Jamie Surya (she/her) embarked on her Yoga journey during her teenage years, seeking comfort from inevitable pain that comes with life. Her initial intrigue with meditation and yogic philosophy naturally evolved into a dedicated practice of asana and pranayama. In 2012, at the age of 20, she opened the Jamie Surya Yoga Studio in Sparkill, NY, with the hopes of sharing this transformative practice that had deeply impacted her life.
After her first few years of teaching yoga, she recognized the significance of gentle and adaptive yoga and was inspired to further her knowledge in anatomy, physiology, injuries, and alignment. She pursued this path with the guidance of Andres Alves, PT, DPT, RYT. Together, Jamie and Andres were the first instructors to bring the LoveYourBrain Yoga Program to New York State. Through this program, they facilitate group discussions and tailor asana, pranayama, and meditation practices to individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and their dedicated caregivers. Jamie and Andres also co-lead the Jamie Surya Yoga Studio 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training each year.
Collaborating with licensed mental health counselor Hayley O'Brien, M.A, LPC, RYT, Jamie expanded her studies to better understand how to adapt the practice and studio environments to be trauma-sensitive and mental health inclusive. This approach led to developing specialty classes, courses, and workshops for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, PTSD, and various sources of trauma.
As a lululemon alumni ambassador, Jamie is a passionate advocate for the community. She creates and leads impactful events that raise awareness and support for numerous local and global organizations. In 2015, she received the distinct honor of being nominated and chosen from ambassadors worldwide to attend the Annual Ambassador Summit in Whistler, BC, a testament to her commitment and influence in the world of yoga and community engagement.
Jamie has been a lifelong advocate for human and non-human animal rights. Motivated by the revelations of animal abuse, environmental harm, and health consequences associated with animal-based products, Jamie made the shift to live a vegan lifestyle. This transformation not only aligned her actions with her values but also deepened her inner yoga practice. She remains a steadfast voice and advocate for the well-being of all beings, both human and animal. Jamie co-founded the community organization Together Vegan Change, which serves as a valuable support network for local vegans and an educational resource for those interested in veganism. TVC actively organizes various community events, workshops, and forms of activism in the New York/New Jersey area.
Jamie also serves on the Board of Directors for Three and a Half Acres Yoga, a nonprofit offering trauma-informed yoga to trauma survivors and underserved communities. To learn more about the work of THAY visit threeandahalfacres.org/thay-programs/
Her unwavering belief in the freedom and equality of all races, orientations, genders, and species drives her ongoing efforts to eradicate oppression in all its forms.
Theresa Talone found yoga unexpectedly at a local gym over 10 years ago. It was the best gift she’s ever received. She knew from very early on that she wanted to teach and give this gift to others. Her love for yoga is practiced on and off the mat. She incorporates a powerful, yet mindful and spiritual class with always keeping the breath as her guide. Theresa truly teaches from her heart and creates from her soul.
“My two daughters are my biggest inspirations for strength and spirituality. They remind me how precious life is through the sound of laughter, giving hearts and uplifting energy.”
Gina Turner is the ultimate multi-hyphenate. Raised in New York, Gina Turner is a yoga teaching, internationally touring, multi-label releasing DJ, producer, radio host, mother and label boss. She is the co-founder of The Divine Movement and helps run The Third Thing Network with her Partner, Tim Rothschild.
After experiencing a traumatic neck injury, in which she used yoga and chair yoga exclusively to rehabilitate it. In 2012 Gina was certified with her 200hr YTT through Yoga Alliance certified Frog Lotus International, in Vinyasa Flow. Gina is also a certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor with a long time passion for Ashtanga and Inyengar Yoga. Gina loves to fuse her passions of spirituality, nonduality, yoga and music to create a one of a kind experience that welcomes all with an open heart.
Most Recently, Gina has developed a deep love with yoga therapy, and how to prevent rehab injuries with this healing practice. She has also started studying with A Society of Souls in Impersonal Movement 1&2 and is currently training with Nondual Shamanic Voyaging.
Nicole Cirilli (she/her) is a lover of joyful movement, mindful meditation, delicious food & culture, family & friends, and plenty of outdoor adventures! Nicole found yoga when her best friend brought her to class at hOMe yoga experience in Mahwah, NJ. Not only was yoga a useful tool to navigate increasing anxiety during the teenage years, it was the perfect practice to balance sports and movement, mental health, and spirituality. As years passed, life ebbed and flowed on and off the mat, but the yogic way of life remained the foundation for everything Nicole did and would become. Nicole moved to Vermont and then to Montana to pursue degrees in dietetics, nutrition, and sustainable food systems. Over a decade later, she returned home to the tri-state area and completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at Jamie Surya Yoga Studio. Nicole is a practicing clinical dietitian, diabetes educator, and intuitive eating counselor and is passionate about fostering a safe and inclusive space for individuals of all paths of life to practice yoga and joyful movement. Trained in trauma-sensitive yoga for anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, Nicole weaves the transformative practice of yoga into every client and student interaction. Her hope is that her students leave the studio with a deeper appreciation and respect for their resilient body and the ability to stay present and grateful in this ever-changing world.
Marco Jo has been teaching yoga since 2004, when she trained at her yoga home, The Energy Center, in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. At first, yoga was a balm for a dancer’s overworked body, but then it became a tool for self-understanding, compassion, and purpose.
Her classes focus on cultivating peace and understanding of our true nature through attunement to the body and breath. Her class is eclectic in style. She gives lots of verbal cues to help find grounding and access to the body. She believes that there are many ways to practice yoga, from flowing to stillness, through alignment, breathing, sitting, and philosophy. We are each finding our unique way. She teaches hatha/flow, pre and post-natal, parent and child yoga, restorative, and yoga for grief.
In addition to teaching, Marco Jo’s passion is storytelling. She is a screenwriter and theatre artist and finds these creative endeavors to be another sort of yoga.
Andres Alves holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has been a dedicated Physical Therapist, specializing in neurology at a top-tier rehabilitation hospital, since 2011. His journey into yoga was sparked by his love of jiu-jitsu, which instilled in him a profound appreciation for the intricacies of the human body. This fascination led him to his very first yoga class, where he recognized the benefits it offered, both for the body and the mind. Andres discovered the Jamie Surya Yoga Studio, where he began a consistent yoga practice. His dedication to deepening his understanding of yoga prompted him to undertake the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training at the Jamie Surya Yoga Studio. Today, he stands as the lead instructor for anatomy and physiology in the studio's teacher training program.
Each of his classes reflects his extensive understanding of anatomy, a commitment to safe and purposeful movement, all seamlessly woven together with the freedom for each individual to explore their body's unique journey.