about us
Our Story
Casita is a cozy yoga and wellness studio serving our community from the heart of Murray Hill. Since we opened in 2018, our goal has been to embody the heart of yoga by providing people from all walks of life a safe and nurturing foundation for self discovery, healing, and transformation. We incorporate both traditional and modern wisdom into our teaching in an effort to help each student develop a mind/body practice that will sustain them for years to come.
Our environment is never competitive or rooted in perfectionism. We believe your yoga practice is meant to meet you exactly where you are. The name Casita was chosen because we aim to make this space feel like your home away from home - a place where you feel at ease being authentically yourself, and where you are able to experience a true sense of community and belonging.
Casita Yoga Studio was brought to life by owner/founder Katie Helow, a Jacksonville native and a resident of Murray Hill. Feeling deeply inspired after completing 500 hours of yoga teacher training and ready to make a big change in her life, she walked past a small vacant storefront on Edgewood Avenue and thought, "This is going to be a yoga studio." Approximately one year and several uphill battles later, Casita came to be.
Meet your instructors
Katie, Owner/Founder, CYT 500hr (she/her)
Katie, Owner/Founder, CYT 500hr (she/her)
Katie, Owner/Founder, CYT 500hr (she/her)
Katie is a Jacksonville native and long-time student of yoga. She first experienced the practice at age 14 when she accompanied her mother to class, and was left feeling incredibly relaxed and grounded. She returned to yoga periodically over the next 18 years whenever she needed help reconnecting with herself, adapting to change, or sooth
Katie is a Jacksonville native and long-time student of yoga. She first experienced the practice at age 14 when she accompanied her mother to class, and was left feeling incredibly relaxed and grounded. She returned to yoga periodically over the next 18 years whenever she needed help reconnecting with herself, adapting to change, or soothing her anxiety or depression. In 2016 she entered into Regenerative Living School's 200hr yoga teacher training. Upon completion, she immediately dove into the 300hr advanced course. It was during these trainings that Katie gained a deeper understanding of yoga as a way of life and a newfound desire to share her knowledge through teaching.
Katie's classes are moderately-paced and methodical, emphasizing each student's ability to adapt their practice to fit their needs. She considers yoga to be a form of activism in which we better ourselves on the path toward bettering the world. She is also a lifelong musician, songwriter, and overall arts enthusiast. Katie enjoys awkward humor, long conversations with her sisters, and alone time with her asocial cat Logan.
Alex, CYT 250hr (she/her)
Katie, Owner/Founder, CYT 500hr (she/her)
Katie, Owner/Founder, CYT 500hr (she/her)
Alex finds immense joy in helping others rediscover their own peace. Yoga found her through meditation and breathwork during 2018 when she hit a low period in her mental health.
Through yoga she rediscovered how to slow down and listen to the wisdom that lived deep within. Mesmerized by the way yoga could transform her health behaviors an
Alex finds immense joy in helping others rediscover their own peace. Yoga found her through meditation and breathwork during 2018 when she hit a low period in her mental health.
Through yoga she rediscovered how to slow down and listen to the wisdom that lived deep within. Mesmerized by the way yoga could transform her health behaviors and self perception, she became a Certified Vipassana Meditation Teacher, and a few months later began a 250hr Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Point India.
Her studies are based in traditional styles of yoga, but she aims to connect those ancient teachings with the modern world through laughter, compassion, and joy. To Alex, yoga takes place in many forms and presents endless opportunities for self discovery, growth, and peace. Her classes are slow-styled with education suitable for all levels.
Alex enjoys taking care of her home plant varieties, singing and dancing, and drinks hot tea no matter what the weather is outside.
Alison, CYT 200hr (she/her)
Katie, Owner/Founder, CYT 500hr (she/her)
Alison, CYT 200hr (she/her)
Alison is from Jacksonville, Florida and has been an elementary and middle school teacher for ten years. She is a mom of two and has a passion for bringing the practice of yoga to other children.
She began her yoga practice while in college and continued attending classes after graduation. Alison wanted to deepen her connection with her b
Alison is from Jacksonville, Florida and has been an elementary and middle school teacher for ten years. She is a mom of two and has a passion for bringing the practice of yoga to other children.
She began her yoga practice while in college and continued attending classes after graduation. Alison wanted to deepen her connection with her body and mind and went on to complete her 200-hour certification in 2021.
Since then, she has been teaching yoga classes at her school to students and staff members. Alison has always been passionate about teaching children and has worked with kids of all ages.
She was a competitive gymnast growing up and became a gymnastics coach before deciding to attend college to become an educator.
When she is not teaching or practicing yoga, Alison enjoys doing handstands, reading, cooking, writing, playing in the sunshine, and spending time with her family.
Ephie, LMT (she/they)
Ephie, LMT (she/they)
Alison, CYT 200hr (she/her)
Ephie is a Sacred Space Creator based in Jacksonville Florida.
In 2020 in preparation to finalize their military career, Ephie embarked on the journey to become a Licensed Massage Therapist as an extension of modalities offered to support those looking to take a holistic approach to their physical and mental health.
Ephie’s Therapeutic Bod
Ephie is a Sacred Space Creator based in Jacksonville Florida.
In 2020 in preparation to finalize their military career, Ephie embarked on the journey to become a Licensed Massage Therapist as an extension of modalities offered to support those looking to take a holistic approach to their physical and mental health.
Ephie’s Therapeutic Bodywork sessions are catered to your specific needs, using a combination of intuition and drawing techniques from Traditional Thai massage, Swedish Massage, Usui Reiki and NMT.
Breath work is incorporated in our sessions as a means to aid in calming the mind and better connect you with your physical body.
One can experience anything from a therapeutic session that can assist in alleviating physical discomfort to a transcendental relaxing experience.
Contact Ephie at (904)217-5259 to learn more and book your appointment!
Rhonda, LMT (she/her)
Ephie, LMT (she/they)
Rhonda, LMT (she/her)
Rhonda began her anatomy studies in 2001 at Satchidananda Ashram in Yogaville, Virginia. As a long time yoga practitioner and teacher she immersed herself deeper into physiology at the Florida School of Advanced Bodywork in Jacksonville, Florida, where she received her LMT degree. Rhonda's specialties include therapeutic massage, blend
Rhonda began her anatomy studies in 2001 at Satchidananda Ashram in Yogaville, Virginia. As a long time yoga practitioner and teacher she immersed herself deeper into physiology at the Florida School of Advanced Bodywork in Jacksonville, Florida, where she received her LMT degree. Rhonda's specialties include therapeutic massage, blending Swedish relaxation and clinical structural therapies, aiming to balance the nervous system by bringing the body into its natural state.
Contact Rhonda at (904)434-6374 to learn more and book your appointment!