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 embodies transformation—an evolution from one state of being to the next. Recognizing the untapped physical and mental capacities within each individual, I am dedicated to guiding your progress one step at a time towards realizing your full potential. As Featured on Yelp: “Meet the Owner”
Beginning my yoga practice in 1996 in New York City, I’ve had the honor of studying with world-renowned yoga teachers on both coasts. Guiding private clients towards heightened physical awareness, strength, and the harmonious integration of body, mind, and breath for holistic wellness has been a cornerstone of my practice. My teaching style, infused with humor and shaped by diverse professional and personal experiences, draws from a rich tapestry of backgrounds. From early immersion in the Performing Arts and Dance, to a career spanning Fitness, Martial Arts, and Portrait Photography, each concentration has contributed to my multifaceted approach. A 1994 graduate of New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media & Communications and a Minor in Dance Performance, my wellness journey expanded in 1997, when I attained certification as an ACE-Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. Venturing to Los Angeles in 1998, I achieved my first of two Black Belts in 2001 (HwaRangDo & Shotokan Karate) and began teaching Children’s Martial Arts in 2002. After a decade in California as a professional actor, martial artist and portraits photographer, I returned to NY to embark on a new chapter as a mother. Eager to transition towards a more nurturing path of teaching, I delved deeper into yoga studies. Following the birth of my son, I obtained certification with Yoga Alliance (200-hr) in 2010 and established Here and Now Yoga as a solo venture, catering to private clients and organizing wellness retreats. In 2011, while expecting my daughter, I embarked on teaching Prenatal Yoga. My commitment to inclusivity led me to pursue a certification in Restorative Yoga in 2018, followed by working with Special Needs Young Adults in the local community in 2019. In recognition of the holistic wellness needs of my clients, I pursued higher education, culminating in the attainment of a Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Environmental Nutrition from the University of Memphis (online) in May 2023, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.
Alongside my yoga teaching, I also manage my boutique portrait photography business: Michelle Ingkavet Photography and still accept the occasional acting job.
In 2023, partnering with my yoga student and fellow dance professional / yoga instructor, Dina Denis-Paolucci, Here and Now Yoga evolved into Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective.
“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
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
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.
Dena Coduri, Instructor
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
As an empowerment coach, I specialize in guiding women to break free from overwhelm and unlock the potential to design the life they’ve always envisioned but never had the time to pursue. My approach involves identifying and addressing the limiting beliefs that hinder progress, empowering clients to cultivate empowering thoughts that inspire positive action towards their goals.
Teresa Louizos, Instructor
I am a passionate yoga instructor with over 7+ years of professional experience in designing and leading flow and Hatha Raja Vinyasa yoga classes. In 2016, completed an Advanced 200-Hour Yoga Teacher.
Training at Bamboomoves Yoga Studio in Forest Hills NY. Acquired an in-depth knowledge about postures, breathing techniques, and spiritual elements of yoga teaching where I also worked as a support teacher during my training. I am eager to share my expertise and passion with students.
Micheline DeBono, Instructor
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.
Micheline’s 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
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.
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.
Amanda Adamo, Instructor
Amanda is a jack of all trades but the one constant in her life is creating positive and inviting spaces for others. After many years of practicing yoga, she became a certified Yoga teacher from the Always-At-Aum Yoga School.
She loves to create yoga sequences and teach people the things that have helped her so much in her personal life. She truly believes that what you do on your mat reflects how you are in the world. Life as well as yoga is a practice.
Outside of teaching yoga, Amanda is a high school teacher that loves to travel and play sports like soccer and volleyball. She enjoys being very active whether it’s hiking, cooking or reading a book.
Theresa DiLallo, Instructor
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.
Bill Stasco, Instructor
