Robin Hearne RYT 500

Studio Owner + Yoga Instructor

As a Registered Nurse and health and wellness advocate, Robin dedicated her career to the art and science of managing chronic disease, holding advanced certifications in both cardiac and oncology nursing.  Intrigued by the mind-body-spirit connection, Robin completed a post graduate course in Integrative Leadership at Duke University, with a special interest in lifestyle medicine,  holistic care and the benefits of an integrated approach to cancer care.     

 While recovering from a tennis injury, Robin turned to Outer Banks Yoga, seeking to create more space, stillness and balance in her life.  Within the walls of Outer Banks Yoga, Robin found a nourishing sanctuary to discover new possibilities, inspire personal growth and further her passion to promote health and wellness.  In February 2021, Robin received her 220-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification from Anne Follenbach Howard here at the Amalam School of Yoga at Outer Banks Yoga and shortly after, took the plunge to become the studio owner.                

Robin believes in the benefits of yoga for everyone and serves her students and her community with depth and devotion, seeking to balance movement, breath and stillness. As the owner of Outer Banks Yoga, Robin seeks to nurture an environment of community, honoring the traditions and ancient wisdom of yoga in today's modern world to promote health and healing and shine light and love to our beautiful Outer Banks community.   

Anne Follenbach-Howard
eRYT-500 YACEP

DIRECTOR OF YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM + Yoga instructor

Anne is the director and instructor of our Yoga Teacher Training program - Amalam School of Yoga at Outer Banks Yoga.

She has been practicing Yoga for nearly two decades. She began her journey in France when she was traveling often between Europe and Indonesia and felt she needed a nourishing practice that she could bring with her anywhere. After she moved to the US she pursued her 500-hour yoga teacher certification.

A beloved teacher with 10,000 hours of experience, she leads classes that are ever evolving. Challenging, yet balanced with softness, relaxation and humor. She is also certified and teaches and trains in Yoga for Trauma, Yoga for Kids and Pre-natal Yoga.

Susan Reynolds
eRYT-500 YACEP

YOGA INSTRUCTOR & Teacher Trainer

Discovering the wisdom within the body has been Susan’s lifetime endeavor.  She first discovered the synergy of linking breath to movement and the benefits of meditation and Yin yoga through Japanese Chishin Ryu martial arts.  Turning to yoga’s more peaceful practice, she appreciates the strengthening and lengthening benefits, the introspective meditation, and fascial openings of vinyasa flow and Yin.  Yoga helped her in a successful fight with breast cancer.  Uniting the physical, mental and subtle body through breath by practicing vinyasa and Yin brings balance, peace, focus, and strength in the body and mind. Slower mindful breathing along with Yoga’s moving meditation reduces stress, and tension. 

Yoga is a wonderful way to pause the busy demands of everyday life.  Whether it’s a powerful or gentle flow, yoga is a way to stay present, stay in touch with your spirit, and your heart. 

 Logging over 4000 teaching hours since 2014, Susan carries the YACEP designation as a continuing education teacher and is continually fascinated by yoga and how combining breath, movement, loving kindness, and body wisdom can bring balance to life.  She believes you can change anything about yourself you wish to change, your shape, your outlook, your experiences, and your life through loving acceptance.  

Kelly Shields
eRTY-200 RYT-500 YACEP

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

I came to yoga in 2016 for the stress relief — and honestly, to touch my toes. I stayed because I discovered so much more. Beyond the physical practice, I began to feel the mental, emotional, and spiritual shifts that yoga offers, and I knew I wanted to go deeper. Two years later, I enrolled in the 220‑hour teacher training, and in 2021 completed my 300‑hour program, both through Outer Banks Yoga’s Amalam School of Yoga. Studying under Anne Howard has been uplifting and inspiring, a true testament to her kindness and grace.

Through this training, I worked through some of my own fears (headstands, kale, and Sanskrit terms, to name a few), and now I love encouraging students to meet their own edges with curiosity rather than self‑doubt. My teaching style is fun and lighthearted — a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously as we move, dance, bend, and breathe.

