Leah Chiofaro, Owner & Founder

Leah Chiofaro founded SoulShine Power Yoga in 2014 as a way to bring more healing, peace, and strength directly to her community. After some of the hardest years of her life, consistent yoga practice brought her strength in body and mind, and she understood for herself the power of yoga to help people change their lives. With some help from her mentors, SoulShine Power Yoga went from a dream to reality. 

Leah has a long history in business, retail, and entrepreneurship, and owned her first business in Burlington called Hydrangea from 2005 to 2020. She opened SoulShine in Essex in 2014, the first standalone yoga studio in Essex Junction. Her vision expanded, and in 2021 Leah opened the second SoulShine studio on Church Street in Burlington in the middle of a global pandemic. When she’s not in the studio, Leah loves spending time with her three doggies, snowboarding, and enjoying live music.

Apryl Larkin

Apryl came to yoga as a runner wanting to avoid injury, but quickly fell in love with the practice. She really fell in love with yoga in 2011 when she moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and met an amazing teacher there who told her that she knew one day Apryl would teach. That planted a seed that came to fruition in 2015 as Apryl enrolled in the 200-hour teacher training program at Laughing River Yoga in Winooski.

Apryl loves the ability yoga gives to build strength in the body and enjoys a Vinyasa practice, powerfully linking breath with movement. She enjoys inverting and arm balancing, but also holding poses to build strength and flexibility. She is so grateful for the many teachers and students who inspire her on a daily basis.

Brielle Cataldo, Studio Manager

Brielle began practicing yoga in 2005. At first, it was just another way to move and keep her body flexible and strong for her other activities like hiking and mountain biking. But as she delved more deeply into her practice, she realized that yoga was so much more than a way to accommodate her other fitness passions. She found that the physical strength she gained from yoga, while wonderful, was surpassed by the peace of mind and serenity that she carried with her after each practice. Brielle felt called to seek more knowledge about the practice and became a 200 hour certified yoga instructor through Asheville Yoga Center in 2017. She loves sharing the practice with others and welcomes play and joyful movement into her sequences.

Caitlin McCloskey- Meyer, Studio Manager

After growing up dancing in Southern Vermont, Caitlin (she, her) earned a BFA in Dance and lived in New York for several years. While there, she began practicing yoga as a way to supplement her dance training, but found that yoga as a moving meditation meant more than cross training. She received her RYT-200 hour training from Yoga to the People, a donation-based studio, and taught classes around New York City, before returning to Vermont where she’s been teaching locally since 2020.

Her alignment-based flow classes emphasize the link between movement and breath in order to move more fully, breathe more deeply, and practice yoga more consciously. Students are encouraged to listen to their own bodies and take the reins in their individual experiences.

Cara Bondi

Catherine Hamilton

Christina Fornaciari

Christina Fornaciari (she/her) is a full-time yoga teacher living in Winooski, Vermont. She values yoga deeply beyond the physical practice and leans into yoga as a way of moving through life off the mat with more self-awareness, lovingkindness, and skillfulness. Even though she holds the role of a teacher, Christina is committed to continuous learning and studentship as a way of honoring the depths of the yoga practice and tapping into her fullest self.

Christina’s offerings weave together physical postures, breath awareness, mindfulness, Sanskrit mantra with the harmonium, and yogic philosophy, striking a balance between effort and ease with a focus on cultivating mindful awareness, curiosity, and self-acceptance. She aims to create an inclusive, safe, and non-judgmental space for practitioners to simply be themselves in the moment.

Christina is a 500hr certified yoga teacher and is also the Co-Director of the 200hr Yoga Teacher Training program at Laughing River Yoga.

Crystal Sorrell

Crystal (she/her) has been practicing yoga since 2013. She received her 200-hour certification through Laughing River Yoga, in Burlington VT. She primarily teaches vinyasa, Yin, and restorative yoga classes. Through her teachings, she hopes to share the healing and transformative benefits of the practice that we can take off our mat and into our daily lives. Guiding us towards reconnecting back to our true nature, while benefiting from the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual effects of the practice. She aims to create a space and practice for all levels, where folks can feel safe to explore their experience with a gentle approach.

Crystal is also a reiki practitioner and offers 1:1 and group energy healing sessions, for humans and for horses. When Crystal’s not teaching, practicing, providing energy healing, or working at her full-time job, she typically spends her time with her horse, Falcor, hiking, reading, or expressing herself through art.

