Charlotte Chandler Stone (Hamsa)
Charlotte is the founder and director of the Stone Center for Yoga & Health. Charlotte began her yoga journey in 1973. After many years in the corporate world, teaching yoga part-time, she experienced a calling while at Kripalu Center that changed the course of her life, and she embraced yoga and yoga therapy full-time. Her teaching comes from deep within the heart of her own practice, as she shares her adaptive yoga style and path of self-discovery and personal growth, with earthy warmth, compassion, and humor.
Charlotte is certified in Structural Yoga Therapy and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. She is an advanced registered Yoga Alliance teacher with special training in Thai Yoga bodywork, and she has received professional training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. and Saki Santorelli, Psy.D. Charlotte works in the tradition of Krishnamacharya, using breath-centered movement and personalized adaptations to reduce pain and stress, and enhance well-being. Her principal teacher is Mukunda Stiles, author of Structural Yoga Therapy, and she continues to study and work closely with Mukunda, deepening her understanding of yoga therapy, ayurveda, and healing. She has also studied with Gary Kraftsow, Sara Meeks, P.T., Donna Farhi, Cheri Clampett, and others, maintaining a dialogue with those at the forefront of yoga, yoga therapy, and healing. In her private practice, she incorporates yoga, yoga therapy, Thai Yoga bodywork, meditation, imagery, breathwork, coaching, and education to help her students find their optimal healing path. She specializes in working with clients with stress, back and neck pain, postural issues, osteoporosis, scoliosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, cardiac disease, stroke, childhood trauma, and sexual abuse.
A member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, Charlotte is a sought-after yoga teacher trainer who coaches teachers and therapists nationally and internationally. She offers Yoga Alliance-approved teacher trainings at her studio in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Charlotte gives presentations and workshops about yoga and stress management in a range of settings, and she has been a guest presenter at the NYU Cancer Institute. Her work has been featured on New Jersey News, Holy Name Hospital's Health First TV program, and in various articles and online magazines. She has over thirty years experience with yoga, meditation and stress management. Her mission is to help those on a healing path discover their innate potential for wholeness, self-understanding, and personal growth.
Sue Abiad
Sue Abiad has studied and practiced yoga intensively for the past twelve years, and it has transformed her life. She holds a teacher training certificate from Erich Schiffmann, and is a 200-hour registered Yoga Alliance teacher. She has special expertise in using props creatively to make yoga accessible and comfortable for each and every student.
While Sue has studied with numerous world-renowned teachers, her main focus of study is in the Iyengar tradition, and in 2007 she spent a month in Pune, India, studying directly with both Geeta and Prashant Iyengar at the Iyengar Institute there.
Warm and welcoming, and exquisitely attentive to detail and form, Sue teaches with the heartfelt hope that she can offer a path toward the same inner peace and profound sense of oneness with all, that she experiences with this practice she so loves.
Liz millner
Liz Millner has been active in the fitness and wellness industries for 22 years. She is an AFAA certified aerobics and group exercise instructor, Johnny G certified Spin instructor, certified personal trainer, and IMEX Pilates instructor. As a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Liz combines her knowledge and love of food, nutrition and exercise, and delivers it all together with a common sense message.
Liz provides a safe environment for students of all levels to be who they are, and to work on achieving the strength, flexibility and prowess to which they aspire. Her philosophy of having fun while you are working makes her Pilates classes approachable and palatable to students of all levels.
Sue Pearly
Sue brings 23 years of yoga and meditation experience to her work. She has
studied extensively in the Iyengar tradition, and has completed a 200-hour
yoga teacher training in Structural Yoga, which she uses to adapt yoga classes
to the needs of each student. She is a 200-hour registered Yoga Alliance teacher.
Sue has completed the twelve semester course give by the New Jersey Metaphysical
Society. In addition, she has studied shamanism for the past seven years and
has become a Medicine Woman and a Reiki practitioner. She sees yoga, meditation
and spirituality as a holistic path for healing and wellness, and enjoys sharing
her love of yoga with her students, teaching with joy and compassion.
Our Extended Family
Hillary Bispham
Hillary Bispham, RYT, is a certified teacher of Structural Yoga, a tradition
that was developed by Mukunda Stiles and inspired by the teachings of the prominent
yoga master Krishnamacharya. Hillary is guided by the philosophy that
yoga should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Her teaching style
reflects her belief in the transformative healing power of a safe and balanced
yoga practice. In addition, Hillary is trained in Thai yoga bodywork and is
nearing completion of certification with the internationally renowned Lotus
Palm school.
