Mel’s (she/her) passion for movement developed at a young age and evolved through a range of athletic pursuits. After finishing her college volleyball career with a National Championship and All-American honors, Mel was left with intense and unrelenting back pain. She came to yoga as a means to heal her body, but ended up just as inspired by the emotional practice as the physical one. For the first time, she was able to listen to her body in a way that nurtured it, rather than demanded something from it.

Mel is originally from San Francisco and after ten years of practice in studios across the country, completed her 200hr training with Kula Yoga in New York City. Since then, she has continued her studies with Nikki Vilella (Kula/Vinyasa Flow), Nevine Michaan (Katonah Yoga), and Tom Meyers (Anatomy Trains). In 2023, Mel completed her 200hr Katonah Yoga certification.

Mel’s teaching, like her creative pursuits, is informed by a multidimensional range of influences. She studied psychology for several years, which stokes her interest in the subtle body and how yogic practices can cultivate emotional resilience and inner connection. Her background in athletics runs parallel to a deep appreciation for art and the creative process, reflecting the balance of action and introspection that grounds her classes. As a teacher, Mel strives to integrate alignment based vinyasa, dynamic pranayama (breathing), and space into her classes. She views yoga as a tool for deeper embodiment, both physically and emotionally.

See Mel’s schedule here.