About Inlet Yoga's Jersey Shore Instructors

At Inlet Yoga Studio, we wholeheartedly embrace the transformative potential of yoga as a tool to enrich lives. Nestled in the heart of Manasquan, New Jersey, within the southern region of Monmouth County, our studio is conveniently situated just a mile away from the serene beachfront.

Our studio is a haven of warmth and encouragement, designed to accommodate yoga practitioners of every skill level. Our team of seasoned instructors is committed to guiding students in deepening their yoga practice, fostering a journey of self-discovery and inner tranquility through the physical and mental disciplines of yoga.

Regardless of whether you are just embarking on your yoga journey as a novice, or you are an advanced practitioner seeking to refine your skills, we provide a diverse range of classes tailored to suit your individual needs and aspirations. We invite you to join our community at Inlet Yoga Studio, and experience firsthand the life-changing power of yoga.

Jennifer Vafakos, ERYT-500, YACEP, Yoga Medicine Therapeutics Student

Jennifer Vafakos is a highly credentialed yoga educator, specializing in Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga for Women with Breast Cancer, including lymphatics training for private clients. A registered ERYT-500 and YACEP instructor, she is currently deepening her expertise through advanced studies in Yoga Therapeutics with Yoga Medicine. With a strong foundation in accessible and therapeutic yoga, Jennifer is widely recognized for her commitment to fostering student wellness through thoughtful movement, breathwork, and mindfulness practices.

Since taking over Inlet Yoga Studio in 2016, Jennifer has served as the lead instructor, curator, and guide for the studio’s 200-hour RYT teacher training program, mentoring a new generation of yoga instructors with reverence, dedication, and a deep love for the community. In 2025, she will expand Inlet Yoga’s educational offerings by launching the 300-hour RYT training program, continuing her mission to provide top-tier yoga education, mentorship, and professional development.

Jennifer’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, experience, or physical ability. She strives to create classes that are both accessible and challenging, encouraging students to explore their strengths and capabilities while cultivating resilience and balance. Her dedication to inclusivity and community-building has been instrumental in shaping Inlet Yoga as a premier yoga destination at the Jersey Shore and beyond.

Her impact extends far beyond the studio. Students consistently praise her approachable teaching style, depth of knowledge, and unwavering support for their well-being. Through her guidance, students not only gain physical strength but also mental clarity and emotional balance, making her an invaluable presence in the Jersey Shore yoga community.

Ellen Mosko, an esteemed and beloved yoga teacher, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her practice. With a strong foundation in Iyengar, Anusara, Yin, Hatha, and Sivananda Yoga, Ellen’s journey as a yogi began during her college years. Starting her teaching career in 2003, she has since become a sought-after “teacher’s teacher” renowned for her ability to seamlessly guide students using cues, sequences, and props to transform their practice.

As an E-RYT 500-Hour and YACEP certified instructor, Ellen’s expertise extends beyond the mat. Her yoga classes and writings have been featured by Yoga International, showcasing her deep understanding of alignment, anatomy, philosophy, and subtle body energetics. Ellen shares her wisdom through public and private classes, training sessions, and workshops nationwide. Additionally, she offers mentoring sessions to certified teachers, empowering them to discover and cultivate their own authentic teaching voice.

Whether you’re a student seeking transformation or a teacher seeking growth, Ellen Mosko is here to guide you on your yoga journey. Immerse yourself in her teachings, connect with your practice, and unlock the true potential of your mind, body, and spirit.

“I think our world moves at a very fast pace and in that chaos, we can lose ourselves. I teach – and I practice – because yoga is the anchor that keeps bringing me back to my own heart.” Ellen

Carrie, a prominent yoga teacher based in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, is a guiding light in the yoga community. With nearly two decades of experience leading studio classes, she has become a beloved instructor. For the past ten years, Carrie has been the inspiring force behind the thousands of beach yogis who gather at Jenkinson’s Inlet Beach each summer.

Not only is Carrie an exceptional teacher, but she is also the proud owner of Twisted Guru, a textile company located in India. Her innovative creation, the first-ever Beach Yoga Mats, has garnered recognition in esteemed publications such as Yoga Journal, Caribbean Living, NY Yoga + Life, INC., and Vogue (online).

