Our Instructors
The Yoga Place, Bennington Vermont

Jane Schaeffer, MA, RYT, is the originator of The Yoga Place. She is a Licensed Psychologist-Master and a Registered Professional Level Yoga Teacher with a 500-hour certification. She was a group, family and individual psychotherapist for many years. Along with teaching yoga for over 30 years, she has taught Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Relaxation for over 20 years as well as beginner meditation. She is currently a meditation student of Dr. Roshi Joan Jiku Halifax. Most recently Jane has been training with Amrit Desai at the Amrit Institute in Ocala Springs, Florida. Jane, also an anthropologist, has traveled throughout Asia and brings an artful love of movement and balance to her teaching.
Jane first encountered yoga as a college student and resumed her practice after the birth of her daughter, feeling a need to reclaim ownership of her body. "Yoga brings me home to myself. I tend to be a bit of a "talking head" type A personality. When I am connected to life through my body, I like myself and I like my life. It is a great privilege to teach and learn so deeply from the many students of the Yoga Place."
Jane first encountered yoga as a college student and resumed her practice after the birth of her daughter, feeling a need to reclaim ownership of her body. "Yoga brings me home to myself. I tend to be a bit of a "talking head" type A personality. When I am connected to life through my body, I like myself and I like my life. It is a great privilege to teach and learn so deeply from the many students of the Yoga Place."

Nancy Brooks, Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Nancy has been teaching yoga for many years along with her daytime job as an executive vice president of a national company.
Nancy is a 200-hour RYT (experienced registered Yoga Teacher) from Beth Shaw's Yoga Fit Program AND she holds a 300-hour RYT certification for Kundalini Yoga from the Ithaca Yoga Farm in New York. You can ask her directly what all that means.
Nancy has been teaching yoga for many years along with her daytime job as an executive vice president of a national company.
Nancy is a 200-hour RYT (experienced registered Yoga Teacher) from Beth Shaw's Yoga Fit Program AND she holds a 300-hour RYT certification for Kundalini Yoga from the Ithaca Yoga Farm in New York. You can ask her directly what all that means.

Suzy Pence, Awesome Flow Yoga
Suzy Pence, RYT and DVM
Originally from New Hampshire, Dr. Suzy joined WMAH in 2008. Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Suzy lived in Alaska and was the research technician at the Large Animal Research Station at the University of Alaska Fairbanks where she managed herds of Caribou, Muskoxen and Reindeer. Her compassion and medical expertise are invaluable. She leads our oncology program and bereavement services. When not at the clinic, Dr. Suzy can be found enjoying year round outdoor activities, reading, traveling, and working at her second job as yoga teacher. Just returned from advanced teacher training in India, we are excited to take her class!
Suzy Pence, RYT and DVM
Originally from New Hampshire, Dr. Suzy joined WMAH in 2008. Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Suzy lived in Alaska and was the research technician at the Large Animal Research Station at the University of Alaska Fairbanks where she managed herds of Caribou, Muskoxen and Reindeer. Her compassion and medical expertise are invaluable. She leads our oncology program and bereavement services. When not at the clinic, Dr. Suzy can be found enjoying year round outdoor activities, reading, traveling, and working at her second job as yoga teacher. Just returned from advanced teacher training in India, we are excited to take her class!

Tracy Purdy-Martin, Qigong, Mindfulness Stress Management, Mastermind Group
Tracy writes: "For the last year, I was unable to continue my active lifestyle due to foot and knee problems. I became sad and overwhelmed. I felt hopeless and depressed. As I was facing knee replacement surgery, I was introduced to Qigong for healing the body mind and soul. As I started practicing Qigong, I found relief from pain. I found hope for rejuvenation. I decided to learn more to help myself and others. Spring Forest Qigong Center in Minneapolis provides training and healing on many levels. I believe that everyone can be healed through Qigong. I believe that everyone can learn to heal themselves through the practice of Qigong.
A note: Tracy Purdy-Martin is well known by many of us. At one time she taught step-aerobics through the Wellness Center of the hospital. She is currently activities director at BPI. She is an always well trained teacher with a good sense of humor and purpose.
Tracy writes: "For the last year, I was unable to continue my active lifestyle due to foot and knee problems. I became sad and overwhelmed. I felt hopeless and depressed. As I was facing knee replacement surgery, I was introduced to Qigong for healing the body mind and soul. As I started practicing Qigong, I found relief from pain. I found hope for rejuvenation. I decided to learn more to help myself and others. Spring Forest Qigong Center in Minneapolis provides training and healing on many levels. I believe that everyone can be healed through Qigong. I believe that everyone can learn to heal themselves through the practice of Qigong.
A note: Tracy Purdy-Martin is well known by many of us. At one time she taught step-aerobics through the Wellness Center of the hospital. She is currently activities director at BPI. She is an always well trained teacher with a good sense of humor and purpose.

