Shona Baldoni
President
Shona's passion for bringing mindful movement to all children is what helped create Twist Kids Foundation. She brings over a decade of experience in both teaching yoga to adults and children, and yoga teacher training for working with all ages. Her compassion, kindness and dedication to this work are the driving force behind our vision.
Mary Beth Bender
Vice President
Mary Beth’s passion for yoga began in 1997. She’s been dedicated to teaching since the early 2000’s and founded Twist Kids Yoga in 2014. She brings creativity, an abundance of real life experiences and empathy to her classes.
Kinsey Fournier
Board Member
Kinsey brings over a decade of experience in the education and nonprofit sector. A trained clarinetist, she also performs in the Charlotte area, including the Charlotte Symphony. As an educator and musician, Kinsey understands the power and benefits practicing yoga and mindfulness have had in her own life and hopes to find avenues in which she can continue to share these practices with students in the classroom and her community.
Shaileen Patton
Treasurer
A former finance attorney, Shaileen became a yoga instructor in 2017. In 2022 she became a functional breathing coach in the Buteyko Breathing Method, helping her clients achieve relief from symptoms related to asthma and anxiety, among other ailments. Shaileen joined the teaching staff at Twist Kids Yoga in 2023 and joined the Board at Twist Kids Foundation shortly thereafter. After experiencing the life-changing effects of yoga in her own life, she believes strongly in the mission of Twist Kids Foundation and the importance of introducing healthy movement and breathing habits to children.
ML Stewart
Board Member
ML believes that all children, regardless of situation or circumstance, should have access to yoga and mindfulness tools to help them become strong, confident and resilient in the face of life’s stressors and adversity. She is excited to utilize her business, volunteer, and kids yoga experience expand access to kids yoga throughout Charlotte.
Xiomara Livingston
Board Member
Xiomara is a passionate elementary school teacher with a strong commitment to fostering holistic student development. With a background in mindfulness and social-emotional learning, Xiomara integrates these practices into her teaching to support students' emotional and mental well-being. She is also a certified yoga teacher, blending her expertise in yoga with literacy through Li-Yo, an innovative literacy yoga fusion program. Her unique approach enhances independent reading and promotes a balanced, mindful classroom environment, helping students thrive both academically and personally.
