Alena has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at HYP studio in Wellesley in 2024. Growing up with semi-professional athlete parents, she was involved in various physical activities from a young age, including swimming, running, tennis, and cross-country skiing. Initially, she saw yoga as another way to engage her whole body in physical practice.

However, through continuous practice, yoga offered Alena much more. It provided a creativity boost, a focused and strong mind, stress relief, and a grounding and quieting of her emotions, ultimately building a stronger sense of self-connection. Like everyone else, Alena had to go through numerous life changes: immigration, switching careers, becoming a parent, and dealing with injuries. Yoga helped her maintain fluidity not just in her body but in her life as well.

Currently, Alena is interested in different breathwork techniques, art therapy, and meditation. These interests, combined with her past experiences, contribute to a strong, vinyasa-based yoga practice that enhances body awareness, breath awareness, and mind clarity. In her classes, Alena aims to meet students where they are and encourages students to build their own practice, listen compassionately to their body’s signals, and maintain a sense of humor to honor their uniqueness.

Outside of yoga, Alena is managing motherhood, a full-time job as a user experience designer at a fintech company and pursuing her passion as an occasional abstract painter.

To Amanda, yoga is more than just a sequence of poses. It is a way of life. She initially started practicing because it was a great way to build strength and become more flexible. She found those things and much more. Yoga gives us a greater peace of mind, a tool to manage anxiety, a sense of well being, a supportive community, increased self confidence, connection with others, joy in vulnerability, and a profound spiritual practice. Yoga unites and connects. It meets us in our struggles and amplifies what is going right in our lives while giving us strength to handle what isn’t. It is a source of calm in a chaotic world. Amanda’s goal in her classes is to challenge you and lift you up. You will look within yourself for truth and to your neighbor for support. You will be led through breath, strong poses, and graceful movements, so you can then sit and hear the quiet wisdom of your own mind.

Amanda completed her 200 hour training with Rolf Gates in 2014 and 300 hour training with Jacqui Bonwell in 2018. She is certified to teach Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Meditation. In addition to teaching yoga, Amanda has studied reiki for the past few years in the Usai Shiki Ryoho lineage. She was recently attuned as a Reiki Master and is undergoing her one year apprenticeship to become an independent Reiki instructor. Amanda feels Reiki is the perfect complement to a yoga practice as both work towards balance, wholeness, and overall wellness.

Anne has been in the fitness industry since early 2000’s.  She started as a Kickboxing Instructor and within a couple of years established her own fitness center in Pepperell MA.  It was her passion to work with others to attain their fitness goals, and to build a community around fitness. Anne is a Personal Trainer and has had certifications in Pilates, Boot Camp, TRX, Zumba and other Group-Ex classes. 

Known to say “you can do anything for 20 seconds” during a workout, Anne will motivate you to keep going and finish strong to the end.

If you have ever been to one of Cara’s classes, you know that she wears many hats. She is the friend that pulls over when she sees you in the parking lot to see how your day is going. She is the mom that races to her son’s school because he forgot that Wednesday is violin lesson day. She is the spouse that picks up her husband’s favorite pot stickers from Trader Joes. Cara is also your fitness coach!

After Cara’s son was born, she was looking to get back in shape. She had a laptop and ordered some workout DVDs. She jumped around to the routine in her living room and had no idea (at the time) she was planning her future. Strength takes time and that’s exactly what I Cara gave herself: the gift of patience. Working out is a mindset and hard work will pay off. You will become stronger and you will learn the importance of beauty of rest. Committing to fitness is understanding when to push and pull back. Cara knows this because she walks this talk every day.  What was once jumping around her living room is now training for road and obstacle races and cheering on her friends and family as they find their own fitness paths. Join Cara in a upcoming class – all you need to do is show up and together you will figure out the rest from there.

When Courtney was old enough to join a gym in 2010, she tried her first Les Mills Body Combat class and instantly was hooked. She earned her black belt in karate in 2013 and loved how Body Combat incorporated true martial arts into the workout. Courtney particularly loves the science behind the exercises and the passion that Les Mills brings. She became a certified instructor for Body Combat in 2019 and has been actively teaching since 2021. She also became certified in Les Mills Body Pump in 2023. Courtney values the commitment that Les Mills provides to each and every new workout that is released 4 times a year.

Courtney loves inspiring members who are looking to find the strongest version of themselves and encourages them to step out of their comfort zone. She understands that taking that first step into a new group fitness class can be daunting and intimidating, she works to ensure that every member feels safe and successful in her class. Courtney believes that finding a workout that makes you feel happy is the best workout you will do. Her favorite part about teaching group fitness is the community and friendships that are formed. She is so thankful for her committed members that consistently rise to the challenge.

When Courtney is not teaching at Waverley Oaks, she is teaching her 3rd grade students. She loves sharing her passion for teaching across all areas and ages! In her free time, Courtney enjoys reading new mystery books, running, traveling, listening to new music and lounging at the beach! A fun fact about Courtney is that she ran the Boston Marathon in 2023.

