With over a decade of experience in the industry, April was named ‘most in demand’ for vinyasa yoga classes by New York Magazine’s, Best of New York. She has taught a wide range of students from A-list celebrities to toddlers, artists, and high-profile professionals. A seasoned instructor and bodyworker, April has a global presence – she has been teaching retreats all over the world for almost a decade and has guest taught at yoga conferences and international events. April draws from her movement and life experience, creating classes that are fun, dynamic, and challenging, both physically and mentally. She has a strong media presence, is a former Lululemon ambassador, and has been featured on Regis and Kelly. She is the former Director of Yoga at the prestigious Reebok Sports Club/NY, MindBody studios. She is the founder of the renowned FireDragonYoga™ method and Teacher Training program. (See longer bio on homepage)
Ashley Hart is an Australian spirit with a smile as big as her heart. With much success traveling the world from a young age with her modeling career, it was not too long before she began her search for the deeper layers and meaning in life. Before graduating from the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher training in 2014, she got certified in the Bikram method in 2008. The gratification that came from teaching, in seeing how powerful it is to influence others with what she has learned herself, she was hungry to stay on the Path. At that time, in addition to her global presence as a model, her teaching brought her all over the world to places like Mexico City, Germany and Australia. Having your own strong practice is what it’s all about, she believes — otherwise how can you guide others. Through daily meditation, prayer, and asana practice she stays centered and connected to that teacher within. Ashley feels the power of touch can both teach and heal – she has a very a hands-on approach to her teaching. Her education in bodywork is from both FDY TT and in Thai massage at the DeonThaiYoga school. She is now successfully teaching powerful private and group sessions around the globe- continuing to inspire many.
Michele started practicing yoga 23 years ago after the birth of her first child. It wasn’t until the kids were older that yoga became a guiding force, a daily practice helping her to maintain balance day to day. An athlete and working actress, she always had a deep interest in bodywork. She completed the Spring 2014 FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training – she is excited to share the method with other yogis! Yoga is truly a spiritual, mental and physical journey, a work “in” disguised as a work “out”. Michele has found that the practice helps to bring peace and balance; it’s the calm amid the storm. Her intuitive assists and communication skills help bring her students deeper in to their own practice.
Soon after relocating to NY in 2009, David found yoga and started to practice it with no expectations. After practicing martial arts most of his life and later becoming a karate teacher, David wanted to continue learning and expanding his knowledge of the body’s movement – yoga was a very natural incorporation to his daily practice. The biggest benefit that captured his attention was the healing aspect that came along with yoga – both at a physical and emotional level. Chronic soccer injuries started to dissipate and every moment spent on the mat became an opportunity to reconnect on an intuitive level. A graduate of the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training Class of 2014, David gives classes which are both high energy and grounded. His main aim is to direct his students to new heights physically AND spiritually.
With over eight years of experience as an educator, Antonette has always had a passion for learning and imparting knowledge to others. Working in an industry where mental intelligence is highly valued, she is keenly aware that attention should also be given to emotional, physical and psycho-spiritual development. This intuitively has led her on the path of self-discovery and has cultivated a personal practice of meditation and yoga. As a Fall 2014 FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training graduate, Antonette designs balanced and inspiring yoga classes with heart opening insights. Her background in education has laid the foundation for personalizing instruction that meets the needs of her students while challenging them to push beyond limitations. She assumes the seat of the teacher with a subtle and compassionate force that empowers her students to look within and forge their own paths.
Shin is a recent devotee to yoga. Her teaching philosophy centers around making the student feel comfortable enough to tackle the more advanced techniques that Shin has spent many hours mastering. From a technical standpoint Shin strongest moves are soft intensive vinyasa which is vigorous yet calming. Having grown up in South Korea, Shin maintains a great awareness of the cross-cultural appeal of yoga and the importance of approaching its practice with an open mind. She has studied in both Seoul and New York. Coming from a background of Oriental Studies and International Business, Shin incorporates disciplines of Western and Eastern culture combined with their respective, philosophies together in a harmonic approach to well being. She employs energetic hands-on assist and the ancient Taoist art of Ki healing in her teaching. Her positive mind always delivers happiness energy to practitioners as well. Shin looks forward to both learning more about yoga and perfecting her teaching techniques.
