, just as we are. Yoga is a practice, it’s about you and your mat (our mats are a metaphor for our lives.) Roll out your mat, practice and surprise yourself with the joys of movement and self discovery.

Jenny means berti

“Yoga wandered into my life when I most needed it. I soon shared the practice with my students when I taught in school. The self regulation it brings is now completely backed by scientific data. But we yogis didn’t need to know to see that to know, we felt it in our soul the moment we hit the mat.”

Brittany winfield

Originally from North Carolina, Brittany moved to Tampa Bay in 2018. She is a full time Veterinary Technician at an Emergency clinic in South Tampa. She started practicing yoga as a way to minimize compassion fatigue in her career. Brittany earned her 200hr RYT at Bella Prana Wellness Collective in 2023, as well as her certification in 26&2. During her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time with her pets, being in nature & live music! Brittany is passionate about body positivity and making yoga accessible to every body. She is excited to bring strength based flows & energizing playlists to Koa.