meet our teachers
Jen, Owner. RYT 500, Reiki Level I
Jen opened The Yoga Loft in Wilmington in October of 2005. Jen was born and raised in Wilmington and she wanted to create a fun, friendly place for people in the community to come and practice. She started practicing in the early 90's while living in California and was immediately 'hooked'. After finishing up graduate programs in CA, she decided to move back ‘home’ and teach here.
Eventually she chose to dedicate herself to studying and practicing yoga full time. She trained and studied the Ashtanga practice and continues to study and practice daily. Jen has studied with local and national master teachers; and continues to deepen her practice and understanding. She believes that one must continue to learn, practice and study on their own before being able to teach others; and she believes that discipline should continue in order to be a better teacher. She shares this belief and dedication with her amazing teachers in training in The Yoga Loft RYT program. She hopes that you can support them during the Community Classes that they teach.
She started giving free community classes at the local elementary school and began teaching in studios all over Boston and the Merrimack Valley. Finally she decided to open The Yoga Loft and bring the practice home to Wilmington. Besides the daily class offering and teacher training, she runs workshops and specialty classes and works with local and national charities to host fund raisers. The Yoga Loft continues to offer Community classes and give back to the local communities with the donations.
Jen loves anything to do with movement and loves to “mix it up” and cross train. She is also certified to teach Broga, Schwinn Cycling, FXP Hula Hoop, Balanced Athlete and group fitness. Her classes tend to combine elements of other movement styles to create a unique, challenging and fun flow!
Jen is certified to teach 200 and 300 hour yoga teacher trainings. Her comprehensive teacher trainings produce dynamic teachers who are authentic to the practice and to themselves.
If she isn’t teaching Yoga or English she is probably hanging with the boys, Levi and Bill, who offer lots of encouragement and inspiration!
Eventually she chose to dedicate herself to studying and practicing yoga full time. She trained and studied the Ashtanga practice and continues to study and practice daily. Jen has studied with local and national master teachers; and continues to deepen her practice and understanding. She believes that one must continue to learn, practice and study on their own before being able to teach others; and she believes that discipline should continue in order to be a better teacher. She shares this belief and dedication with her amazing teachers in training in The Yoga Loft RYT program. She hopes that you can support them during the Community Classes that they teach.
She started giving free community classes at the local elementary school and began teaching in studios all over Boston and the Merrimack Valley. Finally she decided to open The Yoga Loft and bring the practice home to Wilmington. Besides the daily class offering and teacher training, she runs workshops and specialty classes and works with local and national charities to host fund raisers. The Yoga Loft continues to offer Community classes and give back to the local communities with the donations.
Jen loves anything to do with movement and loves to “mix it up” and cross train. She is also certified to teach Broga, Schwinn Cycling, FXP Hula Hoop, Balanced Athlete and group fitness. Her classes tend to combine elements of other movement styles to create a unique, challenging and fun flow!
Jen is certified to teach 200 and 300 hour yoga teacher trainings. Her comprehensive teacher trainings produce dynamic teachers who are authentic to the practice and to themselves.
If she isn’t teaching Yoga or English she is probably hanging with the boys, Levi and Bill, who offer lots of encouragement and inspiration!
Becky RYT 200
Becky first found yoga as a compliment to her daily exercise routine. Although instantly drawn to its strength, grace, and beauty, she was not completely convinced it was right for her. That all quickly changed during the first practice when she was able to be completely present. Her mat instantly felt like home. After that one practice, she began to seek out local studios and teachers that gave her much inspiration. She found a home at The Yogaloft with Jen Ryan and her amazing community of yogis. After a few years of consistent practice, Becky sought to deepen her understanding of yoga by completing a 200 hour YTT with Jen Ryan and Nicole Grant at the Yoga Loft. Having a background in education and nursing, Becky was compelled to share her knowledge and love of the practice by leading others on their mats. You may expect a blend of juicy slow flow movements, strength, and solid alignment principles coupled with a light-hearted vibe in any of her classes. She believes in starting from where you are and building purposeful, intelligent sequences for all levels to enjoy. Becky is forever grateful to Jen Ryan and the Yogaloft community of teachers and students for their acceptance, loving-kindness, and guidance throughout the years. She hopes to continue learning and sharing so we may all “dance in our light” for many years to come.
