Instructors

Education is not merely a means for earning a living 
or an instrument for the acquisition of wealth. 
It is an initiation into the life of the spirit, a training of 
the human soul in the pursuit of truth and the practice of virtue.
Vijaya Lakshi Pandit 

Laurie Greene,  PhD, E-RYT, YBR - (director). A PhD in anthropology, Laurie has practiced yoga since age 15, having grown up in a "yoga family". Since then, yoga has become her healthy addiction. Always an enthusiastic student, Laurie combines her training in a variety of classical "hatha" traditions, bringing insights and techniques from all these to her eclectic teaching and practice. Training extensively in the Iyengar tradition, emphasis is on safety, technique and proper alignment so that students will get the greatest benefits from their practice, and easily experience the joy that yoga affords every fitness level. Laurie is also certified in Vinyasa flow and is registered with the Yoga Alliance as an "experienced teacher" and trainer. Her continuing exploration of classical and newer interpretations of Astanga Vinyasa have led her to study with many amazing teachers; and to all of them she is forever grateful. The studio has become a place where many of these and new teachers gather and continue to inspire. Having completed her 500 hour certification with the wonderful Edward Clark & Elizabeth Connelly, Laurie's passion lies in blending many styles into a practice that is instructive, creative and fun. By all accounts, Laurie is is married to the greatest man that has ever graced this earth (Joe), and they are the proud parents of three "grown" children (XOXO).

     

Andrea Sacchetti RYT, CYT has been a student of yoga and holistic studies for many years. She received her certification in yoga instruction in 2004 and has been a certified feng shui practitioner since 2001. She enjoys studying with many different teachers and is open to all styles of yoga. Andrea loves sharing her passion for yoga with people of all ages and levels. She blends her knowledge of holistic studies into her yoga classes which include pranayama (breathing techniques), asanas (postures) and relaxation. Andrea practices yoga on and off the mat and encourages her students to do the same. Andrea is available for Feng Shui consultation.

 

Steve Whitford, RYT - A naturalist (not naturist!) and environmental planner, Steve takes a break from his life in the woods and swamps of New Jersey to teach a hip and energetic class. Steve blends contemporary and traditional music with flowing vinyasa sequences in the eclectic Yoga Happy Hour. Steve completed the Yoga Nine 200 hour Teacher Training and is a great admirer of many yoga traditions. Steve is know for incorporating funky grooves into his class "score" and his "Steve Mixes" are much sought after by local teachers.

Andee Wimberg, RYT  - A certified Pilates instructor, Registered Yoga Instructor, Massage Therapist and Reiki Master; Andee combines a variety of perspectives in her warm and light hearted teaching. She has studied with many master teachers from all over the world. Her rich training background includes Pilates training at the Physical Mind Institute in Washington, D.C., certification as a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance with Laurie Greene at Yoga Nine, and Reiki training with Masters from the Usui Master Lineage. She has been a massage therapist for over 12 years and has studied with some of the finest bodywork teachers in the States. Andee continues to dedicate herself to the yogic discipline and to the pursuit of spiritual and physical wellness for herself and her clients. Her massage therapy and Reiki practices are geared toward releasing the body from physical and energetic limitations so that her clients may enjoy life more fully. The sacred bonds that exist between Andee and her clients continue to enrich her life beyond measure.
Andee is also available at the studio for Bodywork, Reiki and Private Pilates Mat classes.  http://www.andeewimberg.com

Lori Palumbo, RYT - Lori took her first yoga class a few years ago just to try something new. She was immediately hooked! Ever since, yoga has continued to inspire all aspects of Lori's life. Yoga has encouraged Lori to uphold a healthy lifestyle and savor life's joys. Lori has recently completed her training at Yoga Nine and hopes she can help her students experience joy and serenity through yoga. As a full time educator, Lori is aware of the positive impact yoga can have on people of all ages. 

