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

Casey Ashby is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist (OTR/L, CHT) specializing in the treatment of orthopedic injuries and chronic pain involving the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania, and has been practicing occupational therapy since 2016. Casey became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2019, an advanced certification requiring extensive clinical experience and demonstrated expertise in the rehabilitation of the upper extremity. Casey believes healing is most effective when the whole person, not just the injury, is treated. She utilizes a holistic, biopsychosocial approach that recognizes the connection between the brain and body, blending evidence-based rehabilitation with therapeutic exercise, activity modification, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. She has extensive experience treating both surgical and non-surgical upper extremity conditions, including custom orthosis fabrication, and is passionate about helping patients better understand their pain, regain confidence in movement, and return to the work, hobbies, and creative pursuits that bring meaning to their lives. She has a special interest in working with individuals experiencing chronic pain, as well as musicians, artists, and others whose hands are essential to their profession and creativity.

Originally from New Jersey, Casey now lives in Rhode Island with her long-haired cat, Domino. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, biking, playing chess and the flute, and spending time crafting with friends. She believes staying active and creative helps her bring empathy, curiosity, and perspective to every patient she serves.

Casey Ashby is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist (OTR/L, CHT) specializing i... Read More

Gianna Auger (she/her) is a certified yoga, Pilates, and fitness instructor with over seven years of experience in the wellness industry. Known for her energetic teaching style and supportive coaching approach, she leads classes that challenge students while remaining accessible to all levels. With expertise in Yoga, Sculpt, Pilates, and Strength Training, Gianna is passionate about helping clients build strength, confidence, and lasting wellness habits. Her background in instructor training and studio leadership allows her to create welcoming spaces where students feel empowered to grow both physically and mentally.

Gianna Auger (she/her) is a certified yoga, Pilates, and fitness instructor with over seven years... 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

Ashley began practicing yoga as a way to feel safe in and reconnect with her body. After experiencing the profound impact the practice had on her own life, she was inspired to become a teacher. She completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, followed immediately by a 200-hour Forrest Yoga Teacher Training, deepening her understanding of both traditional yoga and trauma-informed movement.

Ashley is passionate about creating classes that are warm, inclusive, lighthearted, and accessible for everybody, and every-body. She believes yoga is a space for exploration rather than perfection, encouraging students to move with curiosity, compassion, and authenticity. She recognizes holding space for others as they navigate their own unique journeys as a privilege, and one of the greatest joys of teaching.

Ashley began practicing yoga as a way to feel safe in and reconnect with her body. After experien... 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 is an end of life doula. and a certified in Thai Bodywork.

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

Jazeon is a certified Yoga Instructor and Yoga Nidra Practitioner. Movement practice has become an integral part of her life. She often says “Yoga saved my life, and dance saved my soul.” With a background in both yoga and dance, Jazeon specializes in mindful and sustainable movement, beginner foundations, breathwork, and meditation. She believes yoga is for everyBODY and loves helping clients to feel embodied, to see their true strength, and to feel empowered to show kindness to their bodies and themselves! Her classes are invigorating, restorative, and supportive. Outside of the studio, you’ll find her dancing Kizomba any and everywhere!

Jazeon is a certified Yoga Instructor and Yoga Nidra Practitioner. Movement practice has become a... 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

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