Meet The Crew
Manya Wandersee
Everything Instructor, Owner
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
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.
Socheat Wallace
Pilates, Spin & Strength Instructor
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!
Rita Slowinski
Strength & Pilates 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!
Corry Guerra
Pilates & Yoga Instructor
​I was in middle school when I first started yoga at a studio in LA. The teacher’s style deeply resonated with me and felt like a pause in the fast pace of life. I got my Yoga Teacher Training in 2021 and took classes periodically after that.
Last year my love for movement and nature rekindled after I left an office job. Coming to Sunrise every morning helped me recover from a burnout and inspired me to teach. The fitness community is one i’m so grateful for and feel genuinely connected and supportive by.
Although i’m still beginning as an instructor, interacting with others through a shared passion for yoga is the most rewarding part. I’m eager to learn and grow as a student and teacher.
I moved to Kodiak in 2023 from Korea and currently work in a daycare on the coast guard base. In my free time you can find me studying for college or fitness, walking, fangirling over K-pop, and traveling!
