
Meet Our Team
Welcome to Strength & Grace! We’re more than just instructors—we’re guides, mentors, and fellow travelers on the path to wellness. Each of us brings our unique blend of expertise, passion, and care to every class, creating a supportive space where you can grow, heal, and connect.
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Our backgrounds span therapeutic yoga, functional movement, meditation, and more, and we’re dedicated to blending evidence-based practices with the timeless wisdom of yoga. Wherever you are on your journey, we’re here to help you discover your inner strength and move with grace—both on and off the mat.
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In addition to our core team, we also host workshops and events led by inspiring guest teachers from a variety of disciplines. These special sessions provide fresh perspectives and opportunities to deepen your practice in new and exciting ways.
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We can’t wait to meet you and share this journey together. Get to know a little more about us and the stories that inspire our teaching. Together, we’re building a community where science meets soul.
Hello! My name is Allie Buck. I love to help people find joy in their lives and reduce pain in their bodies. I have lived a life of outdoor adventures with a deep connection to nature. Along with this lifestyle I have found healing in somatic movements, medicinal plants, and practicing the art of self- care. I started my yoga journey in 2012 with my RYT-200 yoga training at the Bozeman Center for the Healing Arts. This was a therapeutic yoga study from the Lineage of Desikachar that focuses on individualized practices customized for injuries and personal lifestyles. From there my passion for somatic movements and self-massage emerged. I studied with Jill Miller and completed her Roll-Model Method training in 2023. Jill Miller’s trainings inspired my love for anatomy and gave me a better understanding of the proprioceptive nervous system and the importance of hydrating the body on the cellular level. My work is influenced by Tom Meyer’s anatomy trains courses, Sue Hitzmann’s MELT method, and I am currently completing a training with Sarah Warren through the Somatic Movement Center. Over my years of being an artist, teaching art, and farming I have come to understand the importance of mobility work and self-massage after repetitive movements, injuries, and compressions of the spine. I have taught movement and art workshops in the backcountry of Montana, on farms in Maine, and in schools and studios around the Gallatin Valley. I work with young kids, teens, and adults of all ages and abilities.
I am a mantra practitioner, kirtan leader, and composer passionate about the healing and transformative power of sound. Over the past eight years, I have led more than 750 kirtans, mantra events, and workshops. As part of my work, I enjoy sharing research that highlights the significant benefits of chanting and group singing for both the brain and body. I am the author of Vocal Medicine: Transformation through Sound (2019) and am dedicated to helping others harness the science of mantras to cultivate a joyful heart, a clear mind, and a revitalized body. I live in Bozeman, Montana, with my husband, Andrew, a native of Norway. Our five children, ranging from teenagers to adults, and our two granddogs reside nearby. Training and Certifications: – Kirtan leadership Institute: Levels 1, 2 & 3
 – Teacher of Mantra Course (Namadeva Archarya/Sanatana Dharma Satsang)
 – Introduction to Sanskrit (Dr. Katy Jane/Sanskrit Mastery)
 – Vedic Chanting (Rajeev Natarajan/Shraddha Yoga)
 – 200-Hr Yoga Teacher Training (In Progress with Renew Yoga)

 Education:
 – M.A. Humanities (Music, Art & Religion), California State University
 – B.A. Fine Art, College of William and Mary
I’ve been dedicated to the healing arts since 1994, when I became a licensed Physical Therapist after earning my degree from The Ohio State University. My early career focused on Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Home Health, and work in Nursing Homes, giving me a broad foundation in physical rehabilitation and patient care. In 2003, my path began to shift as I discovered the transformative power of Pilates and Yoga. I became certified to teach Pilates through ProHealth and Fitness and began integrating mindful movement into my practice. This journey led me to a 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at Bhumi’s Yoga in Strongsville, Ohio, in 2008. In 2005, I opened The Studio on Liberty, a yoga studio in Wooster, Ohio, which I operated until 2019. Throughout that time, I continued to work one-on-one with clients, blending the tools of Physical Therapy, Pilates, and Yoga to support their unique healing journeys. I found this integrated approach to be a powerful way to help people achieve optimal health and well-being. Education & Licensure B.S. in Exercise Science, The Ohio State University, 1991 Physical Therapy Degree, The Ohio State University, 1994 Licensed Physical Therapist: Arizona (1994–1998) Ohio (1998–2020) Montana (2024–present) Certifications & Ongoing Training Certified Pilates Instructor – ProHealth and Fitness, 2003 200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training – Bhumi’s Yoga, 2008 Owner of The Studio on Liberty, Wooster, OH (2005–2019) Ongoing trainings and workshops in Yoga and Pilates Certification in Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Currently completing Level 1 Visceral Manipulation Training Current Practice I currently see physical therapy clients at Root Therapy & Wellness in Bozeman, Montana, where I continue to integrate Physical Therapy, Pilates, and Yoga into personalized care for healing and long-term well-being.
Uli (Ulrike) Staerk
MD, OBGyn (Germany), Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, Tai Chi and Ikebana Teacher
Website: Bozeman Tai Chi | Balanced Life Wellness
Hi, I’m Uli! I’ve always believed in the power of living a vibrant, mindful, and creative life—and I’ve spent the past 30+ years helping others do the same. I began my journey as a medical doctor in Germany, but over time, my passion for holistic wellness led me to become a certified Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, Tai Chi and Martial Arts instructor, and a teacher of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. I’ve taught health and mindfulness classes to adults and seniors, and I’ve loved bringing creativity and calm into the lives of kids through school-based art and mindfulness programs. I’ve been practicing Tai Chi, Karate, and Kobudo since 1993, and I hold a 3rd-degree black belt in Karate. I received instructor and examiner licenses from the German Olympic Sports Confederation and later earned my Tai Chi instructor license in Florida. In 2016, I was honored to receive the Yonkyu Shihan teaching diploma from the Sogetsu School in Tokyo. When COVID hit, I stepped in to help lead the testing and vaccination centers at Montana State University. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply I care about community and well-being. Born in 1967, I’m often mistaken for someone in my mid-forties—and I’ll happily take it as a compliment! I credit it to a life centered around balance, movement, joy, and purpose. My goal is to share that energy with others and help people of all ages feel empowered, strong, and fully alive.

