Melissa

RYT 200

Yoga

I wish I had known about yoga as a kid. Having the tools to understand and be aware of your body and breath is a gift that can be used each and every day on and off of the mat. I really enjoy sharing my knowledge with the young individuals that are already shaping our world through movement, breathwork, and play. With our practice we build strength and increase our ability to focus on what is really happening right here, right now, so that we can truly enjoy the present moment.

My fun fact

I love brownies but I really don't like cake!

Jaime

M.S. Childhood & Special Education, Trained in Children’s Yoga & Mindfulness

Yoga

I believe that children deserve to have access to experiences that teach them how to cultivate their best lives. Just as they need to learn how to read, write and do basic math, we also need to teach them about emotional intelligence, and the practice of Yoga & Mindfulness can do just that. In my classes, I hope to help kids learn about character, emotions and the power of introspection through simple breath work, mindful movement and my obsession…meaningful children’s picture books! The goal is for kids to calm, connect and feel inspired to step into their best selves, both on, but especially off the mat.

My fun fact

My husband proposed to me on stage at the Kennedy Center at the finale of the show La Cage Aux Folles with George Hamilton in the background of all of our photos!

Anita

Certified Children’s Yoga Instructor, YogaEd

Yoga

My name is Anita Ricci. I’ve been a classroom teacher for 25 years (minus the 12 years in the middle I used to raise 3 sons and gain YogaEd kids certification). I teach preschool in Mendon during the week, and yoga to kids on breaks and weekends. I use story and song embedded in the magic of yoga to empower children and help them understand that they are in control of their minds and bodies.

My fun fact

I am a HUGE Buffalo Bills fan!

Cori

Children’s yoga instructor, Elementary school teacher

Yoga

In 2021, I had the pleasure of going on a 3 day children’s yoga retreat learning skills and techniques for creating meaningful experiences for kids through yoga, wellness, and mindfulness. I have always been drawn to movement, gymnastics, and ballet as a child, which transitioned to running in middle school, and through high school. In college, I began taking yoga classes and have since grown in my passion for yoga! I’ve co-led kids yoga camps and love seeing kids connect in such a meaningful way with the practice of yoga. 

I am an avid crafter in my spare time and enjoy using various mediums including paint, colored pencil, collage to create works of art. 

I currently work as an elementary school reading teacher and I am so excited to bring together my love for movement, yoga, and art to kids of all ages.

My fun fact

I love college football and am a big Syracuse fan!

Sophia

Certified yoga instructor

Yoga

Sophia is a Rochester native and was raised in Pittsford, NY. She was introduced to yoga in 2019 during her senior year of college at the University of Vermont, and became committed to understanding all aspects of the practice when the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. It was during this time she decided to step back from seeking a career in the communications industry and discover her passion for mindful movement and meditation. 

Sophia enjoys the dichotomy between working in data research and analytics as her day job and being a yoga instructor with interests in gentle yoga and vinyasa. If she’s not behind her computer or on her mat, you’ll find her working on her new passion project: landscaping her backyard with her boyfriend and their rescue, Caesar. 

My fun fact

A fun fact about Sophia is she spends her weekends every summer spending time with and taking care of her great aunt near Skaneateles, NY. 

Kara

Certified yoga instructor

Yoga

From her very first yoga class over 20 years ago, and to the present day, Kara has always felt most connected to her authentic self through movement on the mat. She believes that the opportunity to take part in a daily yoga practice allows all of us the chance to show up for ourselves newly, seeing new possibility in ourselves each time. 

Kara is a 200 RYT Yoga Alliance certified teacher and strongly believes in the practice as a holistic and transformational journey into our own power; combining asana, inquiry and meditation. 

Kara is passionate about introducing little yogis to the foundations of movement and mindfulness through yoga. She is certified to teach kids yoga and has trained with Kidding Around Yoga. She believes strongly in the benefits of yoga for children and can see the positive impact it has had on her two little girls. 

Kara lives in Fairport with her husband, daughters and french bulldog, Martha.

Megan

Certified yoga instructor

Yoga

My name is Megan and I have been practicing yoga for over 15 years! In 2020 I received my 200hr RYT certification and have been teaching ever since. I have been working with kids in a professional capacity since 2015, starting out as a 1:1 behavioral therapist and moving into services coordination for children with developmental disabilities.

My experiences working with kids has taught me to seeing things differently and slow down to appreciate the present moment more. I am a big believer in the importances of kids of all ages (and adults) learning emotional intelligence and regulation strategies through Yoga. My Yoga practice has brought a sense of calm and focus to my life and my goal is show kids of all abilities how they can access that same calm and focus through movement and breath work. 

Heidi

RYT 200, Yoga for Athletes Instructor, Certified Kids Yoga Instructor

Yoga

Yoga has brought so much positivity into my life and I want to share this gift with others.  As a coach and yoga instructor, I truly feel that yoga is something that will help an athlete physically and mentally — both on and off the field. 

My fun fact

I have an obsession with Hallmark movies. Who doesn’t love a good love story that always ends with a happily ever after?!