Welcome to Flower City Yoga League!

Brett Richardson

Brett is an experienced RYT 500-trained yoga instructor with over 4,500 teaching hours. His certifications are in Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin, Hike Yoga, Yoga for Athletes, Yoga for 12 Step Recovery, Trauma Yoga, Meditation, and energy healing. Through teaching various classes, currently 20 per week, he has developed a passion for myofascial and trigger point therapy. He has taught at the NYS Yoga Festivals (Spring and Fall), the last two years and is a Lululemon legacy ambassador. Brett brings his fun-loving energy, and his infectious smile will truly stay with you all day!

Cheryl Strauss

Cheryl began her yoga journey 10 years ago when she walked into Power Yoga Buffalo. She immediately felt something new and unique and was intrigued by the physicality and emotional energy that consumed her. With the desire to spread this love of yoga to everyone, she co-founded HEAL Bflo with her best friend to create unique yoga events all over WNY. She has completed a 200-hour, Baptiste Level 1, Art of Assisting, and various other yoga trainings. Teaching yoga is the most incredible experience. The people, the community, the love, and friendships have created a life that fills her up every day. Cheryl currently teaches at Power Yoga Buffalo, Buffalo State College, M&T Bank, Evergreen Health Services, and private and group classes. She teaches a powerful vinyasa flow designed to challenge you both physically and emotionally. She wants you to come out of your head and into your body every time you show up on your mat, reminding you that you get to create the life you love.

DJ Katie Bkind

Katiebkind is a spatial curator of sound and design. Her passion for spiritual exploration and travel is woven into the style of music she creates. Over the past 8 years, Katiebkind has played locally in the WNY area and internationally, in SE Asia and Costa Rica, bringing a soulful and vibrant energy into her sets. Katiebkind understands the impact and healing potential of sound vibration and the richness it can bring to the listener’s experience. Music is a potent embodiment tool that supports inner exploration and energetic connection. Katie’s highly attuned presence helps cultivate a sacred container for this deeper work. Sound has the activating power to move energy through the body. Music is such a deeply personal experience, Katiebkind creates with an intentionality, knowing that the sound will guide and support your journey of diving deep within your human experience. Sound activations — the activating power of sound to move energy through the body, unlocking aspects of the breathwork journey to support diving deep within yourself.

Dominic Piacentini

Dominic is the founder of R4 Wellness & Consulting. A master practitioner of Restorative Practices, he has a passion for fostering positive connections and holistic well-being. His mission is to bring the transformative power of restorative practices and wellness to individuals, organizations, and communities.

Dominic’s wellness journey is a holistic one, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual practices. He not only practices these disciplines for personal growth but also shares them when facilitating training, events, and wellness retreats. His unique approach to wellness reflects a dedication to cultivating well-being at all levels, which sets him apart as an influential figure in the field of personal development.

Erin Joy

I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of yoga and its ability to cultivate physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. As a certified yoga and meditation instructor, I strive to create a nurturing and inclusive space for students to explore their practice, connect with their breath, and deepen their awareness of body and mind. With a background in various styles of yoga, sound healing, and meditation, I offer a unique blend of styles in my classes, focusing on alignment, Breathwork, and mindfulness. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, my intention is to guide you on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace through the practice of yoga. Join me on the mat and let’s flow, breathe, and grow together. Credentials:

• 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training
• 200-hour Meditation Teacher Training
• Sound Healing Certification
• Yoga Therapist in Training – 800-hour program through Kripalu started January 2024.

Harold Taddy

Many, many gongs! Situated at the center of the room, Harold Taddy brings a curated display of gongs, handpans, chimes, and various orchestral instruments, to each and every Gong Situation. Consideration is given to the uniqueness of individual space and arrangement, and an immersive sound performance is mindfully created to evolve organically, and inspire cathartic release. Taddy’s background in theatre arts and modern dance informs a heartfelt sonic composition, brimming with emotionally cinematic dynamics. A sound bath you can truly feel!

Lisa Stantz

I began teaching in 2017 and since have completed my 500-hour training. I teach at Breathe Yoga and have also specialized in teaching athletes from RIT and local high school teams. From my personal practice, I’ve learned to have fun, make mistakes, and be playful. Building poses and new sequences in my personal practice gives me freedom and the space to be messy. I love the messy part as much as the beautiful flow it creates. I love teaching because it allows me to share the journey of the practice through the flow. I love helping others experience new opportunities in their practice, discover new transitions, and learn to listen to the needs of their mind and body in each moment. That’s really where your practice takes flight and leaves the studio. I’m inspired by courage. The courage to be yourself, be different, and be comfortable in who you are and in what you show up for. Not what others think you should be but true authenticity.

Robyn Paige

Local ROC yogi and owner of Finger Lakes Yogascapes and Free Spirit ROC, Robyn finds yoga is all about connection—whether it be to your mind and body, community, nature, or a deeper level of self-discovery. As a teacher, she finds pure joy in holding space for others to practice in a way that makes them feel FREE on and off the mat. Robyn is a passionate Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500) and Reiki Level 3 practitioner and teacher, with additional certifications in Trauma Informed Yoga, Yoga4Cancer, Mindfulness, and Sound Healing. Expect carefully crafted playlists to carry you through your practice and help you find your flow.

Yogi Josh

Yogi Josh Zimmerman earned his 200-hour YTT in India in the Himalayan Mountains. With 10 years of experience as an instructor, and prior to yoga, he was a national record holder in the sport of powerlifting. Yogi Josh is a dynamic personality, ready to take you on a smile-filled journey through focused effort and into deep, bliss-filled release. Regardless of class size, Yogi Josh brings an intimate energy, reminding you that he’s with you every step of the way. With a smile in his heart, he looks forward to connecting with you on June 26.

Violet Loveys

Violet is a fun-loving yoga teacher who is passionate about teaching not only to our physical bodies but also to our minds and energy. She believes yoga is a healing practice that helps us connect to our center and feel whole. Violet has been teaching for 10 years, and while she predominantly teaches vinyasa yoga, she is well-versed in hatha, yin, restorative yoga, and meditation. She loves the practice and loves to share it with others! During a class with Violet, you can anticipate creative sequencing, connection to body, mind, and energy, as well as all-around positive, compassionate vibes.

Rocco Bianchi

Rocco Bianchi is a dedicated yoga and mobility instructor with a mission to help others move pain-free and live their best lives. With a 500-hour RYT certification, Rocco brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his classes, guiding students through sequences that promote strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. His passion lies in empowering individuals to do the things they love, with the people they love, for as long as possible. Through his thoughtful instruction and compassionate approach, Rocco inspires his students to unlock their full potential and live life to the fullest.