Anne

Matt

Dawn

Jude

Alysse

Toby

Nick

Rebecca

Tracey

Sarajean

Kirstii

Jennifer

Jessica

Lisa

Suzanne

Natalie

Nikkie

Steven

Martha

Laurie

Jessie

Anne Falkowski's background

I am 40 years old. Yoga came into my life 10 years ago and it has been a powerful force. Yoga has changed me forever. I am eternally grateful. When I first discovered yoga,it made me feel beautiful and strong and healthy. It helped me to navigate through the wonder and fatigue of being a mom to small children. Eventually, my yoga became a part of me-linked to every aspect of who I am. It opened me up to my potential-in my relationships, my career, and my creativity. Through the vehicle of yoga- I learned how to truly take care of myself and healed a long standing and destructive obsessive compulsive eating disorder and overcame a negative body image and transformed my life into joy. Today, as I manage my busy teaching schedule, a studio, a nationally recognized Teacher Training, a full household of 3 children, 2 cats, my parents (who came to live with us in Spring of 2006), . I am deeply thankful to Matthew for encouraging me to try my first yoga class.

Matt Falkowski's background

Matthew joined the teaching staff at the Studio in 2002. He added much depth and spirituality to the space with his in-depth teachings of pranayama (breath), yogic philosophy, and his beautiful guitar and singing voice. Matthew founded the first yoga teacher training at Samadhi Yoga Studio and today Samadhi Yoga Studio has a nationally recognized 200 and 500 hour Yoga School that is in its fifth year of operation. Matthew continues to teach yoga in addition to working full time at his own business, TuneRooms Inc.- a innovative website for musicians.

Dawn Greenfield's background

I am a thankful graduate of Samadhi Yoga Studio’s first 200 hour - Yoga Teacher Training. I have been practicing yoga for seven years. My personal yoga practice and my teaching continue to evolve. I began with the desire for a very powerful physical practice, found a deep connection with pranayama, found that fluid movement is absolute bliss for me and marvel at the meditation of all the movements.
I've completed modules in the Pranakriya 500 Hour Professional Level YTT with Yoganand, Dean Hudson, Marlysa Sullivan, and James O'Learly. I continue to gain knowledge in many styles of yoga in programs such as YogaEd with Trish Vance, Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training with Jacci Reynolds, and TAOIST (Yin and Yang) YOGA with Paulie Zink. I bring to my classes techniques acquired through workshops with Ana Forrest, Rolf Gates, Damon Honeycutt, Natalie Goff, Tias Little, Simon Parks, Grand Master Hu, Danny Arguetty, Shoban Richard Faulds, Danna Faulds, Paul Spector, Amy Reed, and Andrew Rivin.
Off the mat I enjoy being in the woods year round, the beach and ocean during the hot months, cycling, roller-blading, cooking, dancing, painting, writing, riding my motorcycle, and traveling.

Jude Kochman's background

I tried yoga at a variety of gym and continuing education facilities as well as at a few studios going as far back as about 10 years but it never seemed to "land" for me. But at Samadhi I felt like I'd come home. From the owners to the teachers, the practices, the community, it all felt so right, like it was the yoga I had been looking to find. Over the next few years I became a regular practitioner enjoying a variety of teachers and styles from the heat of power to the gentleness of restorative and the inward focus of meditation. As my practice flowered so did my desire to learn more. I was not sure if I would teach but I knew I wanted to deepen my practice and explore the underlying philosophies, concepts and techniques. In 2006 I enrolled in the 200 hour teacher training. I began teaching in February of 2007 and to my surprise I loved doing so. Since then I've taught power, flow, gentle, senior, all levels and beginners at the sister studios for Samadhi as well as for several other venues. Samadhi is still my home and the place where I explore all that my mat has to offer. I continue my education in my own practice, in attending classes within and outside Samadhi and I am enrolled in the 500 hour certification through Pranakriya Yoga. When not on the mat I'm most often found hiking local trails, distant mountains, or cycling about New England.

Alysse Melville's background

I first began doing yoga three years ago, in order to gain flexibility and strength for competitive running and swimming.

After first coming to Samadhi yoga studio, yoga became much more than just a great work-out! Through the amazing teachers at Samadhi, I was able to discover a deeper connection to my body as well as my mind. Challenging as well as slowing down the body and mind through my yoga practice has changed my life, as I have learned to trust and honor myself both on and off the mat.

Completing Samadhi's 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2009 blessed me with a larger community of wonderful yogis, as well as a deeper, more knowledgable approach to my own practice. I am honored to teach at Samadhi; incorporating challenge and calm, flow and stillness as well as space for exploration in every class! Namaste.

