Meet The Team
Our teachers are passionate about sharing Yoga with anyone who is open and willing. We know from personal experience that there are countless benefits to this practice. In life's journey there are many ways to get to the same destination, but in yoga, it is about the journey itself, the path. At Yoga Bliss, we offer you the opportunity to find your path; to discover what resonates with who you are. We are serious about our practice, but try not to take ourselves so seriously. Laughter and joy is an important part of the journey. In our studio, you will find opportunities not only for physical conditioning and mental empowerment, but also a place to breathe and connect. Follow the path to bliss...Yoga Bliss.
Deb H.
YA E-RYT 500, YACEP
Manager/Owner
The idea of yoga had been in the background of my mind throughout my adulthood, but it would be 2005, before I actually stepped onto my mat. Initially, yoga was simply another form of physical activity to add to my list of movement options, or so I believed. Little did I realize just how much my life would change because of this practice and the inspirational teachers I would have the honor of meeting.
What I love most about yoga is that it is accessible to everyone and anyone, and that "advancement" is always possible with practice, consistency and patience. While I did not intend to teach, I nonetheless began that journey in April 2014, as I had discovered my passion. I completed my 200 hour training in Vinyasa and another 300 hours in September 2016, both at Pranava Yoga Center in Colorado Springs. Since then, I also certified to teach both Yin Yoga and Buti Yoga. While I am honored to teach and share with others, I will always consider myself a student first.
In my class, one will find acceptance and gentle encouragement through a light-hearted, yet grounding practice. I believe that Yoga is about self-exploration and discovery.
I am married to my junior high sweetheart and we share 5 grown children, plus 8 grandchildren. We have always been physically active and used to run and dance, now we own a studio, teach yoga and have a puppy. We love to spend time in the Colorado outdoors and couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
Jean H.
YA E-RYT-500, YACEP
Manager/Owner
In 2014 I began my journey as a yoga teacher and have been forever changed. An active Colorado native and retired software engineer, I love not only the movement of yoga, but all aspects of Patanjali's 8 limbs. I have learned a great deal from all of my previous teachers and I am deeply grateful for their trust and encouragement.
What started as a way to stretch out from running and/or sitting at a desk all day quickly became a vigorous asana practice. I truly believe that everyone should be able to experience the joy and benefits of the 8 limbs of yoga. Having fun with the physical practice is just as important to me as the the depth and importance of the more spiritual aspects of yoga. I am excited to share what I have learned with anyone who is ready to have some fun.
I completed my 200 hour training in Vinyasa in 2014 and another 300 hours in September 2016, both at Pranava Yoga Center in Colorado Springs. Since then, I have also certified to teach both Yin Yoga and Rocket inspired Yoga.
Briana I.
YA RYT 500
I am originally from San Antonio and have spent the better part of my life in Black Forest. I find inspiration and solace from nature, through various forms of art, hiking, and exploration.
My first yoga practice was guided by an online instructor in 2008. After experiencing awareness of breath with movement, I was intrigued and quickly began exploring various styles of yoga in public classes. In the years that followed, my practice remained public and yoga continued to serve as a precious tool to aid with physical and emotional stress. It was in the wake of birthing my son in the forest like snow white that my home practice was rekindled. The consistency of my practice was life transforming. The physical practice of yoga provided a way to explore self-love and acceptance on a physical, mental, and spiritual level. This new way of relating to myself and the world provided a path towards balance.
Driven by my desire to encourage others on their paths of self-love and acceptance, I enrolled and completed the 200-hour and 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program at Pranava Yoga Center under Hethyr Pletsch. I am passionate in assisting others in reconnecting with their power, body, and limitless potential.
Carol O.
RYT 200
As a life time student of the mind-body connection, I began studying 18 years ago with Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Therapy. Assisting kids and women overcome trauma and grow from their experiences through equine therapy, meditation, and expressive art therapy has been a passion. Now it leads me to more modalities of vibrational medicine like essential oils, herbs, aromatherapy, Sound Therapy and Yoga. In early 2018 I completed my training with the Vibrational Sound Association and became a certified practitioner of on and off body healing with vibrational sound therapy.
