Who We Are

Yoga for Recovery
Allie has practiced yoga for over twelve years. She discovered her appreciation for yoga in college, taking free classes offered on her campus, and deepened her practice by turning to meditation in her twenties. Since then, she has practiced regularly, received her 200hr RYT and taken additional workshops in trauma-informed yoga. She also teaches privately with her own business. In her personal practice, she has found stability and strength in the mind, the body and the heart. With a strong belief that yoga is for every body, Allie strives to create a welcoming and accessible class environment for all. When not practicing yoga, she works by day in technology and enjoys baking, time outdoors and spending time with her family and her dog.

Meditation, Yoga and Cancer
Ann Biese, ERYT 500, RCYT, MBSR-T, REIKI MASTER, is an international Yoga Instructor and Teacher Trainer for ChildLight Education Company. She is a certified yoga for cancer instructor for both adults and children since 2012. Ann has also worked as a Meditation and Mindfulness Specialist in pediatric and school settings, including Tufts Floating Hospital for Children in Boston for Lucy's Love Bus. Ann has taught MBSR and yoga to various youth groups and teen athletes across the country. She has been a featured speaker on meditation and mindfulness in schools across the country. Ann is also the author of the award-winning children's book Worry Bee and Mindful Moon. She enjoys volunteering as an instructor for Go Give Yoga and was featured in NorthShore Magazine for her volunteer work in Massachusetts. In her time off the mat, Ann enjoys her family and pets, as well as volunteering at an equine rescue farm.

Yoga for Recovery
Annie is a mom of two amazing kids, military spouse, compassionate listener, former perfectionist, recovering sugar addict, chocolate lover, runner, certified health coach, personal trainer, yoga teacher, and healer. Founder of and podcaster for Core Nourishment and creator of the Wellness Portal for Moms, Annie loves holding space for and witnessing the “aha” moments as individuals navigate their own journeys, explore and discover more self-confidence and love for themselves (from the inside-out), their community, nature and life. She is deeply passionate about educating and empowering others to make positive lifestyle choices so that they can fuel their bodies, work, relationships, passions and dreams. Annie aims to guide others to reach their highest potential, and creates action plans for people that guide them to empowerment, radiance and core aliveness.
Annie’s yoga classes explore a powerful fusion of yoga and strength, offering dynamic flowing sequences that move from the core and invite vitality, mindfulness, flexibility, balance, and playfulness in. She has her 200hr Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) certification through the Yoga of Energy Flow teacher training at Dover Yoga, her 40hr Still Point Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training certification, and her 50hr Yin Yoga Teacher certification. She is enormously grateful to have had the opportunity to teach Yoga for Recovery at Hope on Haven Hill over the last few years and to be a part of the incredible yoga and healing community along the Seacoast. She is honored to share her passions and be of service through Yoga in Action. Visit Annie at www.anniewagoner.com

Yoga and Cancer
Yoga was something that came in and out of my life over the years. It was only when I immigrated to the US in 2011 that it has been a constant, a daily practice. Moving to a new country and culture, joining a yoga studio in town gave me the connection I craved and a community.
To be a RYT500 and teaching for over 3 years have been a gift. I enjoy leading a yoga practice and am able to deliver all types of classes (Restorative, Power, Flow, Yin, Yoga Nidra) as well as workshops to all levels. I truly believe that yoga is for everybody and believe in the connection it gives us to ourselves as we continue to learn and grow as individuals.
To be part of Yoga in Action and its Yoga and Cancer program is humbling. I have had family and friends affected by cancer and during my YTT300 training offered free healing yoga practices to patients and their family/carers.
Yoga is impactful and is truly healing.

Yoga and Cancer
Dani got her 200 YTC in 2014 through Sadhana yoga school. Her yoga journey began when she discovered meditation at age 12, and realized the benefits were ones that really resonated with her and brought her a feeling of coming “home”. When Dani started practicing yoga and noticed the physical practice was giving her the same benefits of meditation, becoming a yoga teacher became her absolute dream job. And still is. Dani loves learning alongside her students with every class. She believes yoga should be accessible for everyone, and everyone deserves to give it a try.

