Meet The Pod Spa & Wellness Team

I’m a firm believer in the power of proper skin care and healthy habits, and their ability to improve multiple aspects of women’s lives. While it’s certainly true that real beauty is about who you are inside and how you feel about yourself rather than simply your physical appearance, feeling comfortable in your own skin plays a very important role in building confidence and helping you feel empowered. When women feel better about themselves on the outside, it changes how they view everything in life. I make it my mission every day to educate women on the best ways to take care of their skin and empower them to feel good about themselves.

My name is Diana, proud Esthetician and Laser Technician at Pod Spa and Wellness. 

Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew that I wanted to be in the medical field! While I was receiving my B.S. in Biology I was working as an Esthetician. After graduation, for several years I worked in cell biology research until I realized how rapidly the medical esthetics field is growing. I realized that this will be my ideal career and I got right back to it! Many people do not know what is on the market now and that we can easily treat rosacea, melanomas, sunspots scars, cystic acne and more! Using not just hormonal creams- but with lasers! Stretch marks, body fat, skin sagging not with the help of plastic surgeons- but with lasers! We all enjoy taking care of our hair and nails- but we should also remember and understand the importance of taking care of our skin! I recommend on a monthly basis to do facial, or get injection rather at an earlier age than later. 
I would love to help you to achieve the best results in a short period of time so that you start falling in love again with your skin! 

P.S. I fluently speak Ukrainian, Russian & Polish as well for those in need. 

Renée began her career in fashion design working as a menswear designer for both Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. She pivoted to the world of wellness when she became a certified Yoga instructor and teaching ignited a new passion for healthcare. Renée now holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in nursing and for the past decade has been caring for patients in busy NYC Emergency Departments while also working for some of New York’s top celebrity plastic surgeons. Through this work she developed an affinity for aesthetic nursing and a desire to individualize treatments for clients. Pod Spa allows Renee to provide her clients with excellent results that combine her expertise in beautiful design, wellness and healthcare. She would love to work with you to co-create an individualized plan for your wellness journey.

My name is Liz, and I have been a certified trainer for the past 15 years. As a child, I was involved in several different sports and activities, but was drawn more to dance and swimming. I guess you can say that I've always been active and full of energy! I enjoy the challenge of trying something new and pushing my body to see what I am capable of achieving. When I'm not training, I work as a behavioral therapist. I have the unique ability to shape the body and the mind. It's the best of both worlds! In my free time, you can find me exploring the outdoors with my two toddlers or partaking in aerial arts.

Julia has a dedication towards being a lifelong learner. She has undergraduate degrees in English, Education and a graduate degree in Library and Information Science. Aside from this she is a certified Yoga Instructor, Reiki 2 Practitioner, and a certified Sound Healer. She spends her days working in an elementary school as a teacher. But the teaching doesn’t stop there. She loves to host wellness events, workshops, yoga, and meditation classes.

Julia’s passion for all things yoga and mindfulness shine through her dedication to her practice. She guides with her heart and intuition to share the beauty of universal love with her students. In Julia’s classes you will go deeper within, and heal from the inside out.

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation is called “the yoga of awareness.”  It awakens us to our divine connection, sparking the realization that we are infinite beings having a physical experience. Through Kriyas (yoga sets), Pranayama (breath exercises), and Meditation, we activate the glandular and energetic system, thereby stimulating the chakras of the body to create experiences of bliss, connection, alignment, and inspiration. When this state is achieved, we experience relief from emotional, physical, and spiritual pain – a relief which can free us from the bondage of addictive behaviors. Kundalini Yoga creates within us a toolkit that can be used anytime and anywhere to help us handle the challenges of life gracefully and skillfully.
 
It is Marni’s vision to carry the healing, transformative, and uplifting practice of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation to all those who wish to experience a heightened sense of peace, connection, and Self-love. And for those who seek more profound levels of healing, her classes provide a safe and nurturing space for exploring solutions that bring relief to the struggles of addiction, trauma, and other emotional difficulties. No matter what it is that brings you to the ancient art of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation, each of Marni’s classes is designed to help you achieve harmony within yourself – and therefore the world.  
 
Marni began practicing yoga in 2010.  She became an RYT in Hot Yoga; a KRI certified Kundalini Yoga and Meditation teacher, and a member of IKYTA (International Kundalini Yoga Teacher Association).  Marni has a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Business Administration. She is a devoted mother to two children, one dog and one cat.  She is a lover of nature and the outdoors, and she can be found hiking whenever possible.

Marni has a reputation for offering challenging classes while she is devoted to meeting all students at their level motivating them to reach their fullest potential.  You will often hear her say, “You don't know how strong you are!”  After a vigorous physical practice, she will take you into deep meditation using gong sound healing where you will experience your connection with source or universal consciousness.  Marni always ensures that her students leave class feeling strong and spiritually elevated, and she looks forward to sharing this amazing technology with you!

