About Us

focus teachers vary in yogic style, each bringing a rich mix of training & professional background. We encourage you to try different classes in order to find the teacher whose approach, pacing, & experience fit your needs and interests.

Katherine Conte, RYT, MA
focus director/instructor
Katherine has trained with some of the most talented teachers worldwide. Her creative teaching style is shaped by over 15 years of practice and study in yoga, the therapeutic arts, martial arts, and religious studies. She earned both a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies and Art Therapy, completed the Advanced Dream Tending program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She recently completed the Meridian Yoga certification program as taught by Daniel Orlansky.

Katherine’s classes are filled with physical challenge and exploration while encouraging inner freedom and stillness of mind. She is available for private consultation and workshops.

"Katherine's gifted intuition makes her a very receptive teacher. Her classes are spontaneous and provide a diversity of experience, without sacrificing attention to detail and excellence." P. Ricci

Claire Allen, RYT
Claire recently completed her teacher training at Kripalu. She is a Registered Nurse who combines acute awareness of the body and energy systems in her yoga teaching. From the very beginning of her nursing career, empathy and the ability to sooth and calm others have been her trademarks. Claire uses her gifts to teach yoga for personal healing and deep inner peace.

David Beretta, RYT
David completed his teacher training in Vinyasa with Tom Gillette at Eyes of the World in Providence, RYT 200 level. David is a super yogi that brings real sincerity to his teaching and his life. Expect a solid class that blends breath work, mindfulness and strong flowing sequences. David expresses his passion for yoga, "I love teaching yoga because I feel that I can truly connect with the aspects of the Divine that people bring with them onto their yoga mat. This also helps me remember the connection we all have with the Divine when I am off my mat."

Tara Comer, RYT

Tara recently completed her RYT 200 level training through Sprit
Tree Yoga at All that Matters in Wakefield, RI. Tara is also a USAT
Certified Triathlon Coach and seeks a blend of athleticism and
spirituality through her practice. Tara believes the balance created
through yoga can be an essential component of a grounded spirit and a
healthy body. Tara has created and taught workshops on Yoga for Runners
and Post-Race Yoga for triathletes, developed a Yoga class for teens with
MS, and taught Vinyasa, Restorative yoga, and Yoga for Kids classes.  Tara
embraces the principle of service to one's community, and her practice is
an evolving demonstration of that belief.

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Deb DeMarino, RYT
Deb practices and teaches in various styles. Her training is rooted in Hatha as taught by Frogpond Yoga Center, Princeton, MA. She brings 7 years of experience to her teaching. Deb is especially gifted at communicating the intergrity of body. mind, spirit, in the practice. Her spiritual emphasis is on gratitude and renewal. Her easy-going, cool attitude makes for a fun, relaxed experience.

Alison Grieco

Alison began practicing yoga 8 years ago as a successful remedy for persistent migraines. Her initial training includes Baptiste and Forrest yoga  and she was certified by Karma Kids Yoga 3 years ago.  Alison explains her love for teaching children: yoga for kids is about being athletic but without pressure or competition. It’s about finding out what you are capable while also having fun. “Seeing children’s expression after accomplishing what they never thought possible is the greatest pleasure I take as their teacher.”

Amy Hagan, RYT
Amy, former director of the Yoga Annex, completed her teacher training at the Yoga Center,Amherst, MA with Patty Townsend. Her classes are classic Hatha yoga with an emphasis on fun and self acceptance. Amy's continuous studies include the Kripalu, Iyengar, and Vinyasa schools of yoga. "Yoga has changed my life. It has made me more calm, accepting of myself and other people, and I feel great" Amy adds.

Cheryl Hollingworth, RYT

Cheryl has been practicing yoga for nearly 20 years and recently completed her training through Spirit Tree Yoga at All That Matters in Wakefield, RI. She is certified at the 200 hour level, RYT. Cheryl describes herself as a "tree hugger" and brings her earthy and light hearted approach to her teaching. Cheryl holds a master's degree in Education and works as a guidance counselor with Deaf children. Teaching yoga to the students at her school and others has allowed her to see how visual communication can complement her teaching and help all students bring their understanding of yoga to a new level - finding the connections within and to the earth.

Deb Knight, RYT

Deb was first introduced to yoga 11 years ago shortly after the birth of her twin boys and quickly realized the invaluable benefits of yoga practice for both mind and body.  She began teaching 8 years ago and has loved every minute of being able to share the gift of yoga through her teaching.  She completed the majority of her vinyasa style training at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY and has had the opportunity to study with Baron Baptiste, Alyssa Sullivan, Rolf Gates and Tias Little.  Deb is best known for her accurate instruction, her warm, calming presence and her sincere passion for teaching this ancient art.  

Martha D. Langer, RYT

Martha brings a cool mix of art, running and 10+ years of yoga practice to her teaching. She completed her 200-hr training through Spirit Tree Yoga, and is also certified in ChildPlay She is deeply committed to helping others find what for her is the heart of yoga. She adds, " Yoga helps bring a meditative quality that influences all aspects of my life. Yoga allows me to see what I am capable of achieving."

Gabrielle Parello, RYT
Gabrielle is a certified Integrative Yoga Therapy instructor and holds a degree in psychology. Her studies also include Kripalu, yin, and vinyasa yoga styles.  Gabrielle's classes focus on relieving stress and deeply relaxing the body, while encouraging students to practice with an open mind and an open heart. Gabrielle’s intention as a yoga teacher is to serve as a helpful guide to others along their personal journey to wellness and serenity through the practice of yoga.

Ann Porto, PsyD

Ann is a licensed clinical psychologist & neuropsychologist in RI. She brings over 30 years of practice in Transcendental (TM) and Vipassana meditation to her teaching. Ann studied meditation with the New York TM Society, The Theosophical Society in Boston, and with Larry Rosenberg, author of Breath by Breath. She has studied Qigong with Kenneth Cohen and is a practitioner of Therapeutic Touch and “Laying-on-of-Hands” healing. Dr. Porto has led numerous meditation groups & workshops in the Boston and Rl area. She is president of Ann M. Porto, PsyD. & Associates, Inc, a group psychotherapy practice in Johnston, R.I. http://annporto.com/