I teach both in the studio and on the beach, and I co‑lead our introductory yoga series, welcoming students who are brand new to yoga or returning after time away. And yes, I can finally touch my toes.

Lalai Riquelme
RYT-500

Yoga Instructor

Hecha en México and fueled by the ocean and  by the surf, I bring I high-energy, and playful spirit to every class.
With a background in Classical dance, I’m a 500+ HR registered yoga teacher, certified in Barre, Pilates, Pranayama and meditation, alongside with deep research in mobility and training in bodywork and massage therapy.
My mission blends physical mastery with soulful depth. Grounded in the sacred geometry of the Yantra and a deep mantra of global service, I create transformative spaces where movement becomes a celebration. Lets flow, play and heal together.

Julia Voellmecke
eRYT-200 YACEP

YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Certified Yogi Flight Method teacher

Julia is an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher who brings a thoughtful and structured approach to every class, helping students build strength in a way that feels safe, intentional, and progressive.

She began practicing yoga while pregnant with her first child, and it quickly became a path of profound transformation. What started as a personal practice evolved into a lifelong journey of growth, resilience, and connection—one that continues to shape both her life and her teaching.

With advanced training from Yogi Flight School, Julia specializes in arm balances and inversions, guiding students to approach these practices with clarity, technique, confidence, and a sense of play. She has a natural ability to break down movement in a precise and accessible way, making even complex skills feel within reach. Some of the most rewarding moments for Julia are when students realize they can do something they once believed was out of reach.
Known for meeting students exactly where they are, Julia gently guides them beyond their comfort zone with care and encouragement, creating a supportive space for growth. Her intention is to create classes that challenge, inspire, and empower, cultivating courage, resilience, and self-trust that extends far beyond the mat.

Pauline Sweeney
RYT-200

YOGA INSTRUCTOR + Sound practitioner

The practice of yoga gave me valuable insight inwards and from there I fell in love with meditation and the way it shifts your life with clarity. I followed my interests and lived in Asia for a few months graduating from Yoga Union in Bali, Indonesia in 2019. Now teaching yoga and sound healing for over 6 years in the Outer Banks, I love blending these modalities to empower you to bring your inner awareness alive.

I continue to travel the world learning and exploring every aspect on how we can bring ourselves more grounded, restored, and energized.

Karen Karuna Bachman
eRYT-500 YACEP

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Karen’s yoga journey began in 1995 on the Outer Banks, a beautiful place where heaven and earth mingle together on a thin strip of sand. Karen is a 500-hour RYT, graduating from the Amalam School of Yoga at Outer Banks Yoga in 2019 and completing her 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training through My Vinyasa Practice in Austin, TX in 2021.

Connecting the body mind and spirit to playful movement brings joy to Karen's practice. Motivated by exploring movement, consciousness, philosophy and that sweet spot between ancient and modern wisdom, Karen enjoys helping others find their way toward positive change and growth. Her deepest hope is for you to feel strongly connected to your heart when you step off your mat after practicing together.

Kathy Cagiano
RYT-200

yoga instructor

I began practicing yoga in 1976, and after many years of learning and growing on the mat, I stepped into teaching with certifications in 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, Yin, Restorative, Chair Yoga, and the Foundations of Meditation. My approach is gentle, honoring the way yoga and qigong meet you where you are, one soft breath at a time. I guide students to release tension, improve flexibility, and reconnect with their bodies. My Turning Tide and Low Tide Peaceful Flows blend wave-like qigong movements with yoga, inspired by my online qigong training and personal practice. My intention is to offer a peaceful, welcoming space guided by my mantra: Live… Laugh… Love.

Oli Cela
RYT-500

Yoga Instructor

Oli Cela’s spiritual journey began in Albania, where she was born and raised in a political environment that gave her no choice of her destiny. At eighteen she was assigned the role of elementary school teacher and left home to study at the university. At first Oli resisted being sent away to study something she did not choose, but eventually she grew to love teaching and enjoyed twelve years of inspiring young students in her native country. But soon living in a war torn communist country became too much for Oli and her family and after relocating to Ohio, she gained political asylum, eventually finding her way to the Outer Banks.

