Our Team
Instructor
Secret superpower: Flowing or being in the zone
My spirit animal: “Fire” goat
What to expect in my classes: To listen and take care of your own body.
Best advice: Be yourself!
What I love most about yoga: It is all about self-care.
You might catch me: At an art museum.
Owner/
Instructor
My spirit animal: Butterfly
What to expect in my classes: It’s important to me to offer yoga for every level – in my classes, I offer modifications for those wanting to have their practice more gentle, and offerings for those looking to bring a little more heat. There is no perfection in yoga – I emphasize this in class; as well as encouraging students to show up just as they are – no expectations and no judgement. I strive for a calm, serene vibe in every class.
Best advice: One day at a time.
What I love about yoga: It centers and calms me. No matter what chaos I have going on in life, when I practice yoga, I am grounded in faith and peace.
You might catch me: Searching all over the area for the best açaí bowl; hanging with my pup Gracie, or with my husband and 4 kiddos.
Instructor
Secret superpower: Making hair beautiful
My spirit animal: Butterfly
What to expect in my classes: You’ll feel your muscles burn during class, and you’ll probably be sore the next day.
Best advice: Honor the progression
What I love most about Pilates: Anyone can do Pilates and feel the benefits immediately.
You might catch me: Drinking hot coffee, even in the summer
Owner/
Instructor
Secret superpower: I can brighten your day instantly
My favorite song:
What to expect in my classes: Positive energy and lots of laughs
Best advice: Trust your intuition
What I love most about Barre: It’s low impact, no experience is needed, you’ll have fun and move your body
You might catch me: Hitting the trails or somewhere on the water…daydreaming
Instructor
Secret superpower: Kindness
My spirit animal: I am one part dragonfly and one part cat
What to expect in my class: Stretch and strength
Best advice: When in doubt, go upside down
What I love most about yoga: The way I feel afterward
You might find me: At the beach, in the garden, or under a blanket with a cat on my lap!
Instructor
Secret superpower: Is my ability to shift and share my energy.
My spirit animal is: A fox.
What you can expect to learn in my classes: Something about your anatomy and physiology.
Best advice: Take time to notice.
What I love most about yoga is: It is a healer for the physical, mental, emotional and energetic bodies.
You might find me: Singing karaoke in a dive bar just about anywhere.
Owner/
Instructor
Secret superpower: My intuition.
My spirit animal is: A crow.
What you can expect to learn in my classes: I place a lot of emphasis on the mind/body connection. I will bring you through a flow that will leave you both strengthened and lengthened!
Best advice: Don’t look around at what others are doing. You are on your own journey. Be proud of yourself, and thankful for where you are.
What I love most about yoga is: It’s different than a fitness class. It’s an opportunity to escape the craziness of life and turn inward.
You might find me: Riding my bike, hiking, hanging at the beach, or chilling in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Instructor
Secret superpower: Intuitive knowing and magical aura
My spirit animal is: Phoenix
What you can expect to learn in my classes: How to ground into the body and connect intentionally to the breath.
Best advice: Do what’s best for you.
What I love most about yoga is: The freedom it inspires.
You might find me: Dancing in the kitchen, out in nature, hanging and chatting with my husband, in bed snuggling with my kitties, laughing out loud with friends, learning something new, adventuring with food in hand.
Sonya
Instructor
Sonya received her 200 hour YTT from Frog Pond Yoga in 2017 and began teaching at Young at Heart. Shortly after, she did a year of AmeriCorps service with her husband on the Big Island of Hawaii. While there she spent some time at an Ashram and attended many workshops and trainings including an advanced vinyasa training and a meditation immersion program. Sonya has her 100 hour certification in Embody Yoga from Shraddha Yoga and is a Level II Reiki practitioner. Sonya has been working in early childhood education for 15 years and has taken many children’s yoga trainings. She is in the process of becoming a certified 95 hour children’s yoga instructor with Childlight Education Company. Sonya teaches 1 st and 2 nd grade at The Village School and lives in Phillipston with her husband and young daughter.
Instructor
Secret superpower: Patience
My spirit animal is: Cat
What you can expect to learn in my classes: Aligning movement with breath and settling into your own experience.
Best advice: You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.
What I love most about yoga is: I love how yoga is completely your own practice– there is no right or wrong, just simply turning inward and finding peace.
You might find me: Snuggling on the couch with my cat or traveling!
Instructor
Secret superpower: Finding positivity everywhere!
My spirit animal is: Puppy
What you can expect to learn in my classes: You will learn to engage every muscle throughout the class, build heat in your body, and breathe your way through lengthening and strengthening your body.
Best advice: Always remember to breathe full breaths! Breathe in the good, release your tension, and help those abs turn on!
What I love most about Pilates is: Pilates provides a mindful focus on muscle engagement, lengthening through the muscles, and breathwork. When I begin a Pilates class, all things outside the studio disappear as I give my body a full hour of focus, energy, and challenge.
You might find me: Hiking local trails and mountains.
Instructor
Secret superpower: Reinventing myself
My spirit animal is: Giraffe
What you can expect to learn in my classes: Fun, challenge, and education.
Best advice: Be yourself, revel in your uniqueness.
What I love most about teaching: Teaching by example.
You might catch me: Belting out Broadway tunes in my car.
Instructor
Secret superpower: Sarcasm
My spirit animal is: Dragon Phoenix
What you can expect to learn in my classes: Not to take yourself so seriously
Best advice: Rebooting works for computers and for people too
What I love most about teaching: The show the importance of taking care of yourself
You might catch me: Taking a picture of the early morning sun
Therese
Instructor
Therese has been teaching yoga since 2001 and has studied with many different inspirational instructors; such as David Swanson, Desiree Rumbaugh, Anna Forrest, Schuyler Grant, Rolf Gates, Baron Baptiste and many other wonderful inspiring instructors and different lineage that has helped inspire her practice and teachings.