Sharon Garland, RYT - Sharon began her yoga journey nine years ago. Practicing with various teachers until she met Laurie Greene. Recognizing a rare opportunity to deepen her practice with an exceptional yoga teacher, she began to study with Laurie at Yoga Nine. Joining Yoga Nine's first Yoga Teacher Training class she studied with Edward Clark, Simon Park, Laura Allard, Doug Swenson, David Romanelli, Brian Kest, Elizabeth Connolly, Niika Quistgard and Suzanne Webber to name a few. Her down to earth humor, logical explanations and warmth make her gentle classes fun and informative. Recently certified by NARHA as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, she is incorporating yoga in programs at the Atlantic Riding Center for the Handicapped/Healing. This is her passion. Sharon also loves to help students discover their own practices with caring instruction and attention to individual abilities. 

     

Luisa Cilurrzo, RYT - Luisa took her first Yoga class few years ago and knew that her life was going to change. Her professional path leads her to the worlds of Quality Assurance but her heart and spirit drew her to Yoga. The practice of Yoga was at first a starting point for self discovery during a hardship of life transformation. Yoga helped her bring clarity to her life and inspired her to self growth. Luisa wanted to learn more about Yoga and how to help people find serenity and bring balance to their life. She focuses on melting technique with a rhythmical flow. Her focus is to empower students by building their confidence in the approach of the asanas and to practice with passion and enthusiasm by creating a serene and warm environment. Luisa studied with Laurie Greene to obtain her 200 hour Yoga Certification and continues to practice with Laurie and also studies Iyengar Yoga with Michele Franey in her life long journey of self discovery.

 

Jen Kretzer, E-RYT, CYT  - Jennifer is a certified Sivananda and Children's yoga instructor. She has practiced with many yogis around the world in order for her to broaden her yoga skills and techniques. Jennifer's adult and children's classes begin with a relaxing warm up, followed by breathing exercises, then move into more heat-building asanas. Class ends with visualization exercises and relaxation poses. Breath awareness and pranayama are major components of her classes. She utilizes her experience in various yoga styles to create a welcoming class for everyone. Jennifer believes that teaching is a gift that allows an exchange of energy between people. If you want strength, courage, balance, joy and if you need to reduce stress, Jen believes yoga is for you. Jennifer is a living example of what she teaches.Jenn is currently completing her 500 hour teacher training at Yoga Nine.

Naida Burgess, M.Ed., CYT, RYT - Naida is a certified yoga instructor and mother of three. Studying at the Living Yoga School in Austin, Naida approaches yoga in a practical, easygoing, nurturing and fun-loving manner. She shares her down to earth wisdom and her love of life while finding joy and gratitude in serving others. Naida's gentle and restorative classes are a great way for new yogis to begin a yoga practice and for everyone to experience relaxation & rejuvenation. Naida is currently undergoing advanced teacher training (500 hours) at Yoga Nine.

Alice Gomes, RYT -Alice's journey into yoga evolved about 4 years ago.  Looking for a way to bring more harmony, balance and energy into her life, she began exploring classes at local studios. Yoga quickly became a passion and has become a daily part of her life. She is also an avid runner and has completed several marathons and other races on the East Coast.  She is grateful for such a fulfilling life with a wonderful husband, 4 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 dogs. Having completed her 200 hr. teacher certification with Laurie Greene at Yoga Nine, she attributes much of her inspiration and desire to teach and deepen her practice to Laurie.  She has also had the opportunity to experience classes/workshops with Edward Clark, Liz Connelly, Doug Swenson, Sean Corn, and Peter Rizzo.  Alice seeks a path for continual mutual growth with her students, sharing energy, spirit and love of yoga. Her classes will inspire you to stay focused and flow with your breath.

