Our Team
Sareena Nickoli
Amie Ellis
Sue Solymosi
Tara Murray
Stacey Brunton
Ashlea Gudeit
Caitlin McMahon
Sarah Blundell
Sally Benson
Pete Solymosi
Sara Lunde
Tanya Snow
Jenn Britton
Cydney Sanders
Hannah Stanley
Fraser Blundell
Robynne Madill
Tannis Kassam
Pamie Comier
Sareena Nickoli
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Taught the very first class on Dec 18, 2014!
List of Certifications
- Oct 1997 – BCRPA
- Mar 2006 – Body Training Systems – Group Kick
- June 2006 – Body Training Systems – Group Power
- Nov 2008 – Zumba® Fitness Basics 1
- Dec 2009 – Zumba® Fitness Basics 2
- Feb 2011 – RealRyder® Cycling Certified
- Feb 2012 – Can-Fit Pro Fitness Instructor Specialist
- Nov 2014 – Zumba® Step
- March 2015 – Zumba® Sentao
- Aug 2015 – BootyBarre
- April 2016 – BootyBarre Sculpt (with Tracey Mallet in LA)
- Nov 2016 – Strong by Zumba
- June 2016 – BollyX
- April 2017 – Zumba Pro Skills
- Dec 2017 – Level 1 Indoor Cycle Instructor Training
- Nov 2019 – Journey Into Power Baptiste Yoga Training
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I LOVE teaching because I get to witness the most amazing transformations in body, mind and spirit for so many! I find so much JOY watching people allow themselves to do things out of their comfort zones, to do things they once never though before. Watching people grow into their “own” skin as always been a highlight for me over the years. AND – I get to meet so many people that become my friends!
Tell us something about yourself!
I’ve been teaching fitness for over 20 years!! Crazy. Also, after high school I went to University for Pharmacy, which definitely wasn’t my calling. I’m so happy my life led me to Soul. Lastly – I LOVE furniture and design, as that is what I did for 15 years before opening Soul.
Amie Ellis
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Teaching since January 2015 – opening week!!
List of Certifications
- 2014 – Zumba Fitness B1
- 2014 – Zumba Fitness B2
- 2017 – Level 1 Indoor Cycle Instructor Training
- 2019 – TRX Certification
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
My favorite part about teaching is watching people be transformed by the empowerment that comes with exercise and the connection from our amazing community.
Tell us something about yourself!
I’m a fun loving mom of 3! When I’m not adventuring with my girls at the beach, on the ski hill, or somewhere in the trees, you can find me at the studio. I know from personal experience how vital it is for us to make time for self care. I believe two of the best ways to take care of our bodies and minds are through fitness and community. I am excited to welcome you to class and meet you wherever you are in your fitness adventure!
Sue Solymosi
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
I’ve been teaching at Soul Studio since it’s opening in January of 2015!
Fitness Certifications
- 2014 – Zumba B1
- 2014 – Zumba B2
- 2015 – Zumba Sentao
- 2016 – Strong by Zumba
- 2017 – CanFitPro Fitness Instructor Specialist
- 2018 – TRX
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I live my life in pursuit of inspiration and beauty; teaching fitness fits both of those perfectly, especially when I see students striving to reach their full potential. It’s inspiring and beautiful to see continued hard work and dedication because I know that it’s going to pay off in so many ways – improved mental health, improved posture and strength, increased confidence and motivation… the list of benefits is endless.
Tell us something about you!
I love cross-country skiing, spending time with my family, reading books, building puzzles; I’m always looking for a new adventure, so downhill skiing, mountain biking, and more travel are all on my list of things to do! In my spare time, I love to volunteer and help build strong communities through different organizations such as JCI.
