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Meet our teachers!
Lili Avery 500Hr ECYT
Lili has been teaching yoga for 10 years and practicing for more than 20 years. Originally from Mexico city, she discovered yoga while living in N.Y.C. in 1996. After practicing for 10 years in different yoga studios around the city including Bikram and Dharma Mitra; she starter her first 200 hr. teacher training at Brahma Yoga in Sea Bright N.J. in 2007 and finished in 2008. She also completed a prenatal teacher training in 2009 and the Radiant Child teacher training in 2010. In addition Lili has completed level 1-3 of Thai yoga body work at the Open Center in N.Y.C. and Level 1 of Phoenix rising yoga therapy. Further studies included "The teacher with-in" workshop at Kripalu with Angela Farber. Since her certification she has taught at multiple studios in Monmouth County including Brahma Yoga Sea Bright and the community YMCA in Red Bank. In the summer of 2011, she completed a 500 hr. advanced teacher training at Atmananda Yoga Series in NYC. and in 2014 the Kula yoga for teachers retreat in Kripalu. Lili was blessed to have the opportunity to open her own yoga studio in N.J. Coba Yoga where she now leads a 200 hr. Yoga Alliance teacher training in Affiliation with Ashram Yoga of New Zealand. She is now in the process of completing an additional 300 hrs. of advanced teacher training at Yoga Maya in NYC. Completed so far the prenatal, props and teaching levels module of the YogaMaya advanced training. In 2017 Lili completed her second module of the 300hr. Yoga Maya advanced training. Lili's class is fun and energetic finding challenge for all levels, a nice flow from pose to pose, and always with a charming sense of spirit. "My inspiration is helping students connect to their spirit and witnessing them blossoming their yoga practice".
Jennifer Johnson 800- hour CYT
Jennifer Johnson is an 800-hour advanced-certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher, with over ten years of teaching experience. She grew up on a small farm in northern New Jersey, where she developed a deep love and respect for the natural world. Yet the culture and diversity of the city beckoned to her, and she moved to New York to study psychology at Columbia University. She graduated in 1996, and that same year took her first yoga class at Jivamukti Yoga Center.
While cultivating her practice, the words of her teacher Sharon Gannon echoed in her mind: "Joyful people have a steady connection to the source." Jen felt this connection, and knew she had to share. She received her first yoga teacher certification in 1999, and has been teaching ever since. Yet a journey to India in 2006 - where she witnessed the devastation wrought by the tsunami that hit South East Asia - convinced Jen that yoga practice alone would not fully serve someone who needed a broken bone set or antibiotics to fight an infection. She started nursing school later that year and is currently a registered nurse on the stroke unit at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange.
Jen's teaching style is rooted in her devotion to Mother Nature. Her classes are challenging and uplifting, and inspire students to seek the truth of their own nature, which is peace, love and joy.
Jen humbly bows at the lotus feet of her blessed teachers, Sharon Gannon and David Life, for courageously sharing the Truth; and to sweet Narayani, whose patience and loving guidance has enabled her to provide the same for others.
While cultivating her practice, the words of her teacher Sharon Gannon echoed in her mind: "Joyful people have a steady connection to the source." Jen felt this connection, and knew she had to share. She received her first yoga teacher certification in 1999, and has been teaching ever since. Yet a journey to India in 2006 - where she witnessed the devastation wrought by the tsunami that hit South East Asia - convinced Jen that yoga practice alone would not fully serve someone who needed a broken bone set or antibiotics to fight an infection. She started nursing school later that year and is currently a registered nurse on the stroke unit at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange.
Jen's teaching style is rooted in her devotion to Mother Nature. Her classes are challenging and uplifting, and inspire students to seek the truth of their own nature, which is peace, love and joy.
Jen humbly bows at the lotus feet of her blessed teachers, Sharon Gannon and David Life, for courageously sharing the Truth; and to sweet Narayani, whose patience and loving guidance has enabled her to provide the same for others.
