Meet Our Instructors
Nona Mileva
My name is Nona Mileva, and I am a Wellness Coach, Yoga Teacher and a longtime practitioner of Yoga and a scholar of Mythology, Indian spiritual and philosophical systems, Yoga Traditions , ancient cultures and languages ( Sanskrit, Ancient Greek, Latin), currently completing a Doctoral Dissertation research on Yoga and Wellness ( The therapeutic modalities of yoga as a mind body intervention for building and strengthening self-compassion).
In one-on-one and group settings ( live and via online platforms) , I teach Vinyasa Yoga – Power, Slow Flow and Restorative Styles, Pranayama, Meditation, as well as Yoga Sculpt – a unique fitness format , infused with high energy and lively music, combining elements of yoga, free weights and cardio workout – for increased muscle awareness, core flexibility and body strength.
Niki Maria
Hi my name is Niki Maria. I am a mental health warrior, single mother of two boys, an Autism momma, an advocate and cheerleader for doing the right thing. I love music and found my passion in dancing, singing and embracing music mediations through Chakradance and Kirtan. In October of 2019, I spent 6 weeks in Bali learning yoga, Kirtan and Chakradance as well as learning how to heal myself and find my path to a hopeful future. In my classes, you are free from judgement, given space to heal and learn, as well as the nourishment to transform your mental or emotional pain into whatever you want or need to thrive. Expect to fill your mind, body and soul with love, connection, support and openness to be whomever you are. Currently, I am a 15 year web developer, a facilitator of yoga and music mediations, and a student at Keiser University working toward my Bachelors in Neuropsychology. I plan to continue until I earn my PhD in Neuropsychology to begin research into brain disorders and how spiritual modalities can set us free of our own mental limitations. I hope to meet you all at my classes and feel blessed and humbled to join the Tranquility Haven Team of amazing spiritual healers.
Dawn Taylor
Originally from Connecticut, with her BA from UConn, Dawn grew up loving sports and took quickly to weight training in college. Inspired to head west, she moved to CA and began training under a DC, becoming a Registered Chiropractic Assistant, while winning bodybuilding titles to become nationally qualified. Her passion as a trainer was quickly born from the joy of helping patients recover from injury and the reward of coaching clients to actualize their goals.
She has held ACE Certification for two decades and became Polestar Pilates Certified in 1997 under the brilliant tutelage of the founders, Dr. Brent Anderson and Elizabeth Larkham. She is Pilates for Golf Certified and loves helping athletes and the injured regain their hope to move and feel better.
You will find her style enthusiastic and nurturing, educational and inspiring, showing she Loves what she does!
Gina Baldo
After practicing at home off and on for a few years, my first public class was in 2015. Though I had long been drawn to both the physical practice and the philosophy, I had gained a lot of weight in the four years I had been in Florida from NYC and felt awkward and ungainly- certain that I would stick out among all of the “beautiful Yogis”. My experience was completely the opposite and I was hooked from the first Practice. A few months later a major and traumatic life event led me to the studio daily where i met and was blessed to be led by many amazing teachers. The profound change that I experienced emotionally, spiritually and physically was so immense that I knew I had to share what had been given to me.
Yoga is truly for every BODY and I seek to make it accessible to everyone no matter the age, experience or physical limitations. My first love is hot Vinyassa and I like to challenge my students AND myself to grow, however there will always be modifications or advancements.
You can expect a mind/body/breath experience where you are encouraged to stay on your own mat and listen to your body. I have been blessed to study with many amazing teachers and have received my first certification RYT200 with Joanna Izzo, have since completed a sequencing immersion, become Barre certified, two hands on adjustment trainings, studied trauma informed Yoga (both physical and otherwise) as well as Classical Yin. It is my intention to always be a student and continue to expand upon my training to bring my students as much as possible.
Travis Martin
Travis Martin Travis is a former First Responder with over 10 years of Mindfulness Meditation experience. He learned the practice under the guidance of Dr. Brainard Hines. Travis has worked with countless meditation professionals from around the country to help develop his unique method of practice. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Flexibility Coach. He is also the former President of the Chapter 1 Foundation, an organization that assists First Responders suffering with PTSD.