Eda Hoxhalli is a Fall 2014 graduate of FireDragonYoga™ teacher training program. A native of Albania, she was always intrigued by Eastern philosophy and well-being practices. Although she practiced yoga and Pilates for a number of years, her interest grew exponentially when she moved to New York City. With a demanding off the mat career, Eda found that balancing body, spirit and mind required a steady practice. The FireDragonYoga teacher training program provided a strong foundation by infusing eastern philosophy with intelligently crafted vinyasa sequences. Eda is excited to share her journey with others. She is particularly interested in helping individuals fight the stationary lifestyle of the modern working world. Through her practice, Eda seeks to create a holistic experience which fosters mindfulness and joy in movement.
Ania Urbanska, graduate of the Fall 2014 FireDragonYoga™ teacher training hails from Poland. Upon coming to the USA at 19 years of age, she realized her passion was for health & fitness. Her education began at the University of Connecticut where she received a BS in Exercise Science and Recreation Services. Later she received a Masters in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy from Manhattanville College. Ania has established herself as one of the elite fitness instructors in her community in Lower Fairfied County in Connecticut. Being a Yoga teacher is her true passion — she loves being with the public, helping people stay active, healthy and feeling great. Her knowledge of exercise science provides a wide variety of modifications and her high + positive energy challenges her clients to reach their goals. When not teaching yoga, Ania is an accomplished piano and flutist for the last 12 years, plus she enjoys traveling and caring for animals.
After five years of practicing yoga, Sarah truly believes in the importance of yoga not just as a movement for exercise, but as a lifestyle. Sarah gives full gratitude to her profession in the treasury sector in order to maintain her livelihood; however, the scale begins to tip as she immerses herself more and more into the practice of yoga and all of it’s benefits. Yoga has benefited Sarah in a number of ways. A few years ago she endured a back injury which was healed through continuous yoga practice. Also, the practice has helped her during some mentally stressful times in her life; learning to be comfortable in awkward circumstances. She obtained her 200-hour certification through the FireDragonYoga™ founded by April Martucci. With the combination of life experience and the practice of yoga; Sarah plans to share this experience with others through teaching. “Yoga is about connection and balance, we all need to connect and to help each other along the way!”
Virmary was introduced to yoga at a time in her life when she was feeling blue. Once she realized yoga not only transforms your body but the mind as well, she knew she wanted to share the practice with others. An inspiration to many, she got certified after teaching a bit at a gym in Washington Heights, NYC. She taught people there old enough to be her grandparents in the summer of 2014 — “Teaching these people has inspired me in ways I never thought possible; the fact that these people could be at home doing anything else, yet they chose to be here, despite their age — is truly inspirational.” She is known for her commitment to helping others, her vibrant energy, and most of all her down-to-earth style of teaching. She is a graduate of the December 2014 FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training.
A Gotham native, Anthony is a graduate of the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training Class of 2014. He is able to use his own soft intensity approach to guide his students through a healing practice which is also dynamic and challenging for all types of people including athletes. In addition, as a Black Belt Karate instructor, Anthony integrates both practices as a way for students to find a balance between hard/soft, masculine/feminine, and mind/body. Dedicated and committed to the spiritual Path, Anthony is gifted at guiding people in the right direction, teaching his students to make healthy choices both on and off the mat.
Occasionally enjoying yoga over the years, it wasn’t until Jessica became a mother that she began to focus on incorporating it into her daily routine. Jessica became certified in teaching Children’s yoga as a way to share yoga with her children. When the opportunity presented itself, she enthusiastically joined the Fall 2014 FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training to expand her knowledge of yoga, deepen her practice and learn to lead an amazing yoga class. Her love for the practice and passion for sharing the benefits of yoga are evident throughout her class, especially through her intuitive hands-on assists.
