Instructors

One of my favorite childhood memories is I grew up in Detroit in a great neighborhood filled with families and lots of kids my age. I loved being outside riding my bike, climbing trees, playing baseball, kickball, football, basketball - any game we could come up with. Our playground was the entire neighborhood, including our yards, the neighborhood empty field, allies and the parking lots behind our house. Every day was a new adventure.

I love teaching yoga for many reasons … I especially enjoying working with students who are new to yoga and are experiencing the practice, the poses and the mind/body connection for the first time. I love working with them as they get deeper into their practice and start to understand, experience and practice their yoga both inside and outside the studio. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is The gift and importance of being present. I am a perpetual planner always two or three steps ahead, thinking/planning ahead and many times getting so caught up in looking ahead that I’m not taking the time to stop and enjoy or just be where I am. My yoga has taught me to breathe and be in the moment … something I continue to work on but I experience the beauty and the value of being present daily which I consider a true gift.

Three words that describe my teaching style: Fun. Encouraging. Empowering - everyone is unique and capable.

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me gardening, traveling and spending time with loved ones.

Three people who inspire me are my mother – she’s taught me so much especially the power of love, my Sister who has had my back – even when she may not agree with me and my two beautiful daughters who I learn from every day. 

One of my favorite quotes is: Be the change you wish to see in the world.

One of my favorite childhood memories is Vacations with my dad. Every year he would take my closest friends and I up to Vermont or Lake Placid for snowboarding trips, snowmobiling trips in the Adirondacks, or just a weekend getaway during the peak of the leaves changing in Old Forge. He taught me how to appreciate nature, how to be present in the moment despite any temporary life circumstances, and how to overcome challenges and painful situations, whether it was helping me get up after a bad fall on the mountain snowboarding, or facing treatment for melanoma. He continues to teach me how to embrace change, pain, and fear while becoming a better person from those experiences.

I love teaching yoga because I love sharing the gifts that this practice has given to me with others. I love helping others begin or continue their journey of self-love. I think that learning how to love ourselves is revolutionary in a society that is constantly telling us we are not enough and that we need something outside of ourselves to be good enough. One of the best lessons learned on the mat is learning that here, in this present moment, we are enough just as we are. It’s truly an honor to share this transformational practice with others.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is that I am enough. This practice has taught me how to love myself, as well as how to truly honor my body, mind, and spirit. 

Three words that describe my teaching style: Authentic. Compassionate. Empowering.

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me Climbing mountains in the Adirondacks and Vermont. Working full time at a local clinic as an addiction therapist. Spending quality time with my husband and our dog. Practicing yoga almost every day at Breathe! 

Three people who inspire me are My parents. Bryan Kest. Ryan Barry.

One of my favorite quotes is: “With every broken heart we should become more adventurous.” ~Jenny Lewis

One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my grandmother. She used to call me Carin Dolly and tell me I was her favorite. Of course all 12 grandkids were her favorites but she had a special way of making you feel like her favorite

I love teaching yoga because it not only allows me to share my love for yoga, but it forces me to be present in no other way in my life. I must leave everything outside and be present and give from my whole self. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is yoga is a way of being, a lifestyle. It has grown me in so many ways and continues to be who I am with no excuses

Three words that describe my teaching style: fun, basic, sometimes silly

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me working as a VP of Sales Development at Flower City Printing and of course being a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend take up the rest of my time.

Three people who inspire me are (1) Me (2) my daughter, Jaycee (3) My husband, Mark

One of my favorite quotes is: “Do your practice and all is coming.”- Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois

One of my favorite childhood memories is our family of four (my younger sister Becky and our parents) traveling via Cessna aircraft piloted by my dad. We flew together in a four-seat plane to visit grandparents and relatives in Pensacola, Florida. I remember feeling excited (often nervous-praying silently!) during those turbulent adventures to safely land!

I love teaching yoga because it reminds me how I want to be: connected, grounded, patient and giving.

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is is to breathe and stay through the challenging poses (as in life-situations), trusting the process to show the way, because it works.


Three words that describe my teaching style: Friendly. Connected. Intentional.

