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Our Story

The story of The Syracuse Yoga Collective began with two passionate yogis Kela & Lisa, who saw a need for change.

As new yoga instructors themselves, they quickly realized that the traditional yoga studio model felt out of reach—too rigid, too exclusive, and too costly for many in their community. They dreamed of something more inclusive, a space where BIPOC individuals and others who felt unseen or misunderstood could find refuge, safety, and belonging through the practice of yoga.

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At first, it was just the two of them, sharing space and ideas. But slowly, word spread. Local instructors who were also searching for community and a home for their classes began to reach out, asking how they, too, could be part of this growing movement.

What started as a humble idea organically evolved into a powerful, heartfelt collective—offering not just physical space for yoga classes, but mentorship, sisterhood, and a shared mission to uplift each other.

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The foundation was clear: This wasn’t just about teaching yoga, it was about building a community. The collective opened its doors to instructors who needed a platform and, together, they created a home where everyone, could feel seen and supported.

The SYC aims to raise funds to help aspiring yogis attend yoga teacher training, ensuring the door stayed open for those who wanted to deepen their practice and share their gifts. From the very beginning, everything about The Syracuse Yoga Collective has been rooted in love, growth, and the belief that yoga can be a transformative tool for everyone, no matter their background or experience.​ We’re proud of what we’ve built, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real. It’s the result of passion, collaboration, and the desire to create a better, more inclusive yoga space for all.

Meet the Collective

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Shakela Sago

Registered Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga

Teacher 200hr

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Yasmine Tiana

Journalist, Certified Yoga Teacher 200hr

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Sha-Asia Armstrong

Certified Life Coach, Meditation & Breathwork Facilitator

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Lisa Newcomb

Trauma Informed E-RYT 200hr & SEL Facilitator

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Gigi Rivera

RYT 200hr, Certified Reiki Practitioner

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Courtney (Belle Ife) Roberts

Certified Yoga Teacher 200hr, Intimacy Coach

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Tedra Needle

Occupational Therapist, E-RYT 200hr

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Chelsea Turner

Certified Yoga Teacher 200hr, SEL Facilitator

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Pavi-Elle Hamilton

Usui//Holy Fire III

Reiki Master

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Neek Davis

Trauma-Informed Certified Yoga Teacher 200hr

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Totieona Breland

Certified Yoga Teacher 200hr

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