Michele Abreu has a BFA in Dance and Theatre from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. She has danced professionally in the United States and abroad for eight years. During that time, her travels took her to Japan where she lived for one and a half years. At this time, she was first introduced to the Shinto religion where her spiritual journey began....Finding yoga continues to be a never ending mysterious, spiritual journey and has given her the desire to share all the self-healing powers yoga can bring. Michele is a recent graduate of the Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training Program. More ...

Caitlin Allen is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through the National Yoga Alliance. She graduated from the Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training program, holds a pre-natal certification and has studied Meridian Yoga with Daniel Orlansky. Working full time in a corporate marketing role, and a part-time runner, Caitlin discovered the practice of yoga not only provided incredible physical benefits, but presented a pathway to the balance of mind and spirit. In realizing just how powerful the effects of yoga were on her, she felt compelled to share her knowledge with others in hopes of helping people find a deeper part of themselves

Laurie Barron: I've been a fitness instructor for 21 years and owned Fit For All in Holbrook from 1988-1998. My passion for fitness and desire to help others reach their goals continued after I sadly had to close my gym. But, like the saying goes, "When one door closes, another one opens." My life has been blessed with many wonderful people who gave me the opportunity to do what I love - teach! In 2003, I became a certified yoga teacher through Finding Inner Peace, which led me to Open Doors. I've learned so much from the many different teachers here and I'm so happy to be working with them. I'm especially grateful to Cat, who has inspired me to look within myself and be fearless! I hope to share the joy that yoga has given me with my students.

Mary Beth Barnhart is a registered dental hygienist and holds a B.S. in health and physical education. She has worked in the physical fitness industry for 25 years as a certified personal trainer, certified group fitness instructor, and lifestyle and weight management consultant. Eight years ago, through Polestar Education, she received full training and certification in equipment Pilates. Mary Beth opened a Pilates reformer studio in a renowned Dallas, Texas tennis club, working with tennis and golf professionals. She has been practicing power yoga for four years, while training and studying a variety of yoga styles under many internationally acclaimed masters. She is currently finishing the Open Doors power yoga teacher training program. Mary Beth believes that many splendid things can be achieved by those who dare to believe that the spirit inside of them is superior to outside circumstances. The practice of yoga integrates the body, mind, spirit and soul, enabling us to become whole, passionate and fully capable of pursuing our dreams.

Janice Bosworth-Dunphy: An experienced fitness teacher including Pilates, movement, weight training, as well as, a graduate of the Open Doors Yoga Teacher Training Program. A true love for the study of yoga began and immediately drew Janice after a co-worker persuaded her to take a power yoga class here at Open Doors; ever since she has made yoga a way of life. Janice has a wonderful and supportive family whom supports her passion for yoga, fitness and health. Janice has a degree in Nutrition and Business management.

Stephanie Brown is originally from Texas, and graduated from Texas Tech University. She lived in California for many years before moving here with her husband in 1996. She has 13 years of dance experience. After many years of Corporate Real Estate work, she found that she needed to do something to take her to the place that her dancing used to. She decided through a good friend's advice to take up yoga in 1998. She was immediately struck by the feeling she had when she completed her daily practice. She focused on Power/Vinyasa yoga as it allowed her to feel the flow of what dancing had offered her years ago as well as an inner peace she had never experienced. She wanted to share her experience with others and decided to start teaching in 2000. Her training has included at 16 day Total Immersion Teacher Training Program offered at The White Lotus Foundation with Ganga White and Tracy Rich, the Teacher Training Program through the Open Doors Studio with is a registered Yoga Alliance program for 200 hours and most recently a 13 day Summer Immersion Teacher Training with Shiva Rea. Additionally, she has completed ongoing training workshops with other renowned teachers including Baron Baptiste, Barbara Benaugh, Seane Corn, Beryl Bender Birch & Ana Forrest. Aside from teaching yoga, Stephanie has owned and operated a pet sitting business in Hingham and Cohasset 10 years. Most recently she also began a jewelry making business by the name of Ananda Jewels.biz.

Jan Burkhardt is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through the National Yoga Alliance. A graduate of the Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training program. She is a Reiki II practitioner, a certified SPIN instructor, an avid runner and fitness enthusiast. Yoga found me several years ago and I look forward to a lifetime of practice. It is an honor to teach, support and guide students through their practice.

Sarah Burwick took up yoga when her usual fitness workouts where not helping her with all aspects of her health. Sarah's background consists of a bachelor's degree in exercise science, personal training, and group instructing. She has also competed in five fitness competitions. At the age of 22 she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and when anxiety and depression set in she sought out yoga for help. Five years and two brain surgeries later Sarah became a teacher to share her experience and knowledge with others. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Sarah has plenty to give and share in her classes. She states that every day is about finding where your edge is. She takes her students to their edge in a safe, comfortable, and loving environment. Her goal for her students is to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Sarah is also available for private instructions. She teaches primarily power yoga and meridian yoga.

Brooke Casanova is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through the National Yoga Alliance and graduated from the Open Doors Power Yoga teacher training program. Initially only interested in yoga for its physical practice, she has evolved to really embrace the mental benefits as well and hopes to help her students make that transition also.

Liz Collins has a background in teaching, both in the corporate environment and in early childhood development. She has has been experiencing the benefits of yoga for the past three years, and appreciates the importance of nurturing body, mind and soul. She considers the time spent practicing and teaching yoga as a gift, honoring both herself and her students. As well as teaching yoga, she is also a state certified lead pre-school teacher whose students practice yoga as part of their curriculum. Liz and her two children live in Hanover with their two dogs and enjoy practicing yoga together.

