Full Moon Yoga: Meditation Walk/Flow - $8 / $16 / $19 (The Twisted Olive)

This class is taught by:

Alisha Leytem

Alisha Leytem is a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT), Reiki Level II Practitioner and a Certified Wellness Coach. She was 100% hooked on yoga after feeling as though she was floating above her body during her first savasana ever (true story). Since devoting herself to helping others live their happiest and healthiest lives possible as a Wellness Coach, Alisha knew that becoming a certified yoga teacher was the next natural step for helping others reach their best selves. Her teaching style reflects the way she lives her life: by combining yoga and wellness coaching concepts she ensures that her students leave a class feeling empowered, inspired, and with a positive frame of mind. Alisha is also Reiki II certified.

My teaching style is: Upbeat and challenging, yet relaxed and encouraging. I want my students to leave a class feeling open, rejuvenated, and with a sense of accomplishment that they just found their edge and tried something new.

My favorite yoga pose is: You're going to make me choose? Okay, I pick dancer ...or pigeon! (Can't pick just one!) I love feeing graceful, yet powerful in dancer and there is no better hip opener than pigeon.

Yoga has helped me overcome: Not being my true authentic self. It's helped open my eyes to my own strengths and potential and challenged me to work through my self-doubt. The more I practice, the more confidence I have on and off the mat.

My favorite music to practice to is: Depends upon my mood. But it's generally either indie or reggae- anything that is chill, yet uplifting!

I love my: Hair! Having a mom who is a professional hair stylist probably has something to do with it.

You must try this healthy snack: Dates filled with raw almond butter and a sprinkle of shredded unsweetened coconut flakes. Sooooooo good! (Shameless plug- check out my site, www.alishasappetite.com for lots of healthy recipes!)

My favorite sanskrit word is: Namaste because of how universal and loving it is. Many people have heard of it before (who are new to yoga or haven't tried it before) and when learning that it means it's acknowledging the beauty in both me and you, it becomes very special. Namaste!

My advice for beginning yogis is: Just do you. Don't worry about not being able to do a certain pose or that you will know what to do. The fact that you are showing up to your mat and putting yourself out there is such an incredible first step. Every time you practice you are growing and getting better. Enjoy the journey!

I’m most grateful for: My health and family. Health is truly the greatest wealth there is and the most important thing to me in my life is my family.

The most exotic place that I’ve practiced yoga is: Budapest, Hungary!

If I could practice yoga with anyone, it would be: Tara Stiles because I think she's really down to earth, a revolutionary yogi, and super inspirational.

My one wish for the world is: For everyone to truly experience healthy, happy and satisfying lives.

Deborah Saley

Deborah Saley is a RYT 200 yoga instructor and Level 1 Reiki practitioner, the training for which she completed at Release Yoga. As a licensed professional counselor who specializes in trauma treatment, addition recovery and self-actualization, she believes yoga practice, both meditative and physical, is the most beneficial and responsible way for one to care for their mind, body and soul. Deb’s teaching style is both challenging and loving, and she hopes her students will leave class feeling stronger and more joyful about life.

My teaching style is: Challenging, but loving and fun and informative with a focus on form and energy.

My favorite yoga pose is: Anything that brings me to my edge. It was Utkatasana (Chair Pose) but lately it has been Running Man!

My favorite music to practice to is: Whatever fits my mood for the day. It could be the Black Keys, Florence and the Machine or Krishna Das.

I love my: Hands! They are warm with power and energy.

You must try this healthy snack: Diced avocado sprinkled with cayenne and lime juice.

My favorite sanskrit word is: Mandala. Simply translated it means “circle” but the deeper meaning is universal connectivity of all parts into a greater whole.

My advice for beginning yogis is: Close your eyes, breathe and connect with the sensations in your body…that’s yoga.

I’m most grateful for: Being born as a tiny, gooey, little human!

The most exotic place that I’ve practiced yoga is: Destin, Florida.

If I could practice yoga with anyone it would be: Inmates, the homeless, and other under privileged individuals that deserve to share in the benefits of yoga.

I'm inspired to take my yoga to the level: By sharing it with others that they can set themselves free and find bliss.

My one wish for the world is: Quiet stillness.

Pattie Wagner (E-RYT 500/YACEP)

Pattie Wagner, E-RYT 500 and YACEP®, took yoga when she was four years old with her flower child mom. Yoga found her again when she had her second son and needed a release from a demanding career in a foreign city. Over 20 years, she has practiced a broad variety of yoga styles including Power, Bikram, Hatha, Ashtanga, Restorative, Yin, Iyengar and "crappy work yoga" and infused them all into her teaching style (minus the crappy parts, of course).

My teaching style is: Very hands on, fun, upbeat and spiritual. I love assisting my students, so be prepared for adjustments, neck rubs and guidance.

