Teachers
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.
Kimberly Charbonneau
My Truth.
I believe in the effects of yoga. I have witnessed transformation in myself and in others I practice with. I have always wanted to be a part of something that really matters. I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than helping someone realize their true strength physically and spiritually. Kim's teachers include Baron Baptiste and Annie Q.
Kim is co-director of The Yoga Shop. She is ERYT 500-hour certified and LivFree® 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.
Liz Salvador
My Passion.
I rediscovered yoga at a time where I really needed an escape from the demands of life. I wore many hats while juggling a challenging corporate career and care-giving for both a young family and aging parents. I realized that I was spending all my time taking care of others and needed to take care of myself. When I discovered the Yoga Shop community, I found a way to escape into a loving place where I could care for and work solely on myself – learning to love who and where I am, releasing the tension and rebuilding strength, dealing with my struggles and growing stronger. Yoga gives me healing and hope in a way I never expected and still surprises me. Yoga is my self care and my passion. I am SO excited to grow The Yoga Shop family and share LivFree®️ yoga in our community. I’m grateful for The Yoga Shop community of teachers and my mentors: Annie Quagliaroli, Kim Charbonneau, Julie Liefeld and the 2017 Masters Class.
Liz 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.
Dawn Machado
My Surrender.
LivFree® Yoga is letting go, being present, putting trust in yourself and the universe; surrendering. Moving on your mat helps you connect and transform the mind, body and spirit. The Yoga Shop is a safe space to practice, express yourself, shine your heart, be vulnerable, show up in your power, push your limits, to sweat, cry, smile, laugh, breathe and just be. I’m honored to be able to share yoga and hold space for you to transform your life on and off the mat. Yoga is by far my favorite fitness format to teach and has taught me so much about authenticity, getting comfortable in the uncomfortable, healthy coping and finding peace. Let’s do yoga! Dawn’s teachers include Alison Gomes, Liz Salvador, Annie Q. Simard, Kim Charbonneau, Holly Peronace Zygiel, Kim Jaramillo, Dan Jaramillo, Dana Wilcox and Lisanne Cozart.
Dawn is RYT 200-hour certified. She is also the Studio Manager at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow. Find her at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.
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®
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 200-hour certified. Find him at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.
Lori Archambault Wallace
My Light.
Yoga has provided me with the opportunity to share my light. When I was introduced to yoga, 20 years ago, I instantly felt alive and fell in love with the practice of breath and movement. I immediately began embracing the life changing benefits within my physical body, clarity in my mind and treasured the spiritual connection. Yoga stabilized my mind, taught me self-love, and I evolved by living authentically throughout my whole heart and soul. The inner strength I have gained from yoga provides me with the perseverance to deal with challenging moments in life, both mentally and physically. I believe the power of yoga allows you to cultivate growth, strength and compassion within yourself. Yoga has become my light in the darkest of times. With that being said, I am known as a lighthouse or ray of sunshine which is continually radiating positivity and light to others. I will inspire you, motivate you, make you laugh, and leave you feeling loved. My goal is to give back love and strength within our community. Join me on your mat for what many call “Lori’s Power Love”. Lori’s teachers include Annie Q., and Kim Charbonneau.
Lori is E-RYT 500-hour LivFree® certified, LivFree® Certified Life Coach and Reiki Master USUI/Holy Fire®. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.
Kim Brenneisen
My being.
When I step onto my mat inside The Yoga Shop, I am always challenged. Whether that's physically or mentally, I can expect to be vulnerable and pushed past my limits. And even though it is vigorous, it's my safe space. The best thing about TYS is that you never know what to expect to receive from a class. Each class is going to elicit something new out of you -- anywhere from achieving a new pose, to feeling a sense of euphoria, or to discovering a new part of your being. LivFree has grown my practice in more ways than I ever thought possible, and it's also provided me a home away from home. This yoga holds me accountable, helps me stay present and rooted, and it allows me to be my best self. I owe so much to this practice, and I can't think of a better way of paying respect to this freeing yoga than by sharing my passion, my heart and everything I've learned with others. Kim's teachers include Annie Q., Kim Charbonneau, Holly Zygiel, Lisa Cozzi, Kevin Masse, Angie Chokran, Kara Dalena, Kristen Michalak, Dan Jaramillo and Kim Jaramillo.
Kim is a RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST and The Yoga Shop WEST.
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.
Lisa Comeau
My bedrock and my mountain top.
