Yoga found me in 1976 and I've been practicing ever since.  I have multiple yoga teacher certifications.  Yoga is a constant for me and has helped me in so many ways.  In 2003, I was a group fitness instructor at the YMCA in Billings when the group fitness manager asked the instructors if anyone knew Yoga.  I volunteered to become one of the first Yoga instructors in that large fitness center.  I then opened my first Yoga studio in Glasgow, MT in 2008.  When I needed to move closer to my family in Kalispell, I brought the studio with me and have continued offering classes in Cut Bank.  I've also taught at Yoga Hive in Kalispell.  I am a family practice nurse practitioner for my "day job" and this has made me acutely aware of injury prevention.  I am dedicated to providing safe Yoga instruction and making that accessible by only charging $5.00 per class.  No one should miss a class because they don't have the money for it.  Yoga keeps me fit, healthy, calm and peaceful.  I personally invite you to find your Yoga Shala (Yoga home)at Om Yoga.

Ever since I rolled out my mat at 14, yoga has been my sanctuary, my daily dose of zen in a chaotic world. Starting with the precise alignment of Iyengar, I’ve journeyed through various styles, eventually finding my home in teaching Hatha—a beautiful blend of tradition and flow.

In 2015, I took the plunge into teaching after completing my 200-hour training, diving headfirst into the empowering world of Baptiste Power Yoga. Then, in 2021, I deepened my practice even further with a 500-hour training, immersing myself in the fluidity of Vinyasa and the serenity of Yin.

But yoga isn’t just about fancy poses or perfect alignment for me—it’s about inclusivity, about making everyone feel welcome on the mat, regardless of background or body type. Yoga is for every body, and I’m here to prove it.

As a dedicated environmentalist and animal rights activist (proud cat mom of five and one adventurous Alusky), I bring my love for the Earth and its creatures into every practice. When I’m not guiding students through flows or empowering them to find their inner peace, you can find me in the great outdoors, soaking up nature’s wisdom or curled up at home with a book, a cup of tea, and a purring feline friend.

By day, I’m an outpatient dietitian and public health nutritionist, blending my passion for wellness with my love for helping others. And when the sun sets, I delve into the metaphysical realm, exploring healing modalities like Reiki and providing guidance through tarot.

So whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a first-time practitioner, come join me on the mat. Let’s breathe, flow, and find our bliss together. Namaste. 

Ashley Barto, MS, RDN, LD

Bio coming soon