Colin Aina is a Providence native with 20 years’ experience in the fitness, coaching and sports performance industry. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (with distinction) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, a USA Track and Field Certified Coach, and Holds a Degree in Physical Anthropology. Colin has lectured and presented at seminars around the country in the areas of speed and agility training, lumbar and spinal dysfunction and team building motivation for the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Perform Better, and the US Special Forces. He was high level track and field athlete, qualifying for the 2004 Olympic Trials and being a finalist a numerous US National Championships.

Colin is inspired by helping people realize their true potential through movement.

When not coaching people, Colin heads a non-profit (1PVD Cycling) that introduces Providence youth to competitive cycling. He is an avid cyclist, rock and ice climber, backcountry snowboarder and DJ. He also does work in the outdoor recreation world creating access and inclusivity for historically marginalized groups through clinics and experiential outings.

Colin Aina is a Providence native with 20 years’ experience in the fitness, coaching and sports p... Read More

Kim Bernardo is a 500-Hour certified yoga teacher, and also holds certifications in Grief Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga, Meditation and Yin. Her focuses are mainly on Vinyasa, Gentle, Yin and Grief. Her practice, passion and knowledge of yoga and meditation has grown over the years and she loves to spread that knowledge to others. She deepens her practice by maintaining a personal practice and taking extra workshops to keep learning. Kim’s classes are always a judgmental free space, and a place for her students to learn and explore new areas.

Kim Bernardo is a 500-Hour certified yoga teacher, and also holds certifications in Grief Yoga, T... Read More

Yalith prioritizes playfulness and joyful movement in her yoga practice. She completed her 200hr yoga teacher training with Yoga of Energy Flow in Cambridge, MA followed by her 300hr yoga teacher training at Jala Studio in Providence, RI. She is also a NASM certified personal trainer and loves to combine traditional yoga with a more contemporary approach to mobility, stability, and strength. Yalith is HAES-aligned and is passionate about presenting movement in a way that goes against harmful diet culture messaging. She is also neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and committed to making her classes inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.

Yalith prioritizes playfulness and joyful movement in her yoga practice. She completed her 200hr... Read More

For over 20 years, I have found yoga to be a deep companion and steady guide through life’s twists and turns.

I believe yoga should be accessible to everyone. My approach centers on creating a safe and accepting space with a calm presence and a warm smile to help all feel welcome. In my classes, whether a sweaty vinyasa flow or a soothing restorative practice, students are encouraged to slow down and find both compassion and confidence exactly as they are.

I completed two 200-hour training sessions throughout 2015 and 2016 in Mobile, Alabama. I trained in the live love teach methodology with Glow Yoga and in hatha yoga with Shanti Warrior Living Yoga. Since then I have continued my training in such areas as Yin and Restorative yoga, as well as trauma recovery. I value multiple pathways toward wellness.

For over 20 years, I have found yoga to be a deep companion and steady guide through life’s twist... Read More

Julie is a 500 hour certified Hatha Vinyasa Yoga teacher. She completed her first Hatha Yoga teacher training in 2005. This foundational training inspired a lifelong interest in further study. Julie has completed coursework in yin, restorative, rope wall and chair yoga. Her teaching is greatly informed by her time studying and practicing with her primary teacher, Theresa Murphy.

Julie is a 500 hour certified Hatha Vinyasa Yoga teacher. She completed her first Hatha Yoga teac... Read More

Lauren Fiske, MSc, RYT (she/her) joined Roots in 2025 as our Client Experience Specialist, where she brings her experience in project management, program administration, and public health to help Roots achieve its goal of high quality client-centered care.

With a Masters of Science in Global Mental Health, she’s passionate about health equity and creating a welcome, inclusive environment for people seeking wellbeing, connection, and belonging. At Roots, she plays a key role in supporting client relationships, administrative operations and is excited to contribute to Roots mission and growth.

Lauren is also an experienced meditation practitioner and Registered Yoga Teacher, specializing in yin yoga, yoga nidra, and adaptive yoga for concussion and traumatic brain injury. She has a thirst for learning other modalities to support holistic health!

