Teacher Feature

Shuchi Kwatra - November 2024

1.Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?
I’m from India and lived there since I was born in 1977 until 2016 when I moved to NJ.

2.What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?
Watching TV when my son’s asleep, hanging out with friends, going to the gym, staring at trees with or without/ leaves, impromptu trips to parks and breweries, scrolling aimlessly through Instagram Reels.

3.Who or what inspires you the most lately?
Successful people that are dynamic, humble, seamless and naturals.

4.What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?
When a student tells me that what I said in class had a positive impact on them, and also that their body feels better after taking class.

5.If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If someone else was paying, Antarctica!!!!! I’d go there for the Southern lights, penguins/ wildlife. Or London (I don’t know why I love that city so much, some karmic connection I guess).

Darlene Rich - April 2024

1.What inspired you to begin your yoga journey?
An acting school movement semester in which yoga was one of the disciplines. I felt the mind, body and spirit of being human more so than I ever had before. It brought me to understand my energy, how to relax, how to guide my breathing and how to stop the monkey brain activity, if even for a moment, after just 4 months of practice.

2.What are some of your greatest passions for yoga practice?
My passions began with Hatha yoga, then I found myself diving into certifications: Hatha, Restorative and Yin, then Meditation and Yoga Nidra. Through Malati I was introduced to Kundalini Yoga and soon found myself diving deeply and passionately into the teachings of this yoga discipline. This discipline brought me to chanting and a deeper meditation practice.

3.What do you love most about being a yoga guide?
I love the researching process for each class that I teach. I meditate before starting the research and am often blest with an inspiration for the class. I love that. I love to, if needed, change that plan and teach from an inspired place. I love seeing the changes in the students from beginning to end- how they look, and how the energy of each student feels, then pay witness to the transformation from beginning of class to the end. To see peace, joy, contentment in the students during and after the class.

4.What are some of your passions outside of yoga?
Singing, Teaching Performance Art, Reading, Cooking and Baking, Traveling, Walking, Gardening and visiting gardens, Theatre productions from Broadway to indie small theaters, Art museums and galleries.

5.How do you incorporate yoga off the mat?
Living daily with Gratitude. I try to begin with one grateful thought first thing in the morning and end the day with reflection on the good and the not so good of my day and a thank you, a moment for gratitude to end my day. I try and come from a place of kindness, be it with friends, family, students or strangers. Bringing peace rather than tension.

Rahnee Haskins - March 2024

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?
I am originally from Highland Park, NJ. I grew up there from 3rd grade to graduating highschool. I loved growing up in HP because it was a small town and a close-knit community as everyone knew everyone. Currently, I live in Piscataway, NJ for the past eleven years and I love the culture and diversity!

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?
When I’m not practicing or teaching yoga I enjoy hiking, biking and playing my guitar when I can. I love to be one with nature and being outdoors. I enjoy the Winter Season as it is my time for hibernation, self reflection and resetting. I love camping adventures especially when I have the opportunity to play my guitar and sing in front of a campfire. Lastly, good quality family time with my wife and kids is when I am mostly at peace.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?
Lately, I have been inspired by fatherhood. I love being the dad to the most wonderful kids. I grew up without a father, so it means a lot to me that I am able to raise four beautiful babies that I help create. Being a parent was definitely a goal for me in life and when I see my little ones smile it warms my heart and motivates me to be a better human being in this difficult world we live in. The reality of it is, is that they teach me something new every day and I am honored to be their student!

In addition, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali have been helping me a lot. I have been focusing on sutra 1.33 as I am showing more compassion to myself and others. With this guidance and with the help of my amazing teachers (Malati, Jane, and Sandy) I am doing my best to live my dharmic lifestyle.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?
I would say my favorite aspect of being a teacher is helping my students connect to themselves, connect to individuals they come in contact with daily, and being able to be aware of their environment. I am slowly learning about my gift of being present and helping others find peace and tranquility. It feels great to share it with all walk’s life. I have a strong connection to chanting and I love music. I enjoy playing and chanting for my students as I extend the sound of vibration. Om Shanti!

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
St. Thomas! My wife and I took a Virgin Island cruise back in 2009 and we did an excursion to the St. Thomas Island. We are still trying to get back there! We fell in love with this place instantly. I’ve been to other parts of the caribbean but this place was magical. Between my connection to the earth and the sea I still get chills to this day. The weather was perfect, not too hot, and the water was just right. The island was full of friendly locals and the views were out of this world.

Jane Cooperman - February 2024

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

Born in NYC, I grew up in Queens, NY, and lived there until I was 24 years old.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Ballroom dancing, traveling, reading, making music one way or another.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Spiritually I am inspired by Reverend Jaganath, who demonstrates unconditional love combined with great wisdom and humor. I also find the words of Thich Nhat Hanh to be very inspirational.

4.What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

I love that I can share meditations from my heart and see immediate benefits to the students in my class. That makes me so happy.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

My next adventure might be to visit my friend in Greece, maybe Italy too. No super long flights for awhile. If I could manage it, I would take my daughter on a safari with me, because we both love animals and it would fill my heart to see them in the wild.

Beatriz Monterosso - January 2024

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am native to New Jersey

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Hiking, walking, movies, food, travel, trying new things

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Connection. Connecting with genuine honest kind people.

4.What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

Connection – apparently there is a pattern 🙂 Connecting awareness of mind and body on the mat to off the mat. Also, the grounding and relaxing energy exchange after class is so rewarding.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Wow this is hard to answer- I want to explore worldwide. So, I would say, I would go pretty much all around the world- a world tour 🙂

Catarina Coimbra - October 2023

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I’m originally from Colonia, New Jersey and lived there until I was 10 years old.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Aside from yoga, I really love rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, biking, art, music, traveling, and really anything outdoors!

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

My family and traveling are my biggest inspirations. Both help me gain new perspectives and expand my mind.

4.What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

What am I looking forward to most as a new teacher? I’m looking forward to being able to share the benefits of yoga and all the possibilities it holds. I’m also very excited to continue expanding my knowledge on yoga and connecting with others.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

My dream is to travel the world, but if I had pick one place to go right now, it would be Iceland. I would really love to experience the northern lights and see all the amazing natural beauties of the land.