Robin Abrett
A long-time yoga practitioner in the Kripalu tradition, Robin Abrett RYT500,
ERYT200 has been immersed in many aspects of yoga, including gentle movement,
breathwork, meditation and yoga lifestyle. After a serious injury the profound
effects of yoga asana, pranayama and bandha helped her heal. She now enjoys
sharing this powerful practice with yoga students of all levels, who wish to
deepen their practice safely and mindfully.
Carol Berlin
Carol Berlin, RYT, combines creative, flowing sequences of postures with dynamic
stillness, in a challenging yet accessible vinyasa flow yoga class that cultivates
strength, fluidity, vital energy, joyful self-expression, and relaxed being.
Her very personal approach invites students to experience an organic freedom
of movement that liberates the natural flow of the body-mind's spontaneous
intelligence. Carol brings a uniquely fluid, artistic style to her yoga practice
and teaching -- a graceful style that is steeped in her background in dance
and music, informed by her education in visual communications, and grounded
in her longstanding studies of Ayurveda and vibrational medicine.
Carol is a certified Structural Yoga teacher who is deeply inspired by yoga
master teachers Shiva Rea and Angela Farmer. These teachers embody aspects
of the feminine, fluid energies of yoga, and Carol makes these teachings come
vibrantly alive with uplifting and soulful music from around the world. Her
classes are in every way unique and inspiring, empowering and liberating.
Michael S. Caldwell
A native of western Pennsylvania, Michael was introduced to yoga on the blissful
coast of Down-East Maine in the summer of 1993. Returning then to his home
in New York City, where he also works as a musician, he happened upon what
was then known as Yoga Zone and began studying in earnest.
Ten years later, after studying karate and achieving a green belt within this
discipline, and continuing yoga studies, Michael became certified at Be Yoga
and began teaching immediately. He is affiliated with Yoga Alliance at the
500-hour level.
Some of the hallmarks of Michael's teaching philosophy are: that we are journeying
into and through the practice rather than competing with ourselves or with
others; that mindfulness in breathing is the cushion within which the physical
practice of asana can be safely experienced; that music can heal and guide
us through our practice; that body, breath, mind, and spirit can indeed be
drawn together, reunited, and expanded.
As Michael proceeds along his own yogic journey, he challenges himself to
draw elements from yoga out into other arenas of his life's pathway. He derives
great joy in bringing real-life experiences to his students, and hopes that
by opening even a small window into the vast and marvelous world of yoga, they
will be inspired to begin their own journeys of discovery and bliss.
Lina Carpenito
Lina graduated from Drexel University with a B.A. in Fashion Design & Merchandising.
During her college years, she developed a love for physical activity as a release
from the stress of her demanding schoolwork. For fun, she worked part time
at the Campus Gym and local Fitness Facilities. Shortly after graduation she
was faced with an injury that left her with a long road to recovery. Her healing
process put her on a new path, and she began to study Yoga and Pilates to help
support her injury. She quickly realized this was something she loved, and
in 2005, she completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training certification in Structural
Yoga™ at the Stone Center for Yoga & Health. Shortly after that she
received her Pilates Mat Certification from the Physical Mind Institute in
NYC. She continues to deepen her studies of healing works at the Stone Center,
where she completed a course in Stress Reduction through Mindfulness Meditation & Yoga,
and, most recently, the Cardiac Yoga® Teacher Training with M. Mala Cunningham,
Ph.D.
Lina is an AFAA certified personal trainer who integrates Yoga and Pilates
techniques in her work to help clients develop a balance of strength, stamina,
and flexibility. Her personal healing journey has allowed her to understand
and work with the limitations of the body, while tapping into the limitless
healing potential of the mind and spirit. She brings this holistic mind/body
approach to exercise and believes that we all have the ability to heal ourselves,
work hard, and have fun at the same time.
Bridget D'Arco
Bridget D'Arco received her BS in Nursing from SUNY at Downstate Medical Center
in 1985. She is the founder of Core Essentials Network, which provides a broad
range of holistic wellness services. Bridget brings a wealth of knowledge to
her work. She has taught over 1500 Reebok Core classes in the last 5 years
throughout the Northeast. Bridget is a certified and registered Structural
Yoga teacher, as well as a certified group exercise and personal trainer. She
is dedicated to providing yoga, fitness and wellness programs that help students
attain their goals safely and enjoyably, in a supportive and empowering environment.
Bridget motivates students to tap their inner resources as they work toward
self-understanding and personal growth on every level.