Yumi hails from academia where a stiff neck, slouching, hunched shoulders, and anxiety are ubiquitous. Her decade-long love for yoga has recently morphed from studying to teaching under the mentorship of April Martucci, the founder of FireDragonYoga™. Yumi builds vinyasa sequences that combine steadiness + dynamism, grace + vigor, and strength + suppleness — all the while being infused with passion, and the most important ingredient, compassion. Her main goal is to create more space in the body, mind, and heart so to embrace the inevitable imperfections and discomforts that life brings; she embraces this in her own practice while also encouraging her students to remain on the Path of self-discovery. Off the mat, Yumi explores and writes about the pressing socio-economic issues of our times. She teaches graduate-level courses in political economy at Columbia University in NYC.
Fatimah Ali’s personal practice began 8 years ago. Yoga began as a physical practice which washed away her mental chatter while helping her body become more flexible. After experiencing a sense of being centered and enhanced mental flexibility, she decided to commit. Since then, Fatimah has taught elementary school students, teaching them yoga as a means to reduce stress and improve concentration for exams. Fatimah Ali has given private and group yoga instruction to teens and adults. She specializes in Vinyasa flow yoga for all levels and offers modifications for her students.
Joseph moved to NYC to study at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Later on, he performed with the Linda Diamond Dance Company. After leaving the dance world, Joseph found a passion for martial arts receiving Black belts in both Kung Fu and Karate. Deepening his practice he began studying to become an Ordained Inter-faith Minster. On that journey he discovered the healing arts of Reiki, Crystals, Shamanism and Yoga. He is a graduate of the 2014 FireDragonYoga™ class. A Reiki Master/Teacher of many disciplines, he integrates all his knowledge and wisdom to create an environment in which the student can grow + explore their inner selves.
Ashleigh fell in love with yoga while studying undergrad finance in her hometown of Houston, Texas. She had longed for a way to balance the high-stress financial world and found just that in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effects of vinyasa yoga. Upon completion of her Masters degree, Ashleigh began her passion of spreading the light and love that is yoga with others while also working in the financial services industry. In early 2012, she was excited to be transferred to Manhattan for work, but struggled to find the time to continue to teach. Kismet introduced Ashleigh to April and the “soft intensity” exemplified through FireDragonYoga™ resonated with her deeply. She joyfully embraced and integrated the beautifully balanced style into her practice and graduated a Dragon in April 2014. Her challenging classes integrate the spiritual and physical, connecting students to their breath while inspiring them and their sweat glands.
Katie has been practicing yoga for most of her adult life. She came to yoga for what it offers the body, but stayed for what it offers the mind and spirit. After completing the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training in 2012, she has taught in a variety of settings including the gym, park, community center, and private home. She loves the sweaty, swift‑flowing vinyasa style but also specializes in a gentle style perfect for older adults, and she teaches “chair yoga” classes in the senior center setting. Her interest in health and well-being extends to other areas, and she earned a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University.
Robyn first discovered her love for movement as a tap dancer, working under the instruction of Savion Glover. Later, Robyn moved on to become an avid runner and jumper. Robyn discovered yoga, while rehabilitating from multiple sports injuries, due to her physically demanding lifestyle. Robyn loved the way yoga not only allowed her a mental escape from surrounding stressors, but also provided her with a physical challenge that she craved as an athlete. Robyn’s thirst to deepen her yoga practice led her to April Martucci’s FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training. Robyn fell in love with April’s challenging, yet relaxing style of Vinyassa. In addition, Robyn enjoys being able to share a more vigorous, traditional style of Vinyassa yoga. Robyn creates a non-judgmental environment, where the practitioner can focus, be challenged, let go and be present.