Travis is a graduate of Columbia Southern University and currently attends Full Sail University for Graphic Design. He enjoys spending time with his four children as well as outdoor activities and connecting with nature.
Maritza Diaz
Originally from the Bronx, Maritza Diaz joins the staff as the yoga and mindfulness instructor. She has worked as a strategic public relations professional with leading traditional and non-traditional media campaigns in the corporate, entertainment, and non-profit industries. For six years, she worked as production crew on numerous film, television, and video sets. She began her performing arts career as a dance instructor for ages 3 – adults over 20 years in Florida, Texas, and Ohio. She is currently a 200 RYT Certified Yoga Instructor for children and adults. “For most of my life, I have balanced my passion for public relations and health advocacy. I am driven by purpose. Making it happen has always been part of my methodology.”
Beth Mazzouccolo
Beth Mazzouccolo is a Shaman Reiki Master who also has over 18 months of Life Coach training. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business and has had several careers throughout her adult life. She has done sales, banking, accounting, customer service management, career advising, high school teaching, case management, and tutoring, to name a few. Her passion has always been training and helping others. She has been a widow since 2005 and has raised two beautiful daughters after battling her husband’s cancer for 18 months. This event numbed her for a time, then catapulted her into her own healing and awakening of the gifts she has been given.
Beth loves to teach and is looking forward to expanding her offerings through Tranquility Haven in the near future.
Catherine O’Connor
Catherine O’Connor is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. She attended school for Holistic Medicine and studied nutrition, herbalism, Iridology, holistic medicine, and aromatherapy. Catherine received her level 1 and level 2 Reiki training from Rosanne Pawluk, then went on to study with Reiki Blessing Reiki Master Healer Dharmadevi where she became a Reiki Master. Thereafter, she went on study Yoga, receiving her 200hour certification from the Yoga Alliance. In 2012 Catherine started Holistic Moms Lake Grove Chapter. In 2013 she was honored by the Fortune 52 for her achievements in launching the holistic group. In 2013 Catherine founded Inspired By Life, a holistic health practice. Taking advantage of a once in a lifetime experience, Catherine & her family traveled around the United States for almost 2 years, eventually settling on the Treasure Coast of Florida. In March 2018 Catherine successfully launched the Holistic Education Foundation (HEF). The mission of HEF is to provide free education in holistic health and natural alternatives.
Brittany Cano
Brittany Cano is the CEO of Faithful Fitness by Brittany, a nurse lead holistic wellness company that specializes in creating safe, effective, & enjoyable wellness & exercise programs. She believes strongly in the power of healing and enriching the mind, body, & spirit. Brittany finds meditation and mindfulness to be a great vessel to create this healing & enrichment.
She has been a registered nurse for over 12 years, working in pediatrics, telemetry, critical care, wound care, weight loss, & post anesthesia care. She is also certified as a health coach, personal trainer, & life coach. You can find her spending time with her hubby and fur-baby Sanza, traveling the world, passionately working with her clients, drinking coffee & eating delicious food. She’s lead several medical mission trips to Ecuador and now hosts Wellness Retreats in Costa Rica. Brittany is a firm believer that our past does not define us & there’s greatness & light within everyone.
Barbara Spaulding
Ms. Spaulding received her Sound Healing Therapy training from the Globe Sound and Consciousness Institute in San Francisco, California. Her sound therapy treatments are a groundbreaking combination of sound healing instruments with vibroacoustic sound bed therapy. Barbara’s own personal experience with pain led her to explore Sound Healing and its techniques. Through Sound Healing Therapy she has found natural pain relief, spiritual development and a way to help others live better lives. Prior to her career as a Certified Master Sound Healer and Clinical Sound Therapist, Barbara Spaulding received her Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Nursing from the University of Arizona. She has 35+ years of Nursing experience and 17 years as a Director of Youth Ballet Company and School in upstate New York. During her nursing career, she has worked with patients and students in many areas of medicine. She has also directed two government grants to train nurses who work with people with developmental disabilities. As a nurse, she has worked with many people with painful conditions, injuries, and syndromes. As a nurse and a former dancer, she is familiar with the body, its anatomy, and physiology, along with diseases and injuries. Ms. Spaulding has also been a student of Yoga Science, Meditation and Relaxation Techniques. She is familiar with the Chakra centers of the body and can help her clients balance those centers.