My favorite yoga pose is: Padahastasana! I love the release that Gorilla pose provides. It’s a simple forward fold that is accessible to all levels of yogis. It also calms the mind, helps with digestion and improves circulation in your hands and wrists. It’s great for people who work on computers all day long.
Yoga has helped me overcome: Wow, so much. I began practicing when my 2nd son was born to help with post-partum depression. From there, I fell in love! Anything is possible on a yoga mat.
My favorite music to teach to is: I have extremely wide tastes of music and love to mix up fresh playlists for my students. I also get help from my sons who help keep my music cutting edge ... I love offering a brand new sound or unknown artist to my students.
I love my: Eyes and hair. My eyes are hazel and can turn to a beautiful complex green/gold. My hair? I rarely blow it dry and (WHEN) I bother to style it, it looks AMAZING!
My favorite goddess is: Akhilandeshvari. She is the “The Always Broken Goddess”. Basically, she celebrates that we are always just a little broken, a little on the edge. This allows us to try something new and unfathomable in our lives and break away from our toxic routines or attachments. And she rides on a crocodile … How cool is that?! There is a great article about her on Elephant Journal by JC Peters. Check it out!
You must try this healthy snack: Well, I'm not sure how truly healthy Skinny Pop is but I can devour a whole bag on my own!
My favorite Sanskrit phrase is: "Om Namah Shivaya". Chanting this mantra is incredibly powerful … Be careful what you wish for!
My advice for beginning yogis: Focus on building the very basics of your practice. Your breath is everything and will guide you both physically and spiritually. Don’t worry about how flexible or strong you are … And don’t worry about the heat, Release has plenty of options!
I’m most grateful for: My wonderful family who supported me when I took on the major life change of starting my own yoga studio. I may be crazy, but I’m loved!
The most exotic place that I’ve practiced yoga is: Hmm, I've been fortunate to experience travel to many places. The Great Wall of China, India, Costa Rica or Kripalu are some of my top places.
If I could practice yoga with anyone, it would be: Harry Styles! I am obsessed.
I want to take my yoga to the next level by: Assisting all of the fabulous Release teachers and students in reaching their full potential.
My heroes are: Anita Roddick (founder of The Body Shop), Maxine Clark (founder of Build a Bear) and Oprah (founder of everything). They each built profitable businesses from the core of their passions, took immense risks, and focused on giving back to their employees and communities. And they did it with kindness, compassion, fun and profitability. That’s the way business should be!
My one wish for the world is: "Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Whole."

Serenity Messner

Serenity's yoga journey began about six years ago as a way to supplement her workout routine. She found so much positive change and growth through her yoga practice that deepening her journey and sharing yoga with others was a must! She is a recently certified 200 RYT and loves to go anywhere and everywhere to take yoga workshops! She has taken workshops with Bryan Kest, Dylan Werner, and Kino MacGregor, and hopes to continue to travel and learn from teachers all over. Serenity believes that combining the physical movement with a steady intentional breath and calm mind is a recipe for excellent self care and a joyful life.

My teaching style is: Creative and spiritual. I aim to create a space where people can tune into their bodies and freely explore. I hope that people leave feeling amazing and maybe learned something new about themselves in the process.

My favorite yoga pose is: Dekasana (airplane pose)! I really used to dislike one-legged balancing poses. They can be so challenging! I’ve grown to love airplane because of the amount of engagement and opening I feel throughout my body. I am soaring strong with my heart leading the way.

Yoga has helped me overcome: Anxiety and reactiveness. My whole perspective changed when I finally realized what it meant to take my yoga “off of the mat” – finding acceptance, breath, and trust when I find myself at my edge with daily frustrations, relationships, and everything in between!

I love my arms because: They make me feel both strong and at ease. I grow strong in my body through my physical yoga practice and soften when I can open my arms and receive all that is coming.

My favorite deity or god/goddess is Krishna because: He stands for joy and destroys pain. He was born to establish the religion of love!

You must try this healthy snack: Apples and almond butter. Yum!

My favorite Sanskrit word or phrase is ‘prapatti‘ because: It means “surrender.” I find that often when I am struggling or frustrated with something, it is rooted in resistance. Surrendering allows us to learn from what the situation is offering rather than being clouded by resistance, stubbornness, ignorance, etc.

My advice for beginning yogis is: Begin! Yoga only requires that you show up and tune into your body. It is an ongoing journey, which is amazing because you never have to “arrive” anywhere. You can just learn and grow and be. If you have the willingness to start, you are a warrior! Enjoy the process.

I’m most grateful for: My family. I consider everyone in my life to be part of my family. People who are there to support and love you in all of the big and small ways. I am grateful to have those people to make life more vibrant.

The most exotic place I’ve practiced yoga is: Cancun, Mexico!

If I could practice yoga with anyone it would be Rachel Brathen because: She has such an honest and relatable story, and that sort of rawness is engaging to me. Yoga has helped her heal through some of life’s toughest challenges, and I think it would be impactful to practice with someone who is really honest with who she is and where she’s been.

I’m excited to take my yoga to the next level because: I dig a little deeper and learn a little more about myself each time I get on my mat. Doing something great for my body, mind, and spirit is the greatest form of multitasking there is!

My heroes are: Anyone fighting to create more peace in our increasingly destructive world.

My one wish for the world is: Be less violent and love each other more. I wish that people would stop acting as if we are all so different. When we can look at someone else and see ourselves, we can stop the violence.

