Mindful Turtle Yoga

Jackie Incorvia, E-RYT 500, YACEP, RPYT

Owner/Director

Jackie is thrilled to be owner and director of Mindful Turtle.

Jackie’s yoga practice began in 2005, while seeking to manage anxiety and depression during her years studying at the University of Rhode Island. Finding profound meaning in yoga practice and philosophy, she traveled to South India in 2008, where she studied classical Hatha Yoga with Dr. VVBN Rao at the University of Hyderabad for five months.

In 2009, she advanced her studies with a 200-hour certification with Ma Mokshapriya Shakti and Valerie Nichols of Yoga Teachers Training Institute, and in 2011, completed her 500-hour certification with Yoga Teachers Training Institute, and went on to feverishly immerse herself in diverse teaching opportunities from yoga studios to gyms, recreation centers and recovery facilities, schools and libraries, corporate offices and parks. With over 10,000 hours of teaching experience, Jackie’s education on chronic conditions and injuries make her a sought-after teacher by newer and experienced practitioners alike, developing individualized and tailored practice plans for her private clients. Jackie’s birth doula training (2014) and prenatal yoga teacher training with Heather Simonson (2015) equip her with the knowledge and skills to work with the prenatal and postnatal population.

Jackie holds a deep appreciation and reverence for both the Ashtanga Yoga and Iyengar Yoga lineages, blending elements of these rich traditions in her teachings. In her classes, she draws upon her passion for science and anatomy and her undergraduate studies in philosophy and literature, poetically weaving psychology and spirituality into detailed instruction on functional movement and somatic practices.

Yoga practice has supported Jackie through major life changes, traumas, and losses and she humbly and gratefully strives to hold the space to support others as well.

Danielle Goldstein, MS, E-RYT 500, YACEP, C-IAYT, AHC

Ayurvedic Health Counselor • Yoga Therapist • Yoga Educator

Danielle Goldstein is a Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist and Ayurvedic Health Counselor who specializes in developing therapeutic yoga practices and wellness plans which incorporate yoga philosophy, diet and lifestyle to maintain optimal health. Danielle was the founder and owner of Mindful Turtle until moving to Southern Vermont in 2023. She has had a dedicated yoga practice for over twenty years and has studied many traditions of classical yoga, particularly the Ashtanga Yoga Method, developing a respect and appreciation for yoga and its life changing possibilities. Her classes are motivating, inspiring and compassionate.

Her training includes both a 200 and 500 hour yoga teacher training from the Yoga Teacher Training Institute under the guidance of Ma Mokshapriya Shakti and Marianne Mitsinikos. She has an additional 500 hour certification in Classical Ashtanga Yoga with Beryl Bender Birch of The Hard & The Soft Yoga Institute. In addition to being a faculty member of Beryl’s teacher training program, she has assisted Beryl at various workshops and trainings around the country. She is forever a student and continues her study of Ashtanga Yoga with senior Ashtanga teacher Christine Hoar.

She completed her Ayurvedic Health Counselor training with the Boston Ayurveda School and is currently enrolled in Yoga Veda’s Ayurvedic Practitioner program. Danielle is a compassionate teacher and counselor and is gifted at making these ancient practices accessible to people from all walks of life. She has a skillful eye offering precise adjustments making the Ashtanga Yoga Asana practice fun and accessible to all.

Also a Certified Yoga Therapist, she holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from CW Post University, she specializes in developing therapeutic yoga practices for those recovering from trauma, and serves on the board of The Morgan Center, a preschool for children undergoing chemotherapy.

Laurie Ahlemann, E-RYT500

Laurie Ahlemann, E-RYT500, Reiki Master, has been teaching Yoga, Mindfulness, and Meditation for over two decades. Her teaching style is based in bio-mechanical principles offering an opportunity to rewrite habitual movement patterns and bring the body back into optimal anatomical alignment. Her extensive studies in anatomy, physiology, and energy healing lends itself well to an experience appropriate for all fitness levels. Her mission is to meet every student where they are offering classes that enhance postural
alignment, flexibility, reduce stress and promote peace of mind.