Yoga for Recovery
I took my first yoga class on Valentine's Day in 2015, but I didn't fall in love with Ashtanga Yoga until years later when I finally discovered Mysore-style classes. For the first couple years, infrequent yoga classes were just a physical tool to help prepare for, or recover from, other activities like snowboarding or surfing. Then in late 2018, after seeing my dad's health and mobility deteriorate, I committed to a more consistent yoga practice and tried morning Mysore for the first time. I was instantly hooked.
The structure and simplicity of practicing in the Mysore room showed me that there is so much more to the practice than just the physical aspect. A consistent yoga practice helps me develop more patience, self confidence, and happiness. All of my classes are rooted in the Ashtanga lineage from multi-week beginner series workshops to led Primary and Intermediate series classes with the traditional sanskrit count. I also teach recovery classes in sober living homes where the repetition and inward focus of the Ashtanga practice can help those in recovery.
I’m grateful to my first teacher Kimberly Dahlmann, my current teacher Chris Rubin, and all the teachers at Yoga East. In 2022 and 2023, I completed two separate year-long mentorships with Level II Authorized Teacher, Taylor Hunt at Ashtanga Yoga Columbus. I’m currently in the midst of his 500 hour RYT training with Kimberly Dahlmann.
Off the mat, I live in Eliot Maine with my wife Sandy (who took me to that first class), two children, and a bunch of black cats. I still love to snowboard as much as possible, but this yoga thing takes priority these days.

FREE Yoga for Veterans, Yoga & Cancer
I started practicing yoga in 2014 to find relief after a running injury. I signed up for yoga teacher training with the intention to learn more about yoga and to deepen my personal practice. After graduating from The Hard & The Soft Yoga Institute’s 200 hour teacher training program in 2016, I began teaching group classes. In 2017, I completed Mindful Yoga Therapy and Y12SR: The Yoga of 12-Step Recovery, and started teaching FREE Yoga for Veterans. In 2020 I graduated from Yoga Darshana: Yoga on the Hill Immersion 200 hour teaching training program.
My group classes are a reflection of both honoring traditional lineages of yoga and infusing my love of exploring movement and strength building. My passion lies in teaching accessible, sustainable practices for students. I am a student of yoga first and foremost, and it’s an absolute joy and privilege to share what I learn with others.
Teaching Veterans has had a profound impact on my life and has also influenced the way I teach general population classes. My grandfather was in the Army Air Corps during WWII and my dad was stationed in Vietnam from 1966-1967. I am thrilled to reconnect with former FREE Yoga for Veterans students and am delighted to meet new students.

Yoga for Recovery
Jessica began taking yoga classes as means of physical exercise in high school and into her early twenties. As yoga became a dedicated practice it began to be more clear that the desire to show up to her mat went beyond just the physical benefits but also gave her mental and emotional clarity and peace. This started to become more of the driving factor to continue to commit to her time on the mat and to also explore yoga more off the mat as well. She completed her 200 hr YTT certification in 2021, and her 300 hr YTT certification in May 2023. She has spent the past few years teaching in different studio and gym spaces, as well as volunteering with the Prison Yoga Project. Jessica hopes to share yoga with others as a way to create a space for community and connection, inspire care of the physical body as well as empowerment and acceptance of it, and to help others cultivate moments of pause and mindfulness in order to move through the world with less despair, frustration, and dis ease, and instead from a place of peace, clarity, and oneness.

Yoga and Cancer
Kim is a YA-certified 500 hour registered yoga teacher. Kim began practicing yoga about 20 years ago for the physical benefits. However, in 2010 after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, her practice deepened. Yoga and meditation have been integral in complimenting her healing journey. She has additional training in Positive Psychology, Food as Medicine, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra and Adaptive Yoga. She has also studied Meditation at Insight Meditation. She has a Masters in Medical Science from Yale University with over 15 years of experience working as an Orthopedic Physician Assistant. Kim’s passion is combining her medical knowledge with yoga and meditation to share the healing benefits of yoga with people of any ability and health status. In her free time, Kim enjoys being out in nature with her husband, 3 children and 2 dogs.