Kim Romer
Kim’s passion for yoga came from a place of healing. A lifelong athlete with a desire for a holistic health. Kim began her yoga journey in 1995 and fell in love with the practice. Kim completed her 200 hour teacher training with Margarida Tree at One Yoga planet in 2006. Trained to teach the pure yoga tradition. Meditation, pranayama, vinyasa flow, ashtanga and yin. Kim ties her yogic philosophy and readings in to her teachings as a means to broaden students, perspective in deepening their practice off the mat. Her style of teaching is alignment based, yet fluid, hands on approach with great assists. Emphasizing on building core strength and flexibility. She believes breath and body consciousness awareness is key to a healthy practice.
Kim’s influences and inspiration come from the readings of Pantanjali, Sutras, Bhagavad Gita and Don Miguel Ruiz. Some of her favorite teachers include Rod Stryker, Eric Schiffmann. Seane Corn. Rodney Yee and Baron Baptiste. Please join Kim on the mat. Her warm smile, calm demeanor and humor will make you at ease and at peace with yourselves.
Tamela Staubs
Tamela started her love of exercise as a young girl. She loved gymnastics and softball in her teen years . Over 27 years ago she entered her first “gym” and started lifting weights. She worked out during her entire pregnancy in a time when it was taboo. She has avidly pursued step aerobic classes, cycling 1,000’s of miles and even a year or two of pole dance classes to keep her exercise life diverse! Tamela’s love of yoga began ~ as a way to stay connected with her daughter and do something healthy together. She fell in love with Aerial yoga and decided to become certified to teach and about a year after that she completed her 200 hr teacher training in Vinyasa yoga. She has continued her education through workshops and private trainings. Tamela loves to share her knowledge with others and teaching is a beautiful loving way to connect with people. “Being healthy is a way of life and health is our most precious asset”. Tamela completed level 1 & 2 Crystal Healer certifications, Seeing Aura workshops, Face reading course (22 years ago) and many other spiritual retreats and workshops as well as avid reading. “Ultimately it is your practice and I am grateful to be your guide” Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Robin Holcomb
Robin Holcomb is a licensed massage therapist since 2016. She studied massage at Port St. Lucie Beauty Academy. She currently is a massage instructor at Port St. Lucie Beauty Academy, practices massage at Oasis chiropractic and wellness, and is the owner operator of Hand Delivered Massage.Robin is certified in neuromuscular therapy and prenatal massage.
She helps people find relief from chronic pain and injuries through the use of therapeutic massage. She has experience in: Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, and neuromuscular therapy. Robin is a passionate about helping people and loves what she does!
Dalmo Mendonca
Meditation in one form or another has been a part of Dalmo’s spiritual practice for over 5 years. Living in Dallas in 2017, Dalmo discovered Circling, a relational meditation practice that facilitates healing, connection, and self-discovery.
Dalmo has trained under Circling leaders in Dallas and Austin, and his excitement to share this practice in Florida is sparked by his experiences over the years of folks from all walks of life, both experienced meditators and people who have never meditated before, benefiting from and finding meaning in the space we co-create.
When he’s not meditating, Dalmo’s often walking on the beach, reading, or working as an IT consultant for hospitals.
