Lori Russell Certified Yoga Instructor, Ayurveda Health Counselor, Owner Yoga Moves, Stoneham, MA Lori began her yoga journey in 2003 as a way to complement her training as a triathlete. At the time she was diagnosed with a heart condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome that needed immediate attention. Lori was advised to put on hold all strenuous cardio activity or “ She would die” Yoga was an approved activity so she immersed herself in yoga books and videos as it was difficult to find a yoga studio in Polson, MT at that time. Lori loved the transformation she began to see. She felt stronger and more centered. Her balance and flexibility improved and when she was finally cleared to return to her daily activities she had improved body awareness, mindfulness and no more arrhythmia. Lori and her family moved back to Massachusetts after 13 years living in Polson, MT and began looking for a yoga community to share her practice. The day she walked into Yoga Moves, a studio then owned by Mary Ellen Goodsir, changed the trajectory of her life. Mary Ellen became her teacher and mentor and after a year sold Lori the studio. Becoming the owner of Yoga Moves led Lori down a path of physical, spiritaul and emotional growth. She was entrusted and welcomed into the community and aspires to serve her students by meeting them where they are allowing each one their unique and personal experience through the practices of yoga and Ayurveda.
Lori DiChiara RYT 200 I started my yoga journey several years ago with Bikram then Baptiste Power yoga. I was immediately hooked by the hot, sweaty, physical practice. I was not immediately hooked by the spiritual aspects of yoga but once I allowed myself to be present and open, that part of the practice is what really took hold and kept me coming back. As I was going through some personal struggles in my life, yoga was always a place where I felt safe, empowered and found the solace I needed in stressful and painful situations. It was from this place that I decided to enroll in a 200 hour teacher training at Lexington Power Yoga. I wanted a way to give back and help people feel the same empowerment and sense of community that yoga has given me. I hope to continue my training so that I can work with children and adults with disabilities. Linking breath with movement to create a moving meditation my classes will allow you to challenge yourself at any level allowing yoga to meet you where you are today. You will leave feeling stronger and more balanced in body and mind.
Megan Cunningham RYT 200 I was first drawn to yoga as a way to help cope with my anxiety. After taking my first class, I immediately fell in love with how the practice not only eased my mind, but also challenged my body and lifted my spirit.
Yoga found me (literally) when I needed it most as I was in a transition period, seeking answers and alternatives to the way I was living. In September 2013, I started cleaning the Yoga Moves studio in exchange for unlimited free yoga classes. This encouraged me to go multiple times a week and tap into a place that was striving to be listened to and fulfilled.
The more I showed up on my mat, the more I felt like myself. I became lighter, stronger, more compassionate and aware, all because I was taking time out of my day to find stillness and focus within.
After three years of practicing consistently, I decided teaching would be the next direction in my yoga journey. Recently completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training at Yoga Moves, I’m eager to share the light, love, strength and clarity my practice has given me with others. As a yoga teacher and Reiki level 1 practitioner, my classes focus on pushing your boundaries while opening your heart and encouraging to be true to yourself (all while flowing it out to a killer playlist!)
Deb Ronga Kids Yoga & RYT 200 I began my yoga journey in 2008; my daughters thought I would enjoy this type of “exercise” (exercise and I have never been good friends). Yoga was strenuous and difficult for me at first, but it was not long before I realized that during those 75-minute classes, I was completely focused on my movement. I continued to explore different types of yoga and found I loved the feeling of a heated flow. Yoga Moves became my second home! As I became physically stronger, I also began to notice the calming effects yoga had on my life. As an Early Childhood professional I wanted to bring the same benefits to the population I love working with. Today’s children have so many stressors in their young lives. I completed a 95-hour children’s yoga teacher training; I left my teaching job of over twenty years and embarked on a new career; I now bring yoga to children in area preschools.
The next step in my journey was completing a 200-hour teacher training program in May with Jen Ryan at The Yoga Loft. Additionally, I became Reiki I attuned in January. As I am beginning to notice limitations of my body, I am adhering to the yoga principle of Ahimsa—do no harm—and I seek out a kinder, gentler yoga. My journey is not complete; I will continue to learn to make yoga accessible to everyone. I stand by the mission statement of the Yoga and Body Image Coalition, “Every body is a yoga body.”
