Our Instructors

Life presents everything you need at the precise timing, and it is up to you to pay attention and follow. Through a series of lifechanging events I learned at a young age that how you nourish and care for your body is vital to a long-balanced life.  This understanding grew into a passion for wellness which connected me Ayurveda almost two decades ago. Then yoga presented itself and it was like coming home to a place I had always known. Yoga has helped me to heal deep wounds and to be “ok” to express all of who I am. Through yoga, the energy and ideas that pour into me are able to pour out into the world. It is an expression of my soul and purpose in this lifetime.

In 2014, as I was in the thick of raising two children as a single parent, the opportunity to pursue a 200-hour yoga certification landed in my path. I knew, despite the chaos going on around me, it was the right time.  After completion, I went on to complete additional yoga and healing certifications and continue to do be a forever student. I love Ayurveda, herbalism and teaching people how to heal naturally. In addition to yoga classes I offer individual healing sessions combining all that I have learned.  I love to collaborate and share yoga with the community including gyms, the public schools, colleges, parks, businesses, sports teams, and even breweries, and wineries. I believe the journey is a forever learning process for both a teacher and a student. I encourage every student to allow the mind body connection to form organically, be curious about the process and to become a student of their own internal teacher.  Classes emphasize a judgement free space allowing students to focus on their current abilities while exploring the edges of possibilities.  Classes are a blend fun and serious to help students to feel relaxed and open to the growth process.  The work is hard, but with a systematic approach, a delicate nudge and safe space, transformation takes place. 

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Certifications:

200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Certification

“REST” Yoga Certification

Restorative Yoga Certification

300 hours in the Classical 8 Limb Path of Ashtanga Yoga

Mindful Yoga Therapy Certification

200 Hour Registered Kundalini Yoga Teacher Certification 

5 Elements Qigong Certification

Qigong Infused Yoga Certification

Asana Adjustments with Thai Massage

Yoga for Children

Yoga for Athletes

Yin Yoga

Yoga for stress, Anxiety and Burnout

Teaching Transformational Yoga  

Reiki Master (Level 3)

Level 2 Thai Massage Bodywork Practitioner 

100 Hour Ayurveda Certification

500 Hour Ayurvedic Nutrition and Digestion Specialist

Certified Ayurvedic Herbalist

Y12SR - Yoga for Recovery and Addiction (Level 1)

Panchkarma Specialist and Marma Point Clinician (Current Studies)

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" - Lao Tzu

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My yoga journey has had a lot of twists and turns, starts and stops but always there, waiting for me to come back time and time again. I naturally gravitate towards the yang side of life--bright, hard, fast, driven, challenging—think power yoga, vinyasa, running, and weight lifting. Over time, I was completely out of balance and injured (I am and will continue to be a work in progress). I still love the strength and beauty of a sweaty vinyasa but have gained a profound appreciation for slowing down and finding stillness like in a meditative yin practice. I am grateful to teach these two styles of yoga as a way of promoting balance and well-being for both body and mind. I like to laugh and have fun but also tune in and hold space for silence and reflection. We need both. I was a former personal trainer and fitness instructor before I completed my 200-hour RYT certification, yin certification, and various classes and seminars throughout the years. We are on this journey together. Our paths may look different and unique but we are all one.

I began my yoga journey in 2013. Little did I know that my life was about to change forever! From that day forward, I have had a regular yoga practice, which unconsciously and consciously shapes my experience in the world and deepens my sense of self. It was the physical aspect of yoga that led me to the practice, but it was the emotional and spiritual awakening that truly enveloped me. I was able to let go of my stress and discover a meditative state of consciousness on my mat. That was a so freeing for me. In 2016, I earned my E-RYT 200-hour certification, and in 2021 I got my RYT 500 hour certification. In addition to my yoga certifications, I am a Usui Reiki Master and have a Mindfulness certification. As a yoga teacher, I encourage my students to explore their practice through breath, movement, and intention. With a strong focus on alignment, I support students as they step into themselves physically; while, simultaneously inspiring students to take the time to notice and connect with their true essence. Emotional awareness and transformation occurs when we quiet the mind and tune in.

