Vinyasa and Mindful Instructor
Meghan went to school for architecture and in 2016, after working in corporate America for 10 years, she quit her career and opened Hot on Bank, New London
Meghan has been practicing yoga since 2006. After practicing under a few different teachers/styles of yoga, she developed a strong home practice. During this time, it was Power Vinyasa that she fell in love with. In 2012, she became a certified power vinyasa instructor, through North East Power Yoga before opening her first yoga studio in 2017.
Meghan's teaching has evolved over the years and while you will still find her teaching power vinyasa, you will also find her teaching more gentle classes. But no matter what class you find Meghan teaching, she is always aiming for her students to make the practice their own; exploring the postures as a way to look inward. Meghan truly believes that each of her students have the ability to be their own, best teachers, and hopes to inspire them to be lifelong students to the practice of yoga
Hatha/Kripalu Instructor
Sonya began her study of yoga in 2002 and was trained as a yoga instructor at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in 2006. She teaches the Kripalu method as well as Vinyasa Flow and Restorative classes. Sonya’s teaching is known for being clear and accessible. Students can expect a class that is equal parts skillful, challenging, sustainable and fulfilling. In addition to being an experienced yoga instructor and student, Sonya teaches French and Spanish at the Norwich Free Academy where she also designed a yoga program accessible to all students as part of their curriculum. She enjoys engaging her students daily in the practice of mindfulness and the inquiry of yoga.
“Mindfulness is the practice of noticing our limits while yoga is the practice of transcending them. If we can approach all practice with an attitude of curiosity and compassion, there is no limit to what we can uncover and transform.”
Ayurveda Instructor
Rachna, originally from India, began her wellness journey at the age of fifteen when her father, her first guru, enrolled her at the Bihar School of Yoga yoga camp. This experience ignited a special love for yoga and led her into a lifelong journey to understand not only the foundations of yoga but also its essential preventative and curative role in good health. After several years of developing a consistent yoga practice, Rachna became a certified teacher to share her passion for yoga. She has completed numerous training courses in both the US and India. Her holistic path to achieve harmony between the mind and body led her to the study of Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old holistic health care system from India, which uses diet, daily/seasonal rituals, herbs, and body work as treatment. She is a certified Ayurvedic wellness coach and also completing a Doctoral program in Ayurveda. Rachna appreciates all her teachers for their love, support, and knowledge. For Rachna, frequently traveling home to India and spending time with master teachers is an essential component of her growth as a wellness practitioner. She currently lives in Southeastern CT with her family. In her free time she loves to cook, entertain, and make fresh spices, and she is also a passionate collector of sarees. She looks forward to sharing the transformative and empowering wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda with her community. Namaste
Power Vinyasa Instructor
Shelby Iapoce-Lintz is a 200 hour RYT, certified kids yoga instructor, and holistic health coach. She trained through Styles Yoga in Albany, NY, Deep Play for Kids in Fairfield, CT and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, in NYC, respectively. As an Upstate, NY native Shelby grew up with a passion for nature and athletics, and played Division 1 lacrosse at Fairfield University. She is a believer in the mind, body, and soul connection, and how yoga helps us integrate them so we can consistently be our truest selves and of better service to the world. Shelby has not only found herself, but also some of her closest friends and mentors, through practicing yoga. She hopes to create an environment where others feel safe and empowered to do so as well.
Vinyasa Instructor
Emily began practicing yoga in 2011 as a way to manage anxiety and panic attacks after the loss of a loved one. Her passion for yoga grew deeply over the years and she discovered she wanted to be able to bring the benefits of yoga to others. In 2019 Emily traveled to Romania to complete a multi-style 200-hour teacher training in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin. You will find a mixture of these styles in her classes. Since then, she has completed her 300-hour certification as well as additional courses in Restorative Yoga. In Emily's classes, expect to challenge yourself both mentally and physically and leave feeling centered and empowered, always knowing you can come back to your breath.
Vinyasa Instructor
Hayley started her yoga practice in pursuit of cool poses, but quickly realized the benefits of her practice for her body and mind. For Hayley, practicing mindful yoga is an act of self love, and has deepened her intuitive connection with her body. Yoga has brought more ease, peace, and trust into her life.
Hayley is a 200 HR RYT through Hot on Bank. She teaches vinyasa, restorative yoga, and prenatal yoga, and her goal in all of her classes is for her students to be kind to themselves and listen to their bodies.
When she’s not practicing asana, she can be found spending time with her husband, rescue pup, and family.
Slow Flow, Restorative, Nidra Instructor
Lexa first came to the mat to fight in the great calorie crusade but noticed that with consistent practice, she was gaining tools to combat anxiety and hustle-culture stress. Through the guidance of courage-infusing teachers, Lexa became more aware of noticing the body’s distress signals and how to navigate them. She came for the workout, but stayed for the process of reacquainting with herself.
Lexa, a 200 RYT through Hot on Bank, teaches slow-flow vinyasa and restorative classes with a nidra chaser. Students can expect a compassionate atmosphere where you can practice as you are and take up all the space that you need.
