meet the Stamford teaching team

Ahmad M
Ahmad M
Ahmad K. Mickens is a 200hr Yoga Instructor, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, AIBA 1 Star Boxing Coach, and Executive Director of RF Youth Boxing Inc. With more than 20 years of experience transforming lives through fitness and mentorship, he combines expertise in boxing, strength training, yoga, Pilates, stretching, nutrition, and wellness coaching. A former professional fighter, Ahmad is passionate about empowering individuals of all ages to build confidence, resilience, and healthier lifestyles while creating stronger communities through leadership, discipline, and service.

Aimee
Aimee
Aimee Elsner is co-founder and owner of Power Yoga Collective in Stamford and Pound Ridge, alongside her husband Tim. A 500 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher and occupational therapist, she's spent a decade building thriving studio communities rooted in the belief that yoga helps people feel seen, supported, and fully alive.

Alison
Alison
Alison Waller has been teaching yoga since 2020. Her classes emphasize mindful movement, self-reflection, and sustainable growth, creating an environment where students feel both supported and empowered. Drawing from her experience as an educator, Alison encourages curiosity, resilience, and self-awareness on and off the mat. She believes yoga is not about perfection, but about showing up consistently, honoring where you are each day, and using the practice as a tool to build strength, balance, and connection in everyday life.

Amy R
Amy R
Hi! My name is Amy, and I am a 500hr RYT. I have happily been teaching yoga since 2021. My teaching style is simultaneously grounding and energizing. I feel my passion for the practice shines through while teaching. I love heated power vinyasa. I also love slowing down in restorative or yin which gives the opportunity to practice mindfulness. Roll out your mat and let’s make the magic happen!

Arielle
Arielle
Hi yogis! My name is Arielle and I have been teaching yoga since 2015. When I’m not teaching at PYC, you can find me walking my dog Frankie, reading or working as a behavior analyst in Ridgefield. I love all things yoga philosophy so if you are curious how to take your yoga off your mat, let’s chat!

Brittany
Brittany
Hi I’m Brittany, a yoga instructor passionate about creating classes that empower people to feel strong, confident, and connected. My teaching blends intentional movement, mindful breath, and positive energy to challenge every student while making them feel supported and welcome. I believe movement is medicine, and my goal is to help others build strength, resilience, and confidence both on and off the mat.

Chloe
Chloe
Hi, I’m Chloe! I’ve been practicing yoga regularly for almost 10 years now, and it’s been 3 years since I first discovered PYC Stamford (back when it was CTPY!) and fell in love with the community here. I recently completed my 200 hour YTT here at the studio and have been teaching ever since. If you come to my class, or just you see me at the studio, come talk to me about books, hockey, or my sourdough bread!

Jane
Jane
My name is Jane! I’ve been teaching at PYC Stamford for 5 years and every time I step into the studio, my love for the practice is ignited. Yoga has given me access to self awareness of my inner and outer being. My goal is to empower students to inch further towards their growth. It’s a practice, not a perfect. :) ALSO creating playlists is a passion of mine.

Julia
Julia
Julia began practicing yoga over 15 years ago while living in Boston and has been passionate about the practice ever since. During five years living in China, she taught aerial yoga and deepened her love of sharing yoga with others. As a 500-hour RYT and career educator, she enjoys helping students and mentoring teachers in a welcoming, encouraging environment. A lifelong lover of music and theater, Julia thoughtfully curates each class playlist to create an experience that is both energizing and inspiring.

Kellyann
Kellyann
I’m Kellyann! Born and raised in CT, I’ve been practicing yoga since I was old enough to drive to the studio myself! I’ve been teaching for 6 years. My background as a professional dancer heavily influences my classes, as I believe your yoga practice should feel like a dance on your mat. I’m all about having fun, laughing when we wobble, and honoring our imperfections through every asana and breath. Just rolling out your mat is half the battle. Whatever unfolds after that is a win ❤️

Lisa
Lisa
I guide a practice so students feel the yoga, not just do the yoga. I cue breath, alignment and smiles. Students sweat, strengthen and surrender. Roll out your mat, expect nothing, be curious, be lighthearted, feel the yoga.

Madison
Madison
I began my yoga journey as a student in 2018 where I quickly realized there is no place that I feel as strong, at peace, or myself as on my yoga mat. That drove me to dive into my practice more by becoming a teacher. My goal in teaching yoga is to build empowering, kind spaces for people to feel safe to try, express, and grow.

Michelle
Michelle
I discovered yoga during my cancer journey, and it became a source of strength, healing, and hope. It carried me through some of my hardest days, helping me find peace mentally while rebuilding my body physically. Today, I teach from that experience, creating a grounded, welcoming space where students can slow down, be fully present, and connect with themselves through movement and breath. My hope is that every person leaves class feeling stronger, calmer, and more at home within themselves.

Molly
Molly
Hi, I’m Molly! I’m a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) and Pilates Instructor (CPI 500HR) who brings a balance of grounding presence and uplifting energy to every class. Through mindful breath and purposeful movement, my goal is to help you leave class feeling stronger, more centered, and energized. Outside the studio, you’ll usually find me staying active, enjoying an iced latte or soaking up time with my family. I can’t wait to move with you!

Reiley
Reiley
Yoga has been part of my life since I was 16, and after more than 10 years of practice, I recently completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training. I love teaching early morning classes and creating a space where students can wake up, move intentionally, and carry that energy into the rest of their day. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy strength training, hiking, and working in the beauty industry. I look forward to seeing you on the mat!

Rob
Rob
I’m a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) dedicated to helping you build strength and control in your practice, both on and off the mat. When I’m not teaching, I’m rocking out on guitar in a band that plays 45+ shows a year, coaching youth hockey, or spending time with my three kids. A proud Stamford resident since 1995, I love bringing that high-energy, community-driven spirit to my classes. Let's move together!

Rob C
Rob C
I found yoga in 2011 at a small Ashtanga studio in Philadelphia, an escape from corporate stress that became a way of life. I completed my 500-hour with Jason Crandell. A marketing professional and former Army lieutenant, I teach strong, flowing sequences with playfulness and purpose — over 2,000 classes and workshops so far. My hope is that you step off the mat refreshed, balanced, and ready for whatever's next.

Sydney A
Sydney A
I love creating classes that are energetic, uplifting, and accessible to every student who walks through the door. I like to blend challenge with encouragement, offering opportunities to push your edge while always providing modifications so you can practice in a way that feels right for your body. I believe yoga should leave you feeling stronger, more confident, and connected not just physically, but mentally too. Expect good energy, empowering movement, and a few laughs along the way!
