Meet Our Wappingers Teachers

Certifications - 

200 hr | 20 hr Yin 

Alysa is a dedicated yogi who has been teaching and taking classes around the world since her RYT 200 certification in 2013. She has traveled to Asia, Africa and South and Central America to study Bikram, Yin, Hatha, Iyengar and Jivamukti yoga. Alysa incorporates aspects from several types of yoga into her classes, and she specializes in restorative classes that are designed to relax the mind and gently release tension in the body.

Instagram:

@alysadiaz 

Certifications - 

200 hr Vinyasa | 200 hr Ashtanga & Black Lotus | 50 hr Yoga Anatomy

I found yoga in 2010 looking for a way to get better sleep and recover from a sports injury, and soon discovered it was healing much more than the injury. I stayed committed to practicing and in 2016 completed my 200 RYT with Yoga District in Washington, DC. I've studied Black Lotus and Ashtanga yoga with Ty Landrum, Wambui Njuguna, and Petri Raisanen. My academic work in conflict transformation, trauma-sensitivity, and religion and spirituality all inform the yoga I practice on and beyond the mat. I strive to bring a focus on sacred space creation and non-harming (ahimsa) into every class I teach. Classes with me generally start with steady heat-building, are playful and alignment-focused, and end with healing relaxation.

Instagram:

@ 

Certifications - 

Coming Soon!

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

Instagram:

@lexiemillan

Certifications - 

200 hr Vinyasa & Yin | 300 hr Ashtanga | 40 hr Hands on Assists

Audrey Rose is a yoga teacher, Ashtangi, Thai yoga bodywork practitioner, and forever student of the practice. She found yoga after a serious car accident rerouted her life. What began as physical rehab became a path to emotional and spiritual healing. Yoga didn’t just help her body recover, it helped her come home to herself.

Her teaching is rooted in the discipline of Ashtanga, and complimented by the softness of Yin. Audrey Rose’s classes are both intentional and intuitive with a focus on alignment, breath, and presence. She believes the true power of yoga happens when we explore all eight limbs: not just the poses, but the way we think, breathe, feel, and show up off the mat.
Audrey Rose is passionate about helping people reconnect with their body, purpose, and their joy. She believes that all our past experiences have led us this this place of love and total acceptance. 

When she's not teaching or practicing yoga you'll most likely find her at home, crafting, spending time with her partner Jon-Luke or cuddling with her cat shadow, Kenji. 

Instagram:

@audreyrosecoloredglasses

Certifications -

200 hr | 100 hr Hot 26 | 40 hr Yin | 40 hr Restorative | 45 hr Trauma Informed

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

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

Instagram:

@loveyouwongtime

 Certifications - 

500 hr RYT

Hi I'm Emma! Born and raised right here in the Hudson Valley. I have been incredibly passionate about movement classes since childhood, some of my favorite styles to practice include hip-hop, burlesque, modern, African, ballet, and of course, yoga! After practicing and finding yoga in a difficult time in my life, I decided to take my 200 Hour and begin teaching. Shortly afterward I didn't want to stop and completed my 300 Hour as well!

While back in college studying dance and psychology, I only started to touch the service on the importance of the mind body connection as well as having movement as part of a daily practice. This has developed into what my practice is today. In my classes you can expect an emphasis on breathwork, core strength, meditation and body mind awareness with the right amount of movement, release, and play.

I have always believed everyone can and should have the ability to practice any movement and spiritual exercise that calls to them. My saying has always been “anyone can dance” and this has lovingly evolved to include “anyone can yoga”.

Out of the studio, her other favorite activities include hiking, reading, spending time with her family and animals, and visiting new towns and local shops. Emma also enjoys traveling with her partner and has visited 24 states in hopes to one day visit all 50!  

Instagram:

@ephresh5

Certifications -

500 hr RYT | 100 hr Hot 26 | 20 hr Yin | Barre

Jen began practicing yoga in 2007 and immediately fell in love with the practice. It wasn’t until she found hot yoga in late 2012 that she began to realize the mind, body and breathe connection. After years of practice, Jen completed her 200 hour YTT in 2021 and her 100 hour hot YTT in 2022. She loves all forms of yoga, but hot yoga is her true passion.   

