Margot’s passion for the creative goes far beyond her unique eye for design and innovative class sequencing. Margot has the ability to turn a room into a sanctuary, and a business into a community of people working together for a greater good. Margot began her life long love affair with yoga when she was just 13 years old and has made it a conscious effort to always have yoga in her life, by creating yoga programs at her high school and continuing her practice in college. Margot has achieved many yoga certifications, the most recent is her 500 hour certificate from Laughing Lotus Yoga Center in NYC. Margot’s style of teaching is influenced by over 15 years of devotion to her personal yoga practice. In class with Margot you will always find something new, wither it is new poses, beautifully choreographed sequences or amazing play lists. 

“I teach directly from my own mat. Whatever I am working on or undergoing in my own life/ practice will flow through me and then into my classes. I truly believe that Yoga is an extension or even a giant metaphor for how we live our lives and that every challenge we encounter wither on or off the mat is meant to help us learn a deeper lesson of how we live, communicate and treat ourselves” Says Margot. 

Margot has successfully owned and operated Breathing Room since 2009 and has committed to continuing her mission of providing good quality yoga at a fair price. Margot’s goal in opening Breathing Room was to create a space in which people can come and practice in their own way, hence the Breathing Room slogan, designed by Margot, “yoga for you”. By continuing on her path Margot is doing just that. Since 2009 Breathing Room has been voted “Best Yoga Center in New Haven” in both the New Haven Advocate and New Have Register.

Rebecca Smith (500 RYT 200 E-RYT) loves to challenge students to be curious on the mat, to seek a deeper understanding and connection to their internal experience, and to strike a balance between effort and ease through consistent practice. In other words, be playful, be present, try something new, but be disciplined and diligent in dedicating time to your yoga. In Rebecca’s vinyasa classes, you can expect to work hard, breath steady, rest easy, and sit quietly every time. Her sequencing is intentional and inviting to all levels to build the practice that’s right for you in the moment. Her favorite phrase to remind students of is “don’t be intimidated, be inspired!”

Though most of her classes are vinyasa, Rebecca enjoys teaching a variety of styles of yoga. Whether restorative or vigorous, she seeks to empower each student with self-care knowledge physically and mentally, always encouraging and hoping to inspire a consistent home practice. She draws on her dance background for creative movement, her personal injury recovery for modifications and healing, and her military years to bring discipline and strength to the mat.

Rebecca is honored to teach in both 200 & 300 hour programs for Lara Ward’s Lotus Gardens Yoga School and to be an ambassador for Veterans Yoga Project with Daniel Libby, Ph.D.

Amy is a E-RYT500hr Yoga Teacher and a Yoga Therapist in training with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy. She first received her 200-hr training in Vinyasa at Joschi Institute in Manhattan in 2013. Amy’s teaching has a foundation of Vinyasa flow for all levels. Her Vinyasa classes range from powerful and sweat-provoking to slow and meditative. In addition to Vinyasa she teaches Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Athletes, and Therapeutic Yoga, in group or individual settings. Her more recent in-depth study in anatomy and Yoga Therapy are interwoven in all of her classes. Amy fell in love with the Asana practice for the physical and physiological benefits, but it really started to change her life when she made the connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. It was at that realization that Amy was able to transform anxiety and frequent panic attacks into a more calm and steady presence. Her purpose is to share the practice with others, to remind her students and herself that we are whole complete beings already and yoga helps us see that. She encourages her students to tune into awareness and mindfulness in order to learn when to increase effort and when to apply ease in their physical, mental, and spiritual yoga practice. Amy is continuing her education with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy of Durango, CO, in pursuit of her 1,000-hour certification as a Certified Yoga Therapist (CYT) through IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists), under the guidance of senior teachers such as Neil Pearson, Maria Mendola, Dr. Marc Halpern, Nischala Joy Devi , Amy Weintraub, Laura Kupperman, and Michele Lawerence.

