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OUR TEAM
"True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own." ~Nikos Kazantzakis
JILLIAN THORSON (ERYT-200)
Studio Lead / Instructor
I’m Jillian! I have been practicing yoga since I was in high school and instantly fell in love. I received my RYT-200hr in the summer of 2014 from HeartWork Yoga Studio in Northfield, MN. I graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and enjoy incorporating my knowledge about how the body moves physically and linking those movements with the mind, breath, and body. Over the years I have been trained in vinyasa, yoga sculpt, prenatal yoga, chair yoga and barre. Through it all, my true love has always been teaching a sweaty, upside down, make you question if you’re on the right side, power vinyasa flow. I crave the energy, the breath, and the laughter and I hope you will too!
After planting our roots in New Richmond in 2016, I founded Lift Bridge Yoga Co. with a goal of growing yoga in our community. Over the next 4 years, a community grew so strong that it couldn’t be uprooted. After closing the studio for a year in 2021 to focus on my family, I am excited to be part of the new journey that is Lift Bridge Yoga + Fitness!
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Outside of teaching, I am a full-time mama to 3 little ones and our super loveable golden retriever. My husband (Adam) and I live in New Richmond and enjoy being a part of this “City Beautiful”
JACKIE CHILSEN MONTPETIT (RYT-200)
Studio Lead / Instructor
I'm Jackie- I was born and raised in New Richmond, went to school for Exercise Science at UW-La Crosse, and then returned to this area with my husband in 2016. My fitness background ranges from coaching NRHS students to training Google employees to flowing with all of you here at Lift Bridge Yoga + Fitness!
Outside of the studio, you can find me canoeing, cross country skiing, or planning my next big international adventure. Whether in the studio or on the trail, I can't wait to connect with each and every one of you!
My classes guarantee to give you a great workout no matter what level you're at. I'll offer options to keep it low impact, bump it up to high intensity, and everything in between! I also work the magic behind many of the logistics of Lift Bridge. I do my best to make sure everything runs smoothly. Feel free to reach out to me with any ideas, concerns, or feedback; I'd love to hear from you!
MOLLY FLETCH
Instructor
Meet Molly
I fell in love with barre as a member of Liftbridge. Each pulse, and agonizing hold, brought me so much strength and excitement. Group fitness classes have that effect on me. I love the community, accountability, and fun that come from joining together in a common goal. I was craving a deeper connection with barre, so I became barre certified to share my passion with others.
When I am not teaching barre, I am teaching 2nd grade and trying to keep up with two active boys along with my husband Garret. You can usually find our family biking, fishing, skiing or at a sporting event.
Meet you at the barre!
COURTNEY ZIMMERMAN (RYT-200)
Instructor
Hello! My name is Courtney, and I live in New Richmond with my husband, 2 toddlers and our rescue pup.
We moved from St. Paul to New Richmond in 2020, and I'm excited to bring my teaching style to Lift Bridge Yoga + Fitness. I've been practicing various yoga formats for the past decade, and spent five years teaching and managing CorePower Yoga and other fitness studios in the Twin Cities area. I'm trained in Power Vinyasa, HIIT training and Yoga Sculpt, but Yoga Sculpt has always been my passion.
Outside of yoga, I work in marketing and love being outside with my boys! On the weekends we enjoy camping, spending time with family and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
Teaching Style: In my classes, you can expect to sweat, laugh and not take yourself too seriously. The music will be loud, the weights will be heavy and class will fly by.
ALICIA BAILLARGEON (RYT-200)
Instructor
Hello! I'm Alicia. I graduated from St. Scholastica with bachelors and masters degrees in Exercise Physiology. Most of my fitness career has been as a program manager at the 3M corporate fitness center; however, I recently shifted gears, moving into corporate wellness. This has provided me the opportunity to start my own fitness business and join the Lift Bridge Yoga + Fitness Community! I carry a variety of group exercise certifications in addition to 10+ years of experience.
Movement inspires me and brings me energy and joy! You'll find my classes to be challenging, full of movement and pretty sweaty (even without a heated room!). I love teaching formats that take the flow and beauty of yoga and step it up to challenge the cardiovascular & strength components of fitness. My favorite part of teaching is the participants and the community; your smiling faces are the best reward!
