Sara Nadia Syed OWNER, the studio cleveland 700 E-RYT M.S. eDUCATION B.S. PSYCHOLOGY 200-RYS INSTRUCTOR Sara started her yoga practice during high school in 2008, while struggling with drug & alcohol addiction, anxiety, eating-disorders, trauma and depression. After a few years of consistent meditation and yoga, Sara discovered a glimpse of healing from meditating on her chakras and practicing yoga; Sara found herself crying in savasana after every yoga class finally processing emotions left unacknowledged for so long. This experience of feeling was the beginning of Sara's healing journey. Sara learned how to use crystals and studied the chakras intensively on her own (she had no chakra teachers yet), and learned how to access the root of her addiction, mental disorders and overall mental chaos. Sara discovered that addiction was simply a symptom for an inability to cope, process and handle hard emotions. Sara realized that yoga helped silence her own will and ego and she was left feeling like an empty vessel to carry out the higher power's will instead of her own. Sara realized that not being able to do certain poses in yoga was humbling. She learned about ethical living, making amends with her past, and learned to live authentically and with integrity. It was a long, deep inner journey. This path eventually led Sara to attend her first yoga teacher training in Cahuita, Costa Rica, in 2014. She shared yoga freely (without charge) for a solid year after yoga teacher training so students at The University of Akron could have access to the practice. She believed in giving back what yoga gave to her. Since then, Sara has spent thousands of hours teaching yoga and meditation at elementary schools, high schools, universities, fitness centers, local festivals, and at yoga studios. Her most meaningful experience has been teaching under-served populations such as in inner city schools with Zenworks Yoga in Akron and in Cleveland, at juvenile detention centers, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and at mental health facilities. Professionally, Sara worked as a mental health case worker for two different organizations. She saw that yoga would be a viable solution to help the clients, but these organizations were not yet open to offering holistically-oriented solutions so Sara instead pursued teaching High School English. Again, Sara found that the students suffered from mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other issues that yoga addresses. Sara left the public sector to study yoga more in-depth. She knew that self-study was an important factor in being able to help and serve others. Sara completed an advanced 300-hour yoga teaching training program in India in 2016, at Yogadarshanam Ashtanga/Hatha yoga school in Mysore, India, and also studied at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute under Saraswathi Jois. Sara has completed two 10-day Vipassana Silent Meditation Retreats. Sara purchased The Studio Cleveland in September, 2018. She strives to make The Studio Cleveland an inclusive and authentic resource for any human seeking inner peace. Sara enjoys hosting Yoga and Meditation Teacher Trainings so she can teach the practices and philosophy of yoga and meditation in-depth. She is the lead instructor in The Studio Cleveland's Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training. 
Kasimira Vogel LMT thai massage Yoga teacher Reiki master Kasimira Vogel, is one of the Co-founders of Pathways to Wholeness and is very passionate in aiding each person to find their individual pathway to being a whole, healthy and integrated person. "Kassy" started her own quest when at age 13 it was discovered she had scoliosis. There started the introduction into alternative medicine and the benefits of proper diet. Today, Kassy is a licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Energy/Light Worker and Intuitive Healer who likes to use everything in her "tool box" from crystals, aromatherapy and herbs to vocal sounds and rattles to effect positive healing changes in the human body, mind and spirit. 
Cary Manning THAI MASSAGE Acro Yoga Instructor Cary is excited to bring to Cleveland his unique style of Thai massage! His practice bridges his education of Thai Massage learned in Thailand, where he worked closely with an instructor in a small, intimate class setting, along with his years of experience in partner therapeutic yoga. He offers a specialty Inverted Massage technique, providing the relaxing sense of weightlessness and the incomparable benefits of inversions, while guiding various bodily openings through spinal twists, chest and hip openers. Additionally, as part of an extension of Thai massage treatment, or as a session on its own, Cary offers foot reflexology. Its amazing how much the entire body can be affected by the therapeutic touch to the foot. Not only does Cary provide Thai Massage, he offers Acro Yoga private sessions, providing one-on-one tutorials for individuals or couples, teaching a “base” how to work with a “flyer”, or he will “fly” a “flyer”. Come alone or as a couple and get hands-on technical instruction. Acro Yoga, or Partner Acrobatics, is a great endeavour to expand a yoga practice into a new realm to build connection, trust, communication, surrender, strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. Yoga experience is not needed! Additionally, Cary is a health coach. Focusing on Holistic Fitness, he works with people who want to increase energy levels, improve body weight and shape, and change relationships with various aspects of life. Ask about his complimentary Holistic Fitness Assessment! 
