Anna-Lisa Nasstrom Meyer

I found yoga in 2003 at a time when I needed some personal space and renewal. As soon as I finished my first Baptiste inspired class I knew I touched something special, a light, a glimmer into something much deeper than I could fathom at that moment. As I began to cultivate my practice, a softening into my own skin became apparent, a re-acquainting, of sorts, with the person who grew up in the Catskills carefree, in touch with nature, curious and happy. Breath by breath unfolding into the present moment fills my heart with promise and joy. It continues to ease my mind, calm my spirit and provide and overall sense of harmony. Learning to ride the wave of life with calm awareness is the grace of yoga. It inspires and awakens my beingand fills me with gratitude. Sharing this and opening the door to the stillness inside is a never- ending blessing, this connection inward full of truth, love and light.

I have had the opportunity to study with many unique and interesting teachers who have influenced and shaped my teaching in vast and different ways. The teachings of Alyssa Sullivan, Tom Gillette, and Baron Baptiste have been the most impactful.

   2007-2008 Providence, RI,

       Eyes of the World

Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training

        w/ Tom Gillette,

            Shannah Green,

        and Alyson McCann.

    9/2006 Helena, Montana

Level 2 Baptiste Power Vinyasa

        Teacher Training

        w/Baron Baptiste

    2005-2006 Barrington, RI

        Power Vinyasa Yoga                   Teacher  Training

      Synergy Power Yoga

         w/Alyssa Sullivan

    8/2005 Big Island, Hawaii

Level 1 Baptiste Power Vinyasa

         Teacher Training

         w/Baron Baptiste

This is a life long journey which will continue to blossom. I thoroughly enjoy sharing what I learn and experience from my own practice. Like the ocean's tides, it refreshes and renews my spirit, open to a new day. Come explore! It may be the nicest gift you could ever give yourself and everyone around you.

Amanda Rubio

www.amandarubio.com

I was living in New York City and attending NYU graduate school of social work when a friend convinced me to go to a yoga class. It was 1995 and yoga didn't sound that appealing to me, aerobicizer that I was. Nevertheless, life in the big city was at times over-stimulating, work was emotionally taxing, and I often felt anxious so I decided to give yoga a chance.

I was forever changed that Saturday afternoon in that hot gym. For the first time in months, I felt like myself and before long I started attending yoga classes 4 days a week. I was amazed at how yoga calmed my entire nervous system, stretched and toned my body, put a smile on my face and a spring in my step each time I practiced. I was blessed to have studied with many wonderful teachers while living in New York including Dana Flynn, Sharon Gannon, and Cyndi Lee. In those yoga classes I learned how to surrender to the present moment. I found it liberating and wanted to share it with others. In 2000, I became certified in the Kripalu method at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, MA. I have since attended workshops and trainings with master teachers whenever possible curious to learn more both as teacher and perennial student.

The styles of yoga that inspire me most are Jivamukti, Kripalu, Om and Baptiste. To practice yoga means to be in the moment with whatever is appearing, beyond any judgment or description. It's simply a deep listening to what is beneath the surface, to the Self which exists inside all of us. A steady, joyful connection to the universal source within transforms us into kinder, more loving and compassionate beings. Come to class, your friends and family will thank you for it!

Kerry Whelan

I grew up in Westport, Massachusetts and graduated from Keene State College in New Hampshire where I majored in psychology and minored in theater. I met and married my college sweetheart there. Upon graduating, we toured much of the country performing children's theater in schools. We then moved to New York City to pursue acting...or so we thought! I realized within a few years that that was not my path to follow.

In 1996 I was introduced to Yoga through a friend who was studying to become a teacher. I became one of her students and thank my lucky stars for the opportunity. What a gift I had received! It quickly became a passion for me and still is the constant, grounding force that has remained with me through each phase of my life.

