​Meet our team of Yoga Instructors

Mary has always led an active lifestyle, though moving back to the States after four years Overseas to begin Middle School in Yorktown, VA, was a bit of a culture shock. Throughout the following years, Mary could not quite seem to find her niche and bounced from recreational sport to sport, until finally during her Freshman Year of high school she took up Tae Kwon Do and long distance running. After obtaining her Black Belt and logging hundreds of miles, Mary decided that the physiology and even psychology behind exercise and well-being was just too alluring to ignore, and before long, she was enrolled at VCU in Richmond, VA, in order to earn her B.S. in Exercise Science and Minor in Psychology. In 2006 while still at VCU, Mary was certified as a Personal Trainer and Yoga instructor and has been training clients and teaching classes ever since.
Prior to and upon graduation in 2009, Mary has served in various commercial, corporate, private and even medical wellness facilities, training individuals from all walks of life; at-risk youth, individuals recovering from injuries and even teaching yoga classes geared towards endurance athletes. Her passion, however, is working with clients to maintain physical and emotional balance and well-being.
​With her background in yoga and her own personal experience with running, backpacking, and climbing, Mary’s expertise revolves around functional training – for everyone. Mary works with clients to pinpoint muscular imbalances and helps them to develop more body awareness – because to Mary, developing body awareness and strength geared towards functional movement is essential to avoiding injury and staying fit. Mary was also recently certified as a Lifestyle Educator through FirstLine Therapy, and works with clients wishing to make lifestyle changes through engaging in healthier eating and increased physical activity.
Certifications

RYT - 200
B.S. Exercise Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, August 2009
TRX (Total Body Resistance Exercise) Group and Private Instructor Certification, September 2012
R.I.P.P.E.D (Resistance, Intervals, Power, Plyometric, Endurance, and Diet), May 2012
FirstLine Therapy Lifestyle Educator, March 2012
ACE Personal Trainer Certification, December 2009
AFPA Personal Trainer Certification, March 2006
Adult and Child AED/CPR and First Aid,  December 2011 
MadDogg Indoor Cycling Certification, November 2010
YogaFit Level 1 Certification, June 2007
BootyBarre Certification,  February 2015

Becky is a retired educator who taught elementary education and special education preK-high school, worked as a building level administrator, and ultimately became a teacher educator.  As a consultant trainer for ETS, she trained teachers and administrators in 43 of the 50 states.  Being married to a career Navy man allowed her the experience of living and traveling many places across the U.S. and Europe and provided her with a tremendous awareness and appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism.  She has been a Yorktown resident for the past 30 years.  

Becky discovered the benefits of Yoga several years ago as she was searching for relief from chronic back pain.  She quickly found that yoga is much more than contorting the body into poses – it is a way of life blending mind, body, and spirit.  She completed her 200-hour training at ZYA in Newport News and has recently completed the YogaWarriorsInternational™ training, hoping to take her Yoga practice to a higher level working with wounded warriors and caretakers.  Becky adapts her classes to meet the needs of her students, focusing on helping students find their center and improve their strength, flexibility, and balance.  

Audrey is a York County local with serious adrenaline issues (skydiving, anyone?), and a passion for serving others. Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the age of eighteen, Audrey was determined to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits and natural remedies into her treatment. A few months later in January of 2009, she began her first yoga class. Originally intending to use yoga as not only a compliment to her medical treatment, but also as a way to stay fit as an aspiring airline stewardess, she was surprised to instead find her niche in the serenity and incredible journey that was yoga. 

Trading in her travel aspirations in for an RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher through Zenya Yoga Academy) in the Spring of 2013, Audrey has committed her life to serving others through yoga. Additionally, she has since enjoyed five years of health far exceeding the grim predictions of her doctors, and is entirely confident she has yoga combined with a healthy lifestyle to thank for her success in combating Crohn's disease. 