Devon Penny

As a former gymnast, Devon (she/her) initially came to yoga intrigued by the challenge of folding herself into a pretzel like the days of her youth — however, she came to realize that yoga was so much more than a physical practice when she experienced how it calmed her busy mind. While navigating a lifelong relationship with depression & anxiety, and in particular, after developing a recurring health condition in 2016, Devon discovered that her yoga practice was becoming integral to her physical, mental and emotional recovery. Along the healing path, a yearning grew within to teach and hold space for others as they explore, discover and awaken their most vibrant self through yoga. It is Devon’s belief that this mind-body-spirit connection is there for each of us if only we commit to showing up for ourselves and to stay open to the shift in awareness offered by our practice.

With joy, passion, & a bit of humor, Devon teaches from a place of deep reflection and with attention to the inspirational, healing and transformative opportunities that yoga and its teachings offer students both on and off the mat. She strives to create a brave, welcoming space for students to explore & nurture their own personal practice with an emphasis on alignment and honoring their body’s unique needs from moment to moment. In Devon’s classes you will experience nuances from her own home yoga practice with elements that are playful, challenging, and sometimes surprising. You may be prompted to ‘choose your own adventure’ as you move through unique, well rounded sequences intended to inspire and nourish your experience on the mat. As a student of Caitlin Pascucci and Sarah Diedrick, Devon completed her 200 hour teacher certification through Sangha Studio (Burlington, VT) with a foundation in alignment-based vinyasa yoga.

Emily Souliotis

Emily has been practicing and teaching yoga for five years. She earned her 200 hour teaching certificate through Yoga Vermont in Burlington, and is currently working on her 500 hour certificate. Although Emily loves teaching many styles and levels, her favorite class is a challenging vinyasa! When she’s not teaching, Emily loves spending time with her husband, two little ones, and boxer pup.

Ginger MacDonald

Ginger practices yoga for physical and emotional well-being, greater self-understanding and greater connection to herself and the world. Yoga and mindfulness practices help her be more fully present in a way that’s kind and accepting. Her yoga classes focus on safe-alignment, playfulness, attention to breath and intention, mindful awareness and self-compassion. She loves teaching beginners and making yoga and mindfulness accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities. After completing 200-hr and 300-hr trainings in alignment-based vinyasa flow yoga, Ginger did additional trainings in yoga and mindfulness for children and teens, yoga for people with cancer histories and advanced trauma-sensitive mindfulness. In addition to being a yoga instructor, Ginger is a clinical psychologist. She enjoys time with friends and family, as well as hiking, skiing, paddling, gardening, music, art and reading.

Jenny Lowell

Jenny completed her Registered Yoga Certification course in Goa, India at Kashish Yoga School in 2018, and has been teaching professionally in Vermont and abroad ever since. She is certified in multiple styles of yoga, but focuses on Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin. She also received her Tantra-inspired Restorative training certificate in 2019.

In her practice, she links breath to movement with intention and mindfulness. Almost all of her offerings include a Hatha-style warm-up; moving each part of the body slowly to check-in, acknowledge, and wake-up. You can expect to slow down in her class, with time to deepen any posture or try something new. Her classes are all-levels with accessible options to make your individual practice more low-key or more challenging, depending on what your body is asking for at that moment. Join Jenny with an open mind, and finish with an open heart.

Jenny Sugar

Jenny Sugar (you can call her Sugar!) took her first yoga class in 1999 and has been teaching ever since. With a background in Ashtanga, her true passion is for Vinyasa-style yoga because of its playful, energetic, fluid, and challenging nature.

Sugar’s vigorous classes use the connection of your breath to your movements to deepen the connection you feel toward others and to the world. You’ll strengthen and open every inch of your body, and are encouraged to move at your own comfort and ability level, to explore new, challenging poses, and above else, to have fun!

Kara Bouchett

Over the past two decades, Kara has devoted herself to wellness, yoga and Ayurvedic studies. Since she began practicing yoga in 2003, Kara has been certified as a Ayurvedic Practitioner and is currently studying to become an Ayurvedic Health Counselor. She has been teaching yoga since 2015 and has led businesses in health and wellness.

Her love for yoga comes from her deep appreciation for the mental and spiritual healing power of a yoga practice. Kara’s yoga classes are strong, and have a focus on breath and mindfulness. She enjoys creating a practice environment for all levels.