Yoga for Recovery, Yoga & Cancer
Laura discovered the healing benefits of yoga firsthand when she was diagnosed with a rare chronic illness in her early 20s. Suddenly unable to do high-impact, aerobic exercise while recovering, she found herself lost and searching for ways to care for her body in gentler and more holistic ways. Walking into her first yoga class, she was skeptical as to whether it could truly help strengthen and support her healing body. Walking out, she knew she had discovered a practice that would not only nurture her physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.
Laura is a graduate of YogaLife’s 200-hr Classical Yoga Teacher Training Program. Her 2 decades of personal practice have led her to a call to teach, wanting to expand the depth of her own practice while bringing the benefits of yoga to others. As an advisory board member for North of Boston Cancer Resource, Laura has a passion for assisting cancer patients, survivors, and their caretakers with finding integrative healthcare options and support programs in the area. Marrying this with her love of yoga, Laura received her certification in Trauma Informed Yoga and looks forward to offering yoga classes to individuals and groups navigating difficult life circumstances, such as PTSD or a serious medical diagnosis.
Laura lives in Amesbury, MA with her husband Owen, and 5 year old son. They spend their family time hiking, cooking, playing board games, and snuggling their two precious dogs, Ernie and Fitz.

Yoga for Diverse Abilities, Chair Yoga for Seniors
Maria is a 200 hour RYT, since April 2014 and has practiced yoga for over 16 years. She has received certificates in teaching yoga to adults with disabilities and trauma sensitive yoga. Maria is on the Board of Directors Yoga in Action and is excited to be a Program Teacher for Yoga for All Abilities. Maria is a wife, and mother to two grown daughters, one with a developmental disability. She loves to cook new recipes, eat, read, walk her mini labradoodle and spend time with friends and family. Maria has found great comfort in her mind and body daily, and during life's challenges, through yoga. She believes that yoga is for everyone and hopes to be able to help others be comfortable in their mind and body through yoga. Maria teaches a basic yoga class focusing on asana and slow flow, utilizing breath and movement, helping to bring balance, strength and calm to your mind, body and spirit.

Yoga for Diverse Abilities
Marie strives to help all children embrace their full potential and live their lives with joy through the practice of yoga and mindfulness. Following a 33 year career as an early childhood/special education teacher, Marie began an exploration of yoga. While completing her RYT 200 at Prasada Yoga Center in her hometown of Hampton, NH, Marie developed a unique conflict resolution workshop for children called Peacing. The desire to combine these two practices led Marie to ChildLight Yoga, and eventually to Little Flower Yoga, a yoga and mindfulness program where she is now a certified member teacher. Marie discovered tools to help children overcome physical, mental and emotional barriers to learning, including skills to improve focus and concentration. As a kinesthetic learner herself, Marie loves to share this style of learning, and combines techniques for breathing, focusing, and relaxing with age-appropriate yoga. Committed to promoting feelings of safety and enjoyment for her students, Marie believes that encouragement and positive reinforcement in the practice of yoga and mindfulness can positively impact the student, family, classroom, community and society as a whole.

Chair Yoga for Healthy Aging
Marieke received her 200 hour YTT at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in 2019. Marieke grew up with her mother teaching yoga for special needs out of her childhood home and saw the joy, wellness and sense of community yoga can offer. Marieke truly discovered the gift of yoga as a means of self-care and spirituality when she was in graduate school for social work at UNH. Since then, Marieke has worked in the field of mental health and substance abuse and is passionate about bringing mindfulness and yoga principles into her work as a licensed clinical therapist. Marieke believes that mindfulness and feeling connected to our bodies is the key to relieve suffering and increase joy. She is honored to participate in anyone's yoga journey.

Yoga and Cancer
Marissa is a RYT-500, earning her 200-hr certification in 2011 at the Integral Yoga Center of Highland Park, NJ, and her 500-hr certification at YogaLife Institute of NH in 2020. She is a Personal Trainer certified through American Council on Exercise (ACE), a Certified Senior Fitness Specialist (ACE), a Cancer Exercise Specialist (Cancer Exercise Training Institute) and is certified in Yoga and Mindfulness for Diverse Abilities through Childlight Yoga. She has also received training in Yoga and Cancer with Michelle Couture, Director of Yoga in Action's Yoga & Cancer program.
Marissa's approach to yoga and fitness is both functional and fun - always with a sense of humor - and she encourages participants to come to come just as they are, with love and patience, curiosity and courage. Marissa is the owner/manager of Empowered Movement LLC, a personal training and private yoga business.

