our teachers
"The development of the mind comes through movement."
..... Maria Montessori
Connie Piasecki
Connie discovered yoga 30 years ago when she began practicing and enriching her own life through the journey of yoga. For the past 10 years, Connie has studied and taught traditional hatha yoga throughout Montana and has developed a unique style of teaching that brings passion and empathy to her class, and a particular therapeutic attention towards her student's individual and ever-changing physical needs. Connie reminds us that it's all about gentle stretching, breathing and relaxation as her guidance is always to remain "calmly active, and actively calm."
Dana Stoddard
Born in Michigan, dana stoddard began her spiritual path at 14 years old. Needing something (anything!) to calm her overactive type A+ personality, dana learned to meditate and practiced consistently as the benefits became more and more obvious. But it wasn’t until she began her yoga practice almost 30 years later that her true life’s passion came to light.
Certified in 2004, dana currently teaches adult, teen and kids yoga classes at montanabliss. Her classes bring a blend of a strong classical Hatha Yoga instruction influenced by the universal teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. “It’s the kids classes, though, where the real truth is experienced. Each class is filled with spontaneity, imagination, creativity, and adventure. While grown-ups find it challenging to be present in the moment, the children are already there!”
Also working her “day job” which includes designing and merchandising jewelry collections for mass retailers, dana has the opportunity to travel the country (and world) allowing her to study with master teachers and experience yoga studios of all traditions. “It is the peace and belonging that I found when I entered these studios that first inspired my husband and me to visualize – and then, realize - montanabliss.” With the continued out-pouring of support from the community and so many devoted practitioners in our valley, her true life’s journey continues with passion and, with no turning back.
Celeste Chiappetta Pasca, Guest Senior Teacher
Celeste Chiappetta Pasca has dedicated her life to the art of movement as a professional Ballet dancer, teacher and Hatha Yoga Instructor. Her career as a classical ballet dancer has taken her across Europe and the United States, performing as soloist for the National Ballet of Flanders and Boston Ballet. Celeste is a Certified Bikram Yoga Instructor. Her intense yoga studies include training in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Jivamukti as well as Bikram's Advanced Series. She applies her lifetime experience, education and personal yoga practice towards assisting each student to fully achieve his or her individual potential. As a teacher for over 25 years she has facilitated the growth and development of adults, children, professionals and athletes. Recently, Celeste coached the Bronze Medal winner in the first ever International Yoga Championship held in Los Angeles this September 2003. With Celeste's unique guidance through Bikram's Hatha Yoga Series students from all walks of life experience the Joy of Yoga, the Joy of Movement.
Master Veda, Yoga Teacher
Mas Vidal is the Spiritual Director of Dancing Shiva Yoga and Ayurveda (DSYA) in Los Angeles, California, the original center dedicated to the practice, education and lifestyle of the great Vedic sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda. As an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Mas maintains an active clinical practice at Dancing Shiva and at other affiliated centers throughout the United States. Over the years he has seen all types of patients for various reasons ranging from acute intestinal disorders to many common diseases of our time such as weight loss, diabetes, respiratory disorders, digestive issues, skin problems, anxiety and nervousness, poor sleep, emotional issues and general lifestyle counseling.