Betsy Platanella, RYT, CYT Betsy has practiced yoga for many years and became a certified Kripalu yoga teacher in 2004. She is a member of the Kripalu Yoga Teacher's Association and continues her studies in the yogic traditions. Betsy has worked as a licensed physical therapist assistant for over 20 years and as a certified massage therapist for 10 years with specific training and concentration in myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy and other forms of therapeutic bodywork

Sharon Fruchtamn-Laffey, CYT  (Yoga Instructor) - Sharon began her interest in fitness with her early training in classical ballet. Linking physical strength with movement naturally lead to Ashtanga Yoga practice. Sharon studied intensively with Beryl Bender Birch and Tom Birch in Culebre, Puerto Rico, and also Teacher training seminars in the North east Philadelphia area. Sharon began teaching on the beach in Cape May in 1997. Since, she has taught various levels of Ashtanga Yoga, Kids Yoga, and Yoga for seniors and people with restrictions and disabilities. Sharon Fruchtman-Laffey lives in Cape May with her husband Tom Laffey and their 3 daughters.  http://www.yogaatthebeach.net

Barbara  Wunder, RYT - Dancer and Yogi, Barb combines form and movement in her smooth flowing vinyasa classes. Barb completed her training at Yoga Nine, and runs a  dance school and new yoga studio in Mays Landing New Jersey. Mays Landing Dance Works. Barb's teaching is inspired by her training in classical ballet and modern forms. She is pictured here with the chocolate loving family, yogis all.

Curt Wunder, RYT - Long-time student of yoga, triathlete and business owner, Curt combines his tenacity and curiosity in his rendition of the hip and heavy Yoga Happy Hour. Curt challenges his classes with a whole lot of Yang and a strong emphasis on breathwork. All our power and balance, comes from our breath. Curt and his wife Barb completed their teacher training at Yoga Nine.

Diane Leiner, RYTDiane found yoga late in her forties and was immediately attracted to it. Forever wanting but unable to meditate by "emptying the mind," she finds the meditation in movement and breathing of yoga accessible. Tending to be a loner in physical fitness she finds, for the first time, the class format preferable and often necessary for motivation and instruction. Diane has a home in Cape May Court House, is the mom at the beach to four grown children and works as a legal secretary. As a yoga teacher, Diane enjoys encouraging others who have come to yoga later in life seeking to improve all aspects of their health -- a reminder that it is never too late to start and keep that motivation going. Diane has completed her teacher training with Laurie Greene of Yoga Nine, a true inspiration, with significant mentoring from Sharon Fruchtman-Laffey.

Emari DiGiorgio, MFA, RYT Legend has it, Emari's long hair must remain un-cut until she removes the ancient curse placed on her bloodline, and the spell has something to do with aligning her hips in Virabhadrasana I. When she's not sunning herself at the shore or studying yoga with Laurie Greene, she is an Assistant Professor of Writing at Richard Stockton College and a New Jersey State Council on the Arts Poet-in-the-Schools. She is a graduate of New York University's MFA program in poetry and a recipient of a 2007 New Jersey State Council on the Arts Poetry Fellowship. She also teaches a monthly creative writing workshop at the South Jersey chapter of Gilda's Club. Whether she's teaching metaphor or Tadasana, she hopes to create a positive and engaging learning environment, where one emerges with greater understanding and skill, a renewed sense of self, and the confidence to take risks.

Rebecca Davis, RYTRebecca channeled her passion for exploring movement at an early age through her training in classical ballet and modern dance. This exploration of movement lead her to the study of yoga. Rebecca completed the Yoga Nine 200 hour teacher training with Laurie Greene, and is excited to share her experience with others. When Rebecca isn't teaching yoga she teaches Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, and United States History. Her favorite pastimes are traveling to study cultural practices, contemplating awareness with her mother during their shared yoga practice, and trekking national parks.  Rebecca is currently completing her 500 hour (Advanced Yoga Teacher) certification at Yoga Nine; working closely with Laurie Greene & Edward Clark.

