Instructors

One of my favorite childhood memories is falling asleep in the Adirondacks listening to the rain on the roof of the cabin and thunder rolling over the lakes and off the mountains. 

I love teaching yoga because sharing yoga is like watching someone discover something incredible for the first time. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is to see the beauty in impermanence. My practice is always evolving, ever changing and growing. It supports, engages, challenges, heals. My yoga practice gives me a deeper expression of myself. I love that there is no endpoint--there’s so much possibility!

Three words that describe my teaching style: clear, fun, adventurous

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me looking for my next adventure--near or far. I love to get out to the local parks with my pup, check out a new cocktail around town, or go explore a new city or country.

Three people who inspire me are my twin sister, Melinda Gates, Nelson Mandela 

One of my favorite quotes is: “Yoga allows you to find a new kind of freedom that you may not have known even existed.” B.K.S. Iyengar

One of my favorite childhood memories is family trips to any body of water. Something calms me when putting my feet in the sand, rocks, or even mud met by water, even now in adulthood.
 
I love teaching yoga because I love the process of sharing. I have gained so much from the practice that I am honored to share the practice of yoga with my community.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is to start by starting. Even when unsure if I am headed in the right direction, it is okay to simply begin!
 
Three words that describe my teaching style: Calming. Challenging. Warm-hearted.

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me practicing savasana, reading, or cuddling with my kids Malakai and Luka.

Three people who inspire me are Maya Angelou, Elizabeth Streb, and Brené Brown

One of my favorite quotes is: "Practice love until you remember that you are love" —Swami Sai Premananda

One of my favorite childhood memories is Summer days and nights spent at my Nana and Bompa’s house. Complete with lots of family, food, swimming, croquet and picking blueberries. 

I love teaching yoga because Of the yoga glow! That change that occurs over the course of the class - in the students, the space, and me. It is inspiring and empowering. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is That it is a practice. There is no such thing as perfect. We continually shift and change, ebb and flow, and the faster we get behind that idea the better our practice will feel. 

Three words that describe my teaching style: Gratitude meets music meets heart and soul (That might be four but who is counting?!) 

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me Having fun adventures with my family – my wonderful and supportive husband Jake, my sweet little monsters Piper and Campbell and our loud, snortle-pig French bull dog Turkey. 

Three people who inspire me are Every single one of my family and friends. In so many different ways. 

One of my favorite quotes is: “The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you are made of, not the circumstances.”

One of my favorite childhood memories is climbing into the "deep dark woods" with my sister Abby at our grandparents house. In reality, there were a few trees, no bears, and we could see my grandparents sitting on their porch the whole time. 

I love teaching yoga because I love to watch people validate their own capabilities and talents regardless of what their yoga looks like and whether or not they can touch their toes. I love exploring the deconstruction of what it means to be good enough.

a lesson I learned from one of my teachers Baron Baptiste. The way that something "seems" and the way that something "is" are not necessarily the same. Our perception of people and situations is so powerful and can shape a reality that is not always real. 

Three words that describe my teaching style: Inclusive. Articulate. Empowering 

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me probably at breathe anyway! This is my job, my home away from home, my grocery store, my hangout place with my friends and family. My job is very social and I love that I am around people all day every day. When I leave breathe I spend a lot of time in my parents kitchen. Even though I work with my mom and sister being at home is where I get to really spend time with them. 

Three people who inspire me are I'm an inspire junkie. I look for it everywhere and I almost always find it. I am inspired by anyone when I see them in their element: watching anyone do what they were put on this planet to do is inspiring. I am inspired by someone in a spontaneous moment of kindness or act of consideration shown toward someone else. I am inspired by the type of person who believes they can change the world for the better and are actively doing it. 

One of my favorite quotes is: “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” —Rumi

One of my favorite childhood memories is summer vacations on Lake Champlain, exploring the shores, streams and woods - the freedom to just be, with no schedule, experiencing deep peace and connectedness with the natural world.