Carrie’s profound connection to nature, the seasons, and the elements shape her practice. Her classes intertwine storytelling with reflective movement, allowing students to immerse themselves in a transformative experience. Recognizing the importance of living in harmony with nature and embracing the cycles of life, Carrie believes these principles nourish the soul and cultivate balance, connection, and joy in our lives. She encourages her students to merge their inner and outer worlds, remaining present to the everyday miracles and signs from the universe that guide us along life’s path.

As a lead trainer in Inlet Yoga’s 200-hour Seasonal Yoga™️ teacher training, Carrie shares her expertise and passion with aspiring teachers. She also co-hosts immersive yoga retreats in Costa Rica, offering participants a transformative journey of self-discovery. In addition, she will be a featured presenter at this year’s Global Mala in Asbury Park, showcasing her knowledge and inspiring others.

Beyond her yoga ventures, Carrie’s family operates a beach house café at the Jersey Shore and runs a company that provides healthy school food service management, feeding hundreds of children in the off-season.

Carrie’s dedication to her students, her community, and her profound connection to nature sets her apart as an extraordinary yoga teacher and inspiring individual. Join her in embracing the transformative power of yoga and discovering a path of balance, connection, and fulfillment.

Allison is driven by a mission to empower individuals with a deeper understanding and appreciation of their bodies, fostering a sense of joyful acceptance and celebration of their true selves. Her teaching style combines a perfect blend of learning and playfulness, ensuring that her classes strike a harmonious balance between information and fun. By creating a space where students can enjoy their yoga practice, Allison aims to facilitate transformative experiences that extend beyond the mat.

As a dedicated yoga practitioner since the mid-1990s, Allison began her teaching journey in 2009. She pursued her 200-hour and 500-hour Teacher Training at DIG Yoga in Lambertville, NJ, and holds certifications as an E-RYT 200 and 500-hour instructor, as well as a Continuing Education Provider, registered with The Yoga Alliance. While Allison initially taught from an Alignment-based perspective within the Anusara school, her approach has evolved to focus on embodied movement. She emphasizes a well-rounded practice that encompasses both stretching and strengthening, fueled by her passion for anatomy and therapeutics. Additionally, Allison is a certified instructor in Yoga Tune Up®, The Roll Model Method®, and Yoga For All®. Her dedication to growth and learning is evident in her studies with renowned movement educators such as Tom Myers, Jules Mitchell, Jillian Pranksy, Leslie Kaminoff, and Jenny Otto.

Allison’s offerings extend beyond traditional Hatha Yoga classes. She specializes in classes and workshops that incorporate self-massage and myofascial release techniques, enhancing students’ overall well-being. Her expertise has been showcased in various studios along the Jersey Shore, where she has demonstrated her exceptional teaching capabilities.

Join Allison on a transformative journey where learning, playfulness, and self-discovery intertwine. Experience the profound impact of her Hatha Yoga classes and delve into the realm of self-massage and myofascial release. Discover a newfound connection with your body, as Allison guides you towards a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

Sandy’s profound love for yoga blossomed during a transitional period upon returning to New Jersey from her life abroad in Costa Rica. Seeking answers and a guiding light, she discovered the transformative power of yoga—a practice that connected her with like-minded individuals and ignited her inner journey. The fusion of movement, breath, and spirituality became the perfect alchemy, ultimately leading her to a fulfilling career.

Sandy embarked on her yoga path under the tutelage of Angela Boltz in Costa Rica, where she completed her initial 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT). Since then, she has continued her education, accumulating over 300 hours of certifications in AcroYoga, Children’s Yoga, Restorative Yoga, S.U.P. Yoga, Anatomy/Postural Adjustments, strength training, conditioning, and Reiki. Sandy’s teaching repertoire encompasses schools, studios, facilities, and festivals, spreading her passion for yoga to diverse audiences.

As a valued member of the Wanderlust AcroYoga teaching team, Sandy actively participates in community-building and fosters connections through this practice. Her deep appreciation for music shines through in her classes, infusing them with rhythm and uplifting energy. You can often find her leading an invigorating vinyasa flow class at Inlet Yoga on Sunday mornings. Inspired by various yoga styles, Sandy weaves their essence into her sequences, creating a dynamic experience for her students. Her primary focus is to ensure that each individual, regardless of age or experience, derives personal benefits from their practice and enjoys their time on the mat.

