Meet Our Instructors
We are all proud to have an incredible team on board. We have local, experienced teachers to guide you. These instructors are known, loved and trusted throughout the community. Each of us bring a different personality and style to the mat. Choose one, choose all! Krystal, Jen, Cathy, Jessica, Kim, Scott, Marissa & Erika are honored to guide you.
Krystal Akin
Yoga Instructor
Krystal started practicing yoga in high school to help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. She completed her 200hr teacher training at Spira Power Yoga's West Seattle studio in 2016, studying under Dora Gyarmati and Carina Terra. She has since continued training in Yin & Restorative yoga, Pranayama, and Ayurveda with Carina Terra. Krystal completed the certificate program through the Trauma Conscious Yoga Institute in 2021 and an additional 300hr teacher training with My Vinyasa Practice with Michelle Young in 2022. She obtained a Level 2 certificate through TCYM in 2023.
She is a complete nerd when it comes to the healing power of the mind-body connection and her classes are a balance of East meets West. By marrying the body to the breath and creating dynamic flow, you’ll leave with an empowered sense of energetic awareness.
Outside of Orchard Roots, Krystal owns Mud Flower Mindful Movement & Counseling, PLLC, a counseling & holistic wellness practice, specializing in trauma and intense emotions ( www.mudflowermmc.com ), is a program Teaching Assistant for the Trauma Conscious Yoga Institute, and a mother to two vibrant and sassy little girls.
Cathy Westcott
Yoga Instructor
Cathy is a Yoga Alliance certified instructor and is known for her authentic, non-judgmental teaching style. She truly believes that yoga is not about picture perfect poses or bodies . Yoga is for everyone and every body! It is about calming the mind, challenging the body and picking yourself up when you fail and continuing on. That is why it is called a yoga “practice”. Everyday is a new learning opportunity whether you are a new yogi or an experienced one.
Jessica Shearer
Yoga Instructor
Jessica completed her 200hr TT in 2016 with Molly Lannon Kenney who founded the Samarya Center. Then went on to complete a 50hr Yin Yoga TT in 2020 at Shakti Vinyasa as well as a Fascia Mastery course in 2021 with Diane Avison.
"I fell in love with yoga about 10 years ago and have since continued to develop my practice. For me yoga is a journey where physical awareness and spiritual enlightenment come together. My intention is to provide a safe space where students will feel challenged, nurtured,empowered and inspired."
Erika Anderson
Yoga Instructor
A kitsap native, Erika Anderson believes that our connection to the natural world can provide us with the means to find our own unique path to bliss.
In 2014, she earned the RYT-200 designation with training in Hatha and Vinyasa yoga at the International College of Holistic Studies and in 2021 earned RYT-500 designation with training in Vinyasa, Yoga Nidra, Restorative, Yin, Adaptive, Children’s, Prenatal, and Trauma Informed yoga from My Vinyasa Practice. Erika has received additional training in Cosmic Anatomy, Sound Healing, Body Reading, Zen Touch Massage, and Ayurvedic Tradition.
Erika balances her time between her family, yoga practice and farm, Sunshine Acres Family Farm in Port Orchard, where she provides her community with fresh, naturally grown produce, goods, and services, as well as the opportunity to connect with the natural world in hands-on experiences and workshops. Rooted in the idea that yoga is much more than a series of poses, but rather a holistic approach to living, Erika fosters a supportive environment for personal growth.
Marissa Krecker
Owner & Yoga Instructor
Marisa began her yoga journey back in 2003. When she moved to Jackson Hole, WY her days consisted of back country hikes and snowboarding expeditions that were less than kind to her body.
She and her best friend, Erica found yoga at their local gym. It was great to stretch and breathe.
However over time they realized that yoga was not just about the physical aspect, the mental reward became just as valuable!
After moving to Seattle she became a member at Core Power Yoga. She started her 200 hour teacher training in 2014.
But the real truth about when yoga became Marissa's heart and soul was when she became pregnant with her twins. At 12 weeks of gestation they were told that baby B (their daughter) had zero chance of survival. She was devastated. She had weekly scheduled ultrasounds to determine whether or not “baby B” still had cardiac activity. So she would go to yoga. She figured, "at least we can do something that I love together before she goes". So, day after day… Marissa would go, flow with her hand on her belly and think about how much she loved that baby.
The baby never left! Kaya has her struggles as a special needs child. But she is a beautiful, imperative part the family and Marissa genuinely believes that Kaya is here because of the yoga practices that they shared together.
Their family now consists of Marissa's husband, Kevin, their 8 year old daughter, Everly, their 4.5 year old twins, Kaya and Jameson and Marissa
She was born and raised in Port Orchard. And so very honored to bring something so profound to a community that she loves so much!