Meet Our Team
The people make the place. From the welcome at the front desk to the guidance you receive on your mat, our team brings experience, heart, and a genuine interest in getting to know you. We call it *Radical Personalization*: remembering what you’re working toward, noticing when you need a little extra support, and helping you discover possibilities you might not see in yourself yet. Our teachers, coaches, and wellness practitioners care about their craft—and about how it feels to be in their care.
Nicole D'Andrea-Lazarte
Founder, Instructor, Wellness PractitionerHeart Bench
Morristown, NJ
RUFUS DU SOL, Tycho, The xx, Billie Eilish, Bon Iver
Why Blackbird?
I'm endlessly fascinated by the way thoughtfully designed experiences can change the way we feel.
Ina Cabrera
Lead Instructor, Wellness PractitionerWarrior 1
Pequannock, NJ
Trevor Hall, Empire of the Sun, Sister Nancy, Talking Heads, Phoebe Bridges, Miley
Why Blackbird?
All signs lead to Blackbird.
Ashley Vernick
Director of Client Experience, Instructor, Wellness PractitionerLizard
Oxford, PA
Arcade Fire, Radical Face, Submarines, Stars, Fleetwood Mac
Why Blackbird?
It’s where my heart is, a caring and inclusive space where everyone can be themselves, in their bodies.
Danielle Kasen
InstructorPigeon
Hillsdale, NJ
Nina Simone, U2, George Michael, Sara Bareilles, Billie Eilish
Why Blackbird?
Blackbird Yoga because “all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to be free.”
Lauren Davis
InstructorFrog
Cresskill, NJ
Sol Rising, MC Yogi, Boyce Avenue, classic rock
Why Blackbird?
At Blackbird you can show up exactly as you are and know it will be a supportive and fun experience.
Conor Michael Murphy
InstructorKing Pigeon
Bogota, NJ
Wildfire by Cautious Clay, Inner Light by Elderbrook & Bob Moses, luminar by Porangui
Why Blackbird?
The culture, inclusive community, and atmosphere of Blackbird make it an energetic space to learn and practice.
Alexandra Seijo
InstructorPyramid
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
MC Yogi, Pretty Lights, Dr. Toast, Garth Stevenson
Why Blackbird?
The Blackbird community is kind, warm and inviting for all yogis. It’s a place to call home.
Kathleen Philips
InstructorSavasana
Scranton, PA
Bon Iver, The Head and the Heart, Maggie Rogers, Noah Kahan
Why Blackbird?
There is something unique about a place in which you can be the best version of yourself. That is Blackbird Yoga and the community that fills our space every day.
Beth Rutigliano
InstructorHalf Moon
Haworth, NJ
Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, The Chainsmokers, Coldplay, Kelsey Lu, Khalid, East Forest
Why Blackbird?
It's genuinely a unique experience for everyone. It's a place to step out of your head and into your physical body and heart. The people are warm and embracing.
Vianna Powell
Instructor, Wellness PractitionerPigeon
Oradell, NJ
Eastern Yoga, Forest Temple, Heaven, Terry Oldfield
Why Blackbird?
The journey begins and continues here. Blackbird is like yoga heaven.
Alyssa Galdamez
Instructor, Studio ConciergeDancer
Norwood, NJ
Florence + The Machine, Sombr, Hazlett, Palace, Empire of the Sun, SYML
Why Blackbird?
It was the first place that felt like home from the moment I walked inside. The community fostered here is full of genuine kindness and care for every single student.
Courtney Bevilacqua
InstructorReclined Hero
Pittsburgh, PA
East Forest, Sol Rising, Odesza
Why Blackbird?
The community and inclusive environment set Blackbird apart from so many other spaces. You can feel the love and acceptance from the moment you walk in.
Helena Jursca
Studio ConciergeChild's Pose
Dumont, NJ
Mumford & Sons, Sara Bareilles, Noah Kahan
Why Blackbird?
Blackbird is a place that welcomes people exactly as they are! A space that provides a reset for the mind, body and soul.