Presently, my full time job is being a mom to three young children. I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to nurture these beings, but as any parent knows it can be all consuming and mentally exhausting. The days can be long and energy wanes. A regular Yoga practice, for me, is a necessity. It is what helps to keep me in balance. I am better able to navigate the ebb and flow of life when I feel a connection between my head and my heart. Most of all it is a constant reminder to stay as present and in the moment as I can and see the joy in my life each day.

I have had the good fortune to meet some wonderful teachers along the way. It was after meeting Alyssa Sullivan, owner of Synergy Power Yoga in June of 2005 that I was inspired to venture out of my comfort zone and entertain the thought of training to become a yoga teacher. I attended the in- house teacher training at the Baptiste Institute in Boston during the Fall of 2005. I then began a 6 month intensive teacher training with Alyssa at Synergy. I have also attended workshops lead by Seane Corn, Ana Forrest, Paul Grilley and Shiva Rea.

I believe that this Yoga is for EVERYone. My goal is to share my own experience and knowledge with anyone who will listen. Just a breath at a time............

Jane Viscolosi

Jane was born and raised in the East Bay. She is thrilled to be teaching yoga classes in her community at Synergy. “In 1996, I became interested in Power Yoga. While reading Shape Magazine I came across an advertisement for the book POWER YOGA by Beryl Bender Birch. I ordered the book, followed the instructions began my yoga practice in my basement, and I loved it! At the time I was conducting aerobics and spinning classes at Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness in East Providence.

On a physical level, after many years of running, jumping and spinning 90% of the time and stretching l0% I immediately noticed the effects of how yoga worked to compliment my daily exercise program and overall use of body (i.e. posture). On a metaphysical level, yoga made me feel lighter minded and more relaxed. Tuning inward (by paying attention to sensations), interested me so I continued practicing. Controlling and healing chronic sinus infections, straightening out my TMJ, and helping me get a better night’s sleep – the natural way - hooked me in for good.”   

In 2002 Jane started practicing yoga at local studios and was introduced to the Baptiste Method of Vinyasa Power Yoga “it was a perfect fit – a style of yoga that kept my attention and made me feel great!”  In 2003 she attended a teacher training with Beryl Bender Birch, in 2004 a teacher training with Baron Baptiste. In 2006 Jane completed Ana Forrest’s advanced teacher training course.  In 2008 she decided it was time to complete Baptiste Yoga Institute’s Level 1 Teacher Training and Level 2 in 2009.

“Along the way I have been a student of some amazing teachers in RI & MA and a student of the clientele that attends classes – from them I have learned so much.  I am both grateful to all and honored to teach at Synergy Power Yoga”.

Gerri Feldman

        I grew up in New York City, and came to Rhode Island to study Art.  I found myself incredibly connected to the beauty of the state, and raised my family here. I taught Art for many years at Tiverton High School.

      I have always been a very physical person, very high energy. I love swimming, dancing, moving. Yoga appeals to me physically; as well as mentally, and spiritually. The duality of pushing your edge and surrendering is so unique.  I love the seriousness, yet playfulness it embodies. Yoga nourishes, energizes, challenges and soothes. It is expressive and a celebration of life.

     I have been practicing Yoga for over 20 years.   My teacher training has been with Baron Baptiste, Prana Power Yoga,;and Alyssa Sullivan of Synergy Power Yoga. I   have   taken numerous workshops from other master teachers in a variety of styles.

 Yoga has provided me with a never ending quest for a deeper and purer understanding of what a personal journey is. In many ways it mirrors my passions for both painting and swimming.  Discipline, tenacity, compassion , humor, introspection all are themes that permeate these pieces of my life.

 I have tried many styles of Yoga, but   I keep coming back to the “flow’. It energizes, soothes, and  resonates as a complete experience for me. I love the suns salutations; the balancing series ; the backbending; floor work and inversions. It is the Physical practice that allows the spiritual unfolding. Yoga has helped me through a great deal of difficult life situations. It has taught me patience, faith, humility, serenity, and nonjudgement.  I have no doubt that it is the most useful way of looking at the world I have ever encountered.