When Audrey is doing something other than lounging around in Scorpion Pose, you'll most likely find her afloat in her kayak, playing fetch with Aziza (the mystery mutt), or seeking out local adventures with her loved ones. She couldn't be more excited to be a part of the Garden of Zen family, and sincerely looks forward to traveling through this yoga journey with you.

Martine has a passion: restoring physical and mental balance to all her students through therapeutic yoga exercises led by a warm and caring instructor.  Since her earliest years growing up in France, Martine has always enjoyed sports (aerobics, tennis, Jazzercise, and fifteen years of yoga), but when her daughter was diagnosed with cancer, she found her calling.  As her daughter slowly recovered, Martine was drawn to therapeutic yoga, taking her 200 hour yoga certification at the Glenmore Yoga and Wellness Center in Richmond, focusing on a gentle yoga designed for students recovering from illness, surgery or other health considerations.  Martine adapts her classes to ensure that all of her students can safely practice poses that develop strength, increase range of motion, and enhance self-esteem and wellbeing.  Martine strives to ensure that all her students leave her class stronger, both physically and emotionally.  

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Nancy settled into Hampton Roads in 1994 with her husband and two sons. She discovered yoga in 2008 after two years of physical therapy due to a back injury from a car accident. She quickly realized the many benefits of yoga for the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga was the answer to her life-long interest of being health conscious and physically active but not competitive. Her interest evolved from practicing locally to exploring yoga techniques in studios worldwide while traveling with her husband, always packing her mat wherever the destination. Nancy's passion and belief in yoga shines 100% and her energy comes from teaching yoga and being of service to others by making a difference in others’ lives. 
 Accomplishing 200- and 300-hour yoga certification, Nancy also is certified to teach child, prenatal, and senior yoga as well as tai chi. She is certified in Silver Sneakers, which is a free health benefit for those 65+ with insurance. Her most recent certification is for Parkinson's through the Brian Grant Foundation. Always remaining humble on the yogic path, Nancy is invested in learning more about the ancient practice knowing what light of knowledge she soaks in, she radiates out to others. 
"Inspiring yourself through the yoga physical practice and the emotional link is a human connection we all seek. We're using our bodies and breath to find the common ground of the human language of love and compassion for ourselves as well as others, and nothing is lost in translation. By the end of class, something is different. We're no longer strangers. We see that despite any differences that we're just the same." - by Robert Schware, Huffingpost. 
Nancy likes to meditate, listen to Kirtan music, connect with nature, and travel. Along with staying active with yoga classes and workshops, she is on the York County Senior Board and stays busy with her family.  

Tai chi for Arthritis Certified

Kim was born and raised in Yorktown, VA and now resides in Poquoson, VA with her husband. She grew up dancing (ballet, tap, jazz, and many more styles) and has always had a passion for movement. So when Kim attended her first yoga class in college, it was a natural fit. She continued to develop her personal yoga practice throughout college and graduated from Liberty University with a degree in accounting in 2013. Seeking to deepen her practice and find balance in both her career and lifestyle, Kim began her yoga teacher training in 2016 and became a RYT-200 Yoga Instructor in 2017. After years of nurturing a passion for yoga, meditation and mindfulness, Kim is eager to share this passion with the community in her hometown. Kim enjoys teaching Vinyasa style yoga classes that focus on both building strength and clearing stress. She believes that a yoga class should generate positive energy and cultivate a strong connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

Maureen was introduced to Yoga in 2008 as a complement to her running program. She immediately fell in love with the physical practice. The peace and beauty of connecting breath to movement was an unexpected surprise and a welcome benefit. She completed her 200-hour training at NLY in Navarre, FL. She has also completed certifications in Yin and SUP yoga.
Maureen loves to share the energetic connection of yoga. She brings positive energy, joy, and laughter to her classes. She believes there is grace in every pose as you connect breath to movement.
Maureen is originally from North Pole, Alaska. She has recently relocated to Virginia after many wonderful years in Navarre, Florida. She loves all things outdoors. Running, paddle boarding and hiking are some of her favorite activities along with her yoga practice.
“When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace” Unknown

