ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Yoga
The Yoga and Fitness Factory is dedicated to your wellbeing and personal development. Yoga originated over 5,000 years ago as an ancient text that has come to be known as The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. The essence of yoga being to yolk—or center—physical, mental, and spiritual balance. Our certified yoga teachers offer many different kinds of practice, from hatha to yin to hot vinyasa. We also offer pilates classes and have special restorative yoga and other events.
pricing
Drop in $ 17.00
School Student Drop in (2 sessions) $ 20.00
10 Class Pass $ 140.00
3 Month Unlimited $ 240.00
6 Month Unlimited $ 450.00
One Month Unlimited $ 90.00
One Year Unlimited $ 800.00
Meet The Yogis
Liz Baldridge
Liz has been practicing Yoga on and off for over twenty years. Her first experience with Yoga was back in the '80s through an awkward Raquel Welch VHS tape. Since then, feeling drawn by it’s magic, she has found herself always circling back to Yoga. After discovering Yin Yoga at a transformational Yoga festival, she decided she wanted to teach. Liz completed her Yin Yoga certification program through You Do Yoga in Cincinnati in the fall of 2015 and Graduated from the Yoga on High 200hr YTT program in December of 2016. She has since earned a 100hr EMBER (Mindfulness Based Emotional Resilience) Certification and is an iRest® Level 1 Teacher in Training. She is currently continuing her yoga education by working towards a 500-hour YTT certification with a Trauma-Sensitive/Therapeutic focus at Yoga on High. Liz was born and raised in Newark, Ohio. She currently lives in Westerville with her hunky firefighter husband Eric and their monster cat Grendel. She’s worked for a local retailer for over 25 years and continues to grow as an HR Professional there. Liz loves to read, is a foodie, a traveler, and loves long walks on the beach.
Betsy McGann
Betsy was introduced to yoga through The Ohio State University, and as time passed, she reached a point in life where she needed a slight correction in course. "I was over-committed, focusing outward and getting caught up in the little, the petty, the unimportant. I wanted better and wanted to feel healthier. I knew the difference had to come from me." She longed to find a way to recapture the benefits she had gained from her first brush with yoga. At just the right time, she walked into a class at her local studio and never looked back. Betsy loves yoga for the calm that it provides a way to soothe anxiety, feel better physically and focus on the now. For her, yoga is more than just time on the mat; it encompasses the way she interacts with the world around her. Furthermore, Betsy's family loves that she practices yoga because it makes her a nicer person! The kindness of the practice spreads to everyone around her. In 2016, after four years as an enthusiastic student, Betsy earned her RYT200 at Yoga on High, certified with The Yoga Teacher Alliance. As a lifelong student, she continues her education both on and off the mat, and hopes to do so for the rest of her life. Betsy understands that yoga can truly be for every body and thrives teaching Hatha yoga classes with a slower pace, yet still challenging enough to allow for focus of the mind while outwardly focusing on alignment to prevent injury and absorb the benefits of each pose. Betsy's aim is to provide an atmosphere for students to discover or recover the "space" within themselves; space that allows for balance, calm, and coping. Her mantra is "Kindness matters" and that kindness begins with how we treat ourselves.
Tammy Plaxico
Tammy Plaxico earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in dance from the University of Iowa (1994,1998). Over the next couple of years she became certified in Pilates Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, and Injury and Special Populations. For five years she owned and operated BodyMind Balance Pilates Studio in Worcester, MA. After relocating to Westerville in 2003, Tammy joined faculty of the Theater and Dance Department at Otterbein University. She also teaches at Ballet Met. Her mornings and evenings are dedicated to her love of teaching movement arts. Afternoons are filled with the joys and challenges of homeschooling 3 children. Her oldest child is in the 2nd year of college already! Tammy is looking forward to becoming more deeply connected to the wonderful people at The Yoga Factory.
Cole Herman
Fueled by genuine inspiration from a myriad of instructors at The Yoga Factory, Cole began a teaching journey of her own. She is a 200-hour RYT, who received her formal training here in Columbus. Cole works to apply servant leadership to her local community here in Westerville, and to fellow yogi’s. Cole’s #1 passion is centered on inclusivity and making yoga accessible for everyone. When Cole is on her mat, she tunes into the breath and infuses a light hearted spirit into her teaching. When she’s not on her mat, she works FT in a retail Training & Development capacity. Cole also loves spending time with her husband, 2 brainy boys, their 3 kitties and…Brooklyn, the tortoise.