Now I have practiced over 500 hours in individual and group sessions facilitating healing with gentle vibration and subtle sounds. It was a natural progression for me to explore yoga and discover the subtle body through the eight-limbs. In the spring of 2020 I completed my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training.
As my personal practice expands so does my compassion and joy. Whether practicing in the barn with my horses or in the studio with my bowls it is an ever evolving learning experience. I will forever be a student first. I aspire to guide individuals, that want to gain strength and compassion, by nourishing themselves from the inside out. My classes in Sound and Yoga will softly challenge you to grow in awareness as you explore your physical and spiritual growth. Come with an open heart to be empowered and fulfilled in Self.
Marchelle E.
YA ERTY200, RYT500
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Marchelle's fitness and yoga career have been quite the journey. A retired NBA & NFL, cheerleader, Marchelle began her fitness career in 1992 teaching Group Exercise classes. Soon after, she ended her Elementary School Special Education teaching career to pursue Personal Training and teaching classes full time. Bridging Group Exercise and Yoga through a program called YogaFit, she began teaching yoga in 2007 but her yoga practice did not commence until 2011. That is when she first practiced at Studio Bamboo Yoga (SBY) in Virginia Beach, VA and quickly fell in love with the breath, movement and spirituality of yoga. Soon after that, she completed her 200HR Yoga Teacher Training under the direction of Ann Richardson at SBY. Moving back to Colorado Springs in 2012, Marchelle hungered for more yoga practice and training and completed her 500HR Yoga Teacher Training at Pranava Yoga Center under the direction of Mike and Charlotte Matsumura.
Marchelle's approach to yoga teaching is light-hearted and fun. While having studied several styles of yoga, you will find that she is most connected to Vinyasa Yoga. From Gentle Yoga to Power Yoga, you will always leave her class feeling nurtured and grounded in the breath and movement of the class. She believes that yoga is for anybody and any body.
Marchelle is very passionate about healthy living inside and out. When she isn't teaching Yoga, you can find her teaching cycling or coaching functional fitness classes nearby. Outside of fitness, she is a proud mom of three beautiful, athletic children and adored wife of her retired Navy husband of more than 26 years.
Charles A.
YA E-RYT500, YACEP
During his military service, physical therapists suggested Charles look into yoga to address service related injuries. He admits that he rolled his eyes and thought “No way! I ain’t doing no yoga. You thinking I’m going to move to Boulder.” After seeing the yoga schedule at the Briargate YMCA, he decided to check out a class. After 3 classes he sensed there was something to “this yoga stuff” and his yoga journey began.
Charles, who is retired from the Army, can relate with retired and active duty military on how yoga can help mend physical, emotional and spiritual pain the military may carry. He loves sharing his love of yoga and expanding his knowledge by attending workshops, conferences and practicing with different teachers. He loves the union and connections yogis have; “there is less than 6 degrees of separation with yoga and yogis.” It’s is such a wonderful way to bring people together. He jokingly refers to himself as the “Yoga Ambassador for Colorado.” This is a reference to his contacts, fellow yogis and teachers that he has met within the yogi community.
Lissa L.
YA E-RYT 500
Lissa Lenz is an expert at curating multi-dimensional experiences, holding space for her students, and allowing them to connect with their own personal power on and off of the mat through the transformative power of yoga and movement. Over the past 15 years she has acquired immense training in movement, dance, anatomy, alignment, meditation, and yoga. She shares her experience working with students and teachers to apply these ancient practices to everyday life so they can show up more empowered, skillful, and engaged.
She has acquired her 500 E-RYT through Lahari and Yoga Six. Lissa brings a fun and warm energy to her yoga experiences and is passionate about sharing her offerings with her students. For more information about Lissa, visit her IG @lissalenzyoga and her website lissalenz.com.
Adey A. (A-day)
YA RYT 200
What she lacks in height she makes up for in personality. As a bubbly spirit with an open heart and Adey has lots of laughter to spare. After starting her Yoga practice Adey found the profound mind, body, sprit connection in matching breath (Pranayama) to movement. That connection has spawned how Adey now lives her life flowing to the mantra- If you can breathe through it you can get through it.
