Our Team

GET TO KNOW OUR INSTRUCTORS

Kara Yahn Mulder

Owner and Operator

Welcome!! I will start by introducing myself. My name is Kara Yahn Mulder, Experienced 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT) through the Yoga Alliance. I am so excited for all of you to experience the physical art known as Yoga. Balance is strategically set up to help you “balance” your lifestyle physically and mentally.

Originally from Clinton, Iowa, I came to the beautiful campus of the University of Northern Iowa in the fall of 2003. I was recruited by the UNI Track and Field team as a hurdler/sprinter and I chose to major in Worksite Health Promotion. My 5 years at UNI were some of the best ever. School was wonderful and I had a lot of success in track and field, but not near as much as my husband Tyler Mulder. Tyler signed a Nike contract with Oregon Track Club Elite, which took us to Eugene, Oregon.

While living in Eugene, I managed a weight loss company called Metabolic Research Center. Helping people achieve their health and fitness goals has always brought such joy to my life. One year into my residency in Eugene, I encountered hot yoga. I LOVE the heat and love to sweat so when I heard about this I knew I had to check it out. The studio I went to, Zen Spot, welcomed me with open arms, and I absolutely fell in LOVE. Hot yoga was something I had never heard of in the Midwest (12 years ago) so my mind started turning. I immediately thought about what I could do to bring this love of mine back to Iowa.

I practiced yoga intensely for 2 years before getting my certification through Zen Spot. Throughout the process I had been in contact with a dear friend of mine and fellow UNI track alum Brent Dahlstrom about this “hot yoga.” He and I decided it would be a great fit for Cedar Falls and UNI. Together we created a beautiful, welcoming studio right next to UNI’s campus on College Hill.

Four years after opening the studio, in January 2017 myself and fellow ERYT, Margaret Prophet, decided to open a teacher training program through Balance, called the Balance School of Yoga. Together we wrote, implemented, and have graduated 64 (and counting) Yoga Alliance 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teachers to date.

In October 2022, our new location on Viking Road opened. We now offer Hot and Non Hot Yoga and I couldn’t be more excited. We also offer childcare which is a great asset.

My goal for Balance has always been to challenge practitioners to take a chance and see what Balance has to offer. We have yoga for EVERYONE!

My staff and I are so excited to enhance your yoga practice. Please contact me with any questions by phone at (319) 435-0827 or email at info@balancehotyoga.com.

Namaste

Margaret Prophet

Originally from California, I moved to Cedar Falls 15 years ago with my husband and our 3 children.

I have a masters degree in mathematics and am a math instructor at UNI. I really enjoy the college-town vibe and energy of Cedar Falls and The (revitalized!) Hill.

The first time I ever practiced yoga was in my living room, with a videotape loaded in my VCR! That was over 20 years ago…and I loved it. I have turned to yoga as a support for my physical activites, and emotional well-being ever since. When Balance hosted ZenSpot yoga studio’s teaching training program this past spring I jumped at the opportunity to become a 200-hr RYT. I am thankful for that opportunity and for the opportunity to lead classes at Balance.

I have a strong interest in anatomy and breath work, and look forward to continuing my education in both of these areas. I truly believe yoga betters your experience of life physically, mentally and emotionally. And it’s fun! What could be better?! I look forward to sharing many practices with our community.

Rachel Jorgensen

During the summer of 2010, I moved from my home in Cedar Falls to the city of Austin, Texas, where I attended grad school at the University of Texas. With my bath towel and TJ Maxx mat in hand, I ventured into Black Swan Yoga Studio where I struggled to maintain balance and hide my laughter. Struggling with homesickness, past trauma, and the usual stress of grad school, yoga provided an environment of healing – giving me a sense of peace from the inside out, not to mention a pretty intense workout. Fast forward 7 years, and here I am, back in Cedar Falls, certified as a 200 hour RYT, utilizing the healing graces of yoga in my work as a mental health therapist. The connection between mind and body is something I find fascinating and a holistic approach to healing is something I try to incorporate in my personal and professional life. I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach at Balance and for the relationships I’ve formed with my fellow yogis. I look forward to meeting more you at one of my classes. Namaste!