Tara Murray
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Been teaching at Soul starting 2016 subbing Zumba, kids classes then Barre/Zumba
Fitness Certifications
- 2011 – Zumba Fitness B1
- 2016 – Zumba Kids and junior
- 2017 – IBBFA certification Barre Level 1
- 2018 – IBBFA certification Barre Level 2
- 2019 – IBBFA certification Barre Level 3
- 2019 – IBBFA Stretch and Tone program
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I love teaching because I’ve always felt it was important to stay active and healthy especially after leaving high school. Life gets busy and teaching gives me a chance to share what I have learned and challenge others to keep them moving, work on their health, weight, strength, lifted booties and their mood….or whatever else they need! Barre has become my main focus because it is composed of small low impact movements that work amazingly at all different levels, mind and body. Anyone can do it! We lose balance and strength as we age, so to help people actively age makes me happy!
Tell us something about yourself!
I’m an esthetician and makeup artist and lived in Vancouver for 9 years then made my way back to the Okanagan. I have almost all my family in Vernon and have 2 beautiful girls and my husband I adore. I spend a lot of time with my dog and at dog parks and still love to play soccer and squash outside of Soul classes! Summertime I love being on the lake and winter I wish I skied but I do not like being cold!!
Stacey Brunton
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Since 2017!
List of Certifications
- 2016 – Zumba B1
- 2017 – Zumba Gold
- 2017 – BollyX
- 2017 – Pound
- 2018 – Generation Pound
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
It fills my heart and makes me so incredibly happy. It feels amazing to be a small part of a positive component of someone’s day and it’s so rewarding to witness our members journey and accomplishments.
Tell us something about yourself!
I am a wife and a mother of four. Outside of Soul I love to watch and cheer on my kids playing there sports. I play slo pitch, volleyball and love to be active.
Ashlea Gudeit
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Started teaching at Soul 2017
List of Certifications
- 2017 – IBBFA Barre Level 1
- 2018 – IBBFA Barre Level 2
- 2018 – TRX STC
- 2019 – IBBFA Pre/Post natal Barre 2019
Why do you love teaching?
The studio has a amazing atmosphere, I love being able to support others on their fitness and health journey!
Tell us something about yourself!
I love hot sauce, I put it on everything
I have never been able to do a cartwheel
I scare VERY easily. So I steer clear of horror movies!
Caitlin McMahon
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Since July 2017
Fitness Certifications
- 2013 – Zumba Fitness
- 2017 – BollyX
- 2019 – Level 1 Barre
- 2019 – Tabata GX
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I love teaching fitness classes, especially at Soul, because I love being a part of people’s happy place. The strength, dedication, and determination that our members bring to class each day inspires me to be the best I can be and motivates me to bring them the best classes possible.
Tell us something about yourself!
When I’m not teaching fitness, I can be found hiking, camping, skiing, or riddling out a math problem. I love the outdoors and getting out in nature, which is one of the reasons I love living in the Okanagan!
Sarah Blundell
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Since January 2018
List of Certifications
- 2017 – Level 1 Indoor Cycle Instructor Training
- 2019 – Zumba Fitness B1
- 2019 – TRX
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I love the interaction and opportunity to help people better themselves. I love keeping things fun and in turn seeing the positive changes in others and in myself as well!
Sally Benson
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Since Jan 2018
Fitness Certifications
- 2003 – Personal Fitness Training
- 2010 – Jazzercise
- 2018 – IBBFA Barre Certification Level 1
- 2018 – Strong by Zumba
- 2018 – Pop Pilates
- 2019 – Antaraka Pyfusion Yoga
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I love teaching at Soul Studio because it feeds my energy levels with that sense of connection and sharing my passion, and I love to see people go through a change or growth of their own. Whether it’s getting stronger physically, or a gain in their confidence, it fills my heart to see happiness in their faces when they finish class. I also adore the people that make up the Soul Team, we share a special bond, and I love being a part of their classes as a participant.
Tell us something about yourself!
I love rugby, chocolate, sunny days, fall colours, and swimming in Kal Lake. I love being a mom to my busy kids, eating Asian food of any kind, drinking Cider or Radler in the summer, and Wine in the winter. As well as teach at Soul, I am the Strength Coach at Accentz Dance Studio for the competitive team.
Pete Solymosi
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Teaching at Soul Studio since January 2018
List of Certifications
- 2016 – Zumba Fitness B1
- 2017 – Level 1 Indoor Cycle Instructor Training
- 2019 – Stages certified ride instructor
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
Love teaching because of the amazing energy!