Instagram:

@yoddhayoga

Certifications -

500 hr | 50 hr Yin | 100 hr Hot Bikram 

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

Instagram:

@karaaadise

Certifications -

500 hr | Yin | Restorative | Mat 1 Pilates | 100 hr Hot 26 Barkan | 25 hr Hands on Assist | Pre-Natal (in progress) | 200 hr Tantra (in progress) | 75 hr Jivamukti Spiritual Warrior (coming in April)

Hi! I am Kate, the founder of Rooted Yoga! I am a ERYT - 200 /RYT- 500 and have a deep love for vinyasa, yin/restorative, Hot-26 and Hot Pilates. I found yoga when I was in a very dark place at 17 and I am forever thankful for yoga saving me. I've practiced for 15+ years and decided to start sharing the magic of yoga to others in 2019. I love a challenging class that helps guide you gently out of your comfy zone but also a juicy yin/restorative to help melt away your day.

If I'm not in the studio, you can find me traveling the world, outside or eating some delicious food at any restaurant.

Instagram:

@katelynn_bee 

Certifications -

100 Hot Yoga (Bikram style) | 200 hr Ashtanga Vinyasa | 40 Core Strengthening Vinyasa |300 hr Bhakti (Forrest inspired) |Yin |Restorative |220 hr Kundalini Yoga | Classical Mat Pilates | Animal Flow® | Yoga Shred®  | Medical Qigong | EFT Tapping

Lesley Lotto began practicing yoga three decades ago in Los Angeles where she grew up. It wasn't until she moved to Montana for her radio career that she began a regular and very personal yoga practice.  In Missoula, Lesley tried Hot Yoga (because it's freezing there!), then moved into a sincere appreciation for all styles and lineages of yoga.  Soon after one of Lesley's teachers brought a 200 hour certification training to a yoga studio in Missoula through Prana Mandir Yoga of New York.  It was a year of intense study into the history and philosophy of yoga,  proper sequencing and learning to lead classes and events. Since then Lesley has completed advanced (300 hr) Bhakti training, Yoga Nidra, Restorative, Yin, Reiki 1&2, Thai Yoga Bodywork, Kundalini Yoga, the "Untraining and Retraining" (trauma informed); and more recently Mat Pilates, Animal Flow® & Yoga Shred®.  Lesley also trained in Medical Qigong, and EFT Tapping to quiet anxiety and stress. She has practiced or studied with Sondra Loring, Kelly Kamm, Guru Singh, Seane Corn, Rolf Gates, Bryan Kest, Sri Dharma Mittra, Sadie Nardini, Rodney Yee, Colleen Saidman-Yee and Guru Jagat. Lesley is also a long-time journalist, producing newscasts for radio stations across the country. She loves hikes and plays guitar, and lives in the Hudson Valley of New York State. 

Instagram:

@IAMLAXSHMI

Certifications -  

Baron Baptiste level I 100 hrs |Be Yoga & Ishta Yoga 200 hrs | Yoga Works 300 hrs | Yoga Works restorative training 10 hrs level I & II | Core Strength Vinyasa | Nardini level I | Kinesis Core Anatomy & Yoga 14 hrs | Karma Kids yoga 30 hrs | Zenyesa yoga & anatomy level I 36 hrs | Zenyesa yoga & anatomy 

level II 36 hrs | Applications of yoga in rehab 7.2 hrs | Reiki level I & 2 | Pure Yoga Yin 20 hrs | Yin yoga intensive weekend with Bobby Marchard | Yin Yoga training with Jody Domerstad level I 50 hrs | Yin yoga training with Jody Domerstad level II 50 hrs 

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

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

Instagram:

@nancymald0121

Certifications - 

200 hr | 50 hr Yin & Restorative | 100 hr Hot 26 (in progress) 

Hi, I’m Rachel Hope! I am an RYT-250 specializing in Vinyasa & Yin/Restorative Yoga, usually blending the two in my classes!

 In my free time I am an herbalism enthusiast, painter, poet, and homemaker.   

