Jennifer Peck, Owner
RYT200 / Ayurveda Health Counselor / Reiki Master
Jennifer began her home practice of yoga in March 2013 as a recommendation from her chiropractor. She suffered from a lifetime of poor posture and was feeling the ill effects of working at a desk for 30 years. She noticed with consistent practice, yoga was alleviating a lot of the pain she suffered daily. As she continued her practice, she began to process and overcome numerous traumas she experienced as a child and young adult. Yoga allowed the healing to happen in a natural and safe way for Jennifer and when the timing was right for her. She learned that yoga is a practice both on and off the mat.
Jennifer graduated from Frog Pond Yoga Center with her RYT200 in January 2017. Within 6 months of teaching, Yoga became her way of life and she became a full-time Yoga teacher. Her experience as includes working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are deaf and blind, those suffering with addiction and mental health disorders, children as young as 3 and adults as old of 79.
She specializes in working with people who are just stepping onto their mat for the first time. Jennifer teaches a gentle-beginner yoga infused with options for those who are more advanced. She aims to teach using simple and clear instruction. It is her honor and passion to share her knowledge and experience with you to live a simple and balanced life through the practice of yoga.
Additionally, Jennifer is a Reiki Master and Ayurveda Health Counselor. She often infuses Reiki into her classes as well as information of living a healthy life through Ayurveda. Her offerings through the studio includes private Yoga and Reiki sessions and Ayurveda Consultations.
Jennifer continues to have a strong home practice. This is where her inspiration comes from to teach and believes it to be a vital part of teaching. "If you are not doing your own work, you can't ask someone else to do it," Jennifer explains.
In Fall of 2020 she will continue her studies with Trillium Ayurveda and Yoga in Orange, MA earning her 300YT.
Off the mat, you will find Jennifer cooking fresh healthy meals, hitting the ski slopes in the winter, riding her motorcycle with her boyfriend every chance she gets, and doing Yoga with her Doga Boy, Rafiki (see his bio below).
Kara Huntoon
Original Co-Founder / RYT500
Kara Huntoon dabbled in yoga beginning in her early 20’s (possibly beginning with the guidance of a Denise Austin video). However she found a deeper connection and developed her daily practice in 2007 when faced with postpartum depression. Through this challenging time she experienced the life changing benefits of yoga and embarked on the journey of bringing these benefits to others through teaching. She began teaching fitness based yoga in 2009 and completed her 200 HR teacher training at Frog Pond Yoga Centre in May 2014 under Diane Featherstone in the Raja tradition.
While completing her student teaching practicum she immersed herself into the practice of restorative yoga and, for possibly the first time, experienced the deep calm that resides beneath the chaos of life. This led her to study with Judith Hanson Lasater, who is known for systematizing and popularizing Restorative Yoga, in November of 2015. After which she continued her education completing her 300Hr advanced training under Maureen Miller of Yoga NH in June of 2017 and is a Registered 500 HR teacher and Continuing Education Provider under Yoga Alliance. She has also explored varieties of mindfulness and meditation practices, experiencing both the bliss and discomforts that arise when looking deep within.
Kara creates classes that infuse various styles of yoga, bringing attention to mindfulness in movement and creating harmony in body, mind and breath. Kara believes that when you bring the mind and body together in the present moment with intention and attention, whatever you’re doing in that moment is yoga. Her goal in each class is to guide you to distance yourself from the noise of daily life and connect to the inner peace that is inherent in each of us. You can find that peace through movement or stillness, though guiding you to the deep inner silence and stillness of oneself is her greatest joy.
Off the mat you will find Kara enjoying life and rediscovering the joys of childhood alongside her two sons, Arik and Louie. She’s also happy to gab your ear off over the latest book she read, the great Ted talk she just listened to or the joys and struggles of navigating the human experience. She enjoys listening to your story because in this life, we learn from being truly present to the experience of others.