Lori Lauridsen, LMHC, MCAP, CYT
Lori is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Master Certified Addiction Professional that has been providing education, healing and therapy for groups and individuals for over 13 years. Lori has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology as well as extensive training and experience in addiction treatment, trauma, military populations in many treatment modalities. Lori has Provided individual, group therapy and consultation at all levels of treatment from inpatient to private practice. Lori is a 290RYT graduate of Yoga University of Florida’s Power alignment based yoga teacher training, Hatha track where her training is rooted in proper alignment and a sustainable practice. Lori has been teaching restorative and alignment based yoga to individuals in treatment from crisis stabilization, substance abuse rehabilitation and community classes. Lori’s passion is to use science and holistic practices to help others heal mind, body and spirit and she hopes to share that passion with you. Lori is currently available for individual and group therapy, yoga therapy, workshops and classes and consultation.
Jessica Namit
Jessica Namit has over 15 years experience as an educator, writer, and yoga practitioner.
Her classes are a safe and welcoming space for all body types, needs, and levels of experience, where she offers options for beginners as well as advanced students.
She is knowledgeable and encourages attention to alignment while integrating elements of mindfulness into her teachings. Her interest in movement and fitness informs her yoga practice.
Jessica has studied with a range of accomplished teachers with Jason Crandell as her primary teacher. Much of her yoga practice as both student and teacher has roots in the NYC metro area, where she lived for over 10 years.
Dr. Kim Vaccaro
Dr. Kim is a lifestyle medicine expert. She studied at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree in 2014. She is a certified Postural Alignment Specialist, Personal Trainer and a Registered Yoga Teacher. Dr. Kim’s perspective on wellness, through balance and simplicity, can be summarized into three words: Move, Nourish, Recover.
Her passion for holistic wellness was sparked during her Undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Kim began experiencing symptoms of depression. When conventional treatments left her with negative side effects, she sought other answers. Fortunately, her academic work revealed to her the therapeutic benefits of exercise: increased energy, mood, and self-confidence. These were the very symptoms pharmaceuticals had failed to support. She began drawing connections. At the same time, Kim realized that her standard “cafeteria and fast food” collegiate diet may have been contributing to her mental health challenges. She began with small changes: increasing vegetable and water intake, adding dietary sources of Omega-3 fats, and eliminating sugars and trans-fats. The benefits were so powerful, friends and family began asking for advice.
Caryn Covert Treister
Caryn’s been meditating for about 20 years, and brings her expertise using mindfulness and concentration methods for an incredible experience with an emphasis on getting inspired! You’ll feel relaxed, focused and encouraged after this calm and peaceful meditation.
Stephanie DeWayne
Stephanie DeWayne is a Certified Clinical Hypnotist who provides her clients with proven mind- shift tools and strategies so that they can make the changes they desire quickly and easily resulting in a healthy mind, body and lifestyle. A teacher at heart, her true passion is helping others be inspired, educated and ready to achieve unlimited success!
Stephanie has been in the health care profession for almost 3 decades, is a member of the International Medical and Dental Association, and has expertise in a myriad of therapies and protocols including: Neuro-linguistic Programing (NLP), Regression Therapy, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Smoking Cessation, Test Anxiety, Virtual Gastric Band, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Sports Performance for Athletes and Teams and Medical and Dental.
“I absolutely love what I do. To see the change take place in my clients so rapidly. The mind is so powerful and at the speed of thought the positive results are there.
Shira Sledziewski
Hi I am Shira. I am have been a treasure coast resident for 14 years. I am a mother of 3 amazing children. I am a licensed massage therapist and just started my journey as a water survival skills instructor. I have the gift of intuition and making great connections with people.
Jorge Cano
Jorge Cano Bio Jorge Cano was born and raised in Colombia, South America. At an early age he became interested in spirituality and was driven to do community outreach, organizing mission trips through some of the most impoverished communities in Peru, Ecuador, and his native country, Colombia. He obtained a Bachelors in Philosophy and History from the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellin, Colombia as well. At age 21, he moved to the United States to pursue a career in the medical field, becoming a Respiratory therapist and Emergency Medical Technician. After working in the hospital setting for over 12 years, he became inspired to apply a more holistic approach to the patient care he was providing and began to study mindfulness based stress reduction and breath-work. Using these tools, combined with his knowledge in cardiopulmonary physiology, has allowed him to support his patients, including the terminally ill, to cope with the stress, anxiety and depression.
