MEET THE BLENDERS
Each of our experienced instructors makes our studio the welcoming place that it is. They are here to hold space for you and help you take your practice to the next level.
Instructors
MEET THE BLENDERS
Each of our experienced instructors makes our studio the welcoming place that it is. They are here to hold space for you and help you take your practice to the next level.
Qualifications and Accomplishments
Jennifer is the Founder of The Blend Studio, and its lead instructor. Jennifer developed The Blend class to create an unbeatable workout for her students. She is a certified YRT 200 yoga instructor, as well as a certified power pilates instructor. In addition, Jennifer holds multiple certifications in other fitness modalities including CrossFit, movement and mobility, Olympic weightlifting and muscle activation techniques. In addition, she is a certified holistic nutritionist.
What to Expect in My Class?
In our Blend classes, I am going to deliver to you an experience unlike anything you have participated in before; over the course of our hour together, I will take you on a journey beginning with a great vinyasa yoga flow, thru a kick-butt matt pilates series and finally to an intense HIIT cardio progression. I will leave you breathless and full of endorphins.
In my other classes that you join me for, I will help you develop your practice, find inner and outer balance and, together, achieve the intentions we set for our practice. We’re also going to have a lot of fun and do it to great music!
Fun Fact
I am a Canadian! I moved to Orange County to bring The Blend to this community, which I am absolutely passionate about and in love with!
Qualifications and Accomplishments
Suzy has been practicing yoga since she was 13 years old with her mother. In 1987 she began practicing under the guidance of her guru, Tim Miller of the Ashtanga Yoga Center of Encinitas, Ca. She began teaching yoga in 1994 and has primarily taught for local studios in the OC area for the past 20 years. She has extensive experience of teaching a variety of classes, such as; Ashtanga Yoga-guided and Mysore style (adjustment only) practice, Vinyasa flow, Hatha and Yin yoga.
What to Expect in My Class?
Today, she has combined her knowledge of the study of Ashtanga yoga into her own original choreography in the practice of Vinyasa Flow. In this style of practice her emphasis is on the continuous flow of movement in order to build heat, stamina and focused awareness. She brings attention to a technique-based practice, teaching her students step by step how to move into some of the more challenging poses.
Her Yin Yoga instruction is focused on alignment, foundation and balance. She offers longer held poses in order to bypass the larger muscles of the body so that you can directly penetrate and stimulate the connective tissues. This applied emphasis is in order to remove tension and toxins that build up and store in the major joints and tissues of the body. During class, Suzy explains to her audience what they might be benefiting from both physically and emotionally.
In essence, she strives to offer balance, awareness and serenity to a complex understanding of the process of yoga.
Fun Fact
Her mother, Marlene Geoghan, has taught yoga in the Orange County area since 1979 and still teaches and practices to this day at the young age of 85.
Qualifications and Accomplishments
Courtney Parkyn, E-RYT 500, Reiki Master
- Trained under Alison Brown in 2008 for my RYT 200
- Trained under Erika Faith for my RYT 500 in 2011
- I have studied with Rod Stryker of Para Yoga since 2011, completing over 800 hours of continuing education in topics such as prana (energy), yoga Nidra (meditation), pranayama, and tantra.
- I have been a Reiki master since 2012
What to Expect in My Class?
My classes are mindful and breath-centered, helping to focus the mind on the body and breath. You can expect to connect deeply with body sensation and learn how to activate and isolate different parts of your body.
How I Found Yoga
I found yoga at 17 when my mom brought me to my first class at her gym. Later, at 24, yoga helped to save my life, helping me overcome addiction and an eating disorder.
Fun Fact
I am obsessed with all animals and love to foster kittens, especially bottle-fed ones.
My husband calls me a crazy cat lady.
Qualifications and Accomplishments
Courtney was certified to teach Barre in 2017 and acquired a group fitness certificate, chisel group class (upper body) and bellies, butts, and thighs group class certificates from Crunch Fitness.
Teaching Style
Courtney’s Barre class is a full body workout where grace meets athleticism. She uses fun basic dance moves and up-beat kickboxing for the cardio portion of her class. The Mat work includes planks, pushups and light hand weights, which are incorporated for the upper body strength training. The Ballet Barre portion of the class is designed to work on firming, lifting and shaping the lower body.
What to Expect in My Class?
Courtney uses effective exercises that target abs, hips and booty for toned and tight muscles. Throughout the entire class, she focuses on posture and core strength. Her class will keep you moving for a continuous burn with body shaping results.
Fun Fact
Courtney loves camping!
Qualifications and Accomplishments
What To Expect In My Class?
Teaching Style
Fun Fact
Qualifications and Accomplishments
After years of sustained injuries from running, I became a barre Instructor for an alternative lower impact workout. Barre led to yoga teacher training and the rest they say, is history!
- 500 hours yoga teacher training
- Certified barre instructor
- Teaching for over 8 years
What to Expect in My Class?
My classes are fun and high energy, you should LOVE your workouts!
Fun Fact
I grew up on a farm in Michigan and dream of one day having my own.
Qualifications and Accomplishments
I started dancing at an early age and that love for movement has continued to evolve over the years. After a back injury landed me in physical therapy I started pilates in 2007. I’ve been hooked ever since!
-Completed 250 hours of training with Pure Pilates in 2020
-Certified in mat and reformer pilates.
-I have taught in several studios in Orange County for the past 4 years.
What To Expect In My Class?
A full body workout that combines classical pilates with athletic training. Each lesson emphasizes, strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance.
Teaching Style
I love motivating music and creative flows that move from one body part to the other. I teach in layers and emphasize form and a mind-body connection.
