Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective, LLC, located in Floral Park, NY was established in 2023 by Michelle Ingkavet Cavanagh and Dina Denis-Paolucci. Our collective traces its roots back to the original Here and Now Yoga, founded by Michelle in 2010. United by a shared vision, we are committed to expanding the reach of yoga by providing a welcoming space for our community to gather, practice, learn, and grow together.
At Here and Now Yoga, we firmly believe that yoga is not just an exercise—it’s a lifestyle. Embracing yoga opens the door to countless self-fulfilling experiences, personal development, and intrinsic gifts. Our mission is to make yoga accessible to all, regardless of age or ability, and to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can explore their own path to wellness.
Join us on this transformative journey as we cultivate a space where mindfulness, wellness, and community flourish, propelling Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective into a beacon of inclusivity and holistic well-being.
Michelle Cavanagh, Owner / Instructor (Yoga, Prenatal, Power, Kids, Strength for Beginners, Restorative, Self-Defense)
As Featured on Yelp: “Meet the Owner”
Yoga is a journey of transformation—a continuous evolution of mind, body, and spirit. My passion lies in guiding others to discover their untapped potential, helping them progress step-by-step toward greater physical and mental balance, strength, and self-awareness.
My yoga journey began in 1996 in New York City, where I studied with world-renowned teachers across the coasts. Over the years, I have cultivated a teaching approach that integrates humor, compassion, and wisdom from my diverse professional and personal experiences. My path has been shaped by a varied background in Performing Arts, Dance, Fitness, Martial Arts, and Portrait Photography. A 1994 graduate of New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media & Communications and a Minor in Dance Performance, I began my wellness career in 1997 as an ACE-Certified Personal Fitness Trainer.
In 1998, my acting career relocated me to Los Angeles, where I concurrently earned Black Belts in HwaRangDo and Shotokan Karate, and began teaching children’s martial arts. After a decade in California as a professional actor, martial artist, and portrait photographer, I returned to New York to embrace motherhood and a more nurturing teaching path. Inspired by the transformative power of yoga, I earned my 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification in 2010, founded Here and Now Yoga, and began offering private sessions and wellness retreats. My teaching expanded to Prenatal Yoga in 2011 and later to Restorative Yoga in 2018. In 2019, I began working with special needs communities, enriching my commitment to inclusivity.
In pursuit of holistic wellness, in 2023, I earned a Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Environmental Nutrition from the University of Memphis, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. This academic achievement complements my mission to support my clients in achieving balance and well-being on all levels.
Also in 2023, I partnered with fellow yoga instructor and dance professional, Dina Denis-Paolucci, to expand Here and Now Yoga into Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective, creating a vibrant community space in Floral Park, NY. Alongside my yoga practice, I continue to run Michelle Ingkavet Photography, my boutique portrait photography business, and occasionally pursue acting opportunities.
Hosting yoga retreats has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. As I look ahead to 2025, I am excited to lead my eighth and ninth retreats since 2021. These retreats embody the transformative power of yoga, mindfulness, and genuine connection, offering participants a space to grow, heal, and reconnect with themselves and others. I am honored to share my experiences, knowledge, and passion, creating spaces where students can flourish and find their unique path to wellness.
“The process of building habits is actually the process of becoming yourself. …Change bit by bit, day by day, habit by habit.”
~ James Clear, Atomic Habits
Dina Denis-Paolucci, Owner / Instructor (Yoga, Chair, Floor-Barre™)
Dina Denis-Paolucci is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Queens, NY. She holds a BA in Dance from Hofstra University and an MA in Dance Education from New York University. Dina is a K-12 New York State certified dance educator who has taught in public and private schools and colleges, as well as various studio and community settings. She has also created and implemented original dance programs in the form of classes, workshops, performances and film showings live and virtually for members of the Benjamin Rosenthal SelfHelp Senior Center for over 10 years. Currently, Dina is an adjunct professor at Hofstra University in the Dance Education Program; she teaches chair-dance classes at the Benjamin Rosenthal SelfHelp Senior Center. Dina is the founder and artistic director of the modern dance company, Dance Into Light, Inc.(www.dinadenisdance.org). She is also a devoted yoga practitioner and 200-hour teacher certified in yoga and mindfulness.
Dina began to study yoga in 1999. A few yoga and meditation classes and an Upstate New York retreat, coupled with Dina’s lifelong study of dance and somatic practices, confirmed Dina’s path as a lifelong student and teacher of yoga and wellness. She teaches a mindful vinyasa flow class that promotes strength and fluidity while tuning into the body’s natural rhythms of breath, sound, and inner musicality. After many years of continued practice, Dina became a 200-hour certified yoga and mindfulness teacher in the spring of 2020. In 2017, Dina met Michelle Ingkavet Cavanagh who was teaching at a Queens Yoga studio. In addition to her own clients, Dina had the pleasure of substitute teaching some of Michelle’s outdoor and online classes. Dina and Michelle’s relationship grew and continues to grow with the formation of the Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective.
