Painted Lotus Yoga and Wellness LLC strives to offer the highest caliber of classes and services provided by compassionate, highly trained, credentialed, and experienced instructors and body workers from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Through scientifically sound and spiritually grounded yoga practices and healing modalities, it is our intention to provide an inclusive, affirming space where our students and clients are empowered to create transformation, vibrant health and well-being in their lives. Our space serves as a center for growth, exploration, continuing education and community for all who are open to learning and sharing. Painted Lotus Yoga and Wellness exists as the bridge between ancient and modern healing arts,
enriching the lives of people across our diverse community.
enriching the lives of people across our diverse community.
OUR TEACHERS:
CLARISSA BOGGESS (she/her): Owner/Instructor, E-RYT500, RCYT, YACEP, HMACM, Reiki
A student of the practice since the mid-90’s and bringing over 14 years of teaching experience to her classes, Clarissa teaches from a space of reverence, curiosity, fun, and spontaneity. Her teaching is most often unscripted, offering unique sequences intuitively inspired by the energy of the moment. Clarissa is known for her ability to cultivate community and truly teach to all levels of yoga experience in all her classes. Clarissa is registered with Yoga Alliance and, along with specialized training in various aspects and styles of yoga and movement-based healing modalities, Clarissa holds the following certifications: E-RYT200 (2008 - Yoga Bliss Studio), E-RYT500 (2016 - Rolf Gates 300hr. Advanced Vinyasa Teacher Training), Restorative Yoga (2013 - Skyla Rameriz), Hannah Somatics (2018 - Akasha Ellis), Yoga for All (2018 - Dianne Bondy), Accessible Yoga (2020 - Jivana Heyman/Amber Karnes), RCYT: Yoga for Children and Teens with a Trauma-Informed Focus (2021 - YogaEd.).
Additionally, Clarissa has an extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, currently apprenticing through Rosemary Gladstar’s Science and Art of Herbalism community herbalist course. She has been attuned to Reiki since 2008, and has an in-depth understanding of the use of crystals for balancing energy, earning the designation of Certified Crystal Practitioner from the Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy, in 2016 and Advanced Crystal Master in 2021.
Clarissa is a fierce and tireless child advocate within Tuscaloosa City Schools and serves the LGBTQ+ community as a founding member of PFLAG Tuscaloosa. Clarissa is available for private sessions, workshops, speaking engagements, and events. To consult with Clarissa for your event or speaking engagement, please email your request to: paintedlotusyoga@gmail.com.
A student of the practice since the mid-90’s and bringing over 14 years of teaching experience to her classes, Clarissa teaches from a space of reverence, curiosity, fun, and spontaneity. Her teaching is most often unscripted, offering unique sequences intuitively inspired by the energy of the moment. Clarissa is known for her ability to cultivate community and truly teach to all levels of yoga experience in all her classes. Clarissa is registered with Yoga Alliance and, along with specialized training in various aspects and styles of yoga and movement-based healing modalities, Clarissa holds the following certifications: E-RYT200 (2008 - Yoga Bliss Studio), E-RYT500 (2016 - Rolf Gates 300hr. Advanced Vinyasa Teacher Training), Restorative Yoga (2013 - Skyla Rameriz), Hannah Somatics (2018 - Akasha Ellis), Yoga for All (2018 - Dianne Bondy), Accessible Yoga (2020 - Jivana Heyman/Amber Karnes), RCYT: Yoga for Children and Teens with a Trauma-Informed Focus (2021 - YogaEd.).
Additionally, Clarissa has an extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, currently apprenticing through Rosemary Gladstar’s Science and Art of Herbalism community herbalist course. She has been attuned to Reiki since 2008, and has an in-depth understanding of the use of crystals for balancing energy, earning the designation of Certified Crystal Practitioner from the Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy, in 2016 and Advanced Crystal Master in 2021.
Clarissa is a fierce and tireless child advocate within Tuscaloosa City Schools and serves the LGBTQ+ community as a founding member of PFLAG Tuscaloosa. Clarissa is available for private sessions, workshops, speaking engagements, and events. To consult with Clarissa for your event or speaking engagement, please email your request to: paintedlotusyoga@gmail.com.
LYNDA KEES (she/her): LMT, E-RYT500, Reiki Master Teacher
Lynda is a pioneer in the Tuscaloosa area having opened the first yoga studio in Tuscaloosa more than 20 years ago. We are honored that she brings her years of teaching experience and extensive knowledge of functional movement, principles of alignment, and understanding of yogic philosophy to our PLYW family. Practicing massage therapy in Tuscaloosa since 1997, Lynda Kees Massage Therapy shares a home with us inside the PLYW space. For more information or to schedule body work with Lynda, please contact her directly here: https://lyndakees.com
Lynda is a pioneer in the Tuscaloosa area having opened the first yoga studio in Tuscaloosa more than 20 years ago. We are honored that she brings her years of teaching experience and extensive knowledge of functional movement, principles of alignment, and understanding of yogic philosophy to our PLYW family. Practicing massage therapy in Tuscaloosa since 1997, Lynda Kees Massage Therapy shares a home with us inside the PLYW space. For more information or to schedule body work with Lynda, please contact her directly here: https://lyndakees.com
REBECCA BROOKS (she/her): Tai Chi/Qigong
Becca grew up in East Tennessee on the edge of the Smoky Mountains. The meditative effect of the mountains and respect for nature and the environment were engrained at an early age. She moved her family to Tuscaloosa to take a position as an audiologist in the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Alabama. She began practicing Tai Chi and Qigong in 2015 receiving training through the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Since spending her professional career teaching and training students, extending her practice to teach Tai Chi and Qigong was second nature. Her goal is to increase awareness of Tai Chi and Qigong in the Tuscaloosa community.
