About the Studio

The Yoga Connection was established 2005 in Smithfield, NC, and the first yoga studio in Johnston County. We have continued to grow in our offerings of health and wellness to the community:


The teachers at The Yoga Connection each bring their individual style and personality to the studio. We have a variety of classes, from beginner to pre natal to more challenging classes. Whichever class you chose we strive to make it a positive learning experience.

About Our Instructors

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Martha, 200 E-RYT

Martha teaches beginners through experienced students, integrating her skills in yoga with integrative health coaching, mindfulness awareness stress reduction, and master’s education in health psychology. She is the founder and lead instructor for The Yoga Connection.

Martha has practiced yoga for over 20 years and has 3000 hours of yoga teaching experience, since completing her 260-hour training in 2003 and is a registered E-RYT.

Additional certifications and education:


When not teaching and studying, Martha enjoys being with her 2 rescue horses, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and her human family.

Individual instructors with whom Martha has trained in Yoga: Sean Corn, Amy Ippoliti, Tias Little, Cora Wren, JJ Gormley; Carol Krucoff, E-RYT; & Kimberly Carson, MPH, E-RYT.

Individuals who Martha has trained in Mindful Awareness Meditation and Coaching: Julie Kosey, MS, RYT; Sasha Loring, M.Ed, LCSW; and Jeffrey Brantley, MD.

People who have inspired me: Jon Kabot-Zinn, Ph.D,  Saki Santorelli, Ed.D, M.A., JJ Gormley, Martha W. Bartlett (mother and muse).

Nancy

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Nancy is certified as a 200 E-RYT and RPYT through Yoga Alliance. She holds certification in Seniors Yoga, Pre and Post Natal Yoga and Yin yoga. Nancy received her 200 hour with Yoga Fit but her thirst for more knowledge has continued through her studies in Sanskrit, yoga philosophy, and the study of ancient yoga texts. The true joy of teaching and of service shines through in Nancy's teaching. Her unique skills brings strength and a deep use of the breath to the yoga practice.

She is the owner of the Tittibha Pre Natal Yoga Training School and teaches a prenatal certification at The Yoga Connection and other locations. Nancy also is the primary instructor for the Yin Yoga Teacher certification at The Yoga Connection.

Nancy Gilbert has lived in the Johnston County area for nearly 19 years with her husband and three boys. Nancy has participated as a volunteer for Guardian As Litem for Johnston County. She loves creating art, and let's not, forget a deep love for the ocean.

Nancy has studied with Heather Tiddons, Michael Johnson and Sarah Powers.

Christina Pernell, LMBT NC #8828

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The Medical Arts School in Raleigh and holds a Bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University in biological sciences with a minor in genetics. She is nationally certified in Therapeutic Massage and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Christina is committed to meeting the needs and concerns of her clients through compassion, education and professionalism.

Specialties: Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Trigger-Point Therapy, and holds certifications in Chair Massage, Reflexology, and Thai Bodywork. Christina also assists clients with relaxation and pain management.

Contact Christina for an appointment: cnpittman@hotmail.com or 919-394-4585. Christina is available by appointment only Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the studio from 8am-3pm.

Megan

Our partnered dietitian, Megan Starling, RD, LDN, has been a registered dietitian for 8 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from East Carolina University. Megan has extensive experience in counseling individuals in healthy dietary modification including, but not limited to, diabetes, weight management and reduction of cholesterol and sodium in diet. She is a certified trainer in adult weight management and her current skills include nutritional analysis of diet, recipe modification and evaluation of nutritional habits. She takes pride in her ability to help clients make positive changes for improved health and quality of life. Learn more about her services.

Pam Kuras, RYT

christina

Pam Kuras graduated from the Yoga Connection 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program in October 2011. She has been practicing and studying yoga and meditation for all of her adult life. Her insatiable appetite for learning keeps her reading, researching, and attending workshops to continue her education. As a registered dental hygienist for seventeen years, Pam has always been interested in preventive health care. She strongly believes that yoga can benefit a person of any size, shape, or age. Her friendly approach to teaching yoga emphasizes the basic postures linked with the breath, straightforward and thoughtful. Pam offers a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that equally supports both the novice and the more experienced yogi.

When she's not at The Yoga Connection, you can find Pam power-walking through her neighborhood, reading a book, or spending time outdoors with her family. Pam lives in Johnston County with her husband and two children.