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.
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.
Lorra Webb
My Surrender.
Yoga has been a journey for me these past years offering me the space on
my mat to give in and to find strength. I surrender to what is, absolute truth.
My mat and this practice allow connectedness to myself and the healing
and power within. I find beauty and tenderness sharing time with those next
to me on their mat. Surrendering to the present moment brings me peace. I
am honored to have this opportunity to share and expand the mission of
LivFree@ Power Yoga. Thank you to my gifted Yoga Shop teachers and
mentors Annie Q, Kim Charbonneau, Lisann Cozart, Julie Liefeld, Dana
Wilcox, Caroline Hannon and Holly Ziegel.
Lorra is the owner of The Yoga Shop Shoreline. She is RYT 500 hour
LivFree@ Certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop Shoreline.
Kaylyn Pusczynski
My Evolution.
Yoga is my evolution, after consistently practicing LivFree® yoga I have witnessed a major transformation in my mental clarity, happiness, and physical strength in my body. Yoga helps me to engage with discomfort and that’s when the real change begins. I learned that I must face things instead of going around them. I have found my power and I'm thriving in it. I have healed and grown by pushing through, knowing that each step I take is part of the path. Yoga has completely changed my life for the better and now I will be able to observe others evolve by allowing them the space for growth and change. Kiki’s teachers include Caroline Hannon, Holly Zygiel, Dana Wilcox, Melissa Roy, Annie Q, Kim Charbonneau and The Yoga Shop Community.
Kiki is RYT 200-hour certified. She is also the Studio Manager at The Yoga Shop EAST. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.
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. She is also the Studio Manager at The Yoga Shop WEST (Avon location). Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST.
Chiara Alfarone
My discovery.
Chiara became a 200hr registered yoga teacher (RYT) in 2024. Her classes have grown to combine grounding movement with energizing flows, inviting students to explore their boundaries, connect with their breath & have fun in the process!
Chiara is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST.
Annie Boehmcke
My Healing.
Yoga has allowed me to come back into my body, to feel connected to something greater than myself. On my mat I have felt a beautiful sense of healing through the practice, it is the space where I have learned to be more present, and experienced a greater love for myself and others. The LivFree® yoga practice and community have deepened my love of yoga and I am honored to be able to share it with others. Annie’s teachers include: Annie Q, Holly Zygiel, Dana Wilcox, and The Yoga Shop Community.
Annie is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST.
Erin Cabelus
North Star.
Yoga has been a constant guiding light in my life. When I get onto my mat, I gain a sense of direction and develop a stronger sense of self. The mind, body, spirit connection I realize on my mat is both grounding and freeing. Yoga allows me to slow down and be more fully present, on my mat and in life. I’ve been involved in sports and fitness most of my life, but LivFree® yoga challenges me on such a different level, both physically and mentally. I truly believe in the benefits of yoga and want to teach to share the gift of yoga with others.
Erin’s teachers include Annie Q. Simard, Holly Peronace Zygiel, and Dana Wilcox.
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.
Jeff Cappadora
My Challenge.
Yoga is how I create peace in chaos, how I find accountability to myself, and how I show up in support of others. It is how I practice discipline and routine, and how I break free from my ruts and habits. I found meditation in the book “The Spiral Dance” in 1994. I found yoga in the book “The Tibetan Book of Yoga” in 2000. I practiced both on my own for years. When I found The Yoga Shop in 2016, I found a loving, vibrant community that I never left. My challenge now is teaching my yoga to others in ways that make sense to their lives. It is fun, humbling, rewarding and I am grateful. Jeff’s teachers include Starhawk, Geshe Michael Roach, Annie Q, Kim C, Holly Z, and Lucas Rockwood.
Jeff is RYT 500-hour LivFree® certified, a LivFree® Certified Life Coach, and a YogaBody Certified Breath Coach.
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.
Katie DePasquale
My Determination.