With her years of experience and passion for yoga, Therese will take you on a journey towards physical and mental well-being through her eclectic and inspired teaching approach. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting out, Therese creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that is perfect for everyone.
Jess W.
Instructor
Jessica began practicing yoga many moons ago. While working in a prison environment, where she began her career at young age, she sought out positive and supportive ways to let go of the everyday challenges and stressors that came with her job. Yoga became the heart of her pursuit to create a healthy lifestyle. Her practice taught her that the lessons learned on the mat, can be applied beyond the mat, in our everyday life- even when that life brings you into a prison. As she moved beyond her own mat, she chose to take the lessons she learned and share them through teaching.
Jessica’s extensive trainings began with her 200-hour teacher training at Frog Pond yoga center which she completed in 2014. She continued with an additional 300-hour training certification with Bhava Yoga in Brattleboro, VT. Several linages of yoga influence Jessica’s teaching; you will find elements of Jivamukti, Baptiste, Hatha and Ashtanga as you flow through her classes. These elements have been integrated over time as she is continuously attending workshops and trainings. In addition to yoga, she has completed workshops and certifications in meditation and reiki.
Her classes focus on the connection of mind, body, and breath as she links them together through movement, strength, and grace. Jessica takes pride in creating a flow that can be challenging but playful, with emphasis on alignment. Her classes will help you quiet your mind and strengthen your body to allow a complete transformation, as you evolve into the truest version of yourself. Jessica’s teaching reminds her students that when they leave their mat, they can choose to be the person they want to be.
Jess P.
Instructor
Hi! I’m Jessica, yoga & spin instructor / school psychologist in training! I’m passionate in my advocacy for mental wellness and mindfulness and have been teaching yoga in studios & classrooms for over a decade. I completed a 200-hour teacher training at Frog Pond Yoga in Princeton, MA, a 300-hour teacher training at Bhava Yoga in Brattleboro, VT, and have studied yogic philosophy extensively in college and in workshops over the years. Beyond the studio, I love coffee, traveling, and prefer to be near the sea. I’m a firm believer that the book is always better than the screen adaptation!
Jess M.
Instructor
Meet Jess, a dedicated fitness enthusiast and passionate instructor on a mission to empower others through movement. Introduced to the dynamic world of barre in 2016, Jess fell head over heels for its invigorating blend of strength and grace. Fuelled by her passion, she pursued certification as an instructor in 2017 through Barre N9ne, where she honed her skills and inspired countless others on their fitness journeys. In 2019, Jess expanded her expertise to include rowing, joining Sweatfixx and guiding clients through high-energy sessions on the rower and strength training. Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Jess made the bold decision to relocate to Fitchburg, drawn by the warmth of family ties to be close to her sister and nephew. (being referred to Titi is the best) It was here that she discovered Zen Yoga Studio, where she found a sense of belonging and a place that she is excited to share her passion for wellness. By day, Jess excels in the world of software sales, but her true passion lies in guiding others to find balance, strength, and joy in every moment, both on and off the mat.
During her leisure time,she’s always ready for an adventure. Whether she’s relaxing on a sandy beach, trekking along a scenic trail, or exploring a new country, she makes the most of every opportunity. Please note-Jess is also always on the lookout for dog-friendly breweries to enjoy with her sidekick Raja. So recommendations are always welcome!
Amanda R.
Instructor
Amanda is a business professional by day and adventure seeker by night. She calls Princeton home and is a self proclaimed dog and plant mom. In her free time you can find her roaming endless hiking trails all throughout the region, skiing, scuba diving, getting lost in a good fiction novel, gardening, cooking or dreaming up her next adventure.
Amanda teaches a tabata based Pilates method and enjoys all other types of yoga and pilates variations. She loves the heat and you will certainly break a sweat in her class.
Shannon
Instructor
A veteran educator of 14 years, Shannon began her personal yoga and mindfulness practice as a way to address and alleviate the physical and mental stress of teaching. In January of 2023, she decided to temporarily leave the classroom to take her practice to the next level by learning how to help other teachers who have experienced workplace trauma and stress. In the summer of 2023, she earned her 200-hr YTT and Social-Emotional Learning & Mindfulness Facilitator certification through Breathe for Change, an organization dedicated to bringing wellness practices to educators and students. She is also the founder of Healthy Educating and Living (H.E.A.L.), coaching educators in developing their own wellness practices and overcoming career challenges. Shannon is currently the Academic Coaching & Tutoring Instructor at the Sizer School in Fitchburg, teaches yoga and wellness workshops/classes at Zen and the Leominster Yoga Center, serves on the Gardner School Committee, and her favorite title – Mom to her two daughters, Sofie and Cora.
Megan
Instructor
Megan received her 200 hour Vinyasa Yoga certification in 2013 at Prana Power Yoga in Cambridge, Ma. Her journey to certification was a personal one, but now, 11 years later, Megan is ready to share her expertise with the community.
Megan’s dedication to health and wellness extends beyond her personal practice. Long time members of Orchard Hills, she and her family prioritize healthy living in their daily lives, and we are confident that her enthusiasm and commitment will inspire and motivate our members.
Beginners and experienced yogis alike will love the energy and passion Megan brings to her classes!
wendy
Instructor
Wendy received her 200-hour certification at Frog Pond Yoga Centre in Princeton. She is a school nurse for her day job.
She has led Nidra classes for veterans with PTSD, a cause close to her heart.
In her spare time, Wendy enjoys weight training with her husband, hiking, outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
