About
Become an Ambassador
Become a Facilitator
Valerie was first captivated by yoga in 2000 after recovering from a serious illness while maintaining stressful job in corporate finance. Practicing yoga gave her the gift of connection to the inner quiet of her body, mind, and Source. Through the lens of yoga, Valerie found for the first time that she could ground herself in her experiences and grow toward something bigger than herself… embodying health, happiness, and wholeness. Her personal and professional practice has evolved to embrace yoga as a method of self-regulation and transformation.
Valerie has been teaching for seven years and continues to explore many styles of yoga inviting an open and playful approach to the practice. She has been greatly influenced and inspired by wonderful teachers like Seane Corn, Sarah Powers, Judith Hansen Lasater, Cora Wen, Doug Swenson, Georg & Brenda Feuerstein, and Paul Grilley. She blossomed under the mentor-ship of Beverly Burt, and together they co-founded Kai Yoga Arts Teacher Training Program.
Valerie is now the owner and director of Transcending Yoga Training Program and continues to lead public and private classes, workshops, and teacher training programs in the North Carolina Crystal Coast Area and Southwest Georgia. Her classes range from subtle and soft to playful and challenging, honoring the light in each student. She is an active Off the Mat, Into the World™ Leader and facilitates leadership programs about yoga and activism. She specializes in yoga restoratives, mindfulness meditation, and trauma sensitive yoga.
After building a labyrinth with her family back in 2000, Kristen’s journey began without her even being aware of it. As her life progressed she realized the power behind conscious living. After completing her Yoga Teacher Training in April of 2010 under the direction of Valerie Baltzer E-RTY500 Kristen joined her love of yoga and travel to embark on the Seva Challenge. Her intentions are to take yoga ‘off the mat and into the world’ showing loving kindness to each soul she comes in contact with. Kristen looks forward to continuing her training in yoga and global awareness and hopes to take everything she learns day to day and experience by experience to each person that she meets.
April Clark, RYT200, Owner of Second Wind Eco Tours and Yoga Studio, Transcending Yoga Facilitator
Owner of Second Wind, knows what it means to follow one’s dreams. Long term resident of Onslow County, she developed interests in traveling and experiencing new sights, sounds and adventures. These passions only continued to develop and, when the chance arose to fully embrace them and share them with others, Clark took it.
“I was once asked the question in my previous work life, what I would be doing if I weren't in sales management. My response was to kayak and do yoga...hence when presented with the opportunity to open my own business, I took a leap of faith and pursued my dreams.”
Following these dreams led to the opening of Second Wind in early 2010. Her passion to protect the environment, obtain and maintain serenity, and experience new adventures blended beautifully in creating this eco-friendly and close-knit business. Offering kayak and bicycling tours that leave little impact on the environment, Clark and her staff also strive to leave the area in better condition than when they came by doing things such as picking up trash. Something else very important to Clark is her close friends and family. They make up the majority of her staff and always extend their warm smiles and greetings to all who walk through the doors.
The business world is no stranger to Clark, who has a long history in it. She received a Bachelors of Science degree in business administration. Through her desire for continued learning, Clark also received a Master of Arts from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. For 16 years, Clark worked in wireless sales management as an Area Sales Manager. She has served clients as a sales professional in advertising and print sales, graphic arts, layout and design in previous work experience. Her transition from a sales professional to a business owner proves Clark has the ambition and drive needed to succeed. Her desire to enrich the lives of others is also apparent.
“I want to see the business provide for others worthwhile experiences and services,” Clark explains. “Metaphorically, embarking on this career path at this juncture in my life is my "Second Wind." For the guests, I hope it resonates for them an opportunity to get their 'second wind,’ or respite from the hurried and frantic pace of our everyday lives.”