Founder – Amanda Mendez
Born and raised right here in Boise, Idaho, I had absolutely no idea what yoga was or what I was getting myself into when I first wandered into a hot yoga studio looking to “get in shape.”
Turns out, I was about to get a whole lot more than a workout.
I found yoga during one of the most difficult chapters of my life. I was caring for my mom through terminal cancer while navigating a home life that, to put it lightly, was a complete mess. Life felt overwhelming, and most days I was simply trying to keep everything and everyone together.
Yoga gave me something I didn’t even realize I was missing. A little space to breathe, an opportunity to take care of myself, and a way to reconnect with the person I was underneath everything happening outside those studio doors.
It wasn’t love at first downward dog, either.
Yoga was hard. Some days, really hard. There were plenty of classes where I questioned why I was there and wanted to give up more times than I could count. But I kept coming back. I kept showing up.
And somewhere along the way, things started changing.
Yes, I was getting stronger, more flexible, and feeling better physically. But the biggest changes were happening in ways I hadn’t expected. I was learning to trust myself, challenge the limits I’d placed on what I thought was possible, and slowly find my way out of a life I once felt completely stuck in.
I knew I couldn’t keep what I was learning to myself.
In February 2015, I began teaching yoga, and what started as a personal practice quickly became a passion for helping others discover what they’re capable of. I threw myself into learning, practicing, studying, and teaching. And yes, I even practiced teaching when nobody was there to listen!
Over the years, my teaching has continued to evolve through thousands of hours in the classroom, continued education, different styles of yoga, and the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working with.
In September 2018, I opened the first Authentic Yoga Studio in Meridian. What began as one studio has grown into three locations serving Boise, Meridian, and Eagle, an incredible team of teachers, a teacher training program, and a community I’m grateful to be part of every single day.
Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to lead yoga teacher trainings, work with athletes and specialized groups, and take my love of yoga and travel around the world through Authentic Yoga Retreats.
One of the things I love most about teaching is that there’s always more to learn. Every student, every class, and every life experience continues to shape me as a teacher, a leader, and a human.
I don’t believe yoga has to look one particular way, and I certainly don’t believe you need to be perfect to practice it. I believe in meeting people where they are, encouraging them to challenge themselves, and creating opportunities to discover just how capable they really are.
I feel incredibly fortunate that something I stumbled into looking for a workout has become a career, a community, and a life I genuinely LOVE.
And after all these years, I’m still learning, still growing, and still showing up.
Don’t have to be perfect. Just be YOU.
Experience & Credentials
Amanda Mendez is the founder and owner of Authentic Yoga Studio and Authentic Yoga Retreats, a Boise native, and an experienced yoga educator who has been teaching since February 2015.
With over 13,000 teaching hours, Amanda brings more than a decade of hands-on experience, continued education, and real-life application to her teaching and leadership. Which is more than most teachers that have taught for over 25+ years.
Her credentials and specialized experience include:
- Baptiste Yoga Certified
- E-RYT 500
- Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP)
- AYC Level 3
- Founder and Lead Trainer of Authentic Yoga’s Teacher Training Program, having led more than 10 200-hour teacher trainings
- Specialized yoga instruction for athletes, teams, and active individuals, incorporating functional movement, strength, mobility, and breathwork to support athletic performance
- Experience working with first responders and individuals in high-stress, high-performance careers, using movement, breath, and mindfulness to support physical readiness and stress management
- Founder of Authentic Yoga Retreats, leading international yoga retreats and supporting other retreat leaders and business owners in creating their own experiences
- Business Consultant and mentor for other yoga professionals and studios to build the community and brand of their dreams.
Amanda’s teaching continues to evolve through her commitment to education, personal practice, and the belief that yoga offers something valuable to every person willing to explore it.
Leah VanBlaricom
Born and raised in Boise, ID, I found myself in my first yoga class my junior year of high school. Towards the end of my senior year, I started to become a more regular practitioner. With hopes of changing the way my body looked, I kept coming back because of the effects it had on my mind. As graduation approached college didn’t feel right at the time; so I received my 200-RYT certificate.
As I transition into adulthood this practice has become my space. Space to breathe, to check in, and to feel everything on and off the mat. I feel so fortunate to find this practice so early in my life I feel responsible to share it everywhere I can. I enjoy working with modifications and showing people they are capable conquering what you think you can’t.
Dana Levan
I’ve always been a driver. I like getting things done, I like being good at what I do and, yes, I like to win. That’s brought me a lot of success over the years, but it’s also brought plenty of stress and anxiety along with it.
Yoga has been different for me. There is always something I can’t do. A pose I can’t quite get into. A class that’s harder than I expected. Something that makes me wonder, “How in the world are they doing that?” And strangely enough, I love it. I’ve spent so much of my life trying to get somewhere that it feels pretty great to have one place where I don’t have to.
