Our Instructors
Ailis Vann, RYT 200, Owner
Ailis has been practicing yoga for almost 2 decades and has been an instructor for more than 10 years. She teaches because she loves seeing the transformation people go through when they develop a regular yoga practice. Her favorite classes to teach are Gentle & Restorative and Beginning Yoga. Off the mat she enjoys cross country skiing, gardening, and volunteering in her community.
Jennifer Smith-Morris, 500RYT, ERYT200
Jennifer Smith-Morris is a 500RYT and ERYT200, having taught yoga and Pilates around the world since 2007. She began wellness coaching in 2015, and loves to pair the two in retreats and workshops. Her mission is to help others live the best version of their lives.
Because it’s important to practice what you preach, Jennifer tries to live to the fullest every moment. In years past, this meant teaching college English, and publishing fiction and creative nonfiction. She has one published novel, a middle-grade reader called Come Llamas. Nowadays, it means teaching yoga and Pilates at home in Alaska, or teaching at a resort somewhere warm. Sometimes it means running another marathon, going on a long hike, or spending an entire day on the couch with a novel.
Oftentimes you can find Jennifer in the company of Andy, her husband of 33 years, 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. Jennifer and Andy are currently building their dream home. Jennifer is currently working on a book of daily meditations. Follow @maitriwellness
Sophia Logan
I found yoga in college. As a busy student and business owner- the time on my mat was a much needed reprieve for mind and body. My philosophy is: “The mat is yours. Make it what you need.” It is my goal that this speaks to others in whatever season they are in. In class, it is my objective that every student feels empowered to honor themselves. Off of the mat, I truly enjoy my Alaska life with family and friends. You can find me hiking, skiing, and taking yoga out into the sunshine.
Chris Loescher - Sound Healer
Chris was born and raised in Chugiak, Alaska. As a life-long Alaskan, he tries to enjoy everything that this great state offers—getting lost in the breathtaking views of our hiking trails, paddling his kayak around pristine lakes and coastal waters, and challenging his fear of heights by tackling our beautiful and massive glaciers while ice climbing. He also likes to think of himself as a snowboarder but has acknowledged that would require him to be able to make it down [any] mountain without repeatedly falling on his face.
Chris’s first passion was discovered and realized in teaching and public education. After earning his BA in Music Education and Master in Arts and Teaching from the University of Alaska, Anchorage in 2008, he served the communities of Anchorage, Eagle River and Matanuska-Susitna Valley as a public and private music teacher for twenty years; most recently as the Music Director at Palmer Junior Middle School. As a third-generation educator, he has helped thousands of students realize their potential and passion in music and living life, with ages ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school, to adults well into their golden years.
Now, as an extension of all the life experiences he was gifted while working as a public music educator, Chris has decided to explore and transition into the world of Music Therapy. Having been exposed to the wonderous world of music therapy while earning his undergraduate degree, the seed that had been planted in the back of his mind is joyfully starting to come to germination in the form of learning the art of and performing sound baths, tuning a person’s biofield with specialized tuning forks, and other disciplines within the realm of sound healing.
Even though education and teaching will always be at Chris’s core, he is super stoked to share this new passion of music and sound therapy with the communities he has dedicated his personal and professional life to. By incorporating many disciplines and therapy avenues such as those provided by Yoga, Tai chi, Pranayama, Mantras, Chakras, Kinesiology, and others, Chris hopes to help foster a deeper understanding and provide a more wholistic insight into how we can all take better care of ourselves as the wonderful, complicated creatures we are.
Cammryn Pokryfki
Amidst the COVID pandemic, I stumbled upon the power of yoga at the young age of 15. It led me to pursue and be awarded by RYT 200 hour certification during my freshman year of high school. The yoga practice soon became a guiding light in my life while battling the stress of my early years of high school. I registered with the Yoga Alliance at 17, and I was then determined to share this transforming practice with my peers, family, and community. I bring not just knowledge, but a fusion of youthful energy and genuine passion to the mat; sharing a practice that has been a companion throughout my journey to wellness and peace. Currently, I use yoga as an anchor; helping me settle the stress and anxieties of my early college education.
Solvejg Rogers
Solvejg became passionate about Pilates 8 years ago after a severe back injury. Pilates on the reformer came to the rescue. Since then she always wanted to bring these movement principles to others as a preventative and curative measure. Studying within the Balanced Body community and its great teachers made her excited to bring Pilates Mat to the Midnight Sun Yoga Center's floor. She also enjoys Qi Gong, kayaking, hiking and traveling with her family.
Theresa Hopper, RYT 200, Instructor
Howdy! I’m Theresa, a registered 200-hr yoga teacher and licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. I believe that if you can breathe, you can do yoga! In my classes, I focus on alignment, breath work, and making yoga accessible to all. I try to empower students through options and modifications to listen to their mind/body needs. I hope that if you take a class from me you will not only find it a pleasant challenge, but also a fun time filled with lots of laughter!
In 2012, the Texas heat finally melted my brain, and I decided to live it up in the mountains. I moved to Alaska and have since been having an amazing time exploring our wonderful state. In addition to yoga, I enjoy fishing and hiking and running and biking and archery and kayaking and camping and flying and skiing and snowshoeing and… well, I guess I might have more hobbies than I do time, but I just love to get out and have fun! I hope to see you in studio, whether it be in my class or another talented teacher’s, and that you can share in my passion for yoga. Namaste!