Fun Fact
I played competitive volleyball. I love dogs, the beach, dancing, cooking, and SPICY food.
Qualifications and Accomplishments
NASM (CPT, CES), 500RYT, Barre Teacher, Spinning Instructor, Group Exercise Instructor, Les Mills Trainer & PN1 Nutrition Coach.
How I Found Yoga
I was born in Sweden but raised in Spain. Health and movement have always been an integral part of my life and my passion. Growing up, my family owned a dance and fitness studio, and as a kid, that’s where I spent all my free time.
I started teaching group fitness during my university years in Sweden. Through the busiest times in my life, I have always carved out time to work out and stay active – it’s always been one of my top priorities. Training for me is more than just staying fit – it’s how I stay balanced, both physically and mentally. It’s my “moving meditation.”
I discovered Yoga back in 2005 when I borrowed an Ashtanga yoga DVD from a friend, but it wasn’t until my first pregnancy in 2010 that I really deepened my interest and got hooked to a consistent practice.
What to Expect in My Class?
In my class, you can expect high energy and to be challenged while always keeping close attention to maintaining proper form. I’m a big anatomy/form nerd 😉
Fun Fact
In my previous professional career, I was the founder and CEO of a startup that developed educational apps for kids focused on boosting kids’ creativity. I’m also a proud owner of a Harley Davidson!
Qualifications and Accomplishments
I’m an experienced yoga instructor with over 10 years of expertise. I earned both my 200 hour and 500 hour certifications from incredible yoga schools that provided a background in traditional eastern yoga and westernized yoga. I’ve implemented yoga programs for universities and large corporations that are still high-functioning today. I started a wellness retreat company (Free Flo Escapes) with the mission to help people to connect with their highest selves. I’ve led multiple retreats in Mexico and California. My greatest qualification is my personal yoga practice that I enjoy daily to feel greater physical, mental, and spiritual alignment.
Teaching Style
I have one main goal at the forefront of my mind every time I prepare for class — to create an experience for you to align with your body, mind, and soul. I have a distinct yoga style inspired by dance and meditation.
What to Expect in My Class?
My classes are most memorable for their rhythmic, dance-like flows that move people out of their minds and into their bodies. Meditation and breathwork are woven into class. As you melt into a restful savasana to close your practice, you’ll enjoy essential oils rubbed onto your temples or wrists. I look forward to flowing together!
Fun Fact
My husband and I have a 1.5 year old son. I’ve always dreamed of raising my babies on the beach!
Qualifications and Accomplishments
An RYT-500 with over a thousand hours of training, Nicole is an experienced Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin teacher. She respectfully credits the master teachers she’s grateful to have worked with, including Judith Hanson Lasater, Joe Barnett, Kali Durga, Dana Damara, and more. Nicole seeks to offer inspiring variations in each class so every student shines brighter.
Teaching Style
Nicole’s classes offer mindful movement and breath through varied sequences.
How I found Yoga
Nicole found yoga 2 decades ago when a friend brought her to a parks and rec community class in her hometown. She was immediately hooked. She had no idea she was doing Hatha yoga — she just loved finally feeling at home in her body and wanted the feeling to last. Nicole remembers practicing poses on her own at home, excitedly awaiting the next week’s class.
What to Expect in My Class?
Every class Nicole offers is rooted in mindful variations so that students of all levels can benefit. Nicole’s classes are thoughtfully curated but intuitively guided, often with a motivating theme connected to the roots of yoga.
Fun Fact
Nicole is a Reiki Master Teacher but hasn’t yet mastered her fear of birds. She is an eternal student and spends her time with her family, including her two young sons and dog.
Qualifications and Accomplishments
I completed my 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Certification to share my love of movement with this beautiful community and help students feel joyful, balanced, creative, and alive in their practice.
What To Expect In My Class?
You can expect a powerful flow with creative sequences that energize you, fun challenging balances and inversions, and strong core work. My classes will encourage you with inspiring intentions and thoughtful playlists.
Teaching Style
With a background in yoga and Pilates, I incorporate these throughout my classes. I teach a strong, creative flow that moves you on your mat.
Fun Fact
After years as a competitive gymnast, I found yoga filled my love for balance, movement, mobility, and flexibility.
I am most alive when I am active, finding joy hiking and paddle boarding in beautiful places.
Qualifications and Accomplishments
I hold an RYT-200 certification, along with certifications in Yogalates and Yoga Sculpt, which have equipped me with a well-rounded understanding of overall mobility practices.
What To Expect In My Class?
We’ll have a blast! I love incorporating puns and jokes to keep things light and enjoyable. You’ll receive clear visual cues to help you get into the right positions, and we’ll maintain a high-energy atmosphere throughout the session. But don’t worry, even as we work hard and challenge ourselves, we’ll always keep the emphasis on fun.
Teaching Style
Where fitness meets fun and flow, my teaching style is a harmonious blend of flowing sequences and creative postures that emphasize building strength and improving flexibility. I’m dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where you can fully enjoy the journey. Expect a lighthearted and friendly atmosphere with plenty of modifications to suit your needs.
Fun Fact
Studio Manager
I am a Michigan native who moved to Orange County three years ago and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I am grateful for my midwestern roots and have an amazing family back home, but I love the active, healthy lifestyle here and being near the ocean. I have my degree in business management and marketing from a university near Chicago. I enjoy being creative in different areas of my life, which is why I love being on the marketing team for The Blend. My role within the company allows me to live out my passion for marketing and working out, plus being near Dana Point beach is another great perk.
Fun Fact
I enjoy trying new foods and traveling to exciting places. I have been to Belize, Thailand, and Jamaica so far and hope to experience European countries in the future!