Steph RYT 500
Stephanies' yogic path began in 2010 and continues to evolve as she is always seeking to learn more. She has completed two 200hr RYT programs under the guidance of Jen Ryan, Nicole Grant and Kristen Olson. Then went on to complete her 300 hr RYT with Kristen Olson at Home Yoga. Stephanie has since been teaching at a variety of yoga studios in the area and has been a guest teacher for several teacher trainings through the years. With a desire to offer more to her students and clients Stephanie has obtained certifications as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Assisted Stretching Coach, Core Development Coach and most recently obtained her Menopause Coaching Certifications through GGS. Steph creates a warm and welcoming environment in every class by injecting her light hearted sense of humor and positive energy! Her classes are challenging and thoughtfully sequenced with emphasis on alignment and mindful movement encouraging her students to move beyond their comfort zones promoting growth, confidence and trust. She believes that every day is an opportunity to explore and learn with the goal of creating the best version of ourselves.
Maureen RYT 500
Maureen took her first yoga class in 2003 after the birth of her second son. “I was looking for a way to get back in shape but soon discovered the many benefits of yoga. Juggling the demands of family and career, yoga helps me achieve balance”. To deepen her practice, Maureen pursued a 200-hour RYT training program with Jen Ryan and went on to complete her 300-hour training, as well. “My hope is to instruct students to develop and refine their practice pose by pose and class by class. Finding the lightness and softness of each pose is what it’s all about.”
Elyse RYT 500
Elyse walked into the Yoga Loft back in the fall of 2005 and was hooked by the magnetic energy of Jen Ryan, the owner, and her fun and challenging sequences. The second time she went to class, Jen remembered her name right away, which was a special feeling and they've been friends ever since! Elyse has been regularly practicing at The Yoga Loft and feels lucky to be teaching at the same studio more than 20 years later after studying and completing the 200 hour RYT with Jen Ryan and Greg McGowan in 2015. Criminal lawyer by day, Yoga teacher by night, deemed the “Princess of Pain” by some of her regular students, Elyse believes a strong core is the foundation of the practice, while having fun, pushing yourself just a little further than you did last time, and always trying something new. You will leave your mat mentally and physically stronger, and more present. You will find yourself listening to a variety of fun playlists while building strength through core work, sun salutations, arm balancing, hand-standing, and creative transitions.
Maryellen RYT 200
Maryellen started practicing yoga in 2008 when she was looking for a change in her daily workout routine. Her passion for yoga grew instantly. She fell in love with the community The Yoga Loft created and the endless amount of support her fellow yogis and instructors gave. Yoga provided Maryellen self-awareness and confidence which eventually gave her the courage to complete the 200-hour teacher training program with Jen Ryan.
The challenge of a yoga class when it comes to body alignment and yoga poses is what drives Maryellen to always be innovative when teaching. Her classes are a great way to start the day. She always provides that challenge while at the same time has grace and elegance and of course loves to see her students grow each and every week.
Maryellen’s hobbies consistent of spending time with her family, traveling with her husband, golfing with friends, discovering new recipes to cook and baking lots of sweet treats.
The challenge of a yoga class when it comes to body alignment and yoga poses is what drives Maryellen to always be innovative when teaching. Her classes are a great way to start the day. She always provides that challenge while at the same time has grace and elegance and of course loves to see her students grow each and every week.
Maryellen’s hobbies consistent of spending time with her family, traveling with her husband, golfing with friends, discovering new recipes to cook and baking lots of sweet treats.
Sheila RYT 500, RYPT 200, Reiki Level II
Sheila is a wellness advocate who has been immersed in the healthy living field for close to 2 decades. Through her evolving studies of the ancient eight-limbed practice she continues to explore our universal connection and the integral role that yoga plays in centering the mind . Sheila is also certified in Prenatal yoga where she has integrated the practice through BIDMC’s Ob/Gyn Dept. in Boston, through a virtual platform.
"Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees”… The Yoga Sutras pulse through and inform Sheila in her teachings, and she is known for seamlessly weaving wisdom such as this, from BKS Iyengar, into her weekly Beginner, Prenatal and Restorative classes. Sheila’s ongoing yogic exploration has taken her across the globe, with a concentration in India, and has included visiting the Iyengar Institute in Pune, the Sivananda Ashram in Ahmedabad, and the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore.