Sandy Marotta - August 2023

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am a born and raised Jersey girl 🙂

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

I LOVE hiking. My next goal is to join the 3500 Club which requires members to hike all 35 Catskill High Peaks.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Lately I am finding a lot of inspiration working with my root chakra. One technique I have been exploring is simply focusing on my connection to the earth and saying to myself, “I am stable, I am secure”. I find that this grounding practice alone provides much needed peace during times of uncertainty.

4.What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

I have discovered that teaching is not a one-way road, but rather an energetic exchange between teacher and student. This exchange creates a sacred connection that I have learned to cherish over the years as a teacher here at Onyx Yoga Studio.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I have heard the hiking in Utah is spectacular and would love to explore a few trails in the future!

Cathy Ingal - July 2023

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

My formative years were spent in West Hempstead on the south shore of Long Island. If you passed the carousel on the Southern State Parkway, you went too far. But, you would then see two beautiful reservoirs flanking the highway that still have horse trails going around them. I moved to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, in my early 20’s, and I worked for a number of years in the international department of a brokerage firm down the street from the NY Stock Exchange. I moved to New Jersey in the mid- 1990’s, and I raised four daughters. During that time I completed my undergrad and graduate studies at Rutger’s University (Go RU!).

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

One of my passions is cooking. One of my responsibilities growing up was making the nightly dessert. Baking morphed into cooking–my heroes were Julia Child and Jacques Pepin on TV and Craig Claiborne and Pierre Franey from the NY Times. Imagine my delight when I received volumes one and two of Mastering the Art of French Cooking! This also meant mastering the art of cleaning up the kitchen, which, in the end, made me a more efficient cook. I love being outdoors with my black labs, Beckett and Wilbur. They love going off-leash, and, in the warm months, trails near rivers are preferred.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

II am currently reading The Journey Home with Onyx. The book evokes a lot of nostalgia for me because the author embarks on a journey to find his purpose. He travels all over Europe and the Near East literally on a wing and a prayer. Growing up my brother and his friends would travel all over cobbling together a life and memories, and I loved hearing the stories when they returned. It is sheer faith–not naivete–that goodness will prevail that propels the author to continue his journey. Thinking back to the stories and linking them to The Journey Home, I know there were a few scrapes along the way, but the focus was always on the good and the lightness of life.

4.What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

My favorite aspect of being a teacher is learning from my students and adapting to their needs.I just completed a 300 hour YTT, and I’m putting my knowledge to good use. I teach two hot classes at Onyx, and my goals are to create a safe space, a stable spine, and a strong core. My core work…well, when you know, you know! I’ll just say it works.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I love to travel, but I am particularly drawn to Asia. I have been to Thailand and China. I joined the pilgrimage to India with Onyx in February and know what draws me to the culture: It is not what you have, but who you are that matters and is your essence.

Tanner Adlard - June 2023

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I grew up in a small town in Central California. I moved to New Jersey to attend college at Seton Hall and have stuck around since!

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

In addition to yoga, I enjoy hiking and camping, gardening, hooping, reading, and baking.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

I’ve been inspired by Onyx’s yoga teacher training that recently ended. Teacher training expanded my awareness in ways I never could have imagined and reignited my love for not only the practice but also for life. It is refreshing to wake up each day with more excitement, curiosity, and receptivity for whatever the day brings, whether exciting or mundane.

4.What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

My favorite aspect of teaching is the sense of connection and community. It is an honor to hold space for others to build a deeper relationship with themselves and guide them along their journey. I believe in just how nurturing and transformative yoga is. It is a gift, and teaching feels like a way for me to give back.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

My heart is set on the Mediterranean. I would love to visit Granada, Morocco, Cairo, Italy, and Greece.

Sal Macaro - May 2023

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I grew up here in North Plainfield, NJ until relocating to Asbury park for 8 years. I now live in Manville which brought me over to Onyx!

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

My favorite activity to do is definitely gardening and anything outdoors.I am not a huge houseplant person, but I grow a lot of herbs, fruit, flowers, and veggies that I love to give away to friends and family.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

I am most inspired by travel and being able to see different parts of the world. I love to watch videos of places I want to visit and imagine myself there. Since our travel was restricted for so long, I am excited to start traveling abroad again.

4. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

My bucket list place to visit would have to be the amazon rainforest. There is something magical about being engulfed in vegetation and surrounded by beautiful animals.

Kate Branciforte - March 2023

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am originally from ramsey, NJ and lived there for 27 years until I moved a mile down the road to Mahwah (lol) , which is where I live now.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Anything outdoors! Hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, etc. and all things art, particularly painting and drawing.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

I’ve been very inspired by my recent trip to India! After seeing the level of devotion that the people of India have, I have been be inspired to deepen my practices and strengthen my relationship with myself and God even further.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

I love connecting with people and getting to see them in their healing process. It is truly such an honor to be able to bear witness to people’s vulnerability and openness as they move through their own healing journey. Also, being able to teach people that they have the power to heal themselves!

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Well, it’s always been India! But since I just got back from India with Onyx, next on my list is Costa Rica. I love the ocean, the warm weather, and the natural beauty of the land!

Leslieann Hobayan - February 2023

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?
I grew up in Jersey: early childhood in Piscataway and then the awkward pre-teen & teen years in Watchung.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?
I’m a poet and writer, so writing and reading are my life! And I love podcasting (apparently, I have a lot to say!) — my show is Spiritual Grit where spirituality and activism intersect. But lately? I’ve been getting into the great outdoors. I went on a wilderness trip back in September. For real. A legit, off-grid-for-8-days experience on the Green River in Labyrinth Canyon in Utah. Canoeing for 45 miles, setting up camp, taking it down, setting it up again. Hiking slot canyons. And the weather! The elements! Mother Nature don’t play! I mean, whut??? That was something else! I’m still processing that experience.