That’s also why I teach. I know what it feels like to walk into a room and not be able to do everything. I still take all kinds of classes at Authentic Yoga Studio, and plenty of them are hard for me. You don’t have to be flexible or experienced or even particularly good at yoga. You just have to be willing to show up and try. You might surprise yourself. I still do.
Outside of yoga, I’m still me. I’m a strategist and consultant, I love designing a room, cooking, working outdoors and almost always having a project to tackle. I share my life with my partner, Roberto, and our elderly Maltese, Pumpkin. I still like accomplishing things. I still like getting somewhere. I’ve just found that yoga is the one place where I don’t have to.
Terri Blount
Introducing Terri Blount, a dedicated and passionate yoga instructor who has been guiding students on their yoga journey for over two decades. Originally hailing from Southern California, Terri made the life-changing decision to move to Boise at the age of 19 to pursue her college education at Boise State University. She fell in love with the area and decided to make it her home, purchasing a cozy little house that became a sanctuary for her.
At the young age of 22, Terri discovered her passion for group exercise and began teaching classes. For years, she immersed herself in cardio workouts and weightlifting, until one transformative moment led her to a hot yoga class. The challenge and the warmth of the practice captivated her, especially during the cold winters, and she embarked on a five-week journey to Arizona to obtain her yoga 200 certification.
Returning to Boise, Terri found herself with a teaching opportunity waiting for her. For over three years, she dedicated herself to teaching more than 300 classes in a hot yoga studio located in the east end of town. However, despite her extensive experience, she felt there was a deeper understanding of yoga that she had yet to uncover.
Taking a leap of faith, Terri decided to switch studios and stepped into Authentic Yoga. From the moment she walked through the doors, she felt an immediate connection to the studio’s genuine and authentic atmosphere. Love, peace, harmony, acceptance, and a profound sense of safety enveloped her. This transformative experience rekindled her love for yoga, and she found the missing piece she had been seeking. Grateful for the beautiful community at Authentic Yoga, Terri felt blessed to become a part of their family and to have the privilege of leading yoga classes.
Outside of her yoga practice, Terri cherishes her incredible husband and family, with whom she spends a significant amount of time. Having resided in NW Boise for over 20 years, they relish the proximity to the breathtaking foothills, indulging in activities such as biking, hiking, and enjoying the company of their beloved dogs while immersing themselves in nature’s stunning vistas.
With deep gratitude, Terri extends her appreciation to Authentic Yoga Studios, her yoga family of both teachers and students, for providing an authentic community that has enriched her life in immeasurable ways. Each day, she approaches her classes with reverence and enthusiasm, eager to guide her students on their own transformative journeys.
Namaste’.
Carlie Strom
I was born and raised in Idaho & moved back to Boise after graduating from Eastern Washington University with a B.S. in Exercise Science Pre-Physical Therapy. My yoga journey began in 2016 when I signed up for a yoga class to complete my degree. I avoided going for as long as possible before finally realizing I wasn’t going to graduate if I didn’t attend. My life was changed for the better and I suddenly regretted not going to class sooner.
I had struggled with anorexia for most of my life and was diagnosed with severe arthritis in my lumbar spine at only 21, this was my breaking point. I was going to die if I didn’t make a change and that’s when yoga literally saved my life. I was suddenly moving my body in ways I didn’t think was possible anymore and built up the strength and courage to fight back. I started to become consistent with my practice when I realized the rehabilitative benefits it had both mentally and physically. Being on my mat allows me to let go of things beyond my control and gives me the space to set things aside and just be present. I wanted to become a teacher so badly, but didn’t connect with any of the studios I attended..until I found Authentic. I completed my teacher training with Authentic in the Fall of 2021 and have been teaching ever since!
When I’m not in the studio you can find me hiking with my Toy Australian Shepard, golfing, kayaking, or snowboarding! I hope to see you on your mat soon!
Nyah Wells
Hi yogis, I’m Nyah! I’m a certified yoga teacher with training in Vinyasa, Hatha & Bikram. After getting certified I spent time traveling and teaching in different parts of the world, with people from all walks of life. It was one of the most beautiful, eye-opening experiences, and it reminded me how powerful this practice is no matter where you are.
Eventually, I felt called to come back home to Boise & be part of the community here. Yoga has brought me back to myself over and over again, and it’s something I’m so passionate about. In my classes, I try to create space for people to reconnect—to breathe, to feel strong, to feel safe. I like to keep things grounded, intentional, & real. So excited to be here part of the Authentic Yoga community & grow with you all.
