Like many of us, yoga shifted my life in ways I could not have imagined. I have practiced yoga on and off in my life since my twenties, but it wasn’t until 2012, when I gave birth to my triplet boys, that I returned to yoga for not just the physical aspect, but for the space for breathe, cultivate clarity, and time for self-love! I needed some ME time! This time around I noticed how my yoga experience was evolving and inspiring me to dig deeper within myself and within my practice. I discovered that I had been living with a lot of anxiety and fear, and through yoga I started to feel in my skin, as well as a sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance. As I continue to dig deeper, all of the parts of me connect and make sense.
I decided to enroll in my 200 hr yoga teacher training, and it was by far one of the best choices I have ever made. I am so grateful that somehow all of the choices in my life led me to this place where I get to do what I love and I get to bring something positive into the lives of others on a daily basis. I hope to provide a space for others to feel the way my practice has made me feel: supported, nurtured, challenged, empowered, and confident!
Gail Brosnan
From a young age, I loved dance, whether creating my own dance with friends, or at my weekly dance classes after school. I loved the poise and beauty of ballet, the upbeat fun of jazz, and the creativity behind it all. This passion helped me find a love of fitness, and I soon added in running, spin, boot camp, yoga, and zumba classes.
Years later, after training for a half marathon, and multiple boot camp classes, I experienced chronic knee pain. After months of trying P.T. and rest, and even surgery, I still felt pain. So, I got a second opinion from a doctor. He told me what I needed where the 3 S’s: strength, stability, and stretching.
I found all this and more in barre class. Amazingly, with the help of barre, I no longer experienced pain from simply walking, and felt stronger and healthier. Just like my former dance classes, I genuinely looked forward to barre class, and the work and fun it entailed. I kept coming back for more, perfected my form, and eventually trained to teach.
I love everything about barre, from the inspiring and positive energy, the music, the modifications and challenges, the techniques and form, and the mind-body connection. I love how barre helps you to find the strength within to push yourself, without causing injury or stress upon your body. I hope to inspire others to find this same love of barre.
Kimberly Fife
Kids, Teens & Family Instructor
Yoga was first introduced to me by a dance teacher at Dean College while completing my BA in Musical Theatre. While working as a performer, yoga always helped me to stay grounded and connected to my true self.
Like many others, I started with Asana practice, but it was when I dove into meditation and attention to breath that my yoga became much deeper. I discovered the mental space to become a better problem solver, listener, communicator, student, and teacher. While pursuing theatre, I taught acting, music, and dance classes to children. In the mists of falling in love with yoga, I also fell in love with teaching.
After cracking open a truth telling fortune cookie one day, I knew it was time to pursue yoga and mindfulness professionally. I completed my 200hr RYT at Kriplau School of Yoga in 2016 and my 95 hr RCYT (registered children’s yoga teacher), in 2019 with Wee Yogis in San Francisco. Along the way, I’ve also trained in Reiki with Libby Barnet, Yoga for Babies and Toddlers with Childlight Yoga, and Meditation and Mindfulness for Children with Kidpowerment Yoga.
I absolutely love the variety and excitement of teaching for all ages! Each class from parent and baby, to kids, to teen, to adults, has its own special energy. No matter how old the students are, all of my classes emphasize self love and self observation without judgment! When someone is showing themselves love and care, that love is what reflects back out to the world! In my classes, you will find a focus on spirituality, creativity, and the freedom to explore and express your unique self!
As my personal practice grows, I continue to grow awareness of my feelings, sensations, empathy towards others, and my connection to the magic of the Earth. I’ve been able to combine my passions of music, dance, and yoga by wrapping creative movement, singing, and chanting into meditative experiences. I am continually cultivating a stronger access to my intuition and creativity. This has guided me to create new art and projects that I am passionate about, and the confidence to share them with the world!
Visit littletribeyoga.org to check out my original kids yoga music and guide book for parents and teachers to go along with it: Little Tribe Yoga Flow-along! You can also check out dates for upcoming workshops and Live music Yoga classes! Hope to see you on the mat!
