Our Team

Alex is co-founder of RAD Collective, home to APEX | RITUAL | yoga pod, and a lead facilitator of the yoga pod 200-Hour Teacher Training. His path into leadership grew directly from lived experience: first as a student, then as a teacher, mentor, and builder of community.

Originally from the East Coast, Alex moved to Colorado in 2003 seeking a deeper connection to nature and a slower, more intentional pace of life. There he took his first HOT yoga class, an experience that challenged him physically and opened the door to a lifelong practice. After high-pressure roles with the U.S. Secret Service and Lloyd's of London, yoga became the space that quieted his mind and reshaped his direction.

In 2018, Alex and his wife Rae moved to Gainesville to be closer to family and to grow the heart-driven yoga pod community they had built nationally. They put down roots in the Oakview neighborhood and show up as active members of the Gainesville community, not just as studio owners.

Alex completed his 200-hour teacher training with Jason Bowman and, alongside Dan, his 300-hour training with Gina Caputo in Boulder, CO. He has continued his education through Hot Yoga Training at yoga pod, Trauma-Informed Yoga Trainings, and Prison Yoga Project trainings. He lives in Gainesville and travels back and forth to Colorado, staying connected to the roots of his practice.

Alex teaches Sweat, Heat, & Beatz, FLOW and HOT classes, with a special love for FLOW 2. His classes blend intelligent sequencing, breath-to-movement, moments of stillness, and thoughtfully curated music, challenging yet accessible. Leading the yoga pod 200-Hour Teacher Training is one of his greatest passions, and he loves helping students step confidently into their voice as teachers.

What can students expect in your class? Hot music, clear guidance, a balance of strength and flexibility, and fun!

Which yoga pod class do you enjoy most and why? I love all of our class styles and teach each one. It's so hard to choose when they all have such a perfect balance to one another. I choose them all!

What type of music do you play in your classes? Each class will vary, but I am always focused on bringing new, creative music each and every class.

When you're not practicing yoga, what lights you up? Travel, hanging with my dog, enjoying time with my husband, playing in nature, going to concerts, cooking, meditating, crafting, journaling, reading, and connecting with friends.

Emily is the Director of Operations at APEX | yoga pod and a lead faculty member in the APEX and FIT Teacher Training Programs. She joined yoga pod as a student in 2019 and quickly fell in love with the challenge of the classes and the community the studio attracted.

She took the first public FIT Teacher Training in 2019 while in graduate school at the University of Florida, then attended one of the pre-opening APEX Teacher Trainings. Those trainings sparked her passion for teaching group fitness, and she chose to follow her heart and pursue fitness as a career.

After finishing her Master's degree in early 2021, Emily joined yoga pod full time as an Assistant Manager, then became Northwest Studio Manager and Regional Studio Director before being promoted to Director of Operations in 2025. Today she teaches FIT, Sweat, Heat, & Beatz, and APEX, oversees operations and staff at both studios, facilitates teacher training, and leads our Athlete Program, Events Team, and Retail Team. She calls the role the biggest blessing: movement, community, teaching, and fun, all in one.

FIT first drew Emily to yoga pod, and it still has her heart. As Lead Faculty for the FIT Teacher Training, she loves teaching proper movement patterns, intelligent sequencing, and the joy of moving to the beat of the music. After yoga pod's 200-hour Teacher Training in Spring 2021, her respect for FLOW grew, and Sweat, Heat, & Beatz, a challenging vinyasa practice set to traditionally non-yogic music, now feels like home.

What students should expect from your class? A challenging yet centering experience. A space to move your body and quiet your mind.

What classes do you enjoy most and why? I love HOT! As a 3rd generation Florida girl, I really like being warm :) I also enjoy the repetition of poses which allow me to find something new each time to deepen into. When I'm not taking HOT, you can find me in an APEX class!

What type of music do you play in your classes? I enjoy many different genres, but in my HOT classes I like to play a mix of acoustic, instrumental, nature sounds and a sprinkle of current beats.

When you're not practicing yoga, what lights you up? Spending time with my family, being outside, visiting a new national park and photographing all of the above!

