At Root to Rise, we strive to offer inclusive classes for all levels and abilities. We offer a welcoming space for all to enjoy the practice of Yoga. With experienced teachers, you will find meaningful classes that focus less on the external, guiding you to explore within.

Our Teachers

Julie Ripley-Gould E-RYT, YACEP Owner/Operator/Founder

Julie began her Yoga Journey in 2010, when she took her first Yoga Class. From there, she practiced regularly until 2015, when she completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. Since then, Julie has taken training in Healing Sound, Yoga Nidra, Prenatal Yoga, Alignment and Anatomy, Yoga Nidra, Yin and Restorative Yoga, as well as Trauma Informed Yoga. Julie enjoys teaching her friends at the Bridge Adult Service Centre: both mat and Chair Yoga. She believes that Yoga is for everybody, and strives to make Yoga accessible to all. Julie has been a Yoga Studio owner since 2015, founding Root to Rise in 2022. Julie is a life long learner, and is currently working toward her 500 hour certification.

Sherry Smith RYT

Sherry Smith- E-RYT, 200 hrs YTT certified in the Ashtanga and Interdisciplinary yoga; 100 hrs Restorative and Yin  yoga; Prenatal yoga, Somatic movement, Yoga Nidra, Art and Yoga with Hari Kirin; Reiki Master and certified Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner. Sherry has been teaching yoga for over 20 years and has shared her passion for the practice by teaching from her heart. She has a love for offering healing yoga which is a practice of slow and mindful movement for a deeper inner connection and awareness. Sherry is a believer of living life at your fullest potential, to practice yoga everyday on and off the mat, and to continue to learn always. Bring yoga onto your mat and then allow it to unfold into your life.  

Jennifer Poulos RYT

Jennifer began her yoga journey over 20 years ago. Fortunate to have had many wonderful, knowledgeable and wise instructors along the way, she was inspired to become a yoga teacher herself. In May 2025, she completed a 200 hour Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Teacher training program with, ‘Live Your Yoga Flow’. Jennifer believes we have such a vibrant yoga community in Amherst! The benefits of the mind-body-spirit connection are endless and to share a practice with others is always a gift she’s grateful for. ❤️🪷

Stephanie Allen RYT, BSc, RMT, LAc

Write up to follow

Renee Pilgrim R.Ac R.TCMP

Renee’s Yin Yoga classes explore the Acupuncture Meridians and Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In clinic, Renee practices a holistic system of medicine using all modalities; diet therapy, gua sha, cupping, moxibustion, herbs and exercise. She also has an ability to cover a range of heath care needs; hormone & emotional regulation, headaches, insomnia, shoulder, hip & low back pain, digestive disorders and more.

Since 2009 Renee has practiced Acupunture in Toronto; studied,
Newfoundland; homeland & now Amherst; new LOVE!

Coleen Davidson RYT

Write up to follow

Lee-Anne Lepper Roberts

Lee-Anne has had a passion for yoga since her first class in 2010. She completed her 200h YTT certification in Halifax in 2019 and has completed a fertility yoga course specializing in yoga for fertility issues such as PCOS, endometriosis and loss as well as studying prenatal and post natal yoga. She has worked in the past with on an online yoga circle for fertility with women all around the world and hopes to be able to share this practice with other women in the studio.

Yoga has been so healing and life-changing for her in so many ways that she cannot wait to share with anybody and everybody. Yoga has inspired her to live each moment more mindfully and peacefully. Lee-Anne’s wish is to be in the service of others by helping them to seek, thrive and live by nurturing their mind, body and soul. She hopes you will leave her classes feeling refreshed with a beautiful sense of balance and peace.