Lauren Fiske, MSc, RYT (she/her) joined Roots in 2025 as our Client Experience Specialist, where ... Read More

Dr. Rachael Giordano is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.

Originally from Philadelphia, Rachael earned her BS in Kinesiology from the Penn State and her DPT from Arcadia University.

She is passionate about helping people gain control of their health and living their life to the fullest.

Rachael uses a biopsychosocial approach to help people recover from sports and orthopedic injuries, concussions, headaches and visual/vestibular rehab, and pelvic floor dysfunction. She is certified in integrative dry needling and is a former Crossfit coach!

Rachael lives in South Kingstown and enjoys spending her days outside with her pups, husband, and baby girl. She loves taking advantage of living close to beaches, kayaking, and becoming a foodie.

Dr. Rachael Giordano is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Spec... Read More

Sylvie Le, Doctor of Physical Therapy & Certified Professional Yoga Therapist, has been dedicated to bridging the gap between yoga and healthcare since 2015. Sylvie combines her love for movement, body work, meditation, and healing to create educational and therapeutic classes to help people move, feel, and be at their best.

Sylvie received her Masters in Physical Therapy from Springfield College in 2009 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Sage Colleges in 2010. She is a graduate of the Professional Yoga Therapy Institute and is certified in teaching Medical Therapeutic Yoga. Additionally Sylvie has also completed training in Pelvic Floor PT through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, underwent extensive Yoga Teacher Training at an ashram in India, and has become certified in Thai Yoga Massage in Northern Thailand. Syivie is a lover of the arts and creative movement, and really enjoys teaching anatomy and combining her skills to help others better understand their own bodies and minds.

Sylvie Le, Doctor of Physical Therapy & Certified Professional Yoga Therapist, has been dedic... Read More

Dr Kay Mastrocola is a Physical Therapist and certified lover of all things breakfast and Buzz Lightyear. Originally from Central Jersey, Kay moved to the Midwest to earn her Bachelor degrees in Exercise Science and Health Care Ethics as well as her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. Before moving to RI, she worked in Chicago as an orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapist. Kay is passionate about the intersection of mind and body and has extensive training in trauma informed care. Her expertise includes the treatment of generalized and complex pelvic floor conditions, gender affirming care, EDS and dysautonomia. Her holistic approach to treatment allows individuals of all ages and identities to achieve the pain free and fulfilling lifestyle they deserve. Outside of work, Kay spends her days trying out local coffee shops (recommendations welcome), traveling and snuggling her golden retriever, Zeus.

Dr Kay Mastrocola is a Physical Therapist and certified lover of all things breakfast and Buzz Li... Read More

Abigail completed her certification in massage therapy from River Valley Community College in 2019. Her experience and training includes myofascial, deep tissue and orthopedic massage. She is certified in manual lymphatic drainage and intra-oral techniques. Abigail’s style of massage follows a more kinesiology informed approach. Her intent is not only to affect her client’s muscles and connective tissues but also to help them reconnect to their the nervous system. She enjoys the process of learning each client’s needs and planning specific treatments to address those needs. Abigail finds the relationship that is fostered between therapist and client to be one of massage therapy’s most rewarding aspects. She believes that it is the trust and mutual respect shared between a client and therapist that fosters the most beneficial effects of a massage.

Abigail completed her certification in massage therapy from River Valley Community College in 201... Read More

Dr. Jaclyn Plante is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, with six years experience in rehabilitation. She completed her Bachelor’s of Health and Science Studies in 2013, and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Quinnipiac University in 2016.

Her primary expertise is orthopedics and sports medicine, but a passion for yoga drives an integration of mindfulness into her practice. She has completed 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2020 with Coral Brown, and also holds certification in Buti Yoga. She has experience teaching both formats in individual and group settings, and enjoys combining elements of these practices to create a specialized and individual rehab program.

Jaclyn resides with her family in a quiet corner of the state, and outside of work enjoys paddleboarding in the summer, skiing in the winter, and practicing yoga daily.

