Teachers
Jamie Monte - Owner
Jamie has been walking the path of yoga for over two decades, guided by breath, movement, and a deep devotion to the mystery. Her classes are a steady offering of lighthearted energy, creative sequencing, and spiritual depth. With mantra, mudra, and myth woven through her flow, Jamie holds space for transformation—where curiosity becomes clarity, and devotion cracks open the heart. Her practice is an invitation to meet yourself fully and move from that sacred place within.
Matthew Monte - Owner
A lifelong student of myth, meditation, and philosophy, Matthew teaches with the heart of a seeker and the soul of a rebel. His classes are an upbeat and playful destruction of definitions and limitations - a fearless, lighthearted dive into the depths of who we are. Drawing from classical yogic disciplines with a strong focus on anatomy and alignment, Matthew's teaching is about process over perfection, presence over performance, and truth over everything.
Emily Banko - Teacher
Rooted in the lineage of Dharma Yoga, Emily brings a deep sense of mindfulness, compassion, and discipline to every class. With a heart for travel she blends global experiences into a teaching style that is both grounded and expansive. As a professional chef, Emily also sees yoga as nourishment for the soul—offering students a chance to connect, breathe, and move with intention.
Tommy Linares - Teacher
Tommy aspires to lead as a compassionate and intentional yoga teacher who blends mindful movement with intentional breath. With a background in Hatha and heated Vinyasa yoga, Tommy creates inclusive, grounding spaces for students of all levels to explore connection, breath, and strength. Whether guiding a calming flow or an energizing sequence, Tommy encourages students to show up as they are and leave feeling more whole.
Trish Hilbert - Teacher
Trish’s yoga experience is broad and inclusive. During the school year, she is a full-time K - 12 Mindfulness and Yoga Coach for the Tonawanda City Schools, servicing the whole community, students and staff included. As a veteran elementary school teacher of 32 years, Trish feels most comfortable introducing yoga to new students in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe in their bodies. She focuses on mindful breathing linked to intentional movement with the goal of inner peace and relaxation. Your body will feel stronger and more empowered after your practice. Trish offers intentions meant to guide you towards the best version of yourself.
Paul Sanford - Teacher
Paul is an active student and teacher of yoga, having recently completed 200 hours of teacher training in the Krishnamacharya tradition. Paul's respect for Hindu culture and yogic tradition defines his yoga sadhana. Paul's classes most closely align with vinyasa yoga, hatha yoga, and ashtanga yoga lineages, and reflect his belief that yoga is a sacred gift to us that doesn’t need improvement or adaptation. He incorporates kirtan and yogic stories into his classes. Paul loves to bring his passion for music and storytelling into his teaching. In addition to guitar, some of his favorite folk instruments to play are harmonium, shruti box, and banjo.