Tobie was introduced to yoga in her early twenties but didn't start a dedicated practice until her 29th birthday when her mother brought her to Kripalu Center in the Berkshires. Since then she has completed her 200hr certification in an Iyengar influenced style of yoga. She has learned from teachers such as Rodney Yee, Seane Corn, Rolf Gates, Baron Baptiste and Stephen Cope. Tobie teaches a vinyasa style of yoga with an attention to form and alignment. She believes that form and alignment are the keys to freedom in the body and freedom in the breath. Being a massage therapist for the last 10 years and receiving her masters in clinical nutrition two years ago, Tobie has a well rounded understanding of the body. Her classes are challenging and fun while giving the students an awareness that they are ultimately their own teacher and can guide their practice to fit their needs. 

Brett has been devoted to the study and application of how human beings work and thrive since 1995.
This in-depth study has been supported like a good chair with the four pillars of Yoga, Meditation, Chinese Medicine, and Life Coaching. He has been teaching Yoga since 2001. He has studied in the United States as well as in Mysore India under numerous esteemed teachers; Tias Little, Sarah Powers, and Adyashanti being foundational.Brett shares and teaches that which is true and alive in him. His teaching springs from a strong grounding in the Ashtanga Vinyasa tradition modified to suit differing levels and tempered by careful attention to finding both anatomical as well as "true" alignment in the poses. His approach encourages the release of holding, being and thinking patterns that make a home for fear and discomfort in the body.Brett certifies himself daily to step into unconditional peace, joy, and contentment (and sometimes stumbles in this :o).

Influenced by several traditions, styles and teachers, my alignment-based classes are a decisive blend of what speaks to me and is at the forefront of my personal practice. My major influences include Katonah Yoga, Hatha, Kundalini Yoga, Yoga Nidra, meditation and my continued studies with my mentor, Elena Brower. I am honored to travel and assist at many of Elena’s retreats and workshops. In my classes I ask that we become more sensitive and specific with how we place our bodies and how we relate to ourselves. I think we are all attempting to understand ourselves a little bit better.  When our architecture is sound, when we are stable we can find more space. When we strengthen to become more buoyant, light, and serene in our bodies we create more ease. I believe our privilege is to create sustainable, mindful practices to increase longevity, endurance, resilience, and agility in every part of ourselves and our life at large. Living with a sense of ease means we can bring the best version of ourselves to the forefront, which is ultimately what we all want for ourselves and for the people close to us. 

Sasha began her path as a yoga teacher in 2005 at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram in India where she completed her first 200-hour training. It was here that she realized yoga to be a completely integrative way of life, far more than just the physical poses she had set out to learn. In 2006, she moved to Maui to continue her yogic quest and enrolled in her second 200-hour teacher training with Eddie Modestini and Nicki Doane. Here she studied in the Krishnamacharya lineage and deepened her understanding of physical alignment and yoga therapy. Sasha went on to become an Urban Zen Integrative Therapist (UZIT) in 2011 in NYC under her teachers Rodney Yee, Richard Freeman, Colleen Saidman Yee and Roshi Joan Halifax. At Urban Zen, Sasha learned to layer healing modalities such as essential oil therapy, Reiki, contemplative care, and restorative yoga for use with patients, workers and families in hospital settings and also for her own self-care. Sasha is honored and humbled to be carrying on the ancient tradition of hatha yoga and excited for the continuous discovery of alignment within the body and within everyday life. 

After years of nomadic lifestyle, sailing on Tall Ships and living in jungles, in 2010 Staci found a steady home practicing yoga. Her geographic and spiritual journey continued to unfold, bringing her to New Haven just in time for Breathing Room's inaugural 200 hour Teacher Training in 2014-2015.  She then went on to complete her Y12SR (Yoga of 12 Step Recovery) certification with Nikki Myers. 

Staci studies weekly at the Shambhala Meditation Center and incorporates many aspects of meditation and mindfulness into her Vinyasa and Restorative classes. She also teaches various forms of Recovery Yoga throughout New Haven and believes that yoga and meditation can be a very valuable relapse prevention tool, working to re-integrate the lost self.

Staci is honored to be able to continue to study here at Breathing Room with her amazing teachers and explore the living art of yoga together. 

