Our Teachers

The heart of our studio.

Meet Our Team

We have a dynamic and welcoming team of people that await you in-studio. Our community of teachers bring years of experience and expertise to share with the Mount Horeb community. They love to connect and are happy to answer any questions that you may have about your practice.

Meet Sarah Goldsmith

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Sarah Goldsmith

Growing up in a family of dancers and dance instructors, and beginning ballet myself at a very young age, I was introduced early on to the importance of self expression through movement. I always appreciated how dance made me feel mentally and physically. When I went to my very first yoga class, I had a vision in my mind of what it would all look like. I would be flowing through poses to peaceful music. Moving my body in ways that were familiar to me. What I actually experienced in the studio that day, was much more powerful than my body or mind had anticipated. I strongly believe that I left that studio a different person. It was a pivotal moment for me.Over the years, yoga has become not just a physical practice, but a way of life for me. I began to realize that yoga is truly a gift I want to share with others. Attaining my 200 hour yoga teacher training coarse further solidified this. One of the styles of yoga I am most excited to teach is children’s yoga. I believe children benefit from mindfulness and yoga just as much as adults do and I look forward to guiding their young minds on this beautiful journey. I am grateful to learn continuously and be a forever student of yoga. I look forward to being a part of this amazing community in such a way that we can learn and grow together. My desire is to create a space for students that feels inclusive and safe. I encourage you to come as you are and be ready to connect with your mind and body on a deeper level.

Love and light.

Meet Kari Mueller

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Kari Mueller

My passion for movement began at a young age. From my early childhood on into my high school years, I was an avid gymnast. Seeking a fitness routine that would continue to build strength but also maintain my flexibility I decided to try yoga. At that first class I took back in 2006, in a small studio in San Diego, I had no idea what I was doing and I mimicked my way through the 60 minutes. But during Savasana, with the sound of collective breathing reverberating in the room, something shifted. I was overtaken by the power of this shared experience and I left feeling lighter and more connected – to myself, and to others. I was hooked.

As my practice deepened over the years, it started to become clear that yoga was more than just a personal passion — it was my calling. I wanted to share the incredible feeling of empowerment and presence that I have experienced from yoga with as many people as possible. As such, through self-inquiry, physical practice, and a 200-hour yoga teacher training course, I gained the tools to bring this practice to my community with confidence. It is my honor to teach yoga and to learn and grow with my students as we create community and connection through this powerful practice. I am to incorporate a combination of athleticism, playfulness, and creativity in my classes while providing a continuous and congruent flow. My intention is that students leave class feeling empowered in such a way that it ripples into all areas of their lives.

Meet Debra Ballweg

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Debra Ballweg

My yoga and meditation practice over 25 years ago as a Social Studies teacher. The stresses and strains of teaching can be daunting. Yoga and meditation brought clarity to my teaching, so much so, that I began to share my practice with my students and fellow teachers. During this time I completed the 200 RYT through Breathe For Change (2016), an organization which focuses on teaching yoga and mindfulness to K-12 teachers in order to bring their benefits into the classroom. I found that after my retirement I wanted to continue teaching yoga; and so my journey continued. My passion is to share my love of yoga and its benefits with others as I have seen my life philosophy grow and change through the practice. The classes I teach are designed for all ages and body shapes. When not teaching I am spending time with my loving husband Sid, our two daughters and five grandchildren. I love to garden, read, and ride on the back of my husband’s motorcycle across the U. S., taking my travel yoga mat with me.

Meet Arlo Paust

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Arlo Paust

I gradually became involved with yoga after taking my first class over fifteen years ago. When living in a large city, it became a needed release from all the tension of hustle and bustle. Yoga become my therapist. Spending time with me in my own body. Paying attention to what my body needs and realizing that I should give my one and only physical manifestation the ability to be open, centered, grounded, and full of light. The mind and body connection has always felt magical and enlightening and I enjoy sharing this experience with others, helping them to find paths of peace and fulfillment, simply by taking time to reflect on the beautiful powers we possess. I have always been interested in the roots of life and I bring this to my classes with a focus on the foundations and alignment of poses. My training is rooted in Hatha, Iyengar, and Vinyasa traditions with a 200 hr training at Greenhouse Holistic in Brooklyn, NY. I believe everybody can and should practice yoga. Our poses will not all look the same, but we can all get the same fulfillment. I am a sixth generation rural Mount Horeb area resident. In my other lives I am a historian, picture framer, Community Kitchen Co-op co-founder, and air farmer (aka fermentation aficionado).

Meet LeAnn Haroldson

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LeAnn Haroldson

I have been a fitness instructor for over ten years and a coach and wellness leader for over thirty years. My training and experience have helped me find my voice as a fitness instructor and I look forward to sharing my passion with you and our community.

My fitness certifications include 200 hour certified yoga instructor/registered yoga instructor, TRX suspension, Silver & Fit Signature, Flow & Lift, Yoga Up, BarreAmped Levels 1 & 2, BarreAmped Boot Camp, and BarreAmped Fire.

Meet Shannon Elliott-Chalgren

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Shannon Elliott-Chalgren

Shannon is a Mount Horeb resident, and regular student at The Yoga Space, who has practiced yoga since 2007.

She started Restorative Yoga teacher training with Svaroopa Yoga in 2008 and recently completed Hatha Yoga teacher training in 2022.

Shannon is a lifelong learner, advocate, boundary setting mama who is committed to being present in her community while cultivating relationships.

