Oceanfront Yoga Home : Instructors
Instructors
All of our instructors at Oceanftont Fitness & Yoga have had intensive
Yoga training and are qualified to teach beginner to advanced
classes. We honor the class and the students who are present.
The Owners of Oceanfront Fitness & Yoga, Connie Weisberg and
Melanie Mochel, met each other while taking Yoga in the min 90s.
They both became yoga students together at the International Yoga
Institute, where they developed a strong bond during their intensive
training. Their friendship continued to develop as they worked together
in the original Yoga program at Wareing's Gym. The vision and
creation of Oceanfront Fitness & Yoga is the result of their passion for
wellness and giving the community a place to practice and grow.
Connie Weisberg started in the body/mind business during the 80's
as an owner of the first successful fitness business at the oceanfront
of Virginia Beach. She holds a BS in Education from East Carolina
University and taught school for 12 years before giving up her teaching
career in the school system to become a full time fitness teacher.
Working as the Director of Fitness and Yoga at Wareing's Gym for 17
years, Connie not only built an extraordinary fitness program with over
50 classes weekly but also launched a successful yoga program
called "The Yoga Room" still in existence today. Connie Weisberg’s
true joy is teaching others and sharing her skills to make yoga a
blissful experience for all she encounters.
All of our instructors at Oceanftont Fitness & Yoga have had intensive
Yoga training and are qualified to teach beginner to advanced
classes. We honor the class and the students who are present.
The Owners of Oceanfront Fitness & Yoga, Connie Weisberg and
Melanie Mochel, met each other while taking Yoga in the min 90s.
They both became yoga students together at the International Yoga
Institute, where they developed a strong bond during their intensive
training. Their friendship continued to develop as they worked together
in the original Yoga program at Wareing's Gym. The vision and
creation of Oceanfront Fitness & Yoga is the result of their passion for
wellness and giving the community a place to practice and grow.
Connie Weisberg started in the body/mind business during the 80's
as an owner of the first successful fitness business at the oceanfront
of Virginia Beach. She holds a BS in Education from East Carolina
University and taught school for 12 years before giving up her teaching
career in the school system to become a full time fitness teacher.
Working as the Director of Fitness and Yoga at Wareing's Gym for 17
years, Connie not only built an extraordinary fitness program with over
50 classes weekly but also launched a successful yoga program
called "The Yoga Room" still in existence today. Connie Weisberg’s
true joy is teaching others and sharing her skills to make yoga a
blissful experience for all she encounters.
Connie earned her senior certification in Zen Raja yoga in 2001;
however, she considers herself an a devoted student of Anusara. A
devotee of Desiree Rumbaugh, a senior Anusara yoga teacher, Connie
believes Anusara changed her life as well as her teaching style. Connie earned many continuing
education hours in Anusara yoga and attended many International Conventions and weekend
seminars with various masters of yoga including Rodney Yee, Christy Brock, Beryl Bender Birch, Adil
Pakavala, Eric Shiffman, Patricia Walden, Mary Dunn, Richard Freeman, Shiva Rea, David Life, Kate
Miller, Choudhury Bikram, Jimmy Barkin and others. In 2005, she had the ultimate experience of
meeting a true lifetime Master of yoga, Tao Porchon Lynch, whose love and guidance further inspired her teaching style and development as a yogini.
however, she considers herself an a devoted student of Anusara. A
devotee of Desiree Rumbaugh, a senior Anusara yoga teacher, Connie
believes Anusara changed her life as well as her teaching style. Connie earned many continuing
education hours in Anusara yoga and attended many International Conventions and weekend
seminars with various masters of yoga including Rodney Yee, Christy Brock, Beryl Bender Birch, Adil
Pakavala, Eric Shiffman, Patricia Walden, Mary Dunn, Richard Freeman, Shiva Rea, David Life, Kate
Miller, Choudhury Bikram, Jimmy Barkin and others. In 2005, she had the ultimate experience of
meeting a true lifetime Master of yoga, Tao Porchon Lynch, whose love and guidance further inspired her teaching style and development as a yogini.
| Yoga & Fitness Instructors |
| Owners & Instructors |
Connie Weisberg
connie@oceanfrontyoga.com
connie@oceanfrontyoga.com
Melanie Mochel
melanie@oceanfrontyoga.com
melanie@oceanfrontyoga.com
Connie also earned her Pre-Natal Yoga Certification in 2005 from Janice Clarfield, of Urban Yoga in Vancouver, Canada. She
has successfully guided many women through the birthing process using the breath work of yoga.
Other certifications include: Bachelor of Science,Education, East Carolina University; Yoga Teacher, International Yoga Institute,
Raja emphasis; Personal Trainer, American College of Sports Medicine; Health Fitness Instructor Certification, Old Dominion
University; Fitness Instructor, AFFA; Pre-Natal Yoga Teacher Certification, Urban Yoga; Continuing Education Guidance-Desiree
Rumbaugh & Tao Porchon Lynch; and Registered Yoga Teacher,Yoga Alliance.