I have always been passionate about health and fitness.   I was originally drawn to the physical practice of yoga as an added workout.  I quickly embraced the physical benefits of each yoga pose but as I began practicing regularly, I soon discovered a powerful and heartfelt practice that develops strength from within.  I became deeply inspired by the intensity of the practice and began exploring the layers beyond the physical aspects of the poses.   As I continued to explore and deepen my own self-discovery, I found greater self-awareness, empowerment, and peace both on and off the mat.    Yoga, for me, is a lifestyle not just a practice.  I received my 200-hour RYT certification through Karma Yoga. I also competed my Reiki Master training through Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. I will always be a student and continue to explore, grow and change. My hope is to encourage students to find their edge with strength and ease and provide them with the tools to honor and embrace their own unique journey.  Because of my personal journey on life’s unexpected path, I have become even more passionate about sharing the gifts of this transformative practice with others.

Yoga was not a love at first try experience for me.  When I stepped into my first class, I was less than optimistic that I would even like it.  I not only had zero flexibility and complete lack of balance, I also had arthritis in both of my knees and tendonitis in my shoulder.  In my mind I was the complete opposite of what I had thought a “Yogi” looked like. Leaving class that day, I was surprised how good I felt.  I wasn't able to do all of the poses, but I really enjoyed being guided to connect with my breath and move my body. I kept going back…and over time I gained a new perspective that my practice was unique to me and changed every time I stepped on my mat.  I learned to modify poses by using props and eventually was able to do an entire class using these tools. Eventually, I was able to let go of my attachment to how I looked and welcomed the joy of embracing how amazing I felt.

Through the love of my own personal practice, I started to experience a strong pull to guide others on their journey of well-being and self-discovery through yoga.  As a hairdresser, I have spent over 30 years talking to thousands of women who share many of the same challenges when it comes to how they feel about themselves, both physically and mentally. These feelings resonated with me and ignited my passion to motivate and support others.  In May of 2023, I completed the Yoga Teacher Training course at Transform where I was certified as a RYT-200 and immediately started teaching gentle classes for all levels. As an advocate of health at every size, I wholeheartedly believe that yoga is the foundational tool for connecting to yourself, where you are now, with love, compassion, and gratitude.  I believe that yoga IS for EVERY body...whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner with an injury, you can do yoga. I am driven to empower others to embrace their own potential and feel confident in their ability to practice yoga.​ “Yoga welcomes all abilities, embracing the beauty of each individual’s unique journey.  It is a practice that honors and nurtures every body, mind, and soul, regardless of limitations or capabilities.”

I initially began yoga for the physical aspect of it but was amazed how much further beyond that it really went. Yoga has brought me a better connection to myself and as a result much more alignment and peace in my life. I realized it is a tool I can’t live without. I was intrigued where it would take me if I dove deeper with my personal practice so when the universe presented me with some blunt signs, I decided to pursue my 200 hour yoga teacher training at Transform. My intention was not initially to teach, however I realized throughout my training I had to share this wisdom and way of life with others.

As a hairstylist, I have always valued connection to people and working with others to help people simply feel good. My job has allowed me to help people find themselves externally and in turn light up within. Yoga helps people find their true internal self and radiate that without. Yoga brought me everything I already loved about my job on an even deeper level.

When I’m not doing yoga you can find me with my husband and our two dogs, Teddy and Frankie, and the rest of our family- preferably at the beach! We are starting to grow our family and I am so excited to enter my mom era. Before I found yoga, writing was my tool to stay connected and it has grown even deeper since yoga has entered my life. I even started to frame some of my writing that I type on my Grandpa’s typewriter; if you see the Tiny Typings in the studio- that’s me!

I was also drawn to reiki and have my Reiki levels 1 and 2 certifications. It’s a very freeing feeling having tools to help yourself and I am excited to help others find these tools for themselves. I’m excited to forever continue to further my yoga journey and hope my classes can give people the peace yoga gave me.