Lee is active duty with the U.S. Coast Guard having served as a Health Promotion Coordinator where he experienced his first yoga class.  He has always enjoyed health sciences and fitness including various outdoor activities such as running, bicycling, and kayaking.  He returned to a regular practice of yoga after traditional rehabilitation failed to produce results following a skiing accident in 2016.  Lee is a graduate of 200-hour teacher training at Zenya Yoga Academy and 300-hour teacher training at Swami Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville, and has specialized teacher training in meditation, restorative, adaptive/chair, and trauma sensitive.  He is also a registered EMT, and certified first aid and CPR instructor.   He completed his BBA at Averett University (Danville, VA) and MAEd at Argosy University (Honolulu, HI).  His yoga journey is representative of a passage from Yoga Vasistha, “Who am I who speaks, walks, stands, and functions on this elaborate stage known as the world?  I should find this out.”

Born in Fife, Scotland, Frances has traveled and lived overseas for many years throughout her career with the British Government.  More than 25 years ago in Scotland, Frances attempted her first yoga class in order to find an alternative exercise option from running outside in the rain.  Upon recognizing the challenge of a yoga practice, and the various limitations she experienced (touch my toes - is that a joke?  Hold a Downward Facing Dog?  I don’t think so!) a newly humbled, and inspired Frances began to seek as much knowledge for her own personal yoga practice as possible.
Upon moving to Washington D.C. where she met and married her husband.  They were fortunate enough to move every two years with her husband’s military service, this gave her the opportunity to try out different styles of yoga, from the East Coast to the West Coast.  They eventually settled into Southern VA, this granted her the opportunity to take the next step and enroll in the RYT-200 Teacher Training at Zenya Yoga Academy.  Then followed on with the RYT-300 Teacher Training.  Finding a love of Yin Yoga, Frances has taken 150hrs

Training with Biff Mithoefer.  
Frances finds herself drawn to Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Yoga Nidra, and Chair Yoga.  Constantly evolving, incorporating meditation and Yoga Nidra into the class allows everyone to find Joy in their practice.   Her motto - forever a student of yoga, on and off of the mat, you can take your practice with you wherever you go - at home, in a studio, or just sitting outside in quiet meditation.

Kate began her exploration of yoga and massage in college, where she studied psychology and took courses in dance and dance therapy.
After graduation Kate started taking yoga classes with an amazing teacher and mentor who suggested she get her 200-hour certification in Vinyasa yoga at CorePower Yoga in Falls Church, VA.
She graduated from her program in December of 2014 and at the beginning of 2015 started teaching for CorePower and 24 Hour Fitness. Within a year Kate was teaching at several locations in the DC metro area. In 2017 she went on to earn her 100-hour certification in Yin yoga.
In 2017 Kate also dove into her massage interest and traveled to Kripalu in Stockbridge, MA, to obtain her certification in Thai Yoga Massage from Lotus Palm.
Kate moved to the Yorktown/Hampton area in 2018 and started offering private sessions for yoga and Thai Bodywork. Now she has found a great community with Garden of Zen and can't wait to see what else the future holds.​

Sumeda is a certified yoga instructor and certified in stress management. Raised in Bangalore, India, she brings the eastern perspective and an authenticity to her yoga. As a scientist and a chemistry teacher by profession, she is able to attain a good mix of both the western and eastern perspectives of bodily forms. She is also able to get old ideas to the west with her understanding of Sanskrit and Ayurveda. She has experience practicing Hatha and Ashtanga forms of yoga. Come join her for the relaxing and stress relief salutations.

Agatha was born in California but moved with her parents back to Switzerland as a toddler. She spent the rest of her childhood in Switzerland where she earned a business degree. Later she moved back to the states where she married her husband, a naval officer. While in the USA she earned her nursing degree which she has kept active. Being married to the military meant thirteen moves, but she and her husband still managed to raise three children.

