Meet the team

Ronnie has always been deeply connected to movement. As a lifelong dancer, she’s spent years listening to the language of the body. When she found yoga, the same sense of joy, presence, and freedom she felt in dance showed up on the mat—but with a new layer of inner connection that she hadn’t experienced before. Ronnie completed her 200-hour RYT certification with Julie Dohrman through Shakti Yoga at Brooklyn Flow, and for her, this is just the beginning of a lifelong journey. As both a student and a teacher, Ronnie is always learning—growing her awareness, deepening her understanding, and showing up with an open heart. Her classes are welcoming and grounded, designed to help students feel supported as they explore their own movement, find stillness, and connect to what’s true for them. More than anything, Ronnie hopes to create a space where students can just feel, get curious, and be inspired—to take what they find on the mat and carry it into their lives with confidence, compassion, and grace.

Cherie Grier Diehl (she / her) is a certified yoga teacher (E-RYT 500, YACEP) and recipient of the Yoga Alliance Advanced Training Scholarship. She focuses on trauma-informed accessibility with the fullness of yoga beyond the asana practice. She studied yoga and Ayurveda in Rishikesh, India and has been teaching in cities across the United States since 2007. She leads community-based programs in Brooklyn, NY and co-teaches YTT cohorts. She taught yoga at Third Root Community Health Center, a worker-owner collective, also serving as the Finance Director. Cherie gives much respect to her teachers and elders who give invaluable lessons around being well. She practices yoga to reaffirm her body and spirit. She teaches yoga to hold space for others as they navigate their own journey. Cherie remains available after class for students who would like to connect and discuss their practice.

April’s classes are inclusive, fun, sweaty, playful, self empowering and community-centered. Her journey into fitness was sparked by her commitment to equity when she began teaching in schools, youth detention centers, and shelters. She is a certified NASM personal trainer and is also certified in Yoga, Barre, Pilates and IntenSati (combining positive affirmations with physical movement). Outside of teaching, April is a foster mother, where she practices the power of play.

Originally from Japan and now based in New York, she is a dancer, Pilates trainer, and costume designer with a deep love for movement and artistic expression. She graduated from Osaka University of Arts with a major in Ballet and Performing Arts before moving to New York to pursue my dance career. After performing with various dance companies in New York, she now focuses primarily on Brazilian dance, embracing its vibrant energy, rhythm, and cultural richness. Alongside her performance work, she is also a Pilates trainer, helping clients build strength, alignment, and confidence through mindful movement. Whether through dance, Pilates, or costume creation, her passion is the same — bringing joy to others and creating moments where people can smile, connect, and feel truly alive in their bodies.

Ray developed a passion for athletics early in life playing ice hockey and lacrosse from a young age all the way to the collegiate level. After college he started working as a personal trainer, and CrossFit/Olympic weightlifting coach at various gyms throughout the New York Metropolitan area. He developed a passion for endurance training, and started to compete in marathons and triathlons, which he still does to this day. Ray’s goal with his classes is to create a fun, inclusive, and challenging atmosphere to help people improve strength, balance, and mobility to be able to thrive in everyday life!

Viviana is a NYC-based, 200-hour certified yoga instructor who completed her training with Y7 Studio. She’s passionate about creating uplifting, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome on their mat. Her classes feature energetic, music-driven flows that blend rhythm and movement to help students connect, have fun, and discover the magic of yoga. She has over 10 years of experience coordinating patient care in healthcare and also works as a freelance event and studio photographer—so connection, creativity, and community are at the heart of everything she does! When she’s not teaching or behind the camera, you can usually find her at a museum or at home spinning vinyl with a pittie happily curled up on her lap.

Aryana is a certified Dharma Yoga teacher who began her yoga journey in 2010 and started teaching in New York in 2019. Inspired by the profound impact yoga had on her own well-being, she now guides students toward strength, alignment, meditative presence, and deep relaxation. Her classes often incorporate mantra with shruti box and conclude with restorative guided savasana, sometimes complemented by gentle Reiki touch. Students often leave feeling peaceful, grounded, and restored. Aryana also enjoys Acro Yoga, bringing playfulness and joyful exploration into her workshops and practice.

Jahmila is a certified yoga teacher who specializes in vinyasa, yin and trauma informed yoga offerings. She came to yoga years ago through her high school physical education substitute teacher. Her practice and offerings centers on authenticity and connecting the body to breath. Jahmila’s primary teaching interest is how we can truthfully and mindfully show up for ourselves. She received her yoga teacher certification in 2021 from New Love City under the tutelage of Be Leigh, Connor Alexander and Keela Williams. Outside of yoga, Jahmila enjoys running and pilates. When she’s not practicing, Jahmila spends her work time hours in development finance for affordable housing developments.

