Our instructors are the backbone of this studio. Every day they show up with the energy and kindness we would like to see put out in the world.
They all bring something authentic, different and special to each class they teach. Get to know them a bit and come see them in the studio. Let’s get to know who teaches – and reaches – you here at Asana in Charlestown
souls of the studio
YOGA + sound bath + MEDITATION + BARRE
THE SOULS OF ASANA
GETTING TO KNOW
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OWNER
My deep appreciation for the practice of yoga began in 2000 while living and working in NYC. Like most twenty somethings, I was on a quest to find myself. Yoga helped. In 2002, I left my job in finance, enrolled in an immersive teacher training at the Omega Institute, moved to Charlestown, and began teaching yoga. It was around this time that I took my first class with my primary teacher, Barbara Benagh.
In 2012, I opened the Yoga Room - a small studio in Thompson Square. It was a sweet spot, but too small to serve the growing student base. In 2015 with the help of many, I had the great fortune of founding a new center, ASANA Charlestown in the heart of city square.
As a teacher I am committed to learning and a desire to serve others. My classes draw inspiration from the direct experiences I’ve had as a student on the mat and a citizen in the world.
I love the exuberant energy of an urban setting as well as the quiet serenity found in nature. I enjoy making cookies, long runs in the open air, swimming in the ocean, and skiing in the trees.
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I first found the mat during a time of transition in my life. Having danced competitively for many years, I yearned for a class that offered dynamic movement in addition to the mental benefits of the practice. As time progressed, I realized how much I craved the sense of community that yoga has to offer.
For me, yoga has evolved into an experience that illuminates the benefits of the mind body connection but also the power of community. My classes will enable students to establish a relationship between the body, the mind and the breath. Through thoughtful sequencing and a strong focus on alignment, my classes will challenge you to use your body in a mindful way. Placing high value on the sense of community yoga brings, I offer hands on assists and adjustments, plenty of indie and folk music and little nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. No matter where you are when you walk into the studio, I aim to meet you where you are on the mat, in hopes that you can carry some form of newly found awareness when you leave the studio.
I am so grateful for my experience in Boston Yoga School’s yoga studies and teacher training program; continuing to learn so much from my teachers Ame Wren and Brenna Matthews, even after graduating.
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Jessica Diaz is an inspirational wellness speaker, writer, and certified personal trainer who overcame adversity to promote holistic well-being. As a spokesperson for the American Heart and Stroke Association, she advocates for stroke awareness and prevention. With a love for Barre fitness, Jessica became a licensed instructor in 2012, blending principles of the traditional Lotte Berk Method, Functional Movement, Breathwork, and SmartFLOW Yoga in her dynamic classes. Jessica holds certifications in fitness nutrition, Reiki, sound therapy, brain health training, functional movement. Jessica's speaking engagements and collaborations with notable brands reflect her passion for inspiring others to prioritize health and embrace mindfulness. Through her comprehensive approach, she empowers individuals to unlock their potential for vibrant living. Jessica was also awarded Best of Boston fitness class in 2023.
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Molly combines vinyasa-inspired yoga with somatic awareness movements, pilates, and meditation to create a grounding and joyful yoga class. She teaches at yoga studios across Boston, as well as community and mental health centers.
Molly believes in yoga as a tool for personal, physical, and spiritual growth, and each class of Molly's honors this intention. She draws on her deep spiritual practice, as well as personal development and research on yoga and mindfulness, as tools for healing and bringing in more joy.
As a former corporate worker, she is passionate about bringing mindfulness and yoga to busy and stressed workers, to people struggling with mental health, and for anyone who desires to improve mental, spiritual, and physical health.
In addition to her yoga teaching, Molly designs and facilitates workshops on incorporating mindfulness into corporate settings.
She completed her 200-hour RYT training at Boston Yoga Union in 2023 and continues to learn through attending workshops and trainings. Her primary influences include Erica Bornstein, Sara Basile, Jill Rogers, Jason Crandall, and Tias Little.
Follow her in Instagram @mollymermaidd and check out her website: bymolly.squarespace.com
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In 2006, I stepped on my mat looking to transition to a new form of exercise after more than a decade of being a trained ballet dancer. Following my first class, I was instantly hooked on the positive vibrations yoga gave to me; that mind-body connection found on the mat. Now every time I step onto my mat, the philosophy and spirituality of yoga, coupled with the asana practice create an opportunity for growth, compassion, and greater understanding of the self.
I have studied various styles of yoga including Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Bikram, but currently focus on Vinyasa. My classes are challenging yet playful with an emphasis on alignment. My intent is to provide an open space for my students to quiet the mind and strengthen the body to cultivate a transformative experience of self-awareness.
I completed my 200-hour certification at Boston Yoga School in 2013.
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Ekaterina Blekhman: Born to Move, Born to Thrive
Passionate about movement and holistic living, Ekaterina Balduzzi – a spirited yoga teacher and lifelong fitness enthusiast. Hailing from Russia, my journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to an active and balanced lifestyle.
Guiding others on the path of mindfulness and physical well-being, I bring a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern vitality to my yoga classes.
With a lifelong dedication to fitness, I inspire others to discover the transformative power of movement. My dedication has most recently driven me to Slide, a powerful movement class focusing on strength and agility. Fitness isn't just a routine; it's a way of life.
Join me in embracing the joy of movement and the essence of holistic living.
