Hello YR Community!

On April 5, 2014, we opened our studio doors with big eyes, unbridled enthusiasm, and a passion to Make a Difference, Our highest hope was to build a connected community of students – a place where people of all ages would come to experience yoga! Over time, we became increasingly interested in cultivating deeper roots and growth in yoga, and understanding how finding your mat can translate to your daily lives. Most important was to create a sense of place where you could be, and be seen…. a place you could call home!

Looking back, we are proud of the many years that our hopes and dreams have manifested. We truly feel we have made that difference in the larger yoga community, and are honored that you have shared your practice with us! Yet today, we find ourselves wanting so much more for everyone at YR! Our teachers, our students, and our future students.

So, today marks a defining moment for YR! Knowing this moment would come at some point, we have thought often of how we could foster the next generation of Yoga Roots. What that might look like – the who, what, where conversations happened more and more frequently as the years passed. We were just hopeful and trusting to find the perfect solution in the best interest of our community. Because we knew this moment would arrive where we would be well served by fresh ideas, a drive to improve our offerings, and infuse each of us with new inspirations.

Today, October 26, 2025, we are excited to share this Defining Moment with our YR Community. It is our pleasure to introduce you to Matthew Shaw, Creative Director for Yoga Roots!

When we met Matthew in August of this year, there was this instant relationship that caught both of our attention. Not knowing it would ultimately lead to this announcement, we were merely in the moment, enjoying his company, loving his personal hopes and dreams, and getting to know his philosophy on how yoga impacts a person’s life. It was inspiring to us, a source of energy jolt that served us personally, and something we wanted to be around more! At the end of his visit to Cleveland, we agreed to reconvene for another workshop series in the future! But before we went our separate ways at the end of his visit, both Kim and I separately, yet organically and authentically, planted a deeper seed ….. “Matthew, if you would ever consider moving from Philly to Cleveland, we think you are a natural fit at YR!” No definition, no expectation, just raw connection. Neither of us anticipated this moment prior to it happening – it just felt right!

Over the ensuing weeks, our conversations and relationship with Matthew grew. We started to realize that perhaps this wasn’t so far fetched. Like, Matthew might actually consider moving his family and life to Cleveland to help usher Yoga Roots into the next generation. In a matter of two months, that thought has become reality. It’s just astonishing to us and yet feels so right.

Knowing YR is our baby, you can trust the fact that we are supremely confident that Matthew is the person to take the helm and guide us yogis to an even greater place. He is just different. As Kim has described, “Matthew is just a genuinely good guy – someone we want at YR – he feels like a big hug for our community”. And we trust that you, too, will feel enveloped by this.

More will be shared over the coming weeks in advance of his official start date of January 1, 2026. You should come meet him in person at one of his weekend workshops November 14th and 16th. And if you have EVER thought about teacher training, Matthew embodies the approach and philosophy that both Kim and I have embraced in the development of future difference makers. You will want to be led by Matthew and the YR Teacher Training Team. It IS DIFFERENT! And starting January 1, 2026, we welcome, with great excitement and anticipation, Matthew in his new role as Creative Director. Kim and I are confident that you will see why we have chosen Matthew to guide this next Chapter in our Community! He is a Difference Maker who embodies what we hold near and dear to our hearts. And we trust Matthew will make YR even better than it already is!

Welcome Matthew Shaw, Creative Director of Yoga Roots!