Heather Bromberg

Heather first learned about yoga in 2005, taking classes at her university’s fitness facility. She was so interested in how people could move their bodies and seemed joyous after class, what was the magic happening here? She attended classes regularly in Burlington, Vermont, trying and realizing the practice always felt great in her body. She moved to Wyoming, where she found a local yogi, attended her classes, and the woman closed shop suddenly. Devastated, Heather realized how important the physical asana and pranayama practice of yoga had become to her. In 2016, having moved to California she started taking community yoga classes through a local non-profit, Balanced Rock Foundation, which turned her on to “deepening her practice” so that in 2018 she earned her 200-RYT. This training opened her eyes to the depth of yoga – philosophy, history, physical practice, anatomy, and connection to spirit. She immediately began teaching at a local studio and for Balanced Rock healing arts programs including restorative, ayurveda, backpacking, journaling, connecting to nature, meditation, fascia release, and more. Living in a wild and remote area with unpredictable weather events, she used yoga as a tool to ground herself, and developed a very earthy practice for herself, sharing with her surrounding community.

At the end of 2022, she moved to Long Island to be closer to family and to continue her education in yoga. She attended Heartwood Institute in Bradenton, Florida, for a 300-hr training with a focus in Yoga Therapy. This training taught her how to offer classes in restorative, chair, aerial, and senior yoga. A compassionate teacher, she designs her classes based upon the needs of the yogis in class. She is happy to share her love of yoga with the Mindful Turtle community.

Lisa DeVine

Lisa stepped out of the corporate world and onto her mat in 2009, and thus the journey began. Since then, Lisa has been studying yoga and has a dedicated self-practice under the guidance of a teacher. She began teaching yoga in 2011 at the New York College of Health Professions in Syosset, NY. Her experience teaching yoga to massage and acupuncture students helped develop her style of a “Yoga is for everyone” approach. Lisa currently teaches at studios on Long Island and also volunteers teaching yoga to women in the DWI/DUI program at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Yaphank, NY.

Lisa is a 300-hour graduate of The Hard and Soft Yoga Institute, studying classical Ashtanga Yoga under the direction of Beryl Bender Birch. She completed her studies in 2016 at Mindful Turtle in Setauket, NY. She received her 200-hour teacher certification in 2014 from The Yoga Darshana Center in West Babylon, NY.

Michelle Doublet, LCSW, E-RYT, CCTP-II, Certified TRET Practitioner

Michelle Doublet, who has been featured on Wellistic, is a trauma expert specializing in somatic integrative psychotherapy, Somatic Embodiment Coaching, subtle energy, yoga and movement-based healing. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II), Certified Trauma Resolution Energy Therapy (TRET) Practitioner, and Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT), she offers clinical and non-clinical services integrating mind-body connection, somatic practices, and energy medicine With advanced training in somatic work and energy, along with a background in performing arts, dance, yoga, and fitness, Michelle deeply understands the body’s role in healing. Based in New York, she is the founder of Thriving Light Wellness and creator of the Nervous System Musical Scale Theory, expanding the Polyvagal Theory to help individuals reclaim their inner light, personal power, and clarity.

Lana Engelhart, RYT-500

Lana Engelhart, RYT-500, has been teaching vinyasa flow on Long Island since 2008. She is a former Lululemon ambassador and was featured in the book Yoga: Anatomy of Fitness. Currently, she is an Athleta Community Partner. She loves making her ballet background a part of all the classes through music and sequencing. Sessions are mainly peak pose style, with foreshadowed vinyasa, culminating in a tricky pose made manageable. She has taught at many Long Island studios and also guest lectures at teacher trainings. Lana is the proud mom of Sonya and Gabriella, and calls Saint James home.

