“ū4ic is such a special place, with the BEST, most welcoming teachers! The space is gorgeous (that wolf mural!) but it's Tony’s energy that really lights up this studio. You'll find people from all ages, backgrounds, and yoga levels. It's super easy to book a class and is the perfect place to relieve stress and get grounded…makes perfect sense because of the CEO Pete Todd”
Our Team
Pete Todd, CEO
Tony Todd
Tony Todd (E-RYT-500) is a multifaceted light – with a background in pharmaceutical and medical device sales, who has transformed herself into a yoga instructor, philanthropist, avid explorer and owner of ū4ic yoga. Drawing on her diverse life experiences and worldly travels, she lives each day with the goal of living a relatable and authentic life, effortlessly spreading light and love while inspiring genuine connection with those whom she encounters.
Stillness and presence are the foundations of Tony’s purpose. She practices Pranayama, Meditation, Vinyasa Flow and Manifestation to achieve her overall life vision. These fundamental and creative passions are also the essence of her instruction.
Through the Black Swan Yoga Dallas 200 Hour Teacher Training Program, Tony substantially furthered her instructional skills and she now views yoga as a medium for creating safe, genuine, connections in her community. Furthermore, Tony is the heart beat and owner of ū4ic yoga and community, on a mission to build and create the most vibrant space in Homewood-rich in knowledge, energy and so much love.
Teaching, mentoring and pouring her heart into ū4ic yoga is Tony’s absolute passion! She lives to share her unique perspective on Yoga, Breath, Stillness and overall LIFE by openly and honestly telling her story.
Sara Shedler Patterson
Sara (RYT-200) fell in love with yoga in 2014 that absolutely complimented her background in performing ballet, running track, and playing lacrosse in upstate New York. She wanted to channel her active energy into a permanent practice on the mat. Sara’s yoga journey was catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, where her vision for life became more urgent and she decided to pursue her Yoga Teacher 200 hr certification.
Sara comes from a background in exercise and health. Growing up with a disabled parent, she implemented a strong emphasis on taking care of the human body-mentally, physically and emotionally. Prior to her yoga education, Sara has worked with physically and intellectually disabled people to create exercise regimens and even led classes for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Through her practice Sara has learned that Yoga permits one to turn inward and grow from the inside out. Each posture allows us a window into our everyday lives proving to ourselves that we can endure anything that life will bring to us.
When Sara is not on the mat she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
Jennifer Ferdin
Jennifer (RYT-200) started her yoga journey in 2013 to manage chronic back pain. What started as a practice to provide some pain relief, quickly became a passion. Increased energy, better mobility and peace of mind, were just a few of the benefits that kept her coming back to the mat.
Her continued practice led her to the discovery of Yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda, which is a 5000 year old holistic approach to health. Embracing Food as Medicine, is just one of the concepts that Ayurveda uses to transform “disease to ease” in the body.
Today Jennifer continues to study and practice Ayurveda and Yoga together as a way of life. These practices have transformed her health and now fuel her passion to help others discover their own version of “wellness” no matter the season of life. She hopes to see you on the mat soon!
Jennifer’s approach to yoga is simple… she says, “keep an open mind”. Her love of Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin influence her style of teaching and you are likely to experience a fusion of all three when you take her class.
This past year she decided to formalize her studies as an Ayurveda Wellness Coach and is a graduate of U4iC’s Yoga’s YTT 200hr program.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, RVing, cooking, aromatherapy, live music, and especially dancing… all of which she says, "nourish her soul.”
Ashley Pruitt
Ashley (RYT-200) once believed she was “too anxious” for yoga—until she discovered that yoga could be exactly the space she needed. What once felt inaccessible became a powerful way for her to connect breath, mind, and body, quiet anxious thoughts, and reconnect with her truest self.
Ashley is passionate about making yoga accessible and inclusive—because yoga truly is for everybody and every body. Growing up, she never considered herself particularly graceful or athletic and understands how intimidating it can feel to step into a yoga studio for the first time. She brings this empathy into her teaching, creating a welcoming environment where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to honor their own bodies.
Off the mat, Ashley is a nurse practitioner in a neurology clinic specializing in neuromuscular disorders. She approaches yoga with gratitude for the gift of movement and a strong belief in listening to what your body needs each day.
Her classes are inviting, playful, and grounded in body awareness. You’ll hear plenty of reminders to move in ways that feel right for you—no headstands, arm balances, or Sanskrit pronunciation required.
Outside the studio, Ashley enjoys books, coffee, long walks, and long naps. A self-described girl’s girl, she loves Taylor Swift, bubbly drinks, and spending time with her husband, Alex, and her rescue Shih Tzu, Winston, who is also a studio regular.
Amber Criswell
Amber (RYT-200) began her yoga journey over 10 years ago, inspired by a curiosity to move and a desire to find calm amidst life’s chaos. Living in rural Arkansas at the time, access to yoga was limited—so she got creative, starting with classes from a gym kiosk. From there, her passion grew, leading her to seek out classes wherever she could find them. One of her most memorable early experiences was practicing yoga in the science fiction section of a local library—surrounded by books and curious onlookers.
Amber believes that physical and mental well-being go hand in hand. Through her personal yoga and meditation practice, she continues to explore the connection between body and mind that first led her to the mat over a decade ago. Her teaching style is lighthearted and approachable, creating a welcoming space for students of all levels to breathe, move, and reconnect with themselves.
When she’s not teaching or practicing yoga, Amber enjoys cycling, hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her kids and animals.
Jessica Wood
Jessica (RYT-200) is thrilled to join the ū4ic yoga team! A Birmingham native, Jessica has been practicing yoga since March 2020, and completed the dream of Yoga Teacher Training via ū4ic yoga in December 2024. Jessica is passionate about empowering students to cultivate strength, flexibility, and a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-confidence both on and off the mat.
Coming from a background in mental health, Jessica graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with the focus on trauma recovery. She has experienced first-hand the power of yoga, meditation, and breath work when it comes to therapeutic healing and renewal within the yoga studio and the counseling space.
When Jessica is not practicing on the mat, she might be found enjoying another form of exercise such as pilates, kickboxing, cycling, or barre. She also takes delight in spending time with family, friends, and her cats, Stevie Nicks and Mac.