Toby's background

As a lifelong athlete and adult runner, an extreme case of sciatica guided me toward the practice of yoga. Incorporating strength and enthusiasm, while continually motivating my classes, creates an energetic atmosphere where true body and mind cultivation can be revealed. The esteem for my mentors, who continue to inspire me daily, is filled with respect. I have been honored in this life with the love of my parents, family, and friends. The wisdom and support I receive from my remarkable husband is incredible and we are blessed with our greatest asset - our three healthy children. Please let me share my love of life with you. = Namaste

Nick Ricciardi's background

Health and fitness has always played an essential role in my life. I am currently a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and have worked at a variety of health clubs throughout Boston and Greater Hartford. Helping my clients ascertain their goals is extremely rewarding and gratifying. In addition to my work in fitness facilities, I have a strong background in Martial Arts. I have received training in Bushido Jujitsu, Judo, Aikido and Tai Chi. These arts have helped me to become strong in Body, Mind and Spirit.
My yoga practice also serves as a critical part of my life. It has strengthened my ability to stay present, focused and relaxed. Also, it enables me to truly find balance and peace. My overall health and well being has improved since I started my practice. I am grateful to teach at Samadhi because I love to help others and share what I know.
Along with Personal Training, I am a Full-Time Teacher for Hartford Public Schools. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my six year old daughter (and chasing after her), reading, live music in the sun and playing basketball... and yoga, of course.

Rebecca Willman's background

Rebecca Willman has been practicing yoga since 2001 and completed her 200-hr teacher training program in 2005.

Studying Ashtanga in Mysore, India in 2009 has allowed Rebecca to deepen her commitment to her own practice while broadening her approach to teaching various forms of yoga.

Rebecca approaches yoga and life with happiness and fluidity, tailoring classes and workshops according to individual and or group needs. Rebecca’s classes are challenging, relaxing and playful; her dedication to karmic yoga, peace, and love combine to deliver classes based in asana, breath, fluidity, and joy.

Rebecca teaches through integration of movement, stillness and peace to students of all levels including beginners, special needs populations, advanced practitioners, and anyone open to finding spiritual, mental, and physical healing through yoga and asana.

Tracey Sondiks's Background

I found my home in yoga. From the very first class I took and continuing through the present, I am amazed and grateful at what I continue to discover both in my body and in my spirit, and how this changes my life “off the mat” as well.
I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training at Samadhi Yoga Studio..
My practice and teaching continue to evolve. I am drawn to both the active asana practice along with the more quiet, introspective Yin and meditation practice. I have completed Yin Yoga teacher trainings with Sarah Powers and Josh summers.
I have a strong commitment to meditation practice and completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Professional Training Program at UMASS Medical School under the direction of Jon-Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., and Saki Sontorelli, Ed.D. I am also enrolled in the 500-hour Pranakirya Teacher Training Program under the direction of Yoganand Michael Carroll.
In addition to my yoga teaching, I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have been working with clients in a variety of settings including rehabilitation, inpatient hospitals, and private practice helping them to find meaning and joy in their lives no matter what obstacles or barriers they face.

Sarajean Walsh's Background

Sarajean Walsh achieved her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Kripalu Center and will be completing her 500 hour certification there as well
As an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist, Sarajean offers comprehensive Yoga classes that are in natural synch with the universe and the seasons. Originally from Manchester, CT, she went on to become a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor through AFAA and NASM. She uses her background in fitness and martial arts to develop power classes that offer a great workout as well as a peaceful experience of meditation and relaxation.
Prior to breaking into the fitness industry, Sarajean studied at the Hartford Conservatory and The Hartt School of Music. A musician for life, Sarajean will chant and sing to sweetly wake you up from Svasana, or to set the vibration at the beginning of class for a beautiful journey.
Through Kripalu Yoga, students get to explore personal inquiry and safe emotional space. The freedom of Sarajean’s classes make every experience a meditation in motion… whether you are in downward facing dog breathing deeply, in crow balancing gracefully, or in child’s pose sipping the sweet nectar of rest, you will find grace and sacred space with every inhale and exhale.

Kirstii Compton's Background

Yoga reminds me, again and again, of who I really am. In a fast-paced and disconnected society, we are taught to dissociate ourselves from our feelings, our needs and our bodies. In my classes, I strive to give students the opportunity to let go of what we have been taught and embrace what is naturally within. Yoga is a process, and a journey. We have spent a lifetime receiving and interpreting messages from the outside, it may take a lifetime to learn to receive an interpret messages from the inside.”
Kirstii earned her 200-hour certification from Samadhi Yoga Studio as a student of Anne and Mathew Falkowski's first YTT. She has studied the Kripalu traditions with Yoganand Michael Carroll, and plans to earn her 500-hour certification in his Pranakriya Yoga program. She loves to sing, and chants with Matthew Falkowski. Her classes are infused with a sense of humor at the same time as reverence for universal wisdom.