Kristen Petliski began her yoga journey more than two decades ago, embracing the profound transformative and healing nature of the practice. In 2011 she earned her yoga teaching certification from her home studio in Manhattan, and immediately began teaching. She adores his practice for its diverse benefits, spanning the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. It has been her lifeline time and time again. She believes this practice is for anyone and everyone and can be tailored to all needs. Besides Yoga, Kristen is a mom of two boys, loves to garden, explore, and of course be by the beach!

Class: Dynamic Vinyasa flow

Immerse yourself an invigorating Vinyasa class that seamlessly blends breath with movement. This class intertwines the spiritual and philosophical wisdom of yoga's ancient traditions with soulful rhythms and innovative sequences.

This is an open level class that offers options for all practitioners. Join us to cultivate strength, flexibility, and a deeper connection to your inner self.

Being an esthetician is a motivation in itself. I really enjoy providing facials, hair removal and other skincare treatments. I am very passionate about helping clients maintain their personal appearance and making them feel good about themselves. 

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Amanda’s passion for health and wellness inspired her first combined Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees in Health Promotion. Her desire to deliver high quality hands on patient-centered care, led her to achieve an additional BSN and MSN as a Registered Nurse to achieve her goals. Amanda began her career in a NYC Emergency Department and has continued to develop her practice here for the past 12 years. Seeking anti-aging results for herself, she was impressed with the natural looking results that lasers and injections could provide and this inspired her love for aesthetic nursing. Amanda brings a wealth of expertise and healthcare knowledge to Pod Spa where she has access to the highest quality laser technology and will help you achieve natural results with minimal downtime.

Stacey Hirschmann (Param Atma) Shares a Vinyasa flow that offers a sense of coming home to yourself through inviting deep presence. She combines a variety of yoga styles, breath-work, meditation techniques and various levels of postures to encourage inner and outer strength, relaxation and rejuvenation. Her yoga classes are great for a yogi who wants to explore in a safe and nurturing environment with an experienced teacher. Her passion resides in proper alignment with powerful breath, flow and mindfulness. She honors the individual and encourages students in their process of self inquiry and self realization.

Stacey is a Level 2 Kundalini Teacher with Passion for this powerful practice because of the immediate positive effect for her body, mind and spirit. Her classes are nurturing and challenging and light up the space.

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Stephanie Durso joined a local gym in 1994 after her second daughter was born as a way to get back into shape and meet new friends. Little did she know that she would fall in love with the energy and new found friendships that the group exercise classes offered. She immediately began her certification process through AFFA and started teaching group fitness shortly afterward at local fitness facilities.
In about 2005 she began taking yoga classes and realized that her yoga practice and breath work began to change her life in a very positive way as she was more easily able to focus and function in her daily life, even with the challenges that came with her different roles as a parent, spouse, daughter and teacher. She achieved her 200 hour yoga teacher certification in 2007 with Om Shanti Yoga and has been teaching hatha yoga, yin & restorative as well as chakra balancing every since becoming certified. Stephanie’s goal is to have her students learn how to breathe effortlessly while performing yoga poses in an effective and safe manner so that they leave each of her classes feeling clear-minded, lighthearted and energized so that they too can face the challenges and joys of everyday life.
Her philosophy is “It’s only yoga, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Enjoy the journey and just breathe”

Marilyn Skyflower is an E-RYT 500 hour yoga educator who studied at the Kripalu School of Yoga. Her purpose is to be of service to all and inspire others to awaken into their true nature. Her classes, trainings and workshops specialize in: Yoga Philosophy + The History of Yoga (Vedanta, Sankhya + Tantric teachings), Tantra Yoga, Breath-work, Embracing the divine Masculine & Feminine (Shiva | Shakti), Conscious Communication, Third Eye Activation Training, Past Life Regression Therapy, Eastern Energetic Studies (Tai Chi + Qi Gong + Yin Yoga), Energetic & Spiritual Healing, Celebrating Authenticity, Empowerment + Personal Growth, Embracing Change, Conscious Travel + Rewilding + Finding Connection With The Outdoors, Meditation, and Radical Self Love. Marilyn provides all of her students with transformational tools that help them create Heaven on Earth. She is currently studying to become an Ayurvedic Counselor at the Kripalu School.

During college, Nicolette decided to create a long-lasting lifestyle change. She became dedicated to becoming the best version of herself by prioritizing her health and fitness. Her love for fitness began in her college-town gym while taking a spin class. As she began to venture into different facets of fitness, she found Pilates- a type of workout that she finds healing for the mind, body, and soul. Ever since Nicolette received the opportunity to begin teaching pilates, she has not looked back. She believes that every time one gets on the mat, it is an opportunity to better yourself, one hour at a time.

