Meet The Instructors
Christian Trueb
Owner/Instructor
Christian is a native of Ellington and has always been surrounded by enthusiasm for sport and fitness. He is a WITS-certified personal trainer and a Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor. At the beautiful Menla Mountain Retreat Center in the Catskill Mountains, he developed his passion for power yoga and has completed level II instructor training under power yoga innovator Baron Baptiste, founder of the prestigious Baptiste Power Yoga Institute.
"I connected immediately to yoga, and that connection evolved into a passion. I love the self-awareness I have discovered through my practice. The feeling of being “connected” is very powerful. I desire to help others to discover their own physical and spiritual strength and power through yoga and fitness."
Jesika Shekleton
Instructor/Student of life/ 200 hr
Meet Jesika, the radiant soul and dedicated yoga instructor at TrueBody. She was mentored by Christian Trueb in February 2023 and received her 200-hour certificate under yoga alliance and through West Hartford Yoga under Barbra Ruzansky. With a decade-long commitment to her yoga journey, Jesika embodies a profound connection between mind, body, and spirit. Her steadfast practice has been a transformative voyage, shaping her into a beacon of inspiration for those seeking balance and inner harmony. Join Jesika on the mat as she shares a decade of wisdom, compassion, and a contagious love for yoga that transcends the physical practice into a trans-formative, holistic experience.
Cassandra Forsythe
Instructor/ Certified Coach
Welcome to the dynamic world of fitness and well-being guided by Cassandra. As a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Cassandra brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her classes, empowering individuals to discover the strength within. With a decade of personal yoga practice and over five years of teaching experience, Cassandra's journey is a testament to her commitment to holistic health. Holding a Ph. D. in Kinesiology from UConn and boasting the title of a Registered Dietitian, Cassandra seamlessly integrates her passion for movement with a deep understanding of the body's intricate dynamics. Beyond the yoga studio, she has been shaping minds as a professor of Exercise Science at CCSU since 2015. Join Cassandra on a trans-formative journey where strength meets mindfulness, and experience a unique blend of wisdom, science, and empowerment that transcends the mat into everyday life.
Cassie Martin
Instructor/ 200-hr certified
Cassie is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and Ayurvedic Health Counselor. She received her yoga certification from the Om Center in Watertown, CT under Jessica Proulx in 2020, and her Ayurvedic Health Counselor title from the Boston Ayurveda School under Kim Povey in 2023. Cassie began practicing yoga 15 years ago for its physical benefits but deepened her practice for the mind-body connection, staying for the continuous journey of personal growth through the unification and expression of her authentic self. With over a decade of practice, she integrates the wisdom of nature’s rhythms into her teachings. As a mental health advocate, she is passionate about helping others find balance in life’s ever-changing ebb and flow through yoga, Ayurveda, and holistic living.
Meredith Gresh
Instructor/ 200-hr
Step onto the mat with Meredith, a beacon of tranquility and strength in the world of yoga. A certified Yoga instructor, Meredith's journey unfolded at the renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, MA, where she honed her skills and embraced the transformative power of yoga. With every class, Meredith seamlessly intertwines calm energy and vibrant warmth, creating an atmosphere that is both grounding and invigorating. Her ability to lead with intention and grace guides students through a harmonious flow that balances the mind, body, and spirit. Meredith invites you to join her on the mat, where each session is an exploration of inner peace and physical vitality—a testament to her passion for fostering well-being through the practice of yoga.
Lia Plankenhorn
Instructor/ 200-hr
Lia is a certified yoga instructor with 200 hours of training, who began her yoga journey over a decade ago. She strives to make each class accessible and empowering by creating a safe space for exploration, play, and relaxation. Growing up, movement was integral to her life through gymnastics and marching band. Yoga provided her with mindful physical movement and a spiritual home while she earned her Bachelor's degrees in Anthropology and Philosophy and Religion. Her yoga practice remained a safe haven when she moved to Colorado, where she practiced and worked in a heated vinyasa studio. She began teaching weekly classes in 2021 while earning her Master's in Anthropology. Now pursuing her PhD at UConn, Lia teaches undergraduate classes and enjoys exploring Connecticut's mountains, beaches, and farmers markets with her husband and their dog. Lia is passionate about outdoor recreation, traveling abroad to visit family in Germany, and loves curling up with a book, a cup of chamomile tea, and her cat.
Lori Leighton
Instructor/ Mentor
Inspired by teachers, mentors, and peers, I aim to bring a unique sense of empowerment to my classes.
Through daily practice, I invite my students to explore their limits and provide the space they need to access new possibilities. Breathwork, proper alignment, and intention form the foundation of my teaching, and I hope to leave my students with a renewed sense of vitality.
My classes are grounded in the principles of Baptiste Yoga, incorporating demonstrations of poses and modifications as needed, along with hands-on assistance. I believe that yoga offers incredible benefits both on and off the mat, and there’s always something new to discover—you just have to be open to the possibilities.