Lauren Hoffman

Lauren embarked on her health and wellness journey back in 2012, during a transformative period of her life as a new mother living far from her friends and family. Her journey began when she discovered a stroller fitness class, providing her not only with physical exercise but also a sense of community with fellow moms, as well as a focus on her mental and physical well-being. Lauren's passion for this class was so profound that during her second pregnancy, she decided to become an instructor herself, specializing in workouts tailored for mothers while ensuring that the children had a fun and engaging experience.

As her daughters grew and outgrew strollers, Lauren transitioned away from instructing stroller fitness but continued to yearn for the holistic wellness benefits she had come to cherish. It was during this period that she found her calling within the yoga community, realizing that becoming a yoga teacher was the missing piece in her journey.

Lauren's approach to yoga goes beyond the physical aspects, embracing the mind, body, and spirit. In her yoga classes, she guides participants with intention, aiming to clear their minds, bring them into the present moment, foster a connection with their inner spirit, and facilitate the movement of energy within the body through focused poses and synchronized breath.

Credentials:

• RYT-200
• FIT4MOM pre/postnatal certified
• AFAA group fitness certified
• Usui Ryoho Reiki Master
• Sound and Vibrational Practitioner

Stephanie, a seasoned yoga instructor, embarked on her transformative yoga journey 12 years ago. Mesmerized by the profound effects it had on her body and mind, she discovered strength, leaness, and mental clarity through the practice. With each breath, she honed her ability to harness its power.

Stephanie's passion for yoga extended to a diverse array of styles, from gentle flows to invigorating vinyasa, and even prenatal yoga. Her dedication was unwavering, evident when she continued practicing during both of her pregnancies. Yoga became more than just exercise; it became her connection to her unborn children, her body, and her breath. So deep was her connection that she achieved the remarkable feat of giving birth in planned yoga poses.

Fueled by her love for yoga, Stephanie decided to attain her RYT 200 certification, a path she pursued with gusto. Her motivation was simple – to share the profound teachings of yoga with her community. Between pregnancies, she embarked on the journey to become a registered prenatal yoga teacher, an experience that granted her a unique understanding of how to accommodate expectant mothers.

Stephanie's teaching philosophy is a blend of foundational poses and challenging flows, tailored to suit everyone, regardless of their experience or body type. She relishes the opportunity to meet new students and inspire them on their yoga journey, acting as their enthusiastic cheerleader for both yoga and the community she cherishes. Stephanie's ultimate goal is to be a guiding light for others, helping them uncover the transformative power of yoga.

Credentials:

• RYT-200
• Prenatal Certified
• Myofascial Release Certified

Melissa, a registered nurse and a proud mother of triplets, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her roles as a Reiki master and RYT 200 certified yoga instructor. Melissa's journey into the world of yoga began years ago, but it truly came to life after the birth of her triplets in 2014. Yoga became more than just a practice; it transformed her life, shaping her into a better person and, above all, a more compassionate and nurturing mother.

Guided by the principles of patience with each breath and self-love, Melissa's life philosophy is deeply rooted in her yoga practice. As an instructor, her primary intention is to create a nurturing and inclusive space where individuals can embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.

Melissa firmly believes that yoga is a practice for everyone, regardless of age or physical condition, and she is passionate about sharing its transformative power with all who seek it.

Credentials:

• RYT-200
• Yin Certification
• Reiki Master
• Myofascial Release Certified

 Chris recognizes that yoga serves as a reflective mirror, revealing profound insights about oneself. As a dedicated practitioner, Chris has embraced the role of a student in their own life's journey. Through yoga, they have honed the skill of noticing the tension that accumulates within their body and mind. Chris has evolved into an observer of their thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors, fostering a profound awareness of self.

In this process of recognition, Chris has found the power to release the illusion of control and surrender to the present moment. The physical flexibility cultivated on the yoga mat parallels a softening of judgments, criticisms, and fears in their daily life. They've become adept at identifying when the Ego is at play, empowering them to make conscious choices.

