Kim Armstrong
Born and raised in Jacksonville, NC Kim Armstrong is a life long local and is 
proud to call our area home. She has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and has experience with many different studios as well as different styles of yoga. After the very first class she took, she knew yoga would be a lifetime pursuit. In 2018, Kim graduated from Yoga-Mojo teacher training as a certified instructor with 230 hours of course study. With the love of her community and yoga, Kim brings her own personality to her classes by creating an open and inviting atmosphere for everyone and especially those who are interested in starting their own yoga journey.
Megan Barber
Megan has been actively practicing yoga since 2016 and has been teaching since 2019. She was first introduced to yoga through a required Somatic Theory course for her Dance Science degree in college. Within weeks she was hooked! Two years later she attended teacher training at Asheville Yoga Center and is now a registered yoga teacher (RYT200) through Yoga Alliance. Yoga has helped Megan through her recovery from eating disorders and depression, along with the more mundane, everyday challenges of life. Megan finds yoga to be an especially therapeutic form of movement not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. “There is so much healing to be found in connecting the mind, body, and Spirit.” She is so excited to join the Momentum family and looks forward to meeting everyone on and off the mat!
Greg Bogard
Greg has been practicing yoga since 2011 and teaching since 2014. His 
yoga journey began when, after seeking relief from years of typical middle-aged ailments, he decided to see if yoga could do what meds and physical therapists could not. Within months of beginning his practice, Greg was not only living free of pain, but through the inspiration of his instructors, had begun to realize there was wellness within the practice of yoga that went beyond the physical body. Desiring to learn more, Greg underwent teacher training and graduated the YogaWorks 200-hour program at MOMENTUM Yoga & Fitness in 2013 and completed his 300-hour program through Asheville Yoga Center in 2018. Greg is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500) with the Yoga Alliance®. He is grateful for the opportunity to instruct while continuing to learn and grow as an enthusiastic student of the yoga tradition.
Hannah Buttenshaw
Hannah is a Northern Virginia native living in the Crystal Coast after relocating with her active-duty military husband and are welcoming their first baby, a girl, in May 2023. She has been practicing yoga since 2014 and has loved the consistency through all stages of life. She completed her 200 hour training through YogaWorks in 2017 and has taught a variety of students who she loves to connect with. In addition to yoga, she loves exercise physiology and anatomy and graduated with a degree in Kinesiology from George Mason University. Hannah believes yoga is for everybody and everybody and welcomes students to explore their practice and is delighted to be a small piece of their yoga journey.
Alicia Durham
Alicia Durham is a graduate of the Yoga Mojo Teacher Tr
aining and is a RYT200 with Yoga Alliance. She brings to the mat a refreshing positive energy, as well as a lifelong love of teaching. Her relaxing stretches, playful Vinyasa flows and moving mediations will help you expand your flexibility, increase your strength and calm your mind. Her goal is to guide you to connect with your body, your mind and your spirit.
Julie Hutsell-Starling
While she has practiced many types of yoga for many years, Kundalini yoga is what has brought about the most profound changes, healing, and transformations in her own life. As a result of the transformation it has brought for her, she is passionate about sharing this powerful yoga technology with as many people as possible, so that they may also experience deep healing and transformation in their own lives.She sees Kundalini yoga as a powerful tool that people can use to help themselves through the struggles of life so that they may experience more joy, love, and happiness, and ultimately (re)find the beautiful light within them, their sparkling soul that desires simply to be seen and experienced for who it truly is.
She recently moved from Durham to Beaufort with her husband and three kitties, following her joy to the beautiful Crystal Coast and she is SO excited to join the beautiful Momentum Yoga Community!
Nella Brooks Johnson
The beginning of my yoga journey was not one of success. I tried classes at many studios over the years, and although I loved the environment, the teachers were critical of my alignment, and to be honest, I didn’t feel like I belonged or that I could do it. In July 2017, upon recommendation of a friend and with much hesitation, I tried a studio that had recently opened. After being in class led by encouraging teachers, I discovered a daily yoga practice. In October, that same year, I began 200HR teacher training and began teaching a regular schedule in March 2018. With such a supportive community, I was able to discover and embody transformation in my life physically, mentally and spiritually. Due to the pandemic and complications with my son’s school, we moved to Wilmington, NC in August 2020. Yoga allowed me to be home and support my son while teaching online privates and corporate classes. I completed my 300HR training on November 7, 2021 with Lit from Within Yoga, and became a 500HR RYT, a goal I set at the end of December 2020. In May 2022, and in conjunction with my son transitioning out of his speciality school, we moved to Morehead City where he will be a 5th grader at Morehead Elementary School. I really wanted to find a new yoga home that paired well with where I am in my life, and found that home at Momentum after taking my first class with Kristin.