Jessica Wyson
Original Co-Founder / CYT500
Jessica began practicing yoga in 2007 after the birth of her second child. She was hoping to find a new form of exercise that would help her get back into shape. To her surprise she was instantly hooked on the positive way yoga made her feel about her body and mind. This led her to Frog Pond Yoga Centre for her 200 Hr teacher training, which she completed in May 2014. Her desire to learn more led her to continue her studies with Peter Rizzo at Bhava Yoga in Brattleboro, VT; obtaining her 300Hr certification in January of 2017, bringing her training to accumulative 500 Hour CYT.
When Jessica steps on her mat, she feels a connection to the philosophy and the spirituality of yoga while practicing the postures. She is a believer that the lessons we learn on the mat, can be applied to your everyday life.
Her classes focus on the connection of mind, breath and body. Jessica takes pride in creating a flow that can be challenging but playful with an emphasis on alignment. Her classes will help you quiet your mind and strengthen your body to allow a transformation of your self.
When off the mat you will find Jessica with her family enjoying the outdoors hiking mountains or paddle boarding at the local lakes.
Stacey Panageotes
RYT200
Stacey is a former long time ballet dancer who was looking for a way to reclaim her body & peace of mind after the birth of her first child. Her grandparents suggested trying their yoga class, and she knew she had found what she needed. There began her yoga journey.
She is now certified levels one through three with YogaFit Training Systems in 2009. After which, she received a certification in Pre & Post natal yoga that same year, and has manifested into a most rewarding teaching experience. It also empowered her through her own natural childbirth of her 2nd child and the awareness of her body noticing the differences of birth before & after finding yoga.
Since then she has completed certifications in Pranayama & Ayurveda yoga aiding in her work with the Veterans, volunteering at the Gardner MVOC.
She is a graduate of Frog Pond Yoga Center in Princeton, MA in June 2016 as a 200HR RYT.
Her passion for teaching has spread to a more gentle and restorative yoga style in which she has also received a certificate of completion in Yin Yoga and Mindful Meditation in January 2018, and Yoga Nidra in February 2018.
Stacey creates a safe and friendly environment where intuition is encouraged in all of her classes. "I believe in emphasis of breathe to integrate mind, body & spirit to find one’s own beauty and acceptance in their practice. Being free to let go of the need to achieve anything other than coming into the present moment & truly experience it."
Off of the mat you will find Stacey involved in family activities ranging from being outdoors to painting & creating as well as being a devoted dance mom.
She is now certified levels one through three with YogaFit Training Systems in 2009. After which, she received a certification in Pre & Post natal yoga that same year, and has manifested into a most rewarding teaching experience. It also empowered her through her own natural childbirth of her 2nd child and the awareness of her body noticing the differences of birth before & after finding yoga.
Since then she has completed certifications in Pranayama & Ayurveda yoga aiding in her work with the Veterans, volunteering at the Gardner MVOC.
She is a graduate of Frog Pond Yoga Center in Princeton, MA in June 2016 as a 200HR RYT.
Her passion for teaching has spread to a more gentle and restorative yoga style in which she has also received a certificate of completion in Yin Yoga and Mindful Meditation in January 2018, and Yoga Nidra in February 2018.
Stacey creates a safe and friendly environment where intuition is encouraged in all of her classes. "I believe in emphasis of breathe to integrate mind, body & spirit to find one’s own beauty and acceptance in their practice. Being free to let go of the need to achieve anything other than coming into the present moment & truly experience it."
Off of the mat you will find Stacey involved in family activities ranging from being outdoors to painting & creating as well as being a devoted dance mom.
Lisa McKee
RYT200
Lisa McKee is a practicing Occupational Therapist. She first became interested in yoga to address her back pain, and poor posture. After practicing for many years and seeing the improvements yoga provided in her own life, she felt compelled to share what she had learned with others. It was at this point that she decided to become an instructor. Like many of our other teachers, she is a graduate of Frog Pond Yoga, receiving her RYT200 in January of 2013. Lisa has taught hot yoga, all-levels yoga, and prenatal yoga.
Lisa comes to Yoga Tree bringing her own blend of yoga styles that focuses on a combination of strength, flexibility, breathing techniques, and mindfulness. Yoga is a practice that provides benefits for the mind, body, and soul. It allows people to discover what truly connects them to the universe. In her own practices, she found that yoga has allowed healing to her body as well as calming her mind. Her particular teaching style helps to guide others who seek the same goal. As an instructor, she believes that “The teacher in me honors the student in you, and the student in me honors the teacher in you.”