3.Who or what inspires you the most lately?
The poets, writers, composers, and artists with whom I became friends during my writing residency at the Virginia Center for Creative Arts (VCCA) during the first part of January. The work they are creating is inspiring and thought-provoking, pieces that are very much in relationship with our world today. I found myself saying: “Omg! I didn’t know you could do that with art!” and “You’re teaching me a whole new way of seeing.” The conversations we had about how we saw the world, how we created and engaged with our art, and how important it is for us to continue this work. It was so amazing and inspiring to be in that energy of creativity and possibility, to be in community with such brilliant people.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?
Playing. Hah! I’m serious. (which is funny to say after the word “playing”, actually. Haha) I love sharing what teachings I’ve learned from my own journey. And I love guiding students back to themselves through movement (we sometimes forget we have bodies because we’re so stuck inside a screen) and play (cartwheels, anyone?). I love creating a community of fun in my classes and really engaging with students, asking them questions, inviting them to listen to what the body is calling for. Really, I just like being able to play and have my students experience that too.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Right now, I want to go to Asia –with my three daughters. One wants to go to Japan because she’s obsessed with their culture. Another one wants to go to Korea because she’s obsessed with K-Pop and yes, their culture overall. Then, I want to take them to the Philippines to meet family and experience their cultural heritage firsthand. And then I’d like to end our tour of Asia in Bali for the spiritual experience of the temples and the energy of that location on the planet. I hear it’s amazing.

Rahnee Haskins - January 2023

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am originally from Highland Park, NJ and moved around the surrounding areas into adulthood. I lived there all my childhood and Have fond and awesome memories.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Besides yoga, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have 4 little ones and they keep me busy! Other than that, I enjoy going on hikes and biking on nice days.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Lately, I have been inspired by our beautiful planet. I have focused more on immersing myself in horticulture and understanding the healthy benefits from the plants and environment we lived in.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

Connecting with my students and offering a relatable experience as advice. I enjoy helping my students relax and connect to the present and in return I gain a sense of peace and happiness.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Africa, as it is one of the places to visit on my bucket list. I want to experience the culture, the scenery and most importantly the food! I believe there is a connection to the earth as a lot of human influence was born there. It would be nice to feel that energy.

Darlene Bowen-Rich - December 2022

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

Pittsburgh, PA for 18 years.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Performing and directing theatre: improv, Shakespeare and musicals, as well as teaching acting, improv and coaching for public speakers. Cooking and baking. Reading fiction, poetry and cookbooks. Gardening.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Spending time with my two adult children. I am especially inspired and feel blessed by engaging in the thoughts, the creative imaginations of each of my three young grandchildren!

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

Learning with and from my student. Watching students, through the practice, one class at a time, raise their awareness of health and well- being: mind, heart, body and spirit. Watching each student leave a class feeling better than when they entered.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I think this is a long list of places to go, so my current trip that I am designing (I am a solo traveler) is England, Ireland, Scotland Wales and hopefully ending in Iceland. I choose this trip for the history, hiking their countryside, the theatre, museums, castles and gardens. Driving will be a challenge that I hope to overcome quickly, as well as finding a few wonderful train trips. I also hope to have a good culinary experience☺

Shereen Bernaz - October 2022

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

Born and raised in NJ!! I grew up in Montville and lived there until I was married at 22.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

I love running and taking long walks with my two dogs, Maisy and Cammie! I also like to listen to audiobooks and pray while I walk.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Dr. James Doty! Years ago I read a book called “Into the Magic Shop” which has changed my life. The book has inspired me to visualize my goals and has taught me the importance of compassion to myself and others. I am in the process of becoming a compassionate care coach through his c-care program from Stanford University. I would love to bring compassionate care to families with chronically sick children and to pediatric nurses who are angels in disguise!

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

I started teaching 12 years ago and recently took a year break. It was during this time that I realized how much I love and missed teaching. I think more than anything I love surrounding myself in the energy that each and every student brings to the class. It is a privilege to be able to spend time with the students who could be anywhere but choose to come to class and I value the time together. I also like breaking down the benefits of each asana. I like to understand why we do a pose and specifically what it does for our body and mind.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

India! My father was from Bombay and although I have been there once, I would love to go back with my husband and children. I would love the opportunity to really appreciate the culture and my roots. I think India is Magical!

Lisa Keenan - September 2022

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?
I am from Morristown New Jersey and graduated from Morristown High School. I lived there until I attended college out of state. In my late 20’s I bought a townhouse in Basking Ridge and then later a house which I have now lived in since 1996.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?
Besides yoga I really enjoy my Peloton. I also attend barre classes in Peapack at XBarre which is owned by a high school friend. I am also an avid reader. Besides yoga books I tend to read the books that my oldest daughter Taylor is reading for her book club. That helps keep us connected on a “fun” level.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?
Lately I am the most inspired by my youngest daughter Lauren. Throughout her 21 years of life she has faced some difficult obstacles and outright tragedies, yet she greets each day with gratitude, humility, and a smile. She always sees the positive in every situation and uses problems as lessons for personal growth.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?
My favorite aspect about teaching yoga is the connection I make to the students. I love to theme my classes in such a way that everyone leaves with inspiration, and it gives both myself and the students an opportunity to learn together the many facets of yoga philosophy.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I know it may seem simple but my only real travel wish right now is to spend more time in Georgia with Taylor as she begins her life as a Chiropractic healer. School has kept her away for seven years with limited breaks and there is so much more I would like to learn about her chosen career path. (She is actually working with a team of doctors with multiple specialties at a trauma center)

Jessica Graisser - July 2022

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am originally from South Plainfield. I went to college in North Carolina, and moved to Miami, FL for a couple of years after college. Then I moved to Virginia for a bit before coming back to NJ. I have been here ever since. Now I live in Piscataway, which is where my husband is from.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

I love reading, I have too many books to count in my house. I also love my dogs, spending time with family and friends. Writing has also become important to me as well as gardening. I have never had a green thumb but I am hoping that the veggies I planted will grow.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Nature is inspiring me right now. I am spending a lot of time outside and forming a stronger relationship with everything in nature: the trees, the animals, specifically the foxes and deer that live around my house. I find that the more time I spend outside the more connected I feel and the more productive that I am throughout the day. Also, everything about nature is so pure and perfect, even the storms, there is a beauty there that I think we need to learn to see in everything and everyone that we cross paths with.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

I love giving people a different perspective on something. Even though I may not be currently teaching yoga, I do feel that when I can offer what I have learned, it offers a perspective that maybe the person did not see before. I try to be aware of what I say and when, so I’m offering what is needed at a time that it is needed. Basically, I really like when people think about things in a different way. I feel the more we all do this, the more we can compromise or just understand where someone is coming from.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I don’t have a specific place that I want to go, but the place would be off the beaten path. No tourism, very little people, not yet touched by industry and development. It doesn’t matter if it is in the mountains, the desert, or by a lake or ocean, as long as its outside, warm, and beautiful.

