meet your instructors

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Kaleigh Atkinson is a dedicated Ashtanga Yoga instructor with extensive experience since 2007, having practiced under the esteemed guidance of PJ Heffernan, Christian Graham, and more recently, Taylor Hunt and the Ashtanga Yoga Columbus community. Her journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of spiritual growth and a deep commitment to the principles of Ashtanga, Ayurveda, and Vipassana meditation.

Kaleigh's travels have enriched her practice and teaching, providing her with diverse perspectives and profound insights. A pivotal year spent in Australia significantly contributed to her healing journey, helping her overcome long-standing challenges with an eating disorder and depression.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes acceptance, grace, and self-empowerment, encouraging students to recognize their inherent strength regardless of their practice level. In 2023, Kaleigh founded Ashtanga MKE, and in early 2024, she launched Love Cafe, which now serves as the home for Ashtanga MKE.

In addition to her yoga practice, Kaleigh is an accomplished artist, specializing in documentary filmmaking and portrait photography. Her work is driven by a deep passion for selfless service and the belief that "we are all the walking wounded," aiming to inspire and uplift others through her creative endeavors and personal story of recovery and resilience.

Born and raised in Venezuela, Tamar is a devoted practitioner of the Ashtanga yoga method. 

Her journey into Yoga started in 2002 and in 2011 she found Ashtanga Yoga and fell in love with its transformative benefits. The practice has allowed her to heal, connect with her inner self, and overcome life challenges.

As an avid student, she feels grateful for the guidance of her teachers PJ Heffernan, David Robson, Paige Morency-Notario and Nathan Wilton. She inspires her students to build a committed asana practice through discipline, dedication and determination.

Following her passion for a healthy lifestyle, Tamar founded Ananda, a home-baked granola business in 2020.

Becky’s first experiences with yoga were of the Bhakti tradition, the yoga of love and devotion. She fell in love with the teachings and the practice of chanting mantra. This was the beginning of finding, strengthening, and having confidence in her voice. 

When she first practiced Ashtanga yoga, she was two years into her recovery from drug addiction, and fostering a connection between herself, her community, and the world around her became her utmost priority. Under the guidance of Kaleigh Atkinson and Tamar Meilijson she became an enthusiastic and passionate practitioner.

Becky is extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to apprentice at Ashtanga MKE and to continue growing as a student in a focused, supportive, and community-driven environment. Sharing the impacts of Ashtanga yoga and a connected life on and off of the yoga mat in regard to personal recovery is a driving force for Becky.