Sasha Krushnic’s 10+ years of vinyasa and ashtanga yoga practice has helped him cultivate introspective awareness and an appreciation for reality. He completed a 200hr yoga teacher training at Breathing Room Yoga Center and is also a certified Acro Revolution Instructor. Discovering Acro sprouted new growth as he found it to be an amazingly fun way to develop coordination, strength, and balance within the context of our super social existence as humans. He also has a residential green design build practice and is developing innovative high efficiency architectural products. Sasha’s weekly classes include Vinyasa Flow Yoga, and Open level as well as Intermediate Acro. IG @skrucial, FB Sasha Krushnic. Find him often teaching with the powerhouse flier Abigail Bowesox (@arbsox), and spectacular circus vet Gracie White (@gracie_gw).

Haley believes that everyone’s body and mind can benefit from the yoga journey. She began her own journey in 2002, when she signed up for Yoga 101 as part of a gym requirement for college. It was there that she was introduced to the various styles of yoga and learned basic postures as well as breathing exercises. She enjoyed the increased flexibility, strength, and the clarity of a calm mind; and immediately fell in love!

Haley loves learning and sharing what she has learned with others. She enjoys teaching mixed-level hatha, vinyasa flow and restorative classes that offer an introduction for students new to yoga while encouraging experienced students to deepen their awareness of technique, breath and movement.

Saskia Bergmans Smith has been teaching and studying yoga since 1997. Saskia is Dutch, yet she grew up in England. In Europe she studied with Dona Holleman and Orit Sen-Gupta. In Boston, MA, Saskia completed her 200hr teacher training in 2004 and her 500hr in 2007, with Kim Valeri, Founder and Director of yogaspirit® Studios. Saskia teaches in the style of the yogaspirit®; lineage and is part of the yogaspirit® 200hr teacher training faculty. She ran and operated her own yoga studio, Studio Om, from 2003-2010, in Wakefield, MA.

Saskia has taught prenatal and postnatal yoga since 2003, she has practiced as a doula and teaches workshops to educate parents on the importance of prenatal and postpartum self-care.  Saskia holds a safe and sacred space for her students connect with their ever-changing pregnant bodies, integrating asana and restorative yoga into her prenatal and postnatal classes. She cultivates learning in her students through inspired by the yogaspirit® lineage, guiding a multi-level class from the physical foundation of the body to the healing components of yoga. Saskia a devoted mother to two little girls and continues to develop her teaching and healing skills through working with her private clients.

Millie started practicing yoga with Kamakshi Hart in Washington DC in 2000 as a way of dealing with the stress of law school. She obtained her teaching certification from Kripalu in 2003 and her prenatal teaching certificate in 2010. Millie has a contemporary dance background - including 8 years performing with Elm City Dance Collective - and integrates a love of fluid movement, music, and community into her personal yoga practice and her approach to teaching. She is currently studying Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction through the Umass Center for Mindfulness.

I have “dabbled” in yoga for years, but became more focused with a regular yoga practice in 2012.  Soon after, I went through a life-changing illness and yoga then became essential. Movement is medicine and not only has yoga been part of my own healing and health, I hope to facilitate an opportunity for others to experience freedom, healing and connection both on and off the mat.

My classes are inspired by my own practice and dance background and have a watery ebb and flow texture that serves to create rhythm in the body. I often weave thoughts on gratitude, compassion and kindness into the practice while building strength and creating space within the body.  I like to begin class with an opportunity for students to pause and “catch up” to themselves, then we move, sweat and go deeper and my hope is that you walk away feeling refreshed, grounded and open for whatever might knock on your door.

In addition to teaching and taking yoga, I currently work with the National Breast Cancer Foundation providing training for under-served women across the U.S. in breast health through personal engagement, education and resources.  I am intrigued about mindfulness and integrative health to support the whole body and continue my curiosities in the Wellness and Alternative Medicine program at Vermont State College.  I also love reading, exploring my creative whims, nature and birds in particular - I also have two hilarious teenage boys and a pretty great Canadian husband that I love to be with.

