Annie Q. Simard

My Love.
I believe in Yoga. I honestly feel that everyone can benefit from it. There is this moment in every class where you see a “newbie” on their mat, in the thick of it all, power, sweat, fear, and exhilaration. I love the moment when yoga makes its way into their body and you can see it, you can see the light come out of them. You see their amazement, you feel their excitement, you know that they “get it”. Man, what a gift. I have found my purpose in life, I am a teacher. Annie's teachers include Baron Baptiste, Philip Urso, Debbie Williamson, Marcia Vallier, Anne Surber, Douglas P. Quagliaroli, Lance Clayton and Jan Iyengar.

Annie is co-director of The Yoga Shop and the founder of LivFree® Power Yoga and LivFree® Yoga School. Annie is ERYT 500-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST and The Yoga Shop WEST.

Allison Gomes

My Here, My Now.
Why do I believe in Yoga? Because, up until a few years ago, I was, in most ways, much like any other working mom, franticly juggling the many things it takes to ‘have it all’ in life. Then, I stepped onto a Yoga mat and realized that I could in fact slow down even in this hectic world we live in – and not only did my mind and body need it, but everyone who I touched in life was better for it as well. When I am on the mat, when I teach and when I leave the studio, my body is at ease – peaceful, energized, and balanced. Yoga gives me the space that I need to reconnect to me. Through Yoga, I have vowed never again to be exhausted by life but rather to leave this life exhausted from truly living it! The ability to teach and share this hOMe we built with others in the community is a gift. Allison’s teachers include Annie Q and Kim Charbonneau.

Allison is the co-owner of The Yoga Shop of Ludlow. She is RYT 500-hour LivFree® certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.

Tammy Ford

My constant.
It’s a daily ritual that connects you to your well being. I have been a dancer, marathon runner and fitness instructor my entire life. My love for yoga began when I was brought to my first Bikram class 25 years ago. The heat, postures, and meditation were like home to me. Four kids later yoga became more than a fitness workout but an outlet and teaching tool for me to live by.   My favorite part of becoming a Bikram instructor was my connection to the students who ended up becoming my colleagues and friends. I found myself staying after classes to do inversions, back bends, and core work, which led me to get certified in HIIT. This all led me to a summer of power yoga in Martha’s Vineyard. I was hooked and began my search for a good studio in my area which led me to  South Windsor with a woman named Annie Q who brings it big! We met at a difficult time in my life but at the right time for change. The music, freedom of expression and the choices! Did I mention choices? LivFree® Power Yoga combined all my training in one style and all the reasons I fell in love with yoga in one place (The Yoga Shop). I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community and hope to continue to grow with all of you. Tammy’s teachers include Richard Mercer, Gabby Walters, Annie Q, and Kim Charbonneau.

Tammy is the owner of The Yoga Shop WEST (Avon location). She is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST.

Holly Peronace Zygiel

My Peace.
Yoga is my Peace, my journey on the mat began after my first son was born and I need some exercise and healing. My husband encouraged me to start yoga and we had the exercise part right. I decided to continue to practice yoga through my entire second pregnancy. Since yoga has been in my life, I have felt my body, I have healed, and gain strength, balance, and better health. Our yoga community is filled with caring, loving individuals, who share it’s gift everyday and that is why I teach from the brightest place within me and guide my students on their journey to Shine. Holly’s teachers include Elin Larson, Annie Q, Kim Charbonneau and The Yoga Shop Community.

Holly is ERYT 500-hour LivFree® certified, LivFree® Certified Life Coach, Certified Wellness Coach, and Creator of LivFree® Chair Warrior Certification. She is also the Studio Manager at The Yoga Shop WEST (Avon location). Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST and The Yoga Shop WEST.