Yoga and Cancer
Michelle is a yoga teacher with over 15 years of experience. She believes that yoga is a powerful healing modality that can bring positive change to people who practice. Her classes combine what she believes are the best elements of yoga; teaching with awareness of breath, alignment and self inquiry. She has a compassionate approach to teaching, seeing the individual needs of her students. She is known for her creative sequencing and thoughtful languaging with a focus on the whole person.
Feeling strongly that people navigating a cancer diagnosis would benefit greatly from a yoga class designed specifically for their needs, Michelle founded Yoga and Cancer. Initially a standalone class she offered free to participants, has now expanded into a program at Yoga in Action, a nonprofit providing trauma informed and therapeutic yoga to specific and underserved populations. Michelle served on the Board of Directors as Co-Chair Program Committee, Board President and currently leads the Yoga and Cancer program as Director. She also mentors teachers, conducts presentations in oncology settings and speaks to cancer support groups in a variety of settings on the benefits of yoga as a healing modality.

Michelle is the owner of Prasada Yoga in North Hampton, NH where she continues to share her passion for yoga combining her knowledge and experience so that participants can deepen their connection to self and find well being in their everyday life.

Community Yoga, Yoga for Recovery, Yoga and Cancer
Michelle James, RYT 200, RCYT, and Reiki 1 Practitioner has a degree and background in early childhood education. After 20+ years working with children and families in various settings, Michelle discovered the benefits and joys of sharing yoga with children. This marked the beginning of her yoga journey. She completed her 95hr children's yoga and mindfulness training with an intention to pass along the gifts that the practice offers to families of childhood cancer. Having experienced this with her own daughter, the realization of all that yoga has to offer families became so clear. A student at heart, always eager to continue her own education through experience and discoveries, Michelle completed her 200hrTT in January 2019 with Yoga Muse School of Yoga. Her classes invite you to explore the mind-body-breath connection through movement, breath awareness and yoga philosophy. Variations of postures are both offered and encouraged, with an intention of creating a practice that is accessible to all students, inviting both challenge and ahimsa (kindness) as you listen to what your body is telling you in each moment on your mat. Michelle believes that through the awareness and connection to yourself that is achieved in the practice of yoga, you open the opportunity for strength, balance, confidence, healing and inner peace; you are introduced again and again to your true self. Off the mat Michelle enjoys spending time in nature, kayaking, four-wheeling, fishing and hiking, crocheting and most of all laughing with her husband, three grown children and two precious grandchildren.

Just Breathe, Yoga for Recovery
Michelle’s yoga journey began as a child in military base housing alongside her mom during a yoga broadcast on PBS. Realizing her need to move, Michelle’s parents enrolled her in dance at a young age, sparking her love of movement. She studied dance for more than twenty years. Upon entering the corporate world, she needed something to burn off stress and remembered yoga. Several yoga videos later, she began to experience more balance and ease. Her practice led her to Ashtanga with Kimberly Dahlmann at Yoga East, where she deepened her personal understanding of yoga and began teaching. Michelle is a E-200, 500RYT, a Level Two Pranayama Instructor, and is a Reiki Level Two practitioner. Michelle is also trained in Yin Yoga and Stand-Up Paddle Board Yoga. In addition, she studies Pilates, Philosophy, Iyengar, and Meditation. These studies infuse her practice and teaching. Michelle is honored to volunteer on YiA’s DEI Committee and is excited to share practice with the communities YiA serves. Her classes are accessible to all. Michelle shares with tremendous respect for the ancient traditions of yoga and the cultures from which they came. Michelle resides in Maine with her husband, daughter, and three dogs. She loves her Hispanic and military upbringing, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.

