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Meet The Owners

Sheila Caldwell - Ananda Yoga and Wellness - Belfast Maine
Sheila Caldwell

OWNER / YOGA INSTRUCTOR / WELLNESS COACH

 

With an extensive background in public education as an educator and administrator in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, Sheila came to yoga as a means of improving strength and range of motion as she recovered from a serious shoulder injury.  Moved by the aspects of yoga that goes beyond the asanas (postures), she completed her yoga teacher training at the Santosha School of Yoga with Maya Breuer, who is affiliated with Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health.  As she continues to learn and grow— body, mind, spirit—she is forever grateful for the loving wisdom of all her teachers along the way who have encouraged her to explore her curiosities and utilize her own capacity to help and support others.  

Sheila’s training includes 200-hour RYT, Yin/Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Children’s Yoga, and Ayurvedic Yoga.

Amanda Caldwell - Ananda Yoga and Wellness - Belfast Maine
Amanda Caldwell

OWNER / YOGA INSTRUCTOR / WELLNESS COACH

Amanda was drawn to yoga at an early age as a way to help aid in processing traumas she was moving through, and to add meaning to her life. She felt the dynamic energy of a room full of like-minded people was a comforting experience. Once she began to peel the layers back, major growth and transformation took place that left a huge impact on her state of mind. As her interest in this practice got deeper, she began to emerge herself in deeper levels of transformation. Graduating from the Pranotthan School of Yoga in 2016, she instantly started down her teaching path, bustling with a desire to share and spread this innate wisdom. Using a ground up approach, Amanda leads students into the most basic postures and offers layers to those who would like more challenge, creating a safe space for all levels. She teaches from a place of honoring the Self in every moment.

 

Continuing her education, Amanda has assisted in Teacher Trainings, received her 300HR training from Yogamu Institute, graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition as a IIN Health Coach, received a master level Holy Fire Reiki certification and has taken several trainings in Ayurvedic bodywork treatments such as Champissage, Abhyanga, Reflexology and more. She helps people find their path to wellness through yoga, meditation and breathing, holistic wellness coaching and Ayurvedic treatments to help sooth the nervous system in the process of transformation.

 

INSTRUCTORS

April Dove - Ananda Yoga and Wellness - Belfast Maine
April Dove

YOGA INSTRUCTOR / MASSAGE THERAPIST

April has dedicated her life’s work to assisting and supporting others on their journey through unraveling the patterns which stand in the way of their ultimate health and wellbeing. In early adulthood April earned a BA in Experiential Education from the Evergreen State College in Olympia WA with the intention of reaching students for whom the status quo didn't work. As it often is, it was a series of heavy personal experiences supporting close family members through terminal illness and chronic disease that drove April to a deeper commitment to her yoga practice. Ultimately her own transformative practice lead her to become a CYT at The Namaste Institute. Having discovered the profound connection in unraveling the body and claiming your most authentic self, April became committed to sharing yoga as a practice for optimal health and well being. April now teaches yoga, to those for whom the status quo hasn't worked, teaching “at risk youth” as well as young adults in recovery. April also continues to offer weekly public yoga classes. Recognizing the value of massage to help provide support and an even deeper healing, April eventually made the decision to become a LMT. Studying at The Maine Therapeutic Bodywork and Learning Center April synthesized technique and in-depth understudying of the body with her years of observation and work as a yoga instructor, becoming a skilled and effective massage therapist. In her yoga classes April brings together this knowledge of body mechanics and body awareness with the exploration of our deeper selves. New Tide Healing Arts is the culmination of April’s own personal development and her continued studies. April’s commitment and passion comes through in both her yoga classes and massage sessions. April help’s set the tone so that you can connect with a sense of greater well being. When we feel good we bring more energy, creativity and compassion into our lives, our families, our communities, and our world!
Mackenzie Calpp - Ananda Yoga and Wellness - Belfast Maine
Mackenzie Wing

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Mackenzie was born and raised in Belfast, Maine. She has studied food science and nutrition at Simmons University in Boston and at the University of Maine graduate school, and now works as a registered dietitian and health coach.

Mackenzie came to yoga for physical health and wellness, but has stayed for the spiritual peace and connection, as well as the very special sense of community. She completed her Ananda/Heart Space Yoga 200-hour yoga teacher certification through Ananda Yoga and Wellness in Belfast in 2020 and is thrilled to connect with community through her teachings in yoga and health.