Iman Afnan

My Solace.
After years of refusing to attempt yoga, I started learning the basics of yoga online while at home in 2020. I took one class of LivFree® Power Yoga and never looked back. In under one year, I went from never having been to a yoga studio, to working front desk, to teacher training. The kindness, warmth, acceptance, and encouragement of the entire Yoga Shop Community brought me in, but it was the changes I saw in myself that really kept me coming back. Yoga spoke to my soul in a way that nothing else ever has. I’ve always been active, lifted weights, played team sports, but nothing compares to the combination of mental clarity, physical release, and spiritual cleanse yoga provides. Regardless of what is happening in my life, when I am on my mat, it all falls away, and I feel like my true self.  Yoga has taught me how to turn struggle into strength, and how to turn release into growth. It all starts by taking a breath. Iman’s teachers include: Annie Q, Holly Zygiel, Dana Wilcox, and the Yoga Shop Community

Iman is RYT 500-hour certified. Find him at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.

Amanda Boland

My Escape.
LivFree® Yoga and LivFree® Hot Barre are my outlets to get away from the busy life we all live. It’s a way to challenge yourself into evolving into a better version of you. LivFree® gives you the chance to be you with no judgement. After having my son and starting my career I lost touch focusing on myself. Previously being a competitive dancer for 16 years barre and yoga have helped me bring the passion back into my life. When I am on my mat I can settle my mind, tune out the outside world, and focus on me. Amanda's teachers include Ashley Gladden.

Amanda is LivFree® Hot Barre trained. Find her at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.

Damian Byrd

My Center. 
Whenever I feel displaced, confused, or lost, I know I can practice Yoga and come to a grounded, centered space, spiritually, physically, and mentally. It isn’t a matter if I’m more flexible, or if I can hold a pose for longer than before, what matters to me is to practice the act of consciously showing up for myself and taking myself just past the edge of my comfort and to find comfort with discomfort & growth. Yoga has helped me work on enjoying my journey day in and day out. Damian's teachers include: Annie Quagliaroli, Holly Zygiel, Dana Wilcox, Allison Gomez, and Liz Salvador.

Damian is RYT 500-hour certified. Find him at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.

Valerie Calciano

My Inspiration.
From the moment I walked into The Yoga Shop. I felt inspired. I had taken a break from yoga and forgot how much I missed it. After that first class I knew it would be a constant part of my life. Yoga inspires me both on and off the mat. When I am on my mat I feel inspired not only gain to physical strength but mental and spiritual strength as well. And the inspiration does not end there. The instructors, the members and the community they created constantly inspires and challenges me to grow each and every day in my daily life. I always feel welcome and a sense of peace the minute I walk into the studio. And after leaving I feel inspired and empowered to take on whatever tasks or challenges lie ahead. The Yoga Shop family and LivFree® Yoga provides strength, balance and clarity. As an instructor I want to
continue to grow and hope I can inspire others as well. My teachers and include Annie Q., Kim Charbonneau, Dana Wilcox, Caroline Hannon, Michelle Parker, Jess Goldfarb and Jeff Cappadora.

Val is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.

Sabrina Cassella

My Pause.
LivFree yoga has taken me on a journey of transformation in my mind, body and spirit. My soul became connected and my intuition strong. Each time I show up on my mat I embrace the discomfort. I release the need to show up perfectly. I practice holding space for myself and for others. I quiet the mental chatter and discard the judgements that arise. Yoga has become a way of life. I experience clarity in my thoughts when I walk off of my mat. Yoga is an ongoing practice of trusting in myself, meeting myself where I am and giving myself the grace I offer to others. Sabrina’s teachers include Alison Gomes, Liz Salvador, Annie Q. Simard, Holly Peronace Zygiel, Dana Wilcox.

Sabrina is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.