I love teaching yoga because I love teaching yoga because, knowing the powerful feeling that my practice brings me, leading classes that could facilitate and inspire others to explore and experience their own greatness is a huge honor!

a lesson I learned from my yoga practice is that when you are truly open to possibilities, amazing things happen!

Three words that describe my teaching style: positive, accessible, and energetic.

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me teaching Musicianship at the University of Rochester, performing or enjoying live music, exploring art and nature with my family in and around Rochester (and beyond) …

Three people who inspire me are my amazing wife Elizabeth and our two incredible daughters Ilana and Jordan. They are my continual source of inspiration, support, and love!

One of my favorite quotes is: : 
“We’re vibrating with love and light,
Pulsating with love and light,
In a world gone mad 
There must be something more than this!”
~Trey Anastasio

One of my favorite childhood memories is Disney World every year with my family. There is no place in the world that allows you to be more present and in the moment than when you’re on top of Splash Mountain with Briar Rabbit.

I love teaching yoga because It’s amazing to see students go through a personal change by working through their own mental resistance; this change can unfold in each individual pose as well as an overall change. Teaching yoga also allows me to give back to students what other yoga teachers have given me; access to an amazing life-changing tool, yoga!

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is Being uncomfortable and challenging yourself is the only way to truly grow; it’s the only way to unlock your true potential.

Three words that describe my teaching style:Challenging, Powerful, Focused.

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me Practicing Yoga! An athlete at heart, yoga has become a consistent part of my daily routine. The physical practice has allowed me to challenge myself in ways that I haven’t been able to due to an injury but, more importantly, it challenges me mentally in ways I never thought possible. 

Three people who inspire me are My Father, my Mother and my Sister. No three people on this earth are more driven than they are. 

One of my favorite quotes is: “The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It’s your mind you have to convince.” –Vince Lombardi

One of my favorite childhood memories is going to The Lake with my grandparents. My birthday is on July 5th. On the Fourth of July when everyone around the lake celebrated with the Ring of Fire, my grandparents always told me that all the flares and fireworks were for my birthday. I believed them!

I love teaching yoga for the same reason I love practicing yoga. It requires me to stay present and not get caught up in my head. When I finish teaching a class I have a similar feeling to when I finish a practice - I feel grounded and peaceful. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is yoga really is the quality of mind behind anything and everything you do.

Three words that describe my teaching style: simple. evolving. necessary.

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me cooking, baking, traveling and hanging out with my family

Three people who inspire me are my mom for her unwavering positive attitude. my grandfather for his entrepreneurship and life perspective. my daughters who have unlimited potential.

One of my favorite quotes is: “If not now, when?”

One of my favorite childhood memories is Our yearly family trips to the Adirondacks to go camping.

I love teaching yoga because It gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge of yoga. For me, yoga has changed my life in how I look at and respond to things. Teaching allows me to open up these possibilities to others.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is To be grateful, kind to myself and others, and present in my life.

Three words that describe my teaching style: Calm, confident, empowering

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me Spending time with my family, hiking, and practicing yoga

Three people who inspire me are My mother, my daughters, Cyndi Weis

One of my favorite quotes is:“You gain strength, courage, & confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do”
~Eleanor Roosevelt

One of my favorite childhood memories is having hot cocoa with my sister after making snow forts, snow angels, and snowmen during Minnesota winters.

I love teaching yoga because I believe in the healing power of yoga (mentally, emotionally, and physically) and because there is always something new to learn about the practice or myself.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is I always have the option to choose love over fear.

Three words that describe my teaching style:Enthusiastic. Supportive. Caring

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me playing my cello, practicing yoga, or posting cat photos on Instagram.

Three people who inspire me are my former cello teachers, my yoga instructors, my family, and my friends. I feel very grateful to have so many inspiration sources!

One of my favorite quotes is: “Begin anywhere.” —John Cage

One of my favorite childhood memories is Christmas mornings!

I love teaching yoga because I love seeing people grow and discover new things and experiences in their own bodies like I have in mine. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is slow down and listen to my body!