Shawn Cornelison CYT has been teaching at Open Doors for about three years. His goal in his class is to provide the space for each student to find their own unique path with yoga. He provides his students frequent adjustments and modifications to assist them in taking their practices to new levels. Shawn splits his time off the mat with his other career Sign language Interpreting. He will be interpreting for classes that will be open to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Shawn is available for private classes or for one on one adjustments during regularly scheduled classes.

Laura Dee: "Wherever you are today is exactly where you are supposed to be." These are the words that my first teacher said to me two years ago. To me, those words were magic. I had been searching for something that I could never quite put my finger on...but there it was. As simple as letting go and embracing the unknown. Yoga has given me more than a strong body and a calm mind. It has allowed me the strength to be free. That, in and of itself is the greatest gift I have been given. I hope to share that gift with my students. Having recently finished my 200 hr certification at Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training and I look forward to continuing my journey. Namaste

Shelly Dell is a Registered Yoga Teacher (R.Y.T.) through the National Yoga Alliance. She is a certified Power Yoga instructor. She holds certificates in Vinyasa Flow (Shiva Rea) and Yoga and Meditation for Mood Management (Amy Weintraub) as well as Meridian Yoga training (Daniel Orlansky). She continues to receive training from the Mind/Body Institute in Boston through Harvard Medical School. Co-founder of Yogapuncture: a therapeutically designed holistic program of yoga, breath, and acupuncture. She has practiced yoga for over 20 years. She is also a licensed psychotherapist.

Kate Devin has been actively practicing yoga for 3 years. With a BS degree and trained as a Recreational Therapist specializing in geriatrics, Kate found yoga to be an amazing stress release to her rigorous job demands as well as a great workout after the birth of her second child. Her passion for yoga led her to become an instructor so that she may share the benefits with others. Now a full-time mother of two, she discovered yoga was not only beneficial to her, but a wonderful activity to share with her children that provided them with a very special time together. Kate graduated from the Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training program and enjoys teaching both adults and children in the physical and mental rewards of yoga.

Dustin DiPerna: A yoga practitioner and meditation student for just over 8 years, Dustin began officially teaching yoga five years ago in Ithaca, NY while attending undergraduate school at Cornell University. Dustin has gone on to study and/or teach yoga coast to coast in both NYC and LA. He has also been fortunate enough to have had opportunities to both practice and instruct yoga around the globe in places including France, India, and the Caribbean. After a period of time as a Hindu Monk at an Advaita Vedanta Ashram in India, Dustin realized that being a monk 'in the world', rather than 'out of it', allowed him a much fuller expression and capacity to play with, in, and as, the Divine. He teaches yoga as a way to deepen one's understanding of the Self, to increase one's capacity to experience joy, and to help decrease the unneeded craving in each moment. More ...

Nicole Disher has been teaching Physical Education in the Brookline Public Schools for the past five years. She teaches at the Driscoll School which encompasses kindergarten through the eighth grade. In addition to teaching physical education, Nicole is the varsity gymnastics coach for the Brookline High School Girls Gymnastic Team. Nicole has always believed in teaching a wide variety of games and activities in order to reach each student and provide experiences so they may discover something about each other as well as themselves. Through both coaching and teaching she encourages her students and athletes to try new activities and skills and meet challenges with curiosity and a positive attitude. Yoga has been a part of Nicole's curriculum for the past two years. It was immediately evident that her students truly enjoyed the experience and challenges. Recently, Nicole became certified in the YogaEd curriculum in order to enhance her students' yoga experience. It is her hope through yoga her students can learn life long tools to help them take care of themselves physically and emotionally in order to live truthful and mindful lives.

Susan Fusco-Fazio - While teaching yoga to adults and children at both Open Doors Yoga Studios and Solomon Schechter School in Newton, Susan has also woven a yoga practice and perspective into her creative arts and healing work. Susan was educated at Open Doors in Power Yoga Instruction and Reiki Energy Healing. She is also certified in Children's Yoga from Finding Inner Peace. Susan is an artist and art educator at private elementary school and facilitates healing art experiences in hospitals and health care environments. She is also a painter and ceramic artist. Susan's philosophy both on and off the yoga mat involves "honoring the process and pace" of our own individual healing as we navigate through the many challenges of life. By taking back control of our own healing rather than waiting to be passively healed by others, we can choose through yoga practice and art to challenge ourselves both physically and emotionally and begin to feel the joy of personal empowerment, growth and self-acceptance.

Joanne Flaherty believes in the life changing effects a daily yoga practice can bring. She's been practicing yoga for five years and teaching for two years. Along with the Open Doors teachers, she has studied with Baron Baptiste and Rod Stryker. Joanne teaches in a loving and gentle manner while she leads her students through a vigorous vinyasa.

Susan Frazier has worked in physical fitness for over 12 years as a certified personal trainer and group exercise/spinning instructor. Connecting to the need for a more spiritual lifestyle and a gentler way to strengthen and create a more flexible body, she started to teach and practice hatha yoga. For 10 years she has taught hatha yoga and for the last 5 years she concentrated on power yoga. She is also on the faculty of the National Yoga Alliance, Power Yoga Certification Program through Open Doors. "I believe that we can all find our true self and our inner peace through yoga, one small step at a time".