Deborah R.
YA YT-200
Deborah is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher through Pranava Yoga Center and has completed Level I Yin Teacher Training with Kari Kwinn Yoga. She has practiced yoga on and off since 1987 and has been teaching Yin Yoga on a weekly basis since 2019. She loves to practice during the soft glowing light when the sun is below the horizon either greeting the day or letting it go. She is drawn to Yin Yoga’s cool, quiet stillness in both body and mind.
Jamie-Lynn F.
YA RYT-200
Jamie-Lynn took her first yoga class in 2007. She disliked being told
to breathe so much it took her two years and a serious neck injury to
lead her back to the mat. The second time around, she begrudgingly
admitted it made her feel better and dove in. Developing a regular
practice gradually transformed from "required body maintenance" that
allowed her to continue the activities she loved into a passion of its
own for intentional movement and patience with the consequences of
being human. In 2016 she moved across the country, began exploring new
studios in Colorado Springs and (after an accidental hour-long
conversation about anatomy with Jennifer Lambert), joined the 200 hour
Yoga Teacher Training program at Yoga Mountain Shadows. In addition to
teaching yoga, she's a facilitated stretching specialist and dance
teacher. In all areas of her practice, she seeks to help people feel
safer in, more comfortable with, and better integrated between their
brains and bodies. She loves bringing her knowledge of anatomy,
injury, movement, and recovery onto the mat to meet her students where
they are and offer accessible variations as well as creative
challenges. Turns out, she's STILL learning how to breathe and would
love to help you remember to too.
Michelle P.
YA RYT-500
Michelle Preble is a 500hr RYT, an Mindfulness Life Coach. She is certified in yoga and mindfulness for kids, trauma informed training, adaptive yoga for amputees, functional yoga for athletes, and paddleboard yoga. Michelle grew up in Colorado Springs and found a love for yoga when she was in high school. She has two amazing children that were her inspiration for teaching children. She saw how her children were growing and knew that yoga was meant for everyone. Michelle loves sharing her knowledge and helping others grow. Michelle has created programs for schools and gyms in the Colorado Springs and Ft. Collins areas and can’t wait to bring more! She is a board member for the nonprofit organization Peaceful Warriors, which strives to bring mindfulness and yoga to underprivileged communities across Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. She has a playful personality that invites everyone to find the inner child within and encourages each and every
person to speak love and gratitude into themselves.
In her free time, Michelle loves spending time at the lakes and pools with her family and their little dog, Piper. She can be found reading, hiking, and will often be caught dancing around the house listening to music.
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Missy R.
YA RYT-500
As a 500hr Certified Yoga Instructor, Missy has focused her teaching on helping her students through physical and emotional trauma, while encouraging them to seek their highest selves through honoring their bodies as they are. She teaches with a basis on Pranayama (breath practice) along with Asana (movement practice). She believes the Yoga Journey is one that is mind, body and soul, one can’t exist without the other. Her classes aim to honor the ancient roots of yoga, connecting with the subtle body with inclusivity, safety, and offer healing and fun. She also loves offering sound baths with bowls, tuning forks, gongs and chimes, and meditation, often bringing in these elements into her classes, and maybe a reggae song or two. She is a full time dog mom to two Shitzu mixes and 30+ plants.
Gina T.
YA RYT-200
Gina Thorne is a 200hr RYT who found yoga and yoga teacher training on her path to recovery from substance abuse. Yoga is the glue that helps her draw not only her mind, body and spirit together but also allows her to stay active in a variety of outdoor adventures. Any time she is feeling off balance, some time on the mat is typically the solution. As a person in long-term recovery and veteran of the Air Force, she has taught yoga to people in recovery, veterans and their family members/supporters and even prisoners transitioning back to civilian life. She has completed extensive training in yoga for addiction, mood balancing and mindful resilience, and, most recently has completed training in adaptive yoga with Matt Sanford. One of her main goals in becoming a teacher was to be a part of and help build a community around what she loves. She is comfortable working with any student to ensure their time in class is meaningful for them. Past students have noted her calm and accepting presence. In her free time, she spends a great deal of time outside rock climbing, canyoneering, hiking and running.