Amy Strom
C-IAYT, ACSM
I am an ACSM-certified exercise specialist, an IAYT 1000-certified yoga therapist, and a 500-hour RYT yoga teacher. For over 30 years, I’ve taught Functional Strength training and yoga to both groups and individuals. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for transformation and healing through movement and mindfulness. At Strength & Grace, I lead small group yoga therapy workshops focused on strength, balance, and mobility. I also teach Functional Strength for Women Over 40, empowering women to move with confidence and ease as they navigate life’s transitions. I love helping people discover how yoga, strength, and mobility can enhance their lives. My warmth, empathy, and humor are woven into my teaching, and I am deeply committed to blending the insights of Western science with the ancient wisdom of yoga to guide others toward transformation and healing. When I’m not teaching, you’ll likely find me exploring the beautiful trails of Montana or practicing meditation at the Bozeman Dharma Center.
Marise is the owner of Experiencing Change, LLC, and is licensed to practice clinical counseling in the State of Montana. She is also a Supervisor for a Counselor-in-Training, who is working toward licensure in Montana as well. Marise holds two Master’s Degrees, one in Speech Communication with an emphasis in Organizational Development, and one in Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage & Family. After 15+ years in hotel sales and management, Marise went back to school then spent five years of training and working as a Senior Staff member at Montana State University’s Counseling & Psychological Services. She is also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Polyvagal Informed Therapist, Grief Yoga Teacher, and Grief Recovery Method Specialist. She has been in private practice since 2019, and is currently growing her services to include groups and communities.
I help women reconnect with their innate strength and grace through embodied movement and stillness. I have lived and worked in the Gallatin Valley for over 30 years, with a career spanning snow sports, restaurants, marketing, graphic design, and non-profit management. In 2011, I completed my first RYT200 yoga teacher training, sparking a deep interest in the intersection of ancient yoga teachings, modern psychology, and neuroscience. This passion led me to pursue additional certifications in yoga, mantra, meditation, fitness, and nutrition (full list below). ​Over the years, I have owned a yoga and trail running retreat business and taught at various venues, including local yoga studios, the Ridge Athletic Club, Montana State University, the Bozeman Public Library, the Concussion Resource Center, Gallatin County Detention Center, the LoveYourBrain Foundation, YogaMotion Academy Teacher Trainings, and several veteran organizations. I am also fortunate to collaborate with the talented team at Health in Motion Physical Therapy + Wellness. These experiences inspired me to open Strength & Grace Wellness in January 2025. This studio is dedicated to fostering whole-person wellness through yoga, meditation, fitness, and mindfulness practices. ​My work is continually enriched by the awe-inspiring mountain environment of the Gallatin Valley, originally called the Valley of Flowers. It is a place of magic and inspiration, and my favorite moments are spent on a trail at sunrise. ​With deep gratitude to my many teachers, my training and certifications include: – Low Pressure Fitness Certified Trainer – Certified iRest® Meditation Teacher – Nancy Ruby's YogaMotion Academy, 500-hour certification – Heart of Sound: Mantra and Nada Yoga, 200-hour certification – Certified Mind Oasis 300-hour Meditation Teacher – Certified LoveYourBrain Yoga & Mindset Facilitator – Warriors at Ease Level 1 Teacher – Institute for Integrative Nutrition Certified Holistic Health Coach – Montessori Teacher Training – PSIA-AASI Northern Rocky Mountain - Alpine Level 2 Certification, Children’s – Specialist and Senior Specialist – BA in Journalism and Scandinavian Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Madison
Alfons Staerk
MSc, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, Tai Chi Teacher
Website: Bozeman Tai Chi | Balanced Life Wellness
Hi, I’m Alfons. After decades in executive leadership roles at Amazon, Microsoft, BCG, and Montana State University, I made a major shift—to focus fully on my true passion: coaching people toward healthier, more balanced, and more fulfilling lives. Movement and mindfulness have always been at the center of my life. I’ve practiced Tai Chi, Karate, and Kobudo since 1992 and have been teaching martial arts and wellness classes to all ages since 1993. I hold a 4th-degree black belt in Karate and instructor licenses from the German Olympic Sports Confederation, as well as a Tai Chi instructor license from Komatsu-Ha in Florida. I’m also a Certified Personal Trainer and have written and published several books on Tai Chi, balanced living, and leadership. Born in 1966, I’ve never stopped seeking new challenges—whether it's helping someone unlock their potential or learning to rock climb in my late fifties. I love hiking, biking, skiing, and spending time outdoors with my family here in Montana. Whether I’m coaching in the gym, out on a trail, or writing a new book, my mission is the same: to help others grow, feel strong, and enjoy the journey toward lasting wellness.

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