FREE Yoga for Veterans
Nancy has been teaching yoga since 2005. After dabbling in yoga starting in the 1980s, she got more serious about a regular practice when she noticed that yoga brought the craziness down to a dull roar and helped to cultivate a sense of calm empowerment in her life. Yoga was a lifeline to deal with the stress of parenting three young children, running a household, and being a full time graduate student. It eliminated back-pain that had, for many years, prevented her from enjoying many aspects of her life.
Nancy endeavors to be mindful and compassionate whether she is teaching yoga, walking in the woods, spending time with family, or gardening. She is a 500 hour graduate of The Hard & The Soft Yoga Institute with Beryl Bender Birch and a certified Yoga Therapist with IAYT. She specializes in adapting yoga to fit the students, not the students to fit yoga.

Chair Yoga for Seniors, Yoga for Recovery
Sue came to yoga in her late 30s seeking low-impact physical exercise, but she soon found herself drawn to exploring the deeper aspects of the practice. She began teaching regularly shortly before completing her 200-hour yoga teacher certification (at YogaLife Institute of NH) in early 2015. The experience of yoga, as Sue imagines it, includes developing new perspectives, experimenting with the unfamiliar, opening up beneficial paths of communication, and cultivating light-heartedness as one moves through life. Sue has taught yoga at all levels to students ranging in age from adolescents to nonagenarians. Sue has a particular interest in making yoga accessible to those who come to yoga later in life. In her spare time, Sue enjoys cooking, reading The New Yorker; walking her dog with friends, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Catch these teachers subbing from time to time across all YiA offerings.

Yoga and Cancer
Becky is a licensed physical therapist with 25 years of experience in the rehabilitation and wellness industry. As an ACSM certified group exercise instructor and YA-certified 200 hour RYT, she teaches a variety of classes through the Seacoast. Every one of her classes is infused with her extensive knowledge of anatomy, injury care, and body awareness. She believes the spiritual side of yoga serves to enhance the physical aspect of wellness it brings. Always approachable and happy to answer questions, she aims to have everyone leave class knowing a little bit more about themselves.

Chair Yoga for Seniors
Denise RYT500 Yoga Teacher, Level 1 Certified Pranayama (Breath Control) Teacher, 500 Hours Additional Training, Good Human, Lover of Life began her journey in yoga with a deep connection between body, mind, and spirit. This connection inspires her to share this gift of yoga with others. Teaching from the heart and soul to inspire others to explore and expand their own body, mind and essence is her personal goal as a teacher. Denise wants to encourage a feeling of lightness and strength that comes from within her students. She is continually inspired by all styles of yoga and believes yoga is for everyone. When not practicing or teaching yoga you will find Denise working in her gardens, outside enjoying nature all times of year or hanging out with her mischief making Maine Coon Cats.

Yoga for Diverse Abilities
Gloria Sanford-Breton, OTR, E-RYT500, RCYT, (she/her) started practicing yoga during college. While working in a school she became interested in teaching yoga to children and trained with ChildLight Education Company. This led to a desire to dive deeper and expand her offerings to adults. In addition to her 500-hour yoga trainings, Gloria has specialized certifications and experience in the areas of Trauma-Informed Practices, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Accessible Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yoga for Hypermobility, and Sensory-Enhanced Yoga, as well as several adaptive mindfulness practices. Gloria worked with Rochelle Jewell to develop and teach the Trauma-Informed Yoga for Children and Teens and Yoga for Diverse Abilities trainings through ChildLight Education Company. In addition to sharing yoga, Gloria has been an occupational therapist for almost 40 years. She has worked in a variety of settings with adults and youth, supporting wellness, education, independence, and optimal quality of life. Gloria’s passion is in offering accessible, trauma-informed, and neurodivergent-affirming yoga practices to folks of all ages. Gloria is a lifelong learner who enjoys reading, spending time in nature, volunteering, fitness practices, and relaxing with her husband and two cats.

Jenn was first introduced to yoga in 2010 while attending a class to help ease her anxiety disorder. It did not take long for her to begin noticing some of the benefits: increased mobility & strength, less tension in the body and mind, and the start of a deeper exploration of the self. It was not until 2018 when she moved to Nashua, NH when her practice expanded, and curiosity heightened to learn more about the philosophy of yoga.
Since becoming a mother in 2023, Jenn has utilized the practice of yoga throughout her postpartum journey to help bring her back to the present moment. Jenn is passionate about sharing the mind-body connection to all bodies and ages. Her goal for class is for you to feel included, connected with the breath and practice safely, in the hopes that whatever arises during practice you may apply or explore further in your day-to-day life.
Jenn received her 200RYT certification in May of 2020, and has certification in Restorative Yoga Nidra, Reiki Level II and Pretzel Kids Yoga.

