Squad Stars
Brooke Blankenship
Founder & Executive Director
Brooke is a certified educator and school librarian with almost two decades of experience in education. In 2017, she became a certified yoga teacher, and has since completed extensive training on bringing mindfulness and yoga to children, including becoming an RCYT (Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher) and an E-RYT 500 through Yoga Alliance. By incorporating the principles and movements of yoga into storytime, she saw the connections students made into daily life. This inspired Brooke to share the experience with more children and she created Yogi Squad in 2018. Since then, Yogi Squad has been invited into homes, schools, and daycares to inspire children’s physical, social, and emotional growth.
Vahista Ussery
Vahista Ussery, MS, MBA, RDN, is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and chef specializing in culinary nutrition and simplifying healthy eating.
She has worked as a private caterer, school district dietitian supervisor, and K-12 Child Nutrition Consultant for the Texas Department of Agriculture. Her expertise in school nutrition led her to the White House for Michelle Obama's Let’s Move campaign.
In 2015, Vahista co-founded To Taste with Lindsey Schoenfeld, offering hands-on culinary workshops, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition education.
She develops recipes, videos, and wellness publications and is part of Chef Cyndie’s K-12 Culinary Team. She has also been a multi-time expert reviewer for U.S. News & World Report Best Diets.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, she enjoys traveling, soccer, yoga, and time with family.
A devoted mom, she is passionate about improving children's health. She also never skips a day without hot tea or dark chocolate!
Adrienne Johnson
Adrienne Johnson is a paralegal at a Fort Worth law firm. She is passionate about literacy and has volunteered as a literacy tutor at The Women's Center. She believes in instilling a love for reading in children as early as possible, and in the powerful way reading can soothe, empower, and transform a child. If you are a kid in her life, you most definitely receive lots of books for your birthday! She is thrilled to support YogiSquad in its mission to combine the healing practices of yoga, reading, and mindfulness to benefit kids in our community.
Kristin Westhoff
With an illustrious 30-year tenure as an esteemed educator within the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), Kristin brings a wealth of experience and a passion for holistic development to YogiSquad.
As a certified Montessori teacher, she has nurtured young minds, instilling a love for learning and balance. Beyond the classroom, Kristin has seamlessly woven fitness into her daily routine, recognizing its profound impact on overall well-being.
As a proud parent of two, Kristin cherishes family as the cornerstone of her life. An avid reader, nature enthusiast, and community advocate, Kristin generously dedicates her time, expertise, and financial support to YogiSquad, embodying a commitment to spreading the transformative benefits of yoga and holistic wellness.
Angela Hall
Angela Hall is thrilled to join the Yogi Squad board of directors, which combines her passion for yoga with her professional experience in marketing and community involvement.
Angela has been teaching and practicing yoga for over 14 years and currently serves as the Vice President - Marketing, Events & Communications for the Fort Worth Chamber.
As a teacher, Angela understands the impact yoga can have on and off the mat for humans of all ages.
Mindful awareness and curiosity are key tenets in her own practice, teachings, and life.
Angela lives in Fort Worth with her husband, who is an educator, and 6-year old son.
Jenn Nelson
Jenn Nelson is honored to join the Yogi Squad Board of Directors, which offers the opportunity to combine her 20+ years in professional training and development and communications with her passion for yoga and children’s wellness and education.
A true bookworm and dedicated yogi for over 9 years, Jennifer understands the life-giving impact of teaching children mindfulness and the joy of reading in a creative and safe space. It is a joy to support the next generation of little yogis who will care for themselves and the world around them in healthy and positive ways.
Jenn lives in Ft. Worth with her husband where they are active in their church and community while they adjust to being empty nesters and supporting their Aggie in College Station.