Nikole Mackie - June 2022

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I grew up in Green Brook, moved to New York City for 5 years then bopped around NJ a bit and have landed in Morristown.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

When I’m not at the studio you will likely find me with my dog Oscar, walking around town, going on hikes and hanging with friends. I also love seeing live music and going dancing. Plants and interior design are some of my other favorite things…my apartment may look a bit like a jungle 😅. Oh! and Travel, travel travel.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Music is my meditation. Some of the artists I have been listening to a lot lately are Khurangbin, Arc De Soleil, Parcels and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. My guilty pleasures are also Justin Bieber and Harry Styles.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

Giving students (and myself) the opportunity to change our energy, even if its just for 75 minutes. Taking the time to step onto our mats and be, moving freely without judgement.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

In the forefront is our retreat to Sedona! Shannon recently visited and had such a profound experience that she knew we needed to head that way this September. Visiting the Vortexes (energy centers) with a group from our community is something I am really looking forward to.

Nancy DeMarco - May 2022

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am a Jersey girl born and raised. Green Brook for the first 18 years, followed by a four-year stint at the University of Delaware. Then back to New Jersey where I finally settled in the miracle mile borough known as Dunellen.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

When I’m not on the mat, my nose is in a book. I love mysteries, thrillers and true crime stories. I love to walk in my neighborhood and listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Currently, I’m hooked on Meditative Story with Rohan Gunatillake and Once Upon a Crime with Ester Ludlow. When I have some down time, I love to write flash fiction, sing old Broadway show tunes and practice telling jokes to my cat Lucy. She’s hard to impress.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Pause, Rest, Be: Stillness Practices for Courage in Times of Change, by Octavia Raheem. A beautiful book that contains nothing but pure magic.

Mad Lavender Farm, Milford, New Jersey. My ultimate happy place! My sister and I visit Mad Lavender Farm at least twice a year for goat yoga. Last year we attended a workshop and made our own sage and lavender smudge sticks and ate lots of homemade lavender ice cream.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

I love the connection with my students. I truly believe in the transformative, rejuvenating, restorative and uplifting powers of yoga. The support and encouragement that I can provide to students to step on their mat and keep coming back to their mat (whether in studio or virtually) is a priceless gift to me.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

The beach! Drop me at the beach and my Pisces soul is satisfied. One beach that I have a hankering to visit is the pink shoreline of Crane Beach in Barbados. That’s right, I said pink!

6. What is the experience of your gentle class?

I’m going to share something that may shock you. You are NOT a machine. But I bet if you’re like me, you push yourself until you’re running on fumes. Your third eye chakra staring at that almost empty gas gauge burning bright red in your brain waiting to see how far you can go until you crash and burn. And that, my friend, does not work. My class provides a place where you can relearn the art of relaxation. It’s a slow, mindful practice that involves relaxing the body with the assistance of props. It is literally a chill pill in a class. Try it. You might like it.

Gabi Percario - April 2022

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

Jersey girl born and raised! Mountainside >> Warren >> New Brunswick >> Somerville

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga? 

Off the mat, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.  My nirvana would be making a grocery list, getting Sabrina (my one year old) all dressed for our grocery shopping outing, teaching her about all of the ingredients as we pick them, going home to make everything we set out to (hopefully Sabrina naps during this part) and then sharing it all with everyone I love. I also love going on walks/hikes and traveling.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately? 

Especially at the change of the seasons each year, I am inspired by Ayurveda which is often called “the sister science of yoga.” I love how it reminds me that we are a part of our environments and teaches how the elements of our environments effect each one of us.  This wisdom often guides what I choose to teach in classes and it is a way of relating to the world that also inspires how my yoga extends off the mat into things like self care, food choices, even word choices and making time to get outside and connect with nature.  I find it’s often the lens through which I try to help my loved ones when they ask their in-house yoga teacher for any wellness related advice. 🙂  Ask me for books and resources if you’re interested in learning more! It’s one of my favorite topics.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher? 

As well all know here, yoga is truly awesome!  The transformative power these practices have over the way we experience our own bodies and ultimately are own lives are downright mind-blowing.  The word yoga may sound “woo-woo” but the incredible thing is that the benefits are anything but…. This stuff just works.  Whether it’s back pain, brain fog or a bad mood, the shared experience of how a good practice can shift things is perpetually exciting to me.

 5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 

India! It’s where all of this yoga wisdom comes from.

Pam Yula - March 2022

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I grew up in North Plainfield and lived there for 21 years. My parents lived at that house for over 56 years and I am so sad to say that since my mom died and my dad is in memory care we just put it on the market. Cleaning it out over the last 6 months has brought a lot of smiles and tears. There are so many memories there 😔and 😁.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga? 

Besides teaching and practicing yoga my favorite past time is paddle boarding and I love hiking, walking my boys (dogs), gardening, getting lost in a good book and basically anything that requires me to be outside preferably in the sun! I can listen to music all day long and live without tv.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately? 

Jay Shetty inspires me and has inspired me throughout the pandemic. I could listen to him speak all day. He has helped me to improve myself and I love to share the knowledge I have gained from he and the guests he has on his podcasts. I use his book Think Like a Monk as inspiration for my personal and class use. And music has always inspired me. If I need a pick me up I throw on salsa and dance if I need to decompress, it’s usually chill piano or violin songs.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher? 

Teaching is my savior seriously. I NEED to teach for my sanity! It has been my passion for the past 30 plus years. It’s because of the relationships and the community we have at Onyx. I tell my students all the time it was like coming home when I came back to Onyx to teach. I love watching students move and the beautiful shapes they create with their practice.

I love sharing my knowledge and also learning from my students and from other teachers. When I know I have touched someone with words I have said or have seen the growth and acknowledged it to a student it makes me realize that I made a difference in someone’s life. It also has shown me how important it is to acknowledge those who have supported me at times I needed it.

Sorry that’s long winded. I am just so grateful that I never work a day in my life because I truly love what I do.

 5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 

I would go to Cuba to find out any information I could on my mothers birth parents and the orphanage she lived in for the 8 years she was there before she was adopted.

