Together we build a unique environment, one steeped in personality and the precious gifts we bring to the community. Each one of us has a story to tell and we weave our chapters into one colorful thread.
Meet Kendra.

Kendra graduated from Northeastern University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She has worked in all areas of rehabilitation since that time, the experience of which has provided Kendra with a strong understanding of the human body and the process of healing.
After years of marathon and triathlon training Kendra came to Svaroopa® Yoga in the hopes of gaining flexibility, improved performance and for pain relief which she was unable to attain with any other therapeutic modalities. With a daily home practice and weekly classes, Kendra accomplished her goals of living in a more flexible and pain free body. This new-found freedom allowed Kendra to cultivate a sense of peace, comfort and compassion toward herself and others. This shift in her state of mind transcended all areas of her life.
After experiencing these life-altering changes, Kendra decided to begin her yoga teacher training. Kendra is dedicated to assisting her students in gaining a new awareness of their bodies and their minds through this gentle, compassionate, and supportive style of yoga. Kendra is a certified Yoga Therapist and Embodiment® Therapist and a former owner of the Niantic Yoga Center.
"My yoga training and daily practice have lead me to a deeper understanding of my True Self and purpose in life."
(photo credit: Be Still Photography by J. Lott)
After years of marathon and triathlon training Kendra came to Svaroopa® Yoga in the hopes of gaining flexibility, improved performance and for pain relief which she was unable to attain with any other therapeutic modalities. With a daily home practice and weekly classes, Kendra accomplished her goals of living in a more flexible and pain free body. This new-found freedom allowed Kendra to cultivate a sense of peace, comfort and compassion toward herself and others. This shift in her state of mind transcended all areas of her life.
After experiencing these life-altering changes, Kendra decided to begin her yoga teacher training. Kendra is dedicated to assisting her students in gaining a new awareness of their bodies and their minds through this gentle, compassionate, and supportive style of yoga. Kendra is a certified Yoga Therapist and Embodiment® Therapist and a former owner of the Niantic Yoga Center.
"My yoga training and daily practice have lead me to a deeper understanding of my True Self and purpose in life."
(photo credit: Be Still Photography by J. Lott)
Meet Sandy.

Sandy has been practicing various forms of yoga for 19 years. In 2009 she found Svaroopa® yoga. A friend kept inviting and encouraging her to go to class. She asked what style of yoga she was practicing, she said “Shavasana”. It was pretty ironic, her friend felt such profound release and peace she took Shavasana as the name for the style of yoga. After being skeptical she finally attended a Svaroopa® class while living in the Pocono Mountains in PA. She felt blessed to find Svaroopa® Yoga at a time in her life when her body needed release and healing. A fall and car accident had taken a toll on her physical body and was affecting her overall well-being. She attended class twice a week and noticed profound changes from the inside out.
Moving to Connecticut, she continued her home practice, but needed the guidance and support found in a Svaroopa® classroom setting. In a journey to support her personal yoga practice she enrolled in Svaroopa® Foundations Teacher Training. She found Niantic Yoga shortly after returning, a studio offering Svaroopa® Yoga and a yoga community to practice in, as well as being encouraged to begin substitute teaching. She took the challenge to learn and share more. She is currently working on her Children’s Yoga certification, bringing her Early Childhood teaching background into her yoga teaching offerings as well.
To reach Sandy Hayward directly: threepalmsyoga@gmail.com or 847-409-9143.
"Yoga allows one to truly know and honor the self: mind, body, and spirit."
Moving to Connecticut, she continued her home practice, but needed the guidance and support found in a Svaroopa® classroom setting. In a journey to support her personal yoga practice she enrolled in Svaroopa® Foundations Teacher Training. She found Niantic Yoga shortly after returning, a studio offering Svaroopa® Yoga and a yoga community to practice in, as well as being encouraged to begin substitute teaching. She took the challenge to learn and share more. She is currently working on her Children’s Yoga certification, bringing her Early Childhood teaching background into her yoga teaching offerings as well.
To reach Sandy Hayward directly: threepalmsyoga@gmail.com or 847-409-9143.
"Yoga allows one to truly know and honor the self: mind, body, and spirit."
Meet Kris.
Kris is one of the original founders of Niantic Yoga and has dedicated much of her adult life to learning and teaching yoga. She now dedicates her time, gifts and talents to expanding the reach and efficacy of Blanket Yoga to include more and more and more. Myo-fascial yoga and movement integration, Buteyko Breathing Method, ancient philosophy and modern science all contribute to living in a body, and experiencing a life, that is Pain Free, Fit & Strong! You can read Kris's full bio on our blog page.
Meet Jana.

Jana has been practicing yoga at Niantic Yoga since 2002 and studied with Master Yoga teachers to earn her foundational teacher credentials.
“The support of the yoga community has eased my body and my mind. I've witnessed and been part of this ever-evolving supportive community. Each week I look forward to supporting new and returning students. Our mantra is 'support equals release'."
Additionally, Jana is a foot reflexologist, having studied in the Universal Method as well as the Ingham Method. Reflexology brings relaxation and healing.
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Jana: janaflaherty.jf@gmail.com or 860-857-7580
“The support of the yoga community has eased my body and my mind. I've witnessed and been part of this ever-evolving supportive community. Each week I look forward to supporting new and returning students. Our mantra is 'support equals release'."
Additionally, Jana is a foot reflexologist, having studied in the Universal Method as well as the Ingham Method. Reflexology brings relaxation and healing.
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Jana: janaflaherty.jf@gmail.com or 860-857-7580
Meet Tara.

Tara Filip is the newest owner of the Niantic Yoga Studio. She has been a student at the Studio since December 2014. Tara recently completed the Foundations level training with the Svaroopa® Vidya Ashram in Downingtown PA.
Outside of the Studio, she is a technical writer, ghostwriter and editor as well as a photography hobbyist. She has had a diverse career working with at risk youth, high school students in residential programs in addition to numerous corporate professional positions including training and professional development, Human Resources, business development, and addiction intervention and recovery programs. She lives in Niantic with her husband Gary and their two dogs.
Outside of the Studio, she is a technical writer, ghostwriter and editor as well as a photography hobbyist. She has had a diverse career working with at risk youth, high school students in residential programs in addition to numerous corporate professional positions including training and professional development, Human Resources, business development, and addiction intervention and recovery programs. She lives in Niantic with her husband Gary and their two dogs.
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