Student Bios

Julie Mother & Construction Project Manager

Julie I have been studying yoga for about 10 years. I was overstressed at work and had tried other things with no success. I told Judy that I would give her classes a try. I’ve have studied with Judy off and on for over ten years. I have moved with the Navy and found yoga classes very different. Judy’s style helped me focus on my body and how I’m feeling today. The slow, complete stretches Judy offers, reminds me to slow down and refocus on our lives. Physically, yoga has helped me stand straighter, improved my posture and eliminated my low back pain. My favorite pose is the plank. It makes me feel strong, but it took years to get it right.

Mentally, yoga has helped me to realize the toll my job takes on my body. I could never have gotten through my childbirth experience without Judy and the ability to focus and relax. Yoga also gives me a place to find friends and comfort when I have to move with the Navy.

Holly Mayor's Assistant

I started studying yoga as a teenager as part of my research in Eastern religion and spirituality and got hooked. That was 30 years ago. Yoga give me a sense of real connection with my body and the earth. When I stray from the practice I feel disconnected, stiff, weak and vulnerable to injury. With regular practice my body feels limber, agile and responsive. Plow is my favorite pose, but I also enjoy inversions which energize me.

I've studied with Judy for about 5 years. She has a down to earth, honest style. She is approachable, personable and present in the moment. Working on this website project has been fun and I appreciate the opportunity to be a participant.

Debbie Harrington Homemaker

I have been studying yoga for two years. Yoga is not just something that I do for fun. I feel that it has been a lifesaver for me. I have Parkinson Disease, which means I need to make that extra effort to breathe deeply, to stretch, and to relax. Childs pose is my favorite pose. I have been studying with Judy for one year. She is in touch with each student; with their special needs and with their overall emotional state.

Pam Global Training Manager at Adobe & Working Artist

Pam I have been studying yoga for over 10 years. It is a way to combat stress and helps my body heal from injuries that I’ve incurred over the years. Yoga has helped me to be more in tune with my body and provided me with tools to help my body take care of itself. My favorite pose is Pigeon. It helps my sciatica. Judy has been my teacher for over 6 years. Judy talks about how the poses should feel, why they help and somehow connects it to some part of daily life (with humor). She emphasizes listening to your body without shame or ego. She is a real, everyday person who cares about her students.

Deb W. Mother & Business Owner

Deb W. I am a mother of two and my husband and I own a home building business. My mom was involved in yoga classes when I was young. I began taking yoga 14 years ago when I was a kindergarten teacher in New Jersey. It really helped reduce my stress. I’ve been practicing with Judy for 10 years. Each time I go to Judy’s class it’s like the class is just for me. She always intuitively knows what I need.

I love moving through a series of lunges, plank, warrior poses and triangle. Yoga addresses my flexibility and strength issues and relaxes me in the process. Yoga takes me out of my busy day, giving me time for myself and time for my body.

Kathleen Studying to become a Physical Therapist

Kathleen I’ve always loved to stretch. I first attended a yoga class with a friend and have been hooked since. I specifically love yoga because it helps maintain my flexibility, relaxes my muscles and my mind, and incorporates the kind of meditative relaxation I need to balance my life. There are poses I like and poses my body craves. Anything that engages the hamstrings is great for me. The pose that I enjoy the most is Pigeon. It seems to work every muscle in my hips. I’ve been studying with Judy on and off for about 2 years. I especially love her intuitive nature. She seems to just know what to work on. The classes are never rushed but you come away with a feeling of a relaxed workout.

Sally Office Manager for Custom Home Builder

Sally I discovered Indra Devi’s yoga book around 1968 and I practiced the poses while my young daughter took her afternoon naps. In 1987 I signed up for a yoga class through the local Community College. I was looking for a yoga class to help relieve stress. Shortly after that class I found Judy and have been taking classes from her for 9 years. I resonate well with Judy’s style of teaching…clear directions, explanation of the poses, and their benefits. I also appreciate her sincere commitment to yoga. Judy’s yoga class has become the cornerstone of my mental, physical and spiritual foundation. It brings me back to center each week. My favorite pose changes from time to time, but right now I love the spinal twists. I can breath deeply, relax and feel my back open up.

Deb O. Educator

Deb O. I have spend 26 rewarding years in education and have a lifelong commitment to social justice for children. Currently I am finishing my doctorate, enjoying time with my family and volunteering by tutoring English language learners.

Yoga helps me put life in perspective by understanding how my mind, body and spirit are meaningfully connected. I have some special needs due to breast cancer and scoliosis. Judy has explained how I can modify certain poses or use adaptive devices (floor chair, blocks and extra mats) to make yoga easier for my body.

Elena Mental Health Administrator & Walter Teacher

Elena I started taking yoga after being diagnosed with breast cancer to hep me relax, stay in the moment, and for overall physical and spiritual well being. I have taken yoga for about 6 years, all with Judy. My favorite poses are standing poses such as warrior, lunge, and others that involve lower back twists and anthing that stretches my hamstrings and quads. Walter They also seem to build strength and help with balance.

I started yoga with my wife Elena. I see it as the way to stay young, stay flexible, and stay in the moment. My favorite poses tend to be ones in the prone position, but standing positions seem to do me the most good. THE best are the ones that when you finish your body says to you, "YES, that's it!"

Heather I’ve been studying yoga for 15 years. Yoga allows my body to relax, calms my mind and releases tight muscles. My posture has also improved as a result. Settling into meditation is also easier when I practice yoga regularly. My favorite pose is the Sun Salutation, a series of movements that also honors the Divine. I have been studying yoga with Judy for 14 years. I am more flexible now after studying with Judy than I was as a child. I love her use of similes and metaphors that allow me to really get in touch with my body.