Born and raised in the Garden State, Andrea Scaramelli is a passionate teacher and student of Vinyasa yoga. An avid athlete and marathon runner, Andrea first discovered yoga as a college student in Washington D.C. Andrea found the practice a great way to gain strength and prevent injuries. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and has spent the last decade working in the financial services industry. The dream of becoming a yoga instructor became a reality for Andrea after taking April Martucci’s class at Life in Motion on the UWS. She felt an instant connection to Aprils “soft intensity,” teaching philosophy and made the decision to enroll in her training. Andrea successfully completed the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training 2013. Her class style is energetic and athletic, yet spiritual and meditative. She loves to share her joy of laughter with others and brings levity to her classes creating an environment of openness and non-judgment complete with a lively playlist. Andrea also is a partner with Prajjali; an organization that offers multi-class yoga passes whose proceeds go to funding yoga classes for war veterans.
Coming from a background of Taekwondo and psychology, Kibby McMahon incorporates the disciplines of both body and mind in a holistic approach to well-being. She is remarkable for her strong, grounded presence that is lightened by her humor and love of fun experimentation. Being a native New Yorker, she is highly motivated with a strong work ethic, but she is equally committed to creating space for peace and reflection within the city’s frenzy. Her knack for touch has also made her hands-on assists particularly effective. She also brings her wide range of music tastes to the class and her playlists always include choice picks from classic rock, world music, and the indie rock scene.
Liz encountered her first yoga class at the age of 15. In 2005, she began practicing yoga in its various forms throughout the world in the U.S, Asia, and Africa, and has since been hooked. Born and raised in Hawaii, Liz moved to New York City to pursue her master’s degree in clinical psychology at Columbia University with a focus on spirituality and contemplative practices. Born in the year of the dragon herself, she found the vigorous vinyasa style of FireDragonYoga to be the perfect complement to her active lifestyle. She currently focuses her studies on the extant evidence and research behind the holistic potentials of eastern mind-body practices on the psychological and social development of youth and adults. Liz is a firm believer that yoga serves as an effective gateway in teaching the central tenets of mindfulness –promoting cognitive, emotional, social, and ethical development of individuals in our communities and for future generations. She aims to use her background to share the benefits of the practices to nurture health + well being, and to help individuals build resilience in the face of everyday adversity.
Jenni Lark is a summer 2013 graduate of the Firedragon Yoga teacher training. A yoga practitioner since she was in high school, when she moved from New York from California she struggled to find yoga classes that spoke to her in the same way that classes she loved in California had. She became an ACSM certified personal trainer in 2009 and travelled that road for a while. Divine providence brought April’s Firedragon training! She is now bringing “soft intensity” to an after-school program for middle school yogis in Washington Heights. She is also a singer/songwriter, and posts music and blogs at jennilark.com.
Jen Licari believes that each of us has the ability to create the life we want by using the practice of yoga as the main vehicle. Her own journey began over a decade ago when she took her first yoga class in her hometown of Portland, Maine. Ever since, she has been a solid and steady practitioner of many forms of yoga and has taught yoga in NYC as well as New Zealand. In the spring of 2013, Jen completed April Martucci’s teacher training course. She felt an instant connection with April, her energy and her philosophy, as well as her vast knowledge of yoga and meditation. With a BS in Health and Exercise Science and an AAS in Nutrition, Jen encourages her clients to walk a wide and varied path on their journey towards self-knowledge and general wellness. She follows her own advice, and is currently expanding her skill set to include the Alexander Technique, and healing through energy and massage. Her innate willingness to meet people where they’re at, on any given day, allows her students to open up and achieve their goals with joy and confidence.
Tal Lee’s first spark of interest in body movement began at age four through a love to dance. She went on to train rigorously as a ballet and later modern dancer, culminating her studies at the Alvin Ailey School of America Dance. Now a dedicated yogi, Tal Lee is particularly drawn to the balancing nature of yoga as both a physical practice and a lifestyle. She completed April Martucci’s FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training in December 2010. Her classes work to integrate strong and demanding series with a nurturing atmosphere to promote healing and inspiring experiences. Currently, Tal Lee is also studying Sustainable Development at Columbia University, bringing her dedication to balance and harmony into the fields of environmental sustainability and development economics.