Alli Suszko - February 2022

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I’m born and raised in New Jersey and have come to have a lot of Jersey pride over the years! Why wouldn’t you love Jersey?! NYC to the north and Philly to the south with lots of fun beaches and hiking in between. Not to mention I think we’re spoiled with a lot of good food in this area as well. I lived in Clark until I was about 5 then I moved to Warren just before I started Kindergarten. I lived in Warren until I was about 26 or 27. I then moved to Montclair for a bit, came back home again and now I currently live in Newark, nestled into the heart of the Ironbound. You can find me jogging around Independence Park or running to catch the train into Manhattan to get to work on time.   

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga? 

Too many things! Other than yoga, some common places to find me are at breweries geeking out on beer or at the beach being a bum on the sand, either in NJ or down in Rehoboth Beach, DE. I also love to carve my way down a mountain during the winter months on my snowboard. When I have quiet time at home I like to draw and paint or read a book on my couch. Also completely willing to discuss true crime documentaries, just sayin’. You may also catch me scootin’ around Jersey City, eating and drinking with friends, scouting out street art, or really just someplace else in the world doing something silly.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately? 

I think just in general how there are so many amazing spiritual and thought leaders out there today who promote inner work and self growth, spiritual healing, positive mindset work, and manifestation. Some of these people are Eckhart Tolle, Mel Robbins, Gala Darling, Gabby Bernstein, Eric Ho, Trish Blackwell, Jay Shetty…. I could continue to go on! It’s really about finding who and what resonates with you most but I’m loving how there are so many people out there looking to help people change the way they view themselves and their lifestyle. I never really understood how important it was to have a healthy mindset, love myself for who I am and reframe thoughts until I met a great mentor in my mid to late 20s. You can do and have so much in life if you are willing to work on YOU. All of the above has been constantly inspiring me. We are ever evolving beings who never stop learning, no matter how old we get.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher? 

I really do love seeing students get excited when something finally clicks or they take that one tiny step forward towards making progression. It’s that joyful and proud moment when you finally understand crow pose after 100 tries! Telling people they’re getting there and giving encouragement is something we all need, no matter what age we are. Any past teacher that had faith in me while showing support and encouragement was a teacher never forgotten. But most of all did they walk away having fun and feeling challenged.

 5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 

I’ve been fortunate to have traveled to some interesting places but I think the next big adventure on my bucket list is South East Asia. I really want to see Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam. I’m dying to see the ruins of Angkor Wat.

Cathy Ingal - January 2022

1.Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I grew up on Long Island and moved to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn in my early 20’s. I love the beach no matter the season. The ebb and flow of the waves on the sand are a constant soothing sound to me. I moved to central New Jersey to raise my family about 25 years ago; however, I always make/find time to get to the beach.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

In the “before times” I would go on a frequent basis to NYC to visit museums (The Met, Guggenheim, and Whitney are my go-to), grab dinner or lunch with family, or simply explore new neighborhoods and churches. The music that is produced in certain churches is amazing. I am determinedly returning to that old habit. I recently acquired two black labs, and we spend a lot of time walking in area parks and trails.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

What inspires me is the kitchen. The kitchen is where people gather, create, and enjoy a good meal. Cooking, to me, is very much like yoga. As I immerse myself into the practice of preparing a meal, it is quite like the moving meditation that is yoga. When I cook with my family we are moving, breathing, creating in sync.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

My favorite aspect of being a teacher is watching my students’ growth. My cues land in different ways in each student’s body, but the true joy as a teacher is watching my students explore their natural curiosity.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

If I could travel anywhere, it would be to return to Southeast Asia. In 2014 I went to Thailand with my daughter. We visited The Grand Palace in Bangkok built in the late 18th century. Within the palace grounds was an exact replication of an “enemy” city located in Cambodia. The detail that went into the reproduction of the city made me wonder whether the ruler in Cambodia or any other country did the same with Bangkok.

Rahnee Haskins - October 2020

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am originally from Highland Park, NJ. I pretty much grew up there after moving from North Brunswick, NJ since the 3^rd grade.  I loved growing up in HP because it was a small town and a close-knit community.  Everyone knew everyone.  I currently live in Piscataway, NJ for the past seven years and I love the culture and diversity.  Perfect place to raise a family.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

When I’m not on the mat I enjoy biking, hiking and playing my guitar when I can.  I am very fond of nature and being outdoors so I try to get out as much as I can.  Fall season is my favorite time of the year because I feel a sense of calmness and connection to the earth.  Plus the changing of the leaves is like living in a real life painting.  Camping is definitely a must especially when I have the opportunity to play my guitar and sing in front of a campfire.  Lastly, good quality family time with my wife and kids is when I am mostly at peace.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Lately I have been inspired by fatherhood.  I love being the dad to the most wonderful kids.  I grew up without a father, so it means a lot to me that I am able to raise four beautiful babies that I help create.  Being a parent was definitely a goal for me in life and when I see my little ones smile it warms my heart and motivates me to be a better human being in this difficult world we live in.  The reality of it is, is that they teach me something new every day and I am honored to be their student!

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

Deep question! I would say my favorite aspect of being a teacher is having the opportunity to help my students connect to their surroundings, connect to individuals they come in contact with daily and most importantly connecting to themselves.  I am slowly learning about my gift of being present and helping others find peace and tranquility. It feels great to share it with all walk’s life.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

St. Thomas! My wife and I took a Virgin Island cruise back in 2009 and we did an excursion to the St. Thomas Island.  We fell in love with this place instantly.  I’ve been to other parts of the Caribbean but this place was magical.  Between my connection to the earth and the sea I still get chills to this day.  The weather was perfect, not too hot, and the water was just right.  The island was full of friendly locals and the views were out of this world.  I would love to live on an island that has the 4 season change like NJ so I guess I might have to move to Maine.

Tiffany Polite-Hill - August 2020

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?
I am originally from North Jersey. I grew up in a town called Belleville. We are known for our Cherry Blossom Park! I lived there until I was 21 years old, then I moved to North Plainfield. My current home is in New Brunswick, with my partner.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?
Once quarantine started, my favorite rock climbing gym closed. So I picked up a pair of rollerblades from the thrift store. I do not have the urge to put them down! Rollerblading is so much fun. It keeps me active and definitely helps my balance! I always love to watch the ice skaters during the Olympics. This is the closest I will get to Olympic gold.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?
Marshall Rosenberg, the author of ‘Nonviolent Communication’. He is a brilliant psychologist who has changed my mind about so many things. He says that we should give compassionately with the sole intention to enrich life! We should ask ourselves and “What is alive in me?” When we understand what is alive in us, we truly speak from our hearts. His concepts have completely changed the way I communicate with my partner, my friends and my family. I encourage everyone to check out his book. It’s on Audible!

