Melissa D'Errico, Studio Owner/Director, ERYT 500, YACEP, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher - Teacher Training Faculty*

Melissa’s lifelong love of movement sparked the beginning of her yogic journey. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Florida State University and started the Dance Department at North Broward Preparatory School and Fine Arts Office Manager and is currently the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Head of School and Assistant Head of School as well as College Advising Office Manger.

 Melissa earned both RYT200 and RYT500 certifications from the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach in 2015. Melissa holds special certifications in Pranakriya Prenatal Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Chair Yoga, and Creative Relaxation for Children with Autism and Special Needs. She is an Integrative Hypnotherapist and a Reiki Master Teacher and a strong believer in the role of energy work. Her effortless way of sharing ancient teachings in accessible ways is her superpower. As a single mother of two young adults, Melissa’s passion for yoga is evident in her daily practice and continued commitment to growth as a student and teacher.

Louise Goldberg, MA, ERYT 500, YACEP, C-IAYT, Director of 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training, Educational  Director -Teacher Training Faculty*

Louise is the previous owner/director of the Yoga Center and director of the Children’s Yoga Teacher Training. She earned her yoga teacher certification at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Quebec, Canada, in 1981. She is a certified yoga therapist, holds a Master’s in reading education, and is a licensed massage therapist.

In addition to teaching gentle and Hatha yoga to adults, she teaches yoga to children, including those with exceptional needs. She is the author of Classroom Yoga Breaks: Brief Exercises to Create Calm (2017) and Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Special Needs (2013) published by WW Norton. Louise has trained hundreds of educators internationally in Creative Relaxation®, to implement yoga-based interventions into classrooms and therapeutic settings.

Louise sees yoga’s benefits in healing injuries and chronic pain, both physical and emotional. Her love for asana, her fascination with yoga philosophy, her extraordinary faith in people, and her desire to bring peace into the world are the foundations for her teaching.

Christine Apter, PhD, ERYT 500 -Teacher Training Faculty*

Christine holds a Doctorate degree in Natural Health and a Master’s Degree in Microbiology. She is a Registered Yoga instructor and has been studying yoga since 1968.  She offers deep insights into the techniques, philosophy, body mechanics and wisdom of yoga.  As an Adjunct Instructor of Microbiology at Broward College in Coconut Creek, and a staff member of Yoga Teacher Training at the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach, she is both highly trained and deeply experienced.

She is the author of A Journey in the Heart: Teaching Yoga Deeper an advanced yoga teacher-training manual. Christine empowers the yoga practitioner to become the person they wish to be both on and off of the mat, filled with innate goodness and beauty. Known for her enthusiasm, knowledge, wit and wisdom, Christine’s yoga philosophy is: “Our purpose on this earth is to realize our true nature.”

Audrey Abramson, RYT 200 - Admin. Assistant -Teacher Training Faculty*

Audrey has been exploring yoga for over 20 years, practicing with certified Iyengar instructors as well as instructors from various yoga backgrounds. In 2018, she relocated to South Florida and found a great opportunity to take the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at The Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach. Since graduating from the program in 2019, she has been teaching many styles of yoga, including Hatha, gentle, flow, and chair yoga. Her philosophy is that ALL individuals—regardless of their background, fitness level, or physical limitations—can benefit from the exploration and practice of yoga. She meets her students with kindness and patience, and she loves being a part of their yoga experience. She has a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance and spent her professional career working in healthcare financial management. When Audrey is not on the mat, she enjoys spending time with her family and the great outdoors.

Andrew Bourizk, RYT 200

Andrew has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and completed his 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach in 2019. Originally from Pennsylvania, he relocated to Florida over a decade ago. Andrew holds a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and works as a speech-language pathologist with adults in a healthcare setting. He is passionate about working with students of all levels and styles, creating classes that are both accessible and engaging. Andrew integrates the principles of yoga, such as breath, movement, and mindful awareness, into both his personal and professional life, where they serve as a steady foundation for how he lives and teaches. At the Yoga Center, Andrew brings a grounded, energetic presence to each class, encouraging students to move with intention and connect more deeply with themselves.