Barbara Froio, CYT, is a graduate of an intensive 8 month national yoga alliance certification program through Open Doors. As a mother of two, she first became interested in yoga after the birth of her first child. Through Yoga, Barbara continues to grow and learn the importance of love, living truth and letting go. She uses her expansive knowledge by modifying or varying postures allowing beginners and advanced students alike to reap the full benefits of their practice. Barbara currently teaches Hatha, Power and Pre-Natal Yoga at Open Doors in both Weymouth and Braintree and teaches Vinyasa Flow Yoga for the town of Hingham at their Town Hall.

Gale Giacobbe has been practicing yoga for more than six years and has trained with Baron Baptiste and Shiva Rea. Yoga has transformed her life by increasing the flow of positive energy, allowing doors to open and possibilities to seem endless. Through her yoga practice, she has learned to trust her intuition, be less reactive, and simply let go and enjoy life more. And through yoga, and the recognition that our practice mirrors the way we live our lives, Gale wishes to guide her students toward genuine acceptance of self and surroundings; and to encourage them to shine in their own authentic beauty and strength.

Cindy Gibbons, is trained in Ashtanga, Dance, Power and Hatha teaching styles and has been part of the teacher training staff at Finding Inner Peace and Open Doors. At first she started yoga to keep flexible for performing in dance, what she didn't expect was the profound effect it had on her life. Yoga teaches us to breathe when our body forgets how, and to stay calm when we want to scream. Her passion for body movement, healthy body and restful mind lead her to teaching yoga for over 6 years. Take a chance, try some yoga, take yourself lightly and let yoga take you on that journey. Cindy-asana believes "Yoga is the secret to life".

Claudia Gillon. Yoga came into my life as another part of my love for being physical. As a competitive athlete I am always looking for new ways to challenge myself and push my edge. I have competed in many road races including seven marathons. My love for running evolved into a love for multi-sport racing. I have completed several triathlons, duathlons and adventure races including a full ironman, half ironman and a 24 hour adventure race. I hold a first degree black belt in karate and was involved in teaching martial arts to children. I have been personal training and teaching group fitness for six years. Practicing yoga at Open Doors and completing their teacher training program has taken everything I love on a whole new journey.

Katie Griffin has been practicing yoga for eight years and teaching for over three. She first came to yoga for its physical benefits after a series of back injuries and surgery left her unable to participate in most forms of traditional exercise. Soon, however, she embraced its spiritual philosophy and 5,000 year old history. She has since spent as much time reading and studying the eight limbs as she has practicing traditional asana. One of her great joys is to teach the new teachers at Open Doors, not just the physical movements and deepening adjustments, but the deep roots of the yogic tradition. Katie practices both Ashtanga Yoga, a strength-based rigorous form of Hatha yoga which follows a specific pattern of asana, and power vinyasa yoga. She has studied with Baron Baptiste, Rolf Gates, and other power yoga teachers, and has attended workshops with David Swenson, Rod Stryker, Rodney Yee and Todd Norian. She learned the basics of the Ashtanga tradition from Carmela Lacey of Eight Limbs Yoga Studio in Perth, Australia, and she continues her Ashtanga studies in the Boston area. Katie is available for one on one instruction at Open Doors in Weymouth, where she is currently teaching.

Jessica Gutstein: Yoga and I crossed paths when I was undergoing significant personal growth as a result of experiencing tremendous loss. Through yoga, I learned to slow down and breathe, listen to my body, and let my heart shine. Slowly, yoga began to heal and transform me, from the inside out. Yoga was the catalyst for positive change in my life, as I worked toward light, balance, and inner peace. It fostered a connection with my spirit. My body and heart opened, and I began to accept the person I had become through my life experiences. The pain of loss that resided deep within me shifted as I began to let go. I started to feel more compassion for myself as well as the world around me. Yoga is the means by which my healing takes place and I am committed to this path. I am grateful for this gift and blessed to be able to share it with others.

Victoria Haffer holds a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology with over 20 years+of experience in the Wellness industry. As an International Wellness Presenter, she has certified many Personal Trainers and Group Exercise Instructors internationally. She is also a Reiki Master, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Certified Yoga/Pilates Instructor. Victoria continues her Yoga studies with Shiva Rhea, Gary Kraftsow, Anodea Judith, Erich Shiffman, and Paul Grilley in topics such as Anatomy of Yoga, Yoga Therapy, and Chakra Therapy. Victoria currently focuses her energy on her business, "Love and Light Healing" where she combines her magical skills to facilitate transformation with her clients through balancing the mind, body and spirit connection. She is also available for workshops, consulting and private sessions. For more information e-mail spiritmindbody@comcast.net.

Ursula Gunther- de Bergevin, RN, BSN has been a practicing nurse since graduating from college in NYC back in 1996. She currently works in the Cardiac SICU at MGH in Boston and is also a student enrolled in the Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training program. She has a deep dedication to mind and body health. Ursula celebrates that she lost 80 pounds through Weight Watchers and has been a lifetime member for the past 4 years. ÒBy choosing a healthy lifestyle, you pay respect to the one body that you have been given while here on this earth. I thank my higher power everyday for allowing me to discover Yoga over 4 years ago; it was truly my missing link!" Yoga brings together three passions for her: a strong mind/body connection along with a meaningful spiritual commitment to yourself and others. More ...

Alyssa Hale: I've been acting, modeling and marketing in Boston for several years now. I was always really athletic in high school and college and loved taking and performing with Hip Hop dance troupes when I had the chance. In 2004 I herniated a disk in my lower back and couldn't walk for almost a month. At that point I had to seriously re-evaluate the way I approached my body and fitness regiment. I knew I wanted to burn fat, build muscle and walk away feeling like I had done something positive for my body. On a whim I googled "Boston Yoga" and my search led me to the Open Doors studios. I took my first class with Shawn and was not merely impressed but physically and emotionally moved by the experience I had. I knew, from that point on that this type of practice was something I wanted to be a part of. More ...