Sarah Gee
Hi, I’m Sarah! I’ve taught some form of group fitness for the past 14 years. Movement has always been medicine for me. I practiced yoga on and off for many years, but in 2019, after unexpectedly losing my dad, yoga became less of something I did because I enjoyed it and more of something I did because I needed it. In 2023, I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. I love teaching Power Vinyasa and Strength & Stability. My goal is to create a space where you can move, have fun, and leave feeling stronger, both physically and mentally.
Outside of yoga, I’m a wife, mom to two teenage boys, and we have two Goldendoodles. I love traveling, watching my boys play sports, and being outside, especially in the warm months! I’m definitely not much of a winter person, which might explain why I love hot yoga so much.
Kennedy Silvis
I’ve been practicing yoga for four years and teaching for the past year and a half. As a lifelong competitive athlete, movement has always been a big part of my world—but yoga showed me that movement can be about so much more than performance.
I fell in love with vinyasa for its freedom, creativity, and the way breath and movement can come together to create something that feels a little like magic. I love a good flow—the kind where you can get out of your head, drop into your body, and simply move.
In my classes, I love bringing a playful energy while creating space to explore, challenge yourself, and reconnect. My hope is that you leave class feeling a little stronger, a little lighter, and a little more connected to yourself than when you walked in.
Ashlynn Oswald
My favorite practice ever is yoga sculpt and I am so grateful that I get to share it with such an amazing community! When I started group fitness I quickly fell in love with how it changed my life and kept me motivated with moving my body.
I have an amazing husband who I have been with for 7 years and our 4 beautiful cats. My family is my why and having a way to connect to my body changes how I show up towards those I love for the better!
Becca Day
Hello, yogis! Becca here. Born and raised under the sunny skies of SoCal, my yoga journey began in 2016— I found the passion of my life in (yoga) when I became an empty nester and didn’t know what to do with myself. I found a Groupon in my mail and decided to see what BHY was all about. I fell in love with it almost instantly and became a faithful practitioner. Eventually immerse myself in a training to deepen my own personal practice but also share my passion and love for yoga with others. And I never looked back.
After 2 year of consistent practice I decided to become Bikram certified (2018). The timing was not aligned with life changes that were coming in my direction. My husband and I decided to do a little traveling from state to state visiting family and friends, finally selling our home of 29 years where we raised all our children. We packed up our home and moved to Marin county NorCal in 2019. The pandemic hit 2 months later.
Bikram studios in the Bay area were closed for nearly 2 years. We made a huge decision to moved to Boise, Idaho. We moved in October, 2021 to be near our adult children and grand babies, and now I’m finally rooted and back in the Hot room and teaching what so love, I believe that this practice is a beautiful healer of both body and mind. Teaching this form of yoga is my true passion. It’s a practice that works powerfully—not just for strengthening and healing the body, but also for calming and focusing the mind.
As long as I am able Yoga will always be my lifelong passion for both physical and mental health.
See you in the hot room!
Whitney Browning
Yoga came into my life during a season when I needed healing, grounding, and connection more than ever. What I found on the mat became much more than a physical practice, it helped me reconnect with myself, find a deeper sense of purpose, and feel connected to something greater than myself. That experience ultimately inspired me to teach. For me, teaching yoga is an act of service and a way of giving back. I love creating powerful, intentional sequences that challenge the body while still giving students space to turn inward, reconnect, and leave feeling stronger, lighter, and more grounded than when they arrived.
Outside the studio, the center of my life is my three girls. I’m also a dog dad to a yellow Lab and a double doodle, and I love spending time outdoors, hiking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, being on the water, and exploring Idaho. More than anything, I value time with my daughters, my dogs, and the people I care about.
Sarah Lowry
Meet Sarah Lowry. Born and raised in Idaho, you’ll find Sarah attempting to find any sliver of sunshine to spend her time in. Sarah loves to be outdoors. She loves to spend the majority of her time with her family, which includes her husband, son, daughter, and dog. Sarah has major wanderlust and enjoys traveling to new places. She loves fashion, hiking, reading, doing puzzles, being creative, and of course, yoga.
Sarah has been part of the Authentic Yoga Family since our grand opening in 2018. You’ll find her involved with anything involving kids at our studio. Sarah received her specialized children’s yoga certification through Shanti Yoga School and is a certified children’s yoga instructor. She received her RYT 200 through the Authentic Yoga Training Program. Sarah has a passion for working with children and is also a certified behavioral interventionist and developmental specialist. She’s worked with children of all ages for over 20 years and has a special place in her heart for children with disabilities.
When she’s not teaching kids or family yoga, you’ll find her around the community teaching a variety of classes including gentle yoga, yin yoga, and adaptive classes. Sarah is looking forward to practicing with you and to have your kids join her on her mat for fun, interactive, and mindful kids’ yoga classes.
More Teacher’s Bios Coming Soon
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