I found Yoga in 2016, after our family PCSed to Thailand and I realized that I needed something to combat the anxiety that comes with big life changes and transitions. Our family moved to the Hudson Valley in 2022, after my husband retired from the USAF with 20 years of Service. Forever grateful for the peace Yoga brought me in previous big moments, I began my journey to teach and share the art of yoga in 2024.  

To me a yoga practice is one of the rare places in life where you get to just be in the moment and witness the good, bad, and everything in between. One of my first grade reports stated that I was “off task again due to dancing", and I hope that the classes I teach embody that for my students; giving them a place to get a little off task - to listen to their bodies - move with their breath - and just BE in the moment.   

On any given day you can find me dabbling with herbs & tinctures in my home studio, walking our dog, spending a bit too much money shopping with my daughter, or cuddling with my husband while watching a feel-good sitcom.  

“I hope to arrive at my death late, in love, and a little drunk.” Atticus

Instagram:

 @rachelhopearts

Certifications - 

500 hr | Mindfulness | Mat 1 Pilates | Barre

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

Instagram:

@a_raiofsunshine

Certifications - 

Barre| Classical Mat Pilates | 500 hr comprehensively trained through cadillac, chair, reformer, ladder barrel, special populations and pelvic floor | Movement Principles

 Hi! I am Rebekah, a Pilates and barre instructor. I recently earned my Pilates certification through Beacon Pilates. I’ve become immensely passionate about this therapeutic time of movement that draws on the mind and body connection. I intend to support future clients health and wellness goals through movement that will balance and focus the body and mind. 

Certifications - 

200 hr Ashtanga | 500 Hr Barkan Level 1 & 2 | 200 hr Baptist | 50 hr Yin/Restorative | 20 hr Chair | 20 hr Prenatal | CE Leader

My name is Roberta McGinley. I teach yoga, specifically hot 26 , at local studios here in the Hudson Valley. My initial first 500 hours was from Jimmy Barkan, in Ft. Lauderdale. I was a student in his charter TT in 2001, then I completed his Level 2. From there I went on to open Tadasana Yoga Studio in Wappingers Falls, in 2007 where I had the opportunity to introduce many people to this style of yoga which I feel very passionate about.  

Some of my other passions are cooking and baking. Anytime I am in the kitchen it feels much like a practice of yoga and meditation. My husband and I run an Abnb in New Hamburg which keeps us very busy.  

My yoga journey has been a beautiful one. I am a forever student of many different teachers and styles of yoga and I love to meet and guide students on the mat and in their lives as it brings me such joy. 

I look forward to meeting you 🙏

Certifications -

300 hr Jivamukti | 75 hr Jivamukti Spiritual Warrior | 25 hr Hands on Assists |  

I began my yoga journey in 2009 at Jivamukti Yoga in Union Square, NYC, starting as a student with a daily practice. This provided a space for me to center myself and find focus amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City life. Over the next decade, my practice naturally ebbed and flowed with the rhythm of life. However, I always found my way back to my mat at Jivamukti, where I could give my mind and body the time and space they needed.

The turning point came when I realized how essential this practice was to me—I never wanted yoga to be absent from my life. It was then that I decided to deepen my practice by becoming a teacher, with the desire to share the benefits of this transformative method with others. Jivamukti has profoundly shaped my life, and I am committed to continually learning and expanding my knowledge of yoga and its teachings.

The well-being of the mind, body, and spirit is incredibly important to me. I am constantly seeking new opportunities for growth, whether it’s through a local weekend intensive, a week-long retreat, or a month-long stay in India. The pursuit of enlightenment is a lifelong journey, and I am dedicated to walking this path. 

Certifications -

500 hr 

Victoria has been an artist/producer in the music industry for the past 6 years. Later, through her journey, she had a profound realization into the healing power of sound and vibration. Her spiritual journey started at a very young age; with having a strong understanding into meditation & the higher realms of our abilities to heal the body. This later drew her to studying deeper, & later seeking into becoming a CMA certified sound healer. This practice is a gentle, therapeutic modality that helps us utilize the vibrations and frequencies of sound to promote healing and relaxation. Through meditation, she uses various instruments, such as singing bowls, tuning forks, & other sacred instruments, to produce specific tones, rhythms, and sounds; that help release stagnant blockages, realign, relax and ground the body. 

Instagram:

@theonlystori