Who We Are

Jeannette has held leadership roles in human services, radio, and cable television for more than 15 years. She also owned Cogent Solutions, LLC for more than 13 years focusing on organizational development. Yoga has been a strong influence in her life as she faced serious illnesses and personal challenges. “Yoga provides a space for me to seek a deeper understanding of what is being placed before me and how to live with grace.” Realizing the benefits of yoga Jeannette became passionate about YIA’s mission and joined the Board of Directors in January 2022 and was Development Chair before the current role as President. She completed her RYT 200 at Prasada Yoga Studio in North Hampton, NH.

Joy Curth is an accomplished technology leader now at the helm of a project dedicated to the creation of a local e-commerce platform that champions small businesses and makes it easy and convenient to shop local. While her professional life revolves around technology, Joy's passion is rooted in health and wellness, which she actively nurtures through her ownership and stewardship of Société, a tea and apothecary shop based in Portsmouth, NH, as well as Portsmouth Yoga and Wellness. She adorns various hats, encompassing roles such as an herbalist, aromatherapist, and yoga instructor, collectively offering her the ability to give and receive in the realm of natural healing. Joy is deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve as a board member for Yoga in Action, an organization from which she has personally benefited and now seeks to give back to in return.

As managing broker at Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty, Lynne leads a team of experienced sales and marketing associates in all aspects of the residential real estate business. She has been a licensed agent of the Rye NH firm for nearly 20 years, assisting Seacoast residents with purchasing and selling properties. Lynne has a Master's degree in Business Administration (Northeastern University) and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (University of New Hampshire). She loves the ‘Seacoast Lifestyle’ and is committed to improving quality of life here by supporting local organizations that promote wellness. Lynne recently became a 500-hour Certified Yoga Teacher, trained in alignment-based vinyasa, yin and trauma-informed yoga.

Marissa has over 20 years of experience in healthcare data and digital marketing, with a strong focus on building and empowering highly talented teams and systems that enhance customer experiences. She is a valued leader, bringing teams across product, technology, and operations together to create products that have heart and that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Marissa’s dedication to fostering nurturing environments grew further after discovering yoga in her 30s using the healing power of yoga to embrace and face adversity. Yoga has made such an incredible difference in her life, in the lives of her daughters, many loved ones and community members facing chronic stress, addictions and life altering diagnoses. Marissa is steadfastly committed to creating spaces where others can thrive and are welcomed with warmth, curiosity and empathy. After attending her first Yoga Mala in 2019, she felt a deep and very alive connection to the mission of Yoga in Action. She is humbled, passionate and dedicated to serve the amazing diverse community of Yoga in Action and advance YiAs ambitions, one person at a time.

Maureen operates her own business providing CFO services for both non-profits and small businesses. She is committed to developing financial systems that increase efficiency and impact while supporting organizations to achieve strategic fiscal and programmatic goals. Prior to operating her own business, Maureen’s previous experience included 12 years as a Finance & Administrative Director at a NH state-wide nonprofit and 16 years working with 3 different organizations within the University of New Hampshire system (Sustainability Institute, Carsey School of Public Policy, and the Institute on Disability).

While at the University of New Hampshire, Maureen simultaneously operated her own yoga business, Yoga NH. She initially owned a studio in Concord, NH (Living Yoga) from 2004-2009 and from 2006-2023 she led yoga teacher training programs in NH & MA and online. Although she is officially retired from leading yoga programs, Maureen continues to mentor yoga leaders and teachers.
Maureen is excited to serve on the Board of Directors for Yoga in Action because she is passionate about the mission & vision of the organization and deeply connected to the tenets of the programs: Connection, Transform, Heal, & Thrive.

Meredith Kolodze (she/her) - Governance CommitteeMeredith Kolodze, MSW, LICSW, RYT (she/her) received her Masters in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire in 2008. She received a post-graduate certificate in Palliative and End of Life Care at Smith College in 2018 and is a Doctor of Social Work candidate at Simmons University. Meredith is a private practice clinician located in South Berwick, ME, specializing in grief and loss, cancer, chronic illness, and anxiety. Meredith has been a medical social worker for most of her career working in primary care and oncology. Meredith is a Registered Yoga Teacher and previously taught classes to individuals with cancer and their caregivers through Yoga in Action. She joined the board of Yoga in Action in August of 2021 after years of supporting Yoga in Action as both an instructor and a community member.

Shawn Pate was introduced to yoga by husband, Andrew, to counteract the impact of running. After a few years pursuing yoga for fitness, everything changed with a terminal cancer diagnosis in the family. Shawn developed a daily morning practice to help navigate the difficult months ahead and in doing so, truly discovered yoga. The practice continued to sustain her through the grief that followed, and is an essential thread in her life. Shawn is a RYT 200 through Yoga NH, Reiki Master and has trained extensively with the Baptiste Institute. A recent newcomer to Portsmouth, Shawn is the newest board member of Yoga In Action and is in awe of their work. She was excited to experience the joy of her first Yoga Mala with this amazing community.

Sue is the Chief of Clinical Services at Lamprey Health Care, a federally qualified health center. She is a Registered Nurse with 25 years of experience in nursing and administration, focusing primarily in community health. Sue leads teams in program development, operations, quality, and risk management, and has a particular interest in developing services for vulnerable populations. She is a RYT-200 and a dedicated practitioner of yoga. She joins Yoga in Action board to work to reduce barriers so that all can access yoga, feel a sense of community, and experience its many benefits.

Tim joined Yoga In Action in July 2020 having been introduced to the organization in his community. Having lost multiple friends to the opioid epidemic, having a parent with cancer, and a general passion to bring the benefits of yoga to as many people as possible, Yoga In Action was a natural fit. Tim is the Co-Founder and COO of TIDAL New York, a New York-based flip flop manufacturing company and direct-to-consumer brand that is in the process of B Corp certification.