Michele Capozzi RYT 200 Yoga has been a part of my life for over 11+ years. My practice has helped me to grow stronger, calmer and has inspired me to live each moment more mindfully on and off my mat. I teach because it is my nature. I transitioned back to my first love of teaching middle school physical education, after being a school counselor for 20 years, 3 years ago. I wanted to bring yoga to my students and decided to complete a 200 hour yoga training under Jen Ryan in 2017. I enjoy all types of yoga. I currently teach core and vinyasa flow classes here at Yoga Moves. You can expect to move, sweat and breath in my classes. The focus is on strength, flexibility and being in the present moment. I am also a certified mindfulness instructor and love to incorporate some mindfulness into my classes. I like to combine creative sequences, a variety of playlists and fun into my classes. You will often hear short passages, mantras, positive affirmations and quotes throughout my classes. I enjoy learning and sharing my knowledge regarding fitness, health, mindfulness and yoga. Yoga has been a great stress reliever and mind calming experience for me. I have learned so much about myself through all my trainings and readings. So much, that I want to share and help others find calm and peace. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, walking, dancing, traveling and bowling. My favorite quote: "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start now and make a brand new ending" Carl Bard
Jeff Sulloway RYT 200While working in public accounting, Jeff began his yoga path feeling the need for stress relief. This journey which started with a beginner’s class in Summer 2015, has led him to be more in tune with his mind, his body, and his spirituality. In addition, yoga has helped Jeff integrate mindfulness practices such as conscious breathing, meditation, Brahmacharya (non-excess), and Reiki into his daily life. Jeff now works in Internal Audit for a global biotech company, and uses these practices to help keep daily balance. He studied under Mary Ellen Goodsir for his 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2017-2018 and is also certified in level one Reiki. He has a love and interest in Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative yoga. His goal is to help people, with all body types and experience levels, feel comfortable on the mat and find their breath. As he, himself, experienced, Jeff hopes to help his students carry their yoga experience off their mat to enrich their whole lives. He is passionate about assisting others through tough poses using humor as well as encouraging yogis to look within to see their unlimited potential. Jeff's practices are designed for everybody and everybody!
Jeff’s goal is to help students with all body types and experience levels feel comfortable on the mat and find their breath. In addition, he always encourages students to carry their yoga experience off the mat to enrich their whole lives.
One of my favorite mantras that I recite to myself daily, always love to end class with, and have even been asked to deliver at a friends wedding ceremony is: “You are loved, you are loving, You are cared for, you are caring, You are grounded, you are enough, You are joy, and you are yourself!”
Nicole Searles RYT 200 When my cousin asked me to take a yoga class with her at Yoga Moves I had no idea what kind of impact it would have on my life. I had practiced yoga on and off in college but didn't really find my practice until I started practicing in a heated room. I guess it's true what they say that there is a type of yoga out there for everyone because after my first heated yoga class I was officially hooked. I loved the feeling of sweating it all out on the mat and would leave the room feeling refreshed and recharged. I completed my 200hr certification with Jen Ryan in May 2012 and began teaching shortly after. I love bringing a playfulness to practice and enjoy pairing fun playlists with creative sequencing to take the mind off of life's everyday stress.
Arleigh Kennedy RYT 200 A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – Chinese Proverb
I began my live affair with yoga over 10 years ago. A friend suggested I try a class and I thought – I won’t like it it’s too slow. I was so wrong. I fell in love. It wasn’t instant but I kept practicing and building my practice and pretty soon I was hooked. I loved the way it made me feel but mostly I loved the connection of mind, body and soul…. I received my 200 hr RYT under the mentorship of Mary Ellen Goodsir. I have been broadening my study of yoga and focusing on Yin through the guidance of the Summers School of Yin under Josh Summers and Terry Cockburn and hope to complete my 500 hr RYT by the end of 2020. I’ve also recently completed a training in chair yoga and hope to be able to make yoga more accessible to more people. As I entered my late 40s I started to gain weight and just couldn’t get it off. I never had to worry about my weight but found that now I could no longer put train my diet. With the help of a doctor and a nutritionist I have been able to lose 60 lbs. This was all through diet and exercise – of which yoga played a huge role – mentally and physically. My classes incorporate this journey. I blend in a mix of exercises to ready the body to come deeper into poses and traditional poses. I focus a lot of functional alignment (how the pose feels on your body) vs aesthetic alignment (how the pose looks). My goal is to make yoga available for everyone – regardless of shape, size or physical ability. My classes will focus on a strong practice that you will feel in your entire body. Always remember the Chinese proverb – “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Yoga can change your life – you just have to take the first step.