In 2003 Deb was helping dear friends open a fitness center for seniors and physically challenged individuals. There was an evident need for Yoga at the club, but she had never taken a yoga class in my life. Her friend was adamant that I would enjoy it and should teach it. It was then that Deb decided to take a ViniYoga training program. The philosophy of ViniYoga is anyone can practice. Surprise – she loved it – from the very first class. Deb taught yoga there for 3 years and became a “sub” yoga teacher at Waverley Oaks Athletic Club.

Yoga is a union, combining the inside and outside, being mindful and in the present. The most meaningful lesson for Deb in her ViniYoga journey has been learning to be in the present and not expending a lot of mental energy ruing the past or worrying about the future. She believes it is important we make our lives with what we have, not what we do not have. Practicing yoga is key to keeping that balance in focus.

Anyone can practice yoga – tall, short, overweight, underweight, young, old – and Deb’s classes are about doing what you can. If your fingers do not reach the floor in a forward bend, that’s ok – you can still reap the benefits of a forward bend to your own ability. Moving through the postures is only one element of the yoga experience. Deb is there there as your yoga guide, the hour is your own personal yoga experience. She offers posture adjustments and alternatives to meet differing ability levels. Deb aims to have the participants in her classes leave feeling more relaxed, centered and in the present moment.

Erika brings her wealth of knowledge, outgoing personality and collaborative spirit to the Yoga practice while inspiring others to improve their physical, mental & emotional wellbeing.

She received her 300-hour yoga teacher training certification in 2017, and is trained in Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Meditation, Restorative Yoga & more.

As a lifelong fitness enthusiast, Genevieve always believed in the power of movement to transform lives. From cheerleading to soccer, her diverse sports background shaped her passion for exercise and well-being at a young age. Working in a high-stress corporate accounting role, she found that exercise became the ultimate outlet. She believes that staying active is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Missing the camaraderie of team sports inspired her to start teaching fitness classes in 2017. Since then, Genevieve has thrived on building meaningful relationships and motivating others to reach their goals. Her classes are high-energy and challenging, always bringing something new to the table. Genevieve strives to create a positive environment in her classes where everyone is welcome and can experience the benefits of movement. Each class is designed to push you to your limits, leaving you feeling accomplished and eager for more.

When Genevieve is not in the gym or crunching numbers, you can find her walking her mini Bernedoodle, Boomer, or lounging at the beach with the latest bestseller in hand.

After a 35-year career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, Joanne is living her dream and teaching yoga. She has been practicing yoga for 27 years and has experienced a changing practice over time. Joanne practiced hot power yoga and Ashtangha yoga for many years, but as she got older, she began listening more to what her body needed so she slowed her practice down. She believes there is a place for all types of yoga, including hot power yoga and Ashtangha practice, but listening to what felt best for her was a priority and this is how she teaches her classes. Joanne encourages folks to always listen and pay attention to how things feel: we are all different and it is not about how flexible we are or if we can put our head to the floor. It’s about paying attention to how your body feels in a posture and meeting your practice where it is without judgement and with compassion. She believes that if you can breathe you can practice yoga – there is a posture for everyone.

Joanne is a 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher trained in teaching hatha, yin, restorative, gentle, and chakra yoga through Kripalu Yoga Center in Lenox, MA. Kripalu has been training yoga teachers for over 40 years. Kripalu translates to “compassion” or one who is compassionate. It is with this legacy of compassion that Joanne teaches and guides her classes. All are welcome in her class – from brand new practitioners to experienced yogis – and all body types can join Joanne in a practice of mindfulness, meditation, and learning.

Julie Montalto is a graduate of Boston University  Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. After spending several years working in the fields of benefits and education, she took her anatomy and physiology education and applied it to becoming a Certified Personal Trainer in 2000. Having taken her first Les Mills BodyPump class in the mid-nineties, she enthusiastically became an  instructor in that program.

She truly values the science behind Les Mills  programs and the energy, challenge and FUN that comes with the workouts. She encourages her  training clients and class participants to achieve their personal best in each and every workout and class. She hopes to inspire participants to appreciate the challenge of the workout and to especially have a great time during class.  Taking her training to the next level, she received a certificate in nutritional counseling and guides people in viewing food as fuel and understanding that calories are their energy, not their enemy. She is also a certified Indoor Cycling instructor.

Julie is thrilled to bring her love of fitness to Waverley Oaks Athletic Club and is inspired by the members’ efforts and participation. She is truly  honored to be an instructor and is thoroughly enjoying the enthusiasm and passion for fitness that the members have. Her  favorite part of the workout is the smiles of the participants as they sweat it out and take their fitness to the next level. Julie has lived in Natick, Massachusetts for over 25 years with her husband, daughter, and beagle.