Her struggle with a rare form of arthritis, as well as the stress of being a working single mother, placed Oli on the path to find a way to manage her overwhelming situation. This path led her to Outer Banks Yoga where she began her Yoga studies with Ann Howard, receiving her RYT220 and YTT300 and healing her body and spirit. She is now sharing her passion for healing and connection through exploring yoga both as a teacher and always as a student.

Her favorite quote: 

“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” - Khalil Gibran

Anna Oprea
RYT-200

Yoga Instructor

In 2018 Anna found yoga.  Searching for a place to breathe, yoga allowed Anna to nourish her emotional and physical self.  She quickly became a dedicated student of the beloved Anne Howard and it was only natural to study under her at the Amalam School of Yoga, completing teacher training in April 2020.  While her yoga journey has not been long in years, the enlightenment gained is immeasurable and everlasting.  In Anna’s practice, she offers space for others to come as they are, be in the now, and leave a little bit lighter.    

Suzanne Duck
RYT-500

Yoga Instructor

Suzanne began practicing yoga as a way to simply add stretching to her exercise routine but soon began to realize the amazingly positive impacts of a regular practice. Being immediately drawn to yoga’s ability to calm the mind, strengthen the body and bring clarity and connection to one’s inner self, Suzanne developed a desire to deepen her practice and share the transformative and therapeutic benefits of yoga with others.

Suzanne believes every body can benefit from the practice of yoga and provides a safe and inclusive, welcoming space for students to explore their practice. Her classes emphasize the important connection of breath and movement, integrating elements of Vinyasa and Hatha styles of yoga and focusing on alignment and proper technique. She creates a supportive, mindful, and calming atmosphere, encouraging students to tap into their inner wisdom and find peace within.

Suzanne has happily lived on the Outer Banks for the last 35 years. She has raised 2 wonderful boys who are now aged 19 and 21 and raised countless dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, fish, and one bird. Outside of the studio, Suzanne can be found walking on the beach, in the garden for hours, or traveling to visit family and friends. She is grateful to have the opportunity to live in a beautiful place and to be able to share the healing and therapeutic benefits of yoga with others.

Rebecca Head
RYT 500

Yoga Instructor

Yoga has always been an interest of Rebecca’s and a constant during several moves. After relocating back to the Outer Banks and beginning to teach Elementary School, Rebecca met Anne Follenbach Howard, who had brought her gift of yoga into the Elementary School curriculum. Anne introduced Rebecca to a yoga group for teachers. Six years later Rebecca had the amazing opportunity to study under Anne and completed her 220-hour yoga teacher training at the Amalam school of yoga at Outer Banks Yoga. With this training, yoga and all it encompasses, unfolded for Rebecca and she will forever be grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an amazing mentor. Rebecca continues to strive each day to be in the present and to share positivity and light with those around her. Rebecca has been on the Outer Banks for almost 15 years and when she is not practicing yoga, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors with her husband, son, family, and friends.  

Rebekah Thompson
RYT 200

Yoga Instructor

Rebekah started exploring yoga in 2012 and began to develop her yoga practice at Dig Yoga in Lambertville, NJ. It was there that Rebekah found a true love relationship with yoga as she experienced deep emotional, mental and physical healing through her practice. When she moved back to her hometown of Richmond, VA, Rebekah found a yoga community at The Yoga Dojo where she later completed her 200-hour Rocket Based Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training. In late 2020, Rebekah started studying Ashtanga Yoga under Michelle Dorer and taught Beach Yoga during the summer of 2021.
Rebekah is also a talented music teacher. She studied music in college and graduated with a degree in music with a focus on vocal performance. She has been teaching voice, piano and violin and performing professionally for 10-years and she serves as the Director of Music Ministries at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church.
Rebekah’s musical talents compliment her yoga classes beautifully. Her classes offer a balance between flexibility and strength asanas and she likes to pair music with her class that allows the flow to become a physically creative expression. With a focus on alignment, you can expect to see Rebekah come off her mat and walk around while she is teaching, offering one-on-one support and optional hands-on adjustments.