Dina strives to bring meaningful yoga experiences to all students at any stage of their practice in order to develop the physical and inner strength needed to feel great! Dina works with her yoga students to develop confidence, energize the body, foster excellent health and while providing her students with yogic opportunities to be better connected with one’s own mind, body and spirit. Dina uses yoga practices, principles, meditation and mindfulness to help people to uncover and trust for their own inner wisdom, foster equanimity and cultivate one’s unique creative voice in order to live vibrantly with clarity, joy and personal freedom.
Sooyeon Park, Instructor (Mat Pilates, Yoga)
Having practiced yoga for several years, I’ve experienced firsthand its ability to alleviate stress, enhance focus, and foster a deeper connection with oneself. After obtaining my certification as a Vinyasa Yoga instructor in 2017 (Yoga Alliance 200Hr), I sought to diversify my fitness routine. Inspired to incorporate workouts that not only felt good but also challenged me to build strength and improve posture, I ventured into Pilates.
In 2023, I attained certification as a Mat Pilates instructor through Equinox, blending my expertise in Yoga and Pilates. Combining these modalities, I discovered the profound joy that comes from uncovering movements that feel empowering, safe and uplifting.
I firmly believe that everyone deserves a nurturing environment to move authentically and freely. Creating a space where all individuals feel valued and supported is my passion, and I eagerly anticipate welcoming you to the mat.
Bill Stasco, Instructor (Yoga)
Bill began his yoga journey In 1995, to relieve his persistent back pain. He studied Bikram yoga for 10 years before expanding his knowledge to include other styles of yoga, such as Ashtanga Yoga and studying with Sri Dharma Mittra in NYC. In 2014 he completed a 300 hour Hatha Raja Yoga Teacher Training, directed by Yogi Andrei Ram, the direct successor of Sri Dharma Mittra. Recently, Bill completed a 40 hour intensive teacher training in the Ashtanga yoga primary series with David Swenson & Shelly Washington. He guides his students not only through breath and movement, but also with humor and playfulness to keep you at ease!
Dena Coduri, Instructor (Yoga, Yin, Kundalini, Kirtan)
Hi, I’m Dena! I help everyday people find more ease in meditation and a deeper connection to spirit through the yoga practice.
In 2013, I enrolled in the Long Island Yoga School teacher training program under the tutelage of Laurie Ahlemann, and became certified to teach Prana Shakti Flow at the 500-hour level. After falling in love with Yin Yoga (which is now my specialty), I continued my studies, receiving two certifications in Yin Yoga from Corina Benner of Wake-Up Yoga, a Yin Yoga certification from Bernie Clark, a Restorative Yoga certification from Gail Grossman of Om Sweet Om, and a Kundalini Yoga certification from RA MA institute. I’ve practiced the circus arts for years, and have combined my knowledge of circus and yoga to teach Aerial Yoga. I have attended several yearly 7-day silent meditation retreats with spiritual teacher Adyashanti.
My yoga classes could be described as both challenging and relaxing. I address the whole person: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, allowing you to take what you need. I strive to teach educational classes drawing from my eclectic background of knowledge, while still leaving room for silence so that students may have their own unique experience and connect to the Source.
www.denacoduri.com/yoga
Sommer Chetty, Co-Retreat Leader / Empowerment Coach (Workshops, Retreats)
I’m a confident, courageous and kind person, and I work on those qualities every day. I’ve always chosen to go after what I want, no matter how scary it might seem. There was a time when I got caught up in the routine of life and forgot to truly live. After becoming a parent, I struggled with boundaries and self-care, but life coaching helped me take back control. It reminded me that I’m in charge of my happiness and that I can make my life amazing.
Through life coaching, I’ve learned that my thoughts shape my life, and since then, I’ve achieved more than I ever imagined. That’s why I became a life coach — to help you experience life with joy, passion, and purpose. Working with me will inspire you to dream bigger, aim higher, and take more action.
I’ve always felt a calling to help others heal. Over 20 years ago, I started as a massage therapist, learning how movement and stretching can improve physical well-being. But something was missing — the mindset. Coaching became the perfect way to guide people in overcoming the beliefs that hold them back.
That’s why I combined mental and physical flexibility coaching to help people create an amazing life.
And, to top it all off, I’ve teamed up with my dear friend Michelle Cavanagh to offer wellness retreats. Join us for a retreat and gain a fresh perspective on life!
Kevin Chen, Instructor (Tai Chi)
Kevin Chen (Sifu Chen) has been practicing Tai Chi and Qigong for over 15 years and teaching over 5 years. He is knowledgeable of Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun style of tai chi. He is the disciple of Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai (One of Chen’s Tai chi “Four Kings”). He is the 12th generation successor of Chen Tai Chi. International tai chi judge. He has won many gold in tai chi quan and tai chi weaponry in national and international martial arts championships. Founder of New York Chen Tai Chi Academy.
