Meet The Crew
Manya Wandersee
Everything Instructor, Owner
AA Degree Fitness-Nutrition-Health, Certificate Fitness-Nutrition-Health, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES, AFPA-CNC, 200 HR YTT, Buti Yoga, Certified Spinning Instructor, Certified Mat Pilates
My education journey in the health field began in 2012 where I spent my first year of college earning my Certificate in Fitness/Nutrition/Health. That first year fueled the fire within me so I decided to stay for another 2 years to earn my AA degree in Fitness/Nutrition/Health. Since then, I have spent every ounce of my free time studying all there is to know about exercise, nutrition, and health. For the last 6 years, I worked full time in the medical exercise field and part time teaching exercise classes, personal training, and nutrition consulting.
I have a passion for all things nature. My free time is spent hiking in the mountains, fishing, hunting, riding dirt bikes, and playing sports.
When it comes to my classes, I LOVE to mix things up. Yoga has helped me through some life trauma, and weight training calms my anxiety. If you've been to my classes before, you know I can be quirky at times (exercise is serious enough!). You can also be assured that you will leave with more knowledge on health then when you first walked through the doors.
Maya Edgerly
Yoga Instructor
200HR YTT
My yoga journey began in high school, when I took a class at Kodiak Community College in place of a traditional gym course. Like many, I initially stepped onto the mat expecting just a physical workout, and quickly discovered that yoga offered much more. Since that first class, I’ve maintained a practice that has supported me through every season of life.
I moved to Bellingham, Washington in 2009 to study Outdoor Recreation Management and Environmental Education, and it was there that I found a teacher whose approach to yoga deeply resonated with me. In 2013, I returned to Bellingham to complete my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, and later pursued a Kids Yoga Teacher Training in Laguna Beach, California. That training has been a joyful resource in my work as a Kindergarten teacher!
Whether I’m in the role of student or teacher, yoga continues to offer me a space to cultivate a clear mind, a strong body, and an open heart. The practice has been a grounding force in my life for nearly two decades. I’m especially drawn to Hatha yoga, where the focus on alignment and philosophy brings a richness and depth to both teaching and practice.
When I’m not teaching, you can find me playing in my garden, or being a human jungle gym for my two sons.
Anya Sokolova
Spin & Strength Instructor
I recently relocated to Kodiak from Hawaii. Although I am new to fitness instructing, fitness has been a big part of my life for over twenty years. I graduated as a student-athlete in 2014 with a Neuroscience Degree, playing both women’s soccer and lacrosse. During that time, I developed a passion for weightlifting, which led to the creation of the Anya Sokolova '14 Power Player of the Year Award by my coaches. Fitness, for me, has always been about challenging or recentering myself and discovering the benefits of an active lifestyle for both body and mind. I think we all have experienced hardships in life where fitness has guided us through.
After college, I explored various fitness routines, but it was blending weightlifting with HIIT that truly transformed my workouts. My journey then led me to a 'not your average' Spin class at an unassuming gym on the West Coast. It pushed me both physically and mentally. Spin, plyometric cardio, and strength-building are now at the core of my fitness approach, and I love sharing that energy with others. Music is the last piece of the puzzle. With over a decade of experience in music event production and DJ/producer software, I infuse my classes with beats that help you get in the zone. You might not hear many radio hits, but you will feel the rhythm drive your workouts. When I'm not crafting new playlists or mixing songs, I'm hanging out with my husband and our son, or off island working as a traveling Medical Tech. I hope to see you in class where we will challenge our previous selves together!
Rita Slowinski
Boot Camp, HIIT & Spin Instructor
Certified Spinning Instructor
I moved to Kodiak in 2019. Before Kodiak I lived in Baltimore, which is where I was born and raised. In Baltimore, I taught occasionally at a Pure Barre studio. I have always found joy and massive mental health benefits from exercise. It began early on when my mom and I would run the NCR trail to get ice-cream.
I enjoy moving my body in any way that feels good, such as weightlifting, running, yoga, cycle, HIIT classes, hiking, etc. Group fitness is one of my favorite ways to move because of the community aspect as well as the accountability. When I moved to Kodiak 3 years ago, I began teaching group fitness classes. Those include Barre, strength training, TRX, stretch/core, and Tabata. I am currently certified to teach Spin and almost finished with my certification in Les Mills Body Pump (one of my favorite weightlifting classes!).
In my spare time, I am typically outside with my dog as well as others’ dogs walking, trail running, paddle boarding, camping, kayaking, hiking, etc. I work full-time for the school district teaching preschool special education. I am looking forward to learning and growing with the Sunrise crew!
Aliza Spooner
Pilates, Strength, & Yoga Instructor
In-house Pilates Certified, 200HR YTT
I hold a Bachelor’s of Science from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where I was a 4-year college athlete. For 2 years, I used to teach spin classes for fellow cadets as part of the Academy’s spin club.
I fell in love with the concepts behind yoga and Pilates at a young age, and to me, being able to spark inspiration in others and create a joy for moving and nourishing your body is such a privilege. It brings me so much joy and passion to be able to have people come together to challenge themselves and grow, and that’s why I love to teach.
High intensity and stamina based workouts are my favorite style to teach! I was a runner in college, so I enjoy teaching and leading in mentally challenging areas of fitness.
I am an Active Duty Coast Guard Officer, so most of my free time is spent at Sunrise. When not there, I like to be outside, read, and spend time with my fiancé. Sunrise is 100% my escape and happy place! The community and the level of passion you feel from the instructors is something special. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to share my passion with you all. Thanks Manya and the Sunrise ladies for the opportunity!
Socheat Wallace
Pilates & Spin Instructor
In-house Pilates & Spin Certified
Hi there, my name is Socheat Wallace, and I’m thrilled to join the Sunrise Studio crew as your newest spin instructor! I am originally from San Diego, California, and relocated to Kodiak about three years ago when I met my husband. We now have two adorable children aged two and seven months. Before this exciting chapter, I pursued a degree in psychology in college and transitioned into a career in medical sales for the past five years. While I thoroughly enjoyed working in the diabetes field, after the birth of my second child, I made the decision to take a step back and focus solely on being a dedicated full-time mom. This decision has been the best choice I’ve ever made!
When I first moved to Kodiak, I was in search of an activity that would get me out of the house and allow me to meet new people. Pilates and spin have been my go-to workouts for the past five years, and I knew that finding familiar and comfortable routines would help me adapt to the significant life change of moving. I was delighted to discover Sunrise Studio, as it felt like a perfect fit for me. I felt right at home and it truly became the first sense of community that welcomed me to the island.
I am passionate about bringing SUPPORT and COMMUNITY into my teaching. My goal is to motivate you to become the best version of yourself and achieve your goals through consistent practice, endurance, and perseverance. I want to provide unwavering support, encouragement, and inspiration to help you show up for yourself and perhaps even explore new activities. I eagerly anticipate our journey together in the spin studio, where we can jam out, laugh, and sweat as a team!