Cristina discovered yoga in 2009 as the perfect cross training tool to complement cardio and weight training. She quickly realized the benefits yoga offered beyond the physical practice, helping her stay grounded amid a stressful corporate job. After experiencing the journey to becoming healthier, she began teaching group fitness in 2011 to share her passion with others. Cristina enjoys motivating people to find their strongest, healthiest self, physically and mentally. In 2013, Cristina expanded her repertoire to Yoga and became certified in April’s FireDragonYoga™ method. Cristina draws from her experiences and education from all areas of fitness to create unique yoga classes challenging mind and body. She has a strong ability to teach a multi-level class, engaging the entire class while being aware of individual needs. Cristina is also certified in Group Fitness with AFAA and TRX Suspension Training. Cristina currently teaches body conditioning, interval training, and yoga classes at Paris Fitness and provides personal training sessions in the UWS.
As a gymnast, Lacey first became enamored with anatomy and the concept of balance in her early teens, but being born with a unique neurological condition, the lifelong New York resident was forced to part ways with the sport just before entering high school. Discovering yoga soon thereafter, Lacey deepened her practice through college and found herself benefitting from its healing effects first hand; in 2007, after the last of three spinal surgeries, she began rehabilitating her body and mind by routinely incorporating the yogic teachings into her life. Lacey works in the music industry’s fast-paced atmosphere and considers yoga to be an essential element in remaining grounded, healthy, and recharged as she teaches classes and privates throughout the five boroughs. Having one foot on high-profile Rotten Apple pavement and the other on the steady pulse of the healing arts, her holistic approach is strong-but-nurturing and empowering on many levels.
A Native New Yorker, Nichelle has always been a student of the art of body work. She got her start as a professionally trained dancer in various forms ranging from ballet to modern to African dance. Nichelle began her yoga journey in Prenatal yoga as a way to relieve stress and help ensure the safe delivery. Being a student of April Martucci’s for quite some time, it was only fitting that she trained under such an esteemed, established, and electrifying instructor. Nichelle successfully completed the FireDragonYoga™ teacher training; she is driven to ignite a transformation in others. Nichelle prides herself on being spiritually driven, encouraging, and supportive to her students; while carrying the “soft intensity” flame of FireDragonYoga™ with her into her teachings. Her mixed style of teaching using a traditional foundation with a zesty modern twist keeps practitioner’s in the Big Apple fulfilled and joyful.
Originally from Atlanta, Eloise Paul has lived in New York for 10 years and studying yoga seriously for 5. She completed the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training in December 2010 and is excited to share the method with other yogis. Outside of yoga, Eloise has a Master of Science in Urban Planning and currently works in real estate leasing and acquisitions, using her ability to stay clear and focused in negotiating complex transactions. Likewise, as a teacher, Eloise’s strong and clear instructions will help the student deepen their practice while her calm presence and guidance will create a deeply meditative experience. Eloise will work closely with each student to address unique concerns and goals, and to gain the many benefits from this beautiful practice.
Originally from Poland, Anna moved to NYC 12 years ago and fell in love with the place and people. She has a deep practice in connecting her mind and body as a whole. Meditation has been a part of her life since she was 15. Yoga was a very natural addition to already holistic lifestyle Anna promotes. After taking April’s class Anna knew the FireDragonYoga™ style was something she would like to deepen and learn more about. Anna is delighted to be a part of the Dragons community and eager to pass on the teachings. She enjoys having her students realize that their practice is not about how they look but about how they breathe and what they connect to on a deeper level. Anna loves to open their hearts and bodies to new possibilities and show them how to cultivate their practice to become a better selves.
Stephanie began practicing yoga while she was a student at UNC-Chapel Hill. She used it to supplement her involvement in intramural sports such as soccer. With a solid foundation in hand, she continued to attend yoga classes when she moved to New York City. After suffering an ACL tear that sidelined her for a year she decided to turn things around and deepen her practice. It was during her FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training Program, which began in the spring of 2013 that she realized yoga truly is a gift that keeps on giving. It constantly enhances the mind, body and spirit so that we learn something new about ourselves each time hit the mat. She continues to use yoga as a moving mediation that balances out her more athletic and adventurous side. Her teaching style combines upbeat energy and fluid movement in hopes of inspiring students to step outside the box and take things to the next level. Stephanie will begin her MBA at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business in August and can’t wait to share her passion for yoga when she moves to Ann Arbor.