Tell us something about yourself!
You will find me at various Zumba® classes instructing a song or two! Sometimes I even tag-teams a whole Zumba® workout with my amazing wife Sue. When not at the studio I can be found at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre in the winter enjoying cross country skiing with my kids or out on the trails riding my mountain bike during the rest of the year. I also have an extensive background in distance running, both on the road and in the trails, dating all the way back to when I was 10 years old. I am a retired triathlete having competed in everything from short distance events and all the way up to Ironman. Outside of these activities I am an avid photographer and loves spending time with my family both at home and traveling the world.
Sara Lunde
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Since Jan 2018 when Soul Ryde opened!
Fitness Certifications
- 2017 – Level 1 Indoor Cycle Instructor Training
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I love teaching because it gives me a chance to challenge myself and those in the class! I ALWAYS walk away inspired and blown away by the push everyone brings to class. I love seeing people do things they didn’t think they could, push themselves that little bit more than they thought they were able to, prioritize their health, and encourage each other through all of the above. It is an honour to witness it all from the stage.
Tell us something about yourself!
I love being outdoors! My family and I love to get out for hikes, bike rides, ski and snowshoe, and jump on any opportunity to travel and see new places or connect with family and friends.
Tanya Snow
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
I started September 2018!!
List of Certifications
- 2019 – IIN Health Coach and Holistic Nutritionists
- 2016 – Yoga 200hrs training RYT
- 2011 – Gaiatri yoga Level 1 and 2
- 2019 – Journey Into Power Baptiste Yoga Training
Why do you love teaching?
I love taking my class and students to an edge and watch them leap off the edge and see what is possible on the other side. And on the flip side I love, slowing things down and allowing the nervous system to recalibrate.
Tell us something about yourself!
I am love being outdoors. I love skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, biking and hiking. Ok really anything out doors.
Jackelin Coughlin
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Since 2018
List of Certifications
- 2010 – Les Mills RPM Spin
- 2010 – Group Fitness
- 2010 – Zumba Fitness B1
- 2011 – TRX
- 2018 – Level 1 Indoor Cycle Instructor Training
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I am so happy to be able to guide people through their fitness journey and to be part of an amazing fitness family. I love to have fun when it comes to fitness, and watching others have fun and work hard!
Tell us something about yourself!
I went from never even stepping foot into a gym to teaching at the gym in just over a year. From the moment I got over my fear and finally entered into the fitness world I was hooked. I was addicted to the way it made me feel and the changes in my body was a bonus of course. I have been teaching for 10 years now and never have looked back.
Jenn Britton
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
I’ve been teaching at a Soul Studio since 2018
Fitness Certifications
- 2018 – Pound Pro Certified in June 2018
Why do you love teaching?
I love teaching Pound for sooooo many reasons! For a busy working Mum, Pound brings much needed and appreciated balance, perspective, strength, increased capacity and loving support to my life. Pound is the time of the week where I escape to Soul and embody what it is to be me while giving me an opportunity to work out all of the stress from my week. Nothing feels better than seeing my amazing, strong Pound posse killing it with me!
Tell us something about yourself!
My Mum passed away eight years ago. My Mum was my rock. She was a beautiful soul wracked with a host of health issues including heart disease and diabetes. Before Mum passed, I liked fitness and did a variety of activities such as skiing and biking, but I wasn’t consistent by any means. The death of my Mum taught me that it is important to care for yourself RIGHT now – not when a project is done/the kids grow up/soccer season is finished/etc. I am so grateful for Soul for not only helping me maintain my physical health, but also helping strengthen my emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.
Cydney Sanders
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Since 2019
Fitness Certifications
- 2018 – Level 1 Indoor Cycle Instructor Training
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I love seeing people’s courage and commitment turn to pride as they discover they CAN do it!
Tell us something about yourself!
I am an RMT and you can find me at my business Little Blue House Registered Massage Therapy! I also just ran my first half marathon in 2019!