The spiritual healing art of Reiki is another channel through which Sheila brings her eastern influences to the west. She is certified in Reiki levels I and II through the Usui System of Natural Healing. In both her workshops and the open yoga classes she leads in the Greater Boston area, Sheila’s students are treated to the rich mind and body sensibility with which she is empowered.
A New England native, Sheila resides in Andover, Massachusetts. She loves the fluidity of the seasons and finds in the natural world a perfect antidote to life’s accelerated pace.
Recently becoming certified in Spinal Flow Technique, Sheila is eager to share this profound modality that has been created by Dr. Carli Axford from Australia.
"Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees”… The Yoga Sutras pulse through and inform Sheila in her teachings, and she is known for seamlessly weaving wisdom such as this, from BKS Iyengar, into her weekly Beginner, Prenatal and Restorative classes. Sheila’s ongoing yogic exploration has taken her across the globe, with a concentration in India, and has included visiting the Iyengar Institute in Pune, the Sivananda Ashram in Ahmedabad, and the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore.
The spiritual healing art of Reiki is another channel through which Sheila brings her eastern influences to the west. She is certified in Reiki levels I and II through the Usui System of Natural Healing. In both her workshops and the open yoga classes she leads in the Greater Boston area, Sheila’s students are treated to the rich mind and body sensibility with which she is empowered.
A New England native, Sheila resides in Andover, Massachusetts. She loves the fluidity of the seasons and finds in the natural world a perfect antidote to life’s accelerated pace.
Recently becoming certified in Spinal Flow Technique, Sheila is eager to share this profound modality that has been created by Dr. Carli Axford from Australia.
Lori RYT 500
In 2011 while looking for a new exercise routine, Lori started jogging 5Ks and taking hot power classes. The 5Ks only lasted 6 months but yoga stuck. Lori wandered into the Yoga Loft in 2015 and quickly found her yoga home. The outstanding instruction and welcoming community kept her coming back as much as she could, each time striving to take her practice further. Lori received her 200 hr RYT in 2017 under Jen Ryan and Greg McGowan, and her 500 hr certification in 2024 under Jen Ryan and Janice Mousseau. Lori aims to make her classes fun and challenging, with interesting transitions, upbeat playlists, and always an option for an arm balance or two. Her goal is to have her students leave class feeling better than when they came in. Off the mat, Lori works full-time in Oncology Clinical Development and spends time with her non-yogi husband and rescue pittie mix Izzy.
Lorraine RYT 500, Reiki Level I
When Lorraine walked through the doors of the Yoga Loft in 2011 she was a complete beginner and looking for a new and different way to exercise. Beginning with only one class a week, it wasn’t long before she found herself returning to her mat more and more often. She craved the way yoga made her feel both physically and mentally and she loved the tight-knit community feel of the Yoga Loft. After practicing consistently for almost ten years, and with inspiration and encouragement from other Yoga Loft teachers, she decided to jump into 200 Hour Teacher Training in the fall of 2020, also completing her Reiki I at that time. Lorraine quickly realized how much she enjoyed sharing yoga with others and began teaching right away. Furthering her yoga education, in 2024 she completed RYT 300. Her goal is to bring yoga to people who think they can’t do yoga. Her hope is that people come to her class, see her and realize that the images they have seen of “perfect” yogis are misleading. Her classes fall somewhere between beginner and advanced beginner with encouragement to use props and modification both up and down. Known for themed play lists, she believes that humor, an open mind and great music are some of the keys to a good yoga class. She has a deep appreciation for Jen Ryan and the community she has created within the Yoga Loft, and the fantastic friendships she has made during her yoga journey. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to warm destinations, the beach, nice dinners, reading and spending time with her family. Lorraine grew up in Somerville, raised her son Adam there and has previous teaching experience as a swim teacher and coach at the Somerville YMCA.
Bea RYT 500, RYPT 200, Reiki Level I
Bea grew up in Wilmington and has been practicing at TYL since 2010 and teaching since 2019. She completed her 200 hr teacher training in 2019 with Jen Ryan. In 2020 she completed her 200hr Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training. In 2024 she completed her 300hr TT back home at TYL. She is also certified in Thai Yoga Massage. Bea loves a creative flow, which is usually themed with her various adventures and hobbies! She believes yoga is for everyone and loves the way the flow quiets the mind and helps the body reach its full potential. For the past several years, Bea has been teaching a morning Community Class, which has made significant monetary contributions to charities that resonate with our Sangha.