Michael Rodriguez CYT
A believer that yoga is for everyone, Mike was formally trained in and received his RYT200 in Satyananda Yoga. His classes vary from day to day mixing styles of yoga from Yin, Kundalini, vinyasas, pranayama, and meditation, but the one constant is the lightheartedness element of fun to his classes. A big music fan, he shares this passion with eclectic mixes and live music as well to help break down barriers. Every movement is matched to breath..never too quickly, in order to appreciate the nuances of what is yoga. Blessed to have the opportunity to teach, yoga is too great a gift not to share.
Regina Golden
Regina’s first yoga class in 2010 provided such an experience for her like nothing she had ever had before. It turned her focus inward, in a day and age when we are so externally focused. This was the practice she needed and gravitated towards to provide balance in her life. And that is what she hopes to bring into the lives of others through this ancient technique. Not only did yoga help Regina to become more aware of her body but also made her more mindful in everyday life. It provided her the tools to have a loving relationship with herself. After she began her practice it organically seeped into the rest of her life. She was ready to heal, to focus on herself, to love herself, to find her footing and let her roots grow. The 8 limbs of Yoga are a powerful practice that sparked the light inside of Regina and continues to fan the fire on the path to self realization. Her mission is to help spark the light in others and fan their fire through Yoga. To help uncover the divine that lives in each and every one of us. To bring an awareness to the sea of consciousness that we are all a part of. To bring harmony to the mind, body, & soul. Namaste.
Trainings: Christian Valeriani’s EvenFlow Yoga & Meditation 200-hr YTT program, June 2012
Yoga Nidra Level 1 Certification with Swami Shantimurti Saraswati, October 2013
Carmel Calcagno & Dina Crosta of Yoga Anjali 30-hr YTT refresh & refine course, May 2014
To Be Continued… always a student, the eternal Guru within.
Teaching Style: Vinayasa: The linking of body movement with breath; sequence of breath-synchronized movements used to transition between sustained asanas (postures) as well as setting an intention for one's personal yoga practice and taking the necessary steps toward reaching that goal (self realization).
Trainings: Christian Valeriani’s EvenFlow Yoga & Meditation 200-hr YTT program, June 2012
Yoga Nidra Level 1 Certification with Swami Shantimurti Saraswati, October 2013
Carmel Calcagno & Dina Crosta of Yoga Anjali 30-hr YTT refresh & refine course, May 2014
To Be Continued… always a student, the eternal Guru within.
Teaching Style: Vinayasa: The linking of body movement with breath; sequence of breath-synchronized movements used to transition between sustained asanas (postures) as well as setting an intention for one's personal yoga practice and taking the necessary steps toward reaching that goal (self realization).
Alice Balzarini 200hr. CYT
Alice feels that teaching yoga is a true calling and is grateful to share her love of the practice with each student. She enjoys teaching all ages, from toddlers to seniors. In her mindful vinyasa flow, she creates a safe space for students to connect to the stillness within. Alice gives alignment cues, leads active meditations, and reads poetry during class to promote healing for body, mind, and spirit. She received certification in Ashram Yoga, as taught by Lili Avery in 2015. Alice is also a certified Reiki Master Teacher.
Melissa Beveridge 200Hr RYT
Melissa found yoga in college when she was in need of two extra credits to graduate. Little did she know that practicing under the bright lights on a gymnasium floor would ignite a spark that would over time, grow into an unwavering flame. After graduating she dabbled in yoga as a balance to her passion for running. Her inner quest for a deeper sense of self and connection to the world continued to bring her back to yoga. She would often find herself saying “if I was a yoga teacher.” When a teacher of hers announced that she would be hosting a certification course, it was as if the world finally spoke and said “you are a yoga teacher.” Melissa brings a sense of compassion, love, and strength to her practice and her students. Her hope is to inspire others to go on this journey with her to forge a deeper connection with each other, the world, and everyone’s own unique spirit.
Kelly Zeller
Kelly has incorporated her enthusiasm for physical fitness into her life in a way that also promotes calming and balance. Kelly has a Bachelor of Science degree and has deepened her knowledge and yoga practice by completing a 200 hour Yoga Alliance training at Coba Yoga in Little Silver, NJ. Her classes blend vinyasa flow with a focus on alignment – mixing in toning and strength training with breathing exercises and relaxation. Kelly offers yoga classes for all levels including the growing population of back pain sufferers due to spending most days at a computer or just the natural aging process. Understanding back and neck pain personally, Kelly’s classes offer great options and exercises for those suffering from arthritis and back and neck pain as well as advanced poses for the most experienced yogi!