Heart Healthy Yoga
Lauren has been practicing yoga off and on since 2004, and teaching
yoga since 2016. Lauren is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, 95-hour Registered
Child Yoga Teacher, and has 30 hours of accessible yoga teacher training with Jivana
Heyman. Lauren first became interested in yoga when she was looking for an activity to
do outside of work. She enrolled in a small group beginner series and she quickly fell in
love. Yoga gave her a hobby, calmed her anxiety, and controlled her chronic pain- all
while bringing a deep focus to her life.
Throughout the years, Lauren’s interest has gravitated towards sharing yoga with
children, families, and adults who may not have thought yoga was an activity for them.
Sharing this gentle and accessible practice has become a gift.
Lauren is also a mother of two young children. She enjoys listening to podcasts,
reading, walking outdoors, cross-stitching, and stained glass art.

Heart Healthy Yoga
Through years of struggling with pelvic pain from Endometriosis, Leah found that many movement practices would only trigger pain and symptoms. After discovering yoga and connecting with it in a profound and safe way, she knew it was her calling to share it with others.
Leah was first introduced to the physical practice of yoga while living in Key West, FL in 2012. After moving back to the Boston area in 2013, her practice ramped up throughout the years leading up to her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Banyan Tree Yoga in Nashua NH in late 2019. Since then, she has become a RYT-500, E-RYT-200 and YACEP through Yoga Alliance. Leah is additionally a certified Pilates Instructor and has certifications in Yoga for Women’s Health and Trauma-Informed Yoga.
Leah loves teaching her students the value of yoga not only for a strong mind/body connection and deeper body awareness, but as a therapeutic modality to ease the symptoms and pain of pelvic health issues. She tries to bring all of yoga’s 8 Limbs into her trauma-informed style of teaching. Leah teaches weekly classes at Banyan Tree Yoga as well as surrounding venues in the Southern NH area.

Yoga for Youth, Community Yoga
Leigh is a Certified Yoga Therapist, Registered Yoga Teacher for Adult and Children, Certified Embodiment Coach, and has a Master's in Education. Leigh's mission is to make yoga accessible and doable for ALL. She deeply values inclusion, connection, and belonging for people of all ages, abilities, fitness levels, body types, races, ethnicities, faiths or secular orientations, gender identities, languages, and socioeconomic status. Connection, community, and compassion for others are at the very heart of Leigh’s work. She offers group and individual yoga therapy sessions to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Leigh teaches gentle, therapeutic yoga, chair yoga, and Yoga Nidra in order to make these practices truly accessible to everyone.
As a former classroom teacher, Leigh witnessed firsthand the need for children to feel safe and at ease before they could learn. Having found the teachings of yoga so profound in her own life, Leigh felt compelled to share these powerful skills. Leigh understands that learning basic self-care and having tools in your back pocket to apply in any situation are must-haves in today's busy and stressful world. Practical tools that help calm and regulate our nervous systems are essential to our well-being and must be taught. Leigh invites you to get out of your head and into your body and welcomes you to learn empowering life skills that promote awareness, compassion, ease, and resilience for yourself and one another!

Yoga for Diverse Abilities
Mindy Miller Muse YA-CEP, E-RYT500, Mindy has been practicing Yoga for approximately 25 years and teaching for about 20 years. She has a background in clinical social work (MSW) and a special appreciation for Hatha Yoga’s potential to strengthen the mind/body/heart connection. Mindy blends an appreciation for and an in depth knowledge of anatomy and an alignment based approach to asana with the importance of accessibility and inspiring each individual’s unique and innate wisdom through facilitating curiosity, creativity, and choice. She has more than 40 hours of specialized training in trauma-sensitive yoga with Dave Emerson of the Boston Trauma Institute. Mindy teaches Yoga full time with practitioners of all ages in a variety of settings including schools, libraries, community centers, assisted living programs and Yoga Studios. In her yoga classes and teacher training programs, Mindy aims to create a welcoming environment for each person to enhance their Mind/Body/Heart connection with an emphasis on accessibility, personal choice and creativity.

