Taunton Yoga Instructors | Open Doors Yoga Studios
Julie Atwood
In 2006 I stumbled on yoga’s healing benefits after the birth of my second child and a bout of postpartum depression. My yoga practice immediately gave me a way to reconnect with my physical strength and helped me learn techniques to calm my mind. In 2012 I became a certified 200-hour teacher and began teaching. In 2021 I continued my journey and earned my 300-hour teacher certification. In addition to studio classes, I began teaching virtually and enjoy teaching students in both settings. As a mom with children in college, I try to set a good example to people of all ages by integrating fitness and wellness into my life, and I truly love making yoga accessible to anyone willing to step on their mat.
Jill Barry
Jill found yoga after a health scare related to stress, and at the recommendation of a cardiologist. After realizing how important a regular practice can be, she decided she wanted to be both a forever student and a teacher. She completed her 200-hour certification with Erica Nunnally of the Bija Institute in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and her 300-hour advanced teacher training with Jacqui Bonwell of Sacred Seeds Yoga School. Over the years, Jill has trained and studied additional modalities such as Restorative, Yin, Yoga Nidra, Prenatal, Yoga for Children with Autism and Special Needs, Trauma sensitive yoga, and more. She is a second-level Reiki practitioner of the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition and is currently working through different levels of training in Thai yoga bodywork. Her goal is to make her classes both comfortable and accessible to people just as they are and is always thrilled to see people walk through the door and take well deserved time for themselves.
Jess Cunha
Jess has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and received her 200 Hour Yoga Certification in 2020. She loves anything that involves mindful movement and helping others. Her desire to help others and share the gift of yoga lead her to the 200-yoga training. Her class style is upbeat, humorous and combines traditional vinyasa/power movements. She shines her light on the world through sharing yoga, practicing reiki, and holding spiritual rituals. She believes that teaching should come from an
authentic heart. She creates a welcoming and loving environment in all her classes. Helping students soften their heart but strengthen their body. Jess will empower you to explore the beauty of yoga and all it has to offer.
Gary Haskins
I see yoga as much more than just a physical exercise. It is a medicine for the mind, body and spirit. Ever since my first yoga class I knew that there was something special to the practice and from there I dove head first into the world of Yoga. After doing it regularly for about three years, I figured the next step in my practice would be to bring my love and commitment for Yoga to the public and pursue teaching. Becoming an instructor has allowed my passion for Yoga to deepen even further and I hope to bring that energy to whoever wishes to join me on the mat. I look forward to seeing you in class. Om Shanti.
Linda Hayden
Linda is a 500 hour certified yoga teacher, meditation teacher, and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) with specialties in children/teen yoga, yoga sculpt, Pi-Yo, restorative yoga, pilates, and Reiki. Linda began practicing yoga in 2003 as a healthy way to manage stress. She fell in love with how yoga affects every part of the body from the inside out and noticed an improvement in her overall physical and mental health. In 2011, Linda's desire to share the benefits of yoga-inspired her to become a certified YogaFit teacher. In 2012, Linda completed a 200-hour teacher training with Open Doors Yoga Studios, and in 2019, a 300-hour teacher training with InnerGlow Yoga. In 2019, Linda's passion to share the benefits of meditation led to her participation in the Boston Buddha-Meditation for Everyone teacher training, and in 2020, the School of Positive Transformation teacher training program. Linda encourages students to practice with kind self-awareness and to enjoy what their bodies can do while letting go of judgment, competition, and expectation. Linda retired in 2021 from a dedicated career in protecting and assisting individuals with mental health needs and developmental disabilities.
Paige Hogg
Ever since her first yoga class, Paige knew yoga was special and sacred. She loves how yoga is always there for you; it's something you can put down and pick back up when you need it. Paige completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2021 so she can help spread the magic of the practice. In Paige's class, you'll experience slow, intentional movements and relaxing vibes.