Rochel David
Rochel S. David, Ph.D., RYT, is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years’ experience
working with children, adolescents and adults helping them lead more satisfying
lives. After being an informal student of yoga and meditation for many years,
Rochel pursued more formal training and certification in Structural Yoga at
the Stone Center for Yoga and Health, to deepen her knowledge and practice,
and enable her to bring the rich tradition of yoga and breathwork to her healing
work with individuals. Rochel brings her sensitivity, compassion and wisdom
to all aspects of her work and creates a safe, supportive environment for growth
and exploration. Rochel teaches group yoga classes at the Stone Center as well
as private and group classes at community centers and corporate sites in Bergen
County, Manhattan and Westhampton Beach.
Ilene Gagliardi
Ilene Gagliardi RYT, is a certified Structural Yoga teacher and registered
National Yoga Alliance teacher. She has been working in the
fitness industry part time since 1987 as an ACE certified group fitness instructor. Eight
years ago, Ilene began to venture into yoga, first as a way
to complement and balance her own fitness routine, then as a teacher. She
has grown to love and appreciate the balance yoga brings to life by focusing
on the connection of mindful breathing while improving flexibility and strength. Ilene
recently completed a certification in Structural Yoga. Ilene is a full time
public school teacher, with a master's degree in Educational Technology, a mother
of three, and loves to share and expand her knowledge of yoga while making
it accessible to all.
Jessica Kennedy
Jess Kennedy, RYT, is a certified Structural Yoga teacher and registered Yoga
Alliance teacher who continues to study with Charlotte Hamsa Stone. She teaches
adults and children in group classes and privately – in the studio, and
in private homes. In her work with adults, she focuses on helping her students
find an accessible yoga practice that they can incorporate into their daily
lives. Jess teaches with warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity. She sees yoga
as a practice that can be strengthening, invigorating, relaxing, healing, and
fun; her mission is to make this contemplative and beneficial practice accessible
to all. As an elementary school teacher with a Masters degree in education,
she makes yoga an integral part of her work with children in the classroom
setting. She created Leonia School District's first after-school yoga program for
children in grades two through five. Jess is an avid meditator, and she enjoys
integrating meditation techniques in her teaching.
ADELLE LEVY
Adelle Levy, RYT is a certified Structural Yoga and registered Yoga Alliance
teacher who has been practicing Yoga for over 25 years, from California to
New York to Jakarta, Indonesia to Hong Kong. She has studied numerous styles
of Yoga, and her broad and diverse experience of various schools of Yoga enriches
and inspires her work. Adelle teaches private and group classes, and is delighted
to share her deep understanding of yoga with her students. Adelle teaches with
precision, insight and sensitivity, and a joy for the breadth and depth of
all that yoga can offer: fundamental poses, flow (vinyasa) yoga, as well as
more advanced practices.
Ellen Mendelsohn
A student of yoga for over 25 years, EllenMendelsohn, RYT, is a Certified
Structural Yoga teacher. She also brings to her yoga teaching her background
in music and dance. She believes that music, dance, and yoga are all connected
because mindfulness and the flow of breath are so important in these disciplines.
Ellen's passion for yoga is evident in her teaching.
She works to make yoga accessible to all, and to that end she has started
in-service yoga classes for her teaching colleagues in the Bergenfield School
District.
Naama Meluban
Naama Meluban RYT, is a Structural Yoga Instructor. She completed her teaching
training at Stone Center in 2007. Naama focuses on teaching Gentle Yoga, Chair
Yoga, and Yoga for Bone Strength. In her earlier years, Naama studied many
forms of dance including ballet, contemporary, and jazz. She completed her
degree as a dance and movement teacher in Tel Aviv’s Teaching Academy
in Israel. During her studies, she became familiar with the anatomy and physiology
of the human body. With ten years of yoga experience and her background, Naama
makes yoga safe and accessible to all. Among her many teaching venues, Naama
teaches Chair Yoga for seniors at the Allendale Community for Mature Living,
in Allendale, NJ, as part of the Stone Yoga Center's "Yoga-to-Go" program.
Ann Minoff
Ann Minoff, DC, RYT, graduated from New York University with a degree in Philosophy
and continued her education at the National College of Chiropractic in Illinois,
where she received a Doctorate of Chiropractic in 1982.
Ann has been a student of Yoga and meditation for many years. Since 1984 she
has studied the relationship of mind and body, the art of meditation, as well
as the different sacred traditions of the Far East and Kabbalah. She has been
a student of Gurumayi (Swami Chidvilasananada) since 1984 and a student of
John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga, since 1997.