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me biking or jogging on the canal path, working / freelance writing online, at the Y, or hanging with my guys at home

Three people who inspire me are (in addition to the breathe yoga team) are my husband Albert, Marianne Williamson and Baron Baptiste.

One of my favorite quotes is: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

One of my favorite childhood memories is: Camping trips with my family and several neighborhood families. It was a quintessential community experience, complete with nightly campfire sing-alongs, roasting marshmallows, and games with adults and kids all participating.
 
I love teaching yoga because: Yoga movements are a cellular dance party.  And not the kind with a screen. The kind that brings smiles and healing of heart and mind to every body and everyone.
 
A life lesson I’ve learned from yoga practice is: How we are in life, is how we are on the mat. How we are on the mat, is how we are in life.
 
Three words that describe my teaching style: Easy to follow. Empowering. Fun.
 
When I’m not teaching yoga you’ll find me: Walking. Playing board games.
 
 
Three people who inspire me are: My parents – a kindergarten teacher and an actual clown. Friends & family lifting each other up and walking each other home.  
 
One of my favorite quotes is: The best and most beautiful things in the world can not be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.  Helen Keller

One of my favorite childhood memories is taking family vacations in Lake George with my mom, dad, and brother. We would play the "truck game" on the drive up and back. All of us picked a color and whoever saw the most of their color won. I sat up front with my dad and kept score. When we got there, we would spend hours at the pool - going down the slide and jumping in and out. I didn't care if my hair was wet or how I looked in a bathing suit. At night, we would go to dinner, buy souvenirs, and play mini golf. It was simple, yet I was so present in those moments. It was complete body and mind freedom. 

I love teaching yoga because I love everything about yoga and I believe in it 100 percent! This practice has completely changed my life for the better in so many ways. I truly believe yoga saved me by giving me purpose, healing, and new meaning to my life when I needed it most. My mission is to inspire others to fall in love with yoga like I have and commit to doing the work in order to live life as their greatest self. Another reason I love teaching yoga is because I have the honor to meet so many like-minded individuals who roll out their mat day after day. I love making connections with people and being immersed in this incredible community. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is how to dissolve the blocks, or limiting beliefs, that all of us have in our minds. These beliefs hold us back from our greatest potential by telling us we "cant". This is why a yogi must play their edge in poses in order to break through the boundaries that our minds hold us to. I've learned that when I embody this edge on and off the mat, the possibilities become endless! 

Three words that describe my teaching style:passionate, encouraging, relatable 

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me at breathe practicing yoga! Also, at Wegmans working in the kitchen, at home in my own kitchen cooking or baking vegan food, running and biking in the sunshine, traveling and taking a yoga training, and spending time with loved ones at home or at a favorite restaurant. 

Three people who inspire me are (besides this entire breathe community!) - I'm inspired by my mom and dad for their undeniable strength and resilience, their hard work ethics, and their unconditional love. I wish I could write about the different ways I'm inspired by so many of the teachers at breathe, but my third person is definitely Ryan Barry, whos words and overall way of being push me and inspire me to be something greater than myself. 

One of my favorite quotes is: "be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire". 

One of my favorite childhood memories is
Spending the summers vacationing with my grandparents and cousins in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. I fell in love with New Hampshire and the beautiful New England coastline. When it was time to apply to college it was my only choice. I met 12 of the most amazing woman in college and we were roommates for 4 years. We made a pact to meet the first weekend in August every year when we graduated and we have kept our promise to each other all these years! 

I love teaching yoga because
This practice changed my life in every way. It has helped me find happiness, feel healthy, healed and whole through daily meditation and physical practice. I have learned to quiet my mind, to be more mindful and present for those in my life and have removed many of the distractions/thoughts that got in the way of me being my true self. Sharing these tools with others has been my greatest joy! 

A life lesson I’ve learned from yoga practice is
It is a journey not a destination. Nothing happens overnight and it takes patience, perseverance, and the willingness to “do the work” to make the changes you want to see in your life. The work on your mat is just as important as the work off the mat and the journey is never done but like an onion you peel the layers off one at a time until you get to the core of who you are. 

