Meet Our Instructors
Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Director of Yoga Teacher Training / Lead Instructor
Since 1987, Dr. Paul has been teaching classes professionally, in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. After teaching classes for over 5,000 hours, he began training others to become teachers in 1995. Over the years, he has trained thousands of Yogis to become internationally certified Yoga teachers and instructors.
Due to his passion for training, many have benefited from the knowledge that he has obtained over the years and he looks forward to training you!
Dr. Paul also has Multiple Black Belts and teaching certifications in both Yoga and Martial Arts. In 2004, he was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
He is also a Certified Pilates Instructor, a Certified Personal Trainer. and has written over 1,000 articles about Yoga, Meditation, and Holistic Health.
Marie Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Asst. Director of Yoga Teacher Training
Marie has been practicing Yoga since 1997 and teaching Yoga to the public since 2000. Since 1999, Marie has attended nine 200-hr Yoga teacher training courses, many more teacher intensives, and instructor workshops.
Marie teaches Restorative Yoga for students who want to hold postures, but is familiar with Kundalini Yoga training, as well. She is also a certified Pilates instructor and teaches Pilates at Aura.
Marie also teaches body sculpting by combining Yoga, with the Pilates method, for a more gentle approach to movement for total health.
Marie’s background gives her a unique perspective which she looks forward to sharing with you.
Jacquline D. Stokes-Alves (Jackie), E-RYT 500, YACEP
Lead Instructor for Online Courses
Jackie has been practicing Yoga since 2005 and became a Certified Yoga Teacher in 2015. Since certifying with Dr. Paul, she has taught over 2,000 hours of private and group Yoga sessions as well as assisted Dr. Paul with many Yoga Teacher Trainings.
Jackie is not only a Certified Yoga Teacher, but also has a background in Vipassana Meditation practices.
Outside of her work as a Yoga Teacher, she is also a Professional Trainer in areas such as Business Solutions, Customer Service, and Sales. Because of this, she has been able to bring her expertise in developing and updating training materials, so that our courses meet the expectations of today’s students.
Jackie brings professional experiences, coupled with Yoga Teaching experience, to her Yoga Teacher Trainings. This enables her to assist students through their studies, and ensure a more adaptive learning style.