Nancy Pledger: RDN, C-HYI, Pilates, Weights, Chair Certificates
Nancy earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2004 and became a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist (RDN) in 2005. After having two children, she did not return to full-time work as a clinical dietitian but found much joy and purpose in volunteering as a leader in her church, helping friends with nutrition, and leading fitness and nutrition workshops. She was introduced to yoga during this time. In May 2019, Nancy finished her 200 hours of Holy Yoga Instructor Training (C -HYI 200) with Brooke Boon and the Holy Yoga professionals in Arizona.
Nancy’s yoga journey began as a stay-at-home mom while serving as coordinator of her MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group at Willowdale Chapel. A friend challenged her to combine her passions for fitness and for praying scripture, which directed her to Holy Yoga. Over four years she practiced Holy Yoga as a way to challenge her body in flexibility, strength, and balance all while engaging in a Christ-honoring experience to: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” Mark 12:30. Nancy learned that anyone can do yoga. By including scripture, worship music, intentional breathing, and prayer, yoga can bring God glory.
Nancy’s intention is to weave the Word of God into her yoga practice and leave space for self-reflection and connection with God. Her classes meet the students where they are and seek to build physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness while also building self-confidence and self-awareness. She invites students to dive beneath the surface of their daily lives to find deeper meaning and inspiration. Offering creative sequences with intentional themes, she emphasizes the importance of proper alignment, mindful breathing, and meditation on scripture. Modifications and advanced options are available for new students and experienced yogis so that all can reach their potential. Whether you join her for a chair yoga class or a traditional yoga class, she knows you’ll be encouraged and refreshed.
Shannon Hargreaves: C-HYI, Chair, Kids, Pre/Postnatal, 200-RYT
Shannon earned her bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Delaware in 2007, and in 2012 earned a master’s degree in education specializing in school counseling. For six years she worked in the social services field as a counselor, treatment specialist, and truancy program coordinator.
In 2013, Shannon became a mother and decided to be a full-time homemaker and stay-at-home mom. This new season brought many changes and challenges. For the first time, she felt disconnected and alone. Her only outlet was going to the gym and taking yoga classes. After a couple of months, a woman at the gym invited her to attend a MOPS group. That one invitation altered her life in so many ways.
MOPS helped her find a community, church, and Christ. Even though she began her yoga journey in 2007, she found herself confused walking into yoga studios that had different beliefs. It wasn’t until 2019 when Nancy Pledger told her about Holy Yoga, that she became aware of Christian-based yoga. Upon hearing about Holy Yoga, she began looking to get trained.
In May 2020, Shannon began her 200 hours of Holy Yoga Instructor Training (C-HYI) with Jonnie Goodmanson, and completed her training on August 4th, 2020. In addition, she completed a Chair Yoga certification through Holy Yoga on August 13th, 2020. Holy Yoga has been both healing and strengthening for her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. By incorporating yoga as a spiritual discipline, one can come to the mat as another way of worshipping and giving God glory.
Shannon invites all students to come as they are on their mats, and or their yoga chair. Her classes include creative and fresh new yoga sequences woven in the Word of God that are accommodating for every level, from beginner to advanced yogis. We hope you come and experience her classes, or have her come to you!