Our Team

Experience the depth, experience, and genuine care Peaceful Yoga teachers bring to every class.

The heart of Peaceful Yoga is our incredible team of teachers. Each instructor brings their own unique background, personality, and teaching style, giving students the opportunity to explore different approaches while finding the classes and guidance that resonate most deeply with them.

Our teachers are passionate about creating a welcoming, judgment-free space where every student feels comfortable showing up exactly as they are. With experience spanning beginner yoga, gentle practices, meditation, yoga therapy, strength-based classes, restorative yoga, and more, our team is dedicated to helping students cultivate greater strength, balance, confidence, and inner peace.

No matter where you are on your journey, you'll find compassionate teachers who genuinely care about your growth, well-being, and experience both on and off the mat.

Join our teachers on the mat

  • Diana Benigno

    RYT 200

    Diana’s yoga journey centers on finding freedom through the release of tension in the body. With an MA in Theatre and a BA in Dramatic Literature, she brings a unique, expressive perspective to her practice, emphasizing self-awareness through movement and breath. Trained locally, Diana is passionate about sharing yoga with her Malverne community.

  • Marianne Bochilo

    ERYT 500
    OWNER OF PEACEFUL YOGA

    Marianne is an E-RYT 500 teacher offering yoga, mindfulness, and meditation classes that nurture body, mind, and soul. Her creative, Bhakti-inspired approach brings a sense of devotion, playfulness, and inspiration to each session. She guides students to deepen their practice while leaving feeling refreshed, balanced, and nourished.

    READ MARIANNE’S FULL BIO ↠

  • Lisa Braun

    RYT 500 ✴ PhC

    I began teaching in 2009 and see it as a meaningful way to express creativity in a healing space. My style, inspired by Laughing Lotus, is creative, soulful, and heart-centered. Through thoughtfully curated music and intentional sequencing, I aim to uplift the spirit and create a welcoming, non-judgmental community where you can feel free in both body and mind. I also weave in Hindu mythology to help students connect with and appreciate yoga’s rich, ancient lineage.

    I am a PhD dissertation student at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Mythology and Depth Psychology, researching women’s roles in funerary traditions in southern Italy and how these practices evolved through Italian immigration to America.

  • Mary Clare Chiofalo

    ERYT 500 ✴ BCPT

    Mary Clare is a seasoned yoga teacher and Board Certified Polarity Therapist who creates individualized experiences to support each student’s path toward peace and healing. With nearly 20 years of teaching, she meets students exactly where they are, thoughtfully tailoring each practice to their needs. Outside the studio, she shares a love of movies—especially The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

  • Theresa DiLallo

    RYT 200

    Theresa, a former professional dancer turned yoga teacher, shares her passion for yoga with students of all levels. With a background in dance and education, she emphasizes inclusivity and meets students where they are in their practice. Theresa believes in the transformative power of yoga for all, regardless of flexibility or perfection.

  • Carlina Ferrari

    RYT 200

    Carlina sees yoga as a dialogue between mind, body, and soul. With over 20 years of practice and an RYT 200 certification, she creates classes that cultivate self-compassion and a sense of purpose. Drawing from her clinical experience in wellness and recovery, Carlina emphasizes sustainable, individualized practices to support each student’s unique journey.

  • Debbie Franzese

    RYT 1000

    Debbie discovered yoga 25 years ago while recovering from a major back injury. Through her practice, she healed herniated discs and experienced greater mental clarity, balance, and energy. Debbie believes deeply in yoga’s transformative power—not only in reshaping the body, but in enhancing overall quality of life.

  • Samantha Geraci-Yee

    RYT 200

    Samantha brings over 18 years of yoga experience and multiple certifications to her dynamic, thoughtfully guided classes. With a focus on intentional movement, mindfulness, and breath awareness, she creates a welcoming space for students of all levels. Her passion for accessible wellness extends beyond the mat, reflecting a deep commitment to empowering others.

  • Cynthia Lenz

    RYT 500

    Cynthia Lenz has been practicing yoga for over 25 years.  She is a 500 Hour registered yoga teacher and a certified meditation teacher. In addition to her 300 Hour and 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificates, she has earned additional teacher training certifications in Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Chair Yoga. She has also completed two Meditation Teacher Training Certification Programs. Cynthia believes yoga is for everyone and loves to share this beautiful practice with all who wish to learn it!  She is passionate about helping people find their individual flexibility, mobility, balance and peace within their body, mind and spirit.

  • Jane McQueen

    ERYT 500 ✴ C-IAYT ✴ B.S. ✴ M.A.

    Jane is a Certified Yoga Therapist who specializes in adapting yoga for midlife and health-related challenges. With extensive training and experience, she focuses on functional movement, breath, and personalized approaches to support strength and balance. Her dedication to helping individuals thrive is reflected in both group classes and private sessions.

  • Gary Pfleger

    ERYT 500 ✴ RPE

    Gary has been teaching yoga for over 20 years, guiding students toward balance and well-being through asana, mindful breathing, and meditation. Before becoming a yoga teacher, he completed the Polarity Therapy Program and is now a Registered Polarity Educator. His exploration of the energetic and physical body also led him to become an Advanced Reiki Practitioner and a certified practitioner of Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra®. Gary’s intention is to help students discover their own unique path to harmony and vitality.

  • Heather Principe

    RYT 500 ✴ PWE ✴ RPE ✴ RPP

    Heather has been teaching ancient wellness practices for over 45 years, including yoga, Hermetics, Polarity, and Native American herbal and spiritual healing traditions. As an Elder, she continues her work as a Hermetic and Polarity practitioner, leading healing circles around the world.

    A mother of two and grandmother of three, Heather believes that the healing of both people and the planet lies in honoring the body’s innate wisdom and its connection to the soul.

  • Katie Rehill

    RYT 200

    Katie has been practicing yoga since she was 16, and she brings the same warmth and clarity to her classes that she cultivated during her years as a college English professor and high school English teacher. Her journey was deeply shaped by the community she found at Peaceful Yoga while recovering from a prophylactic double mastectomy and four follow-up surgeries. A mother of three who loves music, good burritos, and being outdoors, she infuses her teaching with both grounded strength and gentle joy. She hopes to offer a welcoming space where students can breathe, connect, and feel supported.

  • Maria Spatola

    RYT 200

    Maria believes nothing feels better than feeling better. With over 17 years of yoga practice, her classes emphasize strength, mindful movement, flexibility, and balance through every stage of life. She meets students exactly where they are, creating a safe, supportive space to connect body, mind, and spirit. Her intention is simple: that you leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more alive—fully living your best life.