Meet our Teachers

 I'm 20 years old, I've been practicing yoga for 4 years and have been 200 hr certified for almost 1 year. I'll mainly be teaching yin and restorative classes! One of the many reasons love yoga is because it brings me back to the present moment and reminds me everyday to make sure I'm taking care of my mind and my body. By teaching yin and restorative classes I hope to encourage everyone to come more in touch with their body and be comfortable with being still. Outside of yoga I love hiking, painting and I practice holistic wellness.

 Instagram:

 @alexandrapolito_  

 Alexia began her own personal yoga journey back in 2015. Inspired to take her practice further and to gain more knowledge, Lexie completed her 200-hour training back in 2021 at Stone Wave Yoga. Movement has always been a medicine that works for her as a holistic approach. Lex strongly believes that yoga should be inclusive and accessible to all and to celebrate self-love and connection through practice. She also believes that yoga is not a “one size fits all” practice, and that each individual is on their own path. She considers herself to be a life-long learner, and is so grateful to have the opportunity to share her experience with her students.

Instagram:

@lexiemillan

As a native New Yorker and an ex athlete - I learned at a young age that physical movement was my sacred space. I fell in love with the practice of Yoga in 2012 and completed my 200-Hr Yoga Teaching Training in 2017. I never dreamt of my personal practice of yoga translating into becoming a teacher, but I am honored and extremely humbled to be given this gift of sharing this sacred practice with you. With a strong foundation in Vinyasa, and HIIT movements - I incorporate subtle strength, flexibility, and breath work to help guide my students on releasing whatever no longer serves them. I encourage my students to find their own flow and fall in love with how their body is able to move.

Instagram:

@flowingfromwithin

 Courtney is a certified 200 hour yoga teacher. She has been an athlete all her life and has been practicing yoga for 10 years, with a recent certification in Hot-26. She loves the peace of mind that yoga brings and also the physical challenge of pushing beyond limits. Yoga has brought a sense of self love and care, confidence, and strength to her- she hopes to bring that to you in class.

Off the mat, you can catch her as an account manager for a fashion software startup or browsing the newest reads at the local bookstore.

Instagram:

@loveyouwongtime

Crystal's teaching style comes from an open heart and over a decade of committed practice. Having found a lifeline and touchstone through yoga she found the desire to offer it to others.  Her classes explore breath technique, meditation, and focus on deep exploration of asanas, strength, and relaxation. She is a lifelong learner, her primary teachers being her four daughters. 

Instagram:

@ thewellyogaofficial 

 Dee Dee Thompson is a 200 hour registered yoga teacher. Born and raised in the Hudson Valley, she practiced yoga on and off for 7 years before deciding to get certified at Stone Wave Yoga, based in Poughkeepsie and Gardiner, NY.

She first came into the practice as a runner/pole fitness enthusiast when she needed a good stretch after a workout. Without the expansive knowledge of what a yoga practice entails, it took a book about healing trauma through yoga to help her realize that yoga is more about the ability to do a handstand or hold a deep lunge. The more she learned, the more she integrated yoga in her life, on and off the mat.  

Dee Dee is also a certified Yin instructor  and commits to further her studies in yoga and mediation. Additionally, she wants to increasing diversity in the yoga space, so practitioners feel comfortable, safe, and seen regardless of their race, size, gender, or level of ability. When Dee Dee's not teaching, she works full-time in advertising as a writer. She hopes to use her writing ability to educate people about yoga throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.

Instagram:

@cityofdeedee

Heather was introduced to yoga and meditation in her early 20's.  It wasn’t for another 10 years that

she returned to the practice; something had wildly shifted.  After a year of daily practice, she wanted

to delve deeper into this profound experience. With no intention to teach, in 2015, she completed a

200-hour one-month intensive training. In 2022, she completed her 300-hour training involving the

5 seasons of the 5 elements of Taoism Yoga, Chinese medicine, Qi Gong, and Kundalini Yoga.

Yoga continues to heal and help her grow. Recently, she received her certification as an Animal

Flowist. She is amazed at how the journey continues to unfold on and off the mat. Inspired by

Mother Earth, the healing power of music/sound, and the amazing teachers and students alike she

encounters along the way. Her goal is to share this magical journey with others. She remains a

student.

“Learn how to read the love letters sent by the wind and rain, the snow and moon.” -Ikkyu

 Hi! I’m Kara Prichard and I’m an RYT-500 and certified Yin and Restorative yoga teacher. I started practicing yoga during my senior year of college and I immediately fell in love with it. I took my first teacher training program soon after I started practicing and there is nothing I love more than sharing yoga with others. I hope to offer space for students to challenge themselves in their yoga practice, as well as offer space to slow down and embrace stillness. Off the mat, you can find me in the mountains hiking. 

Instagram:

@karaaadise

Hi! I am Kate, the founder of Rooted Yoga! I am a RYT- 500 and have a deep love for vinyasa, yin/restorative, and Hot-26. I found yoga when I was in a very dark place at 17 and I am forever thankful for yoga saving me. I've practiced for 12+ years and decided to start sharing the magic of yoga to others in 2019. I love a challenging class that helps guide you gently out of your comfy zone but also a juicy yin/restorative to help melt away your day.

If I'm not in the studio, you can find me with my 2 pups outside or eating some delicious food at any restaurant.

