Yoga is a Sanskrit word derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” which means to connect, join or balance.

In the Western society, when we think of yoga as class of fit people twisted into pretzel like poses but yoga is more that the poses or asana. 5,000 years ago in India, yoga came into existence as an all-inclusive system for wellbeing; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It is a system of techniques and guidance for enriching your life. Join one of Melissa’s group classes, he schedule is below.

Benefits of Yoga

Decreases risk factors for heart disease – Supports cardiovascular health by improving circulation, reducing blood pressure, and lowering stress.

Beyond her formal training, Melissa has worked extensively with women in recovery from drugs, alcohol, and trauma, using yoga and holistic healing to support their journeys toward self-empowerment and healing.

Hatha yoga is a foundational practice that encompasses most modern yoga styles. It integrates asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breath control) to cultivate strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. This practice prepares the mind and body for deeper spiritual exploration, including meditation.

Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic, breath-centered practice that links movement with breath, creating a continuous flow between postures. This style enhances strength, flexibility, and endurance while fostering mindfulness in motion.

Ashtanga is a structured and physically demanding style of yoga that follows a set sequence of postures, incorporating breath control (ujjayi), internal locks (bandhas), and gaze points (drishti). It builds discipline, endurance, and deep inner focus.

Yin yoga targets the fascia—the deep connective tissues around ligaments, joints, and bones. Inspired by ancient Chinese medicine, it works with the body's meridian lines (energy pathways) to release blockages and restore balance. Yin postures are held for extended periods, encouraging deep relaxation and introspection.

Restorative yoga is a deeply relaxing practice that uses props to support passive postures, allowing the body to fully relax and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. It is designed to promote healing, reduce stress, and restore overall well-being.

Prenatal yoga is a specialized practice designed to support expecting mothers through all stages of pregnancy. It focuses on gentle movement, breathwork, and relaxation techniques to promote physical comfort, mental ease, and connection with the baby. This practice helps alleviate common pregnancy discomforts, strengthens muscles for labor, and encourages mindfulness in the transition to motherhood.

Trauma & Addiction Recovery, incorporates therapeutic yoga techniques to support emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, and self-empowerment. This approach is especially beneficial for individuals recovering from substance use, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.

Additional training in manual adjustments enhances a teacher’s ability to offer safe, effective, and intuitive hands-on guidance, helping students refine alignment, deepen their practice, and prevent injury. This skill allows for a more personalized experience, fostering greater body awareness and confidence in movement.