Melanie Mochel and her husband moved from northern Wisconsin in 1997. Preferring the warmer weather of the beach, they
settled here to raise their two daughters. In 1998, Melanie began her yoga journey and quickly became a yoga aficionado.
Encouraged by her teacher, Christy Brock, she began earning her certification in "Raja" (Zen) from The International Yoga
Institute in 2001. As a senior instructor of Raja, she continues to learn other styles of yoga through workshops and self study.
Although Melanie is a very accomplished teacher of all levels and many styles, she is most known for her gentle approach to
yoga. Helping others discover their path in yoga is what gives her the greatest joy as a teacher.
has successfully guided many women through the birthing process using the breath work of yoga.
Other certifications include: Bachelor of Science,Education, East Carolina University; Yoga Teacher, International Yoga Institute,
Raja emphasis; Personal Trainer, American College of Sports Medicine; Health Fitness Instructor Certification, Old Dominion
University; Fitness Instructor, AFFA; Pre-Natal Yoga Teacher Certification, Urban Yoga; Continuing Education Guidance-Desiree
Rumbaugh & Tao Porchon Lynch; and Registered Yoga Teacher,Yoga Alliance.
Melanie Mochel and her husband moved from northern Wisconsin in 1997. Preferring the warmer weather of the beach, they
settled here to raise their two daughters. In 1998, Melanie began her yoga journey and quickly became a yoga aficionado.
Encouraged by her teacher, Christy Brock, she began earning her certification in "Raja" (Zen) from The International Yoga
Institute in 2001. As a senior instructor of Raja, she continues to learn other styles of yoga through workshops and self study.
Although Melanie is a very accomplished teacher of all levels and many styles, she is most known for her gentle approach to
yoga. Helping others discover their path in yoga is what gives her the greatest joy as a teacher.
Becky Winter
began her path to yoga, inspired by her life long journey of exploring the abilities of
her mind and body thru sports-some of them competitive.
She has studied and taught yoga locally for over 10 years at Wareings Gym, local yoga studios,
executive offices, and privately at her own yoga space.. Inspired by many teachers along the way
locally including Christy Brock and Angela Phillips. Some teachers were more traveled such as
Rodney Yee, Erich Schiffman, Beryl Bender Birch, Desiree Rumbaugh. Her most present teachers,
her own yoga practice, gardening, her devoted dog companions (Sandy & Lola), her parents (Terry &
Dorothy), her husband (Jeff), her son (Wes), and her many life friends and all in her family and most
notable her day to day experiences - these are her greatest teachers.
The yoga wisdom she has been most connected to in her practice and her teaching is the basic -
bare essence of each yoga pose, as reflected in the graceful architecture of yoga and it's unique
expression thru each person. Teaching the building blocks of a basic yoga practice to create a
strong and viable foundation enabling each person to learn to guide themselves thru life's
challenges mentally and physically.
Nancy Hicks is a native North Carolinian. Nancy moved to Virginia Beach with her husband Denver
in 1972. As a nurse professional and later as a stay- at- home mom of two daughters, she began to
take yoga classes in 1997. Encouraged by her teacher to pursue yoga training, Nancy earned her
certificate from the International Yoga Institute in 2001. She is also a registered Yoga Alliance
teacher . Nancy's true gift is sharing the peaceful experience of yoga with her students. Her
knowledge of the practice and her always non-intimidating attitude encourages others to keep
returning to her classes.
Lenka Burge moved from the Czech Republic to the United States in November 1999. She got married, went to college and graduated with a BS in Math and Econ with honors. Then she found a great office job with good pay, health insurance and all kinds of benefits. She did her best to stay awake at the computer from 9 to 5, Monday thru Friday.
However, something was missing... you may know the feeling...
Lenka met Hot Yoga in March 2006. It was clear it would be a lasting union for life. Since then yoga makes her sweat every day! Yoga makes Lenka eat well, sleep well, calms her mind, and brings peace to her heart.
Practicing Yoga led to a healthier, well balanced lifestyle with an overall sense of well being and inner peace. Naturally, Lenka became Certified Hot Yoga teacher in December 2008. While teaching, she is motivated from her own experience to guide others to all that yoga has to offer - happiness, health and inner peace.
Yoga is a bold influence in Lenka's life and she wishes to share the positive energy yoga has brought into her life, with her heart extended to all!
Lenka's advise for yoga practice:
practice with compassion to yourself - listen to your body to learn where it hurts - and instead of forcing yourself deeper into it - take a slow breath in - slow breath out - relax and enjoy the moment exactly where you are - healing begins here - NAMASTE
Elizabeth "Bizzy" Mehanes has been teaching in Virginia Beach since receiving her 200 hour yoga
alliance certificate in 2001. Her delivery is gentle and compassionate yet straightforward. She
believes in keeping practice inspiring and uplifting. To challenge your edge and maintain a sense
of HUMOR is something she encourages often.