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Erica began her journey in the world of Pilates over 10 years ago, driven by a desire to help others discover the incredible benefits of this transformative practice. She is a seasoned private and group instructor who empowers clients to achieve their fitness goals and find balance in body and mind. Known for her warm and encouraging teaching style, Erica creates an inclusive and supportive environment in her classes. She holds certifications in Pilates, Yoga, anatomy, and injury prevention, allowing her to provide personalized and effective instruction to clients of all levels.
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Sabrina is a Vinyasa flow teacher with five years of personal practice. She first came to yoga as a way to find stillness in a busy life, and over time it became a grounding practice that deepened her connection to both body and mind.
Her classes are rooted in mindful movement, with an emphasis on using breath and flow to quiet the mind and connect more deeply with the body. Sabrina creates a grounded, welcoming space where students of all levels can explore presence, strength, and inner calm through movement. She has a 200-hour yoga teacher certification from Down Under School of Yoga, where she trained under Kate Heffernan and Michael Ponte.
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Haley believes that barre is for every body - whether you’ve practiced before or are stepping up to the barre for the first time. Her classes focus on the power of micro-movements—small, intentional exercises that create a big impact. Her goal is to help clients build strength and find JOY in moving.
Haley lives in Charlestown and loves having lattes with her friends, fresh flowers, baking, and trying new restaurants with her husband.
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My mother brought me to my first yoga class when I was 15. From the first class, I was hooked on the internal quieting I felt while practicing in a community. I completed my first 200-hour teacher training at 18 years old. I continued my practice under Kristin Olson at Home Yoga for the next 7 years and completed my 300 hour teacher training with her in 2024. I have continued my education with Restorative Training at Home Yoga and Reiki Level 1 training at Soma Yoga. Now, I continue to study under teachers in the Boston area, including Jill Rodgers and Amy Leydon.
I teach an alignment-based class with a focus on intelligent, thoughtful sequencing. My goal is to allow space for the connection between mind, breath, and movement, while encouraging students to meet themselves where they are at in their practice. My teaching is best known for precise alignment cues. Throughout class we will hold shapes to properly align the body. Expect to work up to some unique, challenging poses.
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Meet Kelly — certified barre instructor bringing high energy, good vibes, and a whole lot of burn to every class Her classes will leave you feeling strong, confident, and ready to take on the day! Outside the studio, she loves beach days, spending time with her fiancé, and her pup Jemma Her goal is to create a positive, fun and empowering space where everyone can feel successful and motivated—one pulse at a time!
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I discovered yoga at a time when I felt burnt out from competitive sports and needed a change. Yoga is now an essential part of my life, a bridge that connects my mind and body through breath and movement. The mind-body connection that yoga fosters became a powerful tool in my healing process, helping me to release the stress and exhaustion that had accumulated over the years. It allowed me to move with intention, to reclaim my body in a way that was nurturing.
I received my 200 HR training with Jaci and Blanca at Be In Union Somerville, an experience that changed me forever. Today, my goal is to share the healing power of yoga with others, especially within communities of color, who may not have access to the resources or support they need. I want to offer others the opportunity to experience the transformative benefits of movement for mental well-being. It’s a journey I am passionate about sharing, so that others can find peace and healing through movement, just as I have.
Outside of yoga, I live in Charlestown with my partner Alex and labradoodle Appa. I enjoy reading, cooking new recipes, and going on hikes! I am always looking for new sourdough recipe and a fun farmers market to explore.
I teach an alignment-based class with a focus on intelligent, thoughtful sequencing. My goal is to allow space for the connection between mind, breath, and movement, while encouraging students to meet themselves where they are at in their practice. My teaching is best known for precise alignment cues. Throughout class we will hold shapes to properly align the body. Expect to work up to some unique, challenging poses.
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With over 12 years of yoga practice and a background in dance, Shayna brings a deep appreciation for movement, breath, and the mind-body connection to every class. After completing her YTT in 2024, she began teaching almost immediately, sharing her passion with the Charlestown community where she lives.
Her teaching style emphasizes fluidity and balance, encouraging students to move with intention while seamlessly pairing breath with movement. Expect an athletic and dynamic practice that challenges both the body and mind. Whether you're building strength, increasing flexibility, or finding balance, Shayna creates an empowering and supportive space for students to explore their personal edge and deepen their practice.
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Carly is a barre, pilates, yoga, and dance instructor who values exercise rooted in mindfulness and intention. Her training includes Barre, 200hr Trauma-Informed Yoga, Comprehensive Pilates Mat, Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, and 5 Element QiGong. She has also led four barre teacher training programs. Her teaching emphasizes diaphragmatic breath and core connection, using the breath as both anchor and guide. While her class is inclusive and accessible to all levels, it will offer challenges and empower your entire body. Being in recovery from disordered eating and chronic pain has inspired her to create a safe and welcoming space where fitness feels therapeutic, intuitive, affirming, and liberating. She hopes every student leaves class feeling more connected to themselves - stronger, lighter, and more at home in their body.
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A lifelong lover of movement and coaching, Alice brings passion, energy, and heart to every barre class. She fell in love with barre in 2009 after taking Jessica Diaz’s class and became certified in 2017. A former USA-sanctioned boxer, Alice believes in the power of discipline, self-belief, and community—principles she weaves into every class.
Beyond the studio, Alice has spent over a decade coaching, teaching, and designing learning experiences that build confidence, connection, and leadership. Regardless the setting, her coaching style is grounded in empathy, accountability, and meaningful relationships. You’ll often find her running through Boston or taking group fitness classes, always inspired by the people around her.
Alice’s classes focus on helping you tune in to yourself, challenge your limits, and celebrate your own strength. Her teaching is rooted in connection, balance, and joy—because fitness should be about becoming the best version of yourself for that day, one class at a time.