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Meet Our Teachers
Joseph is a certified Hatha yoga instructor registered with Yoga Alliance. He began developing an interest in yoga around 2002. Soon after, he signed up for an introductory yoga series offered by Yogasphere in Newtown, PA. He then continued his practice in various studios in addition to a consistent home practice, which included hatha yoga as well as kundalini yoga. After 4 years of practice, he felt compelled to take his knowledge of yoga to the next level by enrolling in a teachers training course. He began the 200 hour teacher training at Inner Light Yoga Studio with Tarra Madore, ERYT500 in 2009. After graduating in 2010, he immediately began to teach. He completed the kids teacher training with Lani Rosen-Gallagher in April of 2011 and hopes to begin the next stage of his development and complete the 500 hour teacher training. He is currently teaching several classes a week.
Joseph has had the great fortune of having excellent teachers and hopes he can give back that knowledge to his students, as well as learn from them. |
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Deb Cerruti, MFA, RYT, AAHCC, CD(DONA) is delighted to be part of the Sakula Yoga family. Deb teaches beginner and open levels of Chair yoga, Iyengar-based yoga, Pre and Postnatal yoga and Meditation for Childbirth with warmth, precision and good humor. It was Dr. Jason Martin, Deb’s first true teacher and guide, who encouraged her to take the plunge into the world of yoga teaching and just in time to be taught by the inimitable Jyoti Chrystal at her Starseed Yoga and Wellness. Deb received her Pre and Postnatal Teacher Training from Kelli DeFLora at Starseed, Partner Yoga for Couples Training from Ann Greene at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and has been deeply inspired by her teachers and all of her students (pregnant and non:) As a longtime professional actress (AEA,SAG,AFTRA) with an MFA in Acting from CUA, a certified Bradley Method® Natural Childbirth Educator, certified Birth Doula and proud Mother of 2 who loves to harmonize vocally, spiritually & interpersonally, Deb's creative energies are further enlivened and shared. Deb’s teaching style is careful, clear and encouraging, emphasizing physical alignment and the breath as key to opening and releasing. Deb often uses poetry to help focus and inspire.
“I’ve been enjoying the yoga very much and find the variety quite exhilarating. You bring a freshness to each lesson and it remains vibrant”. – Norma Corona |
Toni was first introduced to yoga and Pilates by her sister several years ago. After her first class, she left feeling invigorated but with a sense of peace and accomplishment. She immediately began practicing yoga on a regular basis. Prior to her yoga practice, Toni could barely touch her knees when folding forward. After just three months, she was able to touch the ground. That was just one of the many physical changes she noticed. Working for a chiropractor, she always had a deep understanding of the body and the importance of fitness and health. Now yoga personally had touched her and she knew it would be a life-long practice. Toni realized that it would be a wonderful opportunity to share her knowledge with others through teaching. She received her 200 hour certification through Balance Yoga. Once she became a yoga teacher, she felt it would be even better to expand her horizons to include Pilates in her teaching. She had the awesome opportunity to train under her sister, Carly Porrello of the Regeneration Institute of Pilates and Yoga. Toni is also a singer/songwriter and invites you to listen to her original music at www.myspace.com/tonirosemusic.
Toni urges her students to remember that although yoga and Pilates are serious practices, it is a wonderful opportunity to get to know yourself, to enjoy all the benefits and to, most of all, have fun! |
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Discovering yoga in 2002, Whitney immediately experienced the transformative effects of yoga in all facets of her life. Whitney's practice is most inspired by the Alignment principles of Anusara and its life affirming philosophy, which led her to become a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and received her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification from Senior Anusara Certified Teachers Sue Eklind and Naime Jezzeny.
Whitney has worked creating programs for youth ages 5 - 18, for over ten years. In 2005, she founded and directed Youth Speak Collective, (YSC), a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to empower low-income youth with the necessary skills to pursue a higher education and create strong communities. Recently, Whitney left YSC to dedicate herself to her passion for teaching yoga to students of all ages and levels looking to build strength, flexibility, and proper body alignment. |
Fran was first was introduced to Yoga over twenty-nine years ago by Lilias Folan, when her husband, Joe, produced a video featuring Lilias. Shortly after, in addition to teaching pre-school music, Fran began teaching yoga to children. She continues to teach pre-school music and children’s yoga throughout NJ. Fran is a 200 hour certified and registered Yoga teacher through the Regeneration™ Institute of Yoga and continues to attend yoga classes and workshops. She finds all different types of yoga inspiring and empowering. Fran also teaches classical Pilates. She began practicing Pilates ten years ago when her daughter was studying the method. She loved the method so much, she became certified to teach classical mat Pilates through the Regeneration™ Institute of Pilates and has been teaching Pilates ever since.