Aisha Eugene

My Sanctuary.
Yoga is that special place I go to—where I keep my secrets, my aspirations, my dreams; my deepest, truest, and honest self. It’s safe, and it’s my own. When I first found yoga, it was to find a fitness practice that met my busy schedule. What I found instead, was a beautiful yet challenging dance of energy, surrender, stability, and strength; I found myself. Yoga gave me all that I needed before I even knew what to ask for. It’s a friend whose shoulder I can always lean on; a confidant I never have to wear a mask in front of. It’s been my adventure—where I’ve met some of my truest friends, and beautiful souls. It gave me a community and a place to belong. To say I love yoga does not do justice to the sentiment. My passion for teaching yoga comes from sharing this delicious secret with everyone I meet, especially in communities where access and knowledge have been limited or don’t exist. I get goosebumps thinking of how healing yoga can be, and how lucky I am to have found it. How could I not want to share that with everyone? Aisha’s teachers include: Annie Q., Dana Wilcox, Kristen Michalak, Monique Davis, Kara Dalena.

Aisha is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST.

Jessica Goldfarb

My Guide.
Every time I practice yoga, I feel like I am being led back home.  I unlearn all those jaded life lessons and find myself in a happy middle between strength and compassion.  Yoga has taught me how to believe in myself when I fall, and how to catch myself with love – both on and off the mat!  I know the positive impact that yoga had on my life and I want to share that experience with others.  Jessica’s teachers include Annie Q. and Kim Charbonneau.

Jessica is RYT 500-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.

Laureen Harper

My Connection.
Yoga is holistic connection to myself, the community, and life. A meditation that allows me to connect my breath to body and to mind. It is physical movement as well as a mental mindset that becomes a guiding force for a more harmonious and fulfilling life. What I have learned on the mat has become a metaphor for the journey of life off the mat, providing a framework for self-awareness and a balanced approach to the ups and downs in life. Although my physical practice might look different than everyone else’s, we are all connected through the human experience and learning that breath represents life itself and acts as a source of strength and perseverance in the face of adversities. Yoga is a journey, not a destination, of self-discovery and gift I am passionate about sharing with others in the community. Laureen’s teachers include: Annie Q, Holly Peronace Zygiel, Dana Wilcox, Kim Charbonneau, YTT classmates, and The Yoga Shop Community.

Laureen is RYT 500-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.

Sue Hutchinson

My Harmony.
Yoga has given me the tools I need to find balance in a busy life. Every time I step on my mat it provides a chance for me to find my edge, let go, build strength, reconnect, and fall in love with the process all over again. It is challenging and humbling, yet graceful and empowering. It is a chance for change and growth and realigns all of the busy pieces to create a beautiful inner-harmony that touches every part of my life. It creates joy and compassion that stays with you when you leave the mat and I am so excited and grateful to have the opportunity to share it. Sue's teachers include Annie Q. Simard and Holly Peronace Zygiel.

Sue is a RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.

Shannon Legere

My Unity.
My curious nature has brought me to various studios over the years, urging me to explore many styles of yoga. It led me to study Ashtanga, WHY Power, Vinyasa, Forrest, Katona, and LivFree®yoga. Along the way, I met a wealth of profound teachers who supported my path. I began to recognize each time I stepped on my mat a shift happens, a pull inwards. I’ve observed union with breath, union of mind-body-spirit, and union with the community in which I live. These connections ignite a sense of oneness.  Yoga is the tool I use to bring me back home and unite with limitless potential. When I stumbled across The Yoga Shop, it felt like I opened a door to new world. LivFree® yoga is an energetic experience unlike anything I’ve tried before. Instantly, I was drawn to the hot temperature and diversity of uplifting music. The heat and the music feel good in my body stimulating any stagnant or stuck energy. But what resonated the strongest with me is the strong connection of the people in the studios. From the moment you walk in the door, you are greeted with big smiles. The teachers learn your names and acknowledge you (and everyone) throughout class. This not only makes you feel seen but integrates you into the community. I come back each week not only for my self-practice, but to be with the loving and genuinely good people that are The Yoga Shop. Shannon's teacher's include Annie Q Simard, Holly Zygiel, Dana Wilcox, Toby, Barbara Ruzansky, Nykki Poole, Michael Torrent, Ana Forrest, Cathy Beckius, Lisa Gaumond, Emily Cusson and Jess Goldfarb.

Shannon is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.

