Nia Instructors

h3(staff). Cambrey Lindsay Baccus – Nia Instructor

Cambrey is a licensed therapist and practitioner of Body-Mind practices. Since beginning her study of Nia in 1996, she has concentrated her practice on leading students to increase self-awareness and heal emotional conflict, depression, stress/anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder by harmonizing the connection and relationship of the physical body to the mind. Cambrey is a certified Nia Blue Belt teacher and Trance Dance facilitator. She has studied and trained with The Nia Technique® creators, Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas; as well as contemporary healer, shaman, and teacher of progressive psychology, Wilbert Alix. Cambrey has led students throughout Texas and New Mexico, stimulating growth, encouraging self-expression and self-discovery through the integration of body-mind-spirit as well as eastern and western transformational practices.

h3(staff). Deborah Kern – Nia Instructor

Deborah Kern fell in love with Nia in 1990 and has been teaching ever since. She is a Black Belt Nia Teacher, certified Integral Hatha Yoga Instructor, Certified Pre-Natal Hatha Yoga Instructor, Certified Pilates Mat Instructor, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and Mindful Change Coach. She is the author of the book “Everyday Wellness for Women” and co-author of “Create the Body Your Soul Desires: The Friendship Solution to Weight, Energy and Sexuality.” Dr. Kern studied Nursing at Vanderbilt University and received a B.A. and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. She received a Ph.D. in Health Sciences from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX.

h3(staff). Elissa Shapiro – Nia Instructor, Women’s Movement Meditation Instructor

Elissa is a certified Blue Belt Nia instructor. She received her Bachelors in Psychology from Emory University and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to many years spent working in mental health agencies, hospitals, and schools with children, adolescents, and families, Elissa has extensive training in art, movement and other expressive arts therapies. Elissa is a Certified Nia Instructor, has extensive Soul Motion™ training, and is the creator of Women’s Movement Meditation.

h3(staff). Renée Forsythe – Nia Instructor

Renee found her way to Nia after years of searching for that perfect fit. She obtained her Nia White Belt in 2007 and brings to Nia over 30 years of extensive experience in ballet, modern, jazz and yoga. Classically trained, Renée has danced professionally with the Cincinnati Ballet, Ballet Austin and Austin Contemporary Ballet. She has taught and choreographed for over 20 years. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in secondary education. Through Nia, Renée has rediscovered her passion for authentic movement. A reformed runner and triathlete, Renee brings a sense of athleticism and grace to her class, while allowing others to explore and discover their own joy of movement and self-expression

h3(staff). Ursula Parks – Nia Instructor

Ursula is a certified Blue Belt Nia instructor. She brings to her classes over seventeen years of dance and expressive movement experience, including extensive training and performance experience in modern dance and ballet. Her Nia practice began in 1997 and she completed her Nia certification in 2002. Through the physical and spirited practice of Nia, Ursula creates a safe space for students to reconnect with the joyful human impulse to dance. Her classes are physical, lively and funky, spiked with both humor and silence.