I love that yoga gives me space for a deeper connection to self, and allows for deeper and more meaningful connections with others. Equally as important, yoga shows me daily anything is possible! Being a part of my students’ journey in profound self-discovery is my passion and observing their progress brings me joy. I am excited and grateful to help create a strong and vibrant community at Momentum Yoga & Wellness!
My favorite yoga pose is Side Plank. I feel strong, capable and empowered in all variations.
Fun Facts: I have been a paralegal for over 26 years; I am a Charter Boat Captain; and I am currently working on my VFR private pilot’s license!
Ατελείωτο (never ending)
Sarka Kocicka
Sarka is passionate about helping people build strength and mobility through a core-based functional movement style of yoga, to find freedom and joy on and off the mat.
In 2013, Sarka completed her first 200-hour traditional, alignment-based Hatha and Vinyasa teacher training with Noah Maze, then in 2020, the 200hr + 100hr physical-therapy based LYT™ Yoga Method with Lara Heimann to learn more about anatomy, physiology, and neurology to assist people with injuries and/or physical limitations.
Her style is playful, positive, and motivating with fun, creative yoga sequences and optimal alignment cues for a safe, sustainable practice. She loves to teach all levels, all ages, all abilities, and believes yoga truly is for everybody and it’s never too late to start. And it’s possible to challenge and re-wire the brain and body to move more efficiently, live pain-free, and find balance and calm amidst a modern lifestyle of technology and sedentariness.
Born in Brno, Czech Republic, Sarka later moved to Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, then after meeting her husband, they lived all over the world – New York City, Tampa, Seoul, Singapore, Australia, Bali, San Francisco, Austin, back to Vancouver – and now settling in coastal North Carolina, her husband’s hometown State. They have two girls, age 10 and 8, and a chocolate Lab. Sarka loves to go paddleboarding, golfing and camping.
Sharon Maloney
In 2008, Sharon graduated from Glenmore Yoga and Wellness with 200 hours
of course study in the Himalayan tradition. This style explores the spiritual heritage of mankind that united East and West, spirituality, science and the ancient wisdom. She is registered E-RYT teacher with Yoga Alliance. As a teacher for fourteen years, she enjoys teaching individuals and groups and leading workshops. Ayurveda, the sister science of Yoga is learning to live a balanced life, in harmony with your inherent nature, or Ayurvedic constitution. This is a passion she shares with Yogis that is beneficial to a reduction in stress, increased energy and an improved quality of life, Sharon guides students in their exploration of Yoga, helping them to achieve personal goals and find ease in their body and peace of mind.
Kristin Martin-owner
Kristin has practiced yoga for 20 years. She came to Momentum Yoga in 2016 after moving from Roanoke Rapids, NC. Kristin believes practicing yoga with 
teacher Leilani Walker changed her life. “Every time I came to Leilani’s class she awakened my soul more and more. Through her yoga flow, breathwork and meditation I began to connect to my authentic self. In 2018 Momentum Yoga offered a teacher training program through Yoga Mojo and Kristin jumped at the opportunity to learn more about yoga. “I never went into this journey with a desire to teach but a desire to learn!” She embraced the training with her whole heart. “I’m so thankful and grateful to Loretta Jo! For the experience and her teachings! There isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t use some of what she learned in the program. For me the program was life changing!” Teaching yoga has now become my passion! I want to hold space for others to practice yoga, to connect with breath and each other that is safe so that they too can connect to their authentic selves.
Stacey Morris
I found Yoga on the path of my healing journey.
An inspirational meeting with Jade Morton started a life changing adventure that began with her Gentle Yoga and health classes that further led me to become a graduate the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and a Certified Health Coach where I learned holistic ways of healing from anxiety and illnesses that had me on 8 prescriptions a day!
After visiting Momentum I discovered a variety of yoga styles, where I met Kristin and her contagious Love of everything Yoga, which led me to become RYT 200 from the Yoga Teacher Training offered there with the incredible knowledge and guidance of Loretta Jo of Yoga Mojo.
Yoga continues to be the calming of my mind, improving my mobility & flexibility, finding my breathe and the healing of my Spirit.
After a class with Jade, she asked me if I ever saw myself teaching
, I did not. Yet I fully embraced going through these amazing learning, healing journeys that now has me prescription free, it has become a practice I wish to share…
…a relaxed style infused with soothing music, aromatherapy & stretches mixed with gentle and organic movements in a comfortable, safe space to practice or start from wherever you are,
I hope to meet you on the mat. 💖
Steve Reilly
Steve has been practicing yoga and meditation since 2010. His practice focuses on the exploration of our minds and building a strong mental framework to ground our practice. With an educational background in History, he likes to use the lessons of the past to guide our present and set the waypoints for our future. You can expect a session that focuses on mindfully accessing each pose, a flow with available modifications so everyone can participate regardless of physical limitations, and guided meditations that seek to build a safe and understanding environment.