Susanne Hallisey RN BSN, RYT feels that yoga has been a beautiful gift in her life. Soon after her first power yoga class she discovered this ancient practice would help to stretch and strengthen not only her body, but her mind and spirit as well. She believes that yoga is the perfect form of exercise which connects mind, body and spirit. She also believes in the healing power of yoga and shares her enthusiasm and passion for yoga with students as she teaches. Susanne is a Registered Yoga Teacher having completed the Power Yoga Teacher Training program at Open Doors. She also is a Registered Nurse who works with special needs students.

Michelle Joyce has been practicing yoga for eight years, having studied a variety of yoga styles from many different teachers. Michelle loved yoga from the day she discovered it as it limbered her body, increased her breath, and calmed her mind. Her adoration grew to another level when she came upon the power yoga and is the reason she chose to receive her National Teachers Certification at Open Doors with a focus on the power vinyasa flow. Her 200-hour certification also encompassed philosophy of yoga, anatomy, assisting technique, energy work, gentle yoga, and introduced her to various other forms of yoga. Michelle now teaches Power and Hatha Yoga as well as Yoga4Kids throughout the south shore. As a teacher she leads her students in a dance with their breath until they are absolutely lost in the moment. A dedicated student herself, she enjoys every opportunity to share in others' experience with yoga!

According to Cat Kabira, "Yoga's saved my life." She began yoga and meditation at the age of eighteen to help her recover from an eating disorder. Since Cat started hatha yoga, she has also studied ashtanga, kripalu, kundalini, yin, Forrest, chakra, anusara, power, vinyasa, and iyengar yoga. She won a scholarship to 7Centers Yoga Arts in Sedona, AZ to earn her teaching certification. While she has studied with many masters, in Cat's opinion, her greatest teachers are each and every student she has ever had in her class and all of the challenges she's encountered off the mat. She currently studies under Ana Forrest and other Forrest teachers, Baron Baptiste and other Baptiste teachers, Barbara Benagh, and Richard Lanza. More ...

Anthe Kelley: Though it's been nearly a decade since Anthe first experienced yoga, her true passion for it intensified two years ago under the guidance of an inspired teacher which, in turn, inspired her own journey through the Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training Program. Having been a spiritual and philosophical seeker from an early age, Anthe feels at home with these aspects of yoga, and continually seeks a deeper understanding of the integration of mind, body and spirit through the practice of yoga. She strives to bring this awareness to her own practice and invites her students to do the same. She seeks and encourages compassionate surrender to all aspects of being and becoming.

Robin Killeen is a Registered Nurse, Registered Yoga Teacher, Licensed massage therapist and Asian Bodywork Therapist (AOBTA) (NCCAOM), Teacher of the "Meridian System" for Finding Inner Peace, and Open Doors yoga schools Teacher in training for the Acupressure Therapy Institute. Robin feels a true balance in teaching, and being a student of, both the "Hard" and "soft" styles of yoga. Being a long distance runner for many years she was drawn to the practice of power yoga and the physical benefits attained through continued practice. She believes that when the physical Body is in balance, the Mind will be calm, freeing the Spirit to lift to new heights!

Vicki Kwok has been practicing power yoga for about 3 years and has studied other forms of yoga. She was initially drawn to yoga by its spiritual aspects, especially with its root in eastern philosophy. She loves the benefits of lightness and grace, to let go of constraints, and to be more present. "When I am on the mat there's always a release and yoga always helps me to find the answers." It was a passion to teach and to connect to the community. It was the tipping point to enroll in the 200 hr teacher training program after listening to wise advice "change your job to teaching" from her 100 year old yogini grandmother. In addition to her passion for yoga, Vicki enjoys dabbling in various mediums in the visual arts.

Richard Lanza, RYT, CYT, has been exploring the different branches of yoga and forms of holistic health for over 35years. During that time his primary work was centered around psychic and spiritual healing. His background also includes training in Yoga, Eastern Philosophy, Hypnosis, Acupuncture, Massage, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Energy Healing, Essene Therapy and Therapeutic Touch. He is the originator and owner of OPEN DOORS HOLISTIC AMD METAPHYSICAL CENTERS and OPEN DOORS POWER YOGA STUDIOS, Director and Instructor of the OPEN DOORS YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM, Co-Director of the OPEN DOORS School of Energy Healing, Creator and Instructor of the Intuitive Mastery Program, producer of Hypno-Meditation CD's and creator of TranceFormation Workshops. He also has received training and certification from Tolly Burkan as a FireWalk Facilitator. He has taught yoga workshops nationally and internationally. His passion is Vinyasa style of yoga. As a yoga instructor his classes blend the intensity and focus of a Power Yoga practice with a playful attitude towards the challenge. As an instructor, his intent is to provide students with the opportunity to empower themselves, deepen their spiritual practice, explore their potential, and discover their unique truth.