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Deborah Reinke

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Deborah Reinke is a native Mainer and a singer at heart. For over 30 years she taught early-childhood and elementary music. She and her husband resided in Blue Hill for 23 years before moving to Belmont in March of 2020. They have three grown children and one grandson.

 

Deborah completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at the Kripalu School of Yoga in 2019.  In addition, she has had training in Yin Yoga with Sagel Urlacher and Chair Yoga with Lakshmi Voelker. Deborah was initially drawn to yoga by way of Ayurveda and continues to learn about and immerse herself in daily Ayurvedic practices. Her goal is to help herself and others to age gracefully. Deborah is a life-long gardener and earnest steward of Mother Earth.

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Jazmin Kennedy

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Jazmin is a certified yoga teacher with a passion for wellness and holistic living. With 12 years of yoga practice and a 200-hour YTT certification, she guides others on their journey to well-being and self-discovery.

 

Originally from the vibrant coastal town of Santa Cruz, California, Jazmin's roots are deeply embedded in the beauty of nature and mindful living. Currently, she's expanding her horizons at the Blue Morpho Academy, where she's immersed in the world of plant medicine. Her goal? To become a master facilitator, integration coach, life-style coach and professional ceremonialist, weaving ancient wisdom into modern practices.

 

Beyond the mat, the ceremony space, and the yoga studio, you'll find her catching waves, carving down mountains, gliding on wheels, and exploring the great outdoors. She's also an avid traveler, discovering new perspectives and embracing the beauty of diverse cultures lights her up! Jazmin believes in embracing life with joy and gratitude, especially when shared with her adventure buddy, her husband. 

 

Delving into the realms of holistic well-being, she is thrilled to offer personalized services tailored to your unique journey. As a certified yoga teacher with over 12 years of experience, she provides private yoga sessions that go beyond the mat, fostering a space for self-discovery and growth. 

 

For more info on her private services, drop her a line at jazminkennedynew111@gmail.com or shoot her a text at 559-916-3100.

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Tara Richards

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Yoga found Tara Richards at a time when she was searching for direction. A native of New Hampshire, Tara has lived up and down the east coast and finally settled in Maine.

 

Ananda Yoga and Wellness called to her soul and helped her start on her journey. When they joined with Essential Yoga to offer a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2024, Tara jumped at the opportunity to not only strengthen her own practice, but to learn how to bring the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga to others.

 

Tara has a varied career history. Her heart has always drawn her toward positions that allowed her to support others. She has worked as a special education teacher, domestic violence advocate, and in support of Veterans at the Veterans Benefits Administration. Through yoga she hopes to support your growth into the truest, most beautiful version of yourself. When life feels too big, she reminds you to return to your breath.

Cathryn Aiken - Ananda Yoga and Wellness - Belfast Maine
Cathryn Aiken

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Cathryn has always had an interest in the human body and was always drawn to studying about the workings of the mind-body and psyche. She began her healing practice in 1998 after going back to school and completing a massage therapy certification program with the Pacific Coast School of Massage. She worked with many wonderful healers at the Therapeutic Body Center (TBC) including Dr. David Marquis and Dr. Gary Foresman. In 2001, she returned to school to begin her training in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture and her acupuncture practice to the TBC. In 2009 she was invited to become an associate at the Acupuncture Center of Santa Maria (ACSM) and was fortunate to work with Dr. Herb Kandel, collaborating to provide acupuncture as well as custom blended herbal formulas to the patients of ACSM. Cathryn completed Therapeutic Yoga Teacher training with Cheri Clampet and Arturo Peal in 2010. She then went on to receive her full certification in 2011 at the Moonyeen School of Yoga Health, Yoga Village in Arroyo Grande, CA.

She teaches acupuncture-yoga workshops and is a regular practitioner. She has also offered community acupuncture clinics at Yoga Shine and Tree Top Yoga on the Central Coast of California. In addition, she is a Meditation and Mindfulness teacher, training with Dr. Itai Ivtzan through the School of Positive Transformation.