Kayla Becker

Welcome – My name is Kayla, and I’m a graduate of Balance Hot Yoga’s first Teacher Training Program in 2017. I started practicing yoga in June 2013 after being encouraged by a couple of friends. Ever since then, I have continued to fall in love with the practice. I’m interested in the many benefits yoga provides – mind, body and soul – both on and off our mats.

Outside of yoga, I own my own business and work one-on-one with adults to help them overcome barriers and limiting beliefs in their lives, so they can create and enjoy success. Thank you for choosing Balance, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Vicky Dunn

Hello! My name is Vicky, and I am a proud graduate of the first Balance School of Hot Yoga Teacher Training Program. Yoga has been a part of my life for over twenty years, taking classes whenever offered in my small hometown in Wisconsin. After spending 20+ years working in my family’s cheese business, I made the decision to attend the French Pastry School in Chicago to obtain my L’Art de la Pâtisserie degree. Following my pastry training in 2011, I moved to the Cedar Valley with my husband, David. It was then, that I discovered hot yoga – and my life changed! Having a regular yoga practice has made me a happy and healthy individual. Not only do I feel better physically, but also the mental benefits have been tremendous. In addition to teaching yoga, I teach baking classes at Three Pines Farm. I also love spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and working in my yard. My two adult children, Paul and Caitlin live in Wisconsin.

Stephanie Itzen

I’m Stephanie Itzen and I’ve lived in and loved the Cedar Valley for over 30 years! Originally from Alaska, my husband Wade and I have four adult children. I’ve been a teacher librarian in the Cedar Falls School District for 25 years. I like to bake, travel and spend time boating with family and friends.

I started practicing yoga about 12 years ago when a friend told me about class and instantly fell in love. I feel yoga is a perfect compliment to other fitness activities. I took the leap to become a yoga teacher in January 2019 through the Balance School of Yoga and have really enjoyed teaching. I try to incorporate poses and use creative sequencing to reach the entire body, building strength as practice progresses. While my favorite classes to teach are Sculpt and HIIT, a stretchy Vinyasa flow can really hit the spot!

Hope to see you on the mat!

Kacie Denny

Hello Yogis! My name is Kacie Denny and I grew up in the Cedar Valley. My husband Matt and I have two children and live north of Cedar Falls. Our family loves to travel, and when we do, I enjoy visiting other hot yoga studios. I also love spending time with family and friends whenever I get the opportunity. I attended my first hot yoga class at Balance in January 2018 and I have been hooked ever since. I received my 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher through the Balance Teacher Training Program. I have benefited from hot yoga in so many ways. I love that it offers a wide variety of benefits for both the mind and body. If you have never done yoga before, please come try a class or two! You won’t regret it’s benefits. I look forward to flowing with you all. See you on the mat!

Brooke Hillebrand

I live in Cedar Falls with my husband Brad and our 3 children. I graduated from UNI and fell in love with the community of Cedar Falls! I came to yoga after having my first child in 2014. I had been a long distance runner and each time I began to run again, I would fall to an injury. On top of injuries, we lived in the country and it seemed impossible to commute to a gym with a newborn to look after, so I turned to youtube and was influenced by Yoga with Adriene. I practiced yoga in the comfort of my own home for a few years before being dragged to a public hot yoga class in Kansas City by my best friend. I was shocked how much I could follow along with the class, I knew every cue! That free resource was legit! Then, after moving back to town I was dragged again to a public hot yoga class this time by my Mom and this time it was at Balance. I was hooked! While my home practice built a strong foundation, there is nothing that compares to what I’ve found here at Balance! Finally, in 2022, my Mom and I both signed up to take our 200 hr yoga and it proved to be the very best decision! On top of gaining more understanding of the practice, breath work and anatomy, I walked away with the most amazing crew of trainees that I get to call friends! Attending Balance School of Yoga was just the tip of the Iceberg! I now teach yoga and mindfulness locally in the public schools! I continue to practice at home, but I also feel a great deal at home attending or teaching classes at Balance!