Alison is passionate about making movement accessible and fun for all people. Alison's movement practice developed out of a need to make friends in a new country. Not only did she create a community, but she fell in love with movement and she truly believes in its ability to bring people together. When she is not at the studio, catch her watching trashy reality TV, spending time with her cats and husband or studying for her graduate program.

Colin Fin discovered early on that movement was his favorite way to connect with others and drop into his own body and mind. How you show up in class is fine tuning your body and brain for how it is going to show up in life. Teaching experience includes: Community School of Music & Arts, Bloom School of Music & Dance, The Aurelia Foundation, Tracy Anderson Method, and his own movement practice Movement Supply that he is grateful to bring to Cocoon Studio. He has also performed in concert dance and narrative film pieces throughout New York and Los Angeles. His approach relies on moving consistently and creatively; fusing elements of dance into class curriculum to develop and deepen whole-body balance, mobility, and functional strength.“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.” —Martha Graham

Ashley is a Brooklyn based yoga teacher and community organizer. She began her personal yoga practice over 10 years ago as a way to find flexibility, spaciousness and release tension in her body. She has been dedicated to deepening her practice and sharing her learnings with others ever since. Ashley received her 200 hour yoga certification through the Bhakti Center under the guidance of Jamuna Jaya and Brinda Kumari. She has great appreciation for all that yoga has to offer- from the variety of asana styles, to meditation and breathwork, to yogic philosophy. You’ll find this versatility of the practice infused into her classes. Ashley enjoys creating sequences that balance challenging ourselves and meeting our edge with finding lightness, ease and joy in the practice. She prioritizes creating an environment that fosters self-exploration and acceptance. Students should walk away from Ashley’s classes feeling grounded, content, a deeper sense of self-inquiry and greater clarity of mind.

After practicing various sports such as judo and running, Léa discovered yoga, which quickly became a true source of inspiration and personal fulfillment. Distinct from sports, yoga offered her a space to move her body while connecting each movement to a deeper intention, focused not on competition but on well-being, grounding, mindfulness, and presence in the moment. In her classes, Léa offers a dynamic practice where alignment and flow blend with music, creating a stimulating and uplifting atmosphere. Having been privileged to explore alignment in depth, among other things, during her 200-hour training with ShaktiYoga teacher training, she guides her students with clear and precise instructions, ensuring a practice that is both safe and enriching. Passionate about group classes, she draws motivation and energy from them, and enjoys helping her students leave feeling relaxed, revitalized, and smiling. Through her teaching, she hopes to share with each participant a true sense of peacefulness and a powerful, radiant energy.

Claire Baum believes that movement (including yoga) should be open to all and is constantly working to make her classes more inclusive by teaching specifically to those students before her. Claire's anatomically based classes have an innovative dance inspired approach to sequencing and are lighthearted and energetic in nature. Her classes prioritize strength and suppleness of both body and mind and encourage autonomy inside the practice. This autonomy aims to cultivate a sense of accessibility, agency, grounding and joy about moving your body and learning from your best teacher - you! Claire is a dancer, choreographer, ERYT-200 yoga teacher from OM Factory (2017) and a RPYT from the Prenatal Yoga Center (2023). She has done Trauma Informed Yoga and CPTSD trainings with Exhale to Inhale and Anatomy Intensives with Joe Miller at Sacred Sounds and Jenni Rawlings. Ever a student of movement, Claire recently has become mat pilates certified through the Kane School. Claire has taught in gyms, boutique studios, corporate settings and residential buildings across NYC. Find her at www.lindenmovementlab.org

Liz was introduced to yoga at a stressful moment in her life and came to know it can be a powerful transformational tool and a life changing practice. Having experienced first-hand the power of yoga to calm the mind, empower the body and spirit, and foster compassion, she is pleased and honored to share this practice. Liz, a yoga alliance certified experienced registered yoga teacher at the 200 and 500 hour levels, as well as a YACEP certified yoga educator has been teaching since 2011. She teaches primarily in a Chromatic yoga style, which focuses on step-by-step physical techniques and alignment principles; leveraging anatomy knowledge to help students unleash their greatest potential. Beyond movement, her classes integrate breathwork, mindfulness, and philosophy, to cultivate a more holistic yoga practice. She also has additional training in prenatal yoga, and is well versed and passionate about addressing the unique physical and mental needs of students during pregnancy and for labor preparation. Liz is forever grateful to her teachers Dharma Mittra, Matt Giordano, Jason Crandall, and Mia Borgata. Her classes are a healthy mix of strong vinyasa flow with dedicated time to focus on exploring and developing proper technique (and probably a few bad jokes)