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?
I love being able to connect with students/teachers. It means so much to me to make a connection with someone both on and off of the mat. I have made so many friends here at Onyx, many whom I consider family. This community is very sacred to me. I am happy to be back teaching with friends, new and old! I am so thankful to Shannon and Nikole for keeping our community together during these difficult times.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Da Nang, Vietnam! I had travel plans to go there but because of COVID-]19, the borders are closed. The south central coast is full of beaches, great food, great people and sacred sites! Thailand is very close so I hope to hop over and continue my teacher training. I plan to live and explore Vietnam once the borders are open.

Leslieann Hobayan - July 2020

1.Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I moved around a bit, mostly within Jersey (though I was born in Ohio). Englewood, Piscataway, Watchung.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

What else is there? Haha! Just kidding. 🙂 I’m also a poet, so reading is a big thing for me — it feeds the creative well. Poetry book I’m reading right now? Bodega by Su Hwang — amazing range of form, but the content is what has me hooked: experiences of the immigrant experience. Spiritual book: Pema Chodron’s Welcoming the Unwelcome, which is divine timing as I started this book before the pandemic was a thing. I also love being in nature —from hiking to lying down in the grass, but my favorite is being by the sea — swimming in the ocean, sitting at the water’s edge, listening.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

I’m wrapping up this online business course that has an amazing, supportive community. What inspires me about this group has been to watch people continue to step out of their comfort zones again and again, despite the fear, despite the hang-ups about tech and the what-ifs, and launch their businesses AND see the community respond with genuine enthusiasm, outrageous cheerleading, and endless encouragement! I mean I got excited just writing this! While this course might have been about business, it has been more certainly been more than that. It’s been about mindset shifts to revise limited beliefs. It’s been about figuring out who you are. It’s been about making real connections with real people, no matter what differences might lie between us —from niches to home countries to language to skin color. (This community is global and this year’s class is about 4,000 members.) And THAT is inspiring!

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

What I love about being a teacher is the ability to share what I’ve learned from my various teachers (whether in -person or through books). Most people aren’t familiar with sutras and yamas and niyamas and all that yoga jazz. So I try to apply the teachings to everyday life situations and invite students to consider different ways of viewing or responding from what they automatically do. When I see their eyes light up in that ah-ha moment? The best!

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Being in quarantine for this long has subdued my traveling bug a little bit so I had to think on this one. Presuming ideal conditions, if I’m going to be totally honest (and I’ll probably get made fun of for this one but I don’t care! My journey is my journey!) I’d like to follow the Liz Gilbert path of Italy (Rome), India (Vrindavan and Rishikesh), and Bali (Ubud). Yes, yes, you got it: eat, pray, and love (though I’ll probably be doing more yoga than love in Bali – haha! :p).

Photo is of me & my doggie, Bailey. 🙂

Reena Singhvi - June 2020

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am originally from India. I grew up in a city called Jaipur which is also known as the Pink City of India, as many of the buildings and architecture have a reddish pink hue. It is now a favorite destination for vacationers, for its rich cultural history and vibrancy. I had an arranged marriage, when I was 21 years old, and right after moved to the US with my husband. As difficult as the transition was, to my new role as a wife, in an altogether unfamiliar terrain, I gradually started to see lots of options and opportunities for self growth and development in the US. Upon completing my CPA certification, I started working for an accounting firm, then called Arthur Andersen and worked there till I became a mother.

After having my first baby, I quit my job, and chose to be a stay at home mom. I am grateful that I had that option and was able to enjoy this very fulfilling albeit challenging experience!! Once both my daughters started going to school, I started to attend yoga classes. It felt natural, as growing up I had seen my parents practicing yoga at home. I felt a strong pull toward yoga, hence eventually decided to become a yoga instructor.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Besides yoga I enjoy reading and listening to fiction, non fiction and spiritual books. Walking and hiking energize me. Family game nights or playing games on my phone( words with friends, quiz up) are also my favorite pastimes. Meditation has also become a part of my daily ritual, usually before bedtime and often in the morning as well, before I start my day. It is one of the most precious and meaningful habits, which has deeply impacted my life in a positive way. Besides all of the above, I love to hang out with friends and family and laugh and chat endlessly.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

I love listening to, and am inspired by the teachings of Elkhart Tolle, Sister Shibani, Sadguru, Thich Nhat Hanh and Gelong Thubten. Listening to one or more of them has become part of my daily ritual.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

My favorite part of teaching yoga is how present I find myself while I teach a class. I feel like I am in the moment, and the teaching just flows through me. I don’t have a structure or a plan before I step on the mat, but somehow in the presence of all the yogis around me, the flow happens and feels effortless. I feel a sense of deep gratitude toward all the people who join my classes, as because of their presence I feel totally present🙏🏽The energy of all the yogis together is immensely powerful and serene at the same time.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot and see many countries and cultures. Now I would love to go on several yoga and meditation retreats and be someday in the presence of my spiritual teachers, specially sister Shibani. Would love to do this together with a few friends who have a similar mindset😊

I constantly and consistently make an effort to be present with every experience, whatever that may be challenging or otherwise. To love each moment to the fullest, be it dancing with friends, or meditating alone. To let go of judgement and criticism of others and my own self, to let go of the past as it doesn’t serve me anymore, and above all to not take myself too seriously😘

Barbara Fritze - May 2020

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I grew up in Warren, New Jersey. In 1992, I married and moved to Ontario Canada that’s where I found yoga and eventually specifically Kundalini yoga. I returned from Canada in 2000 and finally did my teacher training in NYC.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Besides yoga I am a full time hairdresser and makeup artist. I love my work and spend lots of time upgrading my skills both in Hairdressing and extra yoga certifications. My husband and I love to travel and we adore our family including two energetic boxers.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

My students inspire me on a regular basis. I also study annually with Guru Singh from California, Snatam Kaur a great teacher and musician, many other wonderful teachers too many to name among them Mahan Rishi Singh Khalsa and Shakta Kaur with whom I am currently doing the Radiant child yoga program.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

I love teaching, it has changed my life in so many ways. The feeling I get when someone transforms before my eyes and I see the tension leave their face and body changing to a radiant glow of vitality is beyond rewarding . I am honored I have been given this roll in life. I strive to be the best teacher I can be and inspire others to become teachers as well. I truly feel that with Yoga we can change the world.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I adore travel and I would love to one day go to India to see the Golden Temple and other great sights since. India is the origin of so many yoga practices.

