Kailey Thiessen:
Owner -
Barre, Minis, Tap & Ballet Instructor
Known For: Getting hyped up, stumbling over her words & pushing you to the max.
Favourite Move: 2nd Position Pliés
Originally from Saskatchewan, Kailey moved to her husband’s hometown - Winkler - in 2016. Kailey has a background in various dance disciplines, including Ballet (following the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) curriculum), Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Pointe, teaching Ballet at KiDDance Physical Arts dance studio in Carman for three years, and several years as a barre instructor.
In July of 2019, Kailey Thiessen took over The Carman Barre (started by Michelle Carrillo (Kidd) in 2017) and turned it into what it is today - Aura Studio. She is a fully certified barre instructor through the International Barre Fitness Association (IBBFA), Merrithew Total Barre, Barre Above, and Barre Intensity. She is also trained in IBBFA’s Ballerobica, Pre/Postnatal Barre and Barre Intensity. She is now a Barre Fitness Alliance-recognized instructor (the 2nd in Canada).
In the summer of 2021, Kailey welcomed her beautiful baby girl and most recently in June of 2024 her second beautiful baby girl! You may see her little mini-me’s with her in class from time to time.
Kailey is currently working on her Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist training.
Amanda Zacharias: Director - Pilates, Tiny Tots, Jazz &
Hip-Hop Instructor
Known For: Working for Disney and being from California.
Favourite Move: Frog Stretch & Child’s Pose
Amanda was born and raised in Southern California, USA. She began dancing at the age of 3 and continued her passion at a competitive studio for the next 16 years. In high school, she made the cheer and dance program and continued for the next 4 years. In 2005 she began teaching jazz and contemporary for a few local studios and schools in the area. 3 years later, Amanda started working at Disneyland as a parade performer. She worked for the company until 2011, after finishing her contract with the Disney Cruise Line.
Amanda taught competitive dance in Orange County from 2011 to 2014 while auditioning in Los Angeles through her agency. In 2015 she was offered the Cheer and Dance coaching position at Vintage High School in Napa until her son, Orin, was born in 2018.
In 2022, Amanda and her family moved to Manitoba to be closer to her husband’s family. With her background in jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, tap, ballet and hip hop, she is thrilled to share her love of dance with the Winkler community!
Her most recent endeavours have been training for her Pilates certificate this year, the newest style on the Aura Fitness schedule.
Abby Cornelson: Spin & Barre Instructor
Known For: Saying “that’s it that’s all” and “second half better half”.
Favourite Move: Hovers & Pony Flips
Abby began her fitness journey in Winnipeg. The city offered her many opportunities to try different classes, such as Boxing, Rowing, TRX, Yoga, Hot Barre, Bootcamp and of course Spin. She became hooked on the feeling she got right after an amazing workout. That is when she discovered her newfound motivation to reignite her own path through teaching fitness.
Her Spin training in Winnipeg was very intense, but she loved every second of learning how to cultivate a class with good energy. Spin is something she is very passionate about and loves getting the opportunity to teach in Winkler. “Nothing excites me more than choreo lining up with an epic beat drop, and my riders pushing themselves harder than they thought they could!”
She now lives back in her hometown, Altona with her husband Luke and her rescue sled dog Koda.
Valerie Froese: Spin Instructor
Known For: Taking on anything and putting in 100%.
Favourite Move: 4 Corners
Valerie’s spin journey began back in 2018, when she would make weekly trips to Winnipeg to indulge in heart-pumping spin classes. Little did she know that this new love would propel her into the exhilarating world of triathlons! The following year in 2019, she took her passion to new heights by undergoing spin instructor training in Calgary, while simultaneously conquering 4 triathlons.
When the pandemic hit, Valerie completed spin in front of a screen, but like many activities it just wasn’t the same. She delved into power-lifting, immersing herself in large movements such as the dead-lifting, achieving a personal record of 315 lbs.
In December of 2022, she decided to reignite her joy for spin, and that's when she found Aura Studio right in her hometown. Now, Valerie has the incredible opportunity to lead classes as an instructor. Her approach to these rides is simple and powerful. “I want every rider to focus on themselves beyond their physical abilities. It's all about you! Together, we'll sweat it out, get that heart rate soaring, and have a blast with energizing playlists and straightforward movements.”
Her ultimate goal as a spin instructor is to create an inclusive and welcoming space where everyone can thrive. Whether you're a seasoned spinner or a total beginner, Valerie is there to support you on your fitness journey. Helping you discover the joy and benefits of moving your body in every aspect of life.
SarahJoy Derksen: Dance Fusion Instructor
Known For: Fixing physical ailments that her massage clients love and hate, including the Winkler Flyers Junior Hockey Team.
She is also known for making you sweat to the beats in Dance Fusion with a grin on her face.
Favourite Move: The Reggaeton 2-Step Bounce.
Growing up playing competitive sports, Sarah Joy developed a deep appreciation for how the body works. This led her to a full-time career as a Registered Massage Therapist.
Finding joy in a fun cardio-heavy workout, Zumba was the perfect blend that also spoke to her love of music. While recovering from an injury in 2021, Sarah Joy completed her Zumba instructor training to further her passion for the class.
Kirstin Hoeppner: Spin Instructor
Kirstin Hoeppner: Spin Instructor
Known For: Radiating positivity and various choreo combinations.
Favourite Move: Travelbacks
Kirstin’s fitness journey began in September 2023 when she first discovered Aura Studio. After attending her first class, she fell in love with everything Spin! She began attending weekly classes, dragging any family members with her when she could. When she discovered the Studio was expanding its instructor roster, she felt there was no better way to share her passion with others than applying for the position. Her month-long training began in February of 2024, gaining the knowledge and confidence to thrive in all her classes.
Her goal as an instructor is to provide an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and clients leave feeling proud of their accomplishments in class. “As long as your pedals are moving, you are part of this workout!”
Jocelyn Froese: Spin Instructor
Known For: Saying “You’re on a bike going nowhere, let’s have some fun!”
Favourite Move: A heavy hill that leaves you breathless.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Jocelyn has officially lived in Manitoba longer than her hometown. She studied at the University of Manitoba and has a degree in Medical Rehabilitation. For the last 15 years, she worked as an Occupational Therapist in Southern Manitoba. Her love of body mechanics became a passion for fitness and nutrition. After years of teaching an Injury Prevention Program for Southern Health, in 2024 she joined the Aura Studio family as a Spin Instructor.
When she’s not at the rink with her hockey-loving family, you can find Jocelyn getting up early to watch the sunrise before leading her morning Spin classes. Enjoying the balance of challenging the body and working hard!
Natalya Wyton: Barre Instructor
Known For: Her Hyped up playlists and saying “little pulse”.
Favourite Move: Side Barre Lunges & Bridges.
Born and raised in Southern Manitoba, Natalya has always been inspired by adventure and trying new things. She has always strived to maintain an active lifestyle but felt she hadn’t found the best way to move her body just yet. That all changed when she discovered Aura Studio.
She began her journey in October, starting with spin classes. she quickly fell in love with the vibrant energy and supportive community. encouraged by this experience, she decided to try barre in January and quickly became obsessed. the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone with the unique blend of movements inspired by ballet, resonated deeply for her. barre’s low-impact nature makes it accessible to everyone, which is one of the aspects she appreciates most with this style of fitness.
Now as an instructor, Natalya enjoys inspiring others to move their bodies, by discovering what makes them feel most confident. She is passionate about helping others find joy in fitness and build a positive relationship within themselves. Natalya is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment in her classes, where everyone can feel strong and empowered. She looks forward to sharing her passion and the transformative power of barre with the Aura community.