Katherine Conte, ERYT, MA
focus director/instructor
Katherine has trained with some of the most talented teachers worldwide from a diversity of fields. Her creative teaching style is shaped by over 18 years of practice and study in yoga, the therapeutic arts, religious studies, Five Element Theory, and macrobiotics. She earned both a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies and Art Therapy, completed the Advanced Dream Tending program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Katherine continues to pursue training in plant-based nutrition and is exploring and experimenting with the energetics of food for healing and great health. She was recently featured in The Providence Journal's Thrive Column for her specialization in meridian yoga.

Katherine is well known for her ability to weave the principles of Five-Element Theory into the yoga environment offering students a direct and conscious experience of their life force. She is available for private consultation and workshops. Katherine is the creator of Focus Yoga Teacher Training Program, 200 hr RYT.

Claire Allen, RYT
Claire recently completed her teacher training at Kripalu. She is a Registered Nurse who combines acute awareness of the body and energy systems in her yoga teaching. From the very beginning of her nursing career, empathy and the ability to sooth and calm others have been her trademarks. Claire uses her gifts to teach yoga for personal healing and deep inner peace.

David Berretta, RYT
David completed his teacher training in Vinyasa with Tom Gillette at Eyes of the World in Providence, RYT 200 level. David is a super yogi that brings real sincerity to his teaching and his life. Expect a solid class that blends breath work, mindfulness and strong flowing sequences. David expresses his passion for yoga, "I love teaching yoga because I feel that I can truly connect with the aspects of the Divine that people bring with them onto their yoga mat. This also helps me remember the connection we all have with the Divine when I am off my mat."

Tara Comer, RYT

Tara recently completed her RYT 200 level training through Sprit
Tree Yoga at All that Matters in Wakefield, RI. Tara is also a USAT
Certified Triathlon Coach and seeks a blend of athleticism and
spirituality through her practice. Tara believes the balance created
through yoga can be an essential component of a grounded spirit and a
healthy body. Tara has created and taught workshops on Yoga for Runners and Post-Race Yoga for triathletes, developed a Yoga class for teens with MS, and taught Vinyasa, Restorative yoga, and Yoga for Kids classes.  Tara embraces the principle of service to one's community, and her practice is an evolving demonstration of that belief.

Alison Grieco

Alison began practicing yoga 8 years ago as a successful remedy for persistent migraines. Her initial training includes Baptiste and Forrest yoga  and she was certified by Karma Kids Yoga 3 years ago.  Alison explains her love for teaching children: yoga for kids is about being athletic but without pressure or competition. It’s about finding out what you are capable while also having fun. “Seeing children’s expression after accomplishing what they never thought possible is the greatest pleasure I take as their teacher.”

Amy Hagan, RYT
Amy, former director of the Yoga Annex, completed her teacher training at the Yoga Center,Amherst, MA with Patty Townsend. Her classes are classic Hatha yoga with an emphasis on fun and self acceptance. Amy's continuous studies include the Kripalu, Iyengar, and Vinyasa schools of yoga. "Yoga has changed my life. It has made me more calm, accepting of myself and other people, and I feel great" Amy adds.

Cheryl Hollingworth, RYT
Cheryl has been practicing yoga for nearly 20 years and recently completed her training through Spirit Tree Yoga at All That Matters in Wakefield, RI. She is certified at the 200 hour level, RYT. Cheryl describes herself as a "tree hugger" and brings her earthy and light hearted approach to her teaching. Cheryl holds a master's degree in Education and works as a guidance counselor with Deaf children. Teaching yoga to the students at her school and others has allowed her to see how visual communication can complement her teaching and help all students bring their understanding of yoga to a new level - finding the connections within and to the earth.

Deb Knight, RYT

Deb was first introduced to yoga 11 years ago shortly after the birth of her twin boys and quickly realized the invaluable benefits of yoga practice for both mind and body.  She began teaching 8 years ago and has loved every minute of being able to share the gift of yoga through her teaching.  She completed the majority of her vinyasa style training at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY and has had the opportunity to study with Baron Baptiste, Alyssa Sullivan, Rolf Gates and Tias Little.  Deb is best known for her accurate instruction, her warm, calming presence and her sincere passion for teaching this ancient art.  

Martha D. Langer, RYT

Martha brings a cool mix of art, running and 10+ years of yoga practice to her teaching. She completed her 200-hr training through Spirit Tree Yoga, and is also certified in ChildPlay She is deeply committed to helping others find what for her is the heart of yoga. She adds, " Yoga helps bring a meditative quality that influences all aspects of my life. Yoga allows me to see what I am capable of achieving."

Gabrielle Parello, RYT
Gabrielle is a registered yoga teacher through the Yoga Alliance. Certified by Joseph Le Page in Integrative Yoga Therapy, she is currently completing a certification in Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga with Sadie Nardini. Gabrielle has also had the honor of studying with Tom Gillette, Paul Grilley, and Shiva Rea, all who have inspired her yoga teaching. Having a degree in psychology, Gabrielle teaches classes that are therapeutic as well as challenging, with an emphasis on relieving stress, connecting to the inner spirit, and creating a feeling of coming home to one's self.

Karen Powers

Karen began practicing 3 ½ years ago after facing a family crisis. She found healing, mentally, physically and spiritually through time spent on her mat and shortly thereafter, participated in “40 Days to Personal Revolution”, a course by Baron Baptise, which was taught at Focus Yoga. During that time she concentrated on a steady practice of yoga 6 days a week along with mindful eating, meditation and journaling. After finishing the course she decided to take the next step and join an upcoming Yoga Teacher Training certification program. She completed Focus Yoga's 200 - hour training in May of 2011, taught by Katherine Conte. Through Katherine’s guidance and her own practice, Karen came to understand the mind/body connection and wants to share her love of yoga with others, whether they are beginners or seasoned yogis. She enjoys a vinyasa style and focuses on both the physical and subtle body in her classes.

Tobi Jedrey, RYT
Tobi began her yoga practice five years ago to build strength and relieve the physical demands of her 25 year career as a hair stylist. Through her practice she continues to create balance and harmony in everyday life. "I truly appreciate the connection of mind, body and spirit that I find with yoga." In 2010, Tobi completed the 200 hour Yoga of Energy Flow training with Katherine Conte and Daniel Orlansky. She follows the teachings of Iyengar and enjoys a vinyasa style. She is excited to share her passion for yoga with others.

Karen Besson, RYT
Karen is a recent graduate of The Yoga of Energy Flow teacher training with Katherine Conte and Daniel Orlansky. She brinsg to her classes a balance of physical and spiritual strength tempered by the healing power of meridian work. The spiritual healing benefits of yoga are what drives Karen in her own practice and in life. She has been fortunate to study with Seane Corn, Ana Forrest and Tias Little. Karen is committed to the purpose of "yoga for all" no matter what boundaries may exist for each individual student.