Gina Jorgensen

I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa and grew up as a dancer. I graduated from Iowa State University, where I met my husband John. We have three adult children and enjoy living in Cedar Falls, where John is from originally. I started practicing yoga in 2006 and teaching in 2009. In 2018 I completed my 200-hour training with Balance Hot Yoga and I continue to find the practice inspirational, challenging, and rewarding both physically and mentally. I enjoy educational opportunities within the yoga community, and I focus on creative transitioning between poses while keeping the integrity of alignment principles. I have a deep appreciation and love for the practice and hope my students will feel the same. Namaste

Jenny Jensen

I attended my first hot yoga class 7 years ago at Balance and was instantly hooked. I loved the physical challenge and the mental/emotional benefits I felt were immediate. I was a long distance runner and gym junkie in my past life and I couldn’t get over how GREAT yoga made me feel. I was all set to sign up for teacher training in 2018, but life had other plans for me. My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer so I put teaching on hold. Yoga became my refuge – in the chaos and madness of my outside life Balance was my safe spot. For those 60 minutes of class it was just me, my mat, a lot of sweat and sometimes a lot of tears. Fast forward to 2022 – finally the right time for teacher training! I spent the month of February with a group of strangers who are now some of my closest friends. I treasure the bonds we made during that experience. I am forever grateful for all that yoga has given me and love the opportunity to share it with others. Hot Vinyasa is my love, but I also teach non-hot gentle classes in the community and recently tried my hand teaching restorative yoga. It is a blessing to share my practice with you and I look forward to seeing you in class!

Kayla Marshall

I started my yoga journey when Balance first opened in 2013. I was hooked for quite a while, and then went down the beautiful (and chaotic) path of having children. 5 years, 3 kids, and one serious back injury later, I found my way back to Balance. It felt so right to be in the studio again – so when I heard about the upcoming teacher training program, I was intrigued. I realized I had every reason NOT to pursue it: young kids, a full time job, severe back pain – but I couldn’t get the idea of teaching off my mind. So with the support of my husband and family, I went for it and earned my 200 hour certification in 2023. It has been one of the most humbling and incredible experiences, so regardless of wherever this journey takes me, I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to learn about yoga and myself so intimately. For now what I enjoy most is a fast, powerful flow with upbeat music, but I’m sure this will evolve along with my practice over time! Can’t wait to see you on the mat.

Dawn Del Carlo

Originally from the Chicago area, I came to Cedar Falls in 2004 for my “day job” as a chemistry professor at UNI. Despite the fact that I was not terribly fond of yoga (and hate being hot), friends convinced me to try the new hot yoga studio in 2014 and I fell in love. At first, I focussed on the physical aspects and benefits of yoga (as a former gymnast, this is what spoke to me) but over time I have grown in my practice to benefit from the emotional and mental peace that comes with it. I completed my 200 hour RYT training through the Balance School of Hot Yoga Teacher Training in 2022, adored every intense, crazy minute, and met absolutely the best group of fellow yogis in the process. While I love teaching hot vinyasa classes, my passion is for the beginners’ class where we can take the time to really focus on form and make yoga accessible and beneficial to every body. There’s nothing more exciting than watching another yogi’s passion for their practice grow. When I’m not teaching (yoga or chemistry), I love mountain biking or hiking all the great recreational trails, cooking and baking for friends and family, or just snuggling on the couch with my fur babies (two mini-panthers and an 80 lb lap dog).

Deb Malloy

Hello! My name is Deb Malloy I have lived in the Cedar Valley since 2017. Exercise has always been a part of my life. I was looking for an exercise option that fit into my schedule and Balance offered several classes throughout the day and I gave it a try. I instantly fell in love with yoga poses and the strength my mind and body felt. Balance became my sanctuary to retreat to from the chaos of life. After much encouragement from Kara, fellow yogis and my family I completed my 200 hour RYT training through Balance School of Hot Yoga in 2022. I will always cherish the support I received from my classmates and the opportunity to train along side my daughter, Brooke. I enjoy teaching hot vinyasa classes and incorporating several yoga poses in my class. The benefits of yoga are endless I look forward to sharing my practice with you.