What can students expect in your class? Students can expect to let go and just have fun in FLOW 2! There is always the option to challenge yourself to see what amazing things your body can do and how it moves! We synchronize our breath to our movement in a heated environment while listening to some tunes and getting a lil’ sweaty. Connecting our breath to our movement allows us to achieve a Flow State, a period of hyper-focus in which we find more energy and enjoyment! :)

Which yoga pod class do you enjoy most and why? I enjoy taking FLOW 2 and HOT! It’s always so fun to see the creativity and individuality present in the FLOW 2 sequences that our teachers make. I enjoy HOT because it really challenges me not only physically, but mentally as well.

What type of music do you play in your classes? I usually like to play chill beats, but I sometimes throw in some jazzy/popular mashups to make the classes just a little more groovy.

When you're not practicing yoga, what lights you up? When I’m not practicing yoga, doing anything with my dog, Roxy, lights me up! I love to be outside with her and go on long walks, or stay inside to cuddle with her and watch movies.

What can students expect in your class? Students can expect a challenging, high energy practice that encourages both physical and mental strength. I aim to create a space where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to show up as they are, move with intention, and leave feeling more connected to themselves and their practice.

Which APEX | yoga pod class do you enjoy most and why? HOT, FLOW 2, or FIT. I appreciate the consistency and familiarity of the HOT sequence. FLOW offers a beautiful balance of movement and breath. And FIT, although a more recent passion, I find energizes and allows me to move in a way that feels authentic.

What type of music do you play in your classes? For HOT, you’ll hear anything from energizing songs to keep you moving during powerful poses and more meditative music as we wind down. For FIT, expect to hear hip-hop, rap, maybe a bit of EDM, and some throw backs!

When you're not at the studio, what lights you up? When I’m not at the studio, you’ll find me spending time with my friends around Gainesville, walking in Depot park, reading, or volunteering!

What can students expect in your class? Students can expect a lighthearted and supportive environment where they can focus on improving form, strength, and body awareness. Each class offers a challenge to both beginners and long time practitioners! I like to emphasize mindful movement, alignment, and breath to help students create a deeper mind to body connection.

Which APEX | yoga pod class do you enjoy most? I have a special place in my heart for every class offered at APEX | yoga pod, but if I had to pick it would be APEX 2 or FIT! I love taking classes with upbeat music and plenty of opportunity to move my body.

What type of music do you play in your class? I play a mix of rap, hip-hop, pop and EDM/house. I love a good remix or throwback song! I also love getting song requests from students so I can include music they like too!

When you’re not in the studio, what lights you up? When I’m not in the studio I love spending quality time with family and friends. I also love going to concerts, the beach, and cooking!

What can students expect in your class? Students can expect a thoughtful, challenging class that emphasizes control, alignment, and mind-body connection. I focus on intentional movement — you’ll feel strong, supported, and aware of why you’re doing each exercise. My goal is for students to leave feeling energized, balanced, and more connected to their bodies.

Which APEX | yoga pod class do you enjoy most and why? My favorite class is APEX 2 because it strikes the perfect balance between challenge and control. It’s strong and athletic, but still deeply intentional — you’re building power while staying connected to your breath and alignment. I love that it pushes people just enough to feel accomplished without feeling overwhelmed.

What type of music do you play in your classes? I play mostly rap and hip-hop. I love music that keeps you hype and motivated from start to finish. In my practice, focusing on the music is a great way to push through more challenging exercises — it helps you stay present, confident, and mentally strong when things get tough. The right playlist turns effort into momentum.

When you're not at the studio, what lights you up? Outside the studio, I’m energized by travel, wellness, and creative projects. I love exploring new places, spending time in nature, and working on passion projects that blend health and lifestyle.

What can students expect in your class? Students can expect a welcoming environment for all experience levels. I meet the challenges of a hot practice with a calming presence. My focus is on breath and alignment.

Which APEX | yoga pod class do you enjoy most and why? My favorite style of class is HOT because the set sequence allows me to find a meditative state quickly. I have recently fallen back in love with YIN.

What type of music do you play in your classes? Imagine yourself on the couch with a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon and the playlist that would go along with that moment. It starts soft and will build to the peak pose with more upbeat tunes and usually finish with instrumental music.

When you're not at the studio, what lights you up? When I am not practicing I enjoy reading, snuggling with my dogs and cats and relaxing at the beach. I will always be a lifelong student whether I am studying wine, practicing French or any new skill I find fascinating.