Join Sandy on a transformative yoga journey that goes beyond the physical. Experience her infectious enthusiasm, empowering guidance, and harmonious blend of yoga, music, and self-discovery. Embrace the opportunity to find your own path and thrive on the mat under her caring and inclusive instruction.

Meet Brittany, a familiar face at Inlet Yoga who has been practicing yoga for over 15 years. You’ve probably seen her welcoming you at the front desk and checking you into class with a warm smile. Currently enrolled in the Inlet Yoga 200-hour Teacher Training Program, Brittany is embarking on a new chapter in her yoga journey.

Her love for yoga began during college, as she discovered the incredible way her body felt after each class. In 2008, she found her yoga home at Inlet Yoga and has been an active member ever since. Inlet Yoga has introduced Brittany to a diverse range of exceptional teachers, each specializing in different yoga lineages. With their guidance, Brittany has become a well-rounded student and is now on her way to becoming a teacher herself.

When she’s not on her mat, Brittany shares her passion for yoga and breathwork with her kindergarten students. She believes that adding an element of fun to yoga enhances the full experience and its benefits.

Join Brittany in embracing the joy and transformation that yoga offers. Discover the magic of Inlet Yoga and unlock your potential on and off the mat.

Natalie’s life has always been fueled by a deep passion for movement, sound, and connection. From the realms of theater, climbing, literature, to psychology, she has delved into various paths of exploration. Amidst this journey, Natalie discovered yoga as a sanctuary—a place to return to and find solace.

Her mission as a yoga teacher is to create a sense of home for her students, guiding them towards rediscovering the profound connection between body, mind, and spirit. In 2022, Natalie embarked on her transformative RYT 200-hour journey with Inlet Yoga, and ever since, she has been dedicated to nurturing her practice.

Infusing her unique background in vocal technique, dance, and climbing, Natalie empowers her students to weave everyday life experiences with heartful awareness and the wisdom of yoga. Join Natalie on the mat as she invites you to embrace a harmonious union of movement, mindfulness, and self-discovery. Experience the transformative power of yoga as you embark on a journey of connection and personal growth under Natalie’s compassionate and knowledgeable guidance.

Adriana, a true Jersey Shore native, carries a deep-rooted appreciation and connection to the beauty of nature and the tranquil shores. Her journey with yoga spans over a decade, evolving and growing alongside her personal practice. She embarked on a transformative path by completing the rigorous 200-Hour Teacher Training program at Inlet Yoga in Manasquan, NJ.

As a high school art and graphic design teacher, Adriana seamlessly integrates the principles of yoga and meditation into her art lessons, infusing creativity with mindfulness. Guided by the ever-changing seasons and the rhythmic tides of the ocean, she finds solace and equilibrium by embracing the inherent beauty in life’s continuous transitions. Adriana’s commitment to living in harmony with nature inspires her students to foster self-empowerment, cultivate inner strength, and nurture their self-confidence. Her holistic approach encompasses both physical and mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of self-care in all aspects of life.

Whether in the classroom or the studio, Adriana creates a supportive and empowering environment, allowing her students to flourish and grow. Join her on the mat as she guides you towards embracing change, finding inner balance, and discovering the transformative power of yoga. Experience the beauty of connecting mind, body, and soul as you embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-care under Adriana’s nurturing guidance.

Isabel Buonato, Wellness Advisor and RYT-200, is a proud graduate of Inlet Yoga’s 200-hour teacher training program. She was first introduced to yoga in 1999 while living in Miami Beach, where the practice instantly resonated with her desire to explore spirituality and wellness on a deeper level. She spent her early twenties immersing herself in yoga, holistic living, and metaphysical studies.

In 2002, Isabel moved to Staten Island, New York, with her husband and quickly became connected to the yoga and holistic community, often hosting full moon circles and darshan in her home. When she decided to start a family, she knew she wanted to continue practicing yoga to cultivate strength and breath awareness in preparation for her planned home births. For years while homeschooling her boys, she practiced privately with her longtime teacher, Marietta Mcevilly.

