Melissa earned her Yoga teacher certification through Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in 2004, following six years of personal practice. She has since earned additional teaching certification in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga through the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute. In addition, she is soon to complete Ame Wren’s Vinyasa Teacher Mentorship Program at Back Bay Yoga in Boston.

Melissa’s classes offer a flowing, structured, alignment-centered asana practice that incorporates aspects of a variety of styles, including Ashtanga, Anusara, Baptiste, Kripalu and Vinyasa. As both student and teacher, she is motivated by a deep interest in the ways Yoga can help us move beyond the habitual reactivity of the mind toward the compassionate, connected response of the heart.

Her practice is built upon the recognition that as we breathe into the somatic experience of each asana, we are given the opportunity to learn about balance and openness, strength and acceptance. That when we quiet the mind and allow awareness to permeate the whole of our beings, we may begin to discern the divinity of our true nature. And that through mindfulness practice, we are given the chance to cultivate freedom and peace in ourselves and in relationship to others.

Photos by Tiffany Converse. Visit www.tiffanyconversephotography.com for more information.