Allyson Czarney Yoga Teacher Allyson Czarney is a native of Lorain, Ohio and currently resides in Elyria. She considers herself a lifelong student with a burning desire to understand everything. She enjoys reading, writing, philosophy, and spending quiet time in nature. Stress and anxiety induced seizures led her on her journey into yoga in 2015, for the purpose of finding a healthy way to navigate daily life. After years of establishing a solid practice at home and experiencing the benefits of yoga first-hand, she began to see the positive effects this practice had (and still has) on her life and has become an advocate of self-realization through self-acceptance. Moreover, she has been able to live her life in a more confident and equanimous way, as well as find a community of people that allow her to uncover her hidden beauty. This journey has ultimately led Allyson to experiment with the many ways to practice yoga and her style of teaching pulls directly from her personal experiences, blending a little bit of everything, including pranayama, guided meditation, yin, qi gong, vinyasa, Zen philosophy, and Vedanta. Because she has always been interested in the pursuit of peace, justice and compassion for all beings, she strives to provide her students with a welcoming and stress-free environment to unlock their own hidden beauty, power and freedom. Ultimately, her goal is to offer an atmosphere of acceptance as students combine breath and movement to bring together their natural, dualistic energy often scattered and disembodied by today’s culture and society. One day, Allyson plans to open a non-profit holistic summer camp and community center for individuals in lower income communities, so that they may be provided an opportunity to feel a sense of community, self-sufficiency and self-worth, and provided a space for connection and healing, as well as the tools to create their own practice and autonomy. She also holds her B.A. in Paralegal Studies from Kent State University. 
Ameena Ingram YOGA TEACHER Ameena completed her 200HR YTT through The Studio Cleveland. Her All Levels Vinyasa Flows typically begin with a short meditation, moving from a slow flow into a more powerful vinyasa flow. Ameena's classes will focus heavily on both alignment and mindfulness, with the goal of helping students discover the resilience rooted deeply inside of them. Outside of the studio, Ameena enjoys reading, all things water, outdoor activities such as hiking, bike riding and camping, and exploring new places. 
Tiffany Glista LMT Tiffany has been practicing massage since 2012, a licensed massage therapist since 2013. She has practiced in many different settings and she is skilled/certified in a number of modalities; included but not limited to deep tissue, therapeutic, prenatal, reflexology, sports, Swedish, etc. |
Lauren Porochonski Massage And Bodywork coordinator LMT REiki Practitioner Lauren strives to create unique individualized massage sessions based on therapeutic needs and wellness goals. Lauren uses her knowledge of anatomy and structural integration to help a client connect to the root causes of their chronic pain. She works to elongate stuck muscles with passive stretching and trigger point therapy. She believes massage can help retrain the body to adapt healthier posture and body awareness. Lauren has had additional training in Trigger point therapy, Thai Massage, Reiki and personal training principles. She combines many modalities such as sports massage, medical massage and Swedish massage techniques to create balance. Her client's often experience better range of motion, and claim to feel taller after a session or two. Since Lauren's massage are based off the client's goals, she likes to track client's progress and ever changing needs. Lauren is also studying Public Health and Health Education at Kent State University. She is dedicated to health and wellness accessibility causes, and demystifying integrative health. She believes massage and wellness should be available to all, and can be a necessity rather then a luxury. She is also a lifelong student of herbalism and botany, and is a passionate wild food forager. 
