Meet our talented teachers.
Angela Balzano Gowen
Angela specializes in reiki inspired by Gaia, the living spirit of our Earth, and the infinite wisdom of Source. Her practice is rooted in the belief that we are deeply connected to nature, spirit, and ourselves.
Through Reiki, she offers gentle, intuitive energy healing to support balance, clarity, relaxation, and a deeper connection to one's own inner wisdom. Her approach honors the subtle rhythms of the Earth and the unseen currents that guide us, creating a nurturing space for healing and self-discovery.
It is her hope that each session leaves you feeling supported, restored, and a little more connected to the light that has always been within you.
Hayley Baxter
Hayley has been a student of yoga and mediation for just over a decade! She is a self proclaimed student of life (hopefully FOR life, ideally learning something new everyday!) She has huge passions for nature, for humans and the rhythms of both. Using these passions in combination with her connection to movement of the mind and body, Hayley began pursuing her education to teach/guide in 2018 - she is certified to teach yoga, aerial yoga, yoga nidra and barre.
You’ll be certain to find mindful, intentional movement, a potential shift of perspective, a good quote and a solid playlist in her classes!
Armella Brown
Armella fell in love with yoga after taking her first class in 2014 and began her yoga teaching journey in 2016, through Corepower Yoga's 200hr YTT in Boston. Armella loves to teach a high energy Power Vinyasa Flow that will help increase your strength, flexibility, and peace of mind while connecting breath and movement together. Her classes focus on improving your form, adapting poses to work best in your body, and building confidence to try more challenging postures. Outside of the studio, Armella is a high school special education teacher who lives in a tiny house with her three fur babies. She loves traveling to new places and discovering the beauty in the world.
Katie Bunch
Katie is a NASM-certified personal trainer and health coach with over 14 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. As a trainer and instructor, she specializes in building overall strength and endurance.
She places a strong emphasis on proper form and muscle activation, using clear, intentional cueing to help clients stay safe, correct imbalances, and get the most out of every workout. Katie enjoys working with people of all fitness levels and is passionate about meeting clients where they are while helping them progress toward their goals.
Outside of the studio, she loves spending time with her two daughters and creating pressed flower art and herbal products for her small business, Greenstitch Goods.
Madelyn Cook
Madelyn (she/her) is a contemplative and curious practitioner of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, and co-owner of The Village. She began her yoga journey nearly 20 years ago at Inner Bliss Yoga Studio in Rocky River, OH, and has incorporated yoga into her life ever since.
In fall of 2024, Madelyn embarked on a 6-month training program with longtime teacher of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation Natasha Korshak, Director of the Sol Center in Tucson, AZ. Here she developed a profound appreciation for the contemplation of consciousness, the nervous system, and the mind-body connection by way of movement and the Breath.
As a teacher, Madelyn's central goal is to help her students cultivate an inner sense of quiet clarity to balance the cacophony of an ever-active outside world. Her flows and meditations are guided by the second of Pantanjali's yoga sutras - yogás citta vṛtti nirodhaḥ - loosely translated as "yoga is the stilling of the waves of the mind."
Lena DiMillo
Lena DiMillo (she/her) earned her 200 RYT from Scarborough Yoga in 2025. Born and raised in Portland, ME, she found yoga as a young adult and was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was a practice she could integrate into her weekly schedule and something that could help to alleviate mental health struggles. Lena aims to deliver a Vinyasa class that leaves you feeling confident, strong, and refreshed. “Come as you are”, stay open and honest and take whatever you need, and leave what does not work for you. Expect guided meditations, oracle cards, and breath-work!
When Lena is not teaching yoga, she surrounds herself with art, music and nature, while she explores Maine’s beaches, attends local concerts, and spends time with her partner and two cats, Oreo and Vinny.
Meredith Minga
Meredith (she/her) has had a life-long passion for fitness, leading to her NASM certification in personal training. She believes that the ability to move our bodies is a gift and encourages a “we don’t have to, we get to” approach to fitness. Meredith focuses on strength training and proper form, with the goal of longevity and strength at all stages in life. A balanced approach is key to staying committed to a wellness journey, so integrating fun movement, good music, and great food are her non-negotiables.
In her free time, Meredith enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her daughter and three rescue pups.
Jess Owen
Jess Owen (Zdanys) discovered yoga and meditation in her teenage years and felt inspired to become a teacher to share these healing practices with others. She obtained both 200 hour and 300 hour yoga teaching certificates in 2019 and 2021 with a focus on trauma-informed yoga. Jess is certified in Angelic Essence Healing as well as Reiki I and II, and enjoys weaving elements of spirituality into her teaching. Her passion for slow, meditative practices are featured in her classes which often blend meditation, breath work, dynamic movement, and traditional poses. Jess believes in upholding the fundamentals of the Yogic philosophy and enjoys educating students by sharing the ancient teachings of the Yogis.
Matt Zebiak
Matt Zebiak is the co-owner of The Village. He strives to create a positive space where all members of the community can gather and appreciate the gifts of our bodies and minds through movement and mindfulness. He enjoys the moments of stillness and peace that yoga can bring to a busy life.
Matt does not teach at the studio, though he can often be found making improvements to the space, working in the front lobby, and attending as many Yoga Nidra classes as possible. He is also the main point of contact for studio inquiries (partnerships, events, new teachers, etc.)
Waffle Cook-Zebiak
Waffle is the light of Madelyn and Matt’s lives, and the Honorary Head of Security at The Village.
Waffle reminds us all about the importance of play, stretching, sleeping, and protecting your family. Her downward-facing dog is among the best of The Village teaching staff.
Waffle does not take reservations for classes, but does accept walk-ins for fetch on the lawn next to the studio.