Local Faculty
We continue to commit to our established local faculty as the heart of our dedicated StudioNia Santa Fe team.
Instructors
Kelle Rae Oien
Kelle Rae Oien is a powerhouse in the world of somatic movement and transformation. One of Nia’s most sought-after trainers, she blends science, spirit, and somatic intelligence with unapologetic authenticity. With over two decades of experience, Kelle has earned a global reputation for catalyzing deep healing, awakening personal power, and embodying joy through movement.
As the owner of Studio Nia Santa Fe—Kelle has created more than just a space; she’s created a sanctuary for revolution, resilience, and reawakening.
Certified as both a Rolfer of Structural Integration and a 500-hour RYT Yoga teacher, Kelle’s resume is as diverse and far-reaching as the geography she’s traveled to work and dance. She is a pioneering voice in the Nia Technique, training leaders, coaching movers, and delivering transformation that is felt in the bones.
Kelle’s classes and trainings initiate lasting, cellular change. She’s not here to fit in. She’s here to liberate.
She lives and teaches by one core truth:
Your body is your portal to power. Use it.
Bonnie Bennett
Bonnie Bennett is a Black Belt Nia instructor who has been dancing in our community for almost 10 years and teaching for the last six. Coming to Nia with a background in Yoga, Bonnie brings her unique skills to crafting classes with a balance of spirit, energy, flexibility and fun! Outside of Nia, Bonnie and her husband own and run Kakawa Chocolate House, another way to bring joy to our Santa Fe community!
Dave Herndon
Dave is a Nia White Belt teacher who has completed the White Belt, 52 Moves, and FreeDance trainings. A wordsmith by profession, Dave has had the opportunity to assist with the editing of several of Nia founder Debbie Rosas’ books and other training materials. He has also collaborated with Kelle Rae Oien in creating workshops on the dynamics of flow and creativity in Nia practice. As a FreeDance DJ, Dave is on a mission to facilitate groovy mind-body-spirit experiences for Nia practitioners and newcomers alike. It’s good medicine!
LeAnn Brightwell
LeAnn came to Feldenkrais from a dance background and found the work due to a car accident in her mid 30’s. After curing her back spasms with Feldenkrais classes, she was hooked. She studied with Moshe’ Feldenkrais in his very last training. She has been teaching Awareness Through Movement classes for over 35 years. She believes that
this work is vitally important because it makes conscious what
is unconscious. “As we age, the aftermath of all we’ve done or not done is upon
us.” Moshe’s most famous quote is: “You can’t do what you want until you
know what you do”. As a master teacher, LeAnn’s classes are gentle yet powerful.
Diana Cale Kennedy
Diana Cale Kennedy is a Nia Black Belt and Nia FreeDance instructor. One of the founding teachers at StudioNia Santa Fe, Diana has brought her leadership skills to the dance floor as well as serving as the Studio’s leadership development coach for the past 10 years. She is owner of LeaderShiftNow, which offers transformative coaching and inspires systemic success. Diana also offers expertise in the field of Human Design. Originally from Scotland, Diana’s classes reflect her Celtic spirit.
Jamie Klein
Jamie (Berry) Klein is a 2nd Degree Nia Black Belt, Moving to Heal, 5 Stages and private therapeutic movement instructor since 2009. She is one of the founding teachers of StudioNia Santa Fe.
Jamie has a passion for somatic education and brings her personal fitness, healing journey, deep intuition, love of music and dance, wild sense of humor and playful approach to using movement as medicine. Jamie IS heart-FULL joy in motion.
Jamie presents to organizations including NM Coalition on Parkinson’s, National Spasmodic Torticollis Association and has lobbied for funding in Washington, DC on their behalf. She provides essential therapeutic movement for individuals, and presents workshops and classes at senior residences and recovery centers.
Kate Latimer
Kate Latimer doesn’t just teach movement, she ignites it. A longtime catalyst in the Santa Fe Nia and fitness community, Kate brings fierce presence, embodied wisdom, and authentic joy to every class she leads. With a black belt in the Nia Technique, a lifelong passion for somatic exploration, and background in mental health, she invites students to move like they mean it, with intention, intensity, and heart. Known for her athleticism, energy, deep intuitive guidance, and a playlist that hits your soul, Kate curates experiences that shake loose what no longer serves and awaken what’s been waiting to rise. Whether you’re stepping onto the floor for the first time or returning to reclaim your power, Kate holds space for transformation through sweaty, unapologetic, self-expression. Come ready to drop your armor, wake up your body, and remember who you are. Kate’s not here to play small, and neither are you!
Ruby Renshaw
Ruby Renshaw is a Nia Black Belt and is certified in both Kundalini & Hatha Yoga. Ruby has been teaching yoga for twelve years and dancing in our community for over ten. With a lifetime love of exercise in any form, Ruby brings to her classes respect for the healing power of movement traversed through the reality of aging with a light-hearted approach. She is also the founder of the.in.habit™️, an on-line collaborative providing amazing experiences that consistently cultivate and expand inner strength and awareness.
Aiyana Pendleton
Aiyana Pendleton, the owner of Infinity Rhythms, is a Certified Master Soma Breath Instructor who leads transformational journeys for individual clients and groups. She is influenced by her own transformational journey of healing, as well as certifications in Reiki, Pranic Healing, and Sound Healing. She incorporates elements of dance, mindful movement, isometric exercises, yoga, and Qigong into her classes. Aiyana is passionate about helping individuals access their own healing potential, and transforming their physical, emotional, and mental well-being through energy work, breath practices, and mindful movement.
Anita Schultz
Anita Shultz is a Nia Blue Belt instructor. She has been practicing since 2000, and came to Nia with a ballet and Afro-Cuban dance background. She has been a solopreneur (freelance jeweler) in the US Virgin Islands, Canada, and many locations in the US. She is owner of Jewelweed Sprouts, and is pursuing a graduate degree in Counseling. With a lifetime of movement, art, and theatrical practices, her classes are infused with play and imagination. Having traveled far and wide and lived in a variety of places, she loves world music and funky beats.