Three words that describe my teaching style:
Challenging, energetic, and empowering. 

When I’m not teaching yoga you’ll find me
Practicing yoga, at breathe working in retailing or behind the juice bar, connecting with family and friends. 

Three people who inspire me are
My father who always told me that I could achieve all my dreams with hard work and an education, Brooke Hamblet who showed me the way to the truth, and Ryan Barry and Carin Laniak who believed in me and encouraged me to be a yoga teacher even when I didn’t believe in myself. 


One of my favorite quotes is:
The truth will set you free. 

One of my favorite childhood memories is: Being active outdoors. I remember me, my brother, and my friends would hike hills and mountains in dense tree lines back home in San Francisco, CA. We would get lost in whichever place we would decide to go explore for the day, and would spend hours outdoors with our imagination at our fingertips. I will never forget the amount of freedom I took advantage of when I was a kid.

I love teaching yoga because: The physical dedication to the practice opens a door to an endless journey to self-discovery. And the commitment to share that is an honor that can’t be described. Although, I have always known that I’ve had a higher calling in my life and it’s brought me here to this exact moment where I can share this powerful discipline. Being in the physical practice next to total strangers for 75 minutes creates the space to explore that sharing. And sharing exemplifies one’s first true step into their Journey into Power.

A life lesson I’ve learned from yoga practice is: I’ve grown to be so present with others off of the mat that I learned what it takes to stand in your true power. Standing in front of others vulnerable creates a space for authenticity. And once you’ve taken that step, you start letting yourself being seen even when things aren’t so perfect. The power in the willingness to being vulnerable opens up the possibility to only positive change. That’s the moment when you can aspire, to inspire, before your moment expires with the person in front of you. And that’s when you know you’re standing in your true north.

Three words that describe my teaching style: Intense, passionate, powerful.

When I’m not teaching yoga you’ll find me: Hiking, camping, running, (anything outdoors honestly), making music, making açai bowls, and last but not least, doing a self-practice.

Three people who inspire me are:
Craig, one of my past soccer coaches. He taught me that passion is everything.
Jamie, one of my most favorite yoga teachers of all time, showed me the power in community.
My dog. Although not a person, he was my best friend I ever had. He taught me resilience, presence, and pure joy. I will never forget his powerful presence he brought into my life for 17 years.

One of my favorite quotes is:
Leaders are not born. Leaders are made.

One of my favorite childhood memories is My favorite childhood memory is going to Disney World with my family when I was in 8th grade. We saved for the trip and planned for years. All the anticipation made it such a big deal. I remember seeing the castle for the first time and just feeling the magic.

I love teaching yoga because
I love seeing my students find the possibility in each pose. I feel so honored each time I teach that I have the privilege of being part of this amazing journey with them. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from yoga practice is Anything really is possible. Yoga has changed my life both on and off the mat. Yoga has helped me become an active participant in my own life instead of just sitting on the sidelines watching it happen. 

Three words that describe my teaching style: fun, empowering, compassionate

When I’m not teaching yoga you’ll find me practicing yoga at Breathe, spending time with my husband, children and dog, camping, meal planning and binge watching tv shows on Netflix.

Three people who inspire me are
My husband Les, My children and My yoga teachers

One of my favorite quotes is:
Those mountains that you were carrying, you were only supposed to climb
~Najwa Zebian

One of my favorite childhood memories is growing up in the same town as my grandparents. When I think back to my childhood, all the amazing moments that stand out are moments with them. I was so fortunate to have them in my life for so long, and to grow up with them just down the road. It was the driving factor in my relocation back to Rochester several years ago. I want my own kids to be able to have that same experience with my parents, and form the same lasting bonds.

I love teaching yoga because yoga has profoundly and completely changed my life, and it is a huge honor to be able to share what I love with others. I love watching my students fall in love with their practice...coming back to their mat over and over, uncovering a new little piece of the puzzle each time. It’s incredibly fulfilling, and humbling, to be a part of that process. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is be thankful for this moment. To be a lover of what is...to live in the present moment…and to just breathe! 

