Our Teachers
We have the finest teachers around! Each teacher has their own style, background, and experiences that shines through in their class. There is someone for everyone, and be sure to try them all!
Deb Vieira, ERYT 500, YACEP
Owner & Founder
My name is Debra Vieira and I am someone who you might describe as an all-around athlete. Not a fantastic one, but someone who truly just loves the competition regardless. In my younger days I was a gymnast, tennis and racketball player. As an adult ,I have participated in endurance events such as marathons and IronMan Triathlons. I love all kinds of sports including strength training, swimming and cycling. I actually taught myself long distance swimming later in life to be able to compete in triathlons. I have participated and competed in it all.
Over the years I practiced a few types of yoga. I never felt that "connection" others spoke about. One day I was asked to meet for a hot power yoga class. Well the rest is history! After the first class I was hooked! I realized after that first class that I found what I was missing in other aspects of my training-the immediate connection between breath and athletic movements. From that point on, I was hooked on the satisfaction of getting stronger both mentally and physically, without a finish line in sight.
After practicing yoga consistently and realizing how much had transferred into my day to day life, I decided to learn more and understand how the practice can be a guide for myself and my life. I discovered that what you learn on the mat, transfers off so quietly I almost didn’t even notice. How the connection between mind and body, and breath can be fostered and developed with a consistent practice . I felt drawn to share this with as many people as possible so I trained to be a yoga teacher. I am currently a registered yoga teacher with my E-RYT 500 , YACAP provider, along with numerous speciality trainings including Yin certification, two hands on assisting certificates. I also currently lead a Yoga alliance approved 200 hour Yoga teacher training program through Some Like it Hot Power Yoga to teach others what I have learned. I continue to train myself throughout the years as well. I am always a student and realize from MY students I will be taught .
In my teaching, I want to show others that it doesn't matter how strong, how old, how capable or trained you are -- Yoga is all about showing up for yourself, each day no matter what ,period. In Yoga there is always something we can do! I hope to inspire others to explore themselves, their mind, and body, with breath in a way they haven't ever thought possible before through Yoga.
AJ Linet, RYT500
Aj has practiced for over 14 years and has taught for many years. Aj also has over ten years of personal training experience. He specializes in nutrition, mobility and strength training. Aj completed a 500 hour advanced teacher training in Hatha Yoga. Aj holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a focus in human performance (SCSU) along with a Culinary Degree. As a Yoga instructor, Aj believes that proper diet, proper exercise, proper rest, correct breathing and positive attitude are integral pieces of a successful yoga practice. He believes in consistent practice with detachments from results.
Michael Lombard, RYT 200
Michael enjoys yoga because it’s a place he can go to get away from it all. He decided to become a yoga teacher so that he can help others find their place to get away too.
Kayla Reynolds, RYT 200
Kayla started taking yoga classes in 2015 and soon discovered the benefit of the practice on both her physical and mental health. She then developed a consistent practice that led her to complete the 200hr Living Yoga Teacher Training with Breathing Room Yoga Center in New Haven, CT. She also completed a 20 hour Yin Yoga training with Breanna Ferguson in April 2022. Kayla teaches Yin Yoga and Vinyasa Flow focusing on alignment, movement, and breath while offering modifications for students of all levels.
Her hope is to help students come to a safe space where they can get out of their heads and into their bodies. She truly believes the teachings of yoga benefit the mind and body both on and off the mat and wants to share this experience with others. Outside of the studio, Kayla enjoys hiking, traveling, baking homemade desserts, and attending concerts whenever she can.
Danielle Sandella, RYT 500
Danielle began practicing yoga in 2017 as a means to quiet the chaos in her brain and find movement in a body with many limitations, and instantly found deep connection to the practice. In 2018, she completed both her 500-hour yoga teacher training at Breathing Room and 30-hour Yin training at Raven’s Wing. Danielle seeks to bring her unique perspective of the practice to those who need it most, and is passionate about making yoga accessible to everyone in her classes regardless of age, size, flexibility, or limitation. She believes that the practice is deeply healing but should also be fun and bring joy, which is reflected in her teaching style. Danielle is also Reiki II certified, and has trained in trauma informed and accessible yoga.
Kayla Tsyka, ERYT 200
Kayla Tyska (she/her) has been teaching the practice of yoga for ten years, with a passion for guiding others toward a deeper connection with their bodies, inner wisdom, and authentic selves. She honors yoga’s rich traditions as a path of self inquiry, spiritual connection, and the realization of our true nature. Her approach is rooted in the belief that movement and breath offer a pathway back to ourselves, creating space for presence, self discovery, and a more embodied way of living.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Kayla brings a deep appreciation for the mind body connection and the healing potential of embodied awareness to her teaching. She invites students to slow down, turn inward, and meet themselves with curiosity, compassion, and intention, both on and off the mat.
Josh Kane has been practicing yoga since 2002 and teaching since 2015. He received his 300hr Bhakti Yoga teacher training from Raghunath Cappo at ‘Supersoul Farm’ in Chatham, NY in 2018. He has also done several months of study at ‘The Esalen Institute’ in Big Sur, CA and used to play drums in a band called “Uh Huh Her”. You can follow him on IG @thedrumyogi
Josh Kane, RYT-300
With over seven years of consistent teaching experience and over twenty-five years of
practicing on the mat, Amy brings a dynamic range and a contagious energy into her flows.
Her classes are infused with authenticity and support, encouraging students to embrace
their individuality while building LOTS of strength, some flexibility, and mindfulness. Amy is
dedicated to inspiring her students to evolve both on and off the mat, celebrating their
progress and the beauty of their own unique practice.
As an avid music lover, Amy always curates a creative playlist that energizes and brings
purpose to each practice, making every class a unique experience.