Melissa Chapman, Certified in Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, TIME Techniques, Emotional Freedom Techniques & Life Coaching

Melissa enjoys supporting heart-led individuals who feel stuck repeating patterns despite having insight, motivation, and a genuine desire for change. Many of the clients she works with have already done personal growth work and understand themselves well. What they often notice is that awareness alone has not created the shifts they are looking for. That is where subconscious work becomes powerful. Her approach uses a blend of conscious and subconscious strategies, so that when we work with existing patterns, change no longer has to rely on willpower or constant effort. Instead, it feels natural, supportive, and sustainable. Click HERE to book a service with Melissa.

Kattie Codega, Ayurvedic Practioner, ERYT500, YACEP, Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist 

Kattie is an Ayurvedic practitioner, registered yoga instructor, herbalist, and wellness educator with over a decade of experience. She began her journey into these ancient traditions in 2006 and has studied with some of the world’s most distinguished teachers in Ayurveda and Yoga. She received her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification at the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach and her 500-hour Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist Certification from Kripalu School of Yoga. Kattie integrates ancient wisdom into modern practices, offering a unique approach to holistic health that empowers her clients and students to take charge of their well-being.

Restorative yoga is a gentle and calming practice focused on relaxation and rejuvenation. It involves holding yoga poses (asanas) for extended periods while using props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks to support the body. This practice enables deep relaxation without effort and is effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and tension. Ultimately, it promotes a sense of calm and improves overall mental and physical health.

Julie Davis-Dow, RYT200, Singer, Musician, and Sound Healing Facilitator

Julie is a South Florida-based musician, intuitive yoga teacher, and sound healing facilitator who creates heart-centered, soul-nourishing spaces for self-discovery and transformation. With a finely tuned sensitivity to energy and a warm, approachable presence, she guides others toward aligning with their inner truth and highest potential.

Julie teaches Harmonious Hatha, blending gentle movement, pranayama, and mindful meditation for balance and vitality, and New Moon Cacao and Sound Baths, combining ceremonial cacao, guided meditation, and healing sounds from Himalayan crystal bowls, Tibetan metal bowls, shamanic instruments, and vocal toning. Her sessions are like a cozy hug for body and spirit—inviting deep relaxation, energetic alignment, and joyful connection.With reverence, intuition, and a sprinkle of playful energy, Julie supports each person’s unique journey toward inner clarity, growth, and soulful expansion. Get ready to stretch, sip, and maybe even giggle a little along the way.

Ken Frankel, Certified Medical Qigong Practioner/Teacher

Ken first began practicing QiGong with Dr. George Love in the early morning on the beach in Boca Raton in 2001 and loved how it engaged the body, mind, and spirit. He received certification to teach from Dr. Love in 2006. He subsequently completed a 200-hour medical qigong practitioner training at the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Hallandale, FL; a 200-hour Integral QiGong and Tai Chi teacher training with Dr. Roger Jahnke in Santa Barbara, CA; and a 125-hour QiGong teacher training with Shifu Michael Rinaldini. He completed additional shorter certification trainings with Master Wing Cheung (Shibashi), Michael Winn (Primordial Qigong), Master Ou Wen Wei (Pangu Shengong), Sifu George Picard (24 Posture Therapeutic QiGong) and Chapur Rinpoche (Keksel Tibetan Yoga). He has been meditating since 1996 and is one of the founding members of the Southern Palm Zen Group, and a board member of the Theosophical Society of South Florida.

Manette Freas, RYT 200

Manette earned her yoga teacher certificate from the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach and has practiced yoga for over 10 years. Before becoming a yoga instructor, she worked as an environmental biologist/chemist. Having received her B.S. in biology, Manette enthusiastically incorporates anatomy and physiology awareness in her classes. She continues to expand her knowledge and encourages her students to explore their own personal yoga journey. Yoga is a lifestyle for Manette, a foundation to move forward in life while living in the present.Linda Gross, ERYT 500

Elizabeth “Liz” Mary Fullam, ERYT 200

Liz was born and raised in Massachusetts where she developed an interest in sports and fitness. While attending Nichols College she was active in many of the sports programs and fulfilling her educational requirements. She graduated from Nichols College with her BSBA degree and moved to Lighthouse Point, Florida where she continues to be a resident of our community. She has been a qualified yoga and fitness instructor for over 20 years. Her many Certifications include the Aerobics Fitness Association of America and Yogafit. She has also trained extensively in Bikram Yoga, Children’s Yoga, and Chair Yoga. Liz is also qualified as a personal trainer, weight trainer, indoor cycling, and water aerobics instructor. She participates in continuing education classes several times yearly to keep up to date on the latest fitness trends and keeps her CPR certification up to date.

