Christy Stransky

500 RYT

Instructor and Owner

I want to start by saying how honored I am to have you visit our site. I would love for each of you reading this to come see and experience the studio and the family we’ve created on the journey to getting started. I’m a true gypsy at heart.... My love for traveling, the desire to learn about other cultures and ways of life, and my zest for life and personal growth is what lead me to building the foundation and the journey towards the meaning behind the studio. 

My dear friend introduced me to yoga while living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She knew my soul needed this practice more than I did, at the time. I joined her for a class and instantly fell in love! For me, meditation is the one thing I was missing during that particular season of my life, and how I found it saved as well as changed me in a positive way. The atmosphere of the studio grounded me for an hour with no fear, struggles, anxieties, or questions on my mind about the past, present or future. The studio was my safe place. A place for me to reconnect with myself, allow for self recognition, and confidence. The POWER of breathing and way I was taught gave a unique form of concentration. 

Through personal experience, travel, the art of being mindful, practicing at studios all around the world, and through skills I’ve learned in my journey to becoming a professional in Yoga instruction helped me come to the threshold of making the decision to never regret not doing something because of fear. I love meeting new people and visiting new places. In my travels, I’ve learned a ton about culture and will always continue to research and study different walks of life, and behaviors or patterns leading to a healthier and peaceful state. I find helping others, and finding ways to reach each unique individual extremely interesting! I read once that travel is a way to experience serendipity and synchronicity with perfect timing. This, my friends, is exactly what happened in my situation. One thing led to another on my road to self discovery, without a terribly strategic plan, sometimes fighting the current and other times paddling too fast, which led me to this point, five years later, having the desire to share the exhilarating zeal for life I feel with everyone, and in planing Gypsy Waltz. 

What remains constant, despite all the changing and travel, is the value system instilled in me at a young age. We were raised with a commitment to family, compassion towards pursuing needs of others, and learning that risks are often necessary, remaining humble through failure. As we all know, we have to go out on a limb to find the fruit at times! Through the mountains and valleys in my life, it’s pertinent to continue the “waltz” with grace. 

My goal for my studios are that they are a place where everyone feels at home and safe, can reconnect or develop a deeper understanding of themselves, and truly connect with this amazing community to love ourselves and others fiercely, regardless of the path or chapter that they are in. 

I enjoy working with other yogis and individuals towards goals for their practice. Yoga is a neurosymatic therapy and when used as an integrative piece in life, it can and will be life changing for each of you! Surrender to your passions and let you inner self, faith, and heart lead you to accomplishing things far greater than any you had ever dreamed of! God Bless!

Savanah Aguilar

200 RYT - Yoga Instructor

Born and raised in New Braunfels, I was so excited to have discovered GWHY. I started off as a member and fell in love with this tribe. So much that I took the teacher training they hosted earlier this year and was hired on after graduation. GWHY is my home away from home being a safe space for me and anyone else who walks into the studio. Having knee surgery as a teenager and not completing my rehabilitation I was limited to any impact and exercise. The infrared heating system alone helps visualize the act of shedding old layers while building strength and confidence. Yoga gives me an escape, brings peace of mind, and clarity. Yoga makes me not just hear but listen to my body. It pushes my limits and helps me regain control over what my body can do and to love the things it can’t do. Yoga helps connect my heart, mind, and soul one breath at a time. If you can breathe you can do yoga...if you can breathe, you need to do yoga 🌿🧘🏽‍♀️📿✨

Brooke Jones

200 RYT - Yoga Instructor

My journey to yoga started several years ago after reading an article that yoga is the best  activity for someone with scoliosis. So I gave it a try and fell in love immediately.  Most of us sign up for yoga for the physical aspect but quickly realize that it is SO much more than that.  Yoga has taught me that you can be strong and vulnerable at the same time. 

This practice changed my way of life so much that I made the decision to become a Yoga teacher myself.  I completed training in the Spring of 2020. It is my goal for every class to create a space where you feel accepted and loved just the way you are. 

I can’t wait to grow & breathe with you! 

Taylor Carr

500 RYT -Yoga Instructor

Hello to all you beautiful souls out there!  My name is Taylor, and I found yoga (or the other way around) through meditation several years ago during a tough period of life. It became a daily practice almost immediately and has taught me so much along the way: such as discipline, confidence, strength, and acceptance amongst many other things. It remains an ongoing journey just as life goes, as we are always growing.  Yoga had become such a passion and major part of my life through the process, I felt called to take it even further with my 200 hour certification so I would be able to share the magic with others.  Hope to see you on the mat!

Janice Canion

Barre Instructor

Hi I’m Janice, I just moved here from Puyallup Washington. Finding a gym was the first thing on my to do list and I am thankful to have found GWY.

I started my fitness journey in high school swimming, playing water polo and lifeguarding. I took those skills and used them at Fort Lewis teaching all ages swim lessons, water aerobics and coaching the swim team. I moved on to managing the military training pool where I taught pool physical training, combat water survival and vehicle rollover training. After about 13 years in aquatics I stepped away to volunteer at my children’s school and regularly attend a gym.

I really enjoyed being in group fitness but missed my teaching days so I got certified to teach Barre and it was exactly what I was looking for. I love all of the different styles it offers and that anyone can do it. I am excited to serve my new community in their fitness journey and hope to see you in class!

