Meet the instructors

About Stephanie Gaines-Bryant

Journey to Yoga and Healing
Stephanie Gaines-Bryant discovered yoga after enduring years of persistent back pain. Following her final round of physical therapy, she sought a more holistic solution to manage her chronic condition. This search led her to Crofton Yoga, where she began attending yoga classes. In just a few months, Stephanie noticed a remarkable improvement, with her pain nearly disappearing. Motivated by her personal transformation, she completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification at the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts two years later. Building on this foundation, Stephanie further advanced her expertise by obtaining a 300-hour advanced certification from the same institution.

Specializations and Community Involvement
Stephanie’s conviction that “Yoga is for everybody” inspired her to earn several specialty yoga certifications. She collaborates with the Wellness House of Annapolis, where she teaches Yoga4Cancer classes. Additionally, Stephanie leads Radio Yogi Chair Yoga sessions designed specifically for seniors.

Professional Background and Family
Before her journey into yoga, Stephanie built a distinguished career as a radio news anchor, dedicating 30 years to covering news and community affairs for various stations in the Washington, D.C. area, including WTOP Radio, 96.3 WHUR-FM, and Majic 102.3. Stephanie is married to Retired Navy Captain Richard R. Bryant, a nuclear-trained engineer who is currently employed by an engineering firm. Together, they have four children: Lt. Richard R. Bryant, Jr., ENS Christian Bryant, Kendall Bryant, and Gabriel Bryant.

Education and Personal Interests
Stephanie holds a B.A. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University and an MLA in Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University. She is also a passionate runner/walker, having participated in over 30 half marathons and 10Ks.

As a scientist and a fitness & wellness enthusiast, Nicole E. McNeil Ford, Ph.D. uses yoga for healing of the body as well as the mind. Breathing, movement, and meditation are integral parts of the yoga practice that Nicole incorporates into every class.

Nicole completed yoga teacher training in 2015 (RYT-200) at The Mindfulness Center in Bethesda, MD. In 2012 she completed a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course at NIH based on the teachings of Jon Kabat Zinn that incorporated yoga asanas, meditation, and pranayama.

Nicole holds a Ph.D. in Cancer Genetics and Human Genetics, as well as an M.S. in Biology, both from Howard University, and a B.S. in Zoology from Connecticut College. She has worked at the National Institutes of Health for over 20 years. Originally from Massachusetts, she currently lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland with her husband, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.