Established in April 2018, Assisi Yoga has been a sanctuary for yogis seeking balance. transformation, and harmony. Our team of certified instructors offers diverse classes catering to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Our mission is to empower individuals through the transformative power of yoga while fostering community and nurturing body, mind, and spirit.
If you’d like assistance in discovering which class is ideal for you at this time, email c@assisiyoga.com.
A Welcome for the New Season
Whether you are brand new to yoga, returning after time away, or looking for a space rooted in community, listening, and real life, we warmly welcome you to join us for practice.
Explore this season’s classes below and join us on the mat.
New to the studio?
You are warmly welcome to begin wherever you are.
For any questions, please email Christianne at c@assisiyoga.com
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Join one of our instructors for a series of classes to go deeper into your exploration of yoga.
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We offer a variety of specialized workshops, including sound healing, meditation, breathwork, and more.
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Improve your company's overall well-being!
From stress reduction to greater focus and productivity, let us help you introduce the benefits of yoga to your employees.Our experienced instructors will work with you to create customized classes that address your team's specific needs.
From alleviating pain in the lower back, neck, and shoulders to mitigating the mental strains of sedentary jobs.
Choose from on-site or virtual courses, and take advantage of our package deals for multiple classes or workshops.
With our expertise in yoga and wellness, we'll help your employees thrive, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.
To learn more about Assisi Yoga's Corporate Yoga program, contact Christianne at c@assisiyoga.com
Meet the Team
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CAS, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Director of Assisi Yoga
Christianne Asper-Contant is a Holistic Wellness Coach with over two decades of expertise in Ayurveda and Yoga. Her comprehensive approach to optimal health emphasizes the importance of harmony within oneself, especially when facing life's challenges. Based in Rochester, NY, Christianne serves as the Yoga Director at The Assisi Institute and the driving force behind Well-being Compass. Christianne's unique approach empowers individuals to navigate life with lightness, grace, and resilience by addressing their overall well-being, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. Her credentials include being a Clinical Ayurveda Specialist since 2003, certified by The California College of Ayurveda. She has studied under renowned teachers like Dr. Vasant Lad and Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri). Additionally, Christianne is a certified Yoga Teacher with specializations in Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy, Yoga Nidra, Relax and Renew®, and Advanced Teacher Training. Before transitioning into the wisdom sciences, Ayurveda and Yoga, she spent over a decade as an ACE-certified Health Coach after completing a Psychology degree at CSULB.
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500 RYT
Alana began her yoga practice in the 1980’s in NYC, but it wasn’t until 2015 when she became certified to teach. She continued her training in holistic health and opened Grow 2 B U Studios where she also led meditation, private coaching and group retreats. She is a Mindfulness Coach and author of Mindfulness, and podcast host of Creating Abundance. She loves spending time with family, nature, music and art. More info at www.alanacahoon.com
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RYT-500
Christy is a graduate of Open Sky’s Essential Teacher training. She writes, “Since my first class I have tried many types of yoga, but my home base on the yoga path is in the Iyengar tradition. I am so excited that I can help to facilitate others’ journey on the yoga path. I look forward to welcoming you to a class where we can focus on a deep study of the poses, find an ease in the poses through proper alignment, and reunite our mind to body and breath. Through grounding, we ascend!”
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200 RYT
Lisa integrates the transformative practices of Yoga, Reiki, Meditation, and Sound into her comprehensive offerings. With a lifelong dedication to yoga that began at the age of eight when she discovered her mother's influential book, "The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga," Lisa has evolved into a healer over the span of 50 years. Lisa's expertise extends beyond yoga instruction, encompassing a profound understanding of the human body, fueled by an ardent passion for human anatomy. This knowledge serves as the cornerstone of her teaching and bodywork, providing clients with a holistic and informed experience.
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E-RYT200, YACEP
Jessica was first introduced to yoga in 2001 and began teaching in 2012. Like our other teachers, Jessica is a graduate of Open Sky Essential Teacher Training. After over a decade of teaching she has learned that every student and body is different and must be met with understanding, compassion and love - moving each student toward their potential.
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RYT - 200
Kasia says: “I’ve been practicing yoga in some form since I graduated from college, but I’ll never forget the first time I rested in silence at the end of the first yoga class I attended. I had a glimpse into what it felt like to feel really connected to “everything.” That experience motivated me to try and recreate that feeling again, on & off the mat. Since then, I developed into a bit of a learning “addict,” thinking that each new course I took would make me feel ready to teach other people. The truth is, the more I practice, teach, and study, the less I know for certain, except that there is no one way that works perfectly for everyone. But I see that as very valuable information and a great jumping-off point. That means I’m there as a guide. YOU are the real driver. We’ll start right where you are and learn so much as we explore this practice together! Our world is vast and full of things to wonder about, and I hope to continue learning as long as I’m here. My most recent continuing education studies are focused on pain science and yoga biomechanics. I’m so grateful to my formal teachers for their continued inspiration, my students who share so generously and have taught me so much, and the practice of yoga which I’ve found to be fertile ground for learning, fresh perspective, & play.”
