Meet Our Community Class Teachers
We have some excellent teachers joining us to teach free Donation-Based Community Classes this summer, so allow us to introduce a few!
Abigail Sakati
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Yoga Accompaniment: Peaceful music, essential oils
Abigail recently went through the Yoga Common’s 200hr teacher training program, after practicing for about 7 years. Her practice is influenced by her dance background and she aims to create a positive environment that facilitates her students growth and connection to the practice.
Michelle Weinfeld
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Favorite Color: Lavender/Lilac
Favorite Yoga Accompaniment: Singing Bowls
Michelle has always been passionate about movement. Starting from a young age she did gymnastics and played many sports. In high school gym class, she was introduced to yoga and fell in love. Her passion only grew as she went to college and had the opportunity to participate in a work-exchange yoga program. Her favorite things about yoga are community, pranayama, and asana practice. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Michelle became a certified yoga teacher (RYT200) specializing in Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yoga Nidra.
Judith McGrath
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Favorite Color: Blue, Red, and Purple
Favorite Yoga Accompaniment: Music
Judith has been practicing yoga for about 20 years and is a recent graduate from The Yoga Common 200 hour YTT program. Currently, she is working in pain management and hopes to integrate the two. She is inspired by her friends, family, and coworkers. Especially, her husband, children and her puppy Brie.
Cassidy Burt
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Favorite Color: Dandelion Yellow
Favorite Yoga Accompaniment: Good music, low lighting
Cassidy (she/her) is a yoga instructor currently based in Astoria, Queens. She began practicing yoga during her time in college to cope with stress and anxiety, fell in love with it, and has now been practicing for over a decade. After receiving a PhD in Social Psychology in 2022 and moving to NYC to work for the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Cassidy sought to use her experience teaching college courses to teach yoga, completing her training with The Yoga Common in 2023. She has taught in a variety of different settings, including university psychology and research courses, as well as kayaking, rock climbing, and outdoor recreation classes. In addition to teaching and practicing yoga, Cassidy loves spending time outside, riding her bike around the city, traveling, cooking extravagant meals for herself, and drinking lots of coffee.
Rachele Kaczmarkiewicz
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Yoga Accompaniment: Music is something that inspires me and motivates me every single day. It's rare if you see me walking without my headphones on while listening to some tunes! I try to make the perfect playlist based on the theme of that particular class. However, if I'm practicing yoga at home, there's usually a cat on my mat taking up more space than me :)
Rachele is a dedicated and passionate yogi with a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of yoga. Her journey into yoga began almost a decade ago while on a personal quest for balance and self-discovery. Through breathwork, meditation, and movement she experienced the profound benefits of yoga, not only on her physical health but also on her overall well-being. Motivated by this experience, she wanted to share her knowledge and guide others on their own unique journeys.
Rachele received her certification through The Yoga Common’s 200-Hour Teacher Training Program. She continuously looks for new ways to encourage and inspire her students on and off the mat. Rachele’s nurturing and warm presence creates a supportive environment where students can explore and expand their mental, physical, and spiritual boundaries.
