Paula has been practicing yoga for 25 years and teaching since 2009. Her practice has evolved over this time and continues to change, being inspired by her teachers and her ever changing body with the lessons that it brings. Yoga has helped Paula to be more steady in both body and mind and she wishes the same for her students. Her classes are slow paced, focusing on connecting movement with breath. Her classes also incorporate work on practical every day movements like: standing and sitting posture, gait, squatting, getting up and down off the floor and floor sitting. Paula encourages her students to challenge themselves but to also rest when needed and to find joy in movement. Paula is now a partner/owner at the studio.

Denise practiced yoga for years by following along to DVD instructors before finding her way to Blue Pearl Yoga. She has always made room for fitness in the midst of her busy life, prior to retirement as a Health & Family Consumer Science teacher, and enjoys walking/running, biking and cross country skiing but yoga - and the opportunity to stretch and strengthen the body, holds particular interest. Denise is now a partner/owner at the studio and teaches Vinyasa, Yin & Chair Yoga.

RYT200, Rebecca Cohen Yoga, 2015

Yin Yoga, Evolation Yoga, 2019

Hot Yoga, Evolation Yoga, 2019

Science of Stretching Certified Coach, 2022

Lisa committed to a consistent yoga practice after knee surgery and it was nothing short of life-changing. Initially she used yoga as a tool for her own self-care journey; now she uses these same tools to encourage her students to hold a sacred space for themselves. She has long called Blue Pearl Yoga "home" and began teaching in 2019 and is now a partner/owner at the studio.

RYT200, Rebecca Cohen Yoga, 2018

RYT300, MVP Yoga, 2020

Reiki Practicioner, Joni Yaskulski - Reiki Master, 2016

Michelle’s introduction to yoga began as sampling classes here and there with friends for fun, but she FOUND yoga in 2007 she participated in yoga classes for teachers at her school.  Yoga became a time for Michelle to focus on herself between the teacher’s hectic school day and rushing home to care for two small children.  The true benefits of yoga became undeniable when Michelle aggravated two herniated discs in her neck.  Along with the help of doctors and physical therapists at first, yoga became the best way to manage physical tension and daily stress.  Michelle became certified to teach yoga as a treat to herself; she wanted to learn more about the practice that was so impactful on her health.  After practicing her teaching skills in Yoga Teacher Training, she fell in love with sharing her passion.  Michelle offers a traditional Hatha Vinyasa class with emphasis on flowing with the breath. Michelle is now a partner/owner at the studio. 

RYT 200, Rebecca Cohen Yoga, 2018

Yoga Nidra Meditation, Kristen McCarthy, 2020

Reiki I and II of the Usui/Holy Fire III, Joni Yaskulski 2021

Rebecca’s path began in community care as a Holistic Doula and Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, where she learned to hold space with compassion and intuition. Her own healing journey with chronic pain and anxiety led her to yoga in her 20s, first through simple app‑based practices. Now an RYT‑200 continuing her training in Accessible Yoga and other styles. Rebecca also brings the support of Reiki, sound healing, and coherent breath work. She offers gentle, grounding classes that invite students to soften, reconnect, and remember their inner wisdom.

RYT‑200, Uplifted Yoga, 2026

As a Retired Math Teacher at ECS and Adjunct Math and Yoga Teacher at SUNY GCC, I use Yoga as a life balancer. It provides me with the tools to decompress and remain healthy, both mentally and physically throughout the challenges faced in everyday life. I love sharing this life experience with others. During my college years I taught various forms of dance & acrobatics at a Buffalo studio, as well as, gymnastics at a Buffalo YMCA. I currently teach Vinyasa Yoga and Chair Yoga for ECS Community Members Adjunct SUNY GCC teaching ECS high school students Intermediate Yoga and Beginning Yoga for college credit. Provide yoga sessions for various athletic teams at ECS: soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball and golf. Provide yoga sessions during conference days at ECS.

E-RYT Yoga Alliance Member

Certified in Reiki I and II of the Usui/Holy Fire III

Certified Pilates Instructor NPTA

Vinyasa Yoga

Ken is an avid runner and enjoys Cross-fit so the addition of yoga in 2010 allowed him to see - and reap - the benefits of an effective breathing practice. He is a Client Support Specialist for Employee Benefits by day but connecting the dots between movement, breath, and stillness is what he brings to the studio. Ken's Vinyasa Classes are suitable for all levels.

RYT200, Nu Movement Yoga, 2018

Tammy began her yoga journey in the 90's practicing with VHS videotapes.  She was working and going to college full-time, in addition to raising a son and running a household. She learned the value of yoga during this time. She would start to feel overwhelmed,  do the yoga tape,  and afterward, feel completely calm and ready to move on to the next task.

She took the 200-hour teacher training to deepen her understanding of yoga,  and discovered that she really wanted to share her love of yoga with others.

She also believes in the power of Reiki.  She incorporates the healing energy of Reiki into her yoga classes.

RYT 200 Hr Yoga Teacher Training, Rebecca Cohen Yoga, 2019

Reiki Level I and II, Joni Yaskulski, 2022

She is also certified in several Mind-Body Somatic practices. Dawnna originally got into Somatics in order to focus on connecting her mind and body, but found Clinical Somatics to be so much more than trauma release. She appreciates how Somatics helps connect with the wisdom the body holds with small, intentional movements anyone can do. She encourages students to find their own autonomy in their practice and loves that Clinical Somatics is meant to educate and empower students to take control over healing their own mind, body, and spirit.

Certified in Clinical Somatics specializing in the Hanna Method, Sarah Warren St. Pierre-the Somatic Movement Center, 2026

Deanna is an Intuitive counselor using her gifts to guide people to the best versions of themselves. Along with doing readings, she has been using breath work and Kriya for 8 years now, transforming herself and her life. It is Deanna's highest passion to guide others to the freedom she has learned to cultivate. 

Allow Deanna to lead the way to an inner peace that will forever change you.

Certified in Kundalini Yoga, Ra Ma Institute, 2024

Joni - a certified Tai Chi instructor and Reiki Master/Teacher and Karuna® Reiki Master/Teacher - organizes and facilitates monthly Reiki Shares held at Blue Pearl Yoga. Along with seven years of martial arts skills, Joni has additional certification in Dan Ming Qi Gong and Thai Yoga Massage.  She has been a steadfast fixture at Blue Pearl Yoga, as a teacher and a student, since 2005 and brings a wealth of experience (and joy!) to the studio.

Andarta is a professional psychic who performs tarot and oracle card readings, past life regressions, shamanic journey work, and Reiki healing. Andarta is an Empath who can sense people’s feelings, as well as a Clairvoyant and Clairaudient, to hear and see any messages that people need to know. She is a Reiki Master who heals people with Reiki energy, as well as teaches Reiki classes. She also is a high priestess who performs legal handfastings and weddings, and is a Priestess of Avalon, who helps the land and the people to heal. She is a Druid, and a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD). Andarta is also a certified Death Doula through INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association). She also performs various rituals and spells, such as house cleansings and protection spells. She performs Reiki healing to humans and animals. And Andarta was also an English professor for 18 years, who holds a Masters in Composition and Rhetoric, and a Doctorate in Medieval Literature, utilizing her knowledge of ancient languages and the Arthurian legends in her Magickal Writing class.

Master/Teacher who has devoted over 25 years to the development of these practices. He creates an easy

and relaxed class atmosphere that is enjoyable and one where all students can have a positive experience.

Certified instructor in Qigong, T’ai Chi, yoga, meditation and a Karuna® Reiki