Our Lava Team
Instructors

Craig Pruett
Owner/Teacher, 500 E-RYT, YACEP
My yoga journey began in 2011 at a Bikram studio in Lawrence, Kansas, where I developed a consistent practice centered on the 26 x 2 beginning sequence. Driven by a passion to share yoga with others, I completed a 200-hour Yoga Works teacher training at Om Tree Yoga in 2019. That same year, I discovered Lava Yoga and was excited to return to a hot yoga practice, eventually becoming deeply involved as a member and teacher for the Lawrence community. I advanced my training in 2022 through a 300-hour “Evolution of a Teacher” program at Lava Yoga. In 2024, I expanded my practice and teaching focus to include posture, pranayama, and meditation in the Ghosh lineage obtaining a 300-hour certification in its roots and heritage. My wife and I became the owners of Lava Yoga in Lawrence in June 2026. We are honored to manage the studio today and look forward to sharing yoga classes, trainings and workshops at Lava Yoga Lawrence.

Becca Spencer-Pruett
Owner/Teacher, 500 RYT
I began a physical yoga practice about 18 years ago in Kansas City. Fast forward about a decade and I completed my first 200 hour yoga teacher training in Ashtanga-Vinyasa from the studio. I began my practice with the intention to deepen my practice and study of yoga. I began practicing at Lava Yoga Lawrence in 2021 and fell in love with the heated classes and the community! Since then, I have completed two additional advanced 300 hour trainings- first with Community Yoga Shala and most recently with Scott Lamps and Ida Jo of Ghosh Yoga who have been a tremendous catalyst for growth as a student and teacher. Forever a student, I am humbled to share, practice with and teach to this community.

Carrie Mandigo
Teacher, E-RYT 200
Drawing on my background as a Registered Nurse with degrees in Exercise Science (B.S.) and Nursing (B.S.N.), I spent years specializing in cardiac care and Cardiac Rehabilitation. During that time, I also served as a certified fitness instructor, which allowed me to integrate my clinical knowledge with a passion for physical movement.
After prioritizing my family and raising my two sons, I returned to a lifelong interest by earning my 200-hour R.Y.T. in 2019. Since completing that training, I have dedicated myself to sharing the life-changing advantages of yoga through teaching.
I took over ownership of Lava Yoga in Lawrence in 2020. As I transition the studio’s leadership to Craig and Becca, I am excited to remain a part of this wonderful community and continue the work I love.
In every session I lead, my goal is to provide a safe, encouraging environment where you can feel empowered and confident—or simply a space where you are free to be yourself.

Lindsey Kraus
Teacher, RYT 200
My relationship with yoga has evolved through various seasons of life, as I have consistently returned to the mat seeking new layers of connection. This path led me back to the practice in 2019, while navigating the academic rigors of graduate school and searching for a way to harmonize body, mind, and spirit. Having previously experienced the vitality of hot yoga, I was drawn to the unique equilibrium of intensity and relaxation that the heat provides. Upon discovering Lava Yoga Lawrence, I felt an immediate sense of belonging, finding a supportive sanctuary and an incredible community to nurture my practice.
As a devoted student within the Lava community, I deeply value the diversity of our instructors and classes, each offering a distinct perspective that challenges me to grow. Every session leaves me feeling centered, strong, and revitalized. Yoga has cultivated a profound sense of peace and joy that extends far beyond the studio, inspiring a deep-seated desire to share this transformative practice with others.
In December 2022, I completed the “Evolution of a Student” RYT 200-hour teacher training under the guidance of Natalie Savage and Craig Pruett. I am humbled by the opportunity to guide others through their own explorations on the mat. Recognizing that every individual’s journey is unique and wonderful, I am truly excited to support you in your practice.
To me, yoga is the act of arriving exactly as you are, allowing breath and movement to lead the way. Whether you are stepping onto the mat for the first time or are a seasoned practitioner looking to deepen your study, I invite you to join us for a class. I am honored to be a part of the instructional team at Lava Yoga Lawrence and look forward to practicing with you soon.