An avid runner since childhood, Agatha ran her first half-marathon while living in Germany. All of the years of running finally caught up with her and she suffered numerous injuries which helped her to finally discover yoga. She is passionate about her practice because she saw first-hand what a great difference it has made in her life. Agatha is a  certified RYT 200 Teacher from Zenya Yoga Academy in Newport News and she is also certified in Chair Yoga, Meditation and CPR certified through the Red Cross. 

Sarah is a military wife and homeschooling mom who loves the balance, serenity, and connection she achieves from practicing yoga. She discovered yoga at the beginning of her family’s military adventure and loves sharing its magic with anyone she meets. She’s passionate about photography, writing, and finding beauty in the world around her. In her spare time she can be found with a book in her hands, training for a half marathon, or exploring and photographing wherever she’s currently calling home.

In 1978, Vicki took her first yoga class at the Los Angeles Center for Yoga. After more than 40 years, 4 children, and 20 years in the Air Force, she is still going to classes. The difference is that she is also teaching some of the classes. In 2012, she completed the initial 200 hour training. She wanted to introduce yoga to those who believe yoga is weird, only stretching, or only for those who are already flexible. She also completed her 500 hour training and a variety of classes for continuing education. Through YogaFit, she completed focused training for back problems, seniors, weight loss and people who are overweight. At Satchidananda Ashram, the Integral Yoga Academy, she completed 20 hours of LifeForce Yoga for depression and 30 hours of Yoga for Arthritis. She is an experienced teacher with well over 500 classes taught. She has been teaching a group of mostly retirees at Langley AFB twice a week for 6 years.
Vicki has brought her husband to yoga. They like to travel and try local studios wherever they go. They have tried Ashtangha yoga and plan to keep trying different types and different places. “Yoga has brought positive mental and physical changes to our lives. Where would I be without it? “

Vashwee is a RYT 200 certified yoga trainer who was born and brought up in a military family in India. She started her yoga journey 8 years back when she was pursuing her MBA. She was smitten with the effect of yoga on the mind, body and well-being and got inspired to pay it forward. She learned from extremely talented yoga instructors in India and is a progeny of Garden of Zen’s first Yoga Teacher Training batch. She enjoys practicing and teaching about pranayama and yoga asanas and is familiar with Hatha, Vinyasa, Power and Acro yoga styles. She enjoys reading about health, wellness and human psychology. In her leisure time Vashwee enjoys being close to nature by taking long walks in the woods or on a beach. Alternately, she also loves to binge watch drama series and superhero movies.

BIO to follow...

My yoga journey started in 2017 at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville in Virginia.  What started as a weekend retreat to escape the stressors of life, turned into a journey that has forever changed me...and continues to each day.  I had no previous experience with yoga before going to Yogaville.  The retreat turned out to be nothing I thought it was going to be but it was everything I needed.  I learned about the Self and the little voice in our heads...you know, the one that has an opinion about everything and seems to never shut up.  I also learned that asana practice was actually a very small part of yoga, however still very important. 

As with everything in life, I started my yoga practice backwards.  I started with the mind; most people start with the poses (asanas).  This journey into the mind is what began my journey of Self-discovery.  It was intriguing to learn how the mind works, as well as the science behind yoga and meditation.  Two years later, I decided it was time to start my asana practice.  So, I registered for a 200 RYT training.  While difficult at times, this was one of the best things I could have ever done for myself.   When you are willing to really get to know yourself, it is amazing the amount of garbage that comes to the surface.  Most of which we have been carrying around for years, even decades.  Yoga has given me the tools to handle the ups and downs of life.  Although, I still forget to use them sometimes.  I am forever grateful to be on this journey and look forward to seeing where it leads.  Because that's what it's about, right...the journey, not the destination.

Bio to follow...

Bio to follow...

Bio to follow...

Bio to follow...