Bea is a NICU RN and enjoys scuba diving , beekeeping, gardening and baking in her spare time. She loves her two black cats, rescue bird and any other animals that cross her path or find their way into her home.
Bea is a NICU RN and enjoys scuba diving , beekeeping, gardening and baking in her spare time. She loves her two black cats, rescue bird and any other animals that cross her path or find their way into her home.
Tina RYT 500, Reiki Master I
Tina started at the Yoga Loft several years ago and immediately fell in love with the practice. She completed her 200 hour teacher training with Jen Ryan and completed her 300 hour teacher training with Jen Ryan and Janice Mousseau. Throughout training and practice she has met an incredible community. Yoga has been a wonderful continuing journey, helping her find balance and strength both on and off the mat. She believes yoga is for everyone and strives to create classes where students of all levels can explore their own journeys on the mat.
She is also certified in Chair, Thai Yoga Massage and Somatic Yoga
She is also certified in Chair, Thai Yoga Massage and Somatic Yoga
Christine RYT 500, Reiki Master I
Christine started practicing at TYL in 2018 with restorative classes and candle light beginner, falling in love with the practice. She noticed she benefitted from decreased anxiety from attending class, and wanted to learn to teach so she could try and bring the feelings she experienced (a sense of calm and community, belonging, confidence) to others. Christine completed her 200 hr in 2023 and 300 hour in 2024, all with Jen Ryan. She currently teaches yin and subs for all levels of yoga when she able to. She is a registered nurse who loves to spend her free time golfing, hiking, and listening to to true crime podcasts. Chris is always game to try new things! She is married and had 2 adult sons and a black lab. Her favorite pose is Ardha chandrasana - half moon. Follow her on Instagram @Flow_with_chris28
Dawnmarie RYT 500
A serious childhood accident/chronic back pain/autoimmune issues all started Dawnmarie on a lifetime wellness journey. Years of exercise/PT/acupuncture/chiropractic, and then time spent working with her stepson at his MMA gym propelled DM's transition from allopathic health to exploring more alternative modalities. Discovering the beautiful art of Yoga as her solution to both physical and emotional life trauma led DM to the Yoga Loft, and the exceptional YTT programs offered by Jen Ryan.
DM is grateful to be part of this sangha surrounded by gifted Ryan proteges who are always teaching her something new. Currently studying Ayurveda, she aims to share what she knows/loves re: Kickboxing, Pilates, Kettlebell/weight training, and some Yoga mat work -- to inform her 'functional fitness' class for all levels, with an interest in healthy aging! She is a seasoned RN, BLS instructor, and works part time with special needs individuals as well as pregnant/parenting teens and infants. (She is also married to her own personal "Buddha"...)
DM is grateful to be part of this sangha surrounded by gifted Ryan proteges who are always teaching her something new. Currently studying Ayurveda, she aims to share what she knows/loves re: Kickboxing, Pilates, Kettlebell/weight training, and some Yoga mat work -- to inform her 'functional fitness' class for all levels, with an interest in healthy aging! She is a seasoned RN, BLS instructor, and works part time with special needs individuals as well as pregnant/parenting teens and infants. (She is also married to her own personal "Buddha"...)
Dottie RYT 200, Reiki Level I
Chronic upper back pain from years in the hotel and restaurant industry led Dottie to a yoga class. In 2005 she was thrilled to finally see a yoga studio open its doors in Wilmington just as she started to seek out yoga for her pain. She became hooked and never wanted to miss Jen’s classes. The pain disappeared, she became stronger and developed a deeper sense of body awareness. The foundation for Dottie’s practice had been built.
Little did she know what a gem The Yoga Loft was and how students would come near and far to practice with Jen. Her practice would ebb and flow. Life got busy and she would neglect her yoga practice. Her body would tell her she needed to get back on her mat. She would re embark on her yoga journey, starting where she was and starting her practice again. She would then realize it was so much more than a physical exercise. Yoga means being present in all you do, not just on the mat. Her practice flourished as did the community at The Yoga Loft.
To develop her practice deeper and to share her love of yoga with others she enrolled in Jen’s yoga teacher training program (RYT 200) 2016-2017. Dottie teaches vinyasa regularly and you may find her subbing for Wilmington Rec Classes, Yin, Fitness and Restorative. Dottie’s classes are accessible, fun and lighthearted. Dottie teaches students from beginner yogis, to intermediate & all levels with a mixed flow.