Jillian McDonough
Yolanda Taylor
I’ve lived in Lexington for 9 years now - a period accompanied by many life changes – getting married (10 years ago) to my wonderful husband Brooks who has given me endless encouragement and support in making Lexington Power Yoga happen, giving birth to 4 children, quitting work to be a FT mom, and then going back less than 3 years later, and most importantly, making so many amazing friends in Lexington - friends who have helped me truly learn what is most important in life – having a wonderful family, friends, and being a part of this amazing and supportive community. Lexington Power Yoga is my opportunity to give back to this unique and special community.
I received my undergraduate degree from U Penn and Wharton, spent several years on a Wall Street trading desk, got my MBA from Duke, and then spent 12 years at Fidelity Investments – for so long my life was defined by running and career – that all changed after having a family. After 20 years of running competitively I’ve had to struggle with chronic hip and hamstring issues after enduring many medical miracles in having my 4 beautiful children – I turned to yoga to help me get through this pain. When our fourth child was born I left my career in investment management, thinking this was my calling to stay home with the kids – I struggled (and still do) with that balance between career and family many of my fellow moms know all too well – I turned to yoga to help me get through this challenge.
Always looking for the next challenge, it was my gut that told me it was time to start my own business – Lexington needed a yoga studio, and yoga had become an important part of my life.
I was lucky to literally stumble into the partner I always dreamed of – Jillian and I have so many ideas of how to make Lexington Power Yoga the best yoga and wellness center ever!
Lorraine Shedoudi
Lorraine Shedoudi has been practicing yoga for over 15 years and through practice found her passion to teach. Practicing and teaching inspires Lorraine and connects her daily to her true purpose. Lorraine was born and raised in Northern California and has always been fascinated by the mind body connection. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Psychology at University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley, Lorraine took her ?rst yoga class and was captivated by the practice. After years of playing competitive sports, yoga brought her a new way to understand physical movement, wellness and compassion. Lorraine continued her studies and followed her passion of connecting the mind and the body by earning her Master's Degree at Boston College in Counseling Psychology.
While working as a substance abuse counselor in Boston, Lorraine brought mindfulness and meditation to patients struggling with addiction. The more stressful work became the more Lorraine used yoga to keep herself grounded. The yoga community brought a sense of connection to her daily life and she studied to become a yoga teacher. Lorraine is a natural student with a true passion for yoga. She has tirelessly taken workshops and trainings. Lorraine is working on her Reiki mastership under the direction of Pat Iyer. She has tremendous and daily gratitude for her husband, her son, her whole family, as well as her students and her friends. They are her greatest teachers; they inspire her and remind her to fully live in the moment.
Lorraine strives to bring yoga off the mat and into daily life by reminding students they are infinitely strong and can face life with balance and grace. She is also continually learning that each breath is a call to be present and content.
Allison Burke
Yoga has opened me up physically, mentally and spiritually. Yoga has taught me to slow down, to listen better, to feel and to connect with myself in an honest way. My practice has helped me form a much healthier relationship with my body and my world around me.
When my world feels like it’s upside down and life is overwhelming, my practice is a steady foundation to keep me grounded and remind me of my inner strength and to take things one breath at a time.
In my classes, I aim to lead students through a sequence that creates a sense of balance. Life can be hectic and complicated- your yoga practice can be the opposite. I believe there is power in slowing down, paying attention, and moving deliberately. By connecting physically to postures that encourage stability, strength, and fluidity, I hope to create an experience that leaves students feeling more free and at ease in their body, mind, and heart.
I try to empower students to get curious and explore what works best for them. Yoga is not meant as a one-size-fits-all practice, it’s not about nailing fancy arm balances or touching your toes. It’s about showing up, understanding our own unique needs and learning to accept ourselves as is- no fixing necessary.