Tia DeVincenzo RYT 200 Tia got her yoga teacher certification at Yandara Yoga Institute on a beach in Mexico in 2017, but was a mover long before her training. She trained as a dancer for 25 years and after completing her MFA in Choreography, she hung up her ballet shoes and wanted to take all the years of movement practice to the people. Now as a certified Health Coach and Movement Specialist she helps women ditch the “shoulds” and reconnect with their bodies through food, movement, and mindset. Her yoga classes are all about finding a deeper connection with yourself while rebuilding confidence in your body's capabilities. Her background in movement and additional trainings in functional neurology, myofascial release, and PTSD awareness, brings a unique blend of science, intuition, and a little bit of choreography into her flows to not only challenge you physically, but mentally as well. Students have called her classes "brain food" to which she is grateful. Want to see what Tia is up to outside of teaching? Visitwww.intuitivelytia.com or find her on Instagram at@bostontiaparty. When she’s not flowing on the mat, lifting in the gym, or coaching clients toward a life of fulfillment, you’ll probably find her at a paint night or hiking somewhere with no cell service.
Lili has been practicing yoga since 2001 when she attended her first class while working in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Taking her practice back to Massachusetts and deepening it throughout her life, she has been captivated by the 8-limbed path and ayurvedic living. Lili completed her training with the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health where she has served as an assistant to Kripalu faculty and as a mentor to teachers in training. Teaching in the Kripalu style, Lili’s classes are based on a hatha practice that invites acceptance, compassion and adaptability along with breath and meditation practice.
Judy Bousquin RYT 200 hr, Reiki Master and Meditation Teacher
Judy Bousquin, a life-long learner and seeker, teaches the spiritual practices of Reiki, yoga and meditation individually and in groups. The benefits of personally finding internal calm, equilibrium and the knowing of our deep interconnection with all things, inspired Judy to share these time-honored traditions through her private practice, Healing & Renewal, and through Yoga Moves yoga studio, both in Stoneham, MA. Through her offerings of classes, workshops and mentoring, Judy nurtures students to discover their inner essence and wisdom. Judy’s philosophy is that life as a spiritual journey is where we both acknowledge and honor the light within us and also embrace our humanness with its many layers of complexity.
Martha Oesch Qigong Martha found qigong on her search for tai chi classes and has never looked back. With its combination of flowing movements, breath work, and meditation, Martha felt she had come home to herself; had found a practice to support a lifetime of health and well-being both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Qigong is accessible to anyone at any stage in their lives. She wants to bring her love of qigong to others whether they are new to or deepening their qigong practice. Martha received her training from Qigong for Inner Peace.
Ashley Pignone RYT 200hr Yogaspirit Pilates Fusion Vinyasa Yoga Instructor When a 15-year cheerleading career came to an end Ashley was on the search for something to push her physically and mentally that’s when she stumbled across Pilates and fell in love. Pilates incorporates similarities to cheerleading and sports by pushing your body and hitting muscles you’ve never worked on before. She loves incorporating new and fun music in all her classes to keep the vibes upbeat and motivating. Ashley is a cheerleading coach and has worked with students from K- 12th grades. She loves to work with all people and meet them where they're at.