Jennifer Errickson's Background

Jennifer Errickson, MA, RYT. Jennifer completed her 200 hour teacher training at Sacred Rivers Yoga. She teaches mom and baby yoga. Jennifer’s classes provide a supportive environment for mothers to explore yoga as they move, breathe, and connect with their little ones. Her background is in the field of education where she holds a Master’s Degree as well as experience as a classroom teacher. Teaching yoga has allowed Jennifer to apply these skills as well as her own experience as a mom of two boys while bringing the beautiful gift of yoga into the lives of mothers. Jennifer is also a certified prenatal yoga teacher.

Jessica Giordano's Background

Jessica is thrilled to be teaching yoga after graduating from the Samadhi Yoga Studio 200-hr teaching program in June 2007. Offering an eclectic approach to yoga, Jessica is passionate about yoga as a healing and evolutionary discipline for the body, mind, and spirit. She is particularly inspired by freeform flow, organic movement, and the dynamic interplay between movement and stillness in the holdings of postures. She encourages her students to approach their yoga practice from a place of compassion, creativity, and intuition. She infuses the physical elements of yoga practice with the use of poetry, imagery, and mindful intention. In every class her goal is facilitating introspection, connection, and joyfulness.
In addition to teaching yoga, Jessica will graduate in May 2010 with her Masters of Science (MS) in Marriage & Family Therapy. She currently works as an intern providing therapy to children, adults, families, and couples. Jessica believes strongly in holism as a framework for physical and psychological well-being and she believes that her work as a yoga instructor and as a therapist can influence and reach out to clients in the same manner but through different modalities. Jessica emphasizes her passion for her work and considers her self very fortunate to have discovered and cultivated her passions at a young age.

Lisa Sundean's Background

Through yoga, we journey into the sacred realms of our body, mind and spirit. We find our courage, our vulnerabilities, our wisdom, our creativity and our greatness. Through yoga, we open ourselves to receiving self-nurturing, love and compassion. Yoga brings us to the purest form of self; courageous, compassionate, joyous and awesome! We become aware of our connectedness to all beings and all things. We begin to walk the way of peace, beauty and truth, offering it up to the world without hesitation.
I am a Certified Yoga Teacher from the Samadhi Yoga Teacher Training. I teach mindfully and creatively from a variety of yoga forms. While I am grateful for the notable yogis I have worked with along the way, I am most grateful for my life experiences with friends, family, colleagues and the students who have trusted me with their practice. These are the crystal moments of my life. May our paths cross on this expansive journey. Namaste.

Suzanne Vaughn's Background

Since my first yoga class in 2002, I knew that my life had been changed. I didn’t plan on loving yoga, nor did I expect it to alter my life plans. I’ve always loved physical activity, enjoying biking, hiking, rollerblading, aerobics. I think I’ve had a gym membership for over 25 years. But what started as a tiny flicker of interest has become a radiant and guiding beam. I’ve always wanted to teach, and began exploring the idea of teaching yoga. The path became clear. I graduated from Samadhi Yoga Teacher Training in 2008. Yoga has provided me with clarity of my vision and deepened my connection to myself, family, friends, community and the world. I love the practice of yoga and am deeply motivated to share my good fortune through teaching others.

Natalie Griffin's Background

After 15 years of consulting with Fortune 500 companies as an Organizational and Leadership Development Specialist, Natalie Griffin discovered the healing and joy available through yoga.
Natalie has attended several workshops at Kripalu and The Omega Institute to deepen her knowledge of yoga and Shamanic Energy Healing. She is a Samadhi style Teacher, trained through Samadhi’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and knows first hand how a balanced yoga practice can transform your life. Natalie’s regular yoga practice includes Power yoga, Pranayama, Meditation and Restorative yoga.
Natalie has dedicated her life to healing through the ancient healing techniques found in Yoga and Shamanism.
Natalie is a graduate of the Healing the Light Body program under the direction of Best Selling Author and Medical Anthropologist, Alberto Villodolo. Natalie’s healing journey is featured in the book by Debbie Phillips, Women on Fire - 20 Inspirational Stories (to save you 20 years of time!) published in May 2009. Her thoughts on leadership are featured in, Harvard Business Review On Developing Leaders published in 2004.

