Sara Nadia Syed OWNER, the studio cleveland 500 E-RYT M.S. eDUCATION B.S. PSYCHOLOGY 200-RYS INSTRUCTOR Sara started her yoga practice during high school in 2008, during the peak of her adolescence while struggling with drug & alcohol addiction, anxiety, eating-disorders, trauma and depression. After a few years of consistent meditation and yoga, she discovered a glimpse of healing possible through these practices. She found herself crying in savasana after every yoga class; for the first time in arguably her entire life, Sara was able to be silent, present, aware and still enough to actually feel. This experience of feeling was the beginning of her healing journey. She 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. She discovered that addiction was simply a symptom for a bigger problem and that her addiction problem was simply an inability to cope. She practiced yoga and chakra meditation regularly as a way to feel and cope. It became a life-saving practice for Sara. Sara realized the practice of yoga helped dismantle her ego that started running the show and leading her down a path of destruction in high school. She realized that yoga helped silence her own will and ego, and she was left feeling like an empty vessel where she can carry out a higher power's will instead of her own (her own will just got her into trouble!). She realized that not being able to do certain poses in yoga was humbling. She learn about "righting her wrongs," living with integrity, and living authentically. 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 that students at The University of Akron can 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 completed the 10-day Vipassana Silent Meditation Retreat in October, 2017, where she studied the laws of nature through silent sitting and observation. Since then, 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 personally enjoys Ashtanga yoga and includes elements of this style of yoga in her teaching. 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. 
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.” 
Alice Gregory yoga teacher Alice began her yoga journey in 2008, when she took a class in college. Appealing to her athletic background and beginning to notice positive changes physically and mentally, Alice knew she had to pass on the benefits of yoga through teaching. Graduating from Ananda Bhakti in 2016, Alice has been able to follow her passion for teaching yoga and mindfulness to diverse populations. Taking one of her classes will also usually include music of all sorts as she sees music as a way to connect and deepen the experience. 
Lisa Turner Astrologer and 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. |
David Dissell Jr. Co-Owner, The Studio Cleveland Owner, Cleveland Rock Shop 200-RYS Instructor B.S. Electrical Engineering Technology David served in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan and Iraq following 9/11. David struggled with alcoholism and ADHD medication dependency as a result of his service in the US Army, among other traumatic losses and events in his life. The hard times in David's life lead him down the path of healing. David has attended three, 10-day Vipassana silent meditation retreats and is a Project Welcome Home Troops Certified Meditation Teacher through the Art of Living. He recently completed his B.S. in Engineering Technology at Cleveland State University and is employed by Lincoln Electric. David has a passion and love for healing, spiritual exploration, growth, and community. He serves as a co-owner of The Studio Cleveland and oftentimes works behind the scenes to make sure things are running smoothly. You can find David listening to Krishna Das on his free time. 
Lauren Porochonski Massage And Bodywork manager 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. 
Selena Awesome Yoga teacher Reiki Practitioner Vegan Chef Selena’s yoga practice began in childhood, as a hyperactive, asthmatic child. Initially gravitating toward a more yang practice, (Hatha, Vinyasa, Acro, & Astanga practices), later focusing on restorative Yin Practices and Yoga Nidra. Her journey has always been in the direction of healing; leading to a future in Energywork. Selena’s classes & teaching style focus on the needs of the students and the quality of the breath. Weaving themes with music and asana (pose) sequences to bring about deeper relaxation and pranayama (breath work,) her goal is to create a comfortable, safe environment for everyone to let go, and send a little love back inward. She began teaching yoga to friends and family members while studying at Cleveland State University & Tongji University; teaching yoga in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Later completing 200-hour Astanga Yoga teacher Training in 2016 at Krysia Energy Yoga in Westlake, Ohio, Connected Warrior: Trauma Conscious Yoga Teacher Training at Blue Sky Studios, Willoughby, Ohio, and a 40-hour intensive Astanga Teacher Training with David Swenson & Shelley Washington near Philadelphia, PA. 
Ashley Mckay Yoga teacher registered nurse In 2009 Ashley was living the stressed out lifestyle of restaurant management. This high intensity work life called for some spiritual balance -and having always felt connected to the universal life force and eastern philosophy, Ashley decided to try yoga! On a whim! Never expecting it to become such an important aspect of her life. Patthabi Jois believed that to be a yogi in this life, one must have walked the yogic path in past lives, creating a never ending, soul searching desire for the yogic lifestyle in each and every incarnation. This is certainly the case for Ashley, whos life has never been the same since that first yoga class! After diving into the 8 limbed path, Ashley's life began to change all around her. Saying good bye to restaurant management, Ashley followed her healer's heart and chose a life of health and wellness. Now an Ashtanga yogi, Registered Nurse and wellness enthusiast- Ashley wants nothing more than to help others achieve optimal health and realize their true potential! Her ultimate goals include a master's degree in integrative health, and further blending her knowledge as a yogi and nurse! Ashley believes in yoga as a healing modality as well as a spiritual practice and physical exercise. Yoga has the power to make us strong on the inside and on the outside! "Practice and all is coming" ~ Sri K Patthabi Jois 
Leslie Friend Aerial silks instructor Leslie Friend started training in Aerial Silks in 2007 at Aerial Revolution in San Diego, CA, and began teaching at the Czech Cultural Center of Sokol Greater Cleveland in the summer of 2010. She brings a varied movement background to her work, including gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, contemporary dance, yoga, lindy hop, and rock climbing. Aerial Silks, an athletic art form most often associated with Cirque du Soleil, cultivates strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. It involves paired lengths of hanging fabric that are climbed, wrapped around the body, and/or tied, to create dramatic drops, poses and movement above the ground. Leslie is delighted to help build an aerial community here in the Cleveland area. 