She has taught a diverse range of styles, including Power Yoga, Sculpt, Restorative, and
extensive programs for kids and dancers, allowing her to connect with students of all ages
and backgrounds.
She often comes back to an Alan Watts quote in relation to teaching yoga, “If the teacher in
the first place gets you fascinated with it, there is immense pleasure in learning how do it
skillfully. ”
Amy Staskelunas, ERYT-200
Emma Vieira Desanti, RYT-200
Emma has been participating in Hot Power Vinyasa Yoga practice for about 8 years now. Throughout her life she has maintained different kinds of fitness. Emma was a competitive power lifter and swimmer for many years. She also participated in soccer, tennis, crossfit, and dance, but never truly found something that interested her. Yoga has been something that really triggers her enjoyment in fitness, and has led her to further her knowledge and deepen her practice. When she is not in the studio, she works two part time jobs and recently graduated with her Bachelor's from Quinnipiac University School of Nursing. Emma enjoys studying new fashion, cosmetology, finding new skin care routines, and doing all things self-care. Emma holds four Nationally Ranked Junior Powerlifting records and is also a certified open water scuba diver, open water Lifeguard, and CPR/BLS certified. Even though Emma has found “working out” to be a struggle her entire life because of her lack of excitement in sports, practicing power yoga has truly opened her eyes to a new outlook on health. Power Yoga has helped her overall knowledge, happiness, and wellbeing.
Tom Green, RYT-200
Yoga found me.
I am a new yoga teacher that has been forever changed by this amazing practice. Join me in this journey of self care and learning, as i offer and give back to you, and the practice of yoga that has been so good to me. I have been practicing yoga since 2023. I completed my YTT-200 with Some Like it Hot Power Yoga and recently completed my Yin certification. See you on your mat.
Ron Mays, RYT-200
Ron is a scientist by day and a yoga teacher by heart, bringing a unique blend of analytical precision and mindful presence to his practice. With a background in analytical chemistry, he understands the body through both science and experience—bridging physiology with breath, movement, and awareness. He is the creator of Ron’s Power Hour, a strong, intentional flow designed to build strength, improve mobility, and deepen connection—one breath at a time.
Margaret Vieira, NASM CPT, CST
Combining her experience as a trainer with years as a practitioner of power and Vinyasa flows, Margaret blends the foundations of yoga and strength training. As a certified personal trainer (NASM CPT) and stretch therapist (CST), she focuses on proper form and safe movement, making her classes appropriate and beneficial for students of all levels.
Deirdra Colavolpe, RYT-200
Deirdra has been a competitive soccer player since the age of 6 years old . Deirdra played at the collegiate level and continues to play. Over 6 years ago , yoga was introduced to Deirdra with much resistance . Once she realized how much of a physical and mental role yoga played in her life, she took a deeper dive and committed to a deeper practice leading to becoming a yoga teacher, to inspire and serve her students. With a background as a licensed clinical social worker and a passion for vinyasa yoga, she creates classes that are both strengthening and healing . Deirdra’s teaching style is empathetic , diverse , and spiritually grounded, with a focus on meeting each student exactly where they are. She believes the mat is a place not just for movement, but for growth , self- compassion and connection. Deirdra’s goal is to be of service and help each student feel seen, supported , and empowered in their own healing journey. She is the founder of Building Balance Therapy and Wellness, where her passion for mental health, wellness and yoga comes together. Through her education and experience as a therapist and yoga instructor, Deirdra strives to bridge the connection between mind and body incorporating mindfulness, movement, and therapeutic practices to support emotional well-being, self awareness, and a more balanced life.
Bendex Stevenson, ERYT-500
Native of Florida but a representative of the midwest, spending formative years through college in Indiana and Illinois. In graduate school, he stepped into his first organized yoga class and he has never looked back from an overall daily practice of movement. Bendex tries to encourage students to take an opportunity to break free of dismantling cycles or patterns so one can fully engage within their own bodies. This work is transferable on and off the mat. “It is a humbling experience to witness healing beyond one’s life when inviting practice of true self." For him, it shows one's relationship as it blends personal strength and ease within each individual. Bendex gives credit to Justine Wiltshire-Cohen for letting him cut his teeth in one of North American’s premier yoga studios, Down Under School of Yoga; to Brittney Burgess, Shawna Lemelman, Masaaki Okamura, and Gregor Singleton for teaching one’s way to be a “confrontation specialist” in the Hot Power setting; and to Nadja Refaie and Rosie Richardson for inviting the light through Iyengar Yoga. The discipline and dedication is unwavering through life and the contributions we offer to this amazing experience each day. He seeks to create community, joy, and love all by the power of mind-body connection one breath at a time.
Melissa took her first yoga class in 1999 and has been hooked on the deep connection between practicing yoga and renewing the spirit ever since. As a yoga student, Melissa discovered a spiritual awakening and began a healing journey focused on forgiveness and self-love. Melissa has been teaching yoga since 2004 after receiving her teaching certification through YogaSpirit Studios. She has completed the level one and two yin yoga training with Josh Summers and has also studied with Rolf Gates, Seane Corn and Sarah Powers. Melissa teaches both a Yang-oriented flow class as well as Yin yoga classes to balance out the body and mind and to connect to spirit. All of Melissa’s classes are mixed level, and Melissa combines her knowledge of the poses with a supportive teaching style to cultivate a healing environment that will strengthen the body, focus the mind and open the heart. She encourages her students to use their yoga practice to turn inward, to deepen self-awareness and to reconnect to their inner strength and peace. Melissa believes that a commitment to yoga will not only build your physical power but also develop your emotional strength and reveal your true spirit. She is thankful to both her teachers and her students who continue to light the path toward love and peace.