Shawna Laplante
Namaste, I’m Shawna! I am an environmentalist, a proponent of the inner, infinite self, and a yoga and fitness enthusiast. I’ve been practicing yoga since 2014, but it wasn’t until my first reiki attunement in 2019 that I was awakened to the idea of spiritual and emotional healing. I aim to provide a safe and welcoming space for all bodies in my Vinyasa yoga classes. Vinyasa, meaning moving the body with the breath, allows us to stay present in the moment. Connecting with the breath and consciously tuning into the body will bring a surprising sense of calm to the mind, developing ease and strength in our practice. I hope to be a positive light and guide for you in this union that is yoga!
Kayla Marmaras
Growing up as a dancer, Kayla always found herself drawn to movement. Shortly after graduating high school her dance career came to an end and College while working full time were on the horizon. As years began to pass she grew to miss that movement & the release she found while dancing. In 2015 Kayla found Buti Yoga through her former dance instructor- (talk about full circle!). The practice truly re-lit a fire within her and gave her the movement she was longing for. Later that year, Kayla completed her BUTI yoga certification. Combining yoga with a healthy diet led her to an incredible weightless transformation. It helped her to create new goals while teaching her to never stop reaching for higher heights & bigger dreams. In 2017 Kayla completed her 200HR RYT in Vinyasa yoga amongst several other trainings. She hopes to encourage others to step outside of their comfort zone and explore the growth yoga has to offer!
Donna Melchionno
My love for yoga began over 15 years ago when I took a yoga class at the recommendation of a massage therapist. Nervous and not knowing what to expect I made it through that first class and I was immediately hooked and inspired. I knew yoga would always be a part of my life. Fast forward 15 years, I enrolled in the Open Doors 200-hour YTT program and graduated in 2018. As a Certified Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance I am excited for this new chapter. My classes are a moderate traditional Vinyasa/power style flow that is adaptable for all students focusing on breath to movement. As a certified Reiki II practitioner in Usui Reiki Healing I like to bring positive energy through hands on assist and the use of essential oils in my classes. I hope to see you on your mat soon. Namaste.
Meg Nunes
Meg is extremely energetic, fun, goofy, and kind. As a recent graduate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Meg received her BA in Psychology. In coming home she has really tried to focus her attention & drive into finding & doing things that “feed her soul”. In summer of 2014 she was introduced to the study of Reiki which helped her grandfather a great deal who suffered from ALS. Inspired by her grandfather & how much Reiki helped him, she became certified in the first two levels of Usui Reiki Healing with the hopes of eventually becoming a Reiki master in the third level. She’s been coming to Open doors off & on over the past several years, & found yoga as a great way to relieve her stress and anxiety. In coming to classes over the summer of 2014 at the East Bridgewater location, she heard about the upcoming teacher training program & knew it was meant to be. She completed the 200 hour, 3 and a half month intensive program in December 2014. She hopes to bring peace of mind to students in her class through yoga & reiki healing as it has helped her in her own personal experiences!
Nicole Panaggio
After years of wanting to try yoga but feeling intimidated, Nicole took her first class and was hooked. Her yoga journey has changed her life dramatically. She completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training through Open Doors Yoga Studios in 2017, making her goal in teaching to give people the same benefits she got out of yoga. She believes in the mind-body connection through yoga. She doesn't take herself too seriously and allows herself to be real in her classes. Her classes are fun, enjoyable, and a great stretch.
Marilva Wedge (Taunton and E Bridgewater Franchise Owner)
I can remember my first yoga class like it was yesterday. My sister invited me to a Power Yoga class at an Open Doors studio and proceeded to place me in front of a heater and the hydrofogger. I was hot, completely lost in the flow, but when class was over, I couldn't wait to go back. From that very first yoga class, I knew I had found something I was missing. I couldn't let go of the sensation of peace that I left with and carried with me. I hope to offer that same sense of peace to my community to both adults and children alike.