The Practice Space Announces Revolutionary Full-Time Educator Model
The Practice Space, a yoga and Pilates studio located on 42nd and Belmont, is proud to announce a groundbreaking shift in its business model that aims to set new standards for the wellness and movement industry. Starting January 2025, The Practice Space will become the first studio in the area to offer full-time salaries and health benefits to a select group of educators. This bold move reflects the studio’s commitment to sustainability not just for its students but for its teachers.
A Story of Resilience
Since 2002, the historic yoga studio Yoga Bhoga has been a cornerstone of the mindful movement in Portland, refining a model that empowered independent contractor teachers to share their expertise. In 2022, Krista Lennartz brought Yoga Bhoga and the newer Cascadia Pilates together under the unified brand, The Practice Space. This transformation came during the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, which included the closure of two locations and the loss of beloved instructors. Despite these hardships, the studio found a way to persevere, drawing strength from the dedication of its staff and the unwavering loyalty of its student community.
"The dark truth of our industry is that while we teach self-care and guide our students to transform their suffering into a life of balance, the majority of mindful movement educators themselves live in scarcity and hardship. Teachers dedicate their lives to this work, yet they are rarely acknowledged or compensated as if they have expertise or a professional career. Over the past nine years, I’ve faced many moments of strain while making tough decisions. Yet, I have remained steadfast in my core belief: the well-being of our educators is essential and foundational to the well-being of our students.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for 2025 because this leap of faith not only increases the demands on our full-time educators but also depends on the continued dedication of our students to support us as a small business," said Krista Loveless Lennartz, owner and educational director of The Practice Space.
Starting January
The Practice Space is proud to announce a bold new staffing model, set to launch this January. Departing from the traditional industry norm of per-service, percentage splits, or per-head compensation, we are introducing a groundbreaking approach: a small team of full-time educators who will receive reliable salaries and health benefits. This innovative model also emphasizes collaboration, where full-time and affiliate educators work together to support studio operations and enrich the community.
Meet Our Full-Time Educators:
We are thrilled to welcome Lily Matson, Elizabeth Bresslet, and Scarlett Rasor as our new full-time educators. Additionally, following the relaunch of the 200-hour Yoga Pathway, Meghan Maris will join the full-time team mid-year.
Key Responsibilities of Our Full-Time Educators:
On-Site Shifts: Providing hands-on support to students and maintaining a vibrant studio environment.
Content Creation: Producing educational resources such as free community classes, workshops, and written materials to enhance learning opportunities.
Community Engagement: Offering studio tours, membership guidance, and a welcoming presence for both new and existing students.
Affiliate Educators: A Vital Partnership
Our affiliate educators will continue to bring their unique expertise and creativity to the studio, supported by their full-time counterparts. This partnership is essential for fostering a thriving ecosystem that prioritizes student experience and ensures growth for all teachers.
This new staffing model represents our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the holistic development of both our educators and our community. Together, we’re shaping the future of mindful movement and education.
A Vision for the Future
This new approach is more than a staffing change—it’s a commitment to redefining what it means to be part of a yoga and Pilates studio. By prioritizing educator well-being, The Practice Space aims to cultivate a sustainable model that inspires change across the industry.
“We’re not just teaching yoga and Pilates; we’re building a community that values fairness, innovation, and creativity,” said Lennartz. “This is our biggest leap yet, and we hope it’s one that will inspire others to reimagine what’s possible in this space.”
Thank you to everyone for bring the vision of a yoga and Pilates studio that is changing the tone of our industry. This studio couldn’t do it without all of you.