Dr. Jaclyn Plante is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, with six years experience in rehabilitation. S... Read More

Sophia is a certified yoga instructor and lifelong dancer, currently completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Dance/Movement Therapy. She loves guiding students through creative movement sequences that encourage exploration and enhance mobility. With a strong emphasis on the mind-body connection, Sophia incorporates intentional breath work and thoughtful cuing into her classes to promote bodily awareness and nervous system regulation. Her approach is trauma-informed and person-centered, and she offers clear alignment guidance and accessible modifications to safely welcome all bodies into this shared practice.

Sophia is a certified yoga instructor and lifelong dancer, currently completing her Master’s in C... Read More

Dr. Amy E. Smith (she/her) is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Owner of Roots Physical Therapy + Yoga. She has 16 years of experience providing comprehensive physical therapy services to patients throughout the lifespan.

She holds specialty certifications and training in the areas of orthopedics and pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum management, trans health, strength and conditioning, functional dry needling, and manual therapy. She is well versed in utilizing the biopsychosocial approach to managing chronic pain and complex musculoskeletal conditions. She combines her skills as an experienced, evidence-based movement specialist with principles of mindfulness, meditation and yoga asana to provide an individualized, comprehensive, integrated and holistic approach to healing with each client she sees. She is passionate about transforming the healing experience to one that is personalized, sustainable, and enjoyable.

Amy is a RI native who resides in Pawtucket, RI with her wife Emily, her daughters Calesia (4) and Maggie (2), and her fur babies Tito, Yazoo and Jebby. She’s a foster parent, a yoga teacher, an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. She loves live music, bingo, travelling and exploring, coffee milk, lobster rolls, the ocean, all things fall, and spending time with loved ones.

Amy is a creative and innovative Yoga Teacher who blends her expertise in anatomy + biomechanics, psychology and movement science with her passion to educate and empower students to move better and feel better. Her goal is to help foster curiosity and engagement and improve students’ knowledge and understanding of themselves through the practice of yoga.

Amy presents skillfully crafted sequences focused on optimizing mobility, stability and motor control creating a solid foundation for movement, mindfulness and health.

Dr. Amy E. Smith (she/her) is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Owner of Roots Physical Therap... Read More

Danielle is a licensed massage therapist and 200 Hour RYT who possesses a passion for helping others find physical and energetic balance.

She received her certificate in massage therapy from Lincoln Technical Institute in 2012 and her 200 hour RYT in Puskar India later that year. In 2014, she was attuned to reiki levels I&II. Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing used to promote relaxation and stress relief. Danielle has returned to India several times to complete additional trainings in meditation and Ayurveda, which is the system of medicine used in India.

As a massage therapist, Danielle uses a variety of modalities to cater to her clients needs, including deep tissue, relaxation, reiki, and trigger point therapy. She delivers intuitive and individualized therapeutic treatments with a focus on well-being and enjoys learning and continuing to develop her skills to better serve her clients.

Danielle found her yoga practice, as so many do, during a very difficult time in her life. She immediately felt a transformation within her, and as a result, around her. The shift was tangible, life became more fun, and she knew this was a practice she wanted to share with others.

Danielle’s vinyasa classes are challenging, creatively sequenced, and often taught with a peak pose at the end. She is encouraging and playful with her students and is known for telling stories about the Hindu deities in her vinyasa classes. Her meditation teacher instilled in her that “Joy is our true nature” and Danielle provides the space for her students to go within, find their true nature, and leave feeling joyful.

Danielle’s main goal is to help people continue doing the things they love, and to live happier, more mobile lives by utilizing the benefits of massage, reiki, and yoga.

Danielle is a licensed massage therapist and 200 Hour RYT who possesses a passion for helping oth... Read More

Jillian is a nationally certified Pilates teacher with over 15 years of experience. She is comprehensively trained through Balanced Body with additional education in pelvic floor health and pre and postpartum exercise. Jillian is also endorsed by the Tummy Team as a functional core specialist.

Jillian started practicing Pilates 23 years ago after a back injury. She understands the importance of honoring your body and working where you are at. Her classes will emphasize form and proper engagement to train your body to move with greater easy and efficiency. Come to work but leave feeling taller, stronger and ready to tackle the rest of your day!

Jillian is a nationally certified Pilates teacher with over 15 years of experience. She is compre... Read More