Yoga brings me strength – not just in my body, but in my spirit. It has shown me the power in rolling out my mat, and letting everything else go. On my mat, I cultivate resilience and grace. LivFree® yoga has connected me to a powerful community where I am reminded vulnerability is strength, and growth comes from showing up. We move and breathe together radiating off of each other's energy. Yoga has taught me to listen to my body and mind. It is my reminder that everything I need is already within me. It grounds me when life is chaotic and lifts me when I feel stuck. Yoga is not just a practice; it’s a way of being. Katie’s teachers include Annie Q, Dana Wilcox, Lorra Webb, Loni Gloss, Lori Wallace, Sarah Domenie, and Ashley DePasquale.
Katie is is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.
Ashley DePasquale
My Foundation
On my mat, the world seems to melt away. I am able to create space and quiet my mind. I am vulnerable and show up as my most authentic self. I’ve learned I can do difficult things and that grounding myself through deep breaths helps me navigate hard moments, knowing they will pass. LivFree® yoga has shown me I can push my limits and embrace trying new things—whether or not they work out. If I fall or lose my balance, I know it will be okay. Through yoga I have learned taking a step back or modifying is not a sign of weakness, but a step toward growth. I am grateful my yoga journey has led me to the community at The Yoga Shop, where it feels like home. There’s no judgment—everyone is welcomed with a smile. We connect through our breath and movement. I feel supported and loved. It’s an honor to share this experience with others, whether teaching, assisting, or practicing alongside them. My teachers include Annie Q., Kim Charbonneau, Julie Liefeld, Lisanne Cozart, Dana Wilcox, and Caroline Hannon.
Ashley is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST (Glastonbury).
Sarah Domenie
My Mind.
I began my yoga journey over a decade ago when my usual exercise routine began to feel repetitive and boring. Yoga brought me out of my mind and onto my mat, never knowing what to expect next. It wasn't long after, I realized yoga really did make life better. I pride myself with a laid back, cool style of teaching, but still being able to bring you to your edge. Three kids later, my life as well as my practice and teaching have evolved over and over again. I can’t wait for you to join me on this journey!
Sarah’s teachers include Annie Q. Simard, Kimberly Charbonneau and Carolyn Miller. Sarah is ERYT-500. Find her at The Yoga Shop Shoreline.
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.
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, LivFree® Certified Life Coach 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).
Kayla Kamerer
My Self.
What started as a way to stay active during the soccer off-season at 16 has evolved into a practice that has met me at every aspect of my life. Our yoga practice evolves and changes, just like ourselves. I hope anyone that steps into my class is able to feel safe enough to challenge themselves but also most importantly: have fun. My teachers include Annie Q. and Kim C.
Kayla is RYT-200 hour certified & a LivFree® certified kids yoga teacher. Find her at The Yoga Shop Shoreline.
Lisa Lazarus
My liberation.
Grounded in the belief that when we liberate our breath, our bodies, and our minds, we are better equipped to see the divinity in others and allow others to see ours. I work to create spaces where every body feels seen, supported, and empowered. Inspired by community and the radical practice of LivFree®— where movement builds grit and liberation builds grace—I am committed to practicing and teaching in ways that uplift and inspire others.
Yoga is my tool for social justice and fostering the well-being of a liberated collective.
Lisa is RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST.
Travis Mistretta
My Perseverance.
The first time I stepped into The Yoga Shop and practiced, I immediately knew something was different. Through LivFree®, I’ve been able to reconnect with my true self in ways I never imagined. Yoga has become my anchor, a way to ground myself and return to peace when life feels overwhelming. My practice has taught me that when discomfort arises, it’s often a signal that I need to create more space for growth. By sitting with that discomfort, I’ve learned to transform it, becoming more at ease with the uncomfortable and pushing beyond limits I never thought I could. Travis’ teachers include Annie Q. Simard, Melissa Roy, Dana Wilcox, Ashley Depasquale, Sarah Domenie, & Lorra Webb.
