Online Yoga

with

Melissa

I teach from a trauma-informed perspective that prioritizes agency and accessibility while remaining authentic to the heart of the yoga teachings

Online Yoga

with

Melissa

I teach from a trauma-informed perspective that prioritizes accessibility and agency while remaining true to the heart of the yoga teachings

Come home to your whole self with nourishing yoga

My classes are for new and seasoned students who want to experience the inward-oriented side of yoga and embody teachings that go beyond poses and into yoga’s purpose of revealing your true self.

My aim is to help you befriend your body, converse with your nervous system, and experience greater peace.

I teach from a trauma-informed lens that is deeply rooted in ensuring accessibility, choice, and belonging, while honoring yoga’s traditional teachings. By inviting slow, self-paced movement and a variety of postures, I create an atmosphere that offers the freedom to explore what feels supportive. At the heart of my teaching lies a commitment to helping you come home to your true self and feel the wholeness that yoga aspires to reveal.

With nearly a decade of experience in teaching in healthcare settings, I’ve honed my ability accommodate all body types and abilities. Having had many students who believed they “couldn’t do” yoga, my intention is foster belonging and inclusion in yoga. My classes are particularly welcoming to seniors, those managing health issues, or those who have felt excluded in other yoga settings.

Practice “Move + Restore Yoga” With Me

Fridays, 12-1pm Central Time (Online via Zoom)

A slow-paced, 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, preferably 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 Me

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.