Aaron Vega

VegaYoga & Movement Arts’ co-director and instructor, Aaron Vega (200 RYT), brings his “yoga for the people” philosophy to every class he teaches. From his yoga in the chair to his signature vegaflow class, Aaron incorporates a deep understanding of movement and yoga with a dash of humor. The passion and joy he shares with his students is intertwined with tradition and innovation. Creating a fun and safe atmosphere either with his music mixes or dynamic sequences, there is always something new happening in Aaron’s classes. At the ready to give a modification or an invitation to explore deeper, Aaron’s classes leave students strong in their body and feeling good about themselves.

Debra Vega

Debra Vega (RCYP, level 1), Vega Yoga & Movement Arts’ co-director and instructor, brings her Children’s Yoga Certification and 9 years of yoga practice, combined with her 30+ years of dance training and over 20 years of teaching experience, to all of the classes she offers.

Coming from her dance background, Debra approaches yoga with a strong awareness of the body and with the knowledge of ways to keep the body safe during practice. She is sensitive to the needs of her students and is happy to offer modifications in order to allow students of any skill level to practice with confidence. With a positive attitude and a smile on her face, Debra’s gentle way of “allowing you to practice where you are today,” encourages each student to leave her classes feeling good about their practice and good about themselves.

Claudia Johnsen

Claudia Johnsen, RYT 200, holds an MS in Microbiology and is a 2007 graduate of Mama Nirvana's Teacher Training. Claudia is a certified hatha yoga instructor and devoted yoga student whose energetic spirit and passion for yoga are revealed in her detailed instructions and joyful approach to classes.

Beginners perform poses to reduce stress, improve joint fluidity, and build strength and flexibility. Advanced students concentrate on form and prana as a way to unite the mind, body and breath, and find a sense of ease while sustaining deep physical challenge. Claudia's core focus class draws on her knowledge of yoga and Pilates mat exercises to maintain a healthy spine; discover the profound influence of core strength on your own yoga practice.

A lifelong joy of sewing led Claudia to design clothing, quilts and costumes, while current projects integrate the artful creative assistance of Ellie and Martin, two feline fabric enthusiasts.

Gayle Stefanelli

Gayle has been studying exercise science for many years. She attended her first yoga class 11 years ago at a local gym, and has been a dedicated yogi since. She received her teacher training from Mama Nirvana's New Yoga (March 2004). Gayle is also a certified yoga therapist - trained and certified in adapting yoga for people with life threatening illnesses. Gayle is a Pilates instructor as well (Pilates Institute of America, Andover MA, Feb 2005).

Gayle teaches strong classes, that focus on finding a playful way to practice. Her teaching style is encouraging, creative and fun. Breathing is a very important part of her teachings. She believes it is what brings us deeper into our yoga and Pilates. Breath also makes the stronger poses more enjoyable and energizing.

Carol Clark

Carol Clark has been practicing Tai chi since 1979 and QiGong since 1995, and began sharing her practice in 1996.  Her journey has been one of growth and expansion using Tai Chi and QiGong as tools for focusing, refinement, and anchoring in the higher vibration that comes with transformation.  Keeping one's balance, especially during deep change, is challenging ~ and essential ~ and we are ALWAYS changing.

Adam Lueb

Adam Lueb has been involved in Shaolin Kung Fu for over 10 years. Adam has trained with many famous masters in MA, CT, FL, NJ, TX and China. He brings all this knowledge back to his students to pass on the powerful art of Shaolin Kung Fu.

Malia Werle

Malia is a 200/hr Certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher, and graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She was introduced to yoga at a very young age, and believes that yoga is accessible to all who wish to explore it. She has enjoyed working with adults, teenagers, and children in studio, summer camp and school settings. She believes in the power of Yoga, Art and all pursuits that lead towards beauty. Deepening body and breath awareness are important in her personal practice, as well as being key aspects of her teaching. Trusting the intuition of the body leads those who are patient towards gradually developing flexibility and strength. Athleticism is never required in Malia's yoga classes. She seeks to cultivate a spirit of playfulness and exploration in the practice, and welcomes anyone who is able to approach movement and meditation with an open mind.

Lorraine Brady

Lorraine Brady, RYT 200, completed her certification training at the Karuna Center for Yoga and Healing Arts in Northampton, studying the Iyengar method of teaching, and is a registered Yoga Alliance teacher.  Her classes focus on basic alignment principles with an emphasis on coordinating movement and breath.  Lorraine believes that yoga brings one to a state of equilibrium of the mind, body and spirit, and is committed to sharing the many benefits of yoga with others.

Karla Geoffroy

Karla is co-owner, director and teacher at our sister studio, Valley Yoga of Westfield. She was initially certified to teach yoga in 1992. For over fifteen years she has taught yoga in a multitude of settings for students of all ages, opened and ran a studio, and developed her skills as a teacher. Her additional training as a certified Structural Yoga Therapist makes her especially suited to adapt yoga to fit the needs of her students. Through this training, she learned muscle and joint assessments, yoga philosophy and health, and how to make recommendations for yoga practice. She sees the huge and diverse array of benefits her students have received from yoga. This is inspiration for her teaching and to encourage students to relate to and practice yoga in a way that is unique for each of them. 

Michelle Marroquín

Michelle Marroquin has been involved in the movement arts since she began dancing as a young child. She is a certified Yoga and Pilates Instructor and a Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Pretrainer. Michelle brings to her classes a love of movement, years of experience as a dancer and a lifelong fascination with the human body.

For more info go to: www.michellemarroquin.com

Margaret Nunnelly

Margaret Nunnelly, RYT200, enjoys hatha yoga for its ability to focus attention on the body. Her classes increase concentration, clarity and patience both in yoga and every day life. She directs students to tune into physical sensations and explore how subtle changes in movement can resonate in a wide variety of positive changes. She is certified as a yoga teacher by Mama Nirvana's New Yoga. Margaret has a BS in Business, enjoys gardening, and is a keeper of chickens, bees and children.

Melinda Thomas

Melinda is a professional belly dancer who performs throughout Massachusetts and New England. She performs regularly at Café Lebanon in Springfield, and has performed at Alici's in Brattleboro, the Northampton Clarion, and Marco Polo Restaurant in Hartford. She is a member of Troupe Sahibat and also dances with Ines Arrubla Flamenco Theatre.

Asa Spelman

It was Asa's rich and complex life experiences that led her to examine her own inner conflicts which naturally arose as a result. It was her desire to embrace these personal challenges fully, honestly and naturally that prompted her to begin studying meditation and personal growth in 2004.

Since the beginning of her journey in 2004, she has attended various meditation and hatha yoga classes throughout the valley. Asa has found great inspiration from various teachers and famous authors alike.

Her own daily practice includes prayer, mantra and heart-centered meditation. It is Asa's goal to create a warm, loving and comfortable atmosphere in which the community as a whole can feel supported in their own personal journey of healing and inner peace.