In late 2021, Isabel took a leap of faith and relocated her family to Manasquan. With a strong desire to reconnect with her practice and find a new yoga home, she discovered Inlet Yoga. In February 2022, she attended a Seasonal Yoga class led by Carrie Godesky and instantly knew she had found the community and sacred space she longed for. She quickly became a core part of the Inlet family, eventually stepping into the role of Wellness Advisor and completing her 200-hour teacher training at Inlet Yoga.

With years of experience practicing in a wide range of studios, exploring different styles of yoga, and learning from exceptional teachers, Isabel is honored to share her practice with you and continue fostering the welcoming and transformative community at Inlet Yoga.

Mike Ryan, RYT-200, is a dedicated yoga practitioner and a proud graduate of Inlet Yoga’s 200-hour teacher training program. A middle school art teacher, avid hiker, and passionate traveler, Mike co-hosts the podcast Gaze at the National Parks, which explores one hiking trail in one national park at a time. Whether trekking through nature or working in his art studio, he finds inspiration in the outdoors and enjoys working with a variety of artistic mediums—including building furniture.

Mike began practicing yoga as a way to deepen his mind-body connection and build strength in a holistic way. After committing to a fuller, more rounded practice in 2018, he developed a deep appreciation for the breadth of yoga, from the physical asanas to its meditative and philosophical teachings. Completing his 200-hour training at Inlet Yoga, Mike is excited to share his love for the practice and give back to the community that has supported his journey.

Melissa DeSarno, RYT-200, Yoga Alliance, completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at Inlet Yoga, where she deepened her knowledge of yoga philosophy, alignment, and the power of breathwork. She has been practicing yoga for the past 20 years at the Jersey Shore and actively practicing 18 of those years here at Inlet, where she has built strong connections within the yoga community. Her experience and values align with Inlet’s supportive and passionate community. Inspired by Inlet’s authenticity, wellness and balance, and encouragement she found here at Inlet, Melissa transitioned from dedicated student to teacher, sharing her love of the practice with others. Whether her class is focused on dropping in on a restorative practice or helping people connect their breath with movement in a vinyasa practice; Melissa’s classes offer creative sequences emphasizing the importance of mind and body connection, proper alignment, pranayama breathing techniques and mindfulness meditation. When Melissa is not on her mat, she is teaching her elementary students in Allentown, NJ. Mindfulness practices have always been incorporated into her daily teachings and she has taken accredited courses at Mindful School and Mindup, using their curriculum to weave into her student’s learning environment. When not working or practicing yoga, Melissa can be found walking her dogs along the Jersey Shore with her husband or children. She has found inner peace, strength and balance through her practice on the mat which has transformed into a life providing calming breath, happy heart and feeling of ease. It is Melissa’s hope to unleash your inner strength and “Sukha” (happiness) as you move your mind, body and breath on the mat.

Bette, RYT-200, is a proud graduate of Inlet Yoga’s 200-hour teacher training program. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, she discovered yoga over 20 years ago and fell in love with the practice immediately. She spent years honing her practice in studios across New York and New Jersey, but when she found Inlet Yoga at the Jersey Shore, she knew this was where she wanted to plant her yoga roots.

What makes yoga different and so fulfilling for Bette is the integration of mind, body, and spirit. To her, yoga is more than just movement—it is breathwork and spiritual guidance that help cultivate a happier, more fulfilling life on and off the mat. In 2019, she deepened her commitment by completing her 200-hour yoga teacher training at Inlet Yoga under the guidance of Jennifer Vafakos, Carrie Godesky, and Teal Godesky.

After spending most of her career as an IT professional, Bette has transitioned into teaching yoga at Inlet Yoga, where she is honored to share the joy of the practice and help others find happiness through movement, breath, and mindfulness.

About Inlet Yoga's Jersey Shore Instructors

Jennifer Vafakos

Ellen Mosko

Carrie Godesky

Allison Kane

Sandy Hall

Brittany Capone

Natalie Lorenzo

Adriana Eisle

Isabel Buonato

Mike Ryan

Melissa Desarno

Bette McKeef

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