Gwen Surratt
Gwen's yoga journey began after returning home to Atlanta, from a meditation and yoga workshop in 1972. She was inspired to embark on a mentorship, studying under Edie Wightwick, who encouraged her to attend The Sivananda Yoga Center in Val Morin, Canada, for teacher training. From there, she continued her studies in the Siddha Yoga path. In the 1980s, Gwen studied under Alice Christensen at The Light of Yoga Society, and became a Licensed Massage Therapist while she taught yoga parttime. Most recently, she continued her teacher training with Cathy Morse at The Yoga Factory, and Donna Winter at Balanced Yoga. Gwen's classes are vigorous, eclectic and suitable for all levels and ages. Gwen believes that the habit of yoga practice enriches and enhances one's self, allowing the student to become who, and what, they would prefer to be. In addition to teaching yoga, Gwen is a Fiber Artist and enjoys the creative process.
Hannah Simonds
Hannah graduated from The Ohio State University with an English Degree in 2017. It was during her time at school when she began to fall in love with yoga. In 2014, she helped start and run a student organization that held yoga fundraisers to raise money and awareness for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This is when she learned she could combine her passions of service and yoga. She became a Yoga Factory student in Fall of 2017, and through her journey here, she truly found her practice. Hannah earned her RYT-200 at UbU Yoga & Fitness LLC in early 2019. As a long-time Westerville resident, she enjoys connecting with the community at the Yoga Factory. She loves the fluidity of vinyasa and empowering others to find themselves through their practice. Hannah’s mantra is to be kind to your mind, body and soul.
Addie-Grace
Addie-Grace had the privilege of beginning her yoga journey at a very young age. With over 10 years of teaching experience, 600 hours of training and a degree in Holistic Health & Wellness, she fluidly weaves together her passion for yoga and wellness in a way that allows the body to thrive from the inside out. Her love for this practice shines through her facilitation of sensory experiences in movement as medicine for the body, heart, mind, and soul. Her classes, workshops, retreats and teacher training cater to each unique individual and allow every student to feel comfortable in their own skin. She wholeheartedly creates
Mackenzie Daughtery
Mackenzie graduated from the University of Findlay in 2018 with degrees in biology and animal science. As a lifetime athlete, yoga was what she turned to when her softball career was over. Yoga provided a safe place to stay active and heal mentally. After completely falling in love with the practice, she decided to do a teacher training so that she could share the life-changing practice with others.She completed her 200hr teacher training through Sacred Embodiment Yoga in 2021. Her goal as a teacher is to provide a safe place for others on their own journeys. Harnessing the power of movement and breath as guides to the heart, to ultimately realize one's true wild soul and be at home in their own bodies. Mackenzie grew up in Westerville and is related to the founders of Hance Manufacturing, the historical company that was in the same buildings that would one day become The Yoga Factory. It is an honor for her to be working in the same building that grandparents and uncles have also worked in. When not on her yoga mat, Mackenzie enjoys going on outdoor adventures with her dog Dwight, reading, cooking, and listening to old vinyl records.
Gabriela Alvarez
Beth Compton
Beth is a life-long resident of Westerville who started her Yoga journey 15 years ago. In 2022, she earned her 200hr Certification from Sacred Embodiment Yoga. For Beth, the practice of yoga is a moving meditation that brings coherence to the mind, body and soul. She aims to provide a slow paced breath centered practice, centered in the understanding and alignment of each pose while creating space in the body and mind. Beth believes that through each asana, there is time to pause, connect with the breath, and get curious. As we move and slow down our body and mind, we become present, so we feel and hear what our heart is calling. Amidst the chaos of life, the stillness can allow us to go inward and shine light on our true strengths and align with our higher self. “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.“ - Marianne Williamson
Kristen Wright
Kristen began her yoga journey after college with the hope of finding some peace, grounding and balance in a world of uncertainty. For over 20 years, the practice of yoga has helped Kristen to be calm, confident and ready for life “off the mat.” She loves that yoga unites body, mind and soul. In 2024, Kristen earned RYT 200 with Addie-Grace Mehling and Collective Soul Yoga and Movement. A central Ohio native, Kristen is a long time student of The Yoga Factory. She is a Westerville resident and a music teacher in the Westerville City Schools. With over 25 years in education, she brings a unique skill set to her yoga teaching. She incorporates music and inspiring themes while clearly describing a pose or breath practice. Using yoga to better understand the self, she hopes that her classes “cultivate calm and confidence.” Kristen considers herself a lifelong learner and is fascinated with the study of yoga. She’s interested in yoga’s healing aspects and the impact it can have on one's wellbeing. When she’s not teaching, Kristen loves spending time with her kids and husband. She also cooks, takes walks and cuddles with her cat, Summer.
