About the Studio
The Yoga Connection has been in Smithfield for 5 years offering yoga classes to students of all levels and ability. Too often people believe yoga is for those who are young, already flexible and strong. But yoga is for everyone. Each student is encouraged to find their own beginning, their own starting point and to continue to grow from that place.
At The Yoga Connection we focus on the yoga postures to strengthen and flex the body and through these postures develop strength of mind and spirit. We use the word spirit to represent that energy inside ourselves that is hard to define but always present in the way we live, work, love and communicate with the world around us. By creating a healthy body we are able to give our mind and spirit a strong place to grow and develop.
The teachers at The Yoga Connection each bring their individual style and personality to the studio. We have a variety of classes, from beginner to pre natal to more challenging classes. Whichever class you chose we strive to make it a positive learning experience.
About Our Instructors
Martha, 200 E-RYT
Martha Catz was first introduced to the yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation when she was involved with high school gymnastics in Massachusetts. She continued with yoga in college but also explored other forms of fitness through aerobics, weight training, rock-climbing and equestrian sports. After a serious injury she rediscovered the healing of yoga - not of just the body, but mind and spirit also.
Besides having over 1500 hours of yoga teaching experience, Martha completed her training as an Integrative Health Coach and Mindful Awareness Meditation Instructor through the Duke's Integrative Medicine Program. She is very excited about bringing this new concept of health and wellness to her students and to the community. She is presently accepting clients and can be contacted through The Yoga Connection.
Martha has been teaching yoga for 9 years in the Smithfield, North Carolina area. Her focus is bringing mindfulness of body and mind to the yoga practice and She received a 260 hour certification in September, 2003, and is an E-RYT. She continues her education through workshops, classes, reading and learning from other instructors that are actively engaged in teaching yoga. At present Martha is continuing her education through a Master's in Health Psychology.
Nancy
Nancy is certified as a 200 E-RYT through Yoga Alliance. She holds certification in Seniors Yoga, Pre and Post Natal Yoga and Yin yoga. Though Nancy received her 200 hour with Yoga Fit her thirst for more information about yoga has continued. She has studied with Heather Tiddons, Michael Johnson and Sarah Powers and pursues a special interest in Sanskrit. Her unique teaching brings strength and a deep use of the breath to the yoga practice. The true joy of teaching and of service shines through in Nancy’s teaching.
Nancy Gilbert has lived in the Johnston County area for nearly 19 years with her husband and three boys. During those years, Nancy has enjoyed teaching in a woman's fitness facility, bicycling and raising her family. She has also participated as a volunteer for five years at a girl's group home teaching yoga and art, and as a Guardian Ad Litem for Johnston County. And let’s not forget her love of boats, sailing and the beach.
Christina Pernell, LMBT NC #8828
The Medical Arts School in Raleigh and holds a Bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University in biological sciences with a minor in genetics. She is nationally certified in Therapeutic Massage and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Christina is committed to meeting the needs and concerns of her clients through compassion, education and professionalism.
Specialties: Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Trigger-Point Therapy, and holds certifications in Chair Massage, Reflexology, and Thai Bodywork. Christina also assists clients with relaxation and pain management.
Contact Christina for an appointment: cnpittman@hotmail.com or 919-394-4585. Christina is available by appointment only Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the studio from 8am-3pm.
Megan
Our partnered dietitian, Megan Starling, RD, LDN, has been a registered dietitian for 8 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from East Carolina University. Megan has extensive experience in counseling individuals in healthy dietary modification including, but not limited to, diabetes, weight management and reduction of cholesterol and sodium in diet. She is a certified trainer in adult weight management and her current skills include nutritional analysis of diet, recipe modification and evaluation of nutritional habits. She takes pride in her ability to help clients make positive changes for improved health and quality of life. Learn more about her services.
Pam Kuras, RYT
Pam Kuras graduated from the Yoga Connection 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program in October 2011. She has been practicing and studying yoga and meditation for all of her adult life. Her insatiable appetite for learning keeps her reading, researching, and attending workshops in order to continue her education. As a registered dental hygienist for seventeen years, Pam has always been interested in preventative health care. She strongly believes that yoga can benefit a person of any size, shape, or age. Her friendly approach to teaching yoga emphasizes the basic postures linked with the breath in a thoughtful, yet straightforward way. Pam offers a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that equally supports both the novice and the more experienced yogi.
When she's not at The Yoga Connection, you can find Pam power-walking through her neighborhood, reading a book, or spending time outdoors with her family. Pam lives in Johnston County with her husband and two children. The whole family is involved in volunteering with the Crossroads Civitan Club.