Tim Russell RYT 200hr Yogaspirit Primal Yoga
A former professional football player turned certified yoga instructor. I have created my unique style that I call Primal Yoga to help people increase their strength and mobility through a full range of motion. My philosophy is to address the 7 Primal Movements (Squat, Lunge, Hinge, Twist, Push, Pull, and Gait) using a mix of dynamic transitions and static poses. This will spread your awareness throughout your movement and take you from unconscious movement to conscious movement. I work with people across all skill and experience levels, whether your goal is to get out of a sedentary lifestyle or you are a high-performing athlete looking to complete your physical profile. I am available to help with lifestyle change and injury prevention. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions! Let’s Get Primal!! https://www.instagram.com/tim.russell7/
Sara Demetrio RYT 200hr Yogaspirit I began my yoga journey by practicing at home as a way to complement my daily workouts. However, yoga became even more important to me after a car accident in 2014 left me unbalanced and in need of realignment for my body. I quickly found my place at Yoga Moves by becoming a regular yogi and it has truly been a transformative experience. In 2023, I received my 200-hr. yoga teacher certification at the studio, solidifying my commitment to this practice. I am proud to offer vinyasa flow classes to all levels of yogis offering modifications to ensure that everyone can benefit from the healing and strengthening powers of yoga. My philosophy is that life is serious, yoga shouldn’t be! Have fun, roll out your mat, and flow with me!
Margaret Zoladkowski RYT 200 hr Yogaspirit
Cathy Rowe RYT-300 hr Cathy has been registered yoga teacher since 2007 . She did her first training with David Vendetti out of south Boston yoga , then trained with Barron Baptiste power Yoga. She went on to study prana vinyasa with Shiva Rea. Cathy is also a certified Trauma sensitive instructor. Her class style moves like natures choreography . Cathy enjoys having fun with combining these yoga styles into a free flowing practice that feels good for Every body . When she is not teaching yoga she is busy running her womens wellness practice. As a licensed holistic psychotherapist and dance expressive therapist and professional dancer Her classes are a fun synergistic blend of easy flowing sequences with the incorporation of the energies of the elements … As a shamanic practioner and Ayurvedic Life coach she weaves into her classes the balance of nature and seasonal flows that connect you therapeutically mind
Lena El-Chehabi E-RYT Offering Private Instruction I started out over 20 years ago as a group fitness instructor. A cancer diagnosis brought me to my knees and to my yoga mat. Yoga helped to ground me during the recovery process. It made me feel strong both physically and mentally. Years later, I am thrilled to say that I am cancer free! My classes focus on proper body alignment and safe transitions, but I also like to play-- my yoga mat is my playground. It is a place to explore. In yoga you move into and out of postures letting the breath be your guide. Does it matter what the pose looks like? Not really… I want to help students find their inner strength and stability. That’s what drew me to yoga in the first place. First trained to teach yoga through YogaFit, Lena completed her 200 Hour RYT Training (Spiritual Path Yoga) with Nicole Grant and Maureen Miller (Yoga Mandala/Yoga NH). She completed her Yin Yoga Foundations Training with Josh Summers and her Reiki Master Degree with Nicole Grant (Usui Shiki Ryoho Certified). Lena continues to deepen her yoga studies with many wonderful teachers including Nicole Grant (chakra-inspired vinyasa flow) and Janet Stone (vinyasa flow and devotion). She enjoys taking classes and teaching classes that are fun, playful, and light-hearted, believing that mindfulness is important, and a good sense of humor goes a long way
Kristin Hartman Joshi our Resident Prenatal/Postnatal and Baby and Me yogi RYT 200 hr Yogaspirit Kristin has first-hand experience with the many benefits of yoga. As a mother of 3, Kristin’s personal life and yoga practice informs her style as an instructor. After the birth of her first child, she utilized yoga as a gentle way to rebuild physical strength and relieve back pain. During labor and delivery of her second child, Kristin found strength, comfort, and confidence in her ability to tune into her breath during the most physically and mentally challenging moments. Recognizing the role yoga played in this experience sparked a desire to share yoga with others so that they too can discover the divinity within themselves. As a parent, yoga can be grounding while providing the mental, physical, and spiritual toolkit to navigate the ebbs and flows of daily life.
In 2023, Kristin completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training under the guidance of Kim Valeri Povey of Yogaspirit®. In early 2024, Kristin completed her 85 hour pre/postnatal teacher training with instruction by Bec Conant of Om Births (just weeks before Kristin gave birth to her daughter).