With love we find peace, with peace we find tolerance, with tolerance we find acceptance, with acceptance we find love. |
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Stacy "Anuttara", E-RYT, MT is a spirited modern dancer who began and continues her life journey as a student of Siddha Yoga & Gurumayi Chidvilasananda. In 1991 she completed Hatha yoga training in the Iyengar tradition and led classes in both South Fallsburg & Manhattan Ashrams. A few years, and twin daughters later led her to teach yoga for children & families. In a busy 2005, she was certified at Next Generation Yoga for Kids with founder Jodi Komitor as well as graduated in Asanas & Pranayama from Integral Yoga Institute. An Experienced Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance with over 1000 hours of teaching experience, she continues her studies of Prana Flow with river guides, Shiva Rae and Twee Merrigan. Other luminaries in her life include Gurmukh, Hari Kaur, Mark Whitwell, Amma & Swamiji, JyotiMa Chrystal, Dr. Frawley and Yogini Shambhavi Chopra. As a continuing student, Stacy has compled training in Reiki, massage and ayurveda.
Stacy brings to her classes a balance of life’s natural flow of Shakti through breath, tantric based intention and classic conscious movement. Yoga is for everyone regardless of age or physicality. It is the ancient gift to us all. With gratitude, Stacy shares what has lovingly been passed through her by her teachers and bows to their lotus feet. Jai Ma Guru! |
Katherine first started to practice yoga ten years ago to stay fit while traveling for business. She picked yoga since it can be practiced anytime and anywhere, but quickly realized the full benefits of the yoga practice. The calming, meditative and tranquil feeling made her love yoga.
When Kim Miller opened her yoga studio in Somerset, N.J. Katherine routinely attended classes. However, she did not discover Ashtanga yoga until a few years later. Katherine loves this ancient and challenging yoga system. Last year Katherine completed David Swenson’s Ashtanga yoga teacher training class in NYC. In 2010 she received her 200 hour yoga teacher training certificate from Stefani Pappas’ Devalila Yoga. This summer she attended the Ashtanga Mela in Kripalu with David Williams, David Swenson and Danny Paradise. |
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Bridget’s love of yoga began in 1994 after having a child. Regular practice had such a positive effect on the busyness of raising her son, taking care of a home, and managing a small typing business that it quickly became evident to her that regular yoga practice would be in her life for good. The inspiration to share the many benefits of yoga came from her first teacher, Nicole Mode of Nicole’s Yoga Center in Garwood, New Jersey, and she enrolled in Nicole’s teacher training program, which included more than 200 hours of training in Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga, and Kriya yoga.
Having been actively teaching since receiving certification in 2002, she is a well-experienced instructor. She has since been qualified to teach Pilates Mat with National Exercise Trainer’s Association in 2006. Bridget is most fluent in Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga. She has extensive experience teaching yoga to children. Her classes for teenagers are based on a Hatha-Kriya mix. The most profound thing that she has learned is how diverse and adaptable asana practice can be. Yoga is here for everyone! |
Sharon experienced the healing qualities of yoga practice first hand while recovering from a neck injury in 2003. Eager to share the benefits of the practice, she began her teacher training, received her certification, and has been enjoying teaching ever since. Sharon’s style is gentle and meditative. She believes in the profound wisdom of working with breath and body sensation towards releasing long held tension, quieting the mind and creating an opportunity for relaxation, nourishment and growth. Her classes incorporate the use of props and restorative techniques which allow practitioners of all levels to experience the full benefits of their yoga practice.
In Sharon’s meditative sessions, she invites practitioners to explore all their senses by using the dynamic approach from Tibetan Yoga traditions and Continuum movement practices. Using this type of meditation, one will discover how exciting and engaging meditation can be.