"In 2015, at the advice of a friend, I began to investigate Tai Chi practice. Health and wellness benefits were well established and documented, which appealed to me due to chronic back pain. The real draw for me however was the idea of a practice based on continuous movement. I am by nature restless and both like and need to move. Through the course of Tai Chi practice, I have come to understand, embrace, and appreciate the concept of movement in stillness. I will take this practice with me wherever I go for the rest of my life."
Becca grew up in East Tennessee on the edge of the Smoky Mountains. The meditative effect of the mountains and respect for nature and the environment were engrained at an early age. She moved her family to Tuscaloosa to take a position as an audiologist in the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Alabama. She began practicing Tai Chi and Qigong in 2015 receiving training through the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Since spending her professional career teaching and training students, extending her practice to teach Tai Chi and Qigong was second nature. Her goal is to increase awareness of Tai Chi and Qigong in the Tuscaloosa community.
"In 2015, at the advice of a friend, I began to investigate Tai Chi practice. Health and wellness benefits were well established and documented, which appealed to me due to chronic back pain. The real draw for me however was the idea of a practice based on continuous movement. I am by nature restless and both like and need to move. Through the course of Tai Chi practice, I have come to understand, embrace, and appreciate the concept of movement in stillness. I will take this practice with me wherever I go for the rest of my life."
MARIA CAPRIO (she/her): RYT200
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Maria is currently a sophomore at The University of Alabama. As a dancer she had only thought of yoga as a way to cross-train until she found a deeper meaning from the practice during the shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maria received online professional training through the Yoga & Ayurveda Center earning her RYT 200 Hour certification and is registered with Yoga Alliance. By sharing her yoga practice, Maria hopes to help and inspire others to cultivate community and more peace in their lives.
Maria is the founder of the Crimson Yogis Club at the University of Alabama where they focus on offering more yoga opportunities to college students of all levels. (follow Crimson Yogis on Instagram @crimsonyogis)
Since becoming a registered yoga teacher, Maria has taught classes both on Zoom and in-person for the Crimson Yogis, The Dance Honors Society of Alabama, Franklin School of Performing Arts, and Dance Academy of Bellevue in Tennessee.
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Maria is currently a sophomore at The University of Alabama. As a dancer she had only thought of yoga as a way to cross-train until she found a deeper meaning from the practice during the shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maria received online professional training through the Yoga & Ayurveda Center earning her RYT 200 Hour certification and is registered with Yoga Alliance. By sharing her yoga practice, Maria hopes to help and inspire others to cultivate community and more peace in their lives.
Maria is the founder of the Crimson Yogis Club at the University of Alabama where they focus on offering more yoga opportunities to college students of all levels. (follow Crimson Yogis on Instagram @crimsonyogis)
Since becoming a registered yoga teacher, Maria has taught classes both on Zoom and in-person for the Crimson Yogis, The Dance Honors Society of Alabama, Franklin School of Performing Arts, and Dance Academy of Bellevue in Tennessee.
VIOLA BELL (she/her): RYT200
Viola grew up and lived in Germany until moving to Tuscaloosa in 2021. In Germany, she worked as a physiotherapist in an orthopedic rehabilitation clinic where she enjoyed offering group lessons for all kinds of physical issues. Viola always liked to practice yoga on her own and was curious about how it could support her patients' recovery and possibly prevent injuries in advance. In early 2020, she earned her RYT200 yoga teacher designation in Germany/Wiesbaden, widening her horizons mentally and professionally. Unfortunately, her plans to teach were delayed by the onset of the pandemic. Viola is happy to finally get back to teaching! She is thrilled to teach yoga for the first time as a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher and is looking forward to further education courses in yoga.
Viola grew up and lived in Germany until moving to Tuscaloosa in 2021. In Germany, she worked as a physiotherapist in an orthopedic rehabilitation clinic where she enjoyed offering group lessons for all kinds of physical issues. Viola always liked to practice yoga on her own and was curious about how it could support her patients' recovery and possibly prevent injuries in advance. In early 2020, she earned her RYT200 yoga teacher designation in Germany/Wiesbaden, widening her horizons mentally and professionally. Unfortunately, her plans to teach were delayed by the onset of the pandemic. Viola is happy to finally get back to teaching! She is thrilled to teach yoga for the first time as a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher and is looking forward to further education courses in yoga.
