Our Ambassadors

Katelyn Chisholm

In my mid-twenties, I decided it was time for a career change. I realized my goal was to help people live happier, healthier lives and it was time to focus on how to do just that. My first job in my new career was working at a local Richmond yoga studio. I immediately felt a sense of comfort. Through working at the studio I was able to start a consistent yoga practice. Within a few short months I wanted to deepen my practice and go through a 200 hour teacher training program. The program changed my life in so many ways. Through my yoga practice, teacher training and, now, teaching I am able to acknowledge my strengths, weaknesses, anxieties, comforts, hopes, dreams, intentions and much more. I am always reminded that my goal is to live a happy, healthy and free life and to help my family, my friends, and all other living beings live that life as well! Namaste!

My MantraMat says: Namaste

Jeffrey Immel

After graduating from JMU, I set out to explore the farther reaches of the world and became a TEFL English instructor in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I’ve spent the better part of my years since teaching, backpacking and volunteering across Asia. Most recently, I created a fundraiser for a rural village in Nepal before heading over to help build a library for their local school. I was introduced to countless new experiences while overseas, including one uplifting partner based practice known as AcroYoga. Once home, I soon fell into the open arms of the Richmond Acro community and have been hooked ever since.

My MantraMat says: Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you. ― Jalaluddin Rumi

Parham Neal-Pishko

Parham is a Richmond native with a background in classical dance and education. She incorporates her love of movement as a form of self-expression into her yoga teaching and focuses on the breath. Parham completed her 200 hour YTT certification here in Richmond, VA under the direction of J Miles, Jane Bahneman, and Kelly Kostecki and is registered with Yoga Alliance. Outside of spreading the love through her practice, Parham teaches middle school and yoga at Richmond Montessori, has a passion for horses, and a serious wanderlust.

My life mantra is Yoga Sutra 1:33, and my MantraMat mantra is “Ut Prosim”, which is Latin for “that I may serve”. This is the same mantra that my alma mater Virginia Tech uses. And though I learned to live by it there in Blacksburg, it has expanded into every aspect of my life: the students, the community, my family, myself. I’m here to serve 🙏.

My MantraMat says: Ut Prosim

Amanda Galvin

Like so many before me, I started my yoga journey seeking to regain strength after an injury. What I would gain from the process was so much more than I ever anticipated. I thought that yoga was simply about flexibility, balance and strength. While these can all be components of a yoga practice, I have learned that yoga is truly about finding yourself, knowing peace, doing good, and being intentional with how you move through life, both on and off the mat.

I first began my practice at home watching YouTube videos from Yoga with Adriene. I connected with her down-to-earth quirky vibes and her overarching goal of “finding what feels good”. The goal of my personal practice isn’t to achieve optimum flexibility or to nail tricky poses but rather to find what feels good in the present moment and to be open.

Since moving to Richmond, Virginia I have discovered so many amazing opportunities and spaces to practice. I love experiencing all that the city has to offer! Whether practicing at Project Yoga Richmond, finding tasty vegetarian eats, exploring down by the river, or climbing to the top of rock walls! I’m so excited and grateful to partner up with MantraDog, a local company that has its roots in sustainability and mindfulness.

My MantraMat says: Trust the Process