Ewa grew up in Poland and after High School came to the USA, where she graduated with Bachelors in Psychology and worked in mental health.
Her passion for health and some injuries guided Ewa to yoga and since day one she noticed the benefits, beyond physical. After completing a few Yoga Teacher trainings and overcoming her fear of speaking in front of people she decided to share the knowledge and magic of yoga with others. As a teacher she equally loves the energy of group classes and giving that 1:1 attention during private sessions. Always craving to learn more about health, Ewa is in the process of becoming a certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
While teaching yoga Ewa offers space to explore functional movement, mobility, strength as well as stillness, mindfulness and breath. With her authentic Polish heart and accent Ewa always encourages curiosity, kindness, and support, on and off the mat.
Sidone Blackett
Sidonie is a certified RYT teacher, trained in power vinyasa by Baron Baptiste. She has attended trainings with Kevan Gale and Seane Corn, among others. Her approach to yoga is one of simplicity… let the body be the guide and pay attention to where the body (and mind) is today… not yesterday. Her classes begin with heating sun salutations, followed by a sequence that allows the student to move into deeper postures. Her classes offer a strong physical practice, but are also nurturing. Students are encouraged to move at their own pace and skip vinyasas at any time. Sidonie encourages students to take their practice off the mat, bringing balance and breath into their daily lives. She teaches with a pure intention and hopes that her students feel supported, and as if they have practiced what she calls “radical self-care”. Sidonie is currently working on her 500-hour certification at the Kripalu School of Yoga.
Talene McCarthy
Talene McCarthy found fitness to be a way to remedy scoliosis related back issues in her adolescent years. That awareness of her body grew into a way to reduce physical and mental stress with outlets such as body strengthening, circuit and weight training, kickboxing and cardio classes. Ultimately her need for more mental release drew her to power yoga. With 20 years of experience to draw from, she became a certified and registered RYT 200 Yoga Alliance instructor. Her path then led her to LPY’s Barre&Soul classes which provided the perfect blend of fitness training and yoga. Talene trained in the Lotte Berk barre method and now hopes to bring a fun, energetic and invigorating sequence, focusing on alignment and purposeful movement for people of all ages and capabilities. Talene's teaching style helps to guide students with modifications and alignment instructions to nurture students in a supportive and soothing environment. Talene has found yoga and barre to be a way of life to keep her balanced both physically and mentally. She hopes to inspire others to move towards deeper levels of physical fitness while developing mind-body connections through explorations of their potentials in a safe and non-judgmental manner.
Jen Geller
A competitive athlete and distance runner for many years, a severe hamstring injury brought Jen to her mat many years ago. Jen is a physical therapist and has specialized in orthopedics, obstetrics, and nonconventional therapies such as myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. After working as a PT for more than twenty years, Jen made the leap into teacher training here at Lexington Power Yoga. Through this transformative journey, Jen realized that teaching yoga was now her path and her passion- wanting to share the benefits of yoga with as many people as possible.
Jen’s classes are safe, thoughtful, and balanced with attention to alignment and proper body mechanics. Jen’s makes her classes accessible to all levels of yoga practitioners, creating space and encouraging students to move in a way that suits them at that moment. Jen is a strong believer in the mind-body connection. Her goal for every class is to help people experience how yoga can calm the body and bring clarity to the mind and that we can take that peace with us as we navigate through our day to day lives.
Drawing on her knowledge of anatomy, Jen is proudly a member of the teacher training staff here at LPY. Please feel free to reach out before or after class if you have any specific questions, are working with any injuries, or if something doesn’t feel quite right.
Mallory Kelts
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!
Jennifer Schipani
"I fell in love with group fitness classes about 7 years ago when I moved back to Boston after college and was starting to figure out what a work, family, friend and personal life balance was. With fitness classes, I found that the simple act of clicking a button and committing to a class was exactly the kind of motivation to keep me structured, amidst the distractions of every day life, and staying physically and mentally healthy.
When I started adding 2-3 barre classes into my weekly routine and I found significant results in my already physical lifestyle - all of a sudden I was sitting straighter at my desk, I was seeing definition in my legs, core and abs, and I was excelling in my other workouts.
Like any work out, the results are often what you put into it - but as an instructor it’s my goal to provide the energy, motivation and moves to make each class a fun and challenging experience."
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!
Tayla McNally
I currently live in Woburn, MA and work full-time at a large scale corporation in Boston, MA. I'm very lucky that my company has a great work/life balance and I truly can say that I enjoy the company of my co-workers and going into work each day comes at ease. However, I have always felt the need to do something with a greater purpose, where I feel like I am making a difference and helping people find and develop their mind, body and soul connection.
As an avid runner I discovered Barre when I was in need of adding more strength training into my workouts. Instantly I feel in love with the energized practice that brought-out my mind, body and soul connection and left me feeling empowered and strong, even on my wickedest days. I was amazed with how such a rigorous practice could leave me feeling so strong, peaceful and accomplished, in just an hour's time. When I became a part of the Barre community I knew this would be my place to make an difference and help others in the way my previous Barre teachers have done for me.