Instagram:

@ katelynn_bee 

 Larissa is a RYT- 200. Her passion for movement and its healing power began with dance. Her fitness career started 14 years ago  with Pilates but has since expanded to include yoga, TRX, Barre, Megaformer, HIIT, Aerial yoga and more. She fell in love with yoga because of its profound healing benefits that helped her cope with depression and anxiety. 

You'll build strength through her physically challenging flows, never be bored and be asking for her playlists. Expect to leave less mental stress and be reminded of self love.

Instagram: 

@_misfit_laris

I am a RYT-500 with certifications in hot power vinyasa, youth yoga, yin and prenatal. I have been practicing various styles of yoga for over 20 years and teaching for 7 years. I had a severe fall and lost the ability to walk in 2003, had emergency surgery and an extremely long recovery period plus three more spine surgeries subsequently. Yoga saved me mentally, spiritually, emotionally and finally physically, when I regained the ability to walk again.  My past profession as a first responder has taught me the value of daily practices such as asana, meditation and inquiry and the priceless benefits of how all three can support YOU in your highly stressful daily lives. 

Training: I am a currently a 500 hour RYT Hot Power Vinyasa and a Tier 1 certified Baptiste Power Yoga leader. I am a yoga instructor, program facilitator and have created my own 30 day personal development program called THRIVE. 

Personal Interests: 

I meditate and practice yoga daily,  love teaching yoga,  running, hiking, traveling, spending time with loved ones & am a volunteer at the Fishkill Food Pantry & the Children's’ Group Home in Poughkeepsie. 

My mantra is through community and connection we are the best version of ourselves. 

Instagram:

@lbyoga37

Hi I am Lindsay Paoloni. I’ve been teaching yoga for 7 years. I am a RYT-500 and IAYT Yoga Therapist. I started teaching yoga with Prison Yoga Project in San Diego in various prisons and jails throughout the area. With this project I realized the enormous healing potential of yoga, breath-work and meditation. I quit my corporate job and spent 2 years abroad in China, Japan and India learning holistic healing modalities like Qi Gong, Reiki, Yoga and Ayurveda. I am passionate about using holistic tools to feel our absolute best and brightest- body, mind and spirit! 

Instagram: 

@keeplindsaywild

Hola! l am Maria, a teacher at heart! I have been a bilingual school teacher for the past 17 years and a yoga instructor for the past 4 years. My love for teaching has led me to continue learning and discovering new adventures. It was the summer of 2017 after completing a 200 hour educator yoga training  with a social emotional learning component course through the organization "Breathe For Change" in NYC, when I realized yoga had become my new passion. In 2020 | decided to broaden my yoga training by completing an additional 200 hour teacher training at Firefly Yoga in Fishkill NY. During the program, I participated in "40 days to Personal Revolution", Baptiste Yoga for Youth "Unstoppable" and the Baptiste Assisting course.  In addition to yoga training,  I am certified  in Classical Pilates and currently completing the Comprehensive  Pilates Apparatus training at Beacon Pilates.

As I continue my journey as a yoga/pilates teacher, l intend to lead by empowering others to use wellness as a vehicle for healing and self transformation. 

Instagram:

@mariacep78

 I’ve been teaching Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga, and Pranayama (breath regulation techniques) since 2003 after completing my first 200- hour teacher training (TT) certification.  I continued studying and certified 500 (RYT) with Alan Finger (Ishta Yoga), Yoga Works, and many more other trainings with amazing yoga teacher trainers.  I am registered with Yoga Alliance, and received Reiki Level I & II certifications.  After many injuries, I was taken with Yin Yoga.  I took various Yin Yoga TT Level I & II 2016-2018.  I love connecting with my students, and they are my priority and concern as I create a safe space for them to practice, offering different variations of Yin poses for the many different body types.

“Our goal is not to be PERFECT; our goal in life is to be WHOLE” ~ Bernie Clark.

Instagram:

@nancymald0121

 Nikki is a master yogi, holistic entrepreneur, creative visionary,  and voice of inspiration to the yoga community. Her classes have been described as a true teaching of the heart and soul. 

 Nikki is an experienced yoga teacher and professional, yoga educator and continuing education provider, sports performance athletic trainer, empowerment coach, forever student and devoted mother. She is honored to guide others towards their true authentic self. When she is not teaching yoga, she enjoys cooking, gardening and being by the ocean. 

Nikki is known for her encouraging and upbeat personality blended with a humbled, nurturing heart. Her experience in teaching all levels and styles creates accessibility for all levels in her classes. A lover of divine discussion, juicy asana and engaging reflection . She is forever grateful and bows to her teachers, including those who she is blessed to teach.

Instagram:

@ nikkihaasyoga 

Raisa Moya, a Hudson Valley native,  has practiced Yoga for over 12 years. She received her 200hr certification in 2022.  Her goal is to create a sacred space where students can dive deeper into their own personal journey, through transformative practices of Yoga. Connecting the mind, body, and soul with the growth, change, and strength. Inspiring students to experience their journeys through true intention, pranayama, and asana. Raisa specializes in Hot Yoga, Vinyasa, Yoga Sculpt, and Barre! Let @a_raiofsunshine bring the light into your day!

Instagram:

@a_raiofsunshine

 I am a 200 hour certified instructor with Stone Wave Yoga. I enjoy a variety of activities such as skateboarding and hiking and music. What to expect from me will be vinyasa classes and a focus on meditation practices. I believe in being mindful and present with challenges we face in our daily  lives because our mental health is so important. It’s my intention to be a supportive outlet for that and to make everyone feel welcomed and loved in my teaching space at all times.

Instagram:

@rob1nsar1ca