Benita Hussain, J.D., RYT - With a B.S. from Cornell University and a law degree from Fordham Law School, Benita has been practicing yoga for 10 years, including various Hatha forms, Jivamukti, Anusara, Iyengar and Bikram yoga, but mainly concentrating on Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga.  Based in Brooklyn, NY, Benita has sought refuge and balance in her yoga practice, in addition to surfing, swimming, running and rockclimbing, to help her through her stressful legal and now freelance writing careers.  She wishes to bring her love for physical activity and challenges to practitioners of all levels and limitations, and hopes to demonstrate that with the proper use of breath and alignment and a healthy dose of self-confidence and humor, everyone can and should enjoy yoga.  Benita has surfed and practiced yoga through every continent except for Antarctica, and completed an intensive 200-hour Yoga Alliance training in the Krishnamacharya traditions at the Yoga Society of New York's Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY under the guidance of David Hollander, RYT-500, as well as the Society's other extraordinary scholars and practitioners.  She has endless gratitude towards her many other teachers in the past decade, namely David, Sarah Willis and Amy Santos.

Tonya Dinofrio, RYT - Tonya has been a fitness enthusiast for the past 23 years. Many years of competitive cycling, combined with a few mountain biking accidents, left her with chronic low back pain. Trying conventional treatments with no relief, she eventually found that daily yoga and pranayama practice offered the best release. The stability and strength gained through yoga practice have transcended all other areas of her life, including cycling. She's thankful that her husband and 3 children encourage and support her love of yoga and are becoming interested in the practice themselves. As a devoted Christian, Tonya believes that yoga is for everyone and that we each take from the practice what is needed to enrich our lives mentally, physically, and spiritually at that moment.

Ray Stover, NCMT, LMT, - A Nationally Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist with a Masters in Aeronautical Science and a Bachelors in Civil Engineering; Ray has worked in the holistic community for 15 years giving wonderful customized massages.Ray specializes in combining advanced massage techniques to produce a beautiful personalized session.His advanced training in massage included private lesions with some of the masters in the industry. Ray teaches couples massage classes and advanced massage techniques to other massage enthusiasts.Ray loves to share his passion for massage to create a fully customized and personalized massage session that you would reminisce about for a long time.  

Robin Cohen-Feehan, CMT, ATMAM -  A Certified Massage Therapist and a Bachelors Degree in Sociology & Anthropology; Robin has worked as Social Worker in the community for several years. Understanding the connection between the brain and the body is core to her practice. Robin specializes in Connective Tissue Massage or Myofascial Bodywork, Structural Integration, Deep Tissue and Pre-Natal Massage and is an ATMAM (Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage) Practicioner. She is also an Infant Massage Instructor for Parents and Caregivers.      She has worked in the alternative and complementary health field since 1990. When working with Robin, you receive the benefits of her experience and training in Massage Therapy, Herbal Medicine, Holistic Lifestyle counseling, Nutritional and Dietary Information and Natural Childbirth and Childrearing.     Robin’s quest to provide a healthy, joyful life for her children and family has broadened into providing care for all.

Sarah Donnelly, RYT - With a B.S in Business and Fashion Merchandising, Sarah came to Yoga to quiet her mind and search her heart for something more meaningful and fulfilling. She always knew she wanted to teach, inspire, or help people, but wasn't sure at what capacity until her very first yoga class. She was inspired by amazing teachers to give back the gift that they have given to her. She has since completed her 200 hour training in Hatha Style yoga and is very passionate about teaching as well as continuing to be a dedicated student. Sarah teaches a slow gentle, compassionate chair yoga and a challenging vinyassa class. She is committed to making her classes fun and accessible to all levels of students. Her lighthearted style reminds her students not to take themselves too seriously, and to be patient and kind to themselves. She is dedicated to help her students achieve their goals whether they are to improve flexibility, strength, coordination, concentration, body awareness or a general sense of well-being.

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