Kelly has incorporated her enthusiasm for physical fitness into her life in a way that also promotes calming and balance. Kelly has a Bachelor of Science degree and has deepened her knowledge and yoga practice by completing a 200 hour Yoga Alliance training at Coba Yoga in Little Silver, NJ. Her classes blend vinyasa flow with a focus on alignment – mixing in toning and strength training with breathing exercises and relaxation. Kelly offers yoga classes for all levels including the growing population of back pain sufferers due to spending most days at a computer or just the natural aging process. Understanding back and neck pain personally, Kelly’s classes offer great options and exercises for those suffering from arthritis and back and neck pain as well as advanced poses for the most experienced yogi!
Emily Sobel
RYT 200 Hours
Emily was a weekend warrior for years. She was surprised to learn that yoga is not just for the body as a form of exercise but an aid in calming the mind. Using the body and breath to bring stillness to the mind is the ultimate goal to achieving true joy. She implements Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga into her classes. With a background in art and music, Emily's approach to teaching yoga is always creative and spiritually fulfilling. My goal is to share the positive effects yoga has had on me. With gratitude it is an honor to pass on the teachings of yoga. Namaste
RYT 200 Hours
Emily was a weekend warrior for years. She was surprised to learn that yoga is not just for the body as a form of exercise but an aid in calming the mind. Using the body and breath to bring stillness to the mind is the ultimate goal to achieving true joy. She implements Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga into her classes. With a background in art and music, Emily's approach to teaching yoga is always creative and spiritually fulfilling. My goal is to share the positive effects yoga has had on me. With gratitude it is an honor to pass on the teachings of yoga. Namaste
Liz Small 200hr. CYT
Liz took her first yoga class in 2002, but a real passion for her practice began in 2010. She felt a sense of freedom in the asana practice and the physical and emotional changes within kept bringing her back to her mat. Inspired by the changes within herself and looking to share her love of yoga through teaching, Liz completed her 200 hr RYT certification in 2015. Liz enjoys teaching challenging but accessible vinyasa flow classes that invite you to be fully present within yourself and your practice...a moving meditation.
Kimberley Grimes 200hr. CYT
Yoga has been an integral part of Kimberley's life for three years. Her practice has moved her forward onto a path of self-discovery and growth, both physically and spiritually. Yoga inspires her to live as a peaceful warrior on and off the mat while keeping her happy, strong and balanced.
Kimberley completed her 200 hr. Yoga Alliance teacher training in Affiliation with Ashram Yoga of New Zealand at Coba Yoga in May 2016. She teaches yoga for wellness at a Hospital Cancer Support Community. She uses what she has learned from her students and her training to promote healing, peace and ease throughout her classes.
Kimberley loves the creative flow of energy found in vinyasa yoga and the active relaxation of restorative yoga. In her classes, you will find a fluid transition from pose to pose, a balanced mix of strengthening and stretching and a connection of breath to movement. Kimberley teaches gentle, restorative and vinyasa yoga. She finds yoga in everyday things and believes yoga can be for everyone.
Yoga has been an integral part of Kimberley's life for three years. Her practice has moved her forward onto a path of self-discovery and growth, both physically and spiritually. Yoga inspires her to live as a peaceful warrior on and off the mat while keeping her happy, strong and balanced.
Kimberley completed her 200 hr. Yoga Alliance teacher training in Affiliation with Ashram Yoga of New Zealand at Coba Yoga in May 2016. She teaches yoga for wellness at a Hospital Cancer Support Community. She uses what she has learned from her students and her training to promote healing, peace and ease throughout her classes.
Kimberley loves the creative flow of energy found in vinyasa yoga and the active relaxation of restorative yoga. In her classes, you will find a fluid transition from pose to pose, a balanced mix of strengthening and stretching and a connection of breath to movement. Kimberley teaches gentle, restorative and vinyasa yoga. She finds yoga in everyday things and believes yoga can be for everyone.