Carolyn Little MA, RYT: I have been practicing yoga for 6 years and during this time I have moved and traveled extensively both nationally and internationally. No matter where I find myself in this world, when I come to my mat to practice yoga, I am home. Yoga is a grounding force in my life; a unification of mind, body and spirit. I hope to share this inner peace and strength that I have found through yoga with my students. In addition to teaching yoga, I hold a MA in Social Justice in Intercultural Relations. I have produced and worked on social justice documentary film projects focusing on women???s health and reproductive rights (Venezuela), and on the social, political and cultural impact of American mass media. Currently, I conduct cultural competence and diversity awareness trainings in various organizations in the Boston area. My goal is to be a catalyst for positive change by embodying a compassionate and holistic health approach to life.

Robert Madden - I have been practicing yoga for three years, and it has totally transformed my life both physically and mentally. I've been searching all my life fo some kind of balance and yoga has been the answer for me, and I believe I came to yoga for a reason. I have been practicing exclusively at the Open Doors Studios and have had the pleasure of attending the Open Doors Teacher Training Program. I hope through my teachings that I can inspire my students as much as I was inspired by the many fine instructors at Open Doors. It is an honor for me to be teaching here at Open Doors. Namaste.

Gail Martin, LMT, CYT, TBF is a graduate of the University of Lowell, MA, the Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, MA, Finding Inner Peace 200YT Yoga Teacher Training, and a Certified Transformational Breath Facilitator. Gail has practiced massage therapy since 1992 and facilitating breathwork since 1999. She is a former 1988 Ironman triathlete. Prior to her massage career, Gail worked as a fitness consultant and instructor. Gail is an avid runner since 1984 and has completed over fifty marathons. Gail is a wellness educator and created a t-shirt line, gmbodyaware to promote the importance of body awareness. She has trained in martial arts and pursues yoga as a lifetime practice. Spring of 2007 will mark the release of her first novel, Not Just 4 Show.

Dee Marshall is a registered yoga teacher, meditation facilitator and hypno-therapist. "I tried yoga in my early 30's and breezed through labor during pregnancy but it wasn't until I turned 50 that I began my practice in earnest and began reaping the rewards of a calm mind in a strong, flexible body." As a dental hygienist Dee facilitates stress reduction workshops for dental personnel and utilizes her holistic approach to soothe anxious patients. Dee produced her guided meditation CD "Knowing" in 1997.

Jacqui McDonald. I initially introduced yoga into my life for the sake of achieving stress relief from an exhausting job as a Social Worker in child protective services. While I am so grateful for my time as a social worker, yoga entered my life at a pivotal time when I was severely overweight and had ulcers. By practicing yoga daily I changed my internal systems and my external being. Yoga has helped me to manage my stress and make better, healthier decisions. Yoga has provided me with a much stronger faith and helped me achieve a stronger peace within myself and within this world. I have worked and trained for many years with some of the most unbelievable teachers: the Open Doors teachers who have taught me more than I could have imagined. I am forever grateful to them. I thank Jene' Rossi endlessly. I spent four years of a Hatha/Ashtanga practice under Sagarika Ghose, who I remain grateful to also. I have additional training through workshops with Sharon Gannon (Jivamukti,) Beryl Bender Birch, David Williams, Rolf Gates and Ana Forrest. I am awestruck by my teachers all the time. I thank my mother and my family for constant inspiration and for hours and hours of laughter!! I feel so grateful for the hours of additional education I recieve from my students daily. I thank all the teachers who work at Open Doors and Prana Power Yoga in Newton, MA for surrounding me with such love, they're truly gifted people. I have a background in VeeArnis jujitsu and I am a level 2 Reiki practitioner. It is my honor to support and guide people in their yoga practice. Welcome to a life journey. Namaste.

Sandi McNiff is a Registered Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, Herbalist, Crystal Therapist, Ear Candler and Vibroacoustic Sound Therapist. She has been practicing Yoga for over 8 years and is a graduate of the Finding Inner Peace Yoga School. A very short time after she started practicing yoga, Sandi noticed the difference in her life. There was positive change physically, as well as how she handled and viewed life. Her journey has been very deep, emotional and healing. Sandi enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge with her students and clients.

Rita Metri: "I have been practicing power yoga for 6 years and I love it. I needed to indulge more in it, so I decided to get my teacher training certificate through open doors. In the beginning, it was never my intention to teach and in a short while, I found myself loving the teaching aspect of it. So let me share this beautiful practice with you. "

Jennifer Miller: My yoga journey began five years ago after moving from the New York metro area to Boston with husband and two small children. Highly stressed, lonely, and missing my friends and family, I stepped into my first hatha yoga class and never looked back. My love for yoga and my practice grew each day. Last year I discovered Open Doors and power yoga which led me to enrolling in the Open Doors Teacher Training program. As a teacher I will guide my students on their own journey through a fun, safe and lively vinyasa. I Graduated from Boston College with a degree in English and Speech Communications and worked for 18 years in the fashion industry in NYC. (I was NEVER a Yankees fan.....really!) I love hiking, swimming, cooking, and dogs........and YOGA!

Ethel Muhammad, MA, RYT, has been practicing Ashtanga, Hatha, and Iyengar yoga for thirteen years. Her personal practice is supported by in-depth studies with Sarah Powers, and Vipassana Meditation study as taught by S.N. Goenka. Ethel's most recent concentration has been the integration of meditation with Yin Yoga postures. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology at Chicago State University, trained at the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago's North side, and was certified as a Hatha yoga teacher through Finding Inner Peace Yoga School. Ethel teaches Hatha and Yin yoga at Open Doors Power Yoga Studios. Her Hatha yoga literary contributions include Curriculum Development and Course Advisor at Finding Inner Peace Yoga School in the Beginners and Advanced teacher training programs. Visit Ethel on the web at Yoga4any1.com

Matt Mullen has been a Massage Therapist for over 15 years, having studied with Vladimir Shulman of the Boston Celtics, Mark Morano, Ted Loyeen and other innovators in the field of Bodywork. "One of my specialties is using hot stones to penetrate the deeper layers of the muscles, providing long lasting relief. I have studied Hypnothereapy, Nuerolinguistic Therapy, Lucid Dreaming and many other fasinating modalities of healing. I am a Vegan in search of tasty non-animal vittles. i love Yoga and I've entrolled in the Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training. When my clients come in for a Massage or takes my yoga class, I want them to feel nurtured and secure. I believe we live in exciting times and that there is a real possibility for higher human evolution. I am honored to be on the staff at Open Doors.