Three words that describe my teaching style:Consistent. Genuine. Encouraging. 

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me with my kids, at home, or running. 

Three people who inspire me are my mom, my friend Monique, my daughter .

One of my favorite quotes is: "If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always gotten"

One of my favorite childhood memories is riding my bike with my best friend, Max, along country roads in summertimes that seemed to never end

I love teaching yoga because yoga makes such a difference in people's lives. I simply just remind people to pay attention to themselves, and the rest beautifully unfolds on its own.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is there is no greater gift you can give yourselves and others, than to be fully present in each moment with them.

Three words that describe my teaching style: Diverse. Mindful. Heartfelt

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me helping my daughter play the piano, playing trains with my son, and dancing around the kitchen with my youngest!

Three people who inspire me are Amiya, Naveed, and Ayan, my children!!! They make me want to be a better person to everyone and everything in this world, each and every single day, and they inspire me to soak up the beauty of life's simplest things.

One of my favorite quotes is: “You must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught to fly." —Patrick Overton

One of my favorite childhood memories is Family vacations to Boston where dill pickles were always part of the road trip snacks; Going for car rides for something to do; my Dad pretending he couldn’t remember whether our new sibling was a boy or a girl (‘I know your Mom had a baby, I just can’t remember what it was….’); Riding my bike under the street lights waiting for our simple July 4th celebration of cooking out with a charcoal fire and sparklers after.

I love teaching yoga because I believe in it. I have said that people leaving church should feel the way I feel leaving yoga: connected, inspired, peaceful, and motivated to share the experience. It is a privilege that I get to throw a little of that around.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is So many! Stand in True North. Come into alignment. Expand out. Focus. Pause. Listen. Breathe…

Three words that describe my teaching style: Seeking. Symbolic. Spiritual. 

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me at my day job working as a nurse, at the Rochester Vegan Community Center learning to cultivate compassion in my every day choices, at the Little Theater for the best movies, and aimlessly wandering thrift stores… 

Three people who inspire me are: Christ, Buddha, Krishna, in no particular order. 

One of my favorite quotes is: “No.” ~Rosa Parks

One of my favorite childhood memories is anytime my older siblings came back home! My three older siblings lived in and traveled to exotic places like Uganda, Hong Kong, Disney World, and New Jersey all throughout my youth; our house was always a buzz with excitement whenever one of them came back home!

I love teaching yoga because it allows me to share my practice! My practice helped me learn to love myself, how to give love, and receive love. Teaching yoga is a way for me to show my gratitude for the practice and all it can give; it’s my hope as a teacher that I can help my students receive its blessings.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is you can surrender to the practice or try to conquer it. When you try to conquer the practice you may grow physically stronger but you won't know what real strength is until you learn how to surrender.

Three words that describe my teaching style: Heartfelt, Upbeat, and Calming

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me practicing yoga, gallivanting the city of Rochester with my daughter and husband, searching for adventure, being creative in the kitchen, traveling to visit my family, reading something with a happy ending, binge watching netflix, or learning how to DIY anything...from furniture to deodorant!!

Three people who inspire me are Anyone who demonstrates kindness, my tribe of phenomenal women who I am blessed to call friends and family, and my husband Peter for his calm, kind, and respectful approach to life.

One of my favorite quotes is: “The beauty you see in me is a reflection of you.” -Rumi

One of my favorite childhood memories is Walking along the creek in our back yard with my brother. We would spend all day skipping rocks, throwing sticks, catching tadpoles.... Everything. Eventually we would come out of the woods and have to make our way back home. 

I love teaching yoga because Finding my own yoga practice has changed my life. Teaching gives me the opportunity to see my students practice and life evolve as mine has. I love seeing how each student connects with their version of yoga differently.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is You never regret showing up. That goes for anything. Showing up for relationships, yoga, your job, just yourself. You don't have to show up as a specific version of yourself, but just as you are in that moment. If you've shown up, you've made the effort. That speaks volumes.

