Practice Yoga

with

Melissa

I teach yoga from a body-positive, neuro-affirming lens that centers accessibility, choice, and belonging.

My classes invite you to honor your body, your experience, and embody the teachings of yoga.

Practice Yoga

with

Melissa

I teach yoga from a body-positive, neuro-affirming lens that centers accessibility, choice, and belonging.

My classes invite you to honor your body, your experience, and embody the teachings of yoga.

Choice-Centered Yoga for Divergent Brains & All Bodies

 

At the heart of my teaching is a simple belief:
Everyone belongs in the practice of yoga.

Yoga is not one-size-fits-all.

We have diverse bodies, brains, and abilities. Yogic practices were traditionally adapted to the individual. I honor that tradition by meeting you where you are.

After more than a decade teaching yoga in healthcare settings, one of my biggest strengths is adapting practices for a wide range of bodies and abilities.

My classes are especially welcoming to: neurodivergent folks, older adults, people in larger bodies, those with chronic health conditions, people who have felt excluded in yoga space, or anyone interested in the inward side of yoga.

What you can expect: Slow, self-paced movement, options for different bodies, and space to explore what feels supportive.

What you won’t find: Right vs. wrong, prescriptive alignment cues, rigid shapes, or “beginner” and “advanced” hierarchies.

Come befriend your body, support your nervous system, and find belonging in yourself—and with us!

Practice “Move + Restore Yoga” With Me

Fridays, 12-1pm Central Time (via Zoom)
(Live & Recorded)

A slow, yet active practice to mobilize joints, release patterns of tension, and quiet your nervous system. With a new theme each month, classes incorporate gentle warm-ups, standing sequences, restorative poses, and pranayama.

Please have:
– A stable chair without arms
– 1-2 throw pillows
– 1-2 blankets
– Optional: Yoga blocks, bolster

*Recordings available within 24 hours.
*If Melissa cannot teach, you’ll have a sub with a similar skill set & style.
*If the listed price is out of reach, email me to find an option to suit your budget.

Monthly Trial – $20 for (4) Classes

(Regular Rate: $35/month)

Join Yoga with Melissa

My Yoga Journey and Studies

Yoga has been part of my life since 1998. At age 16, my mom took me to an ashram where I was initiated into the Kriya Yoga lineage under Swami Vidyadhishananda and Paramahamsa Hariharananada. I later studied and practiced within the Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga systems. In 2015, I completed a year-long, 200-hour yoga certification with Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago. I completed a certificate in Yoga to Transform Trauma with the late Catherine Ashton the same year.

I’ve taken approximately 500 hours of additional training in anatomy, therapeutics, sequencing, cultural appropriation, accessibility, pranayama, yoga nidra, restorative yoga, and yoga philosophy texts. In addition to my first gurus mentioned above, my teachers have included Daren Friesen, PJ Heffernan, Alexia Bauer, Morgan Lee, Shanna Linn, Gabriel Halpern, Tias Little, Aadil Palkhivala, Kim Wilcox, Rich Logan, Susanna Barkataki, Alexandria Crow, and Kaya Mindlin.

*I believe it’s important to acknowledge our teachers. However, mentioning of their names does not constitute an endorsement of all of them.

 

My Yoga Journey and Studies

Yoga has been part of my life since 1998. At age 16, my mom took me to an ashram where I was initiated into the Kriya Yoga lineage under Swami Vidyadhishananda and Paramahamsa Hariharananada. I later studied and practiced within the Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga systems. In 2015, I completed a year-long, 200-hour yoga certification with Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago. I completed a certificate in Yoga to Transform Trauma with the late Catherine Ashton the same year.

I’ve taken approximately 500 hours of additional training in anatomy, therapeutics, sequencing, cultural appropriation, accessibility, pranayama, yoga nidra, restorative yoga, and yoga philosophy texts. In addition to my first gurus mentioned above, my teachers have included Daren Friesen, PJ Heffernan, Alexia Bauer, Morgan Lee, Shanna Linn, Gabriel Halpern, Tias Little, Aadil Palkhivala, Kim Wilcox, Rich Logan, Susanna Barkataki, Alexandria Crow, and Kaya Mindlin.

*I believe it’s important to acknowledge our teachers. However, mentioning of their names does not constitute an endorsement of all of them.

I’ve been taking yoga classes (and taught them) on and off for almost 40 years. None of my teachers had the effect that Melissa has on me. Her classes are not a rote series of poses. She takes time to warm up the body and explain each step. Melissa is a kind, gentle soul, just what I was looking for after time away from yoga.
- Lynne D.

I have found such benefits in Melissa’s yoga classes that I schedule everything else around them. I’ve learned to listen to my body through Melissa’s clear instruction and appreciate the alternatives that she offers. The classes offer a sense of community and are a highlight to my week.
- Megan S.

I can’t say enough good things about yoga with Melissa. Her classes have been a godsend during stressful days as we stretch and breathe with our bodies. Melissa offers options for everyone, and I’m grateful for her calming voice and insightful words to help me relax my entire mind and body.
- Hella S.

Melissa helped me maintain calm composure, deep breathing, and a sense of community when the whole world was anxious. As we adjusted to pandemic life, her classes adjusted as well to help us maintain strength and flexibility. The muscle release poses she offers are amazing and my whole body to relax and let go.
- Kim P.

I’ve been taking yoga classes (and taught them) on and off for almost 40 years. None of my teachers had the effect that Melissa has on me. Her classes are not a rote series of poses. She takes time to warm up the body and explain each step. Melissa is a kind, gentle soul, just what I was looking for after time away from yoga.
- Lynne D.

I can’t say enough good things about yoga with Melissa. Her classes have been a godsend during stressful days as we stretch and breathe with our bodies. Melissa offers options for everyone, and I’m grateful for her calming voice and insightful words to help me relax my entire mind and body.
- Hella S.

I have found such benefits in Melissa’s yoga classes that I schedule everything else around them. I’ve learned to listen to my body through Melissa’s clear instruction and appreciate the alternatives that she offers. The classes offer a sense of community and are a highlight to my week.
- Megan S.

Melissa helped me maintain calm composure, deep breathing, and a sense of community when the whole world was anxious. As we adjusted to pandemic life, her classes adjusted as well to help us maintain strength and flexibility. The muscle release poses she offers are amazing and my whole body to relax and let go.
- Kim P.