Melissa R.
YA RYT-200
Melissa is a certified 200+ hour Hatha Yoga Instructor, nourishment and empowerment coach, essential oil specialist, birth-worker, and intuitive healer. She’s also a mother of four, homeschooler, and an advocate for lifelong learning. She’s a native to Nevada and came to Colorado Springs in January 2021.
She has been practicing yoga in some capacity most of her life, but came into becoming a yoga teacher after some health and past trauma came to a head in 2019. The calling to dive deep into the heart of yoga as part of her healing process became part of her life's purpose to help others in their healing journey. In addition to holding a RYT200, she also is certified in prenatal, postpartum, and children’s yoga. This gives her the unique ability to make yoga accessible to everybody and every body.
Melissa loves to hold a deep, loving space for her students while they explore and discover themselves in that moment in time. She strives to build community and acceptance in all of her classes while infusing it with accessible movement, healing breath-work, and subtle body wisdom. When you come to her classes, come with an open heart and mind, and a body ready to move the way that feels good to you.
Chris P.
BYS RYT-200
Chris was introduced to yoga as an off-season, cross-training exercise with his collegiate hockey and lacrosse team. As someone who loved to stretch after every workout, he did not appreciate that his teammates never took it seriously. He went back to the studio without them to learn more and made yoga a part of his daily routine. His yoga practice began purely as a physical exercise, never exploring the mental aspect and never knowing it even existed. After graduating and moving to Boston, Chris broadened his yoga experience after studying under the Boston Yoga School’s (BYS) diverse list of teachers. He latched onto the slower practices such as Yin and Restorative yoga, finding a deeper appreciation for self-care and mindfulness. Chris became a 200-hour RYT with BYS in 2015 and since then has come to understand the much deeper connection between the mind and body.
For yin classes, you will see how Chris highlights the importance of creating a “less is more” atmosphere. The agenda is to move into passive, but intense, floor-based poses while pushing yourself to your boundary of your natural range of motion. You will learn to quiet your mind and connect deeper with your body in order to completely reset for your next challenge.
For vinyasa classes, you will be provided with a basic outline for your own practice. The goal is to create an atmosphere where you can take ownership of your movements and how far you want to push yourself. In a different way, you will learn to quiet your mind and connect deeper with your body and its movements.
Brooke J.
BYS RYT-200
Brooke began practicing yoga in 2015 in an attempt to find relief during a chronic illness flare up. After having tried everything, practicing yoga consistently was ultimately what led her into remission and ever since then she has been incredibly devoted to deepening her practice and helping others do the same.
She received her 200 hr YTT certification from Nirvana Yoga in New Jersey and primarily teaches heated vinyasa, but hopes to expand to other modalities soon.
In Brooke’s classes you can expect creative sequencing along with the thoughtful integration of the other 8 Limbs of Yoga. Most importantly, you can expect a safe and nurturing environment to simply be yourself.
When Brooke isn’t teaching yoga, she enjoys teaching ceramics, hiking, biking and traveling.
Guest Teachers
Ashley D.
YT 200, ND
With several decades of experience in the health and wellness field, my practice focuses on calming the stress response in the nervous system, positive psychology, and the physical and emotional benefits of yoga.
I am deeply and profoundly touched by the experience of working with each and every one of my clients and working with them to achieve a life of Pure Awareness, connection, embodiment, and balance.
Outside of yoga, I relish and savor my time in the kitchen. As my passion is serving others, the kitchen is my creative canvas in which I delight in creating tasty treats for those who are on my heart!
Cody N.
YT 200
Cody is an okay guy. He is an Air Force retiree that has redefined himself in the yoga world. Back in the day (2007) he completed a fine arts degree and has always carried compassion for the arts. He decided to become a yoga teacher because it was a great avenue to have a community, continued learning, and spiritual self-healing.