Sarah-Jane Webster LMT Sarah-Jane received her B.S. in Health Sciences at Cleveland State University and later completed the massage therapy program at Tri-C. Her education and hands-on training have prepared her to help each client achieve session goals, ranging from general relaxation to specific therapeutic work. She is also certified in Upledger Craniosacral 1; this therapy has taught her how to take a whole-body approach to treatment, the importance of patience, and that every body has its own inner wisdom. Sarah-Jane aspires to be present with every client and welcomes communication. Her treatment philosophy consists of calming one’s nervous system while directing attention to areas of concern using mindful breath and touch. 
Remah Doleh YOGA TEACHER Event Coordinator Ceremony Facilitator Remah’s journey began with meditation and sacred plant medicine. This initiated her spiritual awakening. She discovered yoga during her Saturn return as a step to self-love and acceptance. She believes the body is a vehicle and a channel for the divine and yoga as a tool for awakening higher consciousness. Remah focuses on the spiritual nature of yoga through meditation, sound healing, pranayama, chanting, mudras and asanas. She is influenced by Tantra yoga, which shows up in her style of teaching. She completed her 200-hour yoga and meditation certification at The Studio Cleveland. She enjoys teaching Hatha yoga, offering a balance of the feminine and masculine energies through movement and stillness. Her classes guide the students on an intimate journey through the self, bringing the mind, body and spirit back into oneness. In addition to yoga, Remah facilitates sacred ceremonies around the new/full moons. She is an empath who channels her gifts for the healing of humanity. She is a lightworker, reiki practitioner, an intuitive healer and soon to be IET certified. She plans on offering IET services early 2021. She is a teacher but forever a student. She views the earth as a classroom for the souls evolutionary journey. She fills her time with subjects of higher learning and esoteric readings. She loves astrology, crystals, camping/hiking, being outside and connecting with Mama Gaia and Mama Moon. 
Lisa Turner Astrologer Yoga Teacher Yoga and Astrology ~ A Celestial Dance of Wellness and Transformation. Yoga and Astrology found me at different points in my life, but united themselves during the infamous Saturn Return. I have always loved bodies in motion; the alignment, lines, and grace that our bodies can make drew me to Classical Ballet as a young girl. I was privileged to study under two exceptional teachers, Marguerite Duncan and Nancy Arcury of the North Coast Ballet Company (formerly known as The Cleveland Civic Ballet Company, Cleveland’s first professional ballet company). Yoga found me years after dancing had ended. I had an inner calling, but was unaware as to what was calling me. Yoga finds most of us when we are in need of change and transformation and I was no different. The yoga asana's spoke to the dancer in me, but yoga is so much more. It was the spirituality and philosophies that connected me to a way of being that I had been longing for all of my life. As a teacher my classes are infused with challenging asanas and flowing sequences. I use my astrological knowledge of the celestial transits and our moving bodies to bring my students into reflection of their unique spiritual journey. As a born seeker I am never fully satisfied with the status quo; always wanting to understand things at their core. The passion to expand my knowledge and learn are just one of the many reasons why astrology captured my soul at an early age. It was the mysterious language of the universe that I wanted to understand, not merely to check on my love life; but to understand the big picture; “the why”. I mentioned earlier, my two passions collided at my Saturn Return. It was at this auspicious time in my life, that all that once was solid began falling apart and I wanted to understand why. I decided to get serious about my love and respect for this mysterious language and attend school for my certification. I continue to study and learn through the International Academy of Astrology, along with exceptional teachers to which I am eternally grateful. 