Kelly has been teaching yoga since 2010. A lifetime athlete, she loved that yoga was more than just a workout, and how every class could be different. She completed her 200-hour teacher training with Ana Forrest and took a 32-hour adjustment training with Sue Jones. She has also studied with Ame Wren and David Regelin to further her teaching practice.

She is inspired to give students a practice that both challenges them physically and allows them a respite from our busy modern lives. Kelly’s teaching is a vinyasa style, linking breath and movement with compassionate cueing and assists.

When not teaching yoga, Kelly enjoys doing most anything outside, traveling, volunteering at her kids’ schools & sports, and reading. Kelly grew up in Massachusetts and received her BS at Babson College and MBA at Boston University.

“Yoga is one of the few things in life that I never tire of, and I hope my classes provide students something both familiar and novel. I want them to leave class feeling a little better than when they walked in.”

Kiki is originally from Puerto Rico where she was born and raised. Kiki moved to Rhode Island over 25 years ago, where she raised her 3 sons. Kiki was very active starting at a young age. She was a competitive gymnast, dancer, and later transitioned into other sports and physical activities. Kiki’s professional fitness career started in 2012, when she became a licensed Zumba Instructor. Through the years, she became licensed to teach Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Toning and Strong Nation licenses.

Kiki is an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and she recently added a Women Fitness Specialization to better serve women at different stages of life. She is also a certified Spinning, Schwinn and Keiser cycle instructor.

Kiki believes the secret to a healthy and youthful life is through movement, which is the actual fountain of youth. Her favorite approach to fitness is that “any movement is better than none”, and to see results, fitness needs to be fun.

She encourages her participants and personal training clients to move and exercise in a way that they enjoy. That way you’ll be more likely to make it a lifestyle and see results. What Kiki loves most about teaching group fitness classes is the fun environment that is created and the connections that are made.

“You never know how you can impact and change other people’s lives by showing up to class and making everybody move!”

Literally the last one to be picked in gym class and a complete failure at the 1970s, Presidential Fitness Awards, Nicole started loving exercise in the early ’90s taking Jazzercise and step aerobics classes. Nicole believes that exercise has always gotten her through the inevitable ups and downs of life. She started teaching exercise classes in 2009 because it gave her something uplifting at the lowest point in her life (loss of a parent, divorce, and changing family life). Other than being a mom, fitness instructor is the best job she’s ever had.

Nicole enjoys working with all different age groups and has coached preteen girls to people in their 90s! Because she loves doing all sorts of at-home exercise workouts, she always brings a fresh perspective to her classes. She constantly incorporates the latest findings that exercise is good for both the body and the mind.

Her newest fitness passion is working with people who have Parkinson’s to lessen some of the side effects through certain types of exercise.

Sara received her 200-hour certification through CorePower Yoga in Newton, MA. While using yoga as a way to build strength in the body, it also enabled her to find clarity and strength of mind. The balance of the physical and mental practice cultivated in yoga inspire her on and off of the mat. The entwinement of the individual and the community, strength and fluidity, body and mind, encourage her practice and her teaching style. Her classes focus on the unity of breath and movement, flowing through thoughtful sequences aimed to strengthen and deepen each student’s practice. Her teaching style is accessible and a variety of modifications are always offered. Detailed cues are given to ensure proper form and safety.

Stephanie’s passion for Zumba stems from a lifelong dedication to dance and fitness. She works hard to make sure her classes offer a great mix of dance styles, music, and intensity levels that leaves participants energized and uplifted. She strives to help you see how fun fitness can be!

Outside of the gym, Stephanie holds a PhD in Psychology. Her research focuses on promoting physical activity and healthy behaviors, especially in those living with chronic conditions. Her work emphasizes the power of taking control of your health through exercise and lifestyle choices to support healthy aging.

In her free time, Stephanie loves weightlifting, indulging in the latest binge-worthy TV shows, and traveling.

Teri’s journey in the fitness world began many years ago during her college years. She was captain of the dance team – think Celtics dancers, but with cassette tapes for music, vinyl knee high boots and red-hot pants! During this time Teri also joined her first health club and before she knew it, she was working there teaching classes and selling memberships.

Zoom ahead to today and while a lot has changed, her love for leading classes has never changed. She is a Fitness Professional with certifications ranging from Pilates to PiYO, Zumba to Body Pump, and Personal Training to Specialization in Corrective Exercise. The industry is always growing, and she is a dedicated, lifelong student. Skiing, biking, swimming, golf, hiking, dancing, and an award-winning actress, these are some of Teri’s passions. However, teaching group exercise remains at the center. She loves encouraging a new member, helping them feel a part of the group and providing the guidance to help them feel successful and wanting to come back. Teri also love the camaraderie of teaching to a member for many years, knowing they keep coming because the class is fun, packed with variety and continual physical challenges. Having great music, a warm smile and being just a little bit silly are Teri’s trademarks.