The Be Brave Yoga Team

  I first stepped onto a yoga mat looking for an alternative to the gym, but over time, I realized yoga was offering me so much more. Beyond the physical benefits, it became a space where I could process, reflect, and grow. My practice helped me navigate stress, find calm, and become more present in my daily life.
Now, as a teacher, I aim to create a space where others can experience the same -
whether they come to build strength, find stillness, or simply take a deep breath. 

Kelly is an RYT 500, YACEP and is excited to have recently moved to the town of Cobalt with her fiancé, a dog and 2 cats. Kelly’s Joy for guiding students through a variety of Yoga styles began with a 200hr YTT at the Mystic Yoga Shala. She has taught, studied, managed and practiced at Studios, Institutes and Events over the last 10 years. “I’ve witnessed amazing transformations; including my own”. Yoga is a “Practice” not perfect; there’s adventure and freedom in that. Let your True self SHINE; Please join me on your mat. Namaste 

  Beth started taking yoga classes on and off in her early twenties. When life would get stressful and she needed to recenter herself, Beth always ended up on her mat in a yoga class. Eventually, Beth realized making yoga and working to incorporate the yogic principles in her daily life would be the best present she could offer herself emotionally, mentally, and physically.  Beth finished her 200 hr Power Yoga teacher training in June of 2023 through West Hartford Yoga under the tutelage of Barbara Ruzanksy, Jen Leavitt, and Jude Russell. As a public school teacher and mother to two teens, she believes people of all ages can benefit tremendously from what yoga offers to the body, mind, and spirit on and off the mat.

  Sydney is an RYT-200 and Reiki practitioner with a Master’s in Public Health and a pre-med background. She bridges science and spirit, offering practices grounded in both intuition and analysis. Through yoga, energy work, and her role evaluating mental health programs at UConn Health, she creates space for inner transformation. When not guiding others, she’s golfing, writing poetry, or spending time with her kittens—all part of her ongoing journey home to herself. 

  Yoga has impacted every area of Laura’s life positively since she started practicing almost 20 years ago. As a recent 200hr YTT graduate, Laura has found a true passion for Yin Yoga and she enjoys deepening her studies and practice in this area. Yin requires us to be still, to surrender into the discomfort and find peace there. She enjoys curating soulful playlists to correspond with the passiveness yin offers and allows the body (and mind) to truly melt into each pose.

  Melanie Klinck (RYT-200) started practicing yoga over a decade ago and was trained at Be Brave Yoga's inaugural yoga teaching training in 2024! Melanie first discovered yoga as a stress management technique in college. Years later, she found yoga to be of great help when recovering from a motor vehicle accident and other health issues. Over time, she discovered that yoga is more than a physical practice; she believes yoga is truly a way of life that has enhanced every aspect of her existence. 

In addition to leading flows that will stretch your body and strengthen your practice, she loves incorporating breathwork and meditation into her classes. Outside of the studio, Melanie is a licensed social worker and has years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field guiding individuals on their paths to holistic wellbeing. She is a firm believer in the life-changing benefits of mind-body practices. 

  Cassandra Strickland is a Registered Nurse (BSN-RN), a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), and a cat mom. From her very first class, she was drawn to the profound connection between breath and movement. The practice always left her grounded, inspired, and deeply present. By courageously stepping beyond her comfort zone, Cassandra immersed herself in retreats and workshops and found a true home within the Be Brave Yoga community. As she joins the teaching team, Cassandra is honored to hold space for students to meet vulnerability with courage, create and inspire connection between mind, body, and spirit, and encourage students to return to their own inner wisdom - both on and off the mat. Outside of caring for others, you can find her spending time with friends and family, with a book in hand, or walking through nature.

Greg Newton is a dedicated martial artist, craftsman, and family man with a lifelong passion for movement, discipline, and creation. 

He began practicing martial arts as a young child but his path truly accelerated at 19 when a renowned instructor moved into his neighborhood, opened a school, and mentored him personally. Greg quickly rose to senior student and was teaching classes within his first year. Five years later, he took full ownership of the school, leading programs in Northern Shaolin Long Fist, classical Yang-style Tai Chi, kickboxing, and practical self-defense. 

When his first son was born, Greg made the heartfelt choice to close the school and redirect his energy toward growing his construction business and raising his family.

Today, Greg lives in East Haddam, CT, on a small family farm with his wife and three sons. He owns and operates Newton Carpenters, LLC specializing in fine craftsmanship, antique home restoration, custom furniture, and finish carpentry. He also teaches Tai Chi classes at Be Brave Yoga, sharing the mindful, flowing practice that has shaped much of his life.

His handiwork is woven throughout the Be Brave Yoga studio- from the welcomein sign out front to the custom shower in the back, and the original art adorning the walls. Whether building, teaching, or creating in his workshop, Greg brings the same dedication, precision, and quiet strength to everything he does.