Chris firmly believes that a consistent yoga practice naturally leads to a reduced attachment to outcomes, fostering greater openness and acceptance of life's challenges. Their mantra is to welcome every experience with open arms, relinquishing resistance, and relying on the invaluable tools acquired through yoga to stay grounded in life.

For Chris, yoga is a source of humility when needed and a boost of confidence when feeling uncertain. It instills compassion, both towards oneself and others. Embracing discomfort on the mat has taught Chris that transformation flourishes in those moments.

In the words of Pattabi Jois, "practice and all is coming." Chris's commitment lies in the act of continuous practice, relishing each moment on the mat, and remaining receptive to the blessings that unfold. Their spiritual path as a dedicated student aligns with the lessons they are destined to teach to others.

Credentials:

• RYT-200

 Shelly's journey with yoga began unexpectedly, stemming from an injury while running. Upon meeting a friend who happened to be a yoga instructor at a local studio, Shelly decided to give it a try. She found herself among a group of mostly middle-aged students, where her early experiences were marked by laughter and occasional tumbles. This light-hearted approach to yoga has stayed with her, shaping her belief that yoga should be enjoyable and uplifting.

Inspired by one of her instructors who shared meaningful stories and poems during class, Shelly discovered that yoga not only stretched her body but also soothed her mind. This experience led her to follow this instructor to a new studio and eventually enroll in teacher training, under her mentorship. Now, Shelly delights in sharing her own stories and ideas, aiming to create a space where students can find both physical and mental expansion.

As a teacher, Shelly specializes in guiding beginners, providing them with a strong foundation for their practice. She believes that yoga is the union of mind, body, and spirit, fostering joy, community, and peace. Shelly is passionate about making yoga accessible to everyone, emphasizing that it's not about being a contortionist but about finding grace and joy in movement, even if it means tumbling around the mat like a child at times.

Despite facing challenges such as arthritis in her toes, which makes balancing poses difficult, Shelly's practice has taught her that progress is not about perfection. She finds beauty in her journey, acknowledging that she may not be a ballerina, but she can still feel graceful and playful on her mat. Her favorite styles of yoga include Yin, slow flow, and Ashtanga, each offering unique benefits and challenges that contribute to her holistic practice.

Deeply influenced by "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, she often recommends this book to her students for its profound insights into personal growth and self-awareness.

Credentials: 

• RYT-200 yoga instructor 
• Levels 1 & 2 Reiki

   Emily is a certified life coach, former speech-language pathologist, wife, mom of twins, and a practitioner of mindful self-compassion. Her journey has been a unique, winding path- leaving a career in speech pathology to pursue entrepreneurship, deepening her faith, and developing a spiritual approach to life's challenges. As a lifelong student in wellness, self-discovery, and personal growth, she has also practiced yoga for 15 years, blending her personal and professional experiences into a toolkit for helping others connect more deeply with themselves and those around them.
 

Emily is passionate about making mindfulness and intentional living accessible, particularly for busy mothers. She aims to empower others to pursue meaningful goals and a profound sense of purpose, all while embracing life as it is. At Asana, Emily will offer monthly intention setting classes with meditation and journaling components, workshops on topics like yoga principles, mindfulness, creative self-expression, postpartum well-being, motherhood, and self-compassion. She'll also lead her group coaching program: The Inner Well, designed for individuals seeking supportive community and personalized guidance as they pursue meaningful goals. Emily is so grateful and excited to partner with Asana and looks forward to developing deeper connections within the local community. 

 Mike embarked on his yoga journey on February 2, 2018, a date he fondly remembers as Groundhog Day. 

His initial foray into yoga was driven by a desire to explore its potential benefits for both himself and his wife. With his wife facing permanent disability, Michael discovered the suitability of chair yoga for her, realizing that practicing yoga at home could significantly benefit their well-being. This realization was the catalyst for his journey to become a yoga instructor.

Michael holds a deep appreciation for all forms of yoga and remains dedicated to broadening his practice. Along his yoga journey, Michael has been inspired by the stories of recovery and improved health shared by fellow practitioners, further solidifying his belief in the manifold health benefits of yoga.

Certifications: 

• RYT - 200 
• Chair Yoga
• Yin Yoga