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Gina Dropp
Gina first started practicing yoga unknowingly as an actor and theatre artist, but her real yoga journey began when she was introduced to a more traditional yoga and meditation practice under the mentorship of Ki Curtis in college. After moving to Chicago after undergrad, Gina maintained a dedicated practice to focus on mental and emotional health and it was through the experience of managing anxiety and depression in the competitive world of performing arts that Gina wanted to bring the gift of yoga to others and received her 200-hr yoga certification through Bloom Yoga Studio in Chicago. As a college professor, small theatre owner, playwright, and professional child-care consultant, finding balance is key. As a yoga teacher, Gina hopes to bring fellow yogi’s a practice that helps them feel strong, balanced, and safe.
Gina is a co-owner and operator of Mountain Yoga, with a continuous drive to maintain and grow the community and joy that Mountain Yoga brings to the area.
JEN JULIAN
Jen is a writer and artist that has been practicing yoga for over ten years. She is the author of two novels—Red Rabbit Ghost (Orbit/Run for It 2025) The Winter Folk, (Orbit/Run for it July 2026)—and one short story collection—Earthly Delights and Other Apocalypses (Press 53 2018). Currently a professor of creative writing at Young Harris College, she began running student meditation sessions in Fall 2020 and has since then worked to incorporate mindfulness and body-awareness practices into her teaching and creative process.
Originally from Eastern North Carolina, she has been local to North Georgia since 2019. She is a co-owner and operator of Mountain Yoga and is thrilled to be part of Blairsville's yoga family.
April Bell
April started her yoga journey in 2015. She found the health benefits that came from having a consistent yoga practice shortly after being diagnosed with cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. This fueled her drive to learn as much as she could about yoga and to become a certified yoga teacher. Yoga heals your body, mind, and soul. April is a Reiki Master, and will be completing her Aerial Yoga Teacher Training certification in October.
"I want other people to feel the way I feel after doing yoga. It is life changing if you allow it to be."
April is the previous owner and operator of Mountain Yoga and is passionate about sharing the positive benefits of yoga to everyone.
ANASTYNE GIBSON
Anastyne is a 200 hour registered yoga teacher specializing in gentle, beginner friendly Hatha yoga. Her approach is rooted in slowing down, tuning in, and creating a space where you feel safe to explore your body and breath.
Her yoga journey began shortly after graduating high school. She found that yoga is what made her feel most at home in her body and clear in her mind, and was something she could practice both on and off the mat. It has changed the way she carries myself and the way she views the world.
Her practice is inspired by her love for nature, animals, and a free-spirited, earthy lifestyle. Her classes are designed to help you reconnect, not only with your body but with the world around you. To her, it is an honor to be able to share her love of yoga with you and to help guide others on their journey to peace and equanimity.
TERI WRIGHT
Teri found yoga during a time in her life when she felt stuck, depressed, and disconnected. Through slow, mindful movement and breath, she began to reconnect with herself – rediscovering her worth, strength, and a sense of peace, all gently guiding her back to who she is at her core. This journey sparked a deep desire to help others find their way back to themselves as well.
She is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher, with additional certifications in prenatal yoga and chair yoga. Teri focuses on gentle, slow flows that encourage students to tune in, move with intention, and feel supported in their practice.
Born and raised in the North Georgia mountain, Teri feels deeply connected to nature and is grateful to be part of the Mountain Yoga community – where she can stay rooted in her beginnings, continue to grow, and support others in their own journey.
Brooke Strickland
Brooke completed her yoga teacher training in South Carolina, and graduated in June 2020.
Her practice began as a teenager like many millennial/gen z borderlines...anxious, depressed, and dealing with personal traumas. The practice of concentrating and stilling the mind through meditation called to her first, through that she began her physical yoga practice. There would be a few years between this and attending her training, and her practice was strictly personal, at home. In the years between she attended The Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, a 2.5 year program based out of NC, and also acquired her mushroom foraging license.
Through these studies she began to truly feel at one in nature. Hungry to continue on this path of personal wellness she decided it was time to take her yoga practice to a real studio. She walked in the first day to inquire with the owner about applying for teacher training. This request was met with an approving smile and was told "why don't you come in and make sure you like us first." Six months later teacher training began, and by the end Brooke learned that the practice of yoga is truly to still the ripples of the mind, because when the mind is still, that is where your true self will be found.
Penny Joy Barnett
Penny is a 200-hour Register Yoga Teacher (RYT) graduate of Interdisciplinary Yoga Teacher Training at Evolve Yoga + Wellness, in California, Maryland. She has her 50-hour Yoga Anatomy certification, and is currently working on her 30-hour Warrior At Ease certification for Trauma and PTSD She discovered the magic of movement with breath and the incredible benefits to her body.
She is a Veteran, married to a wonderful man and has five incredible daughters and one very adorable granddaughter. She loves being outside in nature and especially loves Earthing/Grounding where you will most likely catch her barefooted. Penny brings a mindfulness to her classes, slowing down to allow students to explore their body and learn to honor their journey.