Meet the Team
Heather
FounderHeather is an experienced yoga teacher, educator, and the founder of Lila Within. She began practicing yoga in 2011, initially drawn to the heat and physical discipline of Hot 26 yoga. Over time her practice evolved into hot vinyasa, where she developed a deep appreciation for the philosophy of yoga, the creativity of sequencing, and the powerful sense of connection built through shared practice.
Heather brings more than fourteen years of classroom teaching experience into her work, which shapes her clear instruction, thoughtful sequencing, and ability to make complex movement accessible to all students. She completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training at Yoga High in Cornwall, NY in 2025 and continues to study yoga philosophy, anatomy, and intelligent sequencing to deepen her teaching. Heather is also a certified Water Wellness Guide trained to guide paddle board tours and teach paddle board yoga.
As the founder of Lila Within, Heather is passionate about creating a welcoming space where people can build strength, move mindfully, and feel a sense of belonging. Her classes blend dynamic movement with intentional pauses, helping students leave feeling stronger, calmer, and more connected to themselves.
• Lila Flow
• Glow
• Grounded
Jen
TeacherJen is a 200 hour certified yoga teacher who completed her training at Yoga High in Cornwall, NY. She was originally drawn to the discipline and intensity of Hot 26 yoga, but over time discovered a deeper connection through vinyasa and breath centered movement.
Her teaching style is steady, nurturing, and grounding, helping students release tension and reconnect with their bodies in a supportive environment.
Jen is also a Reiki Master and the founder of Earth Energy Healing, where she offers private sessions and group workshops focused on energy healing and holistic wellness. Additionally, she is a certified Water Wellness Guide trained to guide paddle board tours and teach paddle board yoga.
At Lila Within, Jen shares both her yoga and Reiki practices with warmth and authenticity, creating classes that feel calming, supportive, and deeply restorative.
Classes With Jen
• Hot 26
• Lila Flow
Diane
TeacherDiane is an E-RYT 500 yoga teacher with more than fourteen years of teaching experience. She is also a YACEP through Yoga Alliance and holds specialized training in yin yoga, yoga nidra, and prenatal yoga.
After years of long distance running and high impact training, Diane discovered yoga as a powerful way to restore mobility, flexibility, and balance in her body. That personal experience continues to inform the way she teaches today.
Her classes emphasize breath awareness, mobility, and deep release while welcoming students of all levels.
Diane is also a Reiki Master and brings a calm, grounded presence that helps students feel supported from the moment they walk into the room.
Classes With Diane
• Restore
• Warm Yin
• Grounded
Melissa
TeacherMelissa is a 200 hour certified yoga teacher with deep roots in the Peekskill and Cortlandt community. She previously worked in the New York City wellness industry managing several Manhattan yoga studios and now owns Bear Mountain Strength and Fitness located right here in the plaza.
Her classes blend dynamic vinyasa with strength building elements, offering students the opportunity to build power while remaining connected to breath and alignment.
Melissa’s teaching style is welcoming and accessible, with thoughtful modifications that allow students of all experience levels to participate confidently.
Her classes balance challenge and calm, helping students leave feeling stronger, more grounded, and refreshed.
Classes With Melissa
• Grounded
• Yoga Sculpt
Kane
TeacherKane is a certified Pilates instructor who discovered her love for mindful movement through yoga during college. Over time she developed a strong connection to Pilates and its emphasis on alignment, strength, and intentional control.
Her classes focus on building stability, core strength, and body awareness through controlled, purposeful movement. Kane teaches in a way that is supportive and approachable, creating a welcoming environment for students at any stage of their movement journey.
With clear guidance and thoughtful cueing, she helps students feel confident in their bodies while developing strength and balance.
Classes With Kane
• Hot Pilates
Sloan
TeacherSloan is certified in Pilates, yoga, and barre and brings a thoughtful, supportive approach to every class she teaches. Her personal experience navigating movement with a spinal fusion shaped her understanding of how important safe, intelligent exercise can be for long term well being.
That journey inspired her to share movement practices that help people feel stronger while supporting their bodies safely.
Sloan’s classes focus on alignment, stability, and functional strength, creating a welcoming space where students can progress at their own pace.
Her goal is to help people discover movement that feels empowering, sustainable, and supportive.
Classes With Sloan
• Yogilates
• Hot Pilates
Andrea
TeacherAndrea is a 200 hour certified yoga teacher with additional training in restorative yoga. Her teaching is rooted in compassion, accessibility, and the belief that yoga should support both physical and emotional well being.
She thoughtfully weaves together her background in the Unity Worldwide movement, massage work, and musical expression to create classes that feel nurturing and intentional.
Andrea’s teaching style encourages students to slow down, release tension, and reconnect with their bodies through breath and mindful movement.
Her restorative offerings create space for deep relaxation and reflection, helping students find balance and calm that extends beyond the mat. Andrea is also a certified Water Wellness Guide trained to guide paddle board tours and teach paddle board yoga.
Classes With Andrea
• Sunday Service
• Restorative & Yin Workshops