Instructors

Mary Ellen Alberti

Mary Ellen Alberti has been practicing yoga for the past ten years. As a mother of five, it has truly been an essential part of her path to serenity and self-awakening. She enjoys sharing her love for meditation through movement, pranayama and positive intention with The Yoga Loft community.

Mary Ellen teaches a Hatha yoga class at The Yoga Loft. Hatha Yoga is the yoga of activity and refers to all forms of the physical branch of yoga. Her intention for each class is to pass on universal and self-awareness, mindful instruction, and loving energy that she is open to continually gathering on her own spiritual journey. Her hope is for ongoing enhancement of her teaching methods as she participates in one-on-one teacher training, Kripalu and Anusara classes, and a personal practice. Mary Ellen Also teaches a Yoga class for teens. It brings her great joy to have the opportunity to work with enthusiastic young women as she introduces them to different aspects of yoga practice and philosophy.

Mary Ellen is a certified Usui Reiki Master/Teacher and a certified Karuna® Reiki Master/Teacher. She is a member of The Vermont Reiki Association. Mary Ellen began her journey with Reiki healing in 2001 when she was diagnosed with an illness and it was recommended that surgery be scheduled promptly. Instead, Mary Ellen chose to explore alternative forms of treatment — one of which was to receive Reiki on a weekly basis. She experienced such significant healing — physically, emotionally and spiritually — that she was moved to study this beautiful technique herself. Please visit our Reiki page for more information.

Mary Ellen teaches Core Focus classes at The Yoga Loft. With a background in Pilates, dance, exercise, aerobics and gymnastics, she shares her enthusiasm for strengthening our bodies through awareness of the mind/body connection. Core Focus class is based on the philosophy of Joseph Pilates but includes other exercises as well as yoga postures. There is a strong focus on core strengthening, proper alignment, breath and fluidity of movement. Please visit our Core Focus page for more information.

Mary Ellen has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and loves to paint. Her work further expresses a self-awakening journey and our connection with the energies of the Universe. Her work may be seen at The Yoga Loft or at her Warren studio by appointment. Please call 802-496-YOGA for more information or Contact Us for more information.

Donna Boyle

Donna Boyle, a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher and member of Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association (KYTA). Donna has worked with infants, children, teens, and adults. She teaches yoga, meditation, and postural restoration. Donna continues to attend retreats and workshops to further her practice. In October of 2004, she received her prenatal certification. In the last eleven years, she has studied the Kripalu tradition, Iyengar, Ashtanga and Vinyasa styles of Yoga. In 2006, Donna completed two trainings with the Postural Restoration Institute:

• Postural Restoration: An integrated approach to treatment of patterned thoraco-abdominal pathomechanics
• Cervical-Cranio-Mandibular Restoration: An integrated approach to treatment of patterned temporomandibular and cervical dysfunction.

She now brings this training into her yoga classes. Through movement, breath, postures and meditation, students gain flexibility, strength, balance (emotional and physical), and the awareness of peace in body and mind which is always present. Donna is now available for private consultations in Postural Restoration.

Lucy D'Aponte

Lucy D'Aponte is a practicing physical therapist and a certified Hatha Yoga instructor. With her passion for anatomy and movement, Lucy integrates her knowledge as therapist and dancer with the practice of yoga to create a dynamic class that celebrates life and the body. Her class is Anusara inspired yoga. Anusara (a-nu-sar-a), means flowing with grace, or following the current of your heart. Anusara Yoga is based in a philosophy that looks for the good in all people and all things. Therefore, students of all levels of ability and experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents. If you are interested in a private yoga therapy session please contact Lucy directly at Third Eye Physical Therapy, 802-583-4319, info@thirdeyePT.com.

April Smith

April Smith has been teaching yoga in the Mad River Valley since 1998 and has practiced and studied yoga for 12 years. Inspired by teachers in the Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin yoga traditions, April's dynamic flow style blends the elements of breath, movement, and meditation to build strength, improve flexibility, and deepen relaxation and awareness.