Mary Ellen Alberti

I was drawn to the practice of yoga in search of inner peace.  As a mother of five, it quickly became an essential philosophy and daily practice that guided me towards serenity and clarity in all aspects of life.  In the fourteen years that I have been practicing yoga I have held an abundance of gratitude for the wisdom that I have received from each of my instructors, especially Donna Boyle and Lucy D'Aponte who have given me treasured guidance and spent individual teacher training time with me. I look forward to forever evolving as an instructor as well as in my personal yoga practice. I would also like to thank the students who come to my classes and share their beautiful Spirits and open hearts with me.   Recently, I have completed my Level One training as a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and plan to complete my final level in January of 2011.  I look forward to enhancing Awaken’s offerings with this amazing work.  It is based on mind body connection, radical acceptance and unconditional presence to support the healing process.
Another passion in my life’s journey is to bring healing to others through Reiki.  I am a certified Usui and Karuna Reikiâ Master/Teacher.  After being diagnosed with an illness in 2001 and being told that I needed surgery, I decided to first explore alternative forms of healing.  I worked with a homeopath and began to receive Reiki on a weekly basis.  I experienced such significant healing – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually – that I was moved to study this beautiful technique myself.  If you would like more information on Reiki healing please visit our Reiki page.

I received a Bachelor of Fine Art in college and I find that making art is one more way in which I can find that quiet place to be with my inner self.  My work expresses a self-awakening journey and the connections I feel with the Universe.

Lucy D'Aponte

Lucy D'Aponte is a practicing physical therapist and a certified Hatha Yoga instructor. With her passion for anatomy and movement, Lucy integrates her knowledge as therapist and dancer with the practice of yoga to create a dynamic class that celebrates life and the body. Her class is Anusara inspired yoga. Anusara (a-nu-sar-a), means flowing with grace, or following the current of your heart. Anusara Yoga is based in a philosophy that looks for the good in all people and all things. Therefore, students of all levels of ability and experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents. If you are interested in a private yoga therapy session please contact Lucy directly at Third Eye Physical Therapy, 802-583-4319, info@thirdeyePT.com.

Nancy Spencer

In addition to teaching science at Harwood Union Middle School, Nancy Spencer has taught yoga in the Mad River Valley for 16 years. Her emphasis is on the inner movement of the body using Yoga positions as a framework. Her focus is on cultivating the relationship between the attentive mind, the breath, the spine, the body, and the person as a whole. This inwardly focused approach allows us to "undo" tension, reclaim energy and facilitate healing. Nancy's teaching embraces the artistry and essence of yoga. She has been influenced by many teachers over her yesrs of study. Her primary teachers are John Stirk, Carol Nelson, Judith Lasater and Diane Long.

Nancy teaches a wonderful Restorative Yoga Workshop at Awaken. The contemplative monk Thomas Merton refers to the state of being overly busy and over-committed as "an innate form of violence". Honoring rest and relaxation has been a part of most sacred traditions as a gateway to spiritual experience. Restorative yoga guides us in transitioning from the busyness of the doing mode to the peace (non-violence) of the being mode. Within us, in this place of stillness, our health resides.