Becca Matthews YOGA TEACHER Becca first came to yoga in 2008. She always had a love and passion for stretching with different athletic activities. When she stepped into her first yoga class, it was love at first flow. It has been a perfect addition with balancing other forms of physical activity such as running, cross training and now her current weight lifting routine. In the first 8 to 10 years of her yoga practice the focus was primarily on "getting a good workout and stretch in". The last 3 to 4 years of her mainly home practice though has brought her into a space of emotional and spiritual healing. Through physical practice, breath work, and continually evolving into a more true version of herself by meditation, journaling, etc, yoga has changed her life and helped her through many life struggles. The past 3 to 4 years she's felt a pulling towards sharing her practice more widely. Not just friends and family any more but strangers, neighbors, etc. This gift yoga brings to so many lives is meant to be shared in many different ways. She finally embarked on her YTT journey in the fall of 2019 and earned her 200HR YTT in the spring of 2020. With a heavy emphasis on meditation throughout her training, the growth and peace inside of her has been undeniably life altering. Becca hopes to teach in a way that helps the student feel at ease, no matter the yoga experience, and to transport the student to an emotionally healing space while moving with their body, creating a continual connection to mind-body awareness and healing through music and silence. Her teaching style encompasses a wide range of flows with a heavy focus on building continual strength through basic poses, to inversions, to seated postures. She truly believes that no matter the pose or posture there is an opportunity for connecting with the mind and body more deeply each time. When not on the mat, Becca enjoys being a nurse, spending time with her husband and pups and friends/family, being outdoors, reading books, listening to podcasts and working out. "Courage doesn't mean the absence of fear, it means moving forward with fear present." Hillary McBride |
Stephanie Milo YOGA TEACHER Reiki Practitioner Front desk coordinator B.A. SOCIOLOGY Stephanie first discovered yoga in 2008 when her anxiety became unmanageable. She completed her 200-hour Yoga Certification with Sara Syed in 2019 at The Studio Cleveland. Also, she has received certifications in Kids Yoga, Trauma Informed Yoga, and Y12SR Yoga which works with addiction recovery. Ever since, yoga has been a vital part in finding balance in her life. Stephanie currently teaches yoga at gyms and studios as well as owns her own yoga company, Yogi'd by Tete LLC, which holds donation based yoga outside that benefits organizations such as Forbes House and The Lake County Humane Society. She holds her B.A. in Sociology from Ursuline College. Stephanie enjoys teaching beginner, Yin, Rest & Recovery and plans to soon teach addiction/12 step recovery classes. 
Jen Gomez Yoga teacher THAI MASSAGE I completed my 200-hour Yoga Certification with Ylonda Rosenthal-Greene in 2018 and have recently received a certificate to practice Thai Massage from Sarah Cheiky, LMT NCTMB. My classes offer creative sequencing, emphasis on proper alignment, pranayama and meditation. Students can expect to explore their strengths, work on their focus and learn to find balance on and off the mat. When I'm not practicing, I'm happily engaged in my other related interests: herbalism, incense making & gardening—all of which show up in my classes in one way or another. 
Bryan Langsdale LMT Thai Massage sound healing Bryan practices a synergistic blend of therapeutic, deep tissue, and Swedish massage. He is guided through both intuitive and medical knowledge. Bryan believes every person has unique needs and desired outcomes with massage therapy. Therefore, every session provided is tailored to the individual receiving it. Bryan blends using his hands, feet, and massage tools to achieve deep pressure. He may also incorporate energy work and myofascial release along with trigger point. Client's often say, "It hurts so good!" 
Mary Bell lmt yoga teacher Mary Bell is a huge fan of fun, bliss and love! Being a yoga practitioner for fourteen years, she finally decided to teach it and took 240 hour YTT in mid 2012. Being a licensed massage therapist for over five years and also a Thai massage practitioner, Mary’s seen first hand how the disconnect between mind and body can manifest itself into pain and tension. Yoga is Union, it requires awareness of what’s happening inside and outside of one’s being. With that awareness healing and the divine journey begin! Mary believes the most important yoga is done outside the classroom. Everything done on the mat is preparation so that everyday problems can be faced with calmness, strength and compassion. “I am honored by everyone that chooses to make my class a stop along their path to enlightenment or on their way home from work! Let’s play, laugh, work hard and sweat a bit together while we make ourselves and the world a little happier.” 