Kerri Gross

With over 20 years combined experience babysitting, nannying, teaching, and caring for children, Kerri is thrilled to be teaching kids yoga. Surrounded by younger kids in her family and beginning babysitting at a young age, nurturing and helping is second-nature to Kerri. In High School, she earned the Silver Award in Girls Scouts of America for volunteering and organizing several sizable and successful Girl Scouts event and she went on to choose a vocation in childcare and teaching, becoming Assistant Teacher and Preschool Teacher in local schools Tutor Time, Kindercare, and Mill Pond. As a teacher, she found ways to incorporate yoga into “circle time” using the topics they were learning as inspiration, integrating lessons in creativity, kindness, and mindfulness, while guiding children to move their bodies and practice pranayama (breathing techniques) throughout the day. Kerri currently works as a Direct Support Professional for children and young adults with special needs, affording her steady experience in working with Autism, Down Syndrome, OCD, ADD, ODD, Dyspraxia, and visual challenges.

With a lifetime of experience, she has become adept at fostering a special connection with each child and what is important to them. She believes that every child has their own language which deserves to be understood. For her, it is of utmost importance to provide structure that children can depend on, while an encouraging them to be silly, creative, and curious. She knows this creates a safe space for independence and confidence to grow. This is why she chose to study with Kidding Around Yoga 2023-2024, affording her a broader education in encouraging physical and mental-emotional wellness for children. She is passionate about teaching children how to find a healthy balance for their bodies and minds, providing them with tools to carry through life.

Susan Lawrence

Susan is trained in Hatha and Restorative Yoga. She studied with Andrea Karahalios in Miami to receive her 200 hour certification in 2021 in the tradition of the Himalayan Institute. She completed her 300 hour training in the vinyasa flow method with RedTail Power Yoga in Hopewell Junction, NY in 2024. Additional trainings include a mentorship program with Jackie Incorvia and Danielle Goldstein at Mindful Turtle, with an Ashtanga-inspired focus on alignment and assists. In 2023 she completed Advanced Relax & Renew, learning therapeutic applications of Restorative Yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater. Susan’s yoga practice has evolved over 20 years and she has found it to be essential through many life transitions. Her teaching is informed by her ongoing transformative spiritual journey and her personal experience with the healing effects of a restorative practice.

Susan’s classes offer gentle breath-guided movement, instruction in the use of props, and asana variations. Her hope is to share with her students the joy and healing that she has found through living her yoga. Susan calls Port Jefferson home and is the proud mama of Brook and their kittens, Onyx and Sol. She is beyond grateful that her path has led her to the Mindful Turtle community.

Nancy Lynch

Nancy began her yoga journey nearly twenty years ago after incurring injuries associated with prolonged recreational running. She immediately realized the therapeutic benefits of controlled mindful movement with steady breath techniques as well as a profound positive impact on the nervous system, a keen sense of tranquility!

Nancy is a 200 hour (2013)/300 hour (2015) graduate of the Beryl Bender Birch The Hard and Soft Institute studying the Ashtanga lineage under the instruction of Danielle Goldstein. Along with 26 years experience in the physical therapy outpatient clinical setting, she developed a passion for modifying postures suitable and accessible for all bodies in order to receive the therapeutic benefits to heal oneself.

Nancy enjoys reading, cycling, hiking and meditative beach walks.

Karin Marcello

An accomplished musician of classical western and Indian music, Karin Marcello was born into a lineage of artists and spiritual practitioners. Karin employs a unique combination of modalities only taught to a select group of healers trained in Spain by Karin’s teacher, Nubia, a Sufi healer. Her sound healing sessions are meant to lead you into wholeness and balance within and may help release physical, spiritual, and emotional blocks. Some of the music played developed out of the musical traditions between India, the Middle East, and inspiration from Vedic chanting.

Lisa Meléndez, RYT-500

Lisa began practicing yoga to manage asthma, and after experiencing its many benefits she deepened her studies becoming a RYT-500 with the Healing Yoga Foundation. Committed to sharing yoga’s diverse tools widely, she also completed specialized training with HYF to support those with a cancer diagnosis. Additionally, she trained with Asanas for Autism and Special Needs and is certified to teach yoga and mindfulness to children and teens with an emphasis on inclusion and accessibility. She continues to study yoga and Vedic chanting in the tradition of Krishnamacharya with Danielle Tarantola, and holds an honorary 500-hour certification with the Yoga Foundation for assisting in teacher training. Lisa has taught with Mindful Turtle since 2012.

