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Nicole, Marisa, and Stephani (NiMaSte) met while teaching at a local 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.
The 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 200Marisa is an Usui Reiki Master Teacher who holds a 200 hr 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. |
Stephani Kolevar, ERYT 500Stephani took her first yoga class from Baron Baptiste in the late 1990's at a local fitness convention, and immediately became hooked on yoga. She quickly incorporated several yoga classes a week into the group exercise schedule where she was working for an employee fitness center in Bethesda.
After several years of watching videos and taking multiple classes on her own, she decided to pursue a yoga certification through YogaFit. Two kids and six years later, she finally completed her 200 hour RYT in 2011, and her 500 hour training in January 2018. Her favorite style is a slow vinyasa, but she has also led power yoga classes, hot yoga classes, and yoga classes with weights. Stephani currently works as a Physical Education Teacher for a local PK8 school. When she is not playing "taxi driver" to her two kids, she enjoys gardening, reading, and walking her dogs |
Staff Instructors
Claire SullivanClaire 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. |
Marta MontoroMarta 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. |
Meg GoodwinIn 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. |