Through yoga classes filled with movement and message, Melissa has lovingly earned the description of approachable, lighthearted and empowering from her students. With over a decade of experience in teaching students, training yoga teachers and personal growth, she is continually honored to share this incredible healing practice of Yoga.

Melissa's unique teaching style is a culmination of personal life experience, what moves her, and the many positive knowledgeable teachers she has been blessed to study with. The roots of her teaching are Baptiste Power Yoga and she is forever grateful to Tami Schneider and Cleveland Yoga for giving her such an amazing foundation to grow from.

The local teachers that were a big influence in her early years of teaching are as follows, Heidi Fricke (owner- Simply Power Yoga), Sandy Gross (owner- Evolution Yoga Studio, Cleveland,OH), Diana Vitantonio (Creator-Soul Activist Teacher Training), Marni Task and Marianne Hritz (Owner- Studio Oxygen, Canfield, OH)

The following National teachers are an eclectic source of inspiration for which Melissa's teachings have been molded: Jonny Kest, Bryan Kest, Tiffany Cruikshank, Kathryn Budig, Sean Corne, Jason Crandell, Desiree Rumbaugh, Janet Stone, Simon Park, Darren Main, David Romanelli, Tiffany Frasier, Sid McNairy, Wade Gotwals, Max Strom and Yin Training with Joe Barnett.

In 2015 EmPower Yoga 200hr Teacher Training was founded as a way to share her love for Teaching Teachers and helping yoga studios develop teachers. It is truly a heart felt honor and privilege for Melissa to offer a comprehensive foundation for new teachers to begin their teaching journey.

Melissa is currently a Senior Master Teacher at PūrYoga, and provides mentorship and development/training for all teachers as well as creative and innovative workshops.