When not on her mat, Dottie is a Stretch Facilitator, an advocate for CBD products, and avid cyclist, walker and skier. Along with her love of yoga, cooking, & gardening she’s added pickleball as a new passion. Finally, ask anyone about her homemade ghee - IYKYK
Little did she know what a gem The Yoga Loft was and how students would come near and far to practice with Jen. Her practice would ebb and flow. Life got busy and she would neglect her yoga practice. Her body would tell her she needed to get back on her mat. She would re embark on her yoga journey, starting where she was and starting her practice again. She would then realize it was so much more than a physical exercise. Yoga means being present in all you do, not just on the mat. Her practice flourished as did the community at The Yoga Loft.
To develop her practice deeper and to share her love of yoga with others she enrolled in Jen’s yoga teacher training program (RYT 200) 2016-2017. Dottie teaches vinyasa regularly and you may find her subbing for Wilmington Rec Classes, Yin, Fitness and Restorative. Dottie’s classes are accessible, fun and lighthearted. Dottie teaches students from beginner yogis, to intermediate & all levels with a mixed flow.
When not on her mat, Dottie is a Stretch Facilitator, an advocate for CBD products, and avid cyclist, walker and skier. Along with her love of yoga, cooking, & gardening she’s added pickleball as a new passion. Finally, ask anyone about her homemade ghee - IYKYK
Andrea Spin Instructor
Andrea was born and raised in Medford, MA. Since moving to Wilmington nearly five years ago, Andrea has become a member of the Anytime Fitness indoor cycling family and over the past couple of years has become a regular at The Yoga Loft’s weekly Core and HIIT classes and is just starting to find her inner yogi. Andrea’s true passion is indoor cycling and she’s been hooked since taking her first ride over 15 years ago. Moving in such a fast-paced environment set to great music is one of her true motivations. After years of contemplating taking her ride to the next level (and a little encouraging nudge from Jen Ryan!), Andrea recently completed the Spinning® Instructor Training through Mad Dogg Athletics and is well on her way to becoming a fun, inspirational instructor!
Laura RYT 200 and Spin Instructor | Registered Dietitian |
“Wellness is more than a workout — it’s nourishment for the body, mind, and spirit.”
Laura began her yoga journey in 2015 with a full-figure yoga class — and was instantly hooked. What started as a way to manage stress soon became a source of confidence, balance, and joy. Drawn by her love and enthusiasm for the practice, she explored a variety of yoga styles and discovered the challenge and growth that come from trying new classes.
In 2023, Laura completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and has since taught several restorative yoga classes, as well as substituting for other instructors. Her calm presence and approachable style help students feel supported and at ease, whether they’re new to yoga or deepening their practice.
Around the same time, Laura developed a passion for spin. After becoming a certified spin instructor in 2023, she began teaching early morning classes and enjoys the energy and community of indoor cycling. On her days off, you’ll often find her riding outdoors, combining fitness with time in nature.
As a registered dietitian, Laura also shares her expertise through workshops on healthy eating and mindful nutrition, helping others build a balanced approach to wellness that supports both body and mind.
Laura began her yoga journey in 2015 with a full-figure yoga class — and was instantly hooked. What started as a way to manage stress soon became a source of confidence, balance, and joy. Drawn by her love and enthusiasm for the practice, she explored a variety of yoga styles and discovered the challenge and growth that come from trying new classes.
In 2023, Laura completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and has since taught several restorative yoga classes, as well as substituting for other instructors. Her calm presence and approachable style help students feel supported and at ease, whether they’re new to yoga or deepening their practice.
Around the same time, Laura developed a passion for spin. After becoming a certified spin instructor in 2023, she began teaching early morning classes and enjoys the energy and community of indoor cycling. On her days off, you’ll often find her riding outdoors, combining fitness with time in nature.
As a registered dietitian, Laura also shares her expertise through workshops on healthy eating and mindful nutrition, helping others build a balanced approach to wellness that supports both body and mind.
Catch these other wonderful teachers on the mat as Subs!
Michelle
Melissa
Gale
Cindy
Kat
Danielle
Tom
Nancy
Teresa
Melissa
Gale
Cindy
Kat
Danielle
Tom
Nancy
Teresa