Jessica Reddick Thai massage yoga teacher Jessica was born and raised in Nebraska and has lived in Ohio since 2005. She made the decision in 2010 to take her career path in the same direction as her yoga path. Along the way she discovered Thai massage, which led her to complete a traditional Thai massage program, alongside her yoga teacher training program. Since then she has received a second certification in Thai massage and is a Reiki practitioner. Prior to that her education and employment were in the human services field. Jessica also has a strong interest in traditional medicine. |
Lindsey Carlisle b.s. nursing manager Corporate Wellness Community Outreach 200-CYT Instructor Thai Massage Reiki & EFT Practitioner Currently, Lindsey provides individualized wellness sessions with a focus on partnering with clients to improve their health through alignment of the mind, body, & spirit. Her passion for holistic wellness and self-care began in 2008 during nursing school where she sought much needed stress relief. Her journey started with yoga which taught her how breathing, meditation, and movement promotes a state of calmness and overall health. Since then she has dabbled in various therapeutic modalities. When not in the studio, Lindsey enjoys spending time at the beach, hikes in the forest, catching up with friends, mentors, and colleagues, and is always on a quest for learning and living abundantly. Namaste 
Sarah Cheiky LMT, NCTMB thai massage CONTINuing education provider Sarah Cheiky opened The Studio Cleveland on September 7, 2010, earning license as a massage therapist from the Ohio State Medical Board in 2003, after studying at the Harmony Path School of Massage in Rocky River, Ohio. She 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 with additional research and certifications at The Thai Institute of Arlington, Virginia. In 2006, Sarah met the high standards for excellence established by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCTMB); 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, and the SVG Thai Massage Training Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2012, 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. For more information regarding services and training: http://www.sarahcsiki.com/ 
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. 
Jeremy Hutchinson LMT Thai massage After taking a course in Traditional Thai Massage at The Studio Cleveland in 2013, Jeremy was inspired to pursue massage therapy training at ASIS (Arizona School of Integrative Studies) later that year. There, he was instructed in Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Connective Tissue Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Polarity, Sports Massage, and Injury Rehab. Returning to Ohio, he received additional training at Harmony Path. Jeremy is a natural health enthusiast and enjoys all things outdoors including kayaking, rock climbing, learning about natural history, and just being out there.Jeremy offers Traditional Thai Massage which is performed on a mat on the ground and encompasses a wide range of techniques. Some of the techniques look similar to acupressure, while others look like partner yoga. He also offers Craniosacral Therapy which is practiced as a form of energy work. Jeremy is also available for Deep Tissue and Relaxation Massage. 
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 a also Lululemon Ambassador. 
Meghan Cliffel yoga teacher Meghan first showed up on the mat at Karma Yoga in Cleveland in, 2004, at the urging of two friends. She fell in love with the practice as she started to see how it impacted her life on and off the mat. Meghan took yoga with her as she moved to Washington D.C., New York City, and back home to Cleveland in, 2016. As life gets more complex—with jobs, kids, family, life—Meghan loves that yoga gives us a way to take care of ourselves through breath, movement, and practicing being right where we are. Her move from New York City to Cleveland created more space for her and her family, in all senses of the word, allowing her to complete her 200-hr yoga teacher training with Inner Bliss Yoga Studio in March, 2018. Meghan has been an educator her entire life and is excited about combining two of her passions through teaching yoga. Meghan loves to cheer people on through difficulty to help them grow stronger and re-imagine their limits on and off the mat. Come practice with her. 
Lisa Zito LMT YOGa teacher Lisa attended massage therapy school at The Ohio College of Massotherapy class of 2002. Just after massage school she also obtained her Nail Technicians license. She has spent many years in the spa and in clinical settings as well as offering corporate and onsite services. Lisa received specialized training in Traditional Thai Yoga massage, and is also certified in Pre- and Post- natal massage. She has come up with her own unique style combining therapeutic and relaxation techniques. Lisa has been studying and practicing the art of yoga since 2005. She had the pleasure of studying at The Sophia Center at Ursuline College and at St. Joe's Rivers Edge. Combining yoga and massage Lisa specializes in Traditional Thai Yoga Massage, offers Reiki sessions, as well as Chakra Balancing Aromatherapy massage. |