Ann practices Siddha Yoga Meditation, which emphasizes meditation as a means
to awaken one's spiritual essence. She has also trained in Reiki, Polarity
Therapy, and other healing techniques.
She loves Anusara Yoga because following a car accident, it was Anusara Yoga
that helped her to slowly and gently rehabilitate her body, mind and soul.
She credits Anusara Yoga with giving her back her enthusiasm and sense of well-being,
and she enjoys sharing this yoga practice with others.
CHRIS MURphY, RN
Chris Murphy is an Oncology-certified, registered nurse with more than 20
years devoted to the practice and care of Oncology patients and their families. After
discovering the many benefits yoga brought to her life, she chose to further
her education and pursue certification as a yoga instructor with the hopes
of sharing yoga with her patients and others. Chris obtained her certification
in Structural Yoga in 2008 after completing studies with Charlotte Stone at
the Stone Center for Yoga and Health. She is also a Yoga Alliance registered
teacher. Chris teaches group classes in the hospital and studio settings
as well as private classes.
Emma Nelson
Emma Nelson is a Columbia University graduate with a B.S. in Biology. She
is also an A.C.E. certified personal trainer, USA Cycling Coach and Category
2 road racer, and she received certification as a Structural Yoga instructor
in July 2008. Emma coaches dedicated recreational cyclists and bike racers,
and is the co-owner, together with her husband Andy, of Get Fit NYC LLC.
Trena Rauner
Trena Rauner , RYT is a certified Structural Yoga and Cardiac Yoga (R) teacher
and registered with the Yoga Alliance. She completed her teacher training
with Charlotte Stone in 2007. She believes that mindfulness, movement and
breath have powerful healing, strengthening and stress reducing effects.
Gentle guidance, focus on alignment and modifications for all body types
and health concerns can make yoga accessible to all. Trena teaches using
these guidelines and brings yoga to those in need of healing, those wishing
to improve strength and flexibility and to all who wish to access the stillness
that lies within them. Helping establish an active mind/body connection is
Trena's goal in teaching yoga. Her style of classes include gentle, fundamental
and vinyasa.
Using humor, music and compassion, she hopes to share her love of yoga
with her students.
Trena has a Masters in Teaching degree and has taught English, Writing
and ESL. She has been practicing yoga for 10 years she views the
peaceful benefits of yoga as a gift to teach and is grateful to all
her teachers for shining the light on yoga.
Tara Steccato
Tara Steccato RYT, is a certified Structural Yoga teacher and registered National Yoga Alliance teacher, who continues to be inspired by and study with Charlotte 'Hamsa' Stone. In addition, she recently completed a Vinyasa Flow teacher training with Seane Corn at Kripalu. She is deeply inspired and influenced by yoga master teachers Seane Corn, Sharon Gannon and David Life. These teachers embody the aspects of Seva (selfless service), Bhakti (devotion), and Ahimsa (non-violence), which she feels are the most integral and essential tenets of yoga.
Her love of selfless service brought her to 'Kula for Karma' a non-profit organization of yoga teachers uniting their efforts to serve the greater community, whose mission is to offer Yoga to those among us whose spirit has been challenged by illness, abuse, neglect, addiction and other life obstacles.
Now an Advisory Board Member for Kula, besides teaching weekly 'Karma' yoga classes, she is working with their Executive Board to implement a proposal that would make Seva (selfless service) work or 'Karma' Yoga a part of every yoga teacher training, nationwide.
Inspired by the strong belief that the practice of yoga provides an opportunity for true and authentic healing of the body, mind and spirit, to occur, Tara's classes unite meditation and breath work with a challenging, yet adaptive vinyasa flow sequence.
Sharyn Tondel
Sharyn Tondel, RYT, completed a 200 hour Structural Yoga teacher training
with Charlotte Stone in 2004. Sharyn has been inspired by Charlotte in her
work as an Advanced Holistic Nurse Practitioner to teach Nurses at the Hospital
for Special Surgery. She uses Gentle Structural Yoga to promote nurse's self
care to reduce their stress and strengthen their back muscles to avoid back
injury. She works with patients as well as staff using Guided Imagery and Yogic
breath work to reduce pain, and stress.
She has continued her study of yoga with Cheri Clampett, Sara Meeks PT, Rodney
Yee, and Gary Kraftsflow in the Urban Zen Project. Sharyn is dedicated to promoting
self care through yoga to promote healing.
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