My teaching is heavily influenced by my studies in Ayurveda, Yin Yoga, and by trainings completed with some amazing yoga teachers I’ve discovered along the way: Lorraine Shedoudi, Maybelle Rountree, Jacqui Bonwell, Alex Amorosi, Chanel Luck, and Josh Summers.
Self-proclaimed training junkie, Allison received her 200hr yoga training through Prana Power Yoga in 2012. She is Reiki-2 attuned under the guidance of Lorraine Shedoudi. She completed a 650-hr training as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor through Kripalu School of Ayurveda in 2017, and is currently working on a 300-hr Yin Yoga Training through Summers School of Yin Yoga.
Joanne Carlisle
For years I believed that yoga was not for me... I was always running from one thing to the next - school, work, time with friends and family, the gym, etc. and my workouts reflected that frenetic pace. I was happy and active and stimulated on the outside, but found that I was craving more stability, more time to just be calm and mellow on the inside. It was through this craving that I found my way to my mat.
I began practicing yoga twelve years ago and finally decided to enroll in a teacher-training program in March of 2014. I received my 200-hour certification through Lexington Power Yoga in November of that year. I continue to be guided and mentored by many of the teachers who initially 'trained' me - Lorraine Shedoudi, Tina Adinou, Linda Spolidoro, Michael Mann, and then others whom I've been lucky enough to meet since like Jen Murray and Alyssa Hale... I have found though that as I continue to teach and connect my life on and off the mat, that most of what I learn comes from the students who share space with me in the studio - whether I'm teaching or practicing.
My practice tends to directly reflect my desire to slow things down. I am trying to find that balance always - of being internally grounded and still yet fluid and engaged. Each day on my mat is different; each moment is a chance to start over and work on everything or on nothing. It is this freedom to just, ‘be’ whatever it is that I need, in that particular moment, that I have found through yoga.
I have been a teacher in Boston Public Schools for seventeen years and presently teach Grade 5. I love my job and even more than that, I love my students. I wish for them each-and-every day the same things that I wish for my daughter – to be happy and healthy, confident and kind. This is what I hope to bring into the studio, whether I am practicing myself or teaching. Learning to show ourselves compassion and forgiveness is perhaps the greatest shift I have made and I am grateful to my practice for guiding me to this place.
Alyssa Hale
I was drawn to yoga in 2004 when I herniated a disk in my back and couldn't walk for almost a month. I was focused on nothing but "cardio" and "situps" as a means to get to the body "every girl wants." When I first came to power yoga I realized that not only was I creating the physical body I craved, but I was becoming a better, more balancer version of myself on the inside as well. Two weeks was all it took - yoga and I were going to be together forever!
I've taught through my own series of "stuff" - back injuries, two pregnancies, family tragedies and all the stresses that life can throw our way. I've seen bodies in all states of physical health - and I've come to realize that you are never too (old / young / fat / thin / tight / ... insert excuse here) for yoga. Yoga will meet you on your mat - and if you stick with it in an honest way - it will always serve you what you need. So know that when you come to my classes I understand that everyone will move and feel things differently and I will make room for what you need. I try to give people space when they need it, support and backrubs when they need them and a little butt-kicking when they crave it!
While my classes are challenging, I offer lots of room for modification and restoration if you feel your body is calling for it. I like to keep things light and tell jokes, and I like to get heavy and ask you self examine in certain postures. I like to offer yoga from a physical, emotional and intellectual perspective. So if you are interested in working on your self from more than just the physical angle, then come join me for a fun and funky flow!
Amanda Califano
Yoga found me in 2003, during my first year of law school, when I was in desperate need of some calm and inner peace. My journey began with an 8-week introductory Hatha course and has led me through the doors of numerous studios to explore some of the many styles of yoga being taught today. Yoga has completely transformed my body, my mind, and my life. It challenges and opens my mind, heart, and soul on a daily basis and reminds me that I can rely on my self and my breath to carry me through anything!