In South Florida Liz has taught and/or coordinated classes at Spas, Health Clubs, Private Clubs, and Corporate Facilities. She is also well known among the fitness community as a professional who lives the lifestyle she espouses.

Linda Gross, ERYT 500

Linda earned both her teacher certifications from the SKY Foundation in Philadelphia, and at the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach. She met Dr. Vijayendra Pratap, Ph.D, DYP, in 1974, and studied the Art and Science of Yoga with him for 30 years. He encouraged and inspired her to begin teaching Hatha Yoga in 1976. Linda also presided as Conference Coordinator at the Yoga Research Society, from 1976 to 2003, where she initiated Medical Yoga Workshops, and a joint partnership between YRS and the Jefferson Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University.

There she curated yearly events with thought leaders such as Swami Rama, Swami Satchidananda, Yogi Bhajan, Patch Adams, MD, Timothy Leary, PhD, and Brian Weiss, MD. Presently, Linda is an instructor in the Yoga Center’s Advanced Teacher Training Program. “As long as I live, so long I learn.” ~ Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Paige Harvey, RYT 200

Paige began her yoga journey in 1984 while in college, taking yoga as a P.E. class—thinking it might be a gentle option for someone who had never considered herself “athletic.” To her surprise, she fell in love with how the practice made her feel and has been devoted ever since. Her love for yoga deepened through classes with Mark Roberts at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale. Despite facing significant physical challenges—including a congenital joint disorder and multiple joint replacements—Paige’s spirit and dedication never wavered. After finding compassionate and knowledgeable teachers at the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach, she was inspired to return to her mat and eventually complete her yoga teacher training. Today, Paige teaches with the same empathy and encouragement that helped her rediscover her practice. Her classes are infused with joy, playfulness, and a deep respect for individual bodies—emphasizing alignment, self-awareness, and the belief that yoga truly is for everyone.

Christina Hessing, ERYT 200

Christina is a lifelong resident of South Florida and discovered yoga by studying breath and relaxation practices. Eventually, she made her way into a yoga studio and was introduced to the wonder of yoga asana by her beloved teachers Joanne Evans and Christine Apter. Though she never imagined it would be so, Christina was coaxed into yoga teacher training in 2014 and has been teaching yoga ever since. Always curious and ever eager to deepen her practice, Christina has studied Hatha yoga, vinyasa flow, yin and restorative yoga, and mindfulness meditation. Christina’s yoga classes offer quiet time and a safe space for students to explore body, breath, and the timeless teachings, but most importantly, simply and sweetly recognize their own yoga. Christina spends her days teaching a glorious group of students at a bustling South Florida high school. Her life is decorated with the love of her three sisters, two magnificent sons, and one extraordinary husband.

Ali Hope, Certified Pilates Instructor, RYT 200

Ali was introduced to Pilates while studying economics and psychology at university, where she incorporated its positive impact on wellness and cognition into her senior dissertation. After completing her full apparatus teacher training, Ali expanded her expertise by studying integrative nutrition and becoming a holistic health coach. Ali combines her love for health and fitness in her Pilates classes, creating a holistic approach to wellness. Also an avid yoga enthusiast, her classes help you feel taller and more connected to your body.

Julia Kornbluh, ERYT 200

Julia brings to her yoga instruction a mindfulness philosophy. Julia's intention, as a guide of the practice, is to create a healing and safe space that allows students to experience the multitude of benefits of the practice of yoga. Meditation, breathwork, and philosophy are important aspects of her teaching. As an ERYT 200 and meditation guide, Julia encourages observation and provides students with the tools to practice safely and passionately. Her classes offer creative sequencing, emphasis on alignment, breathwork, and meditation. Julia's playful and loving spirit will inspire you!