Angela Rocca, Yin Yang Yoga
Certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher
From Angie: " I'm excited to introduce yoga to someone for the very first time as well as to teach experienced practitioners how to explore the edges of their practice."
"As a Berkshire County native, I first began practicing yoga at a local gym as a high school student. Now, I am a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. My classes invite students to focus on their breath while they find and explore the edges of their asana practice. I am continuously amazed at what the simple focus on the breath can do for the mind and body.
My teaching practice intertwines Kripalu, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa and Kundalini schools of Yoga."
"YIN YANG YOGA" is an all levels yoga class that offers something for everyone. Each class will focus on increasing range of motion with postures that focus on connective tissues and joints (YIN) and building strength by blending poses into a slow flow with some holdings (YANG). Props and variations will be offered so that everyone can experience a fun and safe class that meets their needs and experience level. Each class will end with a soothing relaxation."
Certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher
From Angie: " I'm excited to introduce yoga to someone for the very first time as well as to teach experienced practitioners how to explore the edges of their practice."
"As a Berkshire County native, I first began practicing yoga at a local gym as a high school student. Now, I am a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. My classes invite students to focus on their breath while they find and explore the edges of their asana practice. I am continuously amazed at what the simple focus on the breath can do for the mind and body.
My teaching practice intertwines Kripalu, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa and Kundalini schools of Yoga."
"YIN YANG YOGA" is an all levels yoga class that offers something for everyone. Each class will focus on increasing range of motion with postures that focus on connective tissues and joints (YIN) and building strength by blending poses into a slow flow with some holdings (YANG). Props and variations will be offered so that everyone can experience a fun and safe class that meets their needs and experience level. Each class will end with a soothing relaxation."

Allison Rogge, 200 Hour RYT
Allison has always been a yoga teacher at heart, having worked as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years. Her classes deliver good vibes, good flows, mobility and laughter. A back injury brought her to yoga about 10 years ago. She fell in love with her yoga practice and has been practicing daily ever since. Yoga gave her everything she needed: healing her mind, her body and spirit. Allison is a 200-hour Yoga Alliance certified instructor. Allison is extremely appreciative of her husband who thankfully understands the happiness that comes from practicing and teaching yoga. Allison loves yoga for so many reasons; it grounds her, makes her laugh and helps her find love in every situation. Allison is passionate about helping others achieve health and wellness in their lives. She understands that wellness is an on-going process that takes dedication and patience. Her positive attitude and calming energy provide a welcoming class environment!
Allison has always been a yoga teacher at heart, having worked as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years. Her classes deliver good vibes, good flows, mobility and laughter. A back injury brought her to yoga about 10 years ago. She fell in love with her yoga practice and has been practicing daily ever since. Yoga gave her everything she needed: healing her mind, her body and spirit. Allison is a 200-hour Yoga Alliance certified instructor. Allison is extremely appreciative of her husband who thankfully understands the happiness that comes from practicing and teaching yoga. Allison loves yoga for so many reasons; it grounds her, makes her laugh and helps her find love in every situation. Allison is passionate about helping others achieve health and wellness in their lives. She understands that wellness is an on-going process that takes dedication and patience. Her positive attitude and calming energy provide a welcoming class environment!