Outside of yoga + fitness, you'll usually find me in the great outdoors enjoying life with my husband, Josh and our springer spaniel, Winter. I look forward to seeing you in class!
KELLI Milton (RYT-200)
Instructor
Hello! I'm Kelli!
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With an adventurous spirit and a passion for health, Kelli brings yoga from the studio to the water. As an RYT 200 certified instructor, she has been teaching vinyasa, slow flow, and stand up paddleboard yoga near her Minnesota home since 2013. Kelli holds a Guinness World Record for the largest paddleboard yoga class and pioneered yoga wellness programs for Wells Fargo and Twin Cities YMCA. When she's not inspiring students on her board, she channels her leadership talents as head of employee experience for a top financial company. Kelli loves sharing her practice with her family - her husband, two sons, and two furry four-legged kids.
ERIN ROWDEN
Instructor
Hello! I'm Erin!
JEREMY LINDQUIST
Instructor
​Hello, my name is Jeremy Lindquist. My wife and I have lived in New Richmond for close to 4 years with our 2-year-old child and 2 mini Aussies. I have been a fitness professional for the past 13 years, working with clients to escape chronic pain, become proudly strong, and complete running and triathlon events at all levels. I bring a unique and individual-focused approach to coaching and am passionate about educating, inspiring, and pushing you to grow as a person.
My philosophy of fitness stems from the simple fact that movement drives performance. When I work with you, I take great pride in teaching you about moving purposefully and effectively to work towards all goals. I believe fitness is meaningless without taking time to work on moving well. I am passionate about teaching people how to move effectively, alleviate physical pain, and turn your dreams into achievements.
Jordan Hughes (RYT-200)
Instructor
Hi, I'm Jordan!
I attended college at Saint Mary's in Winona, MN for Spanish Education and have been teaching Spanish for 10 years. I have practiced yoga since college - my first yoga class was a college course. Although I've practiced in many different studios and styles throughout the years, my love for yoga has intensified in the past few years which led to the completion of my 200 hour yoga teacher training through Solo Yoga + Bxng.
In my classes, I hope to offer you movement that allows you to be fully in the present moment and to hold space for you to show up exactly as you are.
I can't wait to meet you and guide you in your yoga practice!
Shantel Tempel (RYT-200)
Instructor
Hi! I’m Shantel!
I’ve been practicing yoga for over five years and teaching for just over a year. I love guiding a mindful vinyasa practice that encourages you to reconnect with your body through intentional movement while giving your mind space to settle. My goal is to create a supportive, grounded experience where you can move, breathe, and simply be.
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Outside the studio, you’ll often find me hiking, camping, enjoying live music, crafting something fun, or learning something new. I’m always happiest when I’m outdoors or surrounded by creativity—and I’m so grateful to share this practice with you.
Jess Hansen
Instructor
Hi, I’m Jess!
I live in New Richmond with my husband and 3 daughters. We caretake for a beautiful spot on the Willow River where my favorite days are spent watching the sparkles dance across the water and the sunset light up the prairie. I love biking and paddle boarding as a family, country music concerts, front porch cocktails with my friends and traveling anywhere near the ocean.
Teaching group fitness classes has been a dream of mine for a long time. After many years of letting life get in the way, I became a certified Yoga Sculpt instructor at the age of 40! I wanted to make fitness a part of my regular schedule and a priority in my life. I was drawn to Yoga Sculpt because it is a fun and challenging class with upbeat music and great variety. It requires you to dig deep mentally and physically and you leave feeling so energized and empowered. No matter where you are in your fitness journey, my goal is to help you feel encouraged, valued and capable of amazing things!
Amy Henry
Instructor
Hi, I’m Amy!
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With over 20 years of experience as a nurse, Amy Henry has dedicated her life to helping others heal and thrive. Now, she brings that same nurturing spirit to her role as a meditation and breathwork facilitator, guiding individuals toward mindfulness and inner peace.
As the youngest of 16 siblings, Amy grew up in a vibrant, bustling household, where she developed a deep appreciation for connection and self-reflection. Her classes draw on these values, creating a welcoming space for participants to pause, breathe, and recharge.
Amy blends her medical expertise with a holistic approach to well-being, offering practices that support both the body and mind. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or a deeper connection with yourself, Amy’s guidance will leave you feeling centered and renewed.