Caitlin Fischer is a certified personal trainer, yoga teacher (RYT500), sound healer, and R&B musician (CTLN) from NJ! Her teaching style is warm, direct, alignment-focused, and rooted in intention. Caitlin is inspired to empower and awaken the healer within you through her classes and training sessions. Searching for deeper healing modalities and a way through this incredibly difficult season, Caitlin earned her 200-Hour yoga teacher certification during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She just received her 300-hour trauma-informed yoga teacher certification in May 2026, which focuses on nervous system healing and making yoga a safer space for trauma survivors of all sorts. Cailtin also earned her personal training certification through the National Strength & Conditioning Association in 2021. She graduated from Boston University in 2020 with a BFA in Acting and a minor in Environmental Science. As a burn survivor since eight months old, Caitlin feels a soul calling to help others transcend the egoic attachments to the physical body in order to enter into a healthy relationship with their body. She embraces her wholeness and unique human experience unapologetically. She knows you can, too. Whether through holistic healing or R&B music, Caitlin leans towards the light and encourages others to come with her.

Mar Lures-Keller is a Brooklyn-based movement artist, yoga teacher, and arts administrator. His classes blend breath-led flow, strength, and mobility with an emphasis on curiosity and embodied presence. Drawing from his experience in dance, somatic practices, and yoga, Mar aims to create spaces that are grounding, playful, and human.

Regina is an Integrative Movement Specialist who believes yoga should be accessible to everyone. She brings a unique blend of expertise to her classes, combining her background as a clinically trained Physical Therapist and an 800-hour Yoga Therapist. At Cocoon Studio, Regina teaches dynamic Ashtanga for those seeking a traditional, vigorous practice, as well as a specialized Gentle Flow class, focusing on balance, stability, and fall prevention. Her background in therapeutic movement, chronic pain management, and womens health allows her to meet students exactly where they are—whether building strength and flexibility or regaining confidence in movement. Regina's teaching is grounded in sound anatomy and mindful awareness, creating a safe space for exploration on the mat or chair. She holds her RYT-200 in Ashtanga and is committed to helping each student discover their own resilience and capability through yoga

Greta grew up downtown in Manhattan and has been lucky to call Ditmas Park her home for the past decade. She began her yoga teaching journey with the littlest yogis by getting certified in Children's Yoga through Karma Kids Yoga in 2015. As an Early Childhood educator, Greta is consistently weaving the practice of yoga into her classroom and inquiry-based curriculum. Greta has been exploring movement for most of her life, with particular gratitude for studying dance at Hunter College and the very first yoga class she took at age thirteen at her local YMCA, which hooked her instantly. Greta has been a practitioner and children's yoga teacher at Jaya Yoga Studio for a few years and was overjoyed to deepen her practice and complete her 200 hr teacher training with them in 2025. Greta is thrilled to join the teaching team at Cocoon Studio and explore movement and breath with her amazing neighbors.

Frida is a NASM-certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and flexibility coach with over 15 years of experience in the fitness and movement world. Originally from Sweden, she has been based in New York City for over 14 years, working across both in-person and digital platforms. Frida has led classes and coached clients at major gyms such as Equinox and NYSC, as well as online platforms including Meta Virtual reality game FitXR and Balanced Health. Alongside her work in fitness, she has a background as a professional dancer, with experience in commercial projects, large-scale productions, and international collaborations. Today, Frida continues to work in fitness, movement, and private coaching while bringing her broad industry experience into the studio.

Catherine Wu brings a rare blend of precision, depth, and intentionality to every session. A comprehensive Balanced Body–trained instructor under Ann Toran, a pioneering master teacher and the first to develop the group Pilates class format, grounding her practice in both classical rigor and innovative methodology. With a Master’s degree in Psychology, Catherine approaches movement as more than physical training. She sees the body as the entry point to a deeper conversation — one that connects structure, sensation, and self-awareness. Her teaching is attentive, layered, and deeply personalized, whether she’s guiding a one-on-one private or leading a group through a carefully curated class. Based in New York City, Catherine teaches private sessions and group classes across Manhattan and Brooklyn, working with a clientele who seeks results with intention. Her presence in the studio is both grounding and elevating the kind of teaching that stays with you long after you step off the reformer.