Mandy Nauman has been practicing yoga for 5 years with a focus in Power Yoga. Living an out of balance lifestyle she found yoga was the only thing able to slow her down and breathe. Yoga created space in her mind, time for herself, focus, energy, and a great physical release. Yoga was the only place she felt she could just be and quiet her mind without any outside distractions. Learning the positives yoga has provided her she yearned to pass it onto others by becoming an instructor as well as a student.

Lauren Olsen has been exposed to the practice of yoga for the past 12 years. Her foundation training in yoga was done with FRA in 2006 and then did further training at Inner Strength of Watertown before teaching there for the past year. The practice of yoga has empowered Lauren to be grounded and begin to truly root into the powerful women she has become. There was a pivotal moment in her life while on the mat Lauren was challenged with a pose that previously brought her to her knees but this one time she felt like she could fly. She spread her wings and the winds of yoga caught her and she soared into bliss. This experience brought her to tears. For the first time, she saw her power within. From there she knew yoga was her calling. If yoga could do that for her, she had to teach others how to tap this potential life changing power.

Daniel Orlansky, M.A., a yoga teacher for 13 years, is certified in Meridian Yoga, Kali Ray TriYoga and Kundalini Yoga. He holds a masters degree in Expressive Art Therapy/Dance Therapy from Lesley University and has been a visiting lecturer in movement studies at Tufts University. He has taught in many locations including the Kripalu Center, the Omega Institute, Finding Inner Peace Yoga Center, Mass College of Art, Interface, the Dance Complex, YogaSpirit Studios, the Waltham Athletic Club, Charles River School of Shiatsu, and the Kali Ray TriYoga Center. He is currently on the staff of several yoga teachers training programs in the Boston area, and teaches regularly in Germany and Austria. Visit Daniel On the web at www.meridianyoga.com.

Deidre Ostrowski: I've always been athletic; playing lacrosse & soccer through high school as well as running many 1/2 marathons, marathons, and team relays. All of this was to compete, compare and perform. My body began to breakdown and I was plagued with one injury after another from running too many miles and trying too hard. Ironically these injuries brought me to yoga. I have learned so much since walking in to my first yoga class 7 years ago. I came in to yoga to heal my body & I stayed for very different reasons. Over time and through my commitment to my practice I started to notice changes in myself and the only explanation was my committed practice. Emotionally, I started to notice how things were bubbling up during practice and releasing from my body & mind leaving me feeling lighter and happier every time I practiced. Practicing brings a sense of peace & calm in to my life no matter what is going on in my day, week or month. I am so grateful everyday for my practice. This amazing personal transformation (mental, physical, and spiritual) prompted me to pursue and complete a 200-hour certification so that I can share all the gifts I've received through yoga with my students. I look forward to meeting you. Namaste!

Leslie Payne has been practicing Power and Hatha Yoga for three years. Leslie earned her Associates of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She currently works with children and adults helping them improve their lives using a sensory integration and medical model. She found Yoga at Open Doors 3 years ago. Incorporating yoga into her life has been beneficial physically and emotionally and spiritually. Leslie uses a combination of breath work, meditation and yoga postures to achieve the many benefits of practicing yoga. Her classes focus on the improvement of strength and flexibility through movement and breath.

Paula has an extensive dance background and has been choreographing for many years. Her love of movement and curiosty of Yoga is what intigued her about Yoga. "I'll never forget May 18, 2001 my life was forever changed! There was an instant shift in my body from the moment I walked into my first true yoga class that was both exciting and positive." Paula has completed Level 1 and Level 2 Teacher trainings and was an assistant for 3 years with Baron Baptiste. "I had not planned on pursuing teaching the Baptiste flow at the beginning but then I realized I was using that as excuse to cover my fear. As a dancer you can perform and become someone else in Yoga you have to be real because anyone else other than you doesn't work. More ...

Lyn Pompeo - Yoga started for me eight years ago. It was a few years later that I discovered Vinyasa/Power yoga and that has been my practice ever since. I love the physical challenge, but it is the mental game that gets me more. Yoga helps me flow with the universe, it shows me the grace that is the universe and makes me feel I am exactly where I am supposed to be. It's that yoga bliss that makes me always wanting to come back for more, not quite knowing why. I was thrilled to find the Open Doors studio just a couple of years ago and have been practicing there ever since. I am a recent graduate of the Open Doors Teacher Training Program.

Lisa Portolese is a recent graduate of the 200 hour Open Doors Teacher Training program. She practiced Hatha Yoga for years before attending a Vinyasa Yoga class at her local gym and was hooked instantly. She enrolled immediately in the Open Doors Teacher Training program. At first she enrolled in the program to deepen her own practice but found so much joy sharing with others her love for the practice, she decided she wanted to teach. More ...