Karen Scher, E-RYT-500

Karen Scher, an E-RYT 200 Yoga Alliance certified instructor, has been teaching since 2009. With over 18 years of experience, yoga has become an integral part of her life and has served as a profound method for studying the body physically, mentally and spiritually. Throughout her yoga journey, Karen has delved into various traditions, dedicating the past six years to the continuous study of Ashtanga Yoga under the guidance of Danielle Goldstein and Senior Ashtanga Yoga teacher Christine Hoar.

As a former avid equestrian and lifelong athletic enthusiast, yoga has provided an opportunity to combine the joy and discipline of these pursuits with the discipline and beauty of the mind, body and breath awareness that yoga offers. Karen is committed to incorporating this holistic approach into every aspect of her daily life and to each class she teaches. Karen’s classes draw influences from Kripalu, Vinyasa Flow, Yin, and Ashtanga yoga traditions. Constantly seeking to expand her own practice, this dedication enables her to foster the growth and enhancement of her students’ practice as well. She is devoted to helping students cultivate personal awareness and providing the opportunity for them to explore postures at their own pace, while challenging themselves in a relaxed and nurturing environment. Karen has worked with the Long Island Chapter of The National Multiple Sclerosis Society teaching yoga to students with Multiple Sclerosis since 2010 and completed Chair Yoga training in 2018. She firmly believes that when we learn to breathe deeply, our spirits are lifted, and we attain true focus, control, and inner peace.

Kimberly Sherbach

Kimberly completed her 200 Hour Teacher Training under the loving guidance of Patricia Morris at The Little Yoga House in 2014. She went on to become an apprentice at Ashtanga Yoga Long Island, studying with Aura Reverol for 300 hours over the course of two years. These two incredible teachers not only showed her how to teach yoga, but exemplified how to live a life of yoga every day. After moving to Suffolk and changing careers, she was lucky enough to find Mindful Turtle, where she practiced Mysore with Danielle and Jackie. She is grateful for the opportunity to start teaching in a place that already feels like home. Her goal as a yoga teacher is to empower students to find a balance between strength and ease in their movement, and to practice with a sense of mindfulness, compassion, joy, and a little laughter!

Kerri Troffa

Kerri teaches classes in Meditation, Chair Yoga and QiGong. She also offers Anxiety and Grief Coaching to assist individuals through the healing process. She has been a public school teacher since 1997 and a Yoga and Meditation teacher since 2018. Kerri enjoys helping others experience a more peaceful life by managing stress and anxiety. Her passion is to help others experience the joy and self-discovery she has found in meditative movement.

Preety Wadhwa

Born and brought up in a traditional Indian family, Preety’s spiritual journey began pretty early. Preety attended Yoga Teacher Training in 2017 at Sivananda Yoga & Vedanta Center in Kerala, India, and taught at Sivananda Yoga Center in New Delhi for 4 years, where she had the privilege of taking many Vedanta workshops. She also studied Neuro Linguistic Programming to better understand Mind-Body mechanics in depth. Preety relocated to the U.S.A. in 2020 during the covid pandemic and continued serving in Sivananda Yoga Center, New York. A pivotal time in her life, when the whole world was at a stand-still, she felt a calling to become a Meditation Teacher. Honoring her intuition, she got certified as a Meditation Teacher with Chopra Center in 2021. Since then, she has taught many people how to manage stress using these miraculous practices of Breathing & Meditation. With consistent effort, she has been able to embrace all these teachings gracefully into her own life. She feels her work is a cumulative assemblage of what she has learned on her own journey.

“It is both my purpose (dharma) and passion to share these teachings with whoever wants to live in harmony with their core-essence, paving the path for a more peaceful, joyous, and purposeful life. I truly believe we already have what we are looking for in the outside world. All we need to do is… TURN WITHIN.” –Preety Wadhwa