Three words that describe my teaching style Genuine, Energizing, Inclusive 

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me Plant shopping, doing yoga, or cooking.

Three people who inspire me are The person who doesn't waste time worrying about the unknown.

The person who never stops trying to improve and always stays open to growth.

The person who seeks to find the good within everyone. 

One of my favorite quotes is "The first step is the one you believe in."

One of my favorite childhood memories is: spending time at my Grandma’s house on Honeoye Lake. When I would spend the night, she would give me “coffee” in the morning.  I’m pretty sure it was milk and sugar with a splash of actual coffee. 
 
I love teaching yoga because:  I love sharing what I know!  Yoga has changed my life and I can only hope to open others up to that same possibility.
 
A life lesson I’ve learned from yoga practice is: to get out of your own way.  It’s amazing what can happen when you do.
 
Three words that describe my teaching style: inclusive, passionate and intentional.
 
When I’m not teaching yoga you’ll find me: practicing at Breathe, in my kitchen or hanging out with my husband and two kids.
 
Three people who inspire me are:
My family, Oprah, The Queen of England
 
One of my favorite quotes is:
When you know better, do better – Maya Angelou
 

One of my favorite childhood memories is putting on a backyard performance of the Wizard of Oz. I was Dorothy and I assigned every neighborhood kid a role. The parents came to watch in folding chairs on the lawn. My little white poodle "FiFi" was Toto.

I love teaching yoga because it continues to teach me about the beauty of the whole person. I love to see transformation of all kinds blossom in myself and in my students. The power of the human mind, body and spirit is celebrated in yoga and I am reminded each time I teach how honored and lucky I am to help guide it.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is just when you think you can't go on, you find the will to continue

Three words that describe my teaching style:Passionate. Energetic. Focused

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me Taking yoga. Walking my Doberman Pincher dog "Lady". Volunteering my time on a community Board or fund-raising. Acting in commercials for local TV spots. Working in my skin care company

Three people who inspire me are my husband Chris, my mother, anyone over 80 years old that is still active and practicing yoga!

One of my favorite quotes is: "Its better to want what you have, then have what you want"

"If you always do what you always did, then you'll always get what you always got"

One of my favorite childhood memories is visiting my uncles farm and feeding lambs with a baby bottle

I love teaching yoga because it inspires me, teaches me, and brings me into the present moment

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is each breath is a precious gift, it is the key to relaxing and healing

Three words that describe my teaching style: Healing. Relaxing. Compassionate

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me reading, playing with my doggies, spending time with my love, John

Three people who inspire me are Judith Hansen-Lasater, Malala Yousafzai, Dahli Lama

One of my favorite quotes is: Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.- Dahli Lama

One of my favorite childhood memories is going to Camp Cory every summer. First as a camper and then many years as staff. I just felt so at home there - so comfortable - so myself.

I love teaching yoga because....of connection. I feel connected to people in class and I love that it gives me a chance to give others the opportunity to connect with the practice and the people practicing all around them. With connection - builds community - I love teaching for the community it offers and also the community I have a hand in creating.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is... whoa , how do i pick just one....The importance of being present - being present for myself - so I fully experience what is before me, And, being present for others - it shows people I love them, it gives others support...which is empowering.

Three words that describe my teaching style: Raw. Real. Grounding.

When I’m not teaching yoga, you will find me taking pictures or hanging out with my family. 

Three people who inspire me are my kids- they make me want to be my best self always. The Baptist Yoga Community- the support and its teaching me of the power I hold, is a gift I hope to give to others. 

One of my favorite quotes is: “You know sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage, just literally 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery, and I promise you, something great will come of it” —Benjamin Mee (We Bought a Zoo)

One of my favorite childhood memories is playing outside in the woods around my house with my best friend.

I love teaching yoga because yoga deepens our connection to ourselves and others.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is that it’s not always easy, but worth working hard for.

Three words that describe my teaching style: Fun. Free flowing. Natural

Three people who inspire me are my husband and three kids, my mom and the Weis women

One of my favorite quotes is: peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise or chaos. It means to be in the midst of those and still be calm in your heart.