Katie King
Teacher, RYT 500
Though my roots are in rural Kansas, a move to Waco, Texas, opened the door to my first yoga experience, and I have been a devoted enthusiast ever since. Sharing this transformative practice through teaching since 2019, I have deepened my study to include a 500-hour RYT certification. My specialized focus spans Multi-Style Vinyasa, Yoga Nidra, Restorative, Yin, Adaptive, and Trauma-Informed Yoga, allowing me to support the unique needs of every student.
Returning to Kansas in 2023 to pursue my degree at the University of Kansas School of Law, I am humbled to have found a sanctuary and supportive community at Lava Lawrence. When I am away from the mat, I find joy in playing piano, staying active, and cherishing time with my cats. I am truly excited to practice with you soon. See you on the mat!

Susan Thomas
Teacher, RYT 200
What began as a simple search for movement outside the gym quickly transformed into a lifelong commitment and a profound passion for sharing yoga. I first discovered the practice in the early 2000s in Lawrence, drawn to a local studio by a striking mural. Although I was a complete beginner and initially uncertain, the unique atmosphere of the heat and humidity captivated me. I returned to the mat consistently until yoga became an essential part of my identity, and today, I cannot imagine life without it.
Raised on a dairy farm in North Central Kansas, I have always felt a deep connection to the vibrancy of nature. Yoga honors this relationship with the earth through the intentional synchronicity of posture and breath. As a Kansas farm girl at heart, I find sanctuary in the heat and humidity; hot yoga is truly my happy place. Professionally, I serve as a healthcare regulatory consultant, navigating complex government requirements—a demanding role that makes my time on the mat absolutely vital.
I live in Lawrence with my supportive husband and our spirited dog. As empty nesters, we enjoy being close to our two sons in Lawrence and Kansas City. I completed my RYT 200-hour certification as a cornerstone of my long-term wellness plan, dedicated to staying active and fit for years to come. I am humbled to guide students of all backgrounds and abilities, fostering an inclusive space where we celebrate our shared humanity while honoring our individual differences.

Andrew Haggert
Teacher, 500 RYT
Andrew’s path toward a more intentional study of yoga was sparked in 2008, following physical challenges and injuries that necessitated a deeper exploration of healing.
While navigating life at higher altitudes, he found that endurance, hydration, and flexibility gained profound new significance. He discovered the transformative power of the Bikram Yoga sequence, finding sanctuary and revitalization in the heat. Through eight years of dedicated practice focused on rehabilitation and cleansing, Andrew cultivated a deep-seated fascination with the synchronicity of asana, pranayama, meditation, and sound therapy.
Driven by a desire to expand his knowledge, he completed a 200-hour teacher training at the Costa Rica School of Yoga, rooted in the Iyengar tradition. He furthered his journey by obtaining a 300-hour “Evolution of a Teacher” certification through Lava Yoga under the guidance of Natalie Savage. Now a 500-hour RYT, Andrew draws inspiration from Kundalini and Ayurveda, remaining humbled to share his heart-centered practice with the community.

Riane Soash
Teacher, RYT 200
My relationship with yoga has served as a foundational grounding force, one that I have consistently revisited through various seasons of life. With a professional background in sports management and a history of competitive rowing at both collegiate and professional levels, the values of movement and discipline have long been central to my identity. However, yoga offered a more profound layer of connection, providing a sanctuary where I could cultivate a sense of being centered, strong, and fully present.
I earned my RYT 200-hour teacher training certification through GUD Yoga in Norfolk, Virginia, and felt a deep-seated inspiration to share the tranquility and vitality this practice provides. Upon discovering Lava Yoga Lawrence, I immediately encountered a supportive community and a nurturing environment that welcomed me exactly as I was while fostering my continued study and growth.
To me, the essence of yoga is arriving on the mat exactly as you are—free from expectation—while allowing the synchronicity of breath to lead the way and honoring the unique brilliance of your individual journey. Whether you are a complete beginner, a seasoned practitioner, or simply curious about the study of yoga, I am humbled to hold space for your exploration. I look forward to the opportunity to practice and share the mat with you at Lava.