This practice has furthered my faith in the power of intention and positive thinking and constantly reminds me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in this moment and that every breath has infinite potential. In fact, I’ve recently said good-bye to a full-time legal career in order to pursue this passion, and now I end each day feeling so unbelievably fulfilled. I truly feel so blessed to have the opportunity to pursue my passion wholeheartedly and am so grateful for all of you who have welcomed me into your lives.
Yoga is so much more than what you do on your mat – it’s how you live, it’s what you share with others, it’s when you wake up one day feeling more aware, more patient, more alive. I am deeply inspired by my amazing teachers and I strive to support others as they find their own inspiration, explore their own yoga experiences, and grow and transform both on and off the mat. While I am so thankful for the ability to share my experiences and guide others through pranayama, asana, and meditation, I absolutely believe that we are our own greatest teachers.
I believe in finding a balance between challenging your mind and body, playing with your edge, and finding space and serenity on your mat. In my class, expect to be physically challenged, mentally relaxed, and encouraged to find some lightness and playfulness in your practice! I am also Reiki Level 1 certified and I love assisting with the help of soothing lavender oil in savasana!
As a Lululemon Ambassador, I appreciate every opportunity to participate in community events and share the spirit of yoga with others. I teach workshops on a regular basis and am available for private and semi-private classes.
When I'm not at the studio, I can be found spending time with friends and family in Boston and New York and spoiling my 5lb pup, Toby!
Brittney Burgess
With a Masters Degree in Sport & Performance Psychology and Mental Health & Behavioral Medicine, Brittney brings an unparalleled understanding of the mind body connection to all of her teachings. She artfully integrates a lens of healing and mental well-being into all of her classes, seasonal workshops and retreats. Her flows challenge as her words soothe and students are left with an experience that is both incredibly renewing and empowering.
During her years as a therapist, Brittney worked with individuals with significant trauma histories, anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles. It was during this time that she discovered the safe, healing, grounding gift of yoga. From this belief that yoga heals, Brittney completed 200 and 300 hour yoga trainings from Baron Baptiste and Jacqui Bonwell, along with extensive training in both Trauma-Sensitive Yoga with David Emerson of the Trauma Center and Yoga for Emotional Health & Healing with Kate Graham.
In her sport psychology work with professional, collegiate and high school athletes, Brittney trained athletes to harness the power of the mind, and now guides students toward this same powerful presence through the physicality of their yoga practice.
Brittney is passionate about sharing the gifts of yoga in a way that feels accessible to every person. She invites students to show up to class exactly as they are and to trust that they have tremendous purpose, courage and support within. Her classes will both challenge you and hold a space for you to breathe, explore, empower and ultimately walk out of class with mind, body and heart in alignment.
Outside of the studio, Brittney has two young daughters, writes, loves time in nature and is on a journey to heal from autoimmune diseases. She seeks to create a community of joy and love, and is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to do this as both teacher and student through this transformative practice.
Emily Griffin
Right after trying a few different yoga classes I became hooked! it just hit home with me. I love the heat, sweat and flow of vinyasa yoga; it is truly a practice that builds a strong and healthy body while calming the mind and encouraging awareness. Yoga has challenged me both physically and mentally. After beginning my practice i began to notice differences not only in my physical body but also in my life off of my yoga mat. I felt stronger and calmer – I became more present, gained the ability to let go and became extremely aware of my body. I knew I wanted to share this incredible practice with others.
I am a graduate of prana power yoga’s teacher training program and am also certified in assisting/adjusting. i continue the study of yoga through a variety of teachers, workshops and trainings. my classes focus on breath and flow while maintaining proper alignment.
Rhonda Skloff
About Rhonda: Rhonda is a RYT 500 through the training of two master teachers; Jacqui Bonwell of Sacred Seeds Yoga School (200 hours) and Natasha Rizopoulos of Down Under School of Yoga (300 hours). The influence of these two brilliant teachers has shaped her teaching and allowed her to find her own voice.