Alan Reynolds- E-RYT 500
Al started practicing yoga in 2004. After nearly two years of taking three classes a week and practicing at home Al realized that his consistent practice had lead to a transformation that left him at peace with himself and his life. It was at that time that he decided to become a yoga teacher so that he might help others experience the same transformation.
Al received his 300 hour and 500 hour (2009) certifications at Yoga Synthesis under Raji Thron. As a Yoga Synthesis teacher Al enjoys bringing different styles together to make each class a unique experience. Al believes that anyone can experience the positive transformation that results from a consistent yoga practice and seeks to give each student the ability to extend and deepen their practice to that end.
Al is also a Thai Yoga Massage practitioner having received a level 2 certificate from the Triple Gem School of Thai Massage in 2015 under Jeanette Sealy.
Courtney Rose
Courtney quickly found the physical benefits and gradually developed an emotional and spiritual
connection to yoga when she was a dance major in college. Yoga has helped her navigate
many of life’s challenges including depression, pregnancy and injury. Courtney strives to make
yoga accessible to everyone by modifying poses and offering options to increase intensity
meeting each yogi’s individual needs. She honors the connection between the physical and
spiritual benefits of yoga. Courtney understands the need for humility in ones’ practice and
desires to share the healing effects of yoga with people of all ages and ability levels.
Juli Saylor
Juli’s desire is to spread her passion for yoga on and off the mat. Teaching comes naturally to Juli and she brings great energy to the studio. She graduated from Seaside Yoga of Wilmington with her 200 RYT in September 2008 with an emphasis on Anusara yoga. Juli completed her 300 hour program in January 2016 through Asheville Yoga Center. She currently holds her 200-ERYT and 500 RYT. She honors her teachers Lisa Colletti, Susan Koepp, Ashley Ludman and Rachael Crawford Goolsby.
Gabby Sessoms
Hi, my name is Gabrielle Sessoms 200hr Yoga Instructor. I started practicing
yoga about 5 years ago on and off, it wasn’t until the Covid-19 pandemic during quarantine that I started practicing daily. It kept me motivated and in a routine, which felt comforting in a time with so much uncertainty. After getting back to work and so called “normal” life and after the havoc of the pandemic calmed down a little. I fell back into a constant state of working and the question arose, “what am I doing?” “What would be more fulfilling for me?” So, I decided to take the leap and take the 200 hour YTT course to become a certified instructor. Fast-forward months later I’ve finished the program and now teach as a freelance instructor in Jacksonville and Emerald Isle, soon to be adding the beautiful Morehead City to the list ! I’m currently in the process of attaining my Reiki Practitioner and Natural Healing Certification and Sound Healing Certification. The more I dive into the healing world, the more I find I continue to fail in love with this way of life every single day. Hope to see you in a class soon!
-Namaste
Leilani Walker
Leilani loves yoga. She believes that it has the power to connect us to our inner guide, reveal the truth of who we are, reset our happiness meters, and expand our compassion as we evolve from practicing yoga on the mat to the real beauty of being our practice. Leilani has been practicing yoga since 2000. She completed a 240 hour certification in 2008 with The NC School of Yoga from the lineage of living yoga master Sri Dharma Mittra. In 2010 she completed an advanced yoga teacher training course with her teacher, Erich Schiffmann. She received her 500 hour certification after studying with Jill Sockman in Raleigh.
Mary Winter 
Battle Witherington
For over 10 years, Battle Witherington has been teaching an uplifting style of yoga to people of all abilities. As a lifelong dancer, she developed a physical consciousness that has fueled her interest in fitness and wellness, first the body then the mind. This interest inspired her to complete 200HR teacher training with Sri Dharma Mittra in New York City in 2011 and her 500HR training with her dear friend and mentor, Sheryl Light with Open Studio NC. The true importance of yoga began to take on a new meaning as she shared her passion with others. Battle fulfilled a dream of having her own yoga studio at BeUnlimited Yoga, Wilmington NC before being offered the opportunity to fulfill another dream of moving to New York City to teach yoga. While there, she was able to broaden her experience and knowledge even more by completing BarreFit certification and working with some of the best barre and yoga teachers in the industry. Currently, she is splitting time between two beach towns that she loves, Wrightsville Beach and Atlantic Beach and offering her yoga experience to both communities.
Battle’s mission is to inspire students’ by creating an inviting, energetic vibe that enhances yoga practice on and off the mat. She believes that with daily asana practice based on the Ashtanga foundation, the other limbs of yoga ease into life as well. Battle offers high energy guidance that involves a strong vinyasa flow challenging and balancing the body. She genuinely loves seeing how people benefit from building strength, increasing flexibility and overall self-awareness. Her light and humorous approach eases and inspires, ultimately cultivating a community of laughter, kindness, strength and joy.