I received my certificate in yoga instruction from Kripalu in March 2013 with Devarshi Steven Hartman and have continued my training with Jason Crandell in New York City. I also teach in North Haven and love being part of the Breathing Room Yoga Center both as a teacher and always a student.

Emily believes yoga is a healing, magical experience that just also happens to create fun shapes with your body & build strong muscles. She taught dance & other fitness formats for nine years before her bones craved healing & she began a daily yoga practice. It has been a tumultuous love affair ever since. Fueled by her love of people, music & dance, her classes are always rocking great tunes & inviting to all people regardless of experience, anxiety, body size, flexibility, or even who you voted for! ;)  

She desires for all humans to know their innate worth & feel at home in their bodies. She recognizes (from experience that) yoga can be just as-if not more-challenging to the brain as it is for the body. Her background in mental health helps her create a space where even in the wrestling with stillness & quiet, students are always invited to simply be where they are...even if that's a fetal position for 60 minutes. Come for the tunes, stay for the creative sequencing...or just stay for that shavasana. 

Emily has trained under renowned Iyengar instructor, Richard Sachtel, in Seattle, WA who she credits for her anatomically charged cues. Her funky, powerful sequencing and ever present focus on the unique, individual experience of yoga she credits to teachers & friends, Elsie Irvin & Lindsay Dover Wheeler in Atlanta, GA. 

Emily is new to New Haven, accompanied by her main man, Henri, who happens to be a 12 lb ball of floof. She loves beet juice, french fries, laughing, is always talking about social justice for everyone, & working for more ways to bring yoga to ALL the people. 

Samantha developed a profound connection to the yogic lifestyle at the age of seventeen when she began her daily practice of Kundalini Yoga.  She discovered the value of dedicating oneself to yogic principles.   Being in this state of consciousness cultivated openness, healing, and abundance in her life.  After completing her first 200 day meditation, she realized she was on the path to becoming a teacher, and knew the ancient gift of yogic wisdom was meant to be spread wide and far.

Seven years later, she went on to complete her 200 hour Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training led by the esteemed and radiant Hari Kaur.  Delving deeper into the teachings of Yogi Bhajan during her teacher training gave her an invaluable sense of self and soul and a deep-rooted comprehension of the miracles of Kundalini Yoga.  

Samantha believes that with the practice of Kundalini Yoga, individuals can develop an awareness of the sacred alignment between the mind, body, and soul, and through that, they can begin to live a conscious and blissful life. In each class, Samantha taps into the healing energies of indigenous and world cultures through her integration of sounds and music.  She teaches her classes through the light of her heart and through the golden chain of wisdom that connects all Gurus and Teachers, always aiming to inspire her students to ignite the fire within themselves.

 I am a yoga instructor because I simply cannot imagine not sharing this practice, this way of living. Come to my class and reap the  benefits of this energizing body, breath and mind experience. It is indeed a magnificent way to free yourself from your own ‘Private Idaho’ :  all that junk each one of us has. My personal practice will be lifelong, of this I am certain. Showing you all this lifelong path connects me directly to my happiness. My classes will allow you to hold your own space as you practice a rhythmical and dynamic flow with guidance, helping you connect to what it is that you may need that day.

    My trainings include 200HR with Claire Este-McDonald and Gregor Singleton from Divine Play Yoga. Boston, as well as their Advanced Teacher training and Assisting Workshop. Other trainings I have completed are with Baron Baptiste, Jason Crandall and Tiffany Cruikshank, among others. I am also Patvan (Aerial) Yoga Teacher certified and enjoy teaching  this challenging,and flighty(!) practice.

I have recently relocated to this Connecticut area for my home, after living in Pittsburgh for 25 wonderful years where I taught yoga and raised my three kids.  It was time to return to New England, being a Boston area native. To be on the ocean again is something that I will never take for granted! 

Josh Kane is a professional musician with over 30 years experience in his field.  He began his yoga and meditation practice in 2004 and started teaching in 2015.  He focuses primarily on helping students of all ages and abilities to reach higher states of consciousness through sound, meditation and movement.