Beyond teaching yoga, Kara enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, two boys, and two dogs, and is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Kelsey Reed

Kelsey first came to yoga during high school as a way to prevent injuries from other sports, but she quickly realized the benefits of yoga beyond the physical aspect. The physical movements combined with the breathing techniques have been crucial for her stress management. In the summer of 2018, she decided it was time to learn how to share her passion with others and completed her Yoga Alliance certified 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training through Health Yoga Life in Stratton, VT. Kelsey is also a registered nurse and appreciates using the various aspects of yoga to help her patients achieve mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Kerry Fantelli

Kerry Fantelli teaches a vinyasa focused class. When you take class with Kerry, you will be welcomed and challenged. She has a strong alignment focus and incorporates mindfulness practices within her classes. Kerry wants students to find the balance between going beyond their fears and doubts and listening to the needs of their body. Kerry is playful and energetic and her classes often have the same vibration. 

Malaika DosRemedios

Malaika DosRemedios (E-RYT-500, and YACEP) is a full-time teacher of the Tantric Tradition of Hatha Yoga, group fitness instructor and personal trainer in the Burlington, Vermont area during the late spring to mid fall and lives in Key West, FL during the winters. When not in Vermont she is traveling and teaching all over the globe. In the recent years, Malaika has lead Intensive Immersion Teacher Trainings in Bali, Indonesia and clinics for students and teachers in Sydney, Australia.

She enjoys working with communities, inspiring others into their best selves. She is a community partner, and consultant with other yoga communities globally, helping to fine tune their vision and creates collaborative partnerships with other teachers and studios involving yoga retreats, teacher trainings and events throughout the world. Her life is dedicated to this work and she always feels as though it is just beginning. She and her beloved Yellow Lab “Teddy,” who is a certified Therapy Dog of Vermont, like to volunteer in their free time unleashing smiles to folks in need of personal visits.

Marissa Pappalardo

I began my yoga practice as a means of gaining physical strength and flexibility. Years later, I find myself with a deeper understanding of yoga. To me, yoga is a practice of melding together the mind, body and spirit.

After establishing my personal practice, I decided I wanted to share the joy of yoga with others. In 2017 I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training at the University of Vermont. During this experience and thereafter, I’ve sought to expand my understanding of yoga through exploration of the Chakra system and a myriad of traditional Sanskrit Sutras. As a teacher I hope to facilitate a space where students find deep relaxation and connection with their bodies.

Megan Moon

Megan Moon leads dynamic vinyasa flow, offering a fully supported space for students to build their practice safely and freely. She weaves creative asana sequences together with the universal principles of alignment and yoga philosophy to create enriching practices. Megan has embraced many different styles of yoga over the past several decades including Kundalini, Ashtanga, Yin, and Anusara and believes in the power of yoga for healing, health and expansion. Megan received her 200 hour training in Anusara Elements from Tiffany Wood in 2021 and her 500 hour training in alignment based Vinyasa from Honest Yoga in 2018. Megan is also certified in Yin yoga, kids yoga, and hoop dance. Outside of the studio, Megan is a Mom, a DJ, a personal chef, a gardener and a hoop dance teacher.

Noelle Davis

Noelle Davis has practiced yoga for the last 16 years and completed her 200 hour teacher training through Yoga Vermont. Her vinyasa classes focus on being present, listening to the breath as the voice of the body, and having fun. The connection that we all make through breath, movement, and our minds is what inspires Noelle to get on her mat everyday. She believes that through the physical mind we can free the mental mind. Noelle is grateful to be here sharing her love and adventure for yoga, for her teachers who inspire her daily, and most especially for her family, as it is their love that makes living her life blissful.

Paula Palermo

Paula identifies as a teacher. Yoga, art, mindfulness and mathematics both sacred and practical are passions she shares with adults and children alike. Fostering wellness, curiosity and building strength as well as supporting practitioners in developing meaningful and sustainable life-long practices are the goals of her teaching. Expect a mindful practice which integrates breath-body connection, energy, humor and music with Paula.

Rachel Lacourciere

Rachel is a registered yoga teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance and has been practicing yoga for almost 20 years. She currently teaches group classes in a wide variety of venues, as well as privately. Rachel specializes in teaching to the needs of the individual, bringing to SoulShine an energetic vinyasa practice designed to improve each student’s flexibility, strength and overall well-being.

Rachel Cowan

Rachel found yoga over fifteen years ago, beginning with the fundamental Ashtanga sequence and exploring many other disciplines since. She fell in love with yoga, the union found in practice, one’s ability to quiet the mind, focus on breath, challenge the body, and most of all have fun!

