Christy Stransky

500 RYT

Yoga, Cycle, Row, and Barre Instructor- 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 has all led me to this point, eight years later, having the desire to share this exhilarating zeal for life I feel with everyone, and in planing developing 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!

Cara Petrofes 

200 RYT -Yoga Instructor

Yoga has been my space to connect with myself. My space to shine my truest self so others feel compelled to do the same. When we shine together, we grow together. What started as a fling in an attempt to escape my dark reality and truths, yoga slowly built into a safe and welcoming space where I had no choice but to face those dark realities and truths. The universe connected me to many souls that led to my teacher training in Ashtanga practice. Through my training, I felt strongly pulled to lead and guide others who felt a longing for safety, connection and growth. I furthered my practice to educate myself on the inner workings of Trauma Informed Practice to widen my understanding of others’ dark realities to which they may be facing themselves. It is my hope that in this space, we create safety, acceptance and authenticity together. Let’s breathe together and surrender into ourselves.

Kellea Goebel

Cycle and Row Instructor

I found Gypsy Waltz at a time of many changes in my life. I was looking for something and somewhere that felt safe, comfortable, and like home while still pushing me out of my comfort zone. I had no way of knowing I would also find family. For that, I am grateful. I fell in love with the feeling of accomplishment and pride I felt at the end of a class and the great energy shared in a room full of people reaching a common goal. Now, to be able to lead others who share that feeling in a class is such an honor. I never thought of myself as athletic enough, tough enough, or strong enough and, by stepping out of my comfort zone, I now know I am these things and so much more. I can’t wait to be able to share a class with everyone and help others learn what they are capable of! Outside of the studio, I am a crazy cat lady who loves my family, good music, good food, and bad reality tv shows. I so look forward to getting to learn and grow with the studio and getting to know all the wonderful members.

Crystal Adams

200 RYT-Yoga, Barre, and Row Instructor

Relatively new to Yoga, I was introduced to Gypsy Waltz almost 1 year ago; and it was love at first class! You could literally feel that GW was a studio wrapped in faith, love, empowerment and acceptance.

I decided to further my practice to allow me to share the benefits- heart, soul, body and mind with family and friends..

It is truly an honor each time I step on to the mat- an honor to share my knowledge of yoga with those around me. ❤️

I believe yoga is for EVERYONE!

A long time resident of New Braunfels, I enjoy spending time with my family, my son, fishing, painting, my church family, and giving back to the community.

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!

Kala Laughlin

200 RYT-Yoga Instructor

My name is Kala and yoga practice has always been a part of my balanced exercise regimen but after an introduction to hot yoga, I was immediately addicted. I grew up a gymnast and dancer, so yoga is a natural fit for me. I have always placed an importance on physical health and love to join in on any type of workout class.

In my professional career, I am an environmental engineer with a background working in construction, mining, and energy.  As a woman in a male-dominated field, I am constantly honing my leadership skills and have dedicated my life to being a servant leader.  Just as I always placed importance on my physical health, through leadership trainings, I have learned to integrate emotional intelligence, which is reflected in my yoga practice.

I found that becoming a yoga instructor is a way I can I serve my community.  Yoga can change lives.  It can make you both physically and emotionally healthier, balanced, and resilient.  It can motivate you to make better choices.  It teaches you the fortitude to navigate the rougher waters of life with grace.  As a servant leader, I have been called to provide a practice which encourages you to let your light shine.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same and we can all benefit from a brighter world.

Juju Rafii

200 RYT-Yoga Instructor

Hiieee, I'm Juju Rafii - a yoga enthusiast & teacher. Sharing yoga practice with our community is something I am very passionate about! I believe everyone should have a place to go with an amazing vibe, where they can tune in to their physical, mental and emotional needs.

Including yoga classes in your weekly schedule allows you to improve your practice, connect with your body and enjoy some quiet/me-time.

This list of benefits from practicing yoga are extensive, especially while using infrared heat. (learn more here: https://www.gypsywaltzyoga.com/fir)

As far as my teaching style goes: I'm a Power Flow kind-a-girl. "Juju-asana" is what I have crafted over the last 8 years of yoga practice. It's a meditative, tune-in-to-your-body kind of workout through yoga poses and movement - with lots of "good juju" sprinkled on it. We move constantly, not holding positions longer than 10 seconds, to the sound of deep instrumental beats as we flow through strengthening and balancing poses. Body awareness, strengths and weaknesses, and a detoxifying sweat-fest are included! This experience will shift your body and mindset into a stronger, more positive place. We wrap up with 5 minutes of restorative stillness and guided-meditation. All levels are welcome!

I have been teaching yoga since 2014 (with an extensive professional fitness background.) I am also a mom, coach, author, US veteran and community influencer. I live in New Braunfels with my family and although we are not natives, we absolutely love it here!

My personal mission is to bring light, love & sprinkle the "good juju" in every class I teach! See you on the mat xoxo