Denise Corsini - April 2020

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I’m originally from Bound Brook, NJ, but I moved to Doylestown, PA when I was young, so that’s where my first childhood memories are. When I was first grade we moved to Bridgewater, NJ where I went to elementary and high school.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?
Aside from yoga, I love to run, cook (and eat!), and spend time with my friends and family.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Hearing about people’s generosity during this tough time has been the most inspiring to me lately. The impact of the virus has affected nearly every aspect of life as we know it; yet, I’ve heard so many stories of people helping one another in various ways.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

My favorite aspect of being a teacher is that I get to meet such lovely people. I’ve made so many strong connections and friendships through Onyx. I also love being able to teach tools that have helped me so much in my own life.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Hawaii! My fiancé and I planned to go on our honeymoon there in June. Due to the recent pandemic, we decided to postpone so that we can enjoy the trip when it feels safe to travel. We’re looking forward to hiking, relaxing, and experiencing the culture.

Jeff Lehrer - March 2020

I was born a long time ago (not going to tell you my age) in Newark, NJ. My family moved to Colonia, NJ (part of Woodbridge Township) when I was 2 and I lived there until I was 11. We then moved to Edison Township where I attended Oak Tree School elementary school, John Adams Middle School and JP Stevens High School. I graduated from the University of Maryland with combined political science and history degrees. I then received my J.D. from Temple University School of Law. I have been a practicing land use and municipal attorney since 1982 (ok.. now you know a bit more about my age).

Yoga is my passion but I have other activities that I enjoy, including traveling with Esta (my beautiful wife) to exotic places, reading, and spending quality time with my best buddy “Arielle”, a 12 year old pit bull/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. I could not have been luckier to have such a sweet dog.

Teaching yoga truly inspires me. Although I had a rough start (feeling intimidated and not being my authentic self), my teaching slowly evolved and now it is my true passion. I love to see students come to my classes and feel enriched by each class and want to come back for more. That gives me tremendous satisfaction.

As many of you know, I studied Ashtanga under Ross Marshall, Beryl Bender and David Swenson. It is my favorite form of yoga. It is a disciplined practice which demands deep concentration and is replete with salutations, standing poses, seated postures, forward bends, twists, back bends, hip openers, inversions, arm balances, leg extension and flexion and shoulder openings. There is no part of my body which feels left out of this practice.

I also enjoy and participate in Yin classes and vinyasa flow classes of various types. I am truly inspired by one teacher in particular at Onyx, namely Ranjitha. She has taught me so much about the practice of yoga. What I mean by this is that she has taught me not just the asanas but a way of yogic living. Yoga has changed my life in so many ways that it would take pages to tell you why. Suffice it to say that I cannot imagine my life without yoga.

My favorite place in the world is South Caicos. I enjoy the quiet and the natural beauty of the island and its people. Someday I will depart this world and my instructions are that my ashes be spread over the waters of East Bay in South Caicos.

I look forward to seeing you in my classes.

Jay Karlinski - February 2020

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?
I grew up by LBI, and I have lived in Guatemala, Mexico, Thailand, and Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. I have traveled extensively all over the world, with some of favorite spots being Borneo, Vietnam, Tasmania, the Peruvian Amazon, and the national parks of Utah

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga? 
Besides yoga, my favorite thing to do is play with my best friend/ dog Diesel. We traveled together 1,800 miles across the USA on a bicycle. Amazing adventure!

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately? 
I teach preschool to the purest yogis in the world and am constantly inspired by their relentless pursuit of play!

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher? 
I love being able to contribute to and witness the growth of my students, on and off of the mat. I love to hear my students tell me about how they apply the lessons that they learn on the mat to their life outside of the studio. As I always say, “we practice yoga on the mat in order to live life more skillfully off of the mat.”

 5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 
My wife and I are traveling to Koh Samui, Thailand, for yoga. It is one of the most beautiful places the world. So excited to return to one of my favorite spots and eat all of the delicious food!

Michael Kohan - January 2020

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?
I was born in Connecticut but spent my formative years living in Branchburg, NJ. As a young adult I lived in NYC for over 15 years. Over time the fast pace of the city was starting to drain my energy. Therefore, I returned to my roots and currently reside in Somerville, NJ with my lovely and adoring fiancé.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga? 
Well thats an interesting question as a yogi… My main love is yoga but if I am not practicing, I like to swim laps at the pool, hike in the woods and play the guitar. I am huge movie buff as well and I can’t resist a good book.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately? 
Lately I have been inspired by the present moment. Really just trying to discover more time to slow down rather than always having to do or achieve something.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher? 
I love watching people transform their lives by practicing yoga. It never gets old and is always a joy to watch someone new come to yoga and see them open up their body, heart and mind.

 5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 
COSTA RICA would be the place to go. I will be running a retreat there in April 2020. If you are interested in going feel free to reach out to me, I’d be happy to talk to you.

Sandy Marotta - December 2019

Shannon Elliott - November 2019

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I was born in Southfield, Michigan and was there until I was 4 years old.  I have lived in Upstate New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and of course New Jersey.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Honestly, yoga asana is my core form of movement.  Beyond that, I love pretty much anything outdoors.  Hiking, rock climbing, and recently even some mountain biking. I really love a great book.  I also have been playing around with singing, mostly in the shower for now haha. Oh, and I freakin love to dance.