Rachel teaches Vinyasa flow yoga with creative sequencing that will work all areas of the body, focusing on opening the heart and undoing the ways in which we’re hard on ourselves in our day-to-day lives. Rachel hopes that through mindful practice each practitioner will cultivate a sense of awareness and awe within their individual practice, taking time to enjoy. Rachel enjoys intertwining music and philosophy into her teaching, while never taking practice too seriously. When Rachel is not in class practicing yoga, she enjoys being on the water, hiking, art, writing, live music, food, and finding new adventures.

Santiago Mendez

Santiago began his yoga journey 4 years ago taking classes and practicing on his own shortly after moving to Vermont. He grew up in Miami, Florida, but found himself craving a change of pace and made his way north. Since moving to Vermont he has travelled to Portugal to get his 200 hour Vinyasa certification with the Sacred Fig as well as to explore various areas of Europe for two months prior to his training. Santiago loves to travel and expand his capabilities whenever possible. He often finds himself in his free time rock climbing, hiking, mountaineering, sea kayaking, skiing and much more. He is an avid lover of the outdoors and has spent extensive periods of time immersed in nature on outdoor expeditions over the years.

Santi (Santiago’s childhood nickname) finds that the practice of yoga allows him to dive deeper into his own relationship with himself and in turn to the world and those around him. Linking breath to movement serves as a moving meditation for him and there are few things in his life that bring him deeper joy and connection than doing so. Being able to share the love of yoga that he has developed over the years is truly a gift and blessing that has forever changed his life.

Sarah Quinttus

Sarah was first exposed to yoga in the spring of 2011 and quickly fell in love with the practice and its teachings. Growing up playing competitive sports, Sarah endured several injuries which resulted in 5 reconstructive knee operations. Yoga was the only form of rehabilitation that made a lasting impact, and she attributes her daily practice to being able to remain active outdoors, whether it be skiing, biking, hiking or kayaking. 

Although Yoga started as a mostly physical practice for Sarah, it has grown into a way of life, both on and off the mat, and has become deeply spiritual and healing for her. Through living her yoga she has learned the power of intention, positive thinking and remaining present. In Sarah’s class you can expect to be physically challenged, play with your edge and find space and serenity in the mind. Sarah has been inspired by many wonderful teachers on her path and is excited to share the traditions of this beautiful practice with her own students. Sarah is currently working towards her 1,000hr IAYT certification in Yoga Therapy.

Sara Swartz

Sara completed her 200 hour yoga certification in Embody Yoga at Yoga Center Amherst in 2005. She is currently working towards her 500 hour certification. She has been practicing and teaching yoga for over 20 years.

Sara takes a structured yet light-hearted approach to teaching. She aspires to create a safe, nurturing space that will bring you to your edge while allowing you to have fun and express yourself fully. A lifelong lover of movement, Sara will encourage you to approach your practice from a new perspective. Her classes are grounding and centering, yet dynamic and powerful.

Sara is also a mental health professional and has taught yoga in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals and community health centers. Her practice is trauma-informed and all-affirming.

When she’s not teaching yoga, you will likely find her exploring the natural beauty of Vermont. She loves hiking, biking, kayaking, cooking, watching birds and spending time with her dogs.

Stacey Sadowsky

Stacey is an avid runner and volunteer running coach who was told by her massage therapist if she didn’t’ find a way to stretch the body, she would not be able to continue running. That comment led her straight to yoga! Though her body calls for a heated, vigorous practice with arm balances and handstands for strength, her passion is teaching beginners who think they can’t “do yoga”. She loves to inspire, encourage and unite through yoga, breath and meditation.

Stacey completed her 200 hour teacher training in 2019 and will graduate with her 300 hour teacher training in January 2021. She is also a certified chair yoga teacher and volunteer teaches at a local senior center. She is also certified in Dharma Wheel and Yin practices.

Tara Mayo

Tara believes in a non-judgmental and all-inclusive environment for students to feel grounded, balanced, and connected to their breath. Her classes focus on strong alignment, safety, empowerment, and connection to oneself. From beginner to experienced practitioner, Tara leads a practice that is well rounded and mindful of each student’s needs.

A student of 20 years, her practice has evolved from purely physical, to the connection with emotion, body awareness, breath, and the intellect. She is also certified in yin yoga, restorative, sound healing, and dharma yoga wheel. Off her mat, Tara can be found running, hiking, and continuing her lifelong journey as a student and lover of all that yoga has to offer.