Ann Bartlett, LMT
Owner, Massage Therapist, Infant Massage Instructor

Ann Bartlett started her career as a massage therapist in 1987.  In 1986, Ann found herself in the office of a massage therapist and discovered that massage served more than just physical relief for an back injury.  Her initial training started at Kripalu Yoga Ashram, Lenox Massachusetts.  During her time at Kripalu, Ann learned that massage and holistic approaches to her own health afforded her more control over her juvenile diabetes.  "By taking a hard look at my own body's response, I realized I could help other people with similar issues."

In addition to working with clients who had cancer, MS, ALS, and fibromyalgia, Ann pursued equine massage.  Having spent many years riding, Ann opened up a relationship with several local equestrians and worked with three day event, hunters and four-in-hand driving teams.  In 1988, Ann attended the Pennsylvania School of Massage Therapy for AMTA Swedish and Therapeutic certification and training in Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy.  Her strong belief in continuing education in massage and integrative approaches to wellness has been a unique part of her practice.

Ann's enthusiasm and drive have afforded her global opportunities to practice, such as working at the 1991 World Cross Country Championships, Boston Ma: 1992 Olympics, Barcelona, Spain; 1993 World Track and Field Championships, Stuttgart, Germany; 1995 Track and Field World Track and Field Championships, Gottemburg Sweden; Boston Marathon, Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, 1993 Triathlon World Championships; 1990 Equestrian Olympic Trials.

Because of Ann's personal experience with Juvenile Diabetes, she divides her time between world class athletes and working with clients, adults and children, who have been diagnosed with chronic illness.  "I like to think I'm helping address everyone's potential, whether it be for speed, endurance or to feel better than when they walked in the door!"
      
In addition to her business, Ann writes for healthcentral.com, a website dedicated to giving people who live with chronic illness personal stories and information about their health choices. Ann is a board member and Outreach Chair for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation helping local families and individuals find resources and community in the DC area.  She also is a board member of Infant Massage USA, an organization that teaches parents about the value of communication through touch for their children.

While in NYC, Sara earned her BA in English and American Literature with a minor in Dance Education at New York University.  After graduation, she worked as a professional dancer, and children's dance teacher for many years before becoming a full time preschool teacher.  As someone who loves to learn, she deepened her yoga practice and began to study massage.  Sara finally found her calling in integrative nutrition and Pilates.

She received her certifications in nutrition from the School of Integrative Nutrition, which is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and from Teacher College of Columbia University.  She received her Pilates certification from the Kane School of core Integration.  she enjoys writing, and has been published in Dance Magazine, Pregnancy Magazine, the newsletter from her local CSA and created her own holistic health newsletter.

Knowing how important it is to keep ideas fresh, Sara continues to keep up to date with the latest information in both Pilates and in nutrition both at home and in continuing education settings.  Becoming a mom, and finding work that she loves has radically changed her life.  Sara is passionate about educating others and inspiring them to feel their best and live their lives to the fullest!  Check out her new project, www.nourishingmoms.com

Neva Ingalls, Yoga Instructor


Neva Ingalls is a certified yoga therapist, an ERYT 500 with Yoga Alliance and director of Inner Domain Yoga teacher training program. Neva’s experience in dance and healing arts, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa, raja and Tantra Yoga, spans 30 years. Her unique background in classical dance, spiritual studies and yoga gave her the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a small movement of instructors. In Neva’s classes, students are encouraged to travel deep below their own surface on a path toward discovering their inner strength through deepening their physical edge.  To know more about Neva’s schedule and services: www.innerdomain.org

April Scripps, Yoga Instructor

April has been enjoying the benefits of yoga since 1994.  She received her teacher training through the American Healing Arts Yoga School and is a Yoga Alliance Yoga Teacher.  April believes that people are drawn to yoga for many different reasons and within each class students are encouraged to tailor their practice to their individual needs.   As a massage therapist, April combines yoga and relaxation techniques with the principles of anatomy and physiology to help students create ease and peace for the body, mind and spirit.  April's fusion style offers all ages, body types and levels a place to explore.

Debora Jackson, RYT, Belly Dance Instructor

Born in Brazil, Debora has dance in her blood!  A life long student, she acquired her training in Belly Dance under the direction of Marta and currently studies with Asharah.  Debora has attended many workshops with renowned masters such as Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Bozenka, Belly Queen and Carolina Nericcio.  As a member of PURE DC, she has performed at many events including Operation Ceasefire and Take Back the Night.  Debora also performs Tribal Fusion Belly Dance with her troupe Bella Quattro.  Inspired by the American approach to Middle Eastern ethnic dance as it has morphed into Tribal Belly Dance.  Debora's love of dance and a daily yoga practice create the joy she radiates through dance.

Dr. Christine Kiesinger, Ph.D
Reiki Therapist, Yoga Instructor

The intensity and stress of writing a doctoral dissertation brought Christine to yoga in the early 90's.  Immediately struck by the grace with which her instructor Vasanta Lidanova moved across the room, Christine knew that she was to embark on a journey that would  be transformative.

Christine studied and practiced yoga with Vasanta for several years and began teaching her own classes in 1998 in Austin, Texas area.  Christine brought her unique style of restorative and energizing yoga to a variety of contexts including Dell Computer, Round Rock.  She created and instructed the full credit Living Yoga course at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas.  The Living Yoga course combined yoga history, philosophy and practice.  It was offered for many years to first year undergraduates and was designed to help them in coping with the stress associated with transitioning from home to university life.

In sum, Christine's philosophy is that optimal health and well-being are rooted in a state of calm, ease and grace.  Yoga, a mind-body practice is one of the most effective pathways to discovering the peace that she believes, already exists in each of us.  Christine believes that our challenge is to learn how to access our peace and to nourish it so it will flourish and become a "felt" state and key to who we are.

In addition to teaching yoga, Christine is a certified Usai Reiki Master/Teacher and Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher (look at Body page).  She is also on the faculty George Washington University where she teaches courses in communication studies.

Chuck Everhart, Yoga Instructor

Chuck (Ganesh) is a yoga student for over 17 years with most of his practice with Sivananda Hatha Yoga. He began teaching 10 years ago when his Guru, Swami Gurudevananda (Sita Frenkel), first encouraged me to pursue teaching. After many years of study and continued teaching, he is a registered yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance, 500-RYT and 500-YET, classically trained in Sivananda Style Hatha Yoga.   The focus remains on classic asana, pranayama and relaxation.  The class style begins slow warming the body with stretches, moving to Sun Salutations, then on to various asanas for deeper work. 

Sharon (Sam) Meehan, RYT

Sam has been practicing yoga for more than ten years and teaching for the last five.  After completing nearly two years of intensive training in the US, India and Europe, she has taught a diverse group of students in a variety of settings.  Sam has taught beginning to advanced classes, prenatal, and classes for the elderly and disabled.  Her gentle, no threatening approach and ability to adjust postures to meet individual needs has enriched the lives of her students.  As a testimony to her ability, many of her students  have been in her classes since she was a teacher trainee.

Sam's traditional holistic approach allows students to practice in a non- competitive, open friendly environment.  While progressing at your own pace, each class offers a variety of postures and breathing techniques to increase stamina, flexibility, strength and reduce stress.  The focus is on awareness, how breath and how movement effects the mind and body, rather than looking at a picture in a book.

The gifts taught to Sam by her teacher inspired her to pursue a deeper understanding of yoga and it's lifestyle.  She is a gift to her students because she understands the daily stresses and lifestyle choices, and offers a busy mind a place to learn how to relax, rejuvenate and replenish the body's energy.