Michelle Clark REIKI MASTER Michelle began to study holistic healing in 2008 while in poor health and in the midst of a financial and marital collapse. To assist her with both stress and anxiety, she began to experiment with rhythm by working with a simple frame drum at a local computer stores' Tuesday night drum circle. The power of rhythm, the heartbeat of the planet, is simply amazing. Michelle completed her studies at St. Joseph's Academy and is attuned as a Reiki Master. Energy work & the power of the drum are amazing. 10 years later and with thousands of treatments under her belt, she is in her best health ever and works with a variety of clients from the old to the young. Additional healing came about after successfully completing an herbalism course, which she offers in the form of recommendations during treatments. Through her experiences, she has evolved her treatments to include several instruments such as a Tibetan Healing Bowl and the original Frame Drum that she found solace with all those years ago. The sessions Michelle provides are non invasive and have been referred to as magical. Michelle will be offering individual Reiki sessions at The Studio Cleveland as well as healing drum sessions individually and as a monthly group program. 
Shannon Carlin Yoga Teacher Yoga Medicine Shannon visited ashrams with her parents as a child and then many years later, found herself in a yoga class one day. Though unfamiliar with the poses, the breath, and of course-sanskrit, she immediately felt a sense of belonging and of coming home. The experience resonated so deeply with her that she knew she had taken her first steps on a life-long path of study, practice and devotion. Shannon teaches a full-spectrum, balanced practice from challenging, upbeat vinyasa flow to bliss-out restorative. So whether you want to move, play and flow or simply sit comfortably and breathe consciously, you are always welcome in class. Through creative and thoughtful sequencing, Shannon offers a safe and inviting space to explore your boundaries and awaken your innate potential. In her class you'll experience alignment-based flow with clear direction, an uplifting theme and hands-on adjustments set to eclectic music. In between the movement of your breath and body, you'll find an ever-evolving sense of connection to the most authentic parts of yourself and a deeper sense of engagement with the world around you. Come as you are and expect to leave class feeling empowered, focused and inspired. She has completed her 200hr certification with Bernadette Birney, Restorative training with Jillian Pranksy, Prenatal Certification with Sue Elkind and her 500hr advanced training with Tiffany Cruikshank of Yoga Medicine. She also continues to study yoga philosophy with Dr. Douglas Brooks. Shannon is also a certified lifeguard, PaddleFit and Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga Teacher. She has also completed Trauma Informed and Yoga Activist training with Off The Mat and Into The World with Sean Corne, Suzanne Sterling and Hala Khoury. She is also a Lululemon Ambassador. 
Jaime Bouvier Lyra & Circus Teacher Jaime Bouvier has been studying aerial arts for 10 years, starting with silks, and moving on to lyra, trapeze, rope, and straps. She has studied at the New England Center for Circus Arts in Vermont, at La Caserne in Montreal, at the Island, in Bristol, England, and the Rencontre De Danse Aerienne, in St. Nazaire, France. She also has performed and taught workshops regionally including in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Buffalo, and Toronto. Jaime specializes in partner work and dynamic work including rolls, spins, releases, and the ever elusive perfect beat. Jaime's classes are highly focused on technique and proper muscle engagement to ensure a long and healthy aerial journey for those who choose that path. 
Sarah Cheiky LMT cyt NCTMB thai massage CONTINuing education provider Sarah Cheiky earned licensure as a massage therapist from the Ohio State Medical Board in 2003 after studying at Harmony Path School of Massage in Rocky River, Ohio. Also completed continuing education courses and teaching apprenticeship in traditional Thai Massage from Dr. C. Pierce Salguero at his Tao Mountain School of Traditional Thai Massage. Additional research and certifications at The Thai Institute of Arlington, Virginia, with hundreds of hours of continued study and practice in Thai Healing, Buddhist Meditation and other workshops over the years. Sarah opened The Studio Cleveland on September 7, 2010 as the owner, director, operator. Spending much of the time centering around work within the business as director, operator, management, consulting and marketing of the large wellness center in the heart of the city. In 2006, Sarah met the high standards for excellence established by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCTMB). She continues to expand her skills and knowledge with domestic and international studies in Vipassana Meditation, Thai and Buddhist Medicine. Formally welcomed into the family and lineages of The Traditional Old Medicine Hospital, the SVG Thai Massage Training Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand, under the spiritual guidance and connection of forest monk PuLeusii Tafaj and has been recognized internationally as a Master Body Worker. Sarah accepts this with great humility and continues to offer great respect to her clients and community, by allowing you to be the greatest teacher. |