Courtney Vardar
Teacher, RYT 200
My path into the study of yoga began at thirteen, driven by a search for relief from physical structural challenges. Upon attending my first Hatha class, I felt an immediate connection to the practice. At eighteen, I discovered the Bikram (26&2) sequence, where the synergy of heat, stillness, and repetition initiated a profound transformation. Witnessing my spine align and my hips level in the studio mirrors, I realized the practice was facilitating deep healing. I have remained a devoted enthusiast ever since.
I earned my R.Y.T. 200-hour certification in 2016 through Yoga Alliance, following immersive study with Bhavani Maki and Om Tree Shala. Having explored the lineages of Iyengar and Ashtanga among others, I hold a deep appreciation for the diversity of all styles. I am humbled to continue my journey as a student, expanding my knowledge through the act of teaching.
Outside of the studio, I cherish time spent with my husband and our two daughters. My personal interests include traveling, designing apparel and footwear, and the curation of artifacts, as well as finding sanctuary while running in the woods.

Suzanne Scales
Teacher, RYT 200
Though I have called Lawrence home for nearly three decades, my roots are in Atlanta, Georgia. From a young age, I was constantly in motion, immersing myself in gymnastics, diving, swimming, and track. As an adult, I explored a diverse range of fitness disciplines before discovering yoga about ten years ago. I have remained a devoted practitioner ever since, finding inspiration in the variety of styles and the wisdom shared by the many incredible teachers I have encountered.
My passion for the practice led me to deepen my study, and I earned my teaching certification in January 2025. I completed the Ghosh Yoga foundational training under the guidance of Craig Pruitt and Becca Spencer, and I am humbled by the opportunity to share the knowledge I have gained with this community.
Outside of the studio, I find joy in embarking on long walks, traveling to new destinations, and cherishing time spent with my family.

Kerry Frick
Sculpt, Pilates and Barre
My path has long been defined by a deep-seated affinity for movement and an enduring search for creative ways to challenge the body. Three years ago, I first stepped into yoga sculpt and barre, finding myself immediately captivated by the synergy of these practices. I recently deepened my commitment by completing my teacher training with Power Life in Kansas City in November 2025. I am truly excited to transition from student to guide, sharing the energy of the hot room while we move together.
While the physical vitality of Yoga Sculpt and Barre is undeniable, I am consistently drawn back to the mat for the profound mental clarity and resilience these disciplines cultivate. My teaching style is centered on the intentional synchronicity of beat-driven music and mindful movement to foster a powerful, supportive atmosphere. I am humbled by the opportunity to share this experience with you and look forward to practicing together.

Melinda Ball
Teacher, RYT 200
Guided by the conviction that movement serves as a vital form of medicine, Melinda has embraced various modalities as her practice has evolved over time. Yoga first discovered her during early adulthood, and she remains forever grateful for its presence in her life. In 2014, she transitioned from student to guide after obtaining her RYT 200-hour certification through Om Tree Shala. Melinda is humbled by the study of yoga and honored to be a part of this community’s journey.
Beyond the mat, Melinda finds joy in spending time with her dog, Millie, exploring the natural world, and deepening her knowledge of the ukulele!

Heather Hoy
Teacher, RYT 200
My path toward a deeper study of the practice culminated in earning my RYT 200-hour certification in January 2025. Under the expert guidance of Craig Pruett and Becca Spencer, I immersed myself in the Ghosh yoga methodology—a transformative and rigorous departure from my previous experience. My inspiration to transition from student to teacher was sparked by years of practicing at Lava Yoga Lawrence. Since 2019, I have been fortunate to learn from a diverse range of talented instructors, particularly my longtime friend, Carrie Mandigo. Her profound mantra, “we don’t do yoga to get better at yoga, we do yoga to get better at living,” serves as a constant guiding light in my own practice and teaching.
Professionally, I serve as a community connector for the Douglas County Community Foundation, where I assist donors in aligning their philanthropic goals with impactful nonprofit organizations. Additionally, I direct Leadership Douglas County, a program designated by the Kansas Leadership Center. Recognizing that adult learning can often feel intimidating, my goal is to cultivate a sanctuary of calmness at Lava, rooted in the understanding that yoga is forever a “practice.” I invite you to join me on the mat with an open heart; my personal mantra is simply to “be good to yourself!” Beyond my professional roles, I am an active board member for Lawrence Rotary and the Kansas Association of Community Foundations. A resident of Lawrence since 1990, I share my life with my husband, Matt, and our two sons, Jackson and Keaton. In my leisure time, I find joy in playing pickleball and mahjong.