Hannah Stanley
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
I have been teaching as Soul since August 2019
Fitness Certifications
- 2018 – Zumba Fitness Basic 1
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
Fitness has always been an important part of my life! Knowing how positively it has impacted my habits and health I want to be able to help people feel the same way about themselves. I love teaching Zumba Fitness because it is one of the only things where I feel so fueled up as I give energy out. I can’t help but smile throughout my class because of the pure JOY it brings me.
Tell us something about yourself!
When I am not at Soul Studio taking classes or teaching, you can often find me practicing handstands because I have a dream of running away and joining the circus! Growing up doing competitive Rhythmic Gymnastics I was introduced into the circus world. I love to perform as well as watch live theatre. I find it so thrilling and intriguing to observe acrobatic professionals push the limits of the human body, and I would do anything to be one of them!
Fraser Blundell
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Since 2019
List of Certifications
- 2019 – Stages certified ride instructor
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I love seeing people reach their goals and take responsibility for their own health.
Tell us something about yourself!
My fitness background was in the Nordic skiing world, it started as a racer for 8 years then as a coach for an additional 8 years. In the early 2000’s I completed the NCCP Nordic Ski Level 2 and Level 3 theory. I am an avid Mountain biker and enjoy most outdoor activities. I’m married to fellow instructor Sarah Blundell.
Robynne Madill
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Since 2019
List of Certifications
- 2019 – TRX
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
It’s my happy place – goal setting and moving in a positive direction – and sharing that head space with others who are on the same journey.
Tell us something about yourself!
RMT who was a competitive swimmer as a kid, and has returned to the sport – competing for Canada in Japan for Worlds (Masters) 2021
Tannis Kassam
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Teaching at Soul since September 2019
Fitness Certifications
- 2013 – Bikram Yoga
- 2016 – Total Barre
- 2018 – Barre Above
- 2019 – Pop Pilates
- Current in CPR & AED
Why do you love teaching?
I love teaching because I love connecting with people through movement! I love learning about how the body works and how it is able to move, change and adapt. I love seeing how small changes can make such a big impact on how people feel!
Tell us something about yourself!
I grew up in the ballet world, and I love how Soul has married my love of dance with my adult life of teaching yoga and fitness. I have 2 kids, that have also caught the dance bug, we are often found at home having a dance party!
Pamie Cormier
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
Started teaching June 2020!
List of Certifications
- 2018- Meditation Teaching Certificate
- 2019- YT200 Yoga Instructor
- 2019- MOGA Training
- 2020 Brain Longevity Therapy Training
- Current in CPR + AED
Why do you love teaching?
Teaching yoga and meditation is truly a gift, and it is rewarding to be the guide in the lives of my students, and witness the power they gain from breathing, moving and re-connecting with their body, mind & soul.
In this crazy world, I am happy to provide a place of calm, and it is always great to witness how yoga and meditation clears the mind, soothes the heart, and helps develop self-awareness and self love.
Tell us something about yourself!
At home, I enjoy spending time gardening, baking, painting rocks and walking my chihuahua Carlos. I also keep up with my own daily meditation practice. My husband and I have a blended family with many teenagers coming and going, and I am also proud to be a director on the board at NONA Child Development Centre. I am obsessed with Tea and all things vintage, and have a huge collection of vintage tea cups.
Ashley Willmott
How long you’ve been teaching at Soul?
October 2020!
Certifications:
- June 2019 – 200hr RYT Yoga Teacher Training in India
Why do you love teaching?
I love to teach because I love to learn. I believe that as a teacher, I learn just as much from my students as they do from me; about yoga, life, and loving and caring for our mind, body and souls. I also love to teach because I love to create flows and styles that are true and authentic to ‘me’ and what I love to do, and how I like to move and breath. It’s the most amazing thing to be able to share that with those that join me, and so rewarding watching them grow!
Tell us something about yourself!
I love to travel and explore! Seeing the world, visiting different countries, and diving into different cultures excites me! I love to experience the ways of living of others all around the world as it gives me great gratitude for my own life. It allows me to connect deeper with myself, with other people and animals, and the earth beneath me.