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Nicole, Marisa, and Stephani (NiMaSte) met while teaching at a local Kensington yoga studio that connected them to a wonderful community of yoga practitioners. When they learned that studio was closing, they met over many late night cups of tea to envision how they could nurture and grow yoga in the Kensington/Wheaton area and Nimaste Yoga was born. After three years working and growing together, Stephani moved to Michigan and the studio is now led by co-owners Nicole and Marisa.
Our classes are taught in a small, intimate studio by local instructors. This is a safe place that embraces non-judgement, and also nurtures the soul and strengthens your mind-body connection. Our vision for Nimaste Yoga is to provide a safe, nurturing space for yoga practitioners of all ages and all experience levels to receive the benefits of regular yoga practice. The style we teach, vinyasa flow, synchronizes movement to the breath, and often feels like a dance or moving meditation, because of the smooth way the poses and breath connect. |
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Owners \ Instructors
Nicole Van Houten, ERYT 200Nicole received her 200 hour certification from Tranquil Space in Washington, DC and her Budding Yogis Teaching Yoga to Kids certification from Circle Yoga. She was first drawn to vinyasa yoga in 2000 for its flowing dance-like sequences that can become a moving meditation. Her history as a student of dance also informs her respect for alignment within the flow.
She strives to infuse her classes with energizing and creative sequences set to eclectic music that challenge and nurture those in her class to safely explore their edge. Off the mat, Nicole gets lessons on how to be mindful and present from her two wonderful daughters. |
Marisa Martucci, ERYT 500Marisa is an Usui Reiki Master Teacher who holds her 500 hour Yoga Certification from Tranquil Space Yoga, Washington DC. Marisa started her yoga path back in her hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2003. When she came to the States, she expanded her yoga certifications to children and children with special needs.
Marisa enjoys diversity, small steps and the combination of different techniques to approach quality and wellness in life. She believes that everything happens for a reason, and the reason is always found during the journey. Marisa can be described as a joyful, energetic and creative yoga teacher. |
Staff Instructors
Tiffany Bishop |
Tiffany Bishop is a lifelong dancer who was introduced to the Ashtanga style of yoga by a university dance professor. Decades later, she is still practicing, and a move to London gave her the opportunity to turn her interest into a career. She is certified as a children’s yoga teacher from Karma Kids Yoga in New York and YogaBugs in the UK.
In 2016, she embarked on the life-changing journey of studying with Jamie Clarke, Dulce Aguilar and The Yoga People where she received her 200 hour teacher training certification in Ashtanga Vinyasa and Rocket Yoga. She has since added Mandala Vinyasa and Yin trainings to her repertoire. Tiffany is a Yoga Alliance RYT 200 and certified in adult and pediatric first aid. Her classes are athletic and energetic, embracing the transformative nature of yoga, breathwork and meditation. Off the mat, Tiffany enjoys reading and spending time with her daughter. |
Claire Sullivan |
Claire Sullivan completed her 200 hour Vinyasa Yoga teacher training at Allay Yoga. For Claire, yoga was love at first pigeon pose. It didn't take long for her to realize the benefits of yoga went far beyond a great physical workout. She believes that yoga gives you exactly what you need at that given moment.
In one of Claire's classes you'll experience thoughtful sequencing, modifications and variations for different levels, room to play, and space to just be. Slow and steady are her guiding principles on and off the mat. When not on the mat, Claire can be found playing with her beloved dogs, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. |
Meg Goodwin |
In 2006, Meg Goodwin received her 200 hour certification from The North Carolina School of Yoga with Chandra Om in the Sri Dharma Mittra tradition.
Meg had been teaching fitness classes for almost 20 years when she discovered yoga and became drawn to the traditional study of yoga and the physical discipline as a means to bring peace, well-being, and meaningfulness to daily life. Teaching a powerful, traditional Hatha yoga style, Meg's goal is for students to make a true mind-body connection and achieve balance on and off the mat. |
Marta Montoro |
Marta Montoro took her first yoga class in 2001, as a way to de-stress during graduate school. Her first teacher was a beloved professor who was also a yoga instructor in the Iyengar tradition, and in 2013 Marta completed her 200-hour Teacher Training at Tranquil Space Yoga in Washington, D.C.
She has studied with Judith Hanson Lasater, is a certified Relax & Renew Trainer®, and enjoys teaching restorative yoga in addition to more active Vinyasa classes. She has taught restorative yoga at regional non-profit organizations, and truly enjoys sharing the practice with others. Most all of Marta's classes include a lengthy savasana! Off the mat, she works in the environmental field and enjoys outdoor activities, volunteering, travel, the arts, and visiting family in California and Spain. |
Susie Borchardt |
Susie first felt drawn to her mat ten years ago from a desire to nurture herself during her mom’s battle with Alzheimer's. It felt like everything was constantly changing in her life and her practice provided the consistency and stability she craved. Her dedication grew immensely as she began to notice the positive shifts occurring in her everyday life. Impressed by how deeply she felt inspired, Susie began her teacher training journey in 2011 with Tranquil Space in Washington DC (RYT200) and holds certifications in Yin, Restorative and Postnatal. Teaching yoga is her way of sharing something that she cherishes with others in the hopes that they too may discover more tranquility & bliss both on and off their yoga mats.
Susie’s teaching style emphasizes breath, mindfulness, and full engagement in the experience of movement. Classes are often begun & ended with guided meditation and are accompanied by an eccentric mix of traditional & modern music. She revels in sculpting a creative flow; providing a supportive environment; and interweaving uplifting teachings into each of her classes. When not in the studio, she can be found chasing her young son around, drinking wine, reading, and venturing around the city. |
Amanda Burks |
Amanda completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at NiMaSte Yoga. She is also certified to teach yoga to children with high-functioning autism, sensory processing disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Amanda took her first yoga class in 2006, but found a much deeper connection to yoga after becoming a mom.
Amanda believes that yoga is for every body type and that we practice yoga to become more flexible, both physically and mentally. Her classes are athletic and energetic, yet inclusive. In each of Amanda’s classes you can expect a theme complemented by upbeat music and thoughtful sequencing. When not on the mat, Amanda enjoys reading, running, and helping her two sons work on their headstands. |
Angie Berrett |
Angie is a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience in health care. Throughout her years in nursing, she learned that health and wellness are not the same as being “free” from illness. On her own health journey a regular yoga practice became time for her mind and body to connect and heal. The personal benefits she receives from a regular yoga practice inspired her to become a certified yoga instructor through YogaWorks, and SUP (stand up paddleboard) yoga certified. Her passion is to help others experience and enjoy the many healing and therapeutic benefits of yoga.
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