Renee Ramsauer began practicing yoga at Open Doors in 2003 as a compliment to her lifelong passions as a dancer and a visual artist. In 2005 she received a BA in Visual Arts from Pine Manor College and graduated from the Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training program in the beginning of 2008. Renee fell in love with yoga after taking her first class with Richard Lanza, where she felt overwhelmed by the healing power and spiritual wisdom of yoga, as well as the physical benefits. She decided to embrace yoga as a lifestyle and bring it into her daily life and her careers as a dancer and artist. Renee hopes to share this passion and light with everyone she meets. She wants to help people reach their full creative potential and awareness and help people see the beauty within themselves and all around them. More ...

Sue Richardson BS,CYT, first practiced yoga as a compliment to her running practice but soon discovered the added benefits of inner peace, balance, healing, and joy. This discovery lead her to Finding Inner Peace Yoga School where she deepened her own practice and became certified as yoga teacher. She believes in the positive changes a yoga practice can bring to our lives. Sue has two boys, Brendan and Connor, and is expecting another baby in the fall. She currently teaches prenatal, childrens, hatha, and vinyasa flow styles of yoga.

Amanda Richter: Yoga came into my life at a time when I was completely lost. I had grown up with a difficult childhood, where I carried the weight of the world on my shoulders. I internalized the emotional pain I felt and took on the role of being the perfect everything. This led to me participating in competitive sports, such as rowing and running which left my body strong, but my heart empty. By my early 20's, I was deeply depressed. Yoga found me after completing a marathon in 2004. Yoga broke away all the painful layers I was carrying and built me back up again by allowing me to connect to my inner self. All it took was showing up to my mat as often as I could and being present with my breath and body while I was there. Yoga brought a wealth of positive energy into my life, and slowly all the negativity disappeared. I went from being insecure, unhappy with very few friends, to someone who is confident, joyful and surrounded by positive people. Yoga helped me to see that I didn't want to live a life of fear, and I credit my practice with recently helping me to leave my high traveling goal orientated job of 5 years. More ...

Jené Rossi has been teaching power yoga classes and workshops for several years in the Boston area. Her training includes studying with many world renowned yoga masters as well as being a Reikii II practitioner. Her style of teaching is playful and challenging and her class setting is safe and sacred. She encourages you to go to the edge and beyond, to take the journey within. Her own personal journey on the path of yoga led her to heal herself physically, emotionally and spiritually and her wish is to share this with everyone. She is also on staff at the Open Doors teacher training program.

Heather Ruiz began her yoga journey a few years ago after taking a class at a Bikram studio and continuing to practice at The Garden of Yoga where she was positively influenced by the staff. She was experiencing physical and emotional pains that faded noticeably as soon as she decided to make a commitment to her mat. Noting how her life had changed, Heather decided to surround herself with happiness, friends, and peace - to immerse herself in yoga. Heather is RYT certified instructor with the Yoga Alliance, a Usui Reiki Master/Teacher, and a Level I Shamballa Reiki Practitioner. Heather believes that Yoga and Reiki work together as one and her classes reflect that belief, enhancing her students overall practice. More ...

Lucia Saavedra CYT, RW: Originally from Argentina, I arrived in the States in 2001. As a kid I loved to dance and to express emotions and feelings physically. I began to meditate at a very early age bringing a new sense of balance and calmness to my life. Four years ago, I was introduced to Yoga by an Indian trainer and teacher. Although dancing allowed my body to express itself in a beautiful way, I found that Yoga allowed me to connect my body and those feelings and emotions with a deeper sense of awareness, creating union, oneness... I found this to be tremendously beneficial to my relationship with the self, but also the relationship with those around me. I am very grateful for what this practice has brought to my life. I am also thankful to have found Open Doors and its amazing teachers; as I didn?t just find friends that will last a lifetime; I found a place where I can come home and surrender to my mat whether by learning attending a class or teaching one. What Yoga has given me, is the realization that what I look for is nothing more than the seeking itself. I discovered a deep desire within me to continue to witness this endless search for deeper understanding, and having fun while watching it all unfold effortlessly. I would like to share a space in my class, free of judgment, where we can all awaken to our interconnection; a space where we can relax into the feeling that it is all perfect and happening exactly as it should?. Lucia is an Open Doors PYTT graduate.

Deb Silk, MS, PT, RYT is a Physical Therapist, Registered Yoga Teacher, and Reiki Master. She received her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University and trained through the Finding Inner Peace Yoga Teacher Training Program. By bringing a balance and a connection to the mind, body, and spirit, Deb believes that Yoga is a wonderful healing modality. She enjoys practicing and teaching a variety of Yoga styles, including Hatha, Yin, and Power Flow. Deb has been working as a Physical Therapist for children with special needs for 8 years and has been teaching yoga to children with special needs for nearly 3 years, incorporating yoga techniques into her physical therapy sessions. Deb believes that "Yoga is a way of connecting to our true self...it doesn't limit us to what we can or cannot do. It is available to everyone...the benefits that yoga can provide are for us all."

Kim Spears has been practicing yoga for over 5 years focusing on the Vinyasa style. From the instant she first stepped onto her sticky mat, she felt the power of this practice. For Kim, yoga offers the opportunity to stay physically fit but more importantly it offers the opportunity to really see one's truth. Emotions that tend to be ignored or stored away daily are instantly brought to light and released on her mat. Her yoga practice has helped her to listen to the voice of her heart. She became a teacher to offer these opportunities to other students.