Marlene McKinney

Buti Instructor

“Take time to do what makes your soul happy.”

Yoga has been a passion of mine for the last 20 years. Starting with my very first Core26 class back in 2005 to finding my true love in Buti Movement, this practice truly connects my mind, body and spirit. Gypsy is where we are given the space to be strong, vulnerable, fearless and feminine. It’s one of harmony, humility, peace and joy all in one. You feel it as soon as I you step foot in the studio, get to know your teachers, fellow students and create real connections with this beautiful tribe.

I can’t wait to see you on the matt :) - Marlene

Kayo Drozd

200 RYT-Yoga Instructor

After trying about every form of exercise, I was introduced to yoga and automaticity fell in love. I’ve been practicing for a little over 10 years and it has now become something different for me, not only a way to sweat, but a new way of life. I came to realize that physical strength also welcomes the connection to the mind and spirit. It changed my body in nothing but positive ways and it continually challenges me. There is always a way to grow your practice. It never gets old! I can’t wait to see you on the mat here at Gypsy where there is nothing but the opportunity to grow and be you within the four corners of your mat. I look forward to sharing my love of this practice with each one of you!

All my love,
Kayo

Emily Hampton

Cycle, Barre, and Kettlebell Instructor

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Currently a senior at Ole Miss majoring in Entrepreneurship. Growing up I was a competitive gymnast for 12 years. In high-school I switched gears to competitive and school cheer. I’ve always had a passion for a healthy lifestyle leading me to group fitness. I have an American Council of Exercise and Barre Intensity certification. Cycle and barre are my favorite classes to teach and take! I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with the Oxford community. I look forward to seeing you in class and working hard together!

Connie Mitchell

Cycle and Rowing Instructor

I grew up in Auburn, Alabama, and wanted a change of scenery so I decided to go to Ole Miss. Gypsy Waltz is one of the best things that Oxford has given me! I am now a senior, and I’m majoring in marketing. I fell in love with cycling in high school, so teaching and taking classes is my favorite thing to do with my free time. Exercising has always been a way for me to relieve stress and take a break. I am blessed to have the opportunity and to be able to share the love I have for group fitness with all those who are involved in the Gypsy community. Join me for a class of high energy and fun!

Hànanda Whittingham

200 RYT-Yoga Instructor

After twenty years living overseas, Hànanda crossed the pond, came home and has been catching up on Tex-Mex and Cajun food ever since! Her unique accent is sweet and steel all rolled into one, just like her yoga practice. She brings over twenty years of yoga teaching experience to her mat, where she blends her love of coaching, cheerleading, music and yoga to inspire and empower others to SHINE on and off the mat. With her mix of precise instruction, creative imagery and jamming playlists she aims to leave you feeling safe, successful, satisfied and sensational!

Her passion is to help people invest in a life they love.

Lexi Duscher

Cycle, Kettlebell, and Rowing Instructor

Hey guys! My name is Lexi and I’m originally from Minnesota! Growing up I knew I wanted to travel the United States and gain new experiences. Odds are, you will hear a story or two about places I have been or plan to go next. I grew up running cross country and track so my life has revolved around fitness since I was in middle school.

Since the end of collegiate running career I have been looking for ways to continue to build who I am as a person and athlete. I found Gypsy Waltz and knew I had found what I needed.

When I’m not running, road biking, or mountain biking, you can catch me teaching kettlebell, row, and spin! I love to have my classes challenge the inner athlete in all of us. When you try one of my classes be prepared to work hard and push your limits!

Kait Schaller

200 RYT-Yoga Instructor

I think I can honestly say movement was my first love. For as long as I can remember, it’s been a way of life. I started gymnastics at the ripe age of two, and competed until about the age of 12, winning two National Championships along the way. When that chapter of my life came to an end, I found movement in all the other sports available to me - volleyball, basketball, track, competitive soccer, you name it. I didn’t know life without it. All this to say, movement has always been a literal constant.

After graduating college from SMU with a degree in Statistical Science, I got my first desk job. It took all of one week for me to seek out a way to move my body. I walked into my first yoga class about eight years ago, and have never looked back. Stepping on my mat for the first time took me home. It felt oddly familiar, but brand new, and I haven’t been able to go a day without it since. This movement was medicine.

In 2021 I decided to deepen my practice, and completed my 200 hr teaching training from Practice Yoga Austin. I wasn’t certain then that I would teach, as I was still full time in the tech world, but that didn’t matter. The desire and yearning to learn more was (and still is) strong.

In short, yoga quickly became my favorite way to move, connect, listen, and honor myself - not only my physical body, but also my mind, soul and spirit. This practice is something I have deep reverence for, and I truly look forward to sharing it with you :)

Avery Greene

200 RYT-Yoga Instructor

“Hi! I’m Avery Greene, originally from Nashville, TN. Traveling the world with friends and family has been one of my greatest joys, and I’m always drawn to the sunshine and outdoor walks. My childhood was filled with various sports, but it was during my freshman year of high school, following ankle surgery, that I discovered a passion for yoga. What began as a new way to stay active has grown into something much deeper for me. As a college student away from home, Gypsy has become a cherished place to me. I’m excited to meet new faces and build connections within the Oxford community. Here’s to sharing smiles and growing stronger together!”