Janna Fackrell
RYT 200
My yoga practice began in 2009, eventually leading me to complete my teacher training in 2022. This journey was fueled by a profound passion for yoga and a desire to deepen my personal study of the practice. Beyond the studio, I serve as the co-founder of Sacred Hearts Healing Center, where we facilitate a variety of restorative experiences including sweat lodges, women’s circles, and private healing sessions. I also established Illuminessence, an organic skincare line that supports our non-profit retreat center.
Outside of my businesses and yoga practice, I find joy in tending to my garden, managing our on-site Airbnb, and exploring local hiking trails. Most importantly, I cherish time spent with my family and my dogs.

Kim McDaneld
Teacher, 200 RYT
Kim’s exploration of yoga began in 2001 during her tenure at Hallmark Cards Inc while residing in Kansas City, Missouri. In the years since, she has remained dedicated to deepening her study of yoga and Eastern philosophy. Kim is a certified practitioner of Reiki Usui Shiki Ryoho and holds specialized certifications in both Hatha Yoga and the Ghosh lineage.
Beyond the mat, Kim is an accomplished studio artist, finding inspiration in the intricate mental choreography required to bring a painting or drawing to life. She views this intuitive creative process as a mirror to her practice. In 2019, she harmonized these two passions by establishing the Yoga+Art workshop series, offering a unique sanctuary for creativity, meditation, and mindfulness to support stress relief.

Olivia Myer
Certified Sculpt Instructor
Olivia is a certified sculpt instructor through CorePower which is NASM and AFAA accredited. She promotes leading dynamic group fitness and yoga classes in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. She believes in providing clear instruction and modifications to support participants of all experience levels.

Nicole Negely
200 RYT
Nicole received her 200-hour yoga teacher certificate through Gopi Sandal’s Yoga with Heart program, which focuses on Bhakti yoga traditions and other rhythmic expressions of the practice. In her kids’ classes, she incorporates mindfulness, music, storytelling, and self-regulation techniques tailored to children aged 4-12. Nicole models poses for each student, frequently offering modifications to ensure comfort and accessibility. She creates a fun, lighthearted environment where children learn to focus their attention and support their emotional growth as they navigate today’s rapidly changing world.
Community Class
Join our signature Lava Flow class at a specially reduced community rate! This is a fun and energetic Vinyasa-style flow class where basic yoga postures are linked together in a continuous sequence. Designed to be accessible to everyone, this affordable session ensures financial considerations don’t stand in the way of your yoga journey and becoming a part of the Lava Community. All levels are welcome!
Key Benefits of Lava Flow Practice:
- Makes the signature practice accessible through a reduced community rate.
- Provides a wonderful, affordable way to practice yoga consistently.
- Offers an energetic Vinyasa-style flow suitable for all levels.
Class Details:
This is a Hatha class mixed with Vinyasa-style flow class with heat and humidity. Pricing and Purchase (In-Studio Only): Community Class can only be purchased in person at the studio. No online sign-up is available.
Cash: $10
Credit/Debit: $12
Ready to Make a Change?
We have a great introductory offer to get you started. Four weeks of unlimited yoga for just $60. A great opportunity to try out a variety of classes.
Ask about our member benefits! Monthly guest passes and discounts on workshops and trainings are included with annual memberships and auto renew options. See prices page or ask us at the studio what option best supports a consistent practice.
On a budget? We offer three community classes for only $10. No online sign-up, just come in to sign in and practice.
Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.
***Due to limited capacity (25 students, 5 waitlisted), please sign up on Mindbody to reserve your spot! Please cancel beforehand if unable to attend to allow for waitlisted students to join.