Venus Myth, RYT 200

Venus first fell in love with yoga 8 years ago and since then has become a devoted yogi in all areas of life. In 2022 she graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Business Marketing degree and has been traveling the world ever since. She earned her RYT 200 certification at House of Om yoga school in Bali in 2025, and from there began teaching in Australia where she lived for over a year.  She primarily teaches vinyasa and restorative, weaving together traditional yogic philosophy, mobility work, breath work, and meditation to honor both the physical and spiritual dimensions of yoga. Whether guiding students through a dynamic flow or a relaxing restorative session, she brings a soft approach that invites presence, awareness and transformation. Beyond the mat, she is a passionate practitioner and facilitator of ceremonial cacao, the heart-opening and ancient plant medicine. She hopes to spread cacao's healing magic to more people through embodiment workshops and ecstatic dance, creating spaces where movement, ritual, and community come together. 

Leesa Loeffler , ERYT 500

Leesa is a Florida native and a lifelong resident of Broward County. She is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology. She was a Social Worker for several years and specialized working with the indigent and senior populations. Although she loved being a Social Worker, her heart led her to become an Elementary School Teacher which she enjoyed for over 15 years.  Leesa dabbled in yoga off and on for many years. She became dedicated to her practice over 10 years ago. Leesa did her yoga teacher training under Monica Schmidt and American Yoga. She has her 500 hour certification, as well as a Yin certification. She also trained under Judy Weaver to obtain a certification in Connected Warriors, which focuses on trauma informed yoga and teaching yoga to those that suffer with PTSD. Leesa currently teaches yoga to students from the ages of 2 to over 92! She teaches at John Knox Village, Hillsboro Club, Athletica Gym, a local preschool and elementary school, as well as private and corporate events. She is happy to be joining The Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach. Leesa loves all things yoga and tries to live her best life following the yoga principles.  When not practicing yoga, you can find Leesa riding her bike to the beach, reading, studying, gardening, volunteering for Make A Wish, and spending time with family and friends. In addition to teaching yoga, Leesa is a personal assistant, a pet sitter, and a caterer. Leesa lives in Deerfield Beach with her 3 cats and 1 tortoise.

Elizabeth Pankey-Warren, ERYT 500

Elizabeth is a Psychotherapist, an ordained Presbyterian Pastor, Advanced Reiki practitioner, Nutrition Educator and a RYT500 Yoga teacher who loves teaching yoga at the Deerfield Yoga Center.  She is also certified to teach Creative Relaxation Yoga to Children with Special Needs. Elizabeth teaches with clarity and attention to alignment to keep her students safe and to improve their balance, flexibility and strength.  She hopes to heal, inspire and elevate each of us to our deepest, truest self where abundant love, energy, good health, openness, peace and intuition abide.  Elizabeth is also a yoga practitioner, a runner, wife and mother of 3 children.

Shree Wade, MA, Meditation Teacher

Shree Wade is a certified meditation instructor through the International Meditation Institute in the Himalayas of India. For more than 20 years, she has been devoted to self-inquiry, spiritual study, and meditation, receiving direct guidance from a Self-Realized Meditation Master in India.

We are delighted to welcome Shree back to the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach. Her teaching emphasizes that meditation is not about controlling thoughts. Instead, by bringing awareness to the “Knower”—the deeper witnessing presence within—you naturally experience the peace, joy, and purity of your true Self. From this place of inner awareness, positive changes in life can unfold with greater ease and authenticity.

Known as a “teacher of teachers,” Shree has led Meditation Teacher Trainings and guided students on the spiritual path for more than 30 years. Her classes offer both yoga and meditation teachers, as well as dedicated students, an opportunity to deepen their understanding of meditation and awaken to the direct experience of the Knower—pure, free, and ever-present.

Shree is the author of five books: Doubt Free Meditation, Loves Eternal Space: Enlightening Poetry, Meditation Teacher Training, Knowingness Meditation: Enlightenment is Know, and Direct Awakening in Meditation: From Mindfulness to Knowingness.  transformationmeditation.com