our guides
Ellen Eilers
owner, founder
Bio
Ellen is the Owner & Founder of Zen Yoga Studio. Ellen’s introduction to yoga was at a community college in Cleveland in 2005.
Her curiosity about the philosophy of yoga led her to gain a 200-hour teaching certification from Josie Schweitzer in 2015. In 2018, Ellen began teaching full-time and fell in love with helping her students receive the benefits of yoga as well. She became E-RYT 200 in 2020 and created the School of Zen, a 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training program, which is certified to the highest level of the Yoga Alliance. Her classes focus on breath, alignment, and creative sequencing.
When she is not trying to save the planet or teaching yoga, she spends her free time rock climbing, hiking trails, listening to live music, and enjoying her pups Zen, Asha, and Jackson.
Zen Eilers
canine co-owner
Bio
Zen Eilers is the four-legged co-owner, chief greeter, and unofficial CEO (Canine Executive Officer) of Zen Yoga Studio in Columbus, Ohio. Known for his flawless downward dog and even better tail wags, Zen’s job is to make sure everyone feels welcome the moment they walk in the door.
With a naturally chill vibe and a talent for napping through classes, Zen keeps the studio grounded. He loves greeting students, supervising classes from his favorite sunspot, and reminding everyone to take more breaks and enjoy the little things—like treats.
When he’s off duty, Zen can be found exploring Columbus on walks, sniffing absolutely everything, and spending time with his human. He brings joy, comfort, and a whole lot of personality to the Zen Yoga Studio community.
Suzanne Brown
instructor
Bio
How did you first find yoga?
I found yoga after an overuse injury left me unable to move how I wanted to. Yoga became my outlet for movement and got me to slow down a bit.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I did yoga teacher training because wanted to deepen my own practice and really did not intend to teach. Once I started teaching in YTT though, I loved it and never stopped.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
I asked: “inclusive”, “creative”, “dependable”.
What’s something you love outside the studio?
Outside the studio, I really enjoy sewing and walking my dog.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I did gymnastics growing up which definitely gives me a leg up on my arm balances.
Meredith Cecil
instructor
Bio
How did you first find yoga?
I first discovered yoga around 18 years old. I would watch YouTube videos and practice in my room. From there I started trying different studios around the city. Yoga has always been a place to find harmony within my mind and body.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Yoga has had such a profound impact on my physical and mental health. After about 3 years of consistent practice, I knew I wanted to be able to offer this kind of healing to my community.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
Headstrong, silly, and grounded
What’s something you love outside the studio?
My cats and camping
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
My front tooth is fake lol
Joanie Delph
instructor
Bio
How did you first find yoga?
I first found Yoga at 17 years old taking a Kundalini class with a high school friend.
I really gave into Yoga though when some friends from work were all going to a new beginners course for Ashtanga and I was invited. Within three sessions I felt the changes in my spirit, and I have never looked back.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
A couple of my well seasoned teachers kept pushing me to become a teacher because of the way I loved the Ashtanga practice. I finally gave in! It feels good to share what I love.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
Willful, compassionate, willing.
What’s something you love outside the studio?
I love growing food in my backyard. Love good friends. Love walking in the woods.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I sell food off my back porch once a week to a group of friends who roped me into it.🤪
Kari Djuve
instructor
Bio
How did you first find yoga?
In the late 90’s I was going to art school in Portland, Oregon and working at an art supply store where a co-worker told me about a great yoga teacher named Diane Wilson who was also an artist. I took her class and was immediately intrigued and inspired to keep going back.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Diane Wilson, my first teacher. Her classes were so interesting, creative and challenging that I wanted to do what she was doing.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
Kind, creative, quirky.
What’s something you love outside the studio?
West African dance.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I have two sisters whose names contain my name. Our names are Kari, Karin and Katrin.
Zoe Karstadt
instructor
Bio
How did you first find yoga?
I found yoga because I was looking for a new movement practice.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I wanted to deepen my understanding of practice.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
My friends would describe me as goofy, caring, and creative.
What’s something you love outside the studio?
Outside the studio I love embroidering thrifted clothes.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
Most people wouldn’t guess that I have three cats.
Andy King
instructor
Bio
Andy started his yoga practice a quarter of a century ago while studying fine arts at The Ohio State University. Since completing his 200-hour training in the style of Baptiste Yoga he has led over 4000 hours of instruction to just about every age group and population in the greater Columbus area.
Through rigorous study of body mechanics and a strong belief that each student has the ability to be their own best teacher on the mat, he offers a grounding, approachable, straightforward, and breath-focused practice designed to be a moving meditation.
When not in the studio, he can usually be found taking every opportunity to get his hands dirty designing gardens, growing food, and studying native plants.
Sally Walsh Roberts
instructor
Bio
Here’s the scoop, Sally “f-ing” loves yoga! She is a yoga teacher and life time student of yoga. Sally has been teaching over a decade and has studied with various yoga superstars over the years to create warm vinyasa classes that will bring strength, sweat and smiles all with a healthy dose of humor.
Sally loves to travel and to discover a yoga community in every little corner of the globe. We are all connected, we are all one. Om Shanti.
Monica White
instructor
Bio
How did you first find yoga?
My yoga journey began through the people around me. Friends introduced me to the practice, and from that first experience, I knew it was something special worth holding onto.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My greatest inspiration was the desire to create a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome on the mat — regardless of where they are in their journey. Yoga has the power to meet people exactly where they are, and I wanted to be a part of making that accessible to all.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
Adventurous, kind, and active. Three words that feel true to who I am both on and off the mat.
What’s something you love outside the studio?
Some of my most cherished moments happen outside the studio, simply spending quality time with the people I love most.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I have climbed Mount Rainier — twice! It takes grit, patience, and mental strength, which honestly mirrors everything I love about yoga.
Cassandra Zahran
instructor
Bio
Yoga has been popping up in her life for a decade, but in 2022, it became her go-to for finding space to breathe and get clear. In 2023, she took a pranayama teacher training, became a certified doula, and she wrapped up her 200-hour teacher training in 2024. “For me, yoga is all about the breath and cutting through the noise to find what’s inside. My classes are fun, energizing, and open to everyone, no matter your level, with plenty of chances to make the practice your own.”
Beth Dornbusch
instructor
Bio
How did you first find yoga?
I found yoga while searching for a way to feel more strong and grounded, and it quickly became more than just movement—it became a way to reconnect, reset, and find balance.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired to teach so I could share that experience and create a space where students feel supported, capable, and at ease in their bodies. My classes are approachable, warm, and grounded, with an emphasis on moving in a way that feels right for you.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
My friends would describe me as calm, warm and genuine.
What’s something you love outside the studio?
Outside of the studio, I enjoy running, camping, and hiking—anything that keeps me active and connected to the outdoors.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
Fun fact: I used to live in Amarillo, TX near the Cadillac Ranch.