Meet our Amazing Instructors....
Michelle Brook, E-RYT 200 has practiced yoga since 1998, but began a more rigorous and committed practice in 2011, after a traumatic loss. Yoga helped her through a difficult time and has enhanced and benefited her life in significant ways since, making her eager to learn more and to share her knowledge so others can absorb the positives yoga can provide.
For many years, Michelle taught preschool nature programs, grade school river ecology lessons, and all grade levels as a substitute teacher. She has an E- RYT 200 hour certification from the American Yoga Academy and a 30 hour certification from Karma Kids Yoga Studio in NYC, where she learned games, activities and hundreds of poses that incorporate play to best share the practice with children. She recently completed coursework for a certification in Trauma-informed yoga from the BodyWise Institute. She teaches kids yoga classes at several yoga studios and private homes. In addition, she shares the practice with adults monthly at the West Milford Library and taught at Passaic County Community College for a number of years. Michelle’s experience of conducting yoga programming at a public school in Jersey City is featured in a book chapter, published in 2019, “Stories of School Yoga Narratives from the Field” by SUNY Press.
“I love sharing yoga with children; it’s about poses, play, breath, music, dance and games. Kids have fun while gaining knowledge about themselves and learning lifelong skills to manage stress and strong emotions.”
For many years, Michelle taught preschool nature programs, grade school river ecology lessons, and all grade levels as a substitute teacher. She has an E- RYT 200 hour certification from the American Yoga Academy and a 30 hour certification from Karma Kids Yoga Studio in NYC, where she learned games, activities and hundreds of poses that incorporate play to best share the practice with children. She recently completed coursework for a certification in Trauma-informed yoga from the BodyWise Institute. She teaches kids yoga classes at several yoga studios and private homes. In addition, she shares the practice with adults monthly at the West Milford Library and taught at Passaic County Community College for a number of years. Michelle’s experience of conducting yoga programming at a public school in Jersey City is featured in a book chapter, published in 2019, “Stories of School Yoga Narratives from the Field” by SUNY Press.
“I love sharing yoga with children; it’s about poses, play, breath, music, dance and games. Kids have fun while gaining knowledge about themselves and learning lifelong skills to manage stress and strong emotions.”
Joyce Troast has practiced yoga since 2000. She completed her children's training in NYC with Radiant Child Yoga.
In her classes she integrates her background in social work and as a special needs teacher's assistant to enhance learning in a creative,playful way. Her classes are a vehicle for her students to become empowered,build self-confidence,inner peace,teamwork skills, and uncover their hidden treasures.
"I am so passionate about the practice of yoga and its benefits and feel so grateful to be able to pass this knowledge along to my students."
In her classes she integrates her background in social work and as a special needs teacher's assistant to enhance learning in a creative,playful way. Her classes are a vehicle for her students to become empowered,build self-confidence,inner peace,teamwork skills, and uncover their hidden treasures.
"I am so passionate about the practice of yoga and its benefits and feel so grateful to be able to pass this knowledge along to my students."
Cat Sposa, RYT 200
Cat has been practicing yoga since she was 18, and has maintained an active lifestyle ever since she first started being involved in sports at an early age. Cat’s passion for wellness and Ahimsa (compassion for all living begins) have both played major roles in her decision to become a yoga teacher. Being a vegetarian since 2010 and committing to a daily yoga practice, Cat has found her mind, body and spirit well balanced. She’s passionate in sharing her yoga teaching with others so they can experience the amazing benefits yoga has to offer. Cat completed her 200 HR RYT program through Bhakti Barn in Millburn, NJ. Her classes are challenging yet accessible to all.
Cat has been practicing yoga since she was 18, and has maintained an active lifestyle ever since she first started being involved in sports at an early age. Cat’s passion for wellness and Ahimsa (compassion for all living begins) have both played major roles in her decision to become a yoga teacher. Being a vegetarian since 2010 and committing to a daily yoga practice, Cat has found her mind, body and spirit well balanced. She’s passionate in sharing her yoga teaching with others so they can experience the amazing benefits yoga has to offer. Cat completed her 200 HR RYT program through Bhakti Barn in Millburn, NJ. Her classes are challenging yet accessible to all.