Rhonda was a fitness professional, cycling teacher, runner, skier, Power Pilates instructor and personal trainer who once dreamed of being a body builder. Rhonda enjoys teaching public classes and private sessions and does so with intelligence and compassion. She teaches with attention to proper alignment and emphasizes staying present with breath and focus. Finding balance between Sthirha and Sukha (steadiness and ease) is what she strives for in herself and in her teaching. She learns something new from not only every class and workshop she takes, but from every student she meets.
Rhonda owned, managed and taught at her own studio for 3 ½ years and while doing so developed The Beginners Yoga Series. She plans to continue to bring the series to the public. “My goal is to bring the joy and lasting effects of yoga to as many people as possible; hoping to bring positive change to the world, one yogi at a time”.
Rhonda enjoys biking, skiing, paddle boarding, walking her 2 chocolate labs and spending time with her husband and two sons.
Laura Grundstrom
Laura Grundstrom has taught children in many different capacities for the past fifteen years. Her love for movement developed early in life as she danced her way through her school years. Laura has degree from Franklin Pierce College in social work and a minor in dance. Laura recognizes that children are natural movers and she has taught kids dance and creative movement at a variety of places throughout the years.
Laura’s personal love for yoga began with restorative practice, as a way to reduce stress and anxiety. She then began to explore vinyasa yoga which invoked feelings that reminded her of dance. Moving with breath and flowing from one pose into the next Laura was instantly hooked.
Laura taught Autistic children for years and her personal yoga practiced helped her stay grounded and conscious of her breath during stressful times both in and out of work. Eventually Laura moved on to teaching in a preschool setting; and she started to bring yoga into the classroom to help some of the kids who struggled with attention and listening. Laura began her yearlong 300 hour training to become a certified YogaKids teacher and trainer as a way to better support her students in the classroom. It was the perfect way to merge her love for yoga and her passion for teaching kids.
Laura has had the privilege to train with Marsha Wenig the founder of the YogaKids program. The YogaKids philosophy is to educate the “whole” child by blending yoga with reading, music, body awareness and academic skills in a non-competitive environment. Laura strives to incorporate all of these things into each of her classes. Students these days are under a lot of pressure and stress, Laura has worked hard to help bring yoga into classrooms to help children learn stress management techniques. She has also facilitated trainings to educate teachers on how to include yoga directly into their curriculum.
Children have so much to teach us if we just take the time to stop and listen. As a mother of two young girls, Laura works both on and of her mat to find balance, playfulness and of course the bravery to try new things. Laura is looking forward to connecting kids with their natural passion for yoga and fun!
Linda Spolidoro
Having spent much of my early years feeling inadequate privately, acting out publicly, and generally doing the exact opposite of anything that would have made my life easier, I came to the logical conclusion that I had been born on the wrong planet. I just couldn’t figure out where it was I fit and what it was I had to offer (talk about existential angst).
I had no idea that when I walked into my first yoga class a few years back, I was hot on the heels of discovering my home planet. Yoga has allowed me the ability, the confidence, and the nonjudgmental freedom to embrace my uniqueness (unique being code for weird) with compassion, gratitude, and most importantly, unadulterated joy. It has given me the physical outlet that I crave (it’s a great work-out), the spiritual connection to something beyond my intellect (think String Theory), and it has introduced me to the most loving, creative, and compassionate community anywhere on this or any planet. Simply put, Yoga for me has softened the voices of self doubt that were once constant companions and amplified the beautiful Song of the Universe that had been there all along.
Mandy Schwartz
What I love about yoga is that it works – no exceptions. All you have to do is show up and breathe, then sit back and watch your life transform. I fell in love with yoga right away, and looking back I can see how fast my life began to shift – big shifts for the world to see and internal shifts that really have been much bigger.
