Melanie first became enamored with yoga while watching Richard Hittleman on television as a stay-at-home mom caring for two daughters age 1 and 3 (now age 23 and 25). She admits it was the calmest part of the day! After television teachers came videos and books and two years later a classroom in Okinawa, Japan where she met her first teacher and received her initial certification. Melanie received her second certification from the Institute of Yoga in Houston, Texas in 1996 and became registered with Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour level in 2002.

Melanie has practiced with many yoga authors/ teachers in various styles and traditions throughout the years including Mukunda Stiles, Sri Dharma Muttra, Toa Porchon-Lnch, Beryl Bender Berch and Christy Brock, as well as workshops/seminars at Yogaville , VA. When asked who her favorite teacher was she replies, “My students”.

Over her career Melanie has taught classes and workshops from basic hatha yoga, pre and post natal yoga, kid’s yoga, partner yoga and yoga for seniors’ throughout the Tidewater area. In additional she has been instrumental in three teacher training programs and has recorded two CD’s.

Melanie is known for her gentle and restorative yoga classes, private sessions and workshops. One student said it was like coming home to cookies and milk, a place where you feel safe. Her passion for teaching is reflected with genuine empathy for individuals and respect for “the journey”.

Her favorite quote is from the laughing Buddha…..who reminds us not to take anything in life too seriously!