The practice of yoga has given me a foundation for living wholeheartedly. The teachings, the breath, the movement, and the body and heart awareness are the tools I use to help me appreciate life's beauty and find strength in all its challenges. Yoga allows me to see the "bigger picture". The eagle's perspective creates space from my thoughts and grows compassion and connection to others and our planet. The tools of the practice help me daily as I seek to be a kinder, better human. My hope when I teach is you create a space on your mat that allows for inquiry, compassion, growth and healing. Lisa's yoga teachers include Annie Q, Kim C, Baron Baptiste, Todd Norian, Tias Little, and every teacher with whom I've practiced!
Lisa is a E-RYT 200-hour and RYT 500-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.
Lisa Cozzi
My Intimacy.
Yoga opens my pathways of intimacy in the universe. Yoga ignites my passion. Yoga supports my balance. Yoga fuels my authenticity. Yoga delivers my clarity. Yoga is my mental and physical detoxification. Yoga cares for my heart, emotional and physical. Yoga breathes life into me. Yoga opens my eyes. Yoga softens my entire being. I am simple, messy, wild and free. I am you, you are me. We are one. The most powerful transformation I have been blessed to experience, is embracing, exploring and sharing intimacy. The power of having an intimate connection with yourself, your family, your community and the Universe is the most simple form of living a life with clarity and purpose. Weaving intimacy into the fabric of your life, the fabric being your heart, your mind, your body and your soul … creates an overwhelming sense of peace in that you are you, and, I am me and all we need to do is JUST BE. Be intimately connected with the Universe and breathe. Lisa's teachers include Annie Q Simard, Kim Charbonneau, Holly Peronace Zygiel and Julie Liefeld.
Lisa is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.
Kara Dalena
My Revival.
I first began yoga as a physical practice during a major transitional period in my life. My physical practice quickly transformed into so much more. I became part of a community surrounded by like-minded yogis; I gained mental clarity even if it was just during those 90 minutes of practice – and an appreciation for myself and the strength of my body grew. When I first started yoga I couldn’t touch my toes. Now I have seen the transformation, I have seen what yoga is capable of in my own body. When I am on my mat, nothing else matters. It is my time to be me and to be with me. My practice brings me peace. I wanted to become a yoga teacher to teach LivFree® Yoga, to share to others what yoga has shared with me and to be a bigger part in this amazing community. Kara’s teachers include Annie Q, Kim Charbonneau, and Holly Zygiel.
Kara is RYT 500-hour LivFree® certified.
Sarah Domenie
My Mind.
I have always been in my head. Bringing myself to the mat takes all the thoughts away. Some days I have beautiful, open practices. Other days I have terrible practices. What matters is I cleared my mind and did my best. I became a teacher because I wanted to be able to share that experience with everyone. The experience of letting go of the good or the bad. I pride myself off having a laid back, cool style of teaching but still being able to BRING IT. I will continue to show up and share the love. Sarah’s teachers include Annie Q., and Kim Charbonneau.
Sarah is RYT 500-hour LivFree® certified.
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 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.
Caroline Hannon
My Clarity.
Yoga is a part of my lifestyle. Over and over I find myself back on my mat continually working through what life has given me, the good the bad and everything in between. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, I always feel supported and strengthened through my yoga practice. I allow space for myself to be authentic and to feel what arises, without judgement of myself or others. It is my space to breathe and let life unfold. My yoga is carried into my daily life and it is a lifelong practice of self love and compassion for every being. It is an honor to be able to teach LivFree® Yoga and to create a space for all people to come and allow themselves to be authentic and feel their truth. Caroline's teachers include Annie Q, Kim Charbonneau, Holly Peronace Zygiel, Jack Iwersen and David Kessler.
Caroline is RYT 500-hour LivFree® certified and Certified Grief Educator. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.
Michelle Hollander
My Inspiration.
Yoga has inspired me to shine my inner bright light. I was convinced Yoga was not for me until I took a class at The Yoga Shop with Sarah Domenie. I kissed her after the class. It was that good. The energy, music and the flow I thought was everything. I learned quickly that the practice was so much more. I have learned to be strong, balanced and gracious; physically, and more importantly mentally on and off my mat. I love connecting with people and teaching yoga has allowed me to connect and grow. I especially love working with High School and College sports teams because the duality of physical and mental strength makes the difference between being a good vs being a great athlete. It gives these kids tools to learn to quiet their minds and breathe through life's chaos. Michelle's teachers include Annie Q , Kim Charb, Tammy Ford, every teacher at The Yoga Shop I have taken classes with, Jonah Kest, Andrew Sealy, Ashley Griffith and Jessica Brown
Michelle is RYT 200-hour certified and LivFree® Certified Life Coach. Find here at The Yoga Shop WEST (Avon location).
