We have a great group of talented instructors who help create
the most amazing yoga experience you will have!
Click on their photo to find out more about each one.
- Jen Fedorowicz
- Robert Sturt
- Michelle Moore
- Karen Babcock
- Jeanette Gekosky
- Suzanne Toone
- Tessa Price
- Artis Smith
Instead of a drugstore on every corner there should be a yoga studio!" —Jen Fedorowicz
Jen Fedorowicz
Jens Story
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
Robert Sturt
Roberts Story
Michelle Moore
Michelles Story
There is the mud, and there is the lotus that grows out of the mud. We need the mud in order to make the lotus.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Karen Babcock
Karens Story
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.
Jeanette Gekosky
Jeanettes Story
Jeanette found her love for yoga after trying yoga for knee issues she’s had since early in childhood, including multiple surgeries. As she once again developed more severe knee pain and issues later in adulthood she decided to try yoga and was pleased with the positive results she experienced with the healing of her knee. Jeanette, never being able to participate in athletic activities due to the severity of her knee issues, was in shock when she saw what her body was capable of with the consistent practice of yoga. Not only did yoga help her to physically improve in so many ways but it also helped her to deal with stress in a more effective manner.
Jeanette’s classes are light hearted, she likes to create an atmosphere that will make you work your body in a joy filled way. Her main goal is that you get to be the best version of you; not only become physically better but leave her class with a sense of positivity.
Jeanette resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and their four busy active children.
It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection. —Gita verse 3:35 karma yoga
Suzanne Toone
Suzanne Toones Story
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 Price
Tessa's Story
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.
Artis Smith
Artis's Story
Artis has always been drawn to spiritually. His father is a minister and his mother a teacher and this prepared him for his life path, helping people on their spiritual journey. Artis began his journey when he read an ancient spiritual book in his father’s study when he was a child. From there his curiosity was sparked and he began studying many different religious beliefs.
Years later he moved to Atlanta Georgia and had a Soto Zen practice but was looking for some type of moving meditation to go with it. His life path and purpose became clear when he relocated to Virginia with his family and took his first Yoga class. From that day Artis has maintained a six-day a week Yoga/meditation practice.
Artis has trained and studied in Ashtanga, Restorative and Yin. He received his 200hr CYT accreditation from Atma Bodha Yoga School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He has hosted and attended workshops and a teacher training with Manju Jois, the son of the founder of Ashtanga. He has also completed a teacher track training, and attend workshops hosted by his current main teacher David Garrigues.
Artis’s teaching style comes from an Ashtanga background with his own personal touch. He is able to teach everything from a full led Ashtanga class to a gentle candlelight Restorative.
Artis believes the true way to happiness is through service to others.