In 2020 Cathryn transitioned her California practice to Telemedicine consultations and relocated with her fiancé Tony to the beautiful Mid-coast Maine city of Belfast. She is located in the Belfast Center where she sees patients in-person. She continues to collaborate with Dr. Kandel and to provide consultations and custom-blended herbal formulas to her patients in California. She is delighted to be teaching yoga once again at Ananda Yoga and Wellness in Belfast, ME. In her off hours Cathryn enjoys nature, running, practicing yoga and reading.

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Sara Brand-New

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

As a runner training for her annual marathon, Sarah was introduced to yoga as a means of recovery after the race. Hardly able to walk or sit cross-legged, she quickly discovered yoga was crucial just to manage everyday movement.

She immersed herself in trainings all over the world in many traditions including Iyengar, Hatha, Astanga and Tripsichore Vinyasa and became certified in Integral yoga, Hatha, Prenatal, Postpartum and labor yoga. With advanced training from many renowned teachers and 20 years of teaching experience, Sarah will guide you into a Whole body experience, suitable for all levels.

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Casey Robison

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Casey began to walk the yogic path in 2016, and loves her practice more every day. After years of experimentation and discovery, she has now received her 200 hour YTT from Keepers of the Earth, a yoga teacher school that focuses on traditional Hatha yogic practices and mystical arts. Casey is devoted to a practice that weaves together breath work, asana, and sweet sounds. She prays to create a container that will reach beyond the studio walls, allowing beginners and advanced practitioners alike to witness the deep remembrance of what it means to be human.

 

Casey has received a BS in Sustainable Agriculture from Unity College, has a certificate in Plant Spirit Medicine from Hyllantree, and is currently the Art Teacher for elementary and middle school Montessori students. 

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Caitlin Horigan

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Caitlin is a passionate student and facilitator of yoga, mindfulness, healing, and health. She was an avid gymnast during childhood, and began long-distance running as an adolescent. She first enrolled in a yoga course while at Salem State University. Immediately, she was intrigued by the prospect of incorporating mindfulness with physical exercise.

Many years later while living and traveling in Asia, she had the opportunity to immerse herself in a one-month intensive at the Ashtanga Research Center in Bali. While practicing the Ashtanga Primary Series during her time in India she was asked to teach basic postures, meditations, and pranayama. Upon returning to the United States she recognized the need for additional training and enrolled in a ten-month Yoga Alliance teacher training program at the Yoga Loft in Wilmington with Jen Ryan.

 

Her teaching is heavily influenced by Ashtanga philosophy and she believes that a proper foundation and understanding of correct alignment is the key to developing a fulfilling and safe practice. In March of 2018 she completed the 300 hour advanced yoga teacher training program with ShivaShakti School of Yoga & Healing Arts. Caitlin is also certified in Level II Thai Bodywork and is a Level II Reiki Practitioner. She offers hands- on assists in classes to those who want them.

 

Caitlin has continued to expand her knowledge by attending a variety of workshops and advanced trainings. In addition to teaching yoga, she facilitates nature immersion programming for youth with White Ash Learning Cooperative and guides dreamwork, ceremonial fasting, and rites of passage for adolescents and adults through Rising Moon.

When she is not facilitating or guiding she enjoys spending time following animal trails in the woods, foraging food and medicine, tending gardens, dancing, and running barefoot.

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Jodi Reeves Eyre

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Jodi leads classes focusing on connecting breath, mindfulness, and gentle movement. Her yoga journey began in 2011 at Lotus Loft Yoga Centre on the top floor of a historic building with views overlooking the cathedral city of Exeter. Yoga has been a constant as she moved around the United States, offering her mindful movement and a sense of community. After more than a decade of practicing yoga asana, she obtained her 200-hour teacher training certificate in 2024 through a collaboration with Essential Yoga and Ananda Yoga and Wellness. Jodi is enthusiastic about embarking on her new path as a yoga instructor at Ananda.

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Gobind Singh Khalsa

KUNDALINI INSTRUCTOR

Gobind Singh, a yogi, dedicated husband & father, and experienced teacher. Born in New York City, brings over 20 years of expertise in Yoga - Raj, Kundalini, Hatha, and Naad.

 

Through group classes, personalized mentorship, and organizational consulting, he empowers individuals to discover inner harmony, happiness, and fulfillment. With a wealth of knowledge and intuitive guidance, Gobind inspires others to unlock their true potential, fostering a community where all can thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

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