Instructors

I was a stressed out elementary school teacher, single mother  with chronic back and sciatic nerve pain. In 2000 I discovered yoga. It wasn’t immediate, but after I started practicing regularly I noticed less and less back pain and I started to handle stress better. After awhile when I felt anxious or stressed I would say to myself, “I need yoga.”  Yoga became the calm my life needed. I began to learn what being ‘mindful” meant and using the breath and techniques that yoga taught me I became a happier more peaceful mom, wife and person.

Ultimately, I did have back surgery in 2007, but my recovery was quick and easy and I equate that to my regular yoga practice. I started to share yoga with friends and colleagues because I wanted everyone to experience this joy that yoga brought to my life. When my home became too small for the friends who wanted to bring their friends to my classes I opened Shine. Now I get to do what I love everyday, share the JOY of YOGA.

My classes are infused with the idea that you have more control over your energy than you realize. A yoga practice helps you to be more in tune with your own energy and you begin to experience how your thoughts are the directing force in your life. In addition,  I am a reiki master and provide private reiki session with clients on my Biomat. Call me to schedule a private session to raise your vibration, ease pain and feel more at ease in life. You can learn more about amazing benefits of the Biomat, or purchase your own at www.shineyoga.biomat.com

Karen first found yoga in 2004 after the birth of her second son, shortly after leaving corporate America.

Karen holds specialties in yoga therapy, back therapeutic yoga, restorative yoga, prenatal yoga, yoga for the larger body, seniors yoga, chair yoga, kids, yoga for eating disorders and Pilates.  Karen has had many and nearly countless inspirational teachers along the way.

Her philosophy is that yoga should be accessible and safe for everybody. We should each be honoring our bodies where they are on any given day. Each time we step on our mat it’s a new opportunity to transform mind, body and spirit. And on a grander scale, that gives us opportunity to transform the world around us on our journeys to be the best version of ourselves that we can be on each given day.

Yoga is a practice, enjoy the journey.

I started my yoga journey about 8 years ago when I stepped foot into a beginner yoga class after reading a sign that said “life begins at the end of your comfort zone, do something outside of your bubble every day” Yoga changed my life. Meeting yogis of different backgrounds, ages, and body types inspired me to move forward and take my teaching certification at the age of 41. I knew I wanted to share the gift, and inspire people by showing them that yoga is for any body no matter what type of body or limitation we may have. Allow the yoga to change to meet the individuals needs.

I truly enjoy teaching the softer side of yoga, keeping it gentle and beginner friendly, with modifications utilizing yoga props. Since graduating teacher training, I have studied yin yoga and chair yoga. I have also studied up to 2nd degree Usui reiki, chakra therapy and crystal healing therapy. My favorite hobby is painting.

Tessa grew up in the hill country of Texas. A Navy wife, very happy to currently be setting roots and opening her heart in Virginia Beach.

She discovered yoga in 2008, finding her mat as a place to “tune in” during her busy life as a tired college student, waitress, and musician. Experiencing the profound impact of yoga in her own life for over 10 years, Tessa took her study deeper and became a certified yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance.

Tessa enjoys holding a light-hearted space to share the joyful exploration of yoga. By focusing on the foundations, she emphasizes breath-work, alignment, and quieting the mind. She encourages her students to pause and listen to the integrity of the mind body connection and honor their unique strengths.

Tessa believes that yoga is a place to be made safe for every body, she remains open to continuously learn new styles and techniques to support every student that steps into the class.