Micheline DeBono, Instructor (Yoga, Restorative, Reiki, Yin, Prenatal, Power, Kids)
Micheline received her 200 hrs YTT from Revolution Yoga in 2015. Since then she has continued her studies with renowned teachers getting certified in Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga as well as Advanced Kids Yoga. Micheline leads the Restorative and Kids Yoga Teacher Training Modules for 200 hour teacher training. She also created and leads Advanced Restorative 20 Hr Teacher Training Immersion (Continuing Education Credits) and finished her 300 hrs in April of 2024. Micheline is also a Reiki Master Teacher Trainer. Her passion to teach comes from the joy of helping others and sharing yoga which has helped her so much in her own life. Breathing and Stretching has many health benefits from flexibility, building strength, reducing stress as well as clearing the mind. Yoga is very centering and grounding and can help with anxiety, stress management and many other health benefits. Micheline loves to teach in a way that allows students to get an array of tools that can be easily used on a daily basis on their own. Teaching kids fuels her heart as these little ones are our future. Her passion is teaching, traveling with her kids, swimming and hiking.
Michelle Levitsky, Instructor (Yoga, Yin, Kids)
Michelle is a E-RYT 500 hr through Yoga Alliance. She started practicing yoga in college and fell in love with the practice. Michelle signed up for a 200 hr YTT in the summer of 2015 at Revolution Yoga. Signing up for yoga teacher training was a life changing experience. In August 2021, Michelle completed a 300 hr YTT from My Vinyasa Practice. Michelle loves teaching different types of classes to all abilities. She believes that there is a yoga class for everyone. Michelle has developed a passion for teaching Yin and Restorative Yoga classes. She believes that practicing yoga on a regular basis can help improve strength, flexibility, confidence and mindfulness. She loves teaching kids classes and watching them learn new poses. She thinks teaching kids yoga at an early age will help them develop a respect for their bodies along with an understanding and respect for all beings. When Michelle is not on her yoga mat, you can find her hiking or snowboarding in Vermont.
Theresa DiLallo, Instructor (Yoga)
Theresa DiLallo was a professional modern dancer for many years and now teaches yoga and dance. She has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and completed her 200hr yoga teacher training from Peaceful Yoga, Malverne. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and a Master’s in Education. Theresa’s class focuses on building strength and proper alignment with a connection to breathe and calmness in the mind. She loves teaching yoga and sharing the many benefits of the practice with her students. She believes you don’t need to be flexible or perfect to do yoga – your yoga practice will meet you where you are and make life better.
Teresa Louizos, Instructor (Yoga, Mat Pilates)
I am a passionate Yoga instructor with over 8 years of professional experience in designing and leading Flow and Hatha Raja Vinyasa Yoga classes. I am also certified for Pilates Mat. I have acquired an in-depth knowledge about postures, breathing techniques, and spiritual elements of Yoga teaching while also being able to teach elements of strength and endurance with Pilates Mat where I am eager to share my expertise and passion with students.
Carmen Rubio, Instructor (Yoga)
I started practicing yoga in my 40’s, which to be honest, used to bother me since I’d often wonder how different my life would’ve been had I found yoga sooner. Luckily, I’m no longer bothered by the “would’ve/could’ve/should’ve” since I believe in “divine timing” and accept that things have happened at the right time for me.
Starting yoga teacher training was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I received my first 200hr YTT certification in 2018 and immediately followed that with Restorative YTT, and then in 2024 I received a 500hr YTT.
Yoga has provided me a sense of peace, self love, and self acceptance that I was longing. It has also provided me with useful tools for when I’m feeling down, anxious, stressed, etc. Yoga has changed me for the better, and in turn has changed my relationships with those around me.
I look forward to sharing the practice of yoga through breath work, asana (postures), & meditation to any and all that are interested or curious (it’s never too late to start)! Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, size, color, income, or mobility. There is no “yogi mold”. I look forward to sharing the love & practice with all.
Pauline Festa, Instructor (Yoga)
Pauline started her yoga journey 10 years ago. After 8 years practicing, she decided to deepen her own practice, completing a 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training and a 16-hour Advanced Restorative Training. Teaching has deepened her appreciation for the benefits of the combination of asana, pranayama, meditation and yoga philosophy – as a lifestyle on and off the mat. Her style of teaching is a steady flow with lots of options and always ending with a restorative shavasana. Her students love her music choice and leave feeling a balance of strength, stretch and mindfulness.
Patricia Milieris, Instructor (Mat Pilates)
I was born in Uruguay, South America. I always loved ballet and took classes for several years. I became a physical therapist and after practicing for a number of years, I moved to NYC, where I obtained my license to practice here. A friend introduced me to Pilates and I immediately fell in love with it. Right away I saw that the principles of breathing, stability, alignment and mobility were essential not only for me but for my line of work as a PT as well. I decided to become an instructor and went further obtaining a rehab Pilates certification. I have been using Pilates principles and exercises with patients since then. I think Pilates is an excellent exercise discipline that will enhance any other type of exercise and/or sport when added to a routine or exercise program. It’s 100% adaptable and modifiable to age, level of fitness and injuries/limitations and the possibilities of variations are immense. In addition, Mat Pilates being the foundation, is portable, so you bring it along when you travel, all you need is your body! Pilates is a way of life and the benefits, among many, are a more functional and flexible body, improved alignment and posture, increased strength and mobility and injury prevention.
When I’m not treating patients or teaching Pilates I like to exercise (spinning, functional training with weights, Pilates), I enjoy walks, reading, spending time with family and friends and traveling.