I completed teacher training through Prana Power Yoga and began teaching just four days later. In the years that followed I attended many further trainings and workshops and feel blessed to learn from so many amazing teachers. I have trained in assisting with Sue Jones & Ray Mucci, anatomy with Ellen Heed, Yin Yoga with Josh Summers, and kids yoga with Lisa Flynn. I am also a level 1 Reiki practitioner under Jene’ Rossi. I continue to stay committed to learning and growing as a yoga teacher and student.
I aspire to teach the kind of class that I love to take: balanced, challenging, fun, and fluid, with a whole lot of space to find your own way. Creating a strong flow is one of my absolute favorite parts of teaching yoga. I also love teaching to music and thoroughly enjoy creating playlists that I hope enhance the students’ experience without distracting from breath.
Mostly, I strive to take this journey one step a time, soaking up as much as I can. Bob Dylan said,“we have never arrived, we are in a constant state of becoming.” Yoga teaches me to live slow and never stop becoming.
Michael Mann
My yoga practice has allowed me to find more fun and freedom on and off my mat, reminding me that I always have options and that I can always shift my perspective to focus on what feels good. I enjoy teaching playful, energetic classes that challenge students to try new things and move beyond the limitations of the mind to tap deeper into the amazing potential and wisdom of the body. I offer lots of space for freedom and many options and modifications in my classes. I welcome you to come as you are, listen to your body, rest when you need to rest, and choose what feels right for you, moment by moment, breath by breath. Through yoga, I've learned to take myself way less seriously, and to be more spontaneous and creative. I love sharing this perspective with all my students, and I especially love it when we can laugh at ourselves and lighten up a little in the process!
Prior to teaching yoga, I worked with elementary school- aged children in classrooms, afterschool programs and camps, and I still enjoy teaching kids yoga and even bringing out that inner child in adult classes. I especially love teaching to fun music from various genres and my love of music is reflected in the classes I teach, helping students to tap into their own inner rhythm and vibe. In addition to my 200 hour teacher training with Prana Power Yoga in 2008, I have taken trainings with Claire Este-McDonald, Gregor Singleton, and Lynne Begier, as well as an advanced training in alignment and sequencing with Ame Wren and David Regelin, and I continue to study with Jane Cargill, of Baptiste Power Yoga. I'm inspired every day by so many wonderful teachers and by my own students, and I feel lucky to be part of the amazing yoga community we have here in Boston.
Michelle Brenes
Michelle began practicing yoga in early 2005, on a whim – or so she thought. yoga truly awakened her inner spirit and over time it began to weave together, piece by piece, mind, and body, strengthening her awareness and her connection to herself and the world around her. She found tremendous guidance and support from amazing teachers such as Jacqui Bonwell, Alex Amorosi, and jene rossi, and ultimately studied with all three in addition to taylor and philippe wells for her 200-hour yoga alliance certification in 2008. She is also a level ii reiki practitioner and continues to study traditional usui reiki. Michelle’s devotion and love for yoga has had a remarkable impact on her life. She credits her practice for rescuing her from 18 years of battling severe migraines and anxiety. She believes whole heartedly in this healing practice and its ability to empower and transform lives. She honors the courage and strength it takes for every individual to step onto their mat and teaches with complete compassion and sincerity. “I believe we can all transform our lives and create perfect harmony. I believe it begins with the smallest shift in perspective. It happens every day, one class, one breath, one smile at a time.”
Molly Powers
By popular demand, Molly is back teaching her vibrant brand of power Vinyasa yoga. Molly has been an instructor for nine years - training with Rolf Gates, Todd Norian, and Anne Greene - and her work at Lexington Power Yoga marks her return to teaching after a year spent focusing on her other healing arts. With her wit and warmth, Molly has built up devoted followings around Boston and in New York City.
Molly welcomes students of all levels to her class. She offers a lot of personal attention to make sure that her challenging and powerful flow will energize and uplift - bringing healing to your body and your spirit.
Molly is also the sole owner of Powers of Healing (www.powersofhealing.com), where she works with individuals and groups as a psychic medium and a Reiki Master.