An outdoor enthusiast at heart, you can often find Lisa with her husband and children enjoying the seacoast, hiking in the mountains, listening to live music, or taking longs walks on various trail systems. She also enjoys meditation, studying aspects of human kinesiology, and researching holistic lifestyle options
Cara Sheridan
CYT200
Cara found Yoga while searching for a way to manage stress. She first gravitated to books and videos to grow her home practice which turned into a deep, personal exploration of yoga. She not only found a tool to help manage stress, but also a way to steady herself emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Wanting to immerse herself deeper in what she loves, she enrolled in yoga teacher training with Frog Pond Yoga Center and was certified in 2018. Through teaching, Cara is able to translate her passion for the practice and looks forward to sharing this gift of Yoga with those looking to explore the practice for themselves.
Cara brings humor, playfulness and a deep sense of mindfulness to her classes.
“When I’m not on the mat, I love to spend my time outside mountain biking, hiking, or dancing to live music. Otherwise, I’m curled up with my pets, reading books and living off peanut butter.” -Cara
Wanting to immerse herself deeper in what she loves, she enrolled in yoga teacher training with Frog Pond Yoga Center and was certified in 2018. Through teaching, Cara is able to translate her passion for the practice and looks forward to sharing this gift of Yoga with those looking to explore the practice for themselves.
Cara brings humor, playfulness and a deep sense of mindfulness to her classes.
“When I’m not on the mat, I love to spend my time outside mountain biking, hiking, or dancing to live music. Otherwise, I’m curled up with my pets, reading books and living off peanut butter.” -Cara
Kelsey Cass
CYT200
Kelsey began her yoga journey in 2014 as a new way to exercise and build strength physically. Shortly after, she became aware that her emotions and overall composure had become much more grounded and she felt a connection to her inner spirit that she had never experienced before. Her belief is that by connecting brain, body, and breath on our mats, this will allow for our lives to be much more harmonious and light off of the mat. Her hope is to empower others to discover tools and techniques to heal themselves through this practice.
Kelsey completed her 200 HR yoga teacher training through an immersion program during the summer of 2018. In her classes you will find a combination of asana, pranayama, and meditation, all working with one another to bring us into the present moment. There are opportunities throughout to build strength, as well as find ease and relaxation. With a strong focus on alignment cues, her classes invite you to experience the integration of mind, body, and spirit and the effects of conscious focus.
Kelsey completed her 200 HR yoga teacher training through an immersion program during the summer of 2018. In her classes you will find a combination of asana, pranayama, and meditation, all working with one another to bring us into the present moment. There are opportunities throughout to build strength, as well as find ease and relaxation. With a strong focus on alignment cues, her classes invite you to experience the integration of mind, body, and spirit and the effects of conscious focus.
Jessica Schanz
CYT200
Danielle McDonald Bourbeau
E-RYT200
Danielle is an experienced Hatha yoga teacher living in Central Massachusetts. She began practicing yoga at age 16, after many years of classical ballet and dance training. While healing from an injury in her 20s she turned to yoga and found relief from pain, strength returning, and a calling to reconnect with her spirituality and Self. Danielle wanted to help others find healing, strength and mindfulness through yoga, and so completed a 200 hour Yoga teacher training in 2005. The Yoga Studio in Millis and Finding Inner Peace Yoga school are the places her yoga journey began. Since then Danielle has attended many workshops and trainings, while teaching classes throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Western New York.
Danielle's training and experience includes prenatal yoga, kids yoga, senior yoga, and yoga with cancer patients and survivors. In addition to her yoga training Danielle has completed CranioSacral Therapy Training Levels 1 and 2, through the Upledger Institute and learned Thai massage through Kripalu. In the year ahead she looks forward to receiving additional certification in Trauma Sensitive Yoga, as well as beginning the 300 hour yoga teacher training at Trilium to achieve her 500hour RYT in fall of 2020.