Travis is RYT 200-hour certified. Find him at The Yoga Shop EAST.
Joanna O’Kelley
My peace.
I started yoga in 2011 to help get me out of the house on my darkest days and give my body a break from endless cardio. Yoga helped lift my spirits, but I was inconsistent in practice and disconnected in spirit. In 2023, I got laid off, got cancer, and moved from Florida to Connecticut. I dove back into yoga to find stability, community, and peace from my negative, defeatist mind. Each day I unrolled my mat, I focused on one breath at a time, gave myself permission to just be, and started actively letting go of the many ways I disliked myself. Life became simpler, brighter, and fuller. My practice has given me hope for a peaceful future, one that is full of unconditional love, community, strength, and a clear sense of self. Together at LivFree®, we'll explore your practice with grace and compassion, and create space for you to show up exactly as you are. Joanna's teachers include Annie Q, Dana Wilcox, and Jess Goldfarb.
Find her at: The Yoga Shop Shoreline.
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 500-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST and The Yoga Shop WEST.
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 RYT 200-hour certified. Find her at The Yoga Shop WEST.
Jake Spignesi
My Medicine.
I believe in the healing and transformative powers of yoga. I use yoga to manage multiple health limitations and anything else life might throw my way. It is my medicine. Yoga represents love, it is expressing love and gratitude for your neighbors and yourself. I also believe that love is the best medicine. I am forever grateful for The Yoga Shop, it is a community overflowing with love and I am honored to call it home. Jake’s teachers include Annie Q. Simard, Kim Charbonneau, Holly Zygiel, Dana Wilcox, Caroline Hannon, Jessica Goldfarb, Kara Dalena and Kim Brenneisen.
Jake is RYT 200-hour certified. Find him at The Yoga Shop EAST and The Yoga Shop WEST.
Katherine Sullivan
Kate believes in the empowering practice of yoga. Kate has been practicing yoga for over 25 yrs and is currently pursuing her Masters level 300 hr certification with LivFree® Yoga. She teaches Power Up on Tuesdays to find playful flow of meditation, to challenge ourselves and build confidence. She also teaches power down on Wednesday nights to connect to the vulnerability of stillness, the power of breath and letting go with love. Come share the joy in our community to live with gratitude, strength and empowerment. She hopes we each connect to our most joyful selves in celebration for releasing our fears and becoming our most authentic selves.
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.
Maris Wacs
My Honesty.
I practiced yoga for a few decades before I discovered TYS. After I moved to CT, I found TYS, and the pieces fell into place. I had found a practice that resonated with both my mind and body. I fell so in love with it that the natural next step was teacher training. Since then, yoga has become the foundation of how I live my life, both on and off the mat. My LivFree® training helped me discover this. Meeting myself where I am on my mat means being honest with myself, and taking that off the mat creates an authentic and honest way of living. There is an ease that shows up by being this present. No drama, just breath and steps forward. Maris's teachers include: Annie Q. Simard, Kim Charbonneau, Julle Liefeld, Holly Peronace Zygiel, Bernie Clark, Jason Crandell.
Maris is RYT 500 and 50-hour Yin certified. Find her at: The Yoga Shop Shoreline.
LORI 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 & 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. 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®.
Jean Watson
My OM.
YOGA SAVES LIVES! May seem a dramatic statement but I testify to it saving mine! Every time I land on my yoga mat I experience an arrival…a coming hOMe. A return to me. A Curiosity, a Learning, a Knowing, a Reunion, a Union…saves me every time. Jean’s teachers include: Annie Q., Kim Charbonneau, Julie Liefled, Stephen Watson, her four children and her mom.
Jean is RYT 500-hour LivFree® certified, LMSW. Find her at: The Yoga Shop Shoreline.
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 ERYT 500-hour, LMFT-A, LivFree® Certified Life Coach. Find her at The Yoga Shop EAST.