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Energy is all around us, in everything and everyone...it permeates life. We each have the power to heal ourselves, through our words and actions as well as our choices and belief systems. Moving energy and the power of that, has always been a part of my life. Life–changing events led me to look within to find answers to heal. I knew there was potential. This awareness of my own healing process motivated me to know more, learn more, study more and now share. During this journey I was drawn to many healing energies and alternative therapies to support my own health and well-being...specifically, Acupuncture, Qi Gong, Yoga, Reiki and Mindfulness + Meditation. I am currently part of a 2-year teacher certification training in Mindfulness and Meditation taught by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. These healing arts as well as a regular practice of Yoga, meditation and exercise are an important part of my day-to-day. I am an experienced educator (30+ years) with expertise in teaching children with learning and reading challenges.
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500 RYT
Megan Hook has been practicing Kundalini Yoga almost 20 years and has been teaching kundalini for over 10 years. She did her Kundalini certification at Golden Bridge Yoga in Hollywood, CA. Megan is also trained in Hatha Yoga, pranayama, myofascial release, yoga nidra and much more. Her classes are uplifting, grounding and energizing. Megan’s classes offer a holistic, deep dive into the practice and magic of yoga and its transformation powers. More info at www.meganhook.com
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Jenn Marie is an Advanced Level Certified Biofield Tuning Practitioner, and owner of Soul Light Sound Therapy with locations in Canandaigua and Naples. Her approach is gentle, grounded, compassionate, and non-judgemental.
To learn more, go to her website: Soullightsoundtherapy.com
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RYT200
Samantha has been dedicated to yoga, herbalism, and holistic health since 2016. She is a certified yoga instructor, Reiki Level 1 and 2 practitioner, and the creator of Wholistic Herbals. She completed her training in herbalism at the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine, yoga at Yoga Renew Teacher Training, Reiki at The Purple Door Source, and horticulture at FLCC. Samantha founded Wildflower Wellness to help people reconnect with themselves and the natural world. Personally, she finds joy in music, art, dance, spirituality, and sharing her love and wisdom with anyone who is open to it!
Bruce
“I am stronger and more flexible than I have felt in over a decade.”
Dianne
“I can touch the floor with my fingertips for the first time in my life!”
Marilynn
“Restorative Yoga is refreshing relaxation for my soul.”
FAQs
Where do I park?
Please park in The Assisi Institute main entrance parking lot, opposite the intersection of Hurstbourne Rd. From the main entrance, take an immediate left into The Assisi Institute’s main lot, directly in front of the building.
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To stay healthy, joints must do what they are designed to do, move and bear weight. Movement stimulates the synovial membrane, which triggers the production of synovial fluid to lubricate joints and nourish cartilage. The old concept that an injured joint must be rested is now understood to be incorrect. Movement is crucial. Inactivity is recognized as an important factor in osteoarthritic joint deterioration among other causes of chronic pain. On top of this, a healthy mindset established through yoga and other methods can be a critical factor when it comes to managing chronic pain.
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There are no upper age limits for practicing yoga, regardless of fitness level. Yoga is appropriate and adaptable for all ages, including seniors. However, some health conditions and physical restrictions may limit certain yoga poses. High blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, and pregnancy all require special consideration in yoga poses. So, please inform your instructor of any health conditions or physical restrictions before starting a practice so we can provide you with the necessary modifications and attention to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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No, yoga doesn't require extreme athleticism or strength. Many beginner-friendly yoga poses can be modified to any ability level. For example, if you're new to yoga or have mobility limitations, we can modify poses like downward-facing dog or warrior to make them more accessible and comfortable for you, such as using blocks, straps, or chairs for support. Yoga, as we teach it, is about learning to listen to your body, which includes not overexerting yourself. This said yoga can be a tremendous practice for strengthening muscles and bones.
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While yoga, as we teach it, burns relatively few calories, a consistent practice does translate into a reset of one’s natural body weight. This happens primarily because of the mindfulness and stress-release aspects of the practice. Especially so when yoga is practiced in conjunction with Ayurveda. Please note that yoga is not a quick fix for weight loss but rather a long-term journey that requires patience, consistency, and dedication. With regular practice, you can expect to see gradual changes in your body and overall well-being.
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If you are looking to deepen your connection to your body, balance of emotions, and tranquility of mind beyond your mat, Ayurveda-Yoga is for you! Ayurveda, the sister science of Yoga, has for millennium been offered side by side with yoga as the tool for cultivating a healthy lifestyle. This includes the right amount of sleep, symptom-free digestion, and the capacity to properly manage one’s energy levels. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. It offers a holistic approach to health and wellness by promoting balance and harmony in all aspects of life.
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Kundalini is a type of yoga practice that incorporates breathing, meditation, and asana (postures) in unique combinations that restore and balance the body, mind and spirit. Core to Kundalini is the practice of "bandhas" also known as "body locks" that serve to physically ignite internal heat and pressures. Using bandhas as part of Kundalini kriya facilitates the balancing nature of this yoga modality.
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Private classes offer a unique opportunity for personalized attention, customized practices, and flexibility. Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, address specific challenges, or simply prefer a more intimate setting, private classes can help you achieve your yoga goals. Our experienced instructors will work with you to create a tailored practice that meets your needs and helps you thrive.
“I’m in awe when I’m in the presence of someone who knows themselves and their gift to the world. Their love of life and service are their essence. You are one of those divine people who came into my life, Christianne. As they say, the teachers come when you're ready. Thank you for your strength, passion and inspiration for me to start practicing yoga and stop resisting my own self-care.”
Debbie Allen
“Thank you for being! Thank you for your vulnerability, for all the countless hours you’ve dedicated to learning the wisdom of Ayurveda, and for sharing it with us through yoga practice. ”
Matilde Noriega