Carol Steinmetz
Welcome back Carol!
Carol taught at the Yoga Place. Then she and Roy decided to hit the road and have been traveling for about 10 years. They have returned home. Carol is a wonderful teacher with roots in Anusara Yoga.
What is that? Well, take her class and find out.
Carol teaches a thoughtful class with detailed attention to alignment, coming around the room to help your body find itself.
Welcome back Carol!
Carol taught at the Yoga Place. Then she and Roy decided to hit the road and have been traveling for about 10 years. They have returned home. Carol is a wonderful teacher with roots in Anusara Yoga.
What is that? Well, take her class and find out.
Carol teaches a thoughtful class with detailed attention to alignment, coming around the room to help your body find itself.

Ali Wassick
Beloved Ali Wassick, RYT 500+ teaches many yoga classes a week in various styles and for various groups: Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yoga for the Disabled, Vinyasa Flow. We adore her.
Beloved Ali Wassick, RYT 500+ teaches many yoga classes a week in various styles and for various groups: Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yoga for the Disabled, Vinyasa Flow. We adore her.

Charles Waters
"I came to yoga as a young man in the mid 1970's and enjoyed practice for a few years but then fell out of my practice. Twenty years later, after a life of athletic injuries and all the bumps and bruises that go along with life, I was suffering from severe back and knee pain. So I decided to come back to my yoga practice. Seventeen years ago I decided to combine my love of teaching with my love of yoga. To that end, I completed yoga teacher training at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and then two years later Ashtanga teacher training with David Swenson in 2001.
In addition to my teacher training in Kripalu and Ashtanga Yoga I trained and practiced Iyengar Yoga wit Julianna Centner for many years. I have taught Vinyasa Style Yogga for the last seven years. For the last four years I have trained, practiced and taught Viniyoga Therapy for Back Pain.
As I have gotten older I have appreciated the many benefits of Gentle Yoga. Gentle full range of motion movements help to keep my body strong, flexible and my mind focused.
When not teaching or practicing yoga, I enjoy teaching economics and math at MCLA, other forms of exercise, riding my motorcycles and spending time with my sweetheart, Danielle."
"I came to yoga as a young man in the mid 1970's and enjoyed practice for a few years but then fell out of my practice. Twenty years later, after a life of athletic injuries and all the bumps and bruises that go along with life, I was suffering from severe back and knee pain. So I decided to come back to my yoga practice. Seventeen years ago I decided to combine my love of teaching with my love of yoga. To that end, I completed yoga teacher training at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and then two years later Ashtanga teacher training with David Swenson in 2001.
In addition to my teacher training in Kripalu and Ashtanga Yoga I trained and practiced Iyengar Yoga wit Julianna Centner for many years. I have taught Vinyasa Style Yogga for the last seven years. For the last four years I have trained, practiced and taught Viniyoga Therapy for Back Pain.
As I have gotten older I have appreciated the many benefits of Gentle Yoga. Gentle full range of motion movements help to keep my body strong, flexible and my mind focused.
When not teaching or practicing yoga, I enjoy teaching economics and math at MCLA, other forms of exercise, riding my motorcycles and spending time with my sweetheart, Danielle."

Our guest teaching staff includes:
- Peter Rizzo, Master Teacher, Brattleboro. Peter Rizzo, owner and originator of Bhava Yoga in Brattleboro, VT comes to The Yoga Place in Bennington once a month. On Third Saturdays of each month Peter holds a 21/2 hour master class for anyone interested in deepening or furthering their yoga practice. "Peter leads one of the most challenging and tender hearted yoga classes I have ever taken. It is no BS but you will leave wrung out, worked out, stretched out and loved. Not for the complacent." Ellen.
- Jennie Cohen (Therapy Balls) has presented workshops internationally, in Paris, China, Dubai and elsewhere. She says:
"Let's face it: modern life sits us in front of computers all day, slumps us in front of the TV at night, and puts a host of stresses on the body that create aches and pains. This workshop will give you tools to work out the kinks on your own at home--no need to suffer further or even to pay a body worker!
Find Us atThe Yoga Place
532 Main St. Bennington, VT 05346 Tel. (802) 447-0393 |
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