Special Guest Teacher Stephanie Noyes 500hr RYT As a self motivated fitness enthusiast Stephanies first yoga class in 2010 would be the catalyst to her embarking on a new career path. Having spent years as a successful makeup artist, it was time for a change. She enrolled in and completed two 200RYT programs with Jen Ryan, Nicole Grant and Kristen Olson at the Yoga Loft. In 2015 she completed her 500 RYT with Kristin Olson at Home Yoga in Andover. Having a thirst for knowledge, Stephanie regularly takes workshops and intensives from some of the yoga community's most prestigious teachers. Stephanie regularly assists in the facilitation of RYT programs at the Yoga Loft and Roots yoga. Helping develop and groom fellow teachers is something she is very passionate about. She teaches regular workshops and enjoys working with students one on one. In 2018 Stephanie completed her NASM CPT and in 2020 she will have obtained her CNC through NASM. Believing wellness is not one size fits all, Stephanie is thrilled to be able to customize a wide variety of services to her clients helping them to achieve their wellness goals.
Steph creates a warm and welcoming environment by injecting her light hearted sense of humor and positive energy into every class. Her classes are thoughtfully sequenced with emphasis on alignment and mindful movement. Stephanie strives to help her students find strength they didn’t know they had and to explore their capabilities by moving beyond what’s comfortable. She believes that every day is an opportunity to explore and learn something about ourselves. She strives to help her students see new possibilities and step out of their comfort zone to promote growth, confidence and trust in their bodies that encourages them to shift their minds and perspective to bolster inner peace and well-being.
Special Guest TeacherTeddy O'Connell RYT 200 I discovered yoga in 2001 while employed as a senior manager at a large high tech US corporation. At the time I was pretty stressed and already experiencing some back issues caused by lack of proper exercise. After one class I was immediately hooked – even though I had always preferred competitive sports I found plenty of challenges in yoga, while at the same time realizing that that there was a deeper component that offered more than just the physical practice. Over the years I have practiced a number of different yoga styles including: Hatha, Bikram, Anusara, Ivengar, Yin and Pranvayu, all of which have provided me with tremendous benefits, both physically and mentally. Having personally benefited so much from yoga I wanted to share this knowledge with others and help them to be “in a better place”. Therefore in 2011 I completed my 200 hour teacher training certificate in the Pranavayu style with it’s founder, David Magone.
MEET OUR WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS
Judy Bousquin Meditation, Reiki teacher/practitioner/Collaborative Healing with Spirit RT200 Yoga discovery and practice inspired Judy’s spiritual journey many moons ago and has been instrumental in her adult life. Her yoga path led Judy to pranayama practice, to meditation and eventually to Reiki. After many years of weaving meditation, yoga, breathing techniques and Reiki into her daily practices, Judy felt the calling to share with others. The benefits of finding internal calm and equilibrium inspired Judy to teach these time-honored traditions through her private practice and through Yoga Moves. A new addition to Judy’s offerings is a healing process called Collaborative Healing with Spirit which emerged from Judy’s shamanic training allowing the client to co-create a healing session through intention.
When not engaging in practice, Judy finds joy in being with her family, friends, reading, writing, wandering in the woods or playing at the beach.
Laura Hackel, Resident Shaman I love my work. I love the relationship that I have developed with the Crystal Bowls where I know I can count on them to bring the exact right vibrations to bear for each individual in the room., whether it’s two or 44 people. I love the point when I am playing where I suddenly “get” what the message is, why we all made it on that particular day. Recently I added Crystals, Nature Powerful Healers to my collection of offerings. Selecting them was a bit daunting when I thought about it, but really it was just my mind getting in the way, the reality was, I knew which ones were right and was able to get some real beauties to offer.
It's all in your vibration. Take care of yours today for a joy filled tomorrow.
Dr Tenzin Choephel Physical Therapist My name is Tenzin Choephel, Doctor of Physical Therapy. I have worked as a physical therapist for over 5 years in various settings from working in a traditional outpatient clinic to home health visits to assisted living communities. From these experiences, I’ve gotten the unique perspective of seeing health care from many different lenses!These diverse experiences opened my eyes to a more effective & pro-active approach to helping people. I have undergone continuing education in nutrition & sleep to further help patients in a more meaningful way. I offer physical therapy services for any acute or chronic pain as well as wellness visits to help prevent chronic disease progression.
I truly believe in building a strong relationship with all of my patients. The foundation of my practice is built on compassionatecare, evidenceinformedpractice, & concisecommunication.