Community Yoga, Yoga for Recovery, Yoga for Diverse Abilities
Rochelle Jewell, E-RYT is the founder of Yoga in Action and a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. Long before she envisioned the creation of a yoga service organization, she recognized the importance of creating a safe and sacred space for students. She believes it is important for yoga teachers to recognize that students bring their history into the yoga room and to understand the many things that can trigger trauma responses. The idea of introducing trauma sensitive yoga classes in the seacoast came long before the creation of Yoga in Action. Rochelle is so pleased to have brought this goal to fruition and to be teaching one of Yoga in Action’s trauma-informed yoga classes.

Yoga and Cancer
Rose is a 200-E-RYT yoga teacher teaching alignment-based yoga. She is a fine artist, graphic designer, yogini and energy healer. After her cancer diagnosis she concentrated on the healing arts, Reiki, energy healing, yoga and a variety of self-healing practices. She develops self-healing programs for cancer patients and teaches “Yoga Hope” sessions based on her understanding of the body’s innate ability to heal using yoga, mindfulness skills and spirituality. She teaches yoga today, continues to work with cancer clients in both group and private settings at Roots to Wings Yoga Center in Newbury, MA. When she is not doing art, listening to music or teaching yoga, she is walking and has walked the 500 miles of the El Camino in Spain.

Yoga for Recovery, Yoga and Cancer
Shelly is an international Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master and creator of malas. She connected with yoga while living in Australia and found home on her mat. Inspired by her teacher Kimberly Dahlmann's ability to hold space for her students, she traveled to Maui to immerse in teacher training with Eddie Modestini and Nicki Doane. Her classes are a practice of self love inspired by Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and cosmic astrology. She believes in taking the qualities we strive for on the mat - things like honesty, integrity, and compassion - off the mat and into our world.
Shelly is passionate about sharing the tools that continuously help her land in presence, release negativity and realign with her true essence of love and joy. She whole-heartedly believes in the infinite healing abilities of Yoga, Reiki and Meditation. Join Shelly for practice on the mat, invite peace and ease into your world with a Reiki session and ask her about malas as a meditation tool. shellygrande.com

Yoga for Youth, Yoga for Diverse Abilities
Suzanne is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher, Reiki Level 1 & II practitioner, as well as an occupational therapist. Her passion for life, wellness, and yoga radiates as she guides you through mindful movement to help you connect within and find both ease and strength within yourself. She desires each student to feel supported, both physically and mentally, on and off their mats. Her background in anatomy, physiology, and occupational therapy assist her in making appropriate modifications and/or adaptations so all can enjoy the benefits of yoga!

Yoga & Cancer
Tarah began her yoga practice in high school as cross training for other sports. Yoga remained in her life, but at a moderate level. Once diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 it became her main source of healing, both physically and mentally. She currently practices daily and has a genuine love and appreciation for the practice. She naturally wanted to share her passion with the community, believing that yoga makes the world a better place one breath at a time. She completed 200YTT at Humble Warrior Power Yoga in 2023, the place where her deep dive into yoga really began and where she realized yoga goes far beyond the pants and poses. She loves restorative yin, intense power and everything in-between.

Yoga for Recovery
Terry Farish, RYT 200, is a graduate of the Yoga Life Institute of New Hampshire. She has a certificate in Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY) with the Trauma Center Yoga Program, a certificate in Yin Yoga with the Josh Summers School, and studied mindfulness with Juanita Blackwell of The 3 Doors. For Yoga in Action, Terry teaches at Infinity Peer Support, an organization that offersa peer-oriented approach to mental health wellness and recovery in Strafford County. She teaches collaboratively with Liz Bargardo, each teaching alternate months. She also teaches at Gateway Taiji and Yoga in Portsmouth.

In memory of Kathy, who blessed our Yoga in Action community and beyond with her gifts of love, compassion and generosity. Kathy’s desire to teach to the Yoga and Cancer community was sparked by her genuine calling to make a difference in the lives of others. We have so much gratitude for her kindness and beautiful way of teaching- a gift to her students and to everyone around her. Kathy’s spirit will forever be in our hearts.