When I heard about the need of Barre teachers at LPY, I decided to audition for the 100 hour Barre teacher training. When I found out I got into the teacher training I was overwhelmed with emotions of all sort. I was excited, nervous, and freaking out about the lack of free time I would have over the next 8 weeks of my training. With the love and support of my fiancé, family and friends I was able to put my nerves and hesitation behind me and fully submerge myself into the training.
Now that my training is complete I am so happy I went forward with it and cannot wait to spread positive and supporting energy to all of my students. My goal for each and every class I teach is to extend that same love of barre to my students and leave them feeling peaceful, strong, and proud of their-selves for the work they achieved, and put in during class.
Linda Spolidoro
I took my first barre class at Lexington Power Yoga with the amazing Barre & Soul Method. I admit I didn’t love it at first, but it fit into my schedule and so I reluctantly showed up. It didn’t take long before I was seeing and feeling the benefits and actually looking forward to class.
One of the greatest benefits of my barre practice was how it helped with a chronic knee injury I’ve dealt with for most of my adult life due to a serious car accident. The best I hoped for was to keep it from restricting my activity too much. Through barre, the muscles surrounding my knee became so strong that I all but forgot about any limitations I might have had. It made me a stronger yogi, a better yoga instructor and confident in my own strength. It’s tough and it takes commitment, but If there is one thing that barre does for you, it is make you feel like a strong and confident bad-ass.
Mandy Schwartz
As a yoga instructor since 2009, Mandy is excited to add barre classes to the mix. Mandy has been a committed student of barre for over four years and has found it to be an excellent complement to her yoga practice. Building strength in a mindful and balanced way has helped Mandy find power and ease on her yoga mat and in life. Students can expect a class that feels challenging and supportive, with the power of a strength workout and the mind-body connection of a yoga flow. With years of practice teaching all levels of students, Mandy offers options for beginners as well as options to advance when ready. These classes are for everyone. Tap into your power, support your practice, and get inspired. See you at the barre!
Deanna Disipio
Since a young girl, I have loved to dance. Whether it was dancing at the studio or in my home, I have always gravitated towards the upbeat tempos of tap, jazz and hip-hop. In college, I found a passion for fitness, hitting the gym and enrolling in health and wellness courses. Upon returning from college, I danced with Bay State Ballet in the Merrimack Valley for several years while still working out, incorporating yoga and spin.
Eventually, I stepped into my first barre class and haven’t looked back. Between the music, energy and almost immediate results I was instantly addicted. There are so many aspects of a barre class that I love; the mind-body connection, the strength and definition it has given my body, and lastly the physical and mental confidence.
The best thing about teaching barre is seeing the students enjoying class, getting stronger and giving that hour to themselves. So happy and grateful to be teaching at LPY!
Monique Hanafin
I was in high school when I discovered the magic of yoga. As a varsity three season athlete, I was desperate need to find relief from my Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Since I was 22 months old, I have struggled with this chronic illness and after my diagnosis, my parents were told I would most likely end up in a wheelchair, but that’s a story for another time!
I started doing on demand yoga workouts at home and fell in love with the physical practice. When I went off to college, I had a Denise Austin power yoga DVD that I would do in my dorm room. Practicing yoga helped me maintain a strong, flexible and balanced body while also alleviating pressure on my joints.
After my freshman year in college, I decided to take my first live yoga class, which not only took my practice to the next level, but happened to present itself at the perfect time. My cousin, Renee, had just suddenly past away and yoga played a huge part in my emotional healing. After that first live class, I felt the happiest I had felt in months and I knew right then that I wanted to become an instructor.
Eventually, I became a children’s yoga instructor at the age of 19 and after two gratifying years of teaching yoga to children, I was ready to take the next step. I decided to go for my 200-hour yoga teacher training and started teaching adult classes immediately upon completion. And then came barre…
After taking my first barre class, I was completely obsessed and again, instantly knew it was something I wanted to teach. I couldn’t believe how in just one hour, I could challenge every inch of my body (muscles I didn’t even know I had!) without any impact on my ever so sensitive joints. I showed up to the barre every single day for my daily dose of pulsing, tucking and squeezing and quickly got in the best shape of my life. I also was pleasantly surprised at how much my barre practice complimented my yoga practice. Barre strengthened my yoga muscles and I’ll never forget the first time I did crow pose, something that previously seemed impossible for an arthritic person like myself. From what I’ve learned through my own practice and from years of teaching is you don’t need to be in perfect health, in tip top physical shape or be able to bend yourself into a pretzel to practice yoga or barre. Your practice is just that, a practice and a journey. It works for all different body types and you learn to embrace and celebrate your body for what it CAN do and not compare yourself to others.
By the age of 22, I was teaching yoga and barre full time and almost four years later, I haven’t looked back yet. In addition to teaching vinyasa yoga and barre, I am reiki I attuned and specialize in teaching yoga to athletes, most notably for Harvard University.
Teaching is my passion in life. I feel so blessed to be able to do something I love everyday and teach such incredible students. I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring my positive energy and expertise to LPB @ LPY and I look forward to seeing you in class!
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!