One of my favorite childhood memories is: Playing outside with my brother and sister, riding bikes and exploring the neighborhood.
 
I love teaching yoga because: I feel complete when I am sharing yoga.
 
A life lesson I’ve learned from yoga practice is: Live in the present moment. Here. Now.
 
Three words that describe my teaching style: Uplifting, Playful & Balanced
 
When I’m not teaching yoga you’ll find me: Reading, doing handstands or traveling.
 
Three people who inspire me are: Beyoncé.
 
One of my favorite quotes is:
“You are entirely up to you.”
 
 

One of my favorite childhood memories is Sitting on the front porch watching rainstorms and counting thunder with my dad.

I love teaching yoga because it allows me to embody connection and share this value with others. Connection to body, breath, self, others, the practice…so much connection! 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is there is magic in slowing down and choosing connection over distraction.

Three words that describe my teaching style:nourishing, playful, human.

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me spooning my dog, listening to music & podcasts, planning trips with my husband.

Three people who inspire me are I couldn’t possibly choose just three! My friends inspire me, my family, I love seeing women in their element, rocking it in their own unique way. Neko Case is way up on my list! 

One of my favorite quotes is: “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” 
-Lao Tzu

One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my Grandfather

I love teaching yoga because I get to connect with so many wonderful people everyday and feel like I have made an impact on them, even if it is a small one

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is It is just a practice. There is no end and we are always evolving

Three words that describe my teaching style: Playful. Nurturing. Authentic

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me at home surrounded by friends and family

Three people who inspire me are My husband, my children and the entire breathe team

One of my favorite quotes is: Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world, today I am wise so I am changing myself.

One of my favorite childhood memories is: anything involving the Ocean!

I love teaching meditation because: the awareness and wisdom that is cultivated through Meditation is the greatest tool you can help someone find in themselves!

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga and meditation practice is: the best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment!

Three words that describe my teaching style: 1) Ardent 2) Evolving 3) Love

When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me: with animals and gardening 

Three people who inspire me are: 1) My Dad 2) Jerry Garcia 3) Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama)

One of my favorite quotes is:  "Happiness is available. Please help yourself to it.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh

One of my favorite childhood memories is I have so many! I loved riding my bike. My sister and I would have competitions over how many library books we could borrow and read in a week. My mom is one of 8 children, so we have a huge family. Every summer I would have sleepovers with my cousins for weeks at a time. 

I love teaching yoga because I love teaching yoga because: Yoga has given me so much and I love sharing that with people. It is such a privilege to share something I love with people. There is so much joy watching people experience yoga for the first time or the 100th time – it’s all amazing. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is Yoga has profoundly changed me in so many ways, but the one thing that always sticks with me is that yoga is a practice, not a perfect. There is nothing that needs to be fixed and I can show up on my mat and take whatever yoga has to offer me that day. 

Three words that describe my teaching style: Inviting. Powerful. Authentic

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me Loving on my peeps, cheering at my daughter’s swim meets, doing yoga, hanging with the Family. This life is full of great stuff!

Three people who inspire me are My daughters, Emma and Paige – they show me how to meet life’s challenges with a warm smile and open heart. My students at school have taught me to celebrate every victory, large or small.

One of my favorite quotes is: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson

One of my favorite childhood memories is: Going on exciting adventures in the woods of my backyard with my siblings and neighborhood crew. 
 
I love teaching yoga because: I get to share sacred space with people who are being present to themselves and doing something good for their whole being. 
 
A life lesson I’ve learned from yoga practice is: show up moment, to moment and be present for it. 
 
Three words that describe my teaching style: Present , heart-centered , intentional
 
When I’m not teaching yoga you’ll find me: In the juice bar at the Pittsford breathe!
 
Three people who inspire me are: My big brother, Danielle LaPorte, Debra Silverman
 
One of my favorite quotes is: 
 “Principle I: We Are Either Now Here or Nowhere” 
~Baron Baptiste