Meet the Teachers
Marilin Karst
Strength
Marilin Karst brings over a decade of experience in the fitness industry to FitSisters Yoga. As a dedicated personal trainer, health coach, and Zumba instructor, she is passionate about helping others achieve their fitness goals through dynamic and engaging workouts.
Experience: With over 10 years of experience, Marilin has developed a deep understanding of the fitness world. Her extensive background allows her to create classes that are not only effective but also enjoyable, ensuring her clients stay motivated and inspired.
Philosophy: Marilin believes in a holistic approach to fitness, where physical health and mental well-being are interconnected. She strives to create a supportive environment in her classes, encouraging participants to challenge themselves while also listening to their bodies.
Personal Life: Outside of the studio, Marilin is a mom of two and a proud dog mom to her rescue dog, ICE. She loves spending time at the beach and enjoys nature walks, with Needwood Trail being her favorite spot. Her go-to drink is a chai tea latte, which fuels her active lifestyle and love for the great outdoors.
Veronica Legarreta
Yoga Sculpt, Power Flow, Gentle Flow, Strength
Veronica Legarreta is the inspiring founder of FitSisters Yoga and Wellness Studio. With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to thrive: Stronger, Healthier, Together through Yoga and Wellness classes. For Veronica, yoga is a way of life that keeps both the body and mind happy and healthy. She loves sharing yoga’s benefits, from increasing flexibility and strength to reducing stress.
Experience: A seasoned personal trainer, health coach, yoga instructor, Zumba instructor, group fitness instructor, and Food for Life instructor.
Philosophy: Believes in the transformative power of yoga and wellness, focusing on holistic well-being.
Personal Life: Veronica is a mom of three who loves savoring lattes and taking walks at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD. These simple pleasures keep her grounded and joyful.
Veronica is excited to share this journey with her community, creating a supportive and empowering environment for all.
Yalda Soheil
Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Kids & Teens
Yalda brings over 15 years of yoga experience to FitSisters Yoga. As a passionate yoga instructor and advocate for mindfulness, she is dedicated to helping others find peace and balance through their practice. Her journey began in college, where yoga became a weekly reset that relieved stress and brought joy.
Experience: Yalda has a rich background teaching English as a Second Language for 10 years in the DC area and abroad. Realizing the importance of mindfulness for young minds, she pursued her passion for yoga and completed the Budding Yogis Kids Yoga certification in June 2018.
Philosophy: Yalda believes in the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness for all ages. She aims to equip future generations with the tools to manage stress, appreciate moments of pause, and foster compassionate relationships with themselves and others.
Personal Life: Yalda is a devoted mother of two girls. She enjoys practicing yoga with her daughters and values the importance of family time. Outside of yoga, she loves spending time in nature and finds joy in exploring new activities with her family. Join Yalda on the mat at FitSisters Yoga and experience the benefits of yoga and mindfulness in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Katy Ryabova
Vinyasa Flow
Katy has been practicing and teaching the healing art of yoga since 2010. She holds a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) and is a dual-certified yoga therapist and psychotherapist. With a deep understanding of both psychology and yoga therapy, she specializes in using yoga as a powerful tool for mental health and overall wellness.
Experience: A highly skilled instructor in Vinyasa Flow, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Yoga for Eating Disorders, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery, Somatic Therapy, and Yoga for Vulnerable Populations.
Philosophy: Katy is passionate about guiding individuals toward balance and healing through mind-body practices. She integrates psychology and yoga therapy to help clients cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and inner strength.
Personal Life: When she’s not teaching, Katy enjoys spending time with her puppy and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She believes in the transformative power of self-care, actively weaving wellness practices into her daily life and therapeutic work to support her clients' well-being.
Katy is excited to bring her expertise to FitSisters Yoga, fostering a space where students can heal, grow, and thrive.
Jayanti Harrison
Yin & Zen
Jayanti brings over 18 years of teaching experience and 800+ hours of Yoga Alliance training to FitSisters Yoga. With a personal practice spanning 30 years, she is passionate about creating a space where students can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with themselves.
Experience: Jayanti has taught in studios, private sessions, and teacher trainings and is currently an adjunct professor of meditation and yoga at George Washington University. She specializes in Yin and restorative practices, incorporating props to encourage deep relaxation—earning her the nickname “Prop Queen.”
Philosophy: Jayanti’s classes blend gentle movement, mindful holds, and deep stretching, focusing on stress relief, balance, and inner stillness. She integrates yoga philosophy, drawing from Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga, to offer a practice that extends beyond the mat.
Personal Life: A dedicated traveler, Jayanti loves visiting beach destinations like Jamaica and Costa Rica. Now that her kids are grown, she enjoys live music concerts, especially Reggae. Join her for Yin & Zen, where relaxation meets mindfulness in a supportive space.