About Our Facilitators
Michelle Stafford - Yoga/Program Director
Michelle Stafford has been in the fitness industry for over 10 years. although Michelle has always been active, after having three kids, she wanted to get her body back into shape. She started with heavy weight lifting and body building. Wanting to help others to reach their fitness goals, she became a nationally certified personal trainer. From there, she expanded her expertise with aquatic fitness (group/one-on-one).
After taking a belly dance course, she then added this ancient art form to her list of passionate ways to be fit and healthy. While playing around in the studio with dance partner Rae "SunShine" Boyd, Michelle constructed a fitness class that incorporates a belly dance base fused with African, Latin, and Hip-Hop dance moves. Thus, Diva Bootcamp & SunShine Belly Fusion were born.
In the meantime, Michelle discovered a more holistic approach to fitness. "Yoga saved my life," says Michelle with a hearty grin. "I used to think that yoga was about stretching, but it is about more than that. It is a lifestyle. Yoga encompasses wellness - mind, body and spirit. I just had to share it with the world!" Michelle's style of teaching takes her playful spirit, and translates it into a relaxing and effective yoga class. A Hatha Yoga Style with a strong Anusara influence, her classes focus on body alignment and heart opening.
When Michelle found yoga, her language moved from "fitness" and became "wellness." Her focus moved from "how do I look" to "how do I feel." While all of this was going on, Michelle and Maurissa Stone crossed paths by "coincidence." Maurissa asked if Michelle would be a part of her vision, and the rest is history!
Menes Yahuda
Menes Yahuda is a master drummer specializing in the “talking” West African drum. Menes a 1994 graduate of Baltimore City College is an accomplished dunu, djembe and kutiro drummer. Drumming since 2 years of age, Menes began drumming with his father in the park with an ensemble of “park” drummers. Menes began his professional drumming career early as a company member with Sankofa African Dance Theater. Menes has traveled to Africa for numerous drum studies and performances. Considered one of the most sought after drum teachers in the mid-Atlantic region, Menes has performed internationally in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. He is currently the Director of Urban Foli and an instructor with Tam Tam Mandingue, USA in Baltimore.
Ibrahim Omar Turay
Ibrahim Omar Turay, born to parents from Sierra Leone, West Africa, was raised in Chester, Pennsylvania. He Moved to Baltimore to attend Morgan State University where he graduated with a B. A. in Political Science and International Studies.
During his search for “Self-knowledge,” he was introduced to his current teacher, Dr. Ian Noel who guided his path to the Tao. Ibrahim has been cultivating himself through the ancient techniques of Tai Chi, and Chi Gong for fifteen years. He has trained under several masters including Saha Massi, Master Tran, the late “Master Gabriel”, and “Sifu Al-duhar!”
Ibrahim has traveled extensively both in the U.S. and abroad, and in August 2009 was struck with a fatal disease! Dr.’s baffled by his recovery and lack of belief in any omnipotent power outside of their medical training, accredited his survival to his prior Tai chi and Chi Gong Training!
An activist, supporter of the Green movement, educator, husband, musician, and personal trainer, Ibrahim’s mission is to articulate higher spiritual principles to the masses through the discipline of his arts. He hopes to play a pivotal role in preparing the young and old to master themselves.
Instructor Pescador (Tommy Lowery)
Instructor Pescador (Tommy Lowery) began training Capoeira in 1998, and in the year 2000, he began training with his current Master - Mestre Jelon Vieira. Mestre Jelon is the Founder and artistic director of Capoeira Luanda, Capoeira Foundation, and Dance Brazil.
Mr. Lowery has traveled extensively to further his knowledge in Capoeira. He has trained Capoeira in New York, NY; San Antonio, TX; Houston, TX, Gainesville, FL; Kansas City, MO; Madison, WI; Champaign, IL; Springfield, IL; Bloomington, IN; Denver, CO; Boston, MA, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Now residing in Baltimore MD since 2008, Intructor Pescador teaches Capoeira at John Hopkins University and at the Living Well. He continues working to bring Brazillian culture to Baltimore.
Anthony Teat is the Creative Director & CEO of Masai Interactive, a
marketing and visual communications consulting firm. Masai Interactive’s
mission is to help clients of all sizes communicate complex concepts to
targeted communities clearly and effectively. They achieve this by
extending an excellent user experience across all required media,
including print, the web, social media, packaging and environmental
graphics.
2011 marks Anthony’s 16th year as an entrepreneur. Prior to that, he was
an engineer with a large IT corporation. A graduate of Brown University,
he has been an Adjunct Professor of Visual Communications at the
University of the District of Columbia and has served on the board of
numerous design, entrepreneurship and community service organizations. His business has been featured in two Washington Post Business section articles.
Anthony is a member of Business Networking International, where he serves as his chapter's education coordinator. He is also secretary of the Inman Page Black Alumni Council of Brown University. Previously, he was the President of the DC Chapter of the Organization of Black Designers. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he serves as the webmaster of the Centennial web site in preparation for their 100th Anniversary Celebration this summer.
Talbolt Johnson aka Bolt 3000, is an aspiring Baltimore street dancer who's interest lies in seeing the potential of others realized. Talbolt specializes in Popping. He is currently a member of Gstyle. He has learned the history and foundations of this dance from numerous teachers throughout the US, who helped develop it to what it is today. He has studied with OG's (originals) from California, Baltimore, and New York. Talbolt has experience teaching and performing at numerous Baltimore City Schools. He also has experience performing at multiple venues and Colleges in Baltimore, including Johns Hopkins University, The Inner Harbor, The National Aquarium, RFK Stadium, and Artscape just to name a few. Talbolt has been featured on WYPR and WJZ morning news for his advocacy of freedom of expression and spreading of streetdance culture.