Three words that describe my teaching style: Grounded, Challenging, Fun 

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and 3 kids, training for marathons, teaching outdoor bootcamp, and working as a personal trainer. I love everything having to do with health and fitness, and love sharing this passion with my friends. I also love dogs and spending time with my family on Cape Cod.

Three people who inspire me – I’m inspired everyday by my students. I’m inspired by my parents, who live their lives as examples of kindness and generosity, I’m inspired by my kids, who remind me everyday to show up as my best self so I can help them to do the same, and I’m inspired by this community we have formed at breathe, truly a home away from home!

One of my favorite quotes is: “Life is a series of thousands of tiny miracles” – Mike Greenberg

One of my favorite childhood memories is: Dancing to the Spice Girls with my cousin in my living room when she used to baby sit me. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone or be something I’m not, it is one of my most vivid memories of being truly care-free as a kid.
 
I love teaching yoga because: It has taught me so much that I have taken off my mat. I am more patient, more attentive and more connected to my surroundings. I think with all of the distractions life has to offer, many people could use 60-75 minutes where all they have to focus on is moving the body to calm the mind. I have gained so so so much from my own yoga practice, I want to help as many other people as I can to find that same thing. It’s my chance to give back.
 
A life lesson I’ve learned from yoga practice is: Yoga doesn’t get easier, and neither does life. You just learn a little bit every day, keep showing up with a positive attitude and the possibilities are endless.
 
Three words that describe my teaching style: Focused, Personal, Intense
 
When I’m not teaching yoga you’ll find me: Cuddling cats, hiking with my husband, or curled up on the couch watching TV and crocheting.
 
Three people who inspire me are: The first yoga teacher that really spoke to me, Megan. My first role model, who also happened to introduce me to Power Yoga, Jaclyn. And my husband, who is always so so supportive and patient.
 
One of my favorite quotes is:
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Viktor E Frankl
 
 

One of my favorite childhood memories is is playing hide and go seek with my Dad. My Dad would hide, I would count to 20 and then when I would finally find my Dad he would pretend that he was sleeping. I would very quietly cover him with all the cushions and pillows in the house, thinking this was the funniest moment ever. When I would put the very last pillow in the house on him, he would wake up, jump up from underneath the pillows, chase me, pick me up in the air, crank up the music (usually Frank Sinatra or Gloria Estafan) and we would dance our hearts out. It was crazy and I loved it.

I love teaching yoga because I get this amazing opportunity to share with people the tool that transformed my life. I love yoga, I love people and I love being part of the ripple effect of yoga. 

A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is to doubt my doubts and to face my fears. Yoga has allowed me to see how I have gotten in my own way and how to soften and heal my own resistance. I know that me in alignment, feeling good, loving myself and coming from my highest place as consistently as possible is changing the way I see and experience everything. It’s amazing that the more comfortable that I am with myself and the more I trust my path and my process, the more others seem to be comfortable being themselves and then I get to be part of witnessing a community of walls coming down. It’s pretty amazing.

Three words that describe my teaching style:Motivational. Empowering. Loving. Funny 

When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me at breathe, at my favorite yoga training or out anywhere in nature with my two dogs.

Three people who inspire me are My Father, My Grandfather and Bryan Kest

One of my favorite quotes is: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” —Ghandi

One of my favorite childhood memories is: Playing outside in my neighborhood with all the neighborhood kids from dusk until dawn, having no track of time but only of how much fun we could have!

I love teaching yoga because: I love connecting with people and leading them through an hour of their day that could potentially change their life for the better. It changes mine in big and little ways every time I get on the mat!

A life lesson I’ve learned from yoga practice is: This is hard to put into one lesson, I’ve learned countless lessons!!! One big one is we are not our thoughts, we are something so much bigger and through breath and dristi we can tap into that bigger place!

Three words that describe my teaching style: Loving, empowering, authentic

When I’m not teaching yoga you’ll find me: Hanging out with my husband and my daughter or practicing yoga, talking about yoga, reading about yoga!

Three people who inspire me are: Anyone who is mindful of what is motivating their direction in life, My mom, who always made love her first priority, my daughter, who expanded my perception of the world the second she entered my life!

One of my favorite quotes is: “There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking.” Brian Tracy