For Elizabeth yoga has become more than just the physical poses "it is about everything else it
teaches you; focus, acceptance (of your own limitations and others)" and especially mind body
awareness.
In her spare time, she enjoys the beach, cooking, and spending time with her husband Alan and of
course, Gus & Betty, her pets.
Chris Kemp started his teacher training in 1989 at Old Dominion University, and graduated in 1995
with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Sculpture, English, and Education. He’s been self-employed
teaching music full time since 1998. In 2004, one of his students, Ngoc Nguyen, opened a yoga
studio and persuaded Chris to join. Since then he has logged 750 hours of intensive yoga teacher
training, and has certificates for 200 and 500 hours from the International Yoga Institute in Raja
(Zen) training. He has also attended trainings with Dharma Mittra, Doug Swenson, and Desiree
Rumbaugh.
her mind and body thru sports-some of them competitive.
She has studied and taught yoga locally for over 10 years at Wareings Gym, local yoga studios,
executive offices, and privately at her own yoga space.. Inspired by many teachers along the way
locally including Christy Brock and Angela Phillips. Some teachers were more traveled such as
Rodney Yee, Erich Schiffman, Beryl Bender Birch, Desiree Rumbaugh. Her most present teachers,
her own yoga practice, gardening, her devoted dog companions (Sandy & Lola), her parents (Terry &
Dorothy), her husband (Jeff), her son (Wes), and her many life friends and all in her family and most
notable her day to day experiences - these are her greatest teachers.
The yoga wisdom she has been most connected to in her practice and her teaching is the basic -
bare essence of each yoga pose, as reflected in the graceful architecture of yoga and it's unique
expression thru each person. Teaching the building blocks of a basic yoga practice to create a
strong and viable foundation enabling each person to learn to guide themselves thru life's
challenges mentally and physically.
Nancy Hicks is a native North Carolinian. Nancy moved to Virginia Beach with her husband Denver
in 1972. As a nurse professional and later as a stay- at- home mom of two daughters, she began to
take yoga classes in 1997. Encouraged by her teacher to pursue yoga training, Nancy earned her
certificate from the International Yoga Institute in 2001. She is also a registered Yoga Alliance
teacher . Nancy's true gift is sharing the peaceful experience of yoga with her students. Her
knowledge of the practice and her always non-intimidating attitude encourages others to keep
returning to her classes.
Lenka Burge moved from the Czech Republic to the United States in November 1999. She got married, went to college and graduated with a BS in Math and Econ with honors. Then she found a great office job with good pay, health insurance and all kinds of benefits. She did her best to stay awake at the computer from 9 to 5, Monday thru Friday.
However, something was missing... you may know the feeling...
Lenka met Hot Yoga in March 2006. It was clear it would be a lasting union for life. Since then yoga makes her sweat every day! Yoga makes Lenka eat well, sleep well, calms her mind, and brings peace to her heart.
Practicing Yoga led to a healthier, well balanced lifestyle with an overall sense of well being and inner peace. Naturally, Lenka became Certified Hot Yoga teacher in December 2008. While teaching, she is motivated from her own experience to guide others to all that yoga has to offer - happiness, health and inner peace.
Yoga is a bold influence in Lenka's life and she wishes to share the positive energy yoga has brought into her life, with her heart extended to all!
Lenka's advise for yoga practice:
practice with compassion to yourself - listen to your body to learn where it hurts - and instead of forcing yourself deeper into it - take a slow breath in - slow breath out - relax and enjoy the moment exactly where you are - healing begins here - NAMASTE
Elizabeth "Bizzy" Mehanes has been teaching in Virginia Beach since receiving her 200 hour yoga
alliance certificate in 2001. Her delivery is gentle and compassionate yet straightforward. She
believes in keeping practice inspiring and uplifting. To challenge your edge and maintain a sense
of HUMOR is something she encourages often.
For Elizabeth yoga has become more than just the physical poses "it is about everything else it
teaches you; focus, acceptance (of your own limitations and others)" and especially mind body
awareness.
In her spare time, she enjoys the beach, cooking, and spending time with her husband Alan and of
course, Gus & Betty, her pets.
Chris Kemp started his teacher training in 1989 at Old Dominion University, and graduated in 1995
with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Sculpture, English, and Education. He’s been self-employed
teaching music full time since 1998. In 2004, one of his students, Ngoc Nguyen, opened a yoga
studio and persuaded Chris to join. Since then he has logged 750 hours of intensive yoga teacher
training, and has certificates for 200 and 500 hours from the International Yoga Institute in Raja
(Zen) training. He has also attended trainings with Dharma Mittra, Doug Swenson, and Desiree
Rumbaugh.
| Chris Kemp |
Becky Winter
| Nancy Hicks |
| Lenka Burge |
| Oceanfront Yoga, 3316 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757)233-8000 : copyright 2008, all rights reserved Home : Mission : Class Descriptions : Class Schedule : Events : Instructors : Pay Online : Driving Directions : Contact Us |
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