3.Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Presence inspires me the most lately.  Onyx inspires me the most lately.  Trust in the Universe, expanding perspectives. I have this secret mission (although not so secret now) to help make others dreams come true.  Onyx is a place which started with a small number of absolute angels creating the base of our family.  And now we get to continue to grow that.  Over the last 10 years my heart continues to overflow as I look around at our incredible platform.  I believe we exist to individually enrich ourselves and here at Onyx we also get to create lifelong relationships. I believe in our humanness above all.  I am continually inspired by the many who live their lives in deeply authentic ways.  With each passing year, I become more and more comfortable with being verses doing.  I was reminded by Pema Chodron recently:  (paraphrasing) Letting go sounds like a doing and can be quite hard, intimidating, and self judging.  So instead, the invitation becomes:  Letting Be. The more I repeat Letting Be, not only do I better know what to walk away from, I also have the courage to go big and take actions trusting in myself and the Divine.  I envision the Divine now as a partnership, God and me are united and on the same team.   Additionally, when I can feel that God exists in all, separation begins to dissolve.  I have also learned to forgive myself, others, and to release the internal violence towards myself which can be anything from negative self talk to straight up inappropriate behavior.  Healing is my focus, and that comes with a bunch of honesty, integrity, and self love right alongside loving others more fully.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

Authentically sharing the teachings, I feel a great responsibility to put my Shannon-ness aside and share the ancient teachings of yoga related to present day times.  But the most exciting piece, is watching others when yoga begins to heal people’s insides and they get to experience who they really are.  It in indescribable, and a gift to watch individuals living their own truths and dharma and then coming together collectively to raise the vibration of this planet.  And this circle then continues because as our students evolve, I am continually inspired to do the same.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Dominica!  (kindly must say it is not the Dominican Republic.) I have been to Dominica once before and there is no place higher on my bucket list at the moment to return to.  It is the most magical place, lush jungles, volcanic terrain, boiling lakes, the most incredible people, living off of and within nature. Truly what I imagine the Garden of Eden to be. Onyx is going in February, and this time I get to go with old and new friends alike.  Lucky me!

Tina Malone - October 2019

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am originally from Hamilton Twp, NJ about an hour south of Warren, NJ. Besides two years in Europe and my college years, I’ve lived in NJ my entire life. I may need to move somewhere soon. That’s a long time in Jersey.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

I’d have to say my favorite activity would be swimming in the ocean when there are huge waves. It’s exhilarating and makes you feel like you are one tiny speck but still a part of the whole ocean. I have a new comfort bike that I love riding. I also like to read. I’m currently reading Educated by Tara Westover, which I highly recommend and my next book will be Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

I’ve never been able to pick a single person who inspires me. It’s more little bits here and there of stories I’ve heard or news articles about people. However, if I had to pick someone it would be Greta Thunberg, the 16 year old Swedish environmental activist.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

Taking the time to plan out a class that makes sense from a physical perspective with transitions that are smooth and poses that build on each other and flow naturally and then tying the physical movements to the mind so that when the students leave class they feel a sense of well being in the mind and body.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I have a large bucket list of places to visit from Morocco to Alaska to Thailand. I really enjoy new and different experiences. Lately I’ve been thinking I’d like to go someplace and just wander around without a plan, no reservations made. I think that goes with the yoga experience of living in the moment, staying present. Usually I’m a planner, enjoying planning the trip just as much as taking the trip.

Jane Lindemann — September 2019

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I am a Jersey girl through and through. Born and raised right here in Bridgewater, NJ.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

I enjoy hiking with my husband and our dog Jack. Playing fetch with Jack but I’m the one doing all the fetching. I love to cook but mostly bake. I enjoy gardening around the house and being outside. Not sure if you would call sitting on the beach with a cocktail in my hand an activity but for today lets call it one.

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

I don’t know if I have anything or anyone who inspire me right now but what I do like right now is being quiet and still, preferably outside.

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

Seeing students grow and progress in their practice, physically, mentally, emotionally. When a student has been trying to do a certain “pose” and they finally get it. Those little successes fill me with joy. Teaching alignment so students understand what will work for them and that it’s ok if it doesn’t look like the person next to them. Teaching the teachings of Yoga. Teaching makes me happy, it gives me a purpose, keeps me accountable, it gives me joy to be of service to others and it makes me stop thinking about me and forces me to be present. And if you are one of my students reading this you know sometimes that is not always true, lol. Making those personal connections and cultivating those relationships. I want to share everything I love about yoga.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would like to go to Africa to see the natural beauty of Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, Seychelles to name only a few. Experience the wildlife while during the migration season the diversity of cultures, explore the natural terrains and while I’m there I would also go to Mauritius. A small island off the coast of Africa that has the Chamarel Waterfall and the seven colored earth. Visit all the temples and statues. Taste the culinary cuisine. Swim the in turquoise waters walk on the white sands (with that drink in my hand) and explore the coral reefs. So I’m sending this out into the Universe.

Jules Defreitas — August 2019

1. Where are you originally from? How long did you live there?

I was born and raised in Swisher, Iowa (not to be confused with Idaho or Ohio…) I moved to New Jersey right before my 21st birthday for a nanny job. I try to visit my family and friends in Iowa once or twice a year. I have gratitude for my roots even though New Jersey feels like home to me now.

2. What activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Aside from the usual “I love spending time with my husband and kids” -which I do! I made a promise to myself about 5 years ago that I would travel every season. I’ve been blessed with the ability and means to achieve that and then some!
I really love fitness in general. I do Crossfit a few times a week either at the gym or in my garage. I tolerate running and completed my first half marathon in May. I truly appreciate being in nature and welcome any opportunity for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding and will make any excuse to go to the beach!

3. Who or what inspires you the most lately?

Honestly… anyone I see following their dreams and achieving massive goals!
I just finished reading MC Yogi’s book, Spiritual Graffiti so I’m pretty pumped up by his story and journey of overcoming delinquency and drugs, finding yoga and totally changing his life with immense positivity (Ps his music is pretty dope and you might hear it in some of my classes).

4. What is your favorite aspect of teaching/being a teacher?

What I truly LOVE is being able to share yoga philosophy and teachings with my students. The real reason I chose YTT was because I wanted to expand my knowledge for personal reasons. I didn’t expect (actually I was terrified) to teach the physical aspect… but here I am! I’m over the moon grateful for and humbled by the push and opportunity.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Since I love traveling, this is a hard question! Seeing new places and different cultures gives me a deeper appreciation for the world. As much as I love laying on the beach and swimming in clear oceans, I think traveling with a purpose feels more well-rounded. India was incredible to say the least, and I want to see more of the globe. I’d like to find a mission trip and volunteer while still having time to relax and recharge. Suggestions are welcome!