Our Instructors - Teaching Online & In-Studio
Louise Goldberg, MA, ERYT 500, YACEP, C-IAYT - Teacher Training Faculty*
Louise Goldberg is the owner/director of the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach 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 Apter 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.”
Joy Weissman 500 RYT - Teacher Training Faculty*
Joy began her yoga journey in 1971. Upon completing teacher training in 1995 with JoAnn Evans, Joy co-founded The Joy of Yoga Center in Coral Springs, Florida. In 2003, she returned to South Florida after 3 years in Sedona, Arizona. Joy brings warmth, humor and enthusiasm to her classes.
Melissa D'Errico, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher, Assistant Studio Manager - Teacher Training Faculty*
Melissa attributes the start of her yogic journey to her lifelong love of movement. She is the Administrative Dance Director at North Broward Prep and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from FSU. She earned her RYT 200 and RYT 500 certifications from the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach. She received her Pranakriya Prenatal Certificate from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and is certified to teach Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, and Creative Relaxation for Children with Autism and Special Needs. She is 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 mother of two teenagers, Melissa’s passion for yoga is evident in her daily practice and continued commitment to growth --as a student and teacher.
Audrey Abramson - RYT 200 - Administrative 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.
Michael "Mickey" Bakum, ERYT 200
Yoga was the doorway for transformation, leading Mickey to create a holistic business. With over 10 years of experience, his classes focus on postural alignment and connection to the breath. Mickey finds that added awareness allows the body to release blocked energy, and he shares many healing tools. Mickey is a Reiki Master and had the opportunity to learn bodywork and other healing modalities while working with chiropractors. He is grateful to share his skills with the Yoga Center.
Andrew Bourizk, RYT 200
Andrew has been practicing yoga for the past 8 years. In 2019, he completed his 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach. Andrew graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education Social Studies at Clarion University and is currently attending Florida International University for his Masters degree. He is a school teacher in Palm Beach County where he also teaches yoga to the students at his school for their wellness courses. He is passionate in teaching all different levels of students with all different styles of yoga. At the Yoga Center, Andrew brings enthusiasm and mindfulness to his classes!
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
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.
Christina Hessing RYT 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
Ali Hope 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 ERYT200 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!
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.
Ashley Rojas, RYT 200
Sabah Michelle Saoud, RYT
Yoga has been a part of Sabah's life for over 35 years, certified both in the UK and the USA and registered to teach the science of Yoga, (I.Y.A. and I.A.O.Y.T) it kept her focused and "sane" through her first career in the UK. After many years studying and deepening her knowledge through a variety of styles and extraordinary teachers, including Deepak Chopra, she has put together a technique called Yoga Fusion (Hatha based) which does just that; taking the best from a few styles and incorporating them into one. The classes stretch and strengthen the entire body in a deep, thorough, but relaxing way with extra focus on core, spine and areas that particularly hold tension and stress.
Sabah also holds certifications in Reiki, Yoga for M.S., Silver Sneakers, Chair Yoga and is a registered Yoga Therapist. Classes are suitable for most. Thorough, detailed directions are given so beginners will not feel lost. Yoga using the wall are held the first Sunday of each month. Come and experience the delightful energy and wisdom from this wonderful and creative teacher.
Our Instructors - On Sabbatical
JoAnn Evans, ERYT 500 - RETIRED
JoAnn has dedicated herself to the propagation of Yoga. She has been teaching Yoga for over 40 years and retired in 2019. She was awarded the title of Yoga Siromani in 1975 from Swami Vishnu Devananda after 6 weeks of Teacher Training at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Val Morin, Quebec Canada. Before moving to Florida 30 years ago, JoAnn operated a successful studio in the D.C. area. At the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach, she teaches Hatha Yoga, stress reduction, meditation, Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutra classes. Hundreds of students have completed her teacher training classes in South Florida and Evergreen Yoga in Bethesda, Maryland. Her Yoga classes draw students from all over the country.
Her unparalleled style of teaching Raja Yoga combines postures, breathing techniques and meditation with methods to incorporate the philosophy of Yoga into our daily lives. Her knowledge of the body enables her to effectively teach beginners as well as the most advanced students. Her wisdom, kindness and wit create a stimulating and warm environment for her students. JoAnn has been the Yoga Center Director of Training since our Teacher Training program began in 1988. She has 500 instruction hours registered with Yoga Alliance.
Dotty Zevin, ERYT 200 - Retired
Dotty Zevin, ERYT 200, was director of the Yoga Center for 27 years. She received her yoga teacher certification in 1987 at the Kripalu Center in Lenox, Mass. At Kripalu, Dotty developed her philosophy about yoga: it is a journey through our hearts to open to our highest selves. She believes in the joy of teaching. She encourages playfulness in her classes as a way to connect to divine grace. Dotty has the gift of inspiring her students to become teachers.
Bryna Cain, RYT
With a Master’s Degree in Exceptional Student Education from Florida Atlantic University, Bryna has worked as an educator in Dade and Broward Counties for forty years. After retiring, she has not skipped a beat. She sought her yoga certification from the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach and jumped right in to teach at the studio. Her intuition, love of teaching, creativity, sense of humor, and warmth make her a good match for students in the Gentle Yoga classes that she teaches. She is skilled at adapting poses to meet individual needs, creating a comfortable atmosphere for students to explore multiple benefits from their yoga practice.
Eunice Wellington - In Memory
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