Hi, I’m Peg the LMT. I've been a licensed massage therapist for 17 years and I still love what I do. My purpose is to heal one body at a time with a firm and confident hand. My time with you is your time, not mine. I am here to facilitate your therapeutic needs. I am flexible in my care and I create a safe atmosphere so you can let go and relax. Your comfort and safety is my greatest concern. I listen to my clients and provide deep tissue, relaxation, therapeutic, prenatal, swedish and some medical massage. I have a stretch protocol I follow as well. Looking forward to treating and gaining client confidences so a long lasting relationship can be had. Thank you for your time- peace n love, LMT Peg

I believe in the magic skincare can hold and the positive aspect it can have on anyone’s life, men and women. Although we like to say your true beauty and confidence is within us -which we are all beautiful- as people we tend to focus on what’s on the outside and our physical appearance. Your aspect of yourself can play a huge factor in not only your mind but your body, when we feel good in our skin, everything can change. My passion for skincare stemmed from my childhood. As a young girl, growing up I was never comfortable in my own skin. Having cystic acne and PCOS all through my teen and young adult years, it was very challenging and frustrating for me to find a solution. I learned very early in life that the importance of maintaining healthy skin is from the inside out. Although it took lots of trials and errors, enormous amounts of patience, research and knowledge, I managed to clear my own skin. I had finally brought my glow back with the right skincare regimen for me.

Self motivated and hardworking Physician Assistant with over 22 years experience, and expertise in Aesthetic injectables. Graduated PA school in 1998 and began working for an Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center on Long Island. There she learned and got the base of her training on neurotoxins and dermal fillers. She was the solo injector for the practice for 15 years. She continues to educate herself with the latest advances on product and injection techniques. She currently offers her expertise to various clinics. We are excited to have her join our practice and are confident you will love her!

Melissa has an undergraduate degree in psychology that helped deepen her interest in the human condition and has a Master's Degree in Special Education. She has learned to be flexible, differentiate her healing work with others and is a lifelong student. She is a trained and certified Shamanic Practitioner using The Way of the Shaman, the Michael Harner Method as well as a Usui Reiki Master teacher. She completed a yoga teacher training at Serenity Yoga and is a certified Asana for Autism instructor. Somatic trainings include Chakra Dance by Natalie Southgate, and Kunda Dance by Maya Fiennes. She is also certified in Mindfulness, Meditation and Movement through Breathe 4 Change. She is a certified Akashic Record Reader, uses sound therapy in all sessions and brings years of experience to these sessions. Sound, movement and deep introspection are her passions and hopes to help others heal with these as well. Born on the beach and spending her life by the ocean identifies who she is in every way

LCSW, ACSW

I am a clinical social worker in private practice. I have forty years of experience working with people with a multitude of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, relationships, personal growth and life challenges. My training is vast and varied as I am a perpetual seeker of knowledge and self-expansion. My presence has evolved as a spiritual healer invoking mind/body, energetic, psychodynamic and divine guidance in assisting individuals on their journey.

I was introduced to Ashtanga yoga while living in London, but my practice grew once I was back in NY and started exploring different studios and styles. I had the opportunity to take teacher training program through Sonic Yoga, located in Manhattan, back in 2009 and started teaching shortly after that. My practice was mostly vinyasa driven, but I learned to enjoy other styles of yoga too. Yoga challenges me physically, mentally and emotionally, which has helped me learn more about myself. Over my time being a teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to teach at gyms, music festivals, art museums, and a local community college. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling with different yoga retreats to various countries like Brazil, Peru, Morocco and Costs Rica. After having my son 2 years ago, I’ve been learning to re-explore my body and navigate regaining my strength and core.

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Rebecca Antsis is an East Coast based healing practitioner with over 15 years of experience + service within a wide scope of modalities.

She has completed her RYT 200Hr Vini Yoga Instructor (2012, Gary Kraftstow’s Yoga Therapy), is certified in Reiki 1 (2016), and has apprenticed with numerous master teachers and yoga studios throughout the years including Bikram Yoga Studios & Shakti Yoga Studio for Vinyasa and Bodywork.

Currently in her 5th semester of a Masters of Science for Clinical Mental Health Counseling (emphasis on Somatic & Drama Therapy, Ecopsychology), she interweaves the wisdom and safety measures of this profession in all of her offerings.

Rebecca has been sitting with Mama Cacao for 7 years. Initiating her relationship with cacao in 2017, in 2020, she deepened her relationship through undergoing the year long journey of Cacao Laboratory’s Cacao Facilitator Training.

She is a dynamic teacher, facilitator/ceremonialist, active herbalist, and tarot reader & has been featured in print, TV, and live in such outlets as AOL TV, the Alchemist’s Kitchen, Showfields, the Assemblage, Heckscher Museum, Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, Adam Alexsander Presents, Bedford + Bowery, Converge, Elements Festival, Parse Seco, Bali Spirit Festival & many more.

Her offerings span her wisdom school and ritual theatre company “Kairosthymia” (c. 2018) & “The Fairy’s Cup”, a pop-up fairy elixir bar & whimsical immersive fae experience for children and adults.

Socials:

IG: Rebecca-antsis

IG: thefairyscup

IG: Kairosthymia