Julia Campbell
Julia was introduced to yoga through a 25+ year corporate career. Within 6 years, she needed to find a stress outlet that didn’t involve liquor or violence. Fortunately, Loretta Zedella saved her sanity by making yoga easier to understand, as well as accessible (both physically and mentally). In 2024 Julia completed RYT200 training through Collective Soul Yoga and Movement. Initially RYT was a midlife crisis, but ultimately turned into a true love. Julia likes Vinyasa movement and encouraging optimism, but also enjoys slowing down in Hatha, to deep dive into a pose or a meditative thought. When not on the mat, Julia is probably on a walk, organizing someone's junk drawer or watching Dateline.
Karli Hay
Karli’s journey into yoga began over a decade ago, seeking solace amidst the whirlwind of young motherhood. Initially drawn to yoga as a means to reconnect with her inner self, she found profound comfort in the practice of mindfulness and soulful introspection. While her dedication to yoga ebbed and flowed over the years, the universe consistently nudged her back onto the path whenever she needed it most. At a pivotal career crossroads, Karli's life took a serendipitous turn when her best friend, Jenny, encouraged her to join a yoga teacher training at the Yoga Factory. Initially hesitant to pursue her long standing dream, Karli ultimately embraced the opportunity just moments before the training commenced. Fate seemed to intervene as she secured the last available spot, affirming her belief that this path was meant for her. Today, Karli teaches alongside Jenny, affectionately known as "The Hay Sisters," a dynamic duo whose shared passion for yoga infuses every class with creativity and soulful energy. Together, they guide yogis through transformative journeys that blend Hatha, Slow Flow Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative yoga with juicy somatic movements and soul-nourishing meditations. Join Karli and Jenny on a journey to rediscover the magic within yourself, where each breath and movement leads you closer to the essence of your soul.
Jennifer Hay
Jenny's journey with yoga began during her time at Ohio University, where she immersed herself in the serenity it offered as a refuge from the demands of Graduate school. Over the past 16 years, her relationship with yoga has deepened into a lifelong passion. Despite pursuing careers in finance and women's healthcare post-college, Jenny always felt a profound calling back to yoga. In 2024, she completed her transformative 200-hour yoga teacher training at the Yoga Factory, solidifying her commitment to sharing the healing powers of yoga. Jenny specializes in Hatha, Slow Flow, Yin, and Restorative yoga, infusing each class with soulful mindfulness practices that resonate deeply with students of all levels. Rooted in Westerville with her loving husband, two spirited children, and two mischievous cats, Jenny finds harmony between yoga and her vibrant family life. When not on the mat, you can find her chasing after her kids or dreaming up exciting plans with her sister-in-law, teaching partner, and best friend, Karli. Join Karli and Jenny on a journey to rediscover the magic within yourself, where each breath and movement leads you closer to the essence of your soul.
Kari Shoemaker
Kari grew up in Westerville, and though her career in hospitality took her to different places, she happily returned to Westerville to raise her three wild yet wonderful boys with her husband. Fun fact: she literally married the boy from (almost) next door! Professionally, Kari is the Director of People and Culture at a local accounting firm, but her true passion lies in all things yoga. Her yoga journey began 10 years ago when she committed to becoming the healthiest version of herself—both as a wife, a mother, and a grounded individual. Starting as a local practitioner, Kari’s personal growth fueled her desire to deepen her practice and become a yoga instructor. Kari’s classes are filled with joy, connection, and movement with a killer playlist and some good laughs! Whatever brings you to the mat, you'll leave Kari's class with a smile, a renewed sense of self, and a workout you didn’t see coming, but absolutely needed. “When you are ready, it will happen. Remember, if it is meant to be, it will be. The universe has a funny way of blessing you—whether it’s with people, things, moments, or places. But only when you are ready. Now exhale.” ~R.M. Drake
Kimberly Blair
Kimberly's first exposure to yoga was during a college course. She was inspired by the contrast between the challenging, yet gentle nature of yoga. Over the years she experimented with various fitness routines, but was always drawn back to yoga. Kimberly found herself lost in the chaos of managing her career and parenting. She made a commitment to dedicate time and energy to work on self-care, inquiry, and meditation through yoga. She found that the yoga community served as a safe, accepting, and positive environment that provides balance to the messy world. From a young age, Kimberly's passion has been caring for and helping others, especially the underserved and underprivileged. Her classes provide inspiring, uplifting, and motivating themes. Kimberly enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, kayaking, reading, creating playlists, and playing with her children.