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.
Jaimie Kulas
My Compass.
Yoga has been my compass. As a former CrossFitter, I only thought of yoga as an addition to my fitness regimen - specifically mobility and rest days. Instead, my practice quickly became a place of refuge. My mat is my compass - navigating the balance between my body and mind. Yoga has taught me to create space. It guides me in the delicate harmony between being selfless and having self-love. And it has shaped and guided both my personal and professional relationships. The Yoga Shop has become a beacon for me. I know it will always bring me home, for in this community, I have found a family. Jaimie’s teachers include Annie Q., Kim Charbonneau, Holly Peronace Zygiel, Liz Salvador, Allison Gomes and Kristen Michalak.
Jaimie is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.
Alyssa Lewis
My Joy.
As a competitive swimmer I originally began my yoga journey to gain flexibility in my overused muscles. But, I gained something far greater than just speed in the pool. Each time I step on my mat I am in a different place mentally, physically and spiritually, but I always step off lighter and more content. Yoga has taught me the beauty of finding ease in discomfort, patience in growth, and authenticity in fear— allowing me to tap into a deep rooted gift of joy that deepens my faith and love for others. The LivFree® style/community has allowed me to express and expand this joy. Alyssa's teachers include: Annie Q. Simard, Dana Wilcox, Holly Peronace Zygiel, Michelle Pollard, Ginny Mahoney, Melessa Snyder, and Jennifer Lewis.
Alyssa is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST (Avon location).
Kavita Makadia
My mirror.
I do my most reflective and deepest work on my mat. In yoga I make the choice to face myself and expose my unabashed truth, then lean in as I flow through my practice from this raw and connected space. Whatever happens on the mat - how I love myself, the discipline, the self talk, the strength, the healing and letting go - it then shows outwardly in all that I do and am. When I became comfortable and saw the beauty in this reflection, that’s when the magic started. I've always been inspired by my grandfather’s lifelong dedication to yoga, though it wasn’t until a very low moment in my 20s that I was called to my home on the mat. Now I see every challenge as an opportunity to arrive home, to know with certainty and grace that I will guide myself through to the other side, lessons learned, and stronger than ever before. It is my honor as a teacher to show up for others and hold space for them to find their own truth in this transformative practice. Kavita’s teachers and mentors include Aisha Eugene, Dana Wilcox, Annie Q, Kim Brenneisen, and Tammy Ford.
Kavita is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST and The Yoga Shop WEST.
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.
Melissa Roy
My Awakening.
The first time I got on my mat at The Yoga shop I literally told myself “I don’t need yoga.” I was wrong. Yoga has become so much more than the physical practice for me. It is my guide to self-discovery. Every time I get on my mat, I find me. It is how I aspire to live life off of my mat. The Yoga Shop changed my life. Sharing the LivFree practice and the community with others is my spark. Melissa’s teachers include Annie Q, Kim Charbonneau, Holly Zygiel, Lisa Cozzi, Dana Wilcox and Caroline Hannon.
Melissa is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST and 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.
Chris White
My Metamorphosis.
To me, the practice of yoga means unity, and growth. The Yoga Shop is a special place where like minded people strive to become better versions of themselves. I got into yoga because I was losing ground on life and needed to make real changes. Through breath and movement, I connected with my inner being and learned surrendering in the now, yielded the inner peace I was trying to find in life. Chris' teachers include Annie Q, Kim Charbonneau and Holly Zygiel.
Chris is RYT 200-hour certified. Find him 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 RYT 500-hour LivFree® certified and LivFree®
Jessica Wood
My Courage.
I welcomed yoga into my life at a time when I was doing a lot of soul searching. Yoga helped bring me to an authentic version of myself that I hadn’t seen in a long time. I deeply cherish time spent on my mat because it has become my connection time, bringing peace to my mind. The more time I spend on my mat, the more balance is brought to all aspects of my life. The sense of community that I feel when practicing is amazing and I feel grateful to be a part of such a strong connection. Jessica’s teachers include Annie Q, Kim Charbonneau and Holly Zygiel.
Jessica is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop of Ludlow.
