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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 two beautiful little girls 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
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, toddler and our rescue pup. Fun fact - we're expecting baby #2 in October!
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 CARLSON (RYT-200)
Instructor
Hello! I'm Kelli!
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
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!
Sophia Carlson
Instructor
Hey there, I’m Sophia!
I’m a gym enthusiast and yoga lover. As your number one hype girl it is my life purpose to make sure that everyone I meet leaves our conversation feeling inspired and excited about life.
Fitness has been my daily dose of dopamine for over 10 years now and I want to help other people see and feel how amazing working out is. Working out is so much more than lacing up your tennies. Not only does it improve mental health, it is a key to longevity and vitality!
Working out can be intimidating and I am here to show you that it’s not. Yoga sculpt is one of my favorite forms of fitness because anyone in any shape, size or flexibility can do it. From my very first sculpt class I was instantly humbled and to this day am still amazed at the mental discipline it takes to get through a sculpt class. It is hard work but I promise you will leave your mat feeling
unstoppable.
In the pursuit of wellness and where sweat meets self-care, let's embrace flexibility, discipline and strength together!