Aimee Buckel

Aimee received her 200 hour certification through the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts. A former college-level math instructor, Aimee has a passion for teaching that is long-standing and that is now routed toward yoga and other holistic health practices that inspire her deeply. Aimee has been certified in nutrition, herbalism and bodycare through the Australasian College of Health Studies. She studied with Doreen Virtue, PhD, to become an Angel Therapy Practitioner; and again in a Spiritual Teacher program. She is also a Reiki Master.

Aimee feels fortunate to share with others her talents to heal. She recently served on a Stress Management Team doing hurricane relief work. As a Resource Facilitator, she helped many responders by using light touch deep relaxation techniques.

Kim (IONA)

IONA brings to her classes both a joy of dance and of human beings, with an exuberant teaching style that is both warm and family-oriented. Her name Iona, 'purple jewel', is a tribute to her grandmother, Iona Meneray who was an Arts enthusiast. Iona, like her Grandmother Iona, is a native of New Orleans, LA.

From 2001 to the present, IONA has studied principally with dance artist Betty Karam. IONA has additional belly dance training with Layla Isis, Shamsi, and with international dance artists Amaya, Amel Tafsout, Artemis, Hadia, Jillina, Morocco, Sahra Saeeda, Sonia, Suhaila Salimpour, and Serena Wilson. With a Master of Arts in Drama, Iona credits her early stage movement/dance teachers for inspiring her to explore other genres of dance: Dollie Rivas and Yvonne Olivier.

IONA began teaching Belly Dance in 2004 and is director/choreographer of the recreational/student troupes: Bayou Jawahir in Baton Rouge and The Beledi Jewels in New Orleans. She teaches both folkloric and cabaret styles of Belly Dance, also referred to as Raks Sharki or Danse Orientale. She continues to perform as a soloist and troop member with Betty Karam and the Desert Dancers. She is the 2007-08 Vice President of the Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Louisiana.

Jen Lassalle

Jen received her 200 hour certification through American Power Yoga in Dallas, TX. Jen had been practicing for almost five years when she decided she wanted to take her practice, and growing passion for yoga, to a new level. After an intense six-month training session, she began teaching part-time.

When she and her husband Dave decided to move to New Orleans, Jen knew it was time to pursue her passion for teaching as a career. Having received a Master's Degree in Software Engineering from the University of Texas in Arlington, it was a giant step away from her job as a computer geek at a defense contractor! Still, it has been not only rewarding but exciting and fun.

Jen believes that yoga is just practice for the "real world", and that anyone can practice regardless of body shape and size, background, or physical limitation. Jen's focus is on presenting an open-minded, fun and relaxed atmosphere where students take from class what they desire to get - both physically and emotionally. Although her yoga is full of spirit, she strives to keep her classes free from religious or spiritual intonations.

Debbie Rodriguez, LMT

Debbie is our pilates instructor. She received her certification from NETA in May of 2006. Debbie greatly enjoys teaching the art of Pilates to reduce the risk of injury, improve posture and body awareness, and encourage relaxation. She is also a massage therapist and income manager at Magnolia Physical Therapy in Harahan, as well as an instructor of Anatomy and Physiology at Blue Cliff College in Metairie.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 2002. She also attended Blue Cliff College of Therapeutic Massage and became a Louisiana licensed massage therapist in August of 2007. Debbie was awarded the Gerald Mack award for Overall Outstanding Achievement from Blue Cliff College in 2007. She and her fiance', Justin, will be married in September of 2008.

Karen Stiver

Karen has been studying and practicing hatha yoga since the early 70s. She was instructed by Sterling Hoffman under the tutelage of Swami Vishnu-devanada. She learned Sivananda style hatha yoga, which emphasizes healing asana, pranayama, relaxation and meditation. The three years of study with Sterling inspired a life long practice.

Yoga was simply too wonderful not to share with others so when asked to form a class for the Jefferson Parish Parks Department in 1990 her teaching began. She has also offered classes at Earth Savers, Premier Athletic Club, and the YMCA. Close to her heart are the classes she taught which were offered by businesses for their employees, bringing the peace and harmony of yoga to the work place.

Karen's teachings are informed by her own solo practice and years of studying a variety of styles with yoga teachers throughout the country. Every book, every teacher, and every personal experience on the mat has woven a tapestry of love of yoga which has enriched her life. The possibility of enriching the lives of others through yoga is what prompts Karen to teach and encourage the yogi in everyone to surface. Karen holds her bachelor of fine arts degree in interior design from Louisiana Tech and has recently completed her masters in clinical hypnotherapy

Wendy Applewhite

Wendy graduated from Blue Cliff College, and began practicing in early 2001. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Wendy worked in a private facility, then joined the Tapas family when it opened in January 2006.

Wendy offers Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Healing Touch, Reflexology and Chair Massage. Chair massages can be made available at offices, trade shows, conventions and for private massage parties.

Wendy offers that although massage is initially thought of as a luxury, it soon becomes a vital part of maintaining a healthy body, mind and spirit which allows you to deal with day to day stressors more effectively.

To schedule an appointment, contact Wendy directly via any of the following means:
504-461-0186
504-400-5875
wendyapplewhite@coface-trm.com

Laurie Byrd

Laurie's detailed bio will be available soon.

However, since joining the Tapas team late last year, Laurie has quickly become a popular favorite. Her caring, compassionate nature and focused attention has lead to a devoted group of regulars.

To schedule an appointment, contact Laurie directly via any of the following means:
504-621-8220
treatyourselfwell@gmail.com

Ross Tafaro

Ross's detailed bio is currently not available.

To schedule an appointment, contact Ross at 504-455-6227