Sharon is inspired and grateful for the blessings of the teachers who devoted themselves to share their wisdom – Bobbie Ellis, Mary Abrams, Emily Conrad, Pema Chodron and Reginald Ray – may they live a long life and keep enriching the lives of all that are nourished by their teachings. |
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Dina Lorraine, CPT, RYT. Prior to becoming involved with Yoga and Pilates, Dina worked in the business world as an administrative assistant for almost 26 years. While she enjoyed it, she always longed to do something that was meaningful and helpful to others. When she discovered Yoga and Pilates, Dina quickly saw that becoming an instructor would be the best way to realize her goal of loving what she does and experiencing its benefit personally and for others. Dina teaches mainly Vinyasa Yoga and Pure Classical Pilates Mat, but tailors her classes and private sessions to each individual’s needs, goals and interests to bring them the most satisfying and rewarding class she can offer – one that will keep them interested in their practice and allow them to grow with it. Dina believes that everyone can practice Yoga and Pilates.
Animal rights and kind treatment of them is a very important issue for Dina and she is constantly trying to help give a voice to animals that cannot speak for themselves, especially homeless and shelter pets. This effort has resulted in Happy Tails Yoga: an organization she’s coordinated with two other yoga instructors that unites yoga teachers and students to benefit and stop animal cruelty and neglect (www.happytailsyoga.org).
Dina’s main goal is to share her love of Yoga with others and help them realize their optimal mental, physical and spiritual health potential. |
Paula is a divine soul. She has been practicing yoga for over 10 years. Her first encounter with yoga was at a local gym in NYC. She remembers how difficult it was to close her eyes and be present, in the moment. This was the beginning of her quest for inner peace and happiness. Paula felt focusing on her breath gave her an outlet a place to go to and escape the stressors in her life at the time. Little did she know that what she thought of as an escape was actually a way in to a world of peace, love and kindness. Paula's style of teaching is uplifting, energetic and filled with compassion. Her classes tend to be focused, and challenging with influences of guru teachers Shiva Rea, Rodney Yee and Pema Chodron. She blends her background of dance and stretches into her yoga practice along with pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation, giving her students a well rounded and fulfilling experience.
Paula is registered with Yoga Alliance, is a member of International
Association of Yoga Therapists and certified by OM Yoga to teach Yoga to Breast Cancer Survivors. |
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Helen Hsu, RYT, is someone who always took high impacting aerobics type classes such as step aerobics, jogging/run, tennis, zhumba… , Helen was encouraged into taking a fun but challenging yoga class to reduce her pain in her knees and foot. Surprisingly she got hooked and has personally been taking yoga classes for approximately 7 years. Helen wanted to learn more about yoga particularly placing more emphasis on proper alignment in doing the various poses. She took her Teacher's Training Course at Inner Light Yoga Center in North Brunswick, N.J. under the guidance of Tarra Piparo Madore DC, E-RYT 500. Helen not only expanded her knowledge on the fundamentals of Hatha/Anusara Yoga, but she also learned yoga's true meaning (the union of the mind, body and spirit).
She is a certified yoga instructor, registered with Yoga Alliance. Helen offers gentle, beginner, multi-level, vinyasa, flow, and restorative yoga type classes. Her teaching emphasizes proper alignment while linking breath with each pose. Additionally, Helen has also embarked in providing yoga classes for the Deaf/hard of hearing community with the assistance of Amy Chu, another Certified Yoga Teacher who is fluent in American Sign Language. Both of them have created an opportunity for the Deaf/hard of hearing community to benefit in taking yoga classes in Central New Jersey. |
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Adrianne Mitzmacher Rowe, LSH, E-RYT 500, is a Metuchen, NJ resident serving the community and surrounding area since April 2000.
As a holistic practitioner most of her life, Adrianne is dedicated to living a yogic lifestyle and facilitates her clients with spiritual and ancient natural healing techniques for stress release and inner balance. Her passion and commitment to yoga led her to transition from her 20-year computer career in June 2000 to share the benefits of yoga and her healing gifts. Her nurturing and gentle nature brings warmth and positive energy to her yoga and healing sessions.
Adrianne is a Licensed Spiritual Healer (LSH), Registered with National Yoga Alliance as an Experienced Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500), and Certified in Soma Yoga 700-hour, Yoga Nidra, Radiant Child Yoga Level 2, Heart and Soul Work for Children, and Karma Kids Yoga.