Nikki's Background

Nikki has been practicing yoga for over 10 years, but only with serious depth over the past 5, since becoming an LMT. A 2010 graduate of Samadhi’s YTT, Nikki’s teaching is greatly influenced by explorations within her private practice and her background as a rock climber, runner, backpacker & bodyworker. Due to her extensive background in bodywork as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Nikki is not only able to offer unique assists, but she may also offer some insights to guide you into more fully occupying your body while exploring new openings and new strengths.
When not moving, bending, stretching and strengthening on her mat, Nikki maintains her connection to the body through her massage business, specializing in Nuad Bo Rarn (Traditional Thai Massage). She also teaches at the CT Center for Massage Therapy and through bodymind school of thai massage.
Nikki believes that the one body you have is your perfect body; through movement, flexibility and bodywork, we may increase our connections between the head-mind and the body-mind. She hopes to guide all students, from beginner to advanced, to a place of integration, deeper personal insight and connection to the innate, inner wisdom we each possess.

Steven's Background

Steven has practiced with Samadhi Yoga Studio teachers for 2 years, and is excited to add to the energy there. He worked as a tradesman most of his life, gaining insight into how the body can either be injured or healthfully maintained while working in this field. Also, since 2008, he has had the pleasure of working with herbs and natural foods, helping him to progress his knowledge of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A regular yoga practice has allowed Steven to experience himself and others on a deeper and more compassionate level. Yoga and breath have facilitated healing and opening every day in ways that he did not even realize were available to him. It has also helped him to discover and appreciate his gentle nature.
Steven is also a musician and singer. He loves playing drums, and has produced electronic music for a number of years. He is moved by the meditative qualities of music, chanting, and asana. His intention is to share authentic experiences with other people as they journey toward their true selves.

Martha's Background

Since I discovered yoga in 2001, it has been a great gift to me; teaching me to link breath, mind, and body with spirit. I experience the practice of yoga as a spiritual discipline that reveals many layers of who I am on and off the mat. Yoga humbles me and helps me to reach for the truth of who I am, and who I am becoming, helping me also to remain willing to observe and surrender layers of who I am not. Yoga reminds me to find balance -- to be in the moment and move with joy and wonder and at times to be content in stillness and listening. I came to Samadhi Yoga 3 years ago and connected with the teaching of the directors and staff. I complete the 200-hour teacher training in June 2010. I have my M.F.A. in painting from the University of Washington, Seattle. I teach drawing at Manchester Community College as an adjunct professor. I find that the creative spirit of yoga supports my own studio art making as well as my teaching. Samadhi has been an encouraging community in which I feel blessed to practice, learn, and share… and now teach. I encourage all, no matter where you are in life, to give yoga a try. Come and see! Peace.

Laurie's Background

I have been running for over 20 years, and last year, I realized that both my body and mind needed a change. I was introduced to yoga because I wanted to quiet my mind around issues of body image and perfectionism. I was lucky enough to be guided by a friend to Samadhi. I completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Samadhi in 2010, and I am so excited to be given the opportunity to join the Samadhi family. My background has always been in teaching. I was a high school/middle school English teacher for five years and coached cheerleading for 7 years at the high school level and 3 years at the college level. I loved teaching and coaching, but when I had my first son, I decided to stay at home with him and become a full time mother. I now have two young boys, but I realized that I missed teaching and wanted to be able to find a teaching job that would both broaden my heart and mind. I believe that being a yoga teacher is the answer. Yoga, for me, is like a vacation for the mind. It is a moment out of the day when a yogi can walk into a classroom and leave negativity and judgment behind. I hope to create a safe space where everyone feels welcome and beautiful. Because, for me, yoga has been the beginning of my journey towards self acceptance, and I hope to encourage others to make that journey along with me.

Jessie's Background

I have devoted lots of time in the past 10 years learning different forms/styles of exercises including spinning, kickboxing, weight training, dancing, etc. I am passionate about fitness, health management, and dancing, and always looking forward to learning more and sharing the love of fun workouts! After I discovered Zumba and how much fun it is, it has become my most favorite workout along with yoga and Pilates.
I completed my level 1 and 2 training with Tanya Beardsley and Ann Saldi, and attended the Zumba Instructor Convention in 2009 to learn and meet more international dancers. I have been to Kripalu twice for a full weekend Zumba/Belly dancing training and have taken many fun, intense master classes with Tanya, Liana Veda, etc. I am going to the Zumba Convention this year and am excited about it!
Besides Zumba, I am also learning Ballroom dancing and training for Xtend ("Pilates & Dance Amplified"). I love a wide variety of dances and workouts and I always make sure that my classes have a good balance and variety for my students.
I love Zumba and love teaching Zumba and helping people get a great and fun workout. Come and join my fitness parties!