When Lexa is not in some kind of hip opener or practicing Ashtanga primary, she can be found hiking with her husband and two pups or floating in the ocean.
Vinyasa Instructor
Stephanie’s practice began in 2010 at the local YMCA under Linda Wells & Wendy who opened the door to embracing imperfections and living in the moment. Throughout major turning points in her adult life she has always circled back to asana. In 2022 she became a 200 HR RYT through Hot on Bank.
Stephanie seeks to offer avenues for growth while creating a safe and calming space for students to be themselves. For Stephanie, growth provides hope and hope has a strong relationship to the power of positive thinking.
Power Vinyasa Instructor
Through her 7 years of teaching experience, Alyssa strives to create a well-rounded movement experience to enhance overall well-being. Positivity and ability to make the practice “light and fun” best represents who Alyssa is as a teacher, and she does her best to hold true to those qualities in all aspects of life. Yoga, and its portrayal of some postures, can be intimidating and so she works to create an environment where the student is able to let go of life’s pressures and find enjoyment within the practice. Essentially, her class is a time to develop personal practice and have a good time (while breaking a sweat!). Overall Alyssa’s goal is to contribute positivity into the day of each individual and have them feeling accomplished, relaxed and centered. Expect to walk out of class feeling balanced and powerful! She has continued to develop her talents and focus as a teacher with many classes, workshops and trainings. Vinyasa Instructor
Stephanie’s practice began in 2010 at the local YMCA under Linda Wells & Wendy who opened the door to embracing imperfections and living in the moment. Throughout major turning points in her adult life she has always circled back to asana. In 2022 she became a 200 HR RYT through Hot on Bank.
Stephanie seeks to offer avenues for growth while creating a safe and calming space for students to be themselves. For Stephanie, growth provides hope and hope has a strong relationship to the power of positive thinking.
Vinyasa Instructor
Jeanne has been a group fitness instructor for over thirty years, but originally came to yoga intending only to be a student. She never thought yoga was for her, as her mind was rarely at peace…which is exactly why yoga was for her! Jeanne began her practice in Washington, D.C. in 2017, and continued practicing after moving to Colorado Springs. At the studio in Colorado Springs, she found what she did not know she was looking for – community. At that point, she wanted to learn more about the history and practice of yoga, so she enrolled in the studio’s 200-hour teacher training program, with no intention of actually teaching. The joy of sharing yoga and all it has to offer, however, overcame her resistance and she discovered she loved to teach yoga, particularly all variations of vinyasa flow. When not in the studio, you’ll usually find Jeanne enjoying the outdoors with her service dog, Angel.
Vinyasa Instructor
Leila has been practicing yoga since 2007 when her mom introduced her to the practice and has been in love ever since. Yoga has helped Leila find grace in the way she moves, thinks, and engages with the world around her. Her yoga journey has deeply transformed her life, opening her mind and heart. Leila wants to help others find their version of yoga by facilitating classes where students feel comfortable, safe, and supported to explore movement, breath, and mind-body connection to expand their practice both on and off the mat. Leila recently relocated to the Mystic area from Brooklyn, NY and is pursuing her MBA. Leila received her 200 hour RYT certification in 2022 from Abhaya Yoga in Dumbo, Brooklyn and is excited to start her teaching practice at HOB Mystic. Her favorite yoga styles include vinyasa, power yoga, and mobility classes.
Vinyasa Instructor
Angelo began his yoga journey in the early 2000s after hearing Jennifer Aniston attribute yoga as a vital component of her physical and mental wellness. That seed later manifested into a continued journey of self knowledge, acceptance and love. Angelo’s practice intensified later in life and carried him through a very tumultuous time. His mindful yoga practice helped him come to terms with life on life’s terms. Angelo believes yoga is magic and wants to share this transformative power with his students. Angelo strives to ensure that all his students know they are welcome and feel safe to come practice in his class...just as they are. You are enough!
Angelo completed his 200HR YTT at HOB in June of 2021. He is overjoyed to be teaching at one of his favorite studios alongside other talented and dynamic teachers. When not on his mat, Angelo can be found out in nature or spending time with his family and friends. He calls Norwich home and loves with his two rescue cats Basil and Guda. He also spends much time contemplating how to manifest into reality Jennifer Lopez taking one of his classes:)
Tasia began practicing yoga as a way to feel more in tune with her body. Once she developed a consistent, dedicated practice, she found a holistic connection to body, mind, and spirit. Along her yoga journey, she realized she wanted to share her practice with others the way her teachers have shared theirs. Tasia is a 200 hr ryt, having gr
Tasia began practicing yoga as a way to feel more in tune with her body. Once she developed a consistent, dedicated practice, she found a holistic connection to body, mind, and spirit. Along her yoga journey, she realized she wanted to share her practice with others the way her teachers have shared theirs. Tasia is a 200 hr ryt, having graduated training through Hot on Bank in 2023. She welcomes and holds space for all students who want to develop or deepen their practice.
Our experienced and certified instructors are passionate about sharing the practice of yoga with others. They provide personalized attention and modifications to ensure that every student can safely and effectively participate in our classes.