My first regular yoga practice began in 2012 while serving in AmeriCorps in Nashville, TN. At the time, I considered myself a wellness enthusiast, and I was open to trying all types of exercise to benefit my physical health. I found myself looking forward to yoga class more than any other type of class, soaking up the benefits of a quiet, more mindful (yet physically challenging) practice. Over the last several years, I have been fortunate to find many inspiring yoga teachers who only deepened my appreciation for the practice, in all its forms. When Transform opened a teacher training program, it came at the perfect time when I was truly ready to explore the practice as a whole. I realized that yoga is not only a powerful physical practice, but a way of living. Through yoga I have deepened my understanding of myself, and developed a more peaceful relationship with my thoughts and actions. Since completing my RYT 200 at Transform, I have also earned my certification to teach Qigong Infused Yoga. I have a passion for learning, and look forward to the yoga journey ahead of me. It is an honor to teach at Transform, and share the practice of yoga with you.

My first regular yoga practice began in 2012 while serving in AmeriCorps in Nashville, TN. At the time, I considered myself a wellness enthusiast, and I was open to trying all types of exercise to benefit my physical health. I found myself looking forward to yoga class more than any other type of class, soaking up the benefits of a quiet, more mindful (yet physically challenging) practice. Over the last several years, I have been fortunate to find many inspiring yoga teachers who only deepened my appreciation for the practice, in all its forms. When Transform opened a teacher training program, it came at the perfect time when I was truly ready to explore the practice as a whole. I realized that yoga is not only a powerful physical practice, but a way of living. Through yoga I have deepened my understanding of myself, and developed a more peaceful relationship with my thoughts and actions. Since completing my RYT 200 at Transform, I have also earned my certification to teach Qigong Infused Yoga. I have a passion for learning, and look forward to the yoga journey ahead of me. It is an honor to teach at Transform, and share the practice of yoga with you.

Yoga was always something I felt a pull to try, but I was too worried about not being able to do the poses right and how others would perceive me. They say yoga finds you when the time is right, and this is how my yoga journey started. In 2019 I was given a gift card to a yoga studio. I tried it and instantly loved it! I was getting a workout from just me on my mat. Later that year I became a single mom to two children, one of which is on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with anxiety (I'd been living with it and didn't even realize it). What helped me manage all of this was yoga. I started noticing that it helped me in more ways than just the physical workout, I felt calm and less anxious. I decided to look into yoga teacher training. As I was looking, Transform announced they would be starting their first teacher training. How perfect that the first studio I attended a yoga class in was where I would take my training! I graduated in May 2023 with my 200-hour RYT certification. I have already taken additional trainings and am certified in Qigong Infused Yoga and Restorative Yoga. I always wanted to help people and I feel that I have found that with yoga. I teach from my heart and enjoy sharing yoga with others. 

My yoga journey started in January 2021 when I found Transform after moving to West Springfield in 2020. I loved the variety of classes and instructors - quickly choosing my yoga mat over weight training and barre classes. Prior to this, I was drawn to physical fitness and would glide around to different workout fads. Nothing quite stuck with me like yoga has and I instantly fell in love with the community. I had always struggled to hold myself accountable when it came to my own wellbeing. I knew I wanted more from this practice and joined the YTT class last year. YTT helped me uncover and overcome what previously held me back and I have found a new love for not only yoga, but life. I am a RYT-200, I love my day job, working full time as a department coordinator and live in West Springfield with my husband, dog (Cloud) and two cats (Midna and Zelda). When I am not continually learning and teaching in the studio, I love being in nature and aspire to travel the world. I look forward to meeting you and sharing our practices together.

Join Denise for a Sacred Sound Journey and Guided Meditation!

Come relax in our healing space while the sacred sound frequencies of Tibetan and crystal bowls, rhythm of the drum, rattle, and gong wash over and through you clearing stuck energy. 

Give yourself the gift of relaxation and inner peace through the transformative power of sound. Connect with your body and spirit, quieting the mind, and immerse yourself in some luscious healing sounds that relax, uplift and rejuvenate.

Denise is an Energy Medicine Practitioner, Sound Healer, Guided Mediation Facilitator and Reiki Master Teacher.
Please wear warm, comfortable clothing and bring a blanket and/or pillow and yoga mat. Bolsters will also be provided.