SAMI’S CLASSES: All styles CLASS VIBE: Sober clubbing meets Ironman training

Sami has been teaching yoga since the age of 16. She began practicing as part of healing an eating disorder and chronic illness, and the transformative benefits of the practice quickly revealed themselves in all aspects of her life (in her physical body, and beyond!). She has thousands of hours of teaching experience under her belt, has certified over 75 yoga instructors with her trainings, and has taught in more than dozen countries worldwide. She is a mother of three, a wife, and a farmer and homesteader. Sami has a Master's and a Bachelor's degree, both in Alternative Holistic Medicine. She did not grow up dancing, but dance and group fitness found her in adulthood, and she is so glad that it did.

ANNE’S CLASSES: Vinyasa, Uplift, Uprise CLASS VIBE: Creative, intense, catalyzing growth

Anne began practicing yoga in 2017, being drawn to yoga’s healing potential after multiple abdominal surgeries left her with unexpected physical and mental trauma. Ultimately, Anne fell in love with the mental clarity, physical strength, and personal community yoga offers. In June 2024, she completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training and soon after finished a Balance Body barre certification. She is passionate about music and excited to offer thoughtfully designed and accessible classes focusing on connecting breath and movement.

Off her mat, Anne has a degree in biology and chemical ecology. She is a mother of one and a co-owner of a mental fitness/executive coaching business with her husband. She loves growing and cooking food, dancing, hiking, fishing, and exploring the outdoors.

RACHEL’S CLASSES: Uprise & Step Up CLASS VIBE: Sweet, sassy, playful & powerful

Rachel began dancing at the age of four. In 2023 she completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training under the mentorship of Sami, owner and founder of  Uprise, obtaining her Buti certification in 2024. Rachel’s diverse range of dance styles include hip hop, contemporary, modern, ballet, jazz, swing, and African. She was a member of a modern company and competed in national collegiate competitions. She is a lover of all things movement and delights in teaching hip hop. She is currently a student of Innate Traditions, a  postpartum care certificate program. It is her mission to be a support resource for those traveling the path of motherhood. Most proudly—- she is a mama, wife, sister, daughter, and friend.  She lives in Casco with her husband, her sons and their doggie.

NICOLLE’S CLASSES: Pilates CLASS VIBE: Classic, with a Latin flair

Nicolle Orne is a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor specializing in Pilates, Barre, Yoga, and Functional Fitness. Originally from Brazil and now based in Maine, she is a mother of two and brings warm, creative energy to every class she leads.

Her Hot Pilates classes at Uprise are beat-driven sessions that combine strength training with mindful movement. Designed to build heat, tone muscles, and empower participants, her classes reflect a deep passion for movement and community.

Outside the studio, Nicolle enjoys hiking, exploring nature, and connecting with others—always seeking new adventures and meaningful experiences.

HEATHER’S CLASSES: Deep Stretch CLASS VIBE: Grounded & relaxing

Heather Zachau was introduced to yoga at an early age by her mother in the 1970s. She rediscovered yoga in 2010, which changed her life. She wants to take that knowledge she has learned personally to all of her students to ensure they understand the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. She completed her 200-hour yoga certification at Boston Yoga School in 2016. She has finished her 95-hour RCYT training from Childlight Yoga, 500-hour training with the Yin Yoga School, Restorative Training, Aerial Yoga Teacher training, and Level 1 Sound Practitioner training. Recently, she completed her Level 1 & 2 Reiki certification. Currently, she teaches yin and aerial yoga, breathing techniques and mindfulness for the sports teams in local area high schools and in the private and public sectors.

Heather continues to be an avid biker, hiker, skier, traveler and outdoor enthusiast too! She and her husband recently bought a farm in Pownal, so farming is the next big adventure to come!

ROB’S CLASSES: Hot Hatha CLASS VIBE: Contemplative & challenging

Rob is a husband, dad and yoga fanatic. A native Philadelphian who recently moved to Brunswick, Rob fell in love with the 26&2 after being introduced to the series in Ithaca, New York way back in 2000. In 2020, Rob received his teaching certification from Blue Moon Yoga in Fresno, California under the tutelage of Abria Joseph and Britney Easton. Rob truly believes his purpose in this life is to share the therapeutic practices of yoga with as many people as possible. When he’s not in the studio sweating, you can usually find Rob cooking meals, gardening or hiking the Maine woods with his family.

KELLY’S CLASSES: Hot Vinyasa & Hot Hatha CLASS VIBE: Spiritually infused & physically playful

Ben has been a student of yoga, and specifically the Hatha/26 practice, for decades. He completed his teacher training with Sami in 2020. A lifelong athlete, he is passionate about how discipline and dedication can be fundamental in healing the body.