Valerie Shondel, RYT 500
Registered Yoga Teacher
Valerie came to yoga in 2012 during a time of profound life change, discovering in the practice a quiet refuge—a moving meditation that invites presence, awareness, and a deep appreciation for each moment. What began as a personal journey soon unfolded into something richer, as she explored yoga in studios across the country, embracing its many layers and lifelong gifts. For Valerie, yoga is not just something we do—it is something we live, a practice that gently nourishes the mind, body, and spirit.
A 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with additional training in Restorative Yoga, Valerie has been teaching since 2020. Though she initially sought certification to deepen her own practice, she found a calling in sharing yoga with others. Her classes are thoughtfully woven, blending breath, movement, and intention, offering students space to soften, to grow, and to reconnect with themselves.
Beyond the mat, Valerie is an accomplished musician—a conductor, pianist, and organist whose career has included leadership roles in major New York churches, university teaching, and arts management. She currently serves as Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell, where her love of music continues to inspire and uplift.
In her life off the mat, Valerie finds joy in cooking, gardening, skiing, sailing, and travel. She is deeply grateful for her family—her three sons and six grandchildren—who bring continual love and meaning to her days.
Valerie’s teaching is grounded in warmth, authenticity, and a gentle wisdom. She creates a welcoming space where students are invited to arrive just as they are, to breathe, to explore, and to discover their own unfolding path.
Testimonials
“Valerie’s stretch & Strengthen Classes are fun, challenging & never a boring workout! Each class is different, targeted to various body parts. She is a positive & encouraging teacher who wants her students to get the most out of every class! Give it a try.” - EP
“Valerie provides excellent instructions leading the strength and stretch class.” - AB
“Great class Valerie! Nice mixture of stretching and strengthening and enjoyed the use of weights too.” - KG
Get to know Valerie…
What is a challenge in your own yoga practice?
Finding the time to have my own quiet practice or attend classes between my music work, yoga classes I teach and spending time with family and friends.
What is something you’ve learned about yourself from teaching yoga?
Confidence to trust my intuition when creating a class that speaks to others.
What about teaching lights you up the most?
Feeling the joy of a class that flowed with ease, has meaning and speaks to the students.
General Weekly Schedule
Mondays 11:00am: Stretch & Strengthen (In-Studio)
Tuesdays 4:30pm: Vinyasa Sculpt Flow (In-Studio & Live-Stream)
Fridays 9:00am: Vinyasa Mixed Levels (In-Studio & Live-Stream)
Fridays 11:00am: Stretch & Strengthen (In-Studio)