Piper Sereno

Piper started her yoga journey 6 years ago when she first walked into Release at the age of 16. She graduated from Release's teacher training program in 2017, and has been teaching throughout her college studies. Piper is a graduate student at Case Western Reserve University, and is currently a substitute instructor at Release.

My teaching style is: hands-off and minimal. I like to leave room for students to move the way that feels best for them, while still providing detailed cues for proper alignment. I'll try to teach a flow with wiggle room to be as creative and as challenging as you want it to be. I want students to leave my class feeling relaxed, open, and supported.

My favorite music to practice to is: any kind of instrumental music. The less words, the better. Some of my favorite artists for yoga practice are Kupla, Sol Rising, and Emancipator.

I love my: FRECKLES!

My advice for beginning yogis is: Don't look at the person next to you. Stay in your own lane and focus on what feels good in your body.

I’m most grateful for: My body and all the ways I am able to move.

If I could practice yoga with anyone, it would be: My grandpa, Joe, who passed away over a year ago. He practiced yoga until he was 85 years old, and introduced me to yoga when I was 14.

Yoga has helped me overcome: Not quite overcome, but has definitely helped with my anxiety and insecurity.

My super power is: Listening and being a supportive figure for the people in my life.

My one wish for the world is: Health.

Elyse Morckel (E-RYT 200/YACEP)

Elyse is a E-RYT 200/YACEP certified yoga instructor who has been teaching yoga for the last 5 years. In addition to teaching multiple styles of yoga at Release, she also instructs barre fitness classes. She currently serves as the Co-Director of the RYT-200 Teacher Training Program. Elyse took her first yoga class in high school, but didn't find a deeper connection to the practice till later on. For Elyse yoga is a moving meditation that keeps her mind and body refreshed. She hopes to encourage students to never stop learning and exploring all that their bodies can inform them about each time they step onto their mat. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2014 with a BFA in Dance and has been making her own independent choreographic works across northeast Ohio.Since 2017, Elyse has been a company dancer, teacher, & choreographer with The Movement Project, a contemporary modern dance company in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2018, Elyse began teaching through Zenworks Yoga, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing mindfulness and yoga into school settings and integrating those practices into daily curriculum for grades PreK-12. In addition to teaching through Release, TMP, & Zenworks Yoga, she also teaches dance at Sheena's Platinum Movements in northwest Akron.

My teaching style is: Evolving. Each day is an opportunity to be open to new ideas. I seek to keep my practice available to new information as it comes to me as both a teacher and a student.

My favorite yoga pose(s) is: Virasana (Hero Pose) & Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Yoga has helped me overcome: Feelings of insecurity and self doubt that I have carried for many years about myself. When I come to my mat I am reminded that I am capable of so much more than I realize, and I recognize that it is okay to have to remind myself of those things as a daily self-care practice.

I love my Body because: For all the perceived faults and inadequacies I see in it. It is mine and therefore is unique and beautifully imperfect.

You must try this healthy snack: Avocado with everything but the bagel sprinkles on toast.

My favorite Sanskrit word or phrase is Om Namah Shivaya: Which translates to “I bow to the inner Self”. Answers and knowledge can come from within you if you look close enough.

My advice for beginning yogis is: Don't let yourself get caught up thinking the challenging/advanced poses are everything. The physical asana is one of eight parts of your yoga practice. The challenge is living your yoga off your mat and in the chaos of the real world.

I’m most grateful for: My family, those who I chose and some who life chose for me. They have been a lifelong source of encouragement and unconditional love, and I would not be here without them.

The most unique place I’ve practiced yoga is: The jungles of Tulum or in Joshua Tree National Park.

I’m ready to take my yoga to the next level because: Now with 5 years of teaching experience, I am interested to return to the mindset I held as a student, eager to seek out that which is new and connect deeper to what I "think" that I know.

My heroes are: Teachers (not just from my yoga experience) who gave me the courage to believe I was more than I perceived.

My superpower is: Supporting others & helping them find their path.

My one wish for the world is: More love and understanding, less hate and aggression.

Join Release at The Twisted Olive for an enchanting evening outdoors to celebrate the power of the full moon!

Many traditional cultures revere the moon as a manifestation of the divine feminine force in nature. This energy also resides within each of us and is this lunar energy is characterized as cool, receptive, and inwardly focused. The full moon is a time of swelling tides, heightened emotions, and completion of tasks and intentions.

Scheduled on the night of the full moon, our class will begin with a silent meditation walk in Southgate Park, followed by cool, grounding asanas and plenty of flowing moon salutations. This class will be outdoors, under the full moonlight. Please bring layers of clothing, a yoga mat, and citronella spray.

Three pricing options are available, so you can customize your summer full moon experience!

$19 = Meditation Walk & Flow

$16 = Yoga Class (All Levels Flow) Only (yoga begins at ~8:30 pm)

$8 = Walk Only (begins at 7:00 pm)

The Twisted Olive invites sweet, soulful, sweaty yogis ... casual attire warmly welcomed! Please plan to arrive at

5430 Massillon Road, North Canton, OH 44720. All inquiries should be directed to Release Yoga via hello@releaseyoga.com (or call or stop in of course!).

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