Danielle is a wife and homeschooling mother of 4 active children and 2 big dogs. When she's off the mat Danielle can often be found engaged with her children’s learning and activities, enjoying coffee and a book, or out on adventures with her family and their homeschool community.
Danielle's training and experience includes prenatal yoga, kids yoga, senior yoga, and yoga with cancer patients and survivors. In addition to her yoga training Danielle has completed CranioSacral Therapy Training Levels 1 and 2, through the Upledger Institute and learned Thai massage through Kripalu. In the year ahead she looks forward to receiving additional certification in Trauma Sensitive Yoga, as well as beginning the 300 hour yoga teacher training at Trilium to achieve her 500hour RYT in fall of 2020.
Danielle is a wife and homeschooling mother of 4 active children and 2 big dogs. When she's off the mat Danielle can often be found engaged with her children’s learning and activities, enjoying coffee and a book, or out on adventures with her family and their homeschool community.
David Beauregard
Teacher in Training
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My name is David Beauregard, born, raised and schooled in Gardner. I taught Biology and Evironmental Science for 40 years, as well as coaching track and cross country for 34 years at Gardner High. I was also a competitive runner for about 25 years. After college I graduated with a strong background in anatomy and sports medicine. My journey into yoga began about 4 years ago when the past owner of the Yoga Tree asked me to try a practice at her studio. I said “no I don’t think so”. After several invitations to the studio I would give it a try. After my first practice I knew that’s what I wanted and that’s what I was going to do. Now I am going on 4 years of yoga practicing 4 to 5 times per week. I will be graduation in January from Fog Pond Studio in Princeton, MA with my 200 hour RYT teaching certificate. In Fall of 2020 I will continue my training with Trillium Ayurveda and Yoga in Orange, MA earning her 300YT.
What yoga has done for me can’t be explain in a short Bio of myself. I feel that I have developed a passion for yoga advancement with encouragement from all the wonderful teachers I have had as well as all the clients that practice at Yoga Tree. The compassion friendliness, and honesty at the Yoga Tree has brought me to a place I never thought I would be and am honored and proud to be part of that family. When not on the mat I spend much time with my wife Laura, and children Megan and Nicholas at Wells in Maine, hiking, perennial flower gardening, and being connected to natural world with my dog Daisey and cat Odin Lohka Samastah Sukino Bhavantu |
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Hattie Bernstein
Teacher in Training
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Hattie Bernstein is a student teacher who graduates in December from Trillium Ayurveda Yoga Teacher Training in North Orange, MA. She is already looking forward to taking her practice to the next level: in the fall of 2020, she plans to enroll in Trillium’s 300 hour advanced yoga teacher training program.
Establishing a yoga practice and studying to become a yoga teacher were the furthest things from Hattie’s mind when she began attending Charlotte Weltzin’s yoga classes more than a year ago. She signed up for YTT for two reasons: she loved Charlotte’s classes and wanted to learn more; and she thought the training would support a writing project she was immersed in, a book about a hybrid healing system based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and western medicine. Hattie’s first journey was as a journalist. She worked for newspapers in New England, New York, and Indiana covering stories about people, politics, healthcare, health and fitness, and more. Most recently, she has been a correspondent for the Boston Globe, a stringer for the New York Times, and a writer for the digital magazine, Experience. Yoga Teacher Training challenged her, supported her, and sparked a desire to learn more about the classical texts, Ayurveda, and the lineage which she is honored to carry forward. As a teacher, Hattie wants her students to know that yoga is a healing practice; that it’s for everyone, regardless of age, weight, gender, race, physical ability, or other differences; and that to practice yoga, all you need is a mat, comfortable clothing, and the willingness to learn. She believes that a yoga teacher is a guide and encourages students to be their own teachers. If a pose is uncomfortable, step out, drop into child’s pose, or another pose that serves you, and breathe. Yoga is joy. Yoga is peace. Yoga is love. In asanas, we deepen awareness of our bodies. Through breath work, we calm the nervous system and tame the fluctuations of the mind. As Hattie begins her teaching journey, her intention is to offer classes that are nourishing, comforting, healing, and fun. She looks forward to meeting you, learning from you, and sharing her path of yoga. |