Maureen Spencer, M.Ed., R.N., is the Founder of the Finding Inner Peace Yoga School which opened in 1997. She received her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from Northeastern University, Boston, Ma. and a Masters of Education in Health Promotion from Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, Ma. Maureen received her first yoga teacher certification from the Ashram in Belmont, Ma. in 1978. Maureen continued her yoga studies as a yoga therapist with Integrative Yoga Therapy and completed the advanced teacher training. Other programs she has attended included intensives with the American Yoga College, International Yoga Studies and Yoga Journal Conference Teacher Intensives. She received further training in Yogakids Phase I Facilitator, Color Me Yoga Childrens Teacher Certification, Meridian Hatha Yoga Certification and Prenatal Yoga Teacher Certification.

Joy Tarr is a gifted yoga and meditation instructor. It is her hope to bring peace and healing by sharing her gift with her students. Joy holds certificates in power yoga through Open Doors and Meridian Yoga through the Meridian Yoga Institute. Joy recognizes the healing benefits that yoga has on the body, mind and spirit and she integrates this into her life and her work. Her passion is adapting yoga into a therapeutic modality. She developed and pioneered a yoga program at Spaulding Rehabilitative Hospital in Boston for brain injured clients. Joy also launched one of the South Shore's premiere prenatal yoga workshops. The mother of two and a native of the South Shore, Joy teaches Hatha, Power, Prenatal and kid's yoga classes.

Through Kim Taylor's experience as a teacher and mothers helper, she brings a creative and unique style of teaching children's yoga that kids enjoy from the first class on. During Kim's class, children exercise and express themselves in a natural, playful way. Self esteem grows and creative spirits soar. Kim is a certified children's yoga instructor. She is available for downward dog birthday parties.

Pete Thorbahn: I started my Yoga journey at the Open Doors studio in Weymouth. I have also been studying Asthanga Yoga under Beryl Bender Birch and practicing both Power Yoga and Asthanga throughout the Boston area. Yoga has become a way of life for me, and I am glad I have an opportunity to help others along their own personal Yoga journey. I look forward to meeting you.

Bo Walter: Yoga has been in my life off and on for about 10 years. It has really made an impact in my life the last five years. The balance of mind, body and spiritual connection has helped me to be resilient and strong during periods of family illness and life transitions. The importance of the breath is such a life-giving source. It has carried me through moments of distress and frustrations, allowing me to open up and see the answer from within.

Open Doors Power Yoga Studio could not have shown up into my life at a better time. The odd coincidence of an Open Doors Yoga Studio opening up 2 blocks from my home gave me insight to pursue the Yoga Teacher Training Certification program. It's been a life changing experience and I am forever grateful for such a path to be presented to me.More ...

Mary Whidden has been working in the health and fitness field for over 25 years. She has a B.S. in Physical Education. Her experience over the years includes work as a Physical Education Teacher at the Needham YMCA, Assistant Director of Physical Education and Aerobic Director at the Jewish Community Center in Newton for 11 years, and Director of Recreation for the Town of Pembroke. She has taught fitness/movement classes for pre-school through seniors. Mary is on the staff of Fitness Resource Associates, and has taught the Aerobic Instructor Training Course , Personal Trainer Certification Course, and currently is Co- Director of the Yoga Teacher Training Program. She is co- owner of Whidden's School of Fitness, Inc., in Marshfield, where she teaches Kripalu and power yoga and children's classes. More ...

Elizabeth Whirlabout attended her first yoga class in 1973 while a freshman at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. She returned to yoga in 2001 when a friend introduced her to Baron Baptist's Hot Power Yoga. It was love at first sweat! Relocated from the Boston area to the South Shore, she met Deb Santoro teaching at a studio in Plymouth. Deb (thank you!) told her about Open Doors. She will graduate from the Open Doors Yoga Teacher Training in January 2008. More ...

Anne Winter has a Bachelor of Arts in Dance & Physiology from Connecticut college, a Masters in Education, from Suffolk University, is AFFA certified, and SCW certified. Her whole life has revolved around fitness. She danced professionally with Boston Ballet for three years, as a featured dancer. She also studied in New York with the American Ballet theatre, Melissa Hayden and Jacques D'Ambroise. She danced on Broadway and traveled the U.S. with several national touring companies. She had the privilege of working with Bob Fosse, Gwen Vernon, and Chita Rivera to name a few. During her travels she found yoga. It blended the discipline of ballet, with a workout for the mind. Yoga is not about right or wrong, it's about appropriateness. It's about listening inwardly and acting on those feelings. Yoga leaves you emotionally cleansed, and physically balanced. It's so clear how the mind and breath are intertwined during practice. Yoga is a synthesis of mind, body, and breath. She has studied with Baran Baptiste, Ana Forest, and at different studios across the United States. She has taught on the South Shore for over 15 years and has been retained by the Yarmouth Skating Club as their personal yoga and ballet coach. She is thrilled to have found Open Doors, and is looking forward to sharing her practice with you.

Denise Xuan has been practicing yoga for 3 years focusing on power yoga. Immediately drawn to the physical aspects, she later learned it was not only beneficial to the body but also to the mind and spirit. As a way to deepen her practice and knowledge of yoga, Denise enrolled in the Open Doors Power Yoga Teacher Training Program and most recently graduated from the Baron Baptiste Power Yoga Institute Assistant Training Program. This practice has made Denise stronger and healthier and has also given her a sense of calmness that has helped her manage the stresses of everyday life. Practicing and teaching yoga is both challenging and rewarding and Denise hopes to share her growth and experiences with others so they too may learn to achieve the same inner calmness and strength.