Howard Latting is a prominent martial arts instructor in NYC. He holds a 7th degree black belt, was awarded the title of Master, and has over 40 years of experience. He emphasizes personal instruction and community building within the World Martial Arts Association, based in Brooklyn, NY, and serving various parts of the city.

Dionne is a certified group fitness instructor through NASM/AFAA, a health education specialist, and a board‑certified health and wellbeing coach. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Community Health Education and Promotion, further strengthening her ability to support individuals and communities in living healthier, more empowered lives. Dionne is also expanding her movement expertise through a comprehensive classical mat Pilates program, deepening her knowledge of alignment, core strength, and mind‑body connection. Dionne fell in love with group fitness during her college years, where she became a regular class attendee and discovered the unique sense of community, motivation, and empowerment that builds inside the studio. That experience fuels her approach today—creating inclusive, encouraging spaces where everyone feels supported and capable. A passionate advocate for health promotion across diverse communities, Dionne cares deeply about people and finds joy in seeing them thrive and grow into the best version of themselves. Her coaching philosophy blends compassion, education, and intentional movement to inspire lasting wellbeing. When she’s not working or teaching, Dionne enjoys running, traveling around the globe, and making meaningful memories with her loved ones.

Kristin leads meaningful yoga classes that will balance your energy and improve your mood. She focuses on the breath to soothe your nervous system, on the body to release tension, and combines the two to relax your mind. Her classes invite you to explore the elegant layers of this ancient system and receive its timeless wisdom. She draws on 15 years teaching vinyasa, kundalini, restorative, meditation and yoga nidra at NYC studios to provide a unified class experience. After practicing regularly for a decade, Kristin completed her 200 hr training at Yoga People in 2011 and her 300 hr training at ISHTA in 2016. Take her class to navigate life’s challenges and find acceptance with what is. All are welcome!

A NYC native, Jeremy Blackman’s dharma path began while studying Buddhist philosophy in college. He later developed a dedicated asana practice, learning to embody wisdom through breath and movement. For the last five years he has been teaching vinyasa yoga regularly. Deepening the path, he recently became certified through Dharma Moon/Tibet House to teach mindfulness meditation. His empowering yoga and meditation classes foster awakening through discipline, resilience, curiosity and courage. Jeremy is also a music producer and singer songwriter, currently working under the name William Irish

Jenn found her way to yoga and meditation after years of resistance to slowing down. She became an RYT-200 in 2023 and is committed to supporting others on their own wellness paths, recognizing no two paths are alike. She offers vinyasa, yin, restorative, prenatal and Inside Flow classes. Off the mat, she enjoys swimming, traveling and being in nature. Jenn believes yoga is for every body and aims to leave students feeling grounded and empowered each time they show up.  (More about her offerings and story at jennpliu.com)

Justin (he/him) has spent the past twenty years as a video editor, injecting conflict and drama into reality television. Now, his main focus is helping his students extract the drama from their bodies. Yoga entered his life as a way to deal with the stress of a deadline-driven life. First exposed around 2007 in Los Angeles, Justin channels his many unique and diverse teachers to create his own style of teaching that blends alignment with encouragement to create more openness within our bodies. Justin’s classes feature accessible flows, hands-on instruction, and opportunities for growth. He welcomes those who are inexperienced at yoga or who consider themselves inflexible, and is a firm believer in the community building power of yoga. He is also available for private sessions.

As a dancer & performer, I was originally drawn to yoga and fitness to become physically strong. I began my teaching journey in 2021 after completing my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. I went on to receive additional 50-hour & 65-hour certifications in body sculpt & HIIT style classes. After sustaining a back & hip injury in 2024, my perspective on fitness shifted drastically. My physical limitations nudged me towards the non-physical elements required for physical healing. The beauty of yoga philosophy & mindfulness inspired me to complete my 300-hour YTT & I began coaching & leading various teacher training programs to share my knowledge. My background in yoga has provided me with a unique approach to strength-based classes. As I continue my healing, both physically and mentally, I celebrate having taught over 600 classes. My teaching mission is to make movement feel joyful rather than punishing. I love working with all populations, but especially beginners. They are my most distinguished teachers & constantly remind me that we are all always starting over.

Doriane is a French actor and certified Pilates instructor from Paris. She discovered Pilates while studying dance in New York, using it to recover from back pain and deepen her body awareness. Now specializing in Mommy & Me mat Pilates, she offers gentle, mindful classes that support postpartum recovery while creating a nurturing space for mothers to move, bond, and reconnect with their bodies alongside their babies.