About The Founder
Carole Keefer
E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher, Lifestyle Coach
& Founder of Free Spirited Wanderer
Carole's background:
Carole grew up with a deep passion for sports and physical movement, a love for the great outdoors, and a strong desire to spend meaningful time with loved ones. Her adventurous spirit fueled her imagination, while her natural leadership qualities led her to forge her own path and embrace life's journey on her own terms.
In High School, Carole knew that she was destined for an unconventional life rooted in travel, yoga, and self exploration. She graduated with a Business Management degree from Castleton University, studied abroad 3 times within Spain, India, and Cambodia, completed her first 200hr yoga teacher training in Nepal, and advanced 300hr teacher training in India.
In 2014, Carole founded Free Spirited Wanderer to help others align with their authentic selves through yoga, travel, and community. Since 2017, she has led 25 retreats (12 in the U.S., 13 internationally) with over 325 participants. She also offers workshops, private sessions, and virtual coaching. Carole’s lifelong dedication to yoga and respect for diverse cultures and her community shines through in every experience she leads.
Carole's trainings
& practice:
Carole’s journey as a yoga teacher began with her 200-hour Hatha / Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Pokhara, Nepal (2014), followed by a 300-hour advanced training in Hatha / Ashtanga in Kerala, India (2018). Both trainings were with Rishikul Yogshala and were rooted in the traditional teachings of yoga which continue to serve as the foundation for her practice and teaching today.
Carole currently studies traditional Ashtanga (Mysore and Led styles) with her teacher, Johnna Smith, in Charlotte, NC. In 2018, she completed a year long apprenticeship with Johnna, deepening her understanding of Ashtanga's philosophy, practice, and traditions.
Carole is also a dedicated student of Rod Stryker and Para Yoga, having completed Marma (2019), Four Desires (2022), and Vinyasa Krama (2024), enhancing her understanding of meditation, pranayama, kriyas, and energetically-informed sequencing and assisting.
In 2022, Carole completed a second 200-hour teacher training with Y2 Yoga in Charlotte, NC. This program allowed her to refine her teaching skills, gain new perspectives, and engage in a process of personal growth and self-discovery. Carole deeply treasure each of these life-enriching experiences and is honored to apply this wisdom to her life as a student, and pass it on to others as a teacher.
Carole's class style:
Carole’s goal in her yoga classes is to create a space where everyone feels safe to show up as their most authentic self. Her classes are rooted in traditional practices, incorporating the 8-limbs of yoga and her love for Ashtanga. She emphasizes breath, alignment, discipline, strength, and grace, guiding students toward a fully immersive experience. Each class is intentionally created to build strength, flexibility, and self-awareness, fostering a deep connection between mind, body, and soul. Students leave feeling rejuvenated, energized, and empowered. Carole invites everyone to explore yoga to unlock their potential, personal power, and higher purpose to gain a deeper understanding of their true self.
Carole honors her main teachers, Johnna Smith and Rod Stryker, and is forever grateful for their teachings.
Carole's credentials:
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University of Salamanca Business Program; Spain 2012
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Wisdom Tours Abroad: Buddhist Philosophy; India 2013 & Cambodia 2014
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Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management; Castleton University 2014
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200hr Yoga Teacher Training; Rishikul Yogshala, Nepal 2014
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Founder of Free Spirited Wanderer; 2014
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Student of Johnna Smith; 2017-Present
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300hr Yoga Teacher Training; Rishikul Yogshala, India 2018
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Ashtanga Apprenticeship; Ashtanga Yoga School, Charlotte 2018-2019
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E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher 2019
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30hr Marma Training; Para Yoga, Colorado 2019
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25hr Yoga & Social Justice Immersion 2021
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Bloom, Personal Development Course, 2021 Graduate
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Yoga Business Ascension, 2021 Graduate
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Conscious Business School with Natalia Benson, 2022 Graduate
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200hr Yoga Teacher Training; Y2 Yoga, 2022 Graduate
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25hr The Four Desires; Para Yoga, 2023
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lululemon Ambassador, 2024
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40hr Vinyasa Krama; Para Yoga, 2024
Susan B. | YTT Student
"Being a student of Carole is one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve been lucky enough to have in my life. Her vulnerability and open heart comes through if you’ve ever been fortunate enough to have a conversation with her or take her class. Though she and I are at different places in life age-wise, we share a bond that I will treasure forever. Putting into words what this sweet loving soul means to me as a friend and a mentor is quite difficult. To sum it all up if you are lucky enough to share time with Carole you will take something away from it and I guarantee she’ll help you find something in yourself that you didn’t realize was there all the time."
Cynthia D. | Retreater
"This was my first Yoga Retreat. When I was looking, some friends and practitioners raved about Carole's retreats. I wanted to do something for myself and get out of my comfort zone. I had not traveled for vacation alone before. From start to finish this experience was life changing for me. The resort is absolutely gorgeous and so easy to melt into the simple lifestyle. Everything was at your fingertips from sand, sunrises, delicious cuisine and the yoga setting to practice was stunning. Carole makes you feel so at ease with her workshops on empowerment, importance of dance, play and sharing. It was truly one of the best gifts I have given myself. Top notch all the way around. I have made some lifetime connections. Going to Costa Rica 2024 and back to Tulum in 2025."
Sarah D. | Coaching Client
"Carole’s program taught me a lot about myself. It came from gaining the confidence to trust myself, to know what aligns with my values and desires. While in those moments of uncertainty, Carole provided me with the tools to dive deeper in finding the answers I was seeking. The transformation pushed me out of my comfort zone. Goals initially set for months, or even years, into the future were coming to life within only a few short weeks. Carole is so encouraging and supportive! Anyone who takes her coaching program is lucky to have her every step of the way!"
EXPLORE OUR
CURRENT RETREATS
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ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS:
Explore our other signature FSW offerings
Feminine Leadership
1:1 Strategy Sessions
Take ownership of your life with this 4 step process designed to help you create your own destiny, and step into the version of yourself that you are truly meant to be.
Yoga Teacher
Mentorship
A 1:1 virtual business mentorship for yoga teachers who are seeking to launch their business or expand their current one.
Fill Your Cup
Mini Course
A virtual mini course of self-paced guided practices to move through your days with deeper connection, purpose, and love.
Free Your Spirit
Podcast
A podcast for conscious business, yoga on and off the mat, and general lifestyle. Join us as we share insights, tips, and stories to inspire you on your path to a more free-spirited life.