About Mimi (me)
I, Michelle, ("Mimi") started practicing yoga in 2001, to relieve severe stress and anxiety. I immediately started noticing the many benefits, physically, emotionally and spiritually. My home studio business was established on Mother's Day of 2005 and was officially named "De-Stress with Yoga".
I am Registered with Yoga Alliance as a 200 E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher), certified for Adult, Child and Infant CPR through the American Heart Association, and a member of NAMASTA (North American Studio Alliance). During the summer of 2007, Mimi became certified as a PiYo Instructor (a blend of yoga & pilates).
I enjoy trying all kinds of branches of yoga, such as Anasura, Integral, Bikram, Ashtanga, Prana Flow, Iyengar, Baron Baptiste, Kripalu, Meridian and Kirtan. YogaFit, which is safety-oriented for All Bodies, is my favorite and I love to blend some of the other styles in with the safety concepts I have learned from my training with YogaFit.
My goal is to share the unlimited benefits that yoga can bring to each person who enters my door. I emphasize the benefits of building strength, flexibility, and overall improved health through yoga to my students, who desire better health and improved self-image. I believe that movement is life and the importance of taking time to take care of yourself. Sharing this to all of my students brings great joy to my heart.
I have worked with many inspirational teachers who have transformed my life and teaching style. Many thanks to: Beth Shaw, Shiva Rea, Patricia Walden, Dr. Timothy McCall, Beth Marik, Lara Anderson, Mary Comfort, Kelly McLain, Melanie Redfern, Stuart Rice, Theresa Merz, Chrys Kub, Kristin Mabry, Kathy DeKramer, Jane Vaganek, Taj Harris, Suzie Celentano, Cheryl Sparks, Nancy Anger and Dr. Linda Rowe.
I have also taught yoga classes and workshops at Auburn Yoga & Pilates Center, schools (for teachers and students), local gyms, professors of Nichols College, staff members of Hubbard Regional Hospital, staff & students at Tufts University, and Health Fairs. In January of 2010, I taught a yoga class at the Seaport Hotel for the Yankee Dental Congress Convention. On May 2, 2010, I taught a yoga class for the American Massage Therapist Association at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Worcester, MA.
I teach Corporate Yoga for the staff of Blue Cross Blue Shield. I also teach at State of Grace Yoga & Wellness Center. I have been teaching Private Yoga for nursing homes, eldercare day programs and individuals with developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities.
Yoga is for every BODY. My youngest yoga student: 4 years of age, oldest student: 101 years of age and I have taught yoga to students from all ages in between.
I teach private sessions with clients to deepen their personal practice.
I enjoy designing an annual event, YogaDay USA (a nation wide celebration) each January (held 2009 & 2010). This event is a fund raiser event, which included yoga classes for all ages.
YogaDay USA is an annual event that Mimi embraces to the community.
I enjoy teaching yoga to children, teens and adults, men and women. The percentage of women to men ratio is approximately 80% women and 20% men. In this class, the women were outnumbered by the men:
I was fortunate to host a Kirtan celebration at my home studio, De-Stress with Yoga, during Dharmashakti's 2009 & 2010 tour. Dharmashakti also facilitated a Hatha Yoga Class the next morning, before he traveled to his next destination.
Thank you Dharmashakti and Christian for making this the best celbration! Here are some photos:
(Seva) Community Service Mission: I believe in giving back to the community by offering yoga classes to raise money or to give the gift of health by bringing a community together, while allowing each student to feel comfortable with their own body. Some of the community service I have completed:
Conducted Fund-Raiser Yoga Classes for:
- St. Joseph School, Webster, MA
- The Tourette Syndrome Association, Connecticut Chapter
- "Giving Thanks" yoga class to benefit the Interfaith Hospitality Network, held at St. Louis Parish, Webster, MA
- The American Cancer Society (classes held in Auburn - 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010), Dudley (2007) & Webster (2007, 2010)
- YogaDay USA (2009 & 2010), to benefit the Arts Committee for the First Congregational Church in Dudley
Conducted a Free Yoga Class for the Community:
- Chair Yoga Therapy class held at the Radius, Worcester, MA (March 2010)
- Chair Yoga Class held at the Memory Walk '09 to benefit The Alzheimer's Association of Central MA (Sept 2009)
- Chair Yoga for Summit Elder Care, Worcester, MA (June 2009)
- Wheelchair Yoga, held at Life-Skills, Webster, MA (June 2009)
- Wheelchair Yoga, held at Life-Skills, Inc. Dudley, MA (May, 2009)
- Yoga Fusion, Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Sutton, MA.
- 8th Grade Class at Thompson Middle School, CT
Donated a Full Body Prayer Yoga Class for:
- "Living Faith" Lenten services (the class was taught at St. Anne's Parish location in Sturbridge, MA)
When not practicing yoga, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two teenagers.
Some of my favorite hobbies: camping with my family, being at the beach, anything to do with arts & crafts and I love finding my "zone" in drum circles.
I believe that my clients' needs are of the utmost importance. I am committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of my business is from repeat customers and referrals.
Come try a class - you'll feel so good after your practice.
~ Testimonial ~
"When I go to one of Mimi's classes it is not only my body that benefits. I come away feeling renewed and refreshed. My body, spirit and soul are lifted. It is not only what we do in class but I believe it has something to do with Mimi and her truly caring nature. You can just feel the love being freely given to you. I brought my sister who had just recently lost her son to a special event that Mimi was holding and she came away marveling at the way Mimi cared for us all. That says something from someone who had barely left her home before going. Even she in her grief was touched and felt renewed. God gave us Mimi and we all count our blessings." Noreen Blanchette
Location:
141 Sutton Road
Webster, MA 01570