Meet Erin O'Brien

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Erin O’Brien

Erin has been practicing yoga since 1999 and teaching since 2003. Her training consists of 200-hour & 500-hour certification through Alignment Yoga, Yoga for Disabilities through MindBody Solutions, Prenatal Yoga through Yogaview Chicago, and Aerial Yoga training through Unnata Aerial Yoga. In addition to her yoga training, she’s also taken coursework in meditation with Jack Kornfield, Ethan Nichtern, and Sharon Salzberg.  The last decade or so has shifted both her practice and her teaching towards developing a deeper awareness and understanding of the unique systems of the body and the importance of incorporating them to create a synergistic practice.  These modalities include study of the lymphatic system and Vagus nerve with Dr. Perry Nickelston, Polyvagal Theory with Deb Dana, and breathwork with Patrick McKeown and Jennifer Snowden.

Meet Colleen Condon

Colleen loves walking off her yoga mat and into the world upright and glowing, centered in her heart and her knowing. When she lets her body be moved by her breath and natural rhythms, she feels Free. Whole. Open. Connected. Strong. Clear. Classes with Colleen are explorations of the light within, the heart’s power, the breath’s refreshing cleanse, and the pure joy of movement.

Colleen’s class philosophy comes from her personal journey. Colleen’s intentional practice of yoga and mindfulness began twenty years ago while in Sri Lanka. After completing her master’s in social work and working as a school social worker, yoga kept leading her to remember her heart’s essence and her inner ability to heal. After 10 years of practicing with Lisa O’Connor, Colleen began traveling throughout Dane County spreading the magic of yoga to kids and families as a little om BIG OM instructor. She then completed her 200-hour RYT through Ritam School of Healing Arts with Saul David Raye in the style of Atma (Soul) Yoga. Colleen feels called to share this style of Atma Yoga, the sweetness of experiencing our true essence, as well as the possibilities of neuroplasticity. With intentional practices, our neural pathways, brains, bodies, and hearts can transform- and we can experience more harmony and freedom in ourselves, relationships, daily living, and the planet. 

When Colleen isn’t on the mat, you might find her on the dirt of a forest floor practicing yoga with the trees. Forest bathing, trail running, and dancing through the woods of Blue Mounds keep Colleen refreshed, nourished, and full. Her sons and husband help her every day to learn, grow, give thanks, apologize, forgive, and embrace!

Meet Melissa Winters

Melissa Winters is a certified Mat Pilates instructor with a passion for helping individuals achieve their fitness goals through mindful movement and strengthening exercises. Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and a personalized approach to her classes, ensuring each session is both challenging and rewarding. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment makes her a beloved instructor. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Melissa’s classes are designed to help you build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall well-being. Outside of the studio, you might find Melissa with a camera in-hand, or exploring one of our many nearby parks with her four children.

Meet Dora Dean

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Dora Dean

My yoga journey began in 2002 with an MTV Yoga Video on VHS! I soon found yoga classes at my local fitness center and continued to grow in my practice. I would often seek out yoga classes as my life moved me from New England to the West Coast, and to Madison in 2021. I feel fortunate to have experienced a wide variety of amazing yoga teachers, studios, and experiences. Rolling out my yoga mat always gives me a sense of coming home to myself, and provides a space to reflect, grow, and just be.

I recently completed a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training with Kramas Yoga in 2025. 

I feel so grateful to be a part of the Yoga Space and hope to help students cultivate a sense of empowerment, community and care on and off the mat.

Meet Britta Hanson

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Britta Hanson

Britta, a lifelong Wisconsin resident, is passionate about connecting people to nature and to themselves through yoga. After completing her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (RYT-200) with Kramas Yoga, she is eager to share her love of yoga with others. With over 34 years in public education, including leadership roles, Britta discovered yoga as a path to personal growth, strength, and healing. A lover of the outdoors, she is deeply rooted in the interconnectedness of people and the earth, weaving these themes into her classes to help others find balance and connection. When not teaching, Britta splits her time between Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where she operates a lodge and looks forward to hosting yoga retreats.

Meet Lee Drapp

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Lee Drapp

I started practicing yoga about 30 years ago, when Madonna made it popular. It was, and is, a great ancient practice that complements my lifelong passion for spiritual awareness. It humbles, strengthens, and, most importantly, enlightens me every day I make it to the mat. I believe in trying things. I also believe in serving others. I wanted to become a yoga teacher to do both. I have a desire to slay the dragon within myself to get beyond where I am. I accept LOVE as the true being of all, and I choose to always look for it in everything and everyone. My training is rooted in great teachers. Thank you, Donna, who was a freelance mentor, before certifications became mandatory. She always drove up to practice in a blue Pinto with stuff packed inside. I never asked, but I think she slept in it, too. Denise, with Bikram Yoga in Palm Springs. She was strong and a leader. I am also inspired by my friends and community at Yoga Space in Mount Horeb. I have certifications with Yoga Fit and YogaRenew 200 YTT.

Meet Erin Vogel

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Erin Vogel

Erin, overwhelmed with balancing her teaching career as a new mom, found yoga in 2009. Yoga helped quiet her mind, connect breath to movement, and build community as she navigated life’s twists and turns. After experiencing the benefits of a yoga practice, Erin earned her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (RYT-200) with Breathe for Change in hopes of teaching yoga and mindfulness in local elementary schools. What began as an effort to practice yoga and mindfulness with her students quickly shifted to providing opportunities for school staff to engage in these practices in order to care for their own mental health. This led Erin to step outside of her comfort zone and shift her yoga teaching from children to adults. Erin strives to provide safe and inclusive spaces for individuals to build community while moving and breathing together. Outside of the studio, Erin enjoys hiking with her family, chasing her kids to sporting events and puzzling.