She is a Certified Reflexologist, using the Ingham Reflexology Method®, Raindrop Technique® Practitioner, a Reiki Master and a Natural Foods Chef. Other certification trainings include YogaRhythmics® (aka Kripalu YogaDance®), Magnified Healing® and Thai-Yoga Bodywork. |
Michele found yoga 15 years ago at a noisy gym in Bridgewater, NJ where she instantly fell in love. The teacher inspired her by affirming her infinite perfect potential in an imperfect human body. This first class began her search for a practice that clicked and a studio that felt like home. Her 200 hour teacher training began in 2008 at Zuda Yoga in Sacramento, CA. At that time she was blessed to see her Dharma teacher, the Venerable Lama Sumati Marut, who changed her yoga and life forever. It is the teachers and many others who Michele honors when she strives to share yoga purely with the intention that all beings be happy and free.
Michele’s style of teaching is warm, inviting and embracing. It is lighthearted yet grounding, fun but peaceful. She teaches power vinyasa-based yoga with attention to the level of experience of class members. She believes yoga is for everyone and tries to make it as accessible as possible to the diversity of bodies and abilities that find their way onto the mat. |
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JoAnn, a native of New Jersey, actually lived out of the state for 21 years before moving back in September of 2007. After 24 years in the travel industry, decided to change careers and now finds herself as a certified yoga and fitness instructor, receiveing her yoga certification from The Regeneration Institute of Yoga, a Yoga Alliance School, in April 2010.
JoAnn teaches Parent and Toddler Classes at Sakula Yoga Studio and teaches regular Zumba classes at the YMCA of Eastern Union County in both Rahway and Elizabeth, and is also licensed to teach Zumba, Zumba Toning, and ZumbaTomic*. |
Ruby first started practicing yoga in the 1990s when she was up late one night to see a grey-haired woman doing a dhanurasana (wheel) pose. When she tried the posture, she couldn’t lift herself off the floor and became intrigued. It was at that time she realized that her full time work and school schedule has stressed her to the max. Ruby started her yoga practice focusing on the physical aspects, but soon became aware of how yoga gave her a sense of calmness, helped her become more focused, and much more aware of life.
After several years of practice, Ruby completed a 500 hour yoga teacher certification program with Bobbi Ellis of Soma Center. Her initial plan for training was to improve her practice, but as she learned more, she wanted to pass the knowledge on to others through her teaching. Ruby is inspired by studying with different teachers and learning from her students. Her hope is to introduce as many people to yoga as possible. |
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Sharon began her yoga journey in 1993 when her roommate suggested she try a Rodney Yee video. She was hooked and started taking classes at a local gym, then moved towards a yoga community at Yogasana Studio. The euphoric feel after each class soon transpired to the discovery of many health benefits. In 2006, Sharon received her 200 hour yoga teacher training under Stefanie Pappas, of Devalila School, which allows each student to play, be creative, and be aware of each student’s energy and to use property adjustments when necessary. After graduation, Sharon chose to teach smaller classes, focusing on mother/daughter yoga and a monthly class for the deaf. Her goal was to share with the students the “soaring” feelings of the chakra energies. Her classes are an eclectic blend of flow; primarily focusing on Hatha principles coupled with breathing techniques and postures which allow the body to flow effortlessly in and out of stillness.
Sharon is also a certified Thai Yoga Massage practitioner from the Lotus Palm School. Based on her client’s feedback/questionnaire, she will customize the Thai Yoga session using ayurvedic principles of the body type to help unblock tension.
Sharon is most thankful to all her teachers: Shiva Rea, Anodea Judith, Seane Corn, Steve Ross and many others, and continues to be a student of yoga. Her favorite mantra is: “Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu” which means “May All Beings Be Happy and Free”. |
Kate found yoga in 2005 while living in Los Angeles, where she had the great fortune to study with many gifted teachers. She quickly discovered that she was equally challenged and restored by each class and encountered first-hand the power of the practice to transform the body and the mind. Kate’s experience of the profound benefits of yoga practice has inspired her to deepen her study and to share that experience with others. In 2011, Kate completed her 200 hour certification at Sakula Yoga. Her classes focus on classic principles of Hatha yoga with an emphasis on breath work and on creating a balance between stillness and flow. She believes that the attention we bring to our yoga practice informs every moment of our life practice, and that yoga supplies us with the tools we need to connect with ourselves and with others in this often stressful and busy world. Kate continues to study and deepen in her love and understanding of yoga and hopes to impart that knowledge and joy to her students. |
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