Jessica Noonan

My Sanctuary.
Yoga is a space that is all mine, a space for growth, reflection, clarity and peace. The very first time that I stepped onto a yoga mat I felt myself enter a space deep within, a space that I may have never been prior. Since then, yoga has become a part of my wellness. I feel so passionately about yoga because it is accessible to all spiritually, emotionally, and physically. As a high school teacher for many years before deciding to stay home to raise a family and manage our small family farm, education, opportunity, and growth became important values to me. It is because of these values that I decided to become a yoga teacher. It is my hope to be able to share this passion and help others find a sacred space for themselves like I have. Stepping into The Yoga Shop always feels like I am opening the door to home. The Yoga Shop community is one of the most welcoming and supportive that I have had the gift of being a part of.  The space that I find on my mat allows me to grow and ground, giving me the opportunity to show up in my truest form for those who need me; a gift that all beings should be given. It is my dream to help to make yoga and mindfulness accessible to all through the connection to nature and our natural world and I will continue to develop my practice and skill to make this happen. Jessica’s teachers include Annie Q., Kimberly Charbonneau, Holly Peronace Zygiel, Liz Salvador, Sue Hutchinson, Jess Wood and so many of The Yoga Shop teachers who each inspire me in different ways every time that I step into their classes.

Jessica is RYT 200-hour certified and LivFree® Certified Kids Yoga Teacher. Find her at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.

Darcie Schwab

My Light.
My LivFree® yoga practice began in 2021 and since my first class, I have developed a love for yoga. Through my practice, I open my heart and work through the thoughts that dim my light. I feel a sense of peace, self-confidence, and self-love. Yoga is more than physical strength. The lessons I’ve learned from yoga provide guidance in dealing with life’s challenges. It is a path to developing deeper spiritual and mental awareness. Yoga has illuminated my light and consciousness allowing me to share this light with others.  I believe that in finding my light and sharing its warmth and brightness that it enables others to see a way to their light. Darcie’s teachers include Annie Q., Holly Zygiel, Dana Wilcox, and Tammy Ford.

Darcie is a RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST.

Rabiat Usman

My Energizer.
Yoga re-energizes my mind, body, and spirit. I literally feel every sense of my well-being come alive every time I step on my mat. And with each recharge, I find myself breaking free from the shackles of my own fears and self-doubt that have held me back for years, from being my true and authentic self. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to use this beautiful energy I have and feel with others. My goal is to help students of yoga tap into their own energies and use it as a tool to power through their daily lives with peace and love. Rabiat’s teachers include Annie Q. Simard, Holly Peronace Zygiel, Dana Wilcox, and Mindy Levy.

Rabiat is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST.

Dana Wilcox

My Resilience.
Yoga has taught me that finding my edge will take me places that comfort never could. It has taught me that there is growth and beauty in challenges and that my mind can heal through my bodies movements. I am in constant awe of what this practice has done for me, both on and off my mat. Yoga has empowered me and given me strength that I could not learn from anyone but myself and that is beautiful. Dana's teachers include Annie Q. Simard, Julie Liefeld, Holly Zygiel, Kim Charbonneau, Kristen Michalak and Nadia Goracy.

Dana is ERYT 500-hour, LMFT-A, LivFree® Certified Life Coach. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.

Karma Woodcock

My Control.
When I decided to become a yoga teacher I had thought I lost control over my mind, body and spirit. I am forever grateful to yoga for helping me dig within myself and regain that control. As we all know most things in life are out of our control, something that's a challenge for me. Yoga can pick me up any time things feel like they are unraveling. If I feel like I am losing touch with myself, others, or if anything troubles me at all, I know I can step onto my mat and regain my control, my peace that nothing and no one can take away from me. I have the control to show up, be present, push my body to new limits, and be vulnerable and heal in a safe place filled with beautiful people. As a teacher and a student, being able to share these feelings and to witness other people's growth and control when they step onto their mats is something that I can honestly say warms my heart. Karma’s teachers include Annie Q. Simard, Holly Zygiel, and Dana Wilcox.

Karma is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.