Stephanie Pereira
Hello, I’m Stephanie! I am a yoga teacher and Reiki Practitioner. I received my Bachelor degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from FAU. My philosophy on health and well-being has always been connecting the mind, body and spirit. I believe when children are taught to recognize their emotions and to learn to how to calm their minds, then they become aware of their own capabilities. My heart is full watching children to accept and love themselves and knowing they will have these tools with them for a lifetime!
Brenda Nickolaus
Brenda Nickolaus is an Artist, photographer and wildlife educator. “I guide others through Soul Art and Nature to live a life of creative well being. My Soul Art & Nature classes lets kids and adults explore and learn about our outside environment while experiencing hands on art activities. I am a self taught artist and have been guiding others to find their inner artist. Certified Creatively Fit coach and Soul Art Guide, Certified in Project Wild. Shaman Practitioner.
Barbara Heggers
Barbara Heggers is the founder of The Right Path 2 Healing. Barbara is a certified instructor in Kai Chi Do, Certified Reiki Master/Teacher since 2013, Certified Sound Healer and is also a Florida State Board Certified Professional Counselor.
Tracy Corman
Traci Corman is a certified Deep Play for Kids instructor and has been assisting and teaching children’s mindfulness and yoga for 17 years. Along with her yoga certification, Traci holds a degree in Elementary Education and has tutored and taught in MA and Fla for many years.
She feels it is one of her greatest joys to share the tools of yoga through breath work, guided relaxation, movement, and mindfulness with children through the vehicle of play. Her dream was to support children of all abilities as a teacher.
Elizabeth Connell
Elizabeth is a Licensed Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Health Coach, Essential Oil Educator, Health Public Speaker and a GROOVE DANCEFloor Provider. In her spare time Elizabeth is also a Professional Singer/Songwriter. Singing in the duo Pairadeux since 2003, she gets to help heal people with her voice.
This new way of dancing has added one more modality of healing that is the MOST FUN she has ever had. Elizabeth is excited to bring this to the Treasure Coast.
Elizabeth’s motto is “To Think is To Create”.
Tasha Patterson Shirley
The professional career of Tasha Patterson Shirley spans over 40 years and is as diverse as it is rich with first-hand experiences from all over the world. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Tasha was first a professional dancer, and trained in may styles for years. From a young age, she learned the benefits of hard work, discipline, and focus. While traveling as a performer in Tokyo she began to study Zen meditation and soon after attended a summer intensive in Quebec with the Sivananda Institute. There Tasha learned the true seeds of the full rounded “paths” of Yoga. Inspired, she soon returned to Asia to travel India, Indonesia, China and Japan with the intent of studying modalities in the healing arts. Tasha attended the Vedic School of Fine Arts in Puri, India where she studied the basics of Vedic medicine and Indian Dance. For six months she studied Kriya Yoga at the Ashram of Paramhansa Yogananda, now known in the United States as Ananda Yoga. Teaching Yoga in Japan, Tasha’s students became her greatest teachers. From combating cancer to aiding people with back issues and many other ailments, in those of almost any age, her studies for each individual’s needs brought her to realize that Yoga is personal to each individual. Through her own physical and health challenges, Tasha began to study yoga as a therapy, placing emphasis on optimizing outcomes of various modalities utilized for all the varied needs and stories she encountered within and with her students.
Holly Mineo
Holly Mineo has been teaching yoga since December 2016. She completed her 200 hour teaching certification thru a 4 months intensive training with Scott Feinberg, Jupiter Fl. She has taught at several local establishments teaching Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Yin, & Stretch.
Holly knew from the very first yoga class she took that she would become a teacher. The experience was life changing and her passion for teaching all aspects of yoga is radiant. She truly feels teaching is her Dharma… her truth. This connection to the practice inspires her to dedicate herself to study, learn, and share with her heart. Holly has the ability to create a safe space for new and seasoned practitioners to meet themselves where they are to connect to their own unique yoga journey.