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

Dr. Jacayia Austin Cuartas is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant that is passionate about supporting the breastfeeding dyad. She has lived in many states in the US like New York, Florida, Massachusetts and Arizona. Jacayia completed her BA in Spanish at the University of Florida, then her doctorate at MGH IHP in Boston and now has settled here in Rhode Island. Jacayia has experience working in a pediatric outpatient clinic specializing in infant feeding. She also treated clients with overall developmental delays related to their fine motor, visual motor, oral motor, cognitive and social emotional development. Jacayia works part-time at Women and Infant’s hospital as a lactation counselor in the NICU where she supports nursing parents to build their supply and reach their feeding goals.

Jacayia is trained in the Beckman Oral Motor protocol and has taken continuing education to support bottle feeding skills and body work for better breastfeeding. Jacayia also completed her certified educator of infant massage program and loves to teach infant massage courses.

Jacayia loves to design, sew, knit, learn languages, travel, and enjoys delicious food. She wants to explore the beauty of Rhode Island by going to beaches and visiting local restaurants and shops.

Dr. Jacayia Austin Cuartas is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and International Board Certified ... 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

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

Britt Colwell (RYT 200) is a trauma-informed yoga instructor with a passion for accessible, mindful movement. Her classes blend slow, breath-led flow with a focus on nervous system regulation and intuitive movement. Britt creates a welcoming space where students of all backgrounds can reconnect with their bodies, build resilience, and move with intention.

Britt Colwell (RYT 200) is a trauma-informed yoga instructor with a passion for accessible, mindf... Read More

Dr. Kim Daniels, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and yoga teacher with over a decade of teaching experience. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Tufts University and specializes in pelvic health and orthopedic care.

Kim integrates her clinical expertise with her yoga teaching to support mindful, individualized movement. She is passionate about helping people reconnect with their bodies through practices that honor each person’s unique anatomy, needs, and goals.

Originally from New Hampshire, Kim now lives in Rhode Island with her husband and their dog. She enjoys spending time outdoors year-round.

Dr. Kim Daniels, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and yoga teacher with over a decade of teaching... Read More

Emily Desrosiers, LMT, MLD-C, Reiki Master/Teacher (she/her) is a Licensed Massage Therapist who has been practicing since 2021. She takes a thoughtful, client-centered approach to care, with a focus on helping individuals move out of pain and back into a more comfortable, functional relationship with their bodies.

Her work is grounded in an understanding of fascial restrictions, compensation patterns, and the role of the nervous system in chronic tension and pain. She has continued to refine her practice through specialized training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD-C) and myofascial release techniques, including Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). She integrates these approaches with therapeutic massage to support mobility, reduce discomfort, and promote overall balance within the body. Emily also brings a background in energy work as a Reiki Master/Teacher, incorporating subtle, nervous system–supportive elements into her sessions to help clients shift into a more restorative state. She particularly enjoys working with individuals experiencing chronic pain, as well as those who are beginning to explore bodywork for the first time. She values collaboration and believes massage therapy can play an important role alongside movement and rehabilitation practices in supporting long-term, sustainable change.

Outside of her work, Emily is an avid dancer who finds joy in movement as a form of expression and connection. She also enjoys spending time in nature—camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors—and has a deep love for animals. She hopes to one day expand her practice to include animal massage therapy.

Emily Desrosiers, LMT, MLD-C, Reiki Master/Teacher (she/her) is a Licensed Massage Therapist who ... 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

Glorie is a certified yoga instructor and our newest Client Experience Specialist. She has an extensive background in hospitality, customer service and food service management with a deep passion for mindfulness, yoga and overall wellbeing. Glorie cares deeply about the relationships she forms with her guests and looks forward to carrying that with her at Roots.

Glorie enjoys many different yoga modalities ranging from yin to sculpt with an emphasis on alignment and creative prop usage.

When not at work, Glorie fills her time with sewing projects, baking sourdough, volunteering in the garden at Osamequin Farm and wrangling her 6-pound chihuahua mix Itty Bitty.

Glorie is a certified yoga instructor and our newest Client Experience Specialist. She has an ext... 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

Jayna is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who uses movement, meditation and breath as a therapeutic approach to help support folx dealing with anxiety, stress, and issues with neurodiversity. She uses the *Subtle Yoga method of slow, repetitive, rhythmic movement accessible to all bodies of various sizes, and mobility. Jayna has over 40 years of experience as a clinical social worker, during which time she dedicated much of her practice to working within the LBGTQIA++ community. She remains a strong ally today. Her extensive experience, her fun-loving personality and her sense of humor creates an inclusive and enjoyable environment which holds a safe place for all class members to enjoy.

Jayna is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who uses movement, meditation and... 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

Dr. Jaclyn Plante is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, with a decade of experience in orthopedic 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. Dr. Jackie is a board certified orthopedic physical therapy specialist.

Her primary expertise is orthopedics and sports medicine, but a passion for yoga drives an integration of mindfulness into her practice. She has been a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training since 2020, and also holds certification in Buti Movement, Deep by Buti, and Inside Flow. She has experience teaching many movement 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 a decade of experience in orthopedic reha... 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

Steve (he/him) has explored many fields throughout his career, but one passion has remained constant: a deep love for strength sports. From powerlifting and strongman to historic stone lifting, metal bending, and most recently competing in the Scottish Highland Games, Steve knows firsthand the physical demands these disciplines place on the body. Massage has always played a key role in helping him stay mobile, resilient, and pain-free through it all.

Over time, Steve discovered that offering a healing touch came naturally to him. When he began searching for a new career path, massage therapy quickly stood out as the perfect fit! Now an experienced Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Steve is excited to share the same relief and recovery he’s found through bodywork.

His practice focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall quality of life- whether you’re an athlete or active in your daily life, a targeted Sports Session with Steve will help!

Steve (he/him) has explored many fields throughout his career, but one passion has remained const... Read More

Julie teaches yoga to share what the practice brought into her own life, namely a means of connecting to her capacity for resilience, inner wisdom and joy. A Southern California native, she has called Providence home since 2009. Yoga has been a part of Julie’s life since childhood both in and out of school. She audited her first teacher training her senior year of high school and returned to a serious study of the practice after graduating from Bard College in 2008. She has been teaching yoga in Providence professionally since 2012, in environments ranging from yoga studios, gyms, school and even the occasional backyard. If you see her biking around the city she is probably on her way to class.

Her classes translate a technical knowledge of asana practice with strong focus on anatomy and alignment. Embedded within this focus are the underpinnings of yogic philosophy which point to developing mindfulness and compassionate awareness. Forever a student, she is always looking for ways to hone and develop her understanding of the human body/ experience and to relate that understanding to the people who practice with her. Julie teaches from her direct experience of yoga as an inclusive, energizing and empowering practice.

Julie teaches yoga to share what the practice brought into her own life, namely a means of conne... Read More

Dr. Amy E. Smith (she/her) is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Founder and Co-Owner of Roots Physical Therapy + Yoga. She has over 17 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 (6) and Maggie (4), her nephew Thomas (11) 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.

In studio, 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 Founder and Co-Owner of Roots ... 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