Rachel Gardner - Front Desk Extraordinaire - Yoga Instructor

Hi friends! My name is Rachel and I am a senior at Elon studying psychology and dance. I love romance novels, puzzles, hanging out with my college roommates, a good playlist, sneakers, and all things yoga. I am an ex-cheerleader, current dancer, and yoga has become my most recent obsession. I have been a vegetarian for 10 years and I love cooking with friends or going out to eat with my family. I am a Charlotte native and have a wonderful family that includes my parents, older brother, and our Boston terrier.

My yoga journey started when I began college and took a yoga class through my university. I began to take yoga seriously and cultivate my practice in 2020 during my sophomore year, and by January of 2021 I began my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training. I now teach at a studio in Burlington during the school year, and am so happy to join the CY team for the summer! I could not be more excited to immerse myself in the CY community and share my love for yoga with others.

Yoga has helped shape me into the person I strive to be. Yoga has challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally in a way that no other form of exercise has. It allows me to give up what I must to be present with myself, my body, and my community. Going through teacher training was extremely pivotal as a college student trying to navigate the real world and it allowed me to solidify my goals and values. Yoga has opened my eyes to so many things about myself and my peers and I am forever grateful for a lifelong practice that helps my mind, body, and soul! Looking forward to seeing you around the studio or on your mat soon!