Stephanie started practicing yoga over a decade ago, and she instantly fell in love with the sense of peace she found in her practice. She soon discovered that yoga could be a powerful tool in her lifelong quest to help and facilitate healing in others. Building on her psychology degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stephanie continued her self-study in yoga and other alternative therapies for several years. She was then trained as a Reiki I Practitioner, studied Tai Chi, studied yoga anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff and then became a certified yoga teacher through April Martucci’s FireDragonYoga™ method. She now combines her years of experience in vinyasa, ashtanga, and Iyengar yoga into a blend all her own to create a safe, healing environment for each student. She currently lives and practices in Greenwich, CT.
Christina began practicing yoga as a student at the University of Chicago, where the rigorous academic curriculum demanded a practical escape from academia. With a foundational knowledge of vinyasa yoga, she moved to New York to pursue a masters degree in teaching middle school English. In New York, she practiced with April Martucci at Life in Motion and discovered that her true passion was teaching yoga. During her time as a teacher in the South Bronx, she piloted an after-school yoga program for high school students in East Tremont to cope with urban stressors and led several teacher retreat workshops for public school teachers. Since completing the teacher training with April Martucci, Christina has moved to Brooklyn and teaches at yoga studios in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Inspired by the nexus of mind and body, Christina balances thoughtful meditation with a purposeful, strong vinyasa flow.
Emily moved to Long Island New York 12 years ago from New Mexico but has always been a true New Yorker at heart. An avid runner and athlete, Emily played division 2 volleyball at C.W Post University on Long Island. She has successfully completed 3 ING New York City Marathons and is a mentor for the Team for Kids Marathon team. Emily found Yoga through a hamstring injury and it was love at first down dog. She has a solid knowledge of a variety of physical sports as well as injuries. Emily successfully completed FireDragon Yoga Teacher Training in July 2011. Yoga has transformed and inspired Emily in all aspects of her life and she is very passionate about the practice and sharing it with her students. Her classes are vigorous, athletic, fun and energetic. Emily aims to increase balance, strength and confidence through yoga in other sports as well as in daily life. Emily keeps an emphasis on form and philosophy and is a firm believer of the mind, body spirit integration.
Inna is originally from the Ukraine. She completed the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training in December 2010. Inna is known for her intuitive, strong assists that help the yogi to go deeper into his/her own practice. She also uses massage techniques such at Thai, Swedish, and Shiatsu in her bodywork to help the practitioner relax, surrender, and let go. Inna also speaks Ukrainian, Russian, German and Polish. Besides being a lover of yoga, she loves to hike and travel. She currently lives in Brooklyn and works in Manhattan.
Natalie is originally from the great state of Minnesota, where she began her physical training in dance and sports. As her love for dance grew, she began to focus strictly on dance and was later on introduced to yoga. Natalie graduated from the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists High School and then went on to pursue a BFA at the University of Minnesota, where she had the opportunity to work with various artists from around the United States. After college she spent a year dancing with the Minneapolis based dance company, Breaking Boundaries Contemporary Dance Company. She then decided to move to NYC to pursue a career in dance. The discovery of yoga in college was the perfect compliment to her dance training. She is so glad to have done her teacher training through FireDragonYoga with April Martucci and cannot wait to see what yoga teaching will bring to her life!
Taylor Dunne is originally from the Gulf Coast. Growing up in a rural area, she spent most of her life riding horses, taking care of various farm animals, and being outside. She had only a basic understanding and experience with yoga until Taylor moved to New York City to study at Columbia University. In the City, Taylor began studying with April Martucci and completed her FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training. Taylor draws on her experiences in the country and in the city to bring a balance of both soft, flowing feminine energies and intense, challenging masculine energies to her classes.
