Yoga Nook

RYT-500, E-RYT-200, YACEP, Meditation Teacher

Initially, Denise started her yoga journey as a way to exercise. Before she knew it, coming to her mat became a time for herself. Even though there have been times over the years that she did not practice the poses, Denise always practiced yoga thru meditation and pranayama, breathwork. She used meditation to center, learn about herself, and accept the things she saw.

Denise loves the saying that “yoga is an exploration of self, by the self, into the self.” She can see how different parts of her journey over the years relate to that exploration. The exploration is something that never ends. A person only has to begin. Part of the reason Denise wanted to become a yoga teacher was to help others begin their journey. As a teacher, she hopes to help students grow and find at least a few moments of connection while on the mat.

Denise holds a BA in Communications and Media Studies and has studied coaching, Reiki, meditation, and yoga. She loves to teach Gentle Flow, Restorative, Yin, and Meditation. She lives in North Carolina with her two cats, Iris and Jem. Denise looks forward to being a part of your journey.

Lead Trainer, E-RYT-500, Raja Yoga Teacher, Laughter Leader

Alexa enjoys teaching and introducing people to yoga. Her wish is to share with her students the practice of yoga whether it’s on a mat, sitting in a chair or laughing in hopes that it can bring a sense of joy and peace in their lives as it has done for her and they in turn can spread that joy and peace with others.

“To a mind that is still the whole universe surrenders”. – Lao Tzu

E-RYT-500, YACEP

Karen has enjoyed teaching yoga since 2005. The practice of yoga led Karen to evolve into a calmer, self-loving, compassionate, and relaxed version of herself and is passionate about sharing that gift with others. On a physical level, yoga has helped her through several injuries, surgeries, and bouts of depression.

Karen acknowledges that each person is different and unique in their respective way. Guided by a strong sense of interconnectedness, Karen makes an effort to honor, offer compassion, and work to understand every individual’s needs to make yoga safe and accessible. Her firm belief that yoga is for everybody is evident in her teaching and approach.

E-RYT-200, YACEP, Prenatal Teacher

Every time Haruko steps on the mat and takes a journey inward, she discovers something new and different about herself. She truly appreciates the guidance she receives from the inner self, dedicated teachers, and ancient wisdom.

Her mission is to share the benefits of yoga with others and be a part of the caring and supportive community. She would like students to feel the harmony between the body and mind through mindful breaths and movements in class.

RYT-200

Asana, pranayama, and meditation are a staple in ChaKeita’s life and have been pivotal in a continued journey of self-love. Yoga has been key to unlocking joy and embracing life. Taking yoga from the mat to daily life has been rewarding and ever humbling.

One of ChaKeita’s favorite quotes is by Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” A wonderful reminder that wherever we are on our journey is exactly where we should be, the rest will fall in place!

RYT-200

Tara first enjoyed yoga for the physical benefits but quickly realized that it was the only time she felt relaxed and so she continued to take classes and strengthen her practice. She loves that she has learned to use her breath in everyday life. Tara hopes to share the beauty of listening to your own body and learning from it.

RYT-200

Nadiya first came to yoga in 2017 for the purpose of healing physical ailments. Years later, after discovering the forces of meditation and breath work, her practice of yoga then transformed into a spiritual journey of love and union- further healing her inner body as well. As a newly graduated instructor, Nadiya dedicates her teachings to the likings of her past and present teachers who have guided her to her innermost being, as she wishes to do the same for others. 

One of her favorite quotes comes from Bhagavad Gita 2:12, “Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be” reminding us how eternal our spirit and the love that we nurture here within our practice is. 

RYT-200, Acro Revolution Teacher

Marissa started practicing yoga in 2011 as an effort to involve more movement & balance in her life. Little did she know that this was the beginning of a wonderful and fulfilling journey. Becoming a member of the Yoga Nook inspired her to learn about yoga beyond it’s physical aspects

RYT-200

Yoga found Everdeen in 2020 when she began practicing at home during the early days of the pandemic. It became a passion for her to continue exploring the many ways yoga can benefit the body beyond the physical and mental. The practice of yoga and its spirituality gave her the ability to hold space for her own healing and has driven her to empower others to do the same. 

Everdeen enjoys leading slow / gentle flows and meditations. Her favorite classes to attend are hot / power classes. Off the mat, she can be found exploring the 757 with her husband and their four sons.