Michele Mizeski

Michele Mizeski

E-RYT 200 Yoga Instructor

Michele Mizeski, affectionately known by her spiritual name Padma (Sanskrit for "The Lotus"), is a dedicated E-RYT 200 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) whose journey into yoga began in 2007 while pursuing her passion for theater at Rowan University. What started as a complementary practice to her artistic studies soon blossomed into a lifelong calling, intertwining mindfulness, movement, and service.

In 2014, Michele deepened her commitment by earning her Hatha Yoga certification at the esteemed Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, California. It was here she received the name Padma, symbolizing her growth through adversity—much like the lotus that rises pristine from murky waters. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, she expanded her expertise into Yoga Therapy, Yin Yoga, Aerial Yoga, and Thai Yoga Massage, ensuring her teachings cater to diverse needs and abilities.

A devoted practitioner of meditation, Michele has completed three rigorous 10-day silent Vipassana courses in locations as varied as Kelseyville, California; Bodhgaya, India (the sacred site of Buddha’s enlightenment); and Claymont, Delaware. These immersive experiences honed her ability to guide others toward inner stillness and self-awareness.

Michele’s spirit of seva (selfless service) shines through her extensive volunteer work. She has shared her skills at retreat centers such as Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center in Colorado, Kalani Yoga Retreat in Hawaii, and a Vipassana center in Georgia. Closer to home, she has brought the healing power of yoga and meditation to nursing homes, independent living facilities, and festivals across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, believing deeply in accessibility and community connection.

For Michele, the greatest reward lies in witnessing the transformation of her students—the serene smiles and renewed energy that follow each class. Blending her theatrical background with a holistic approach, she creates immersive, compassionate spaces where students explore both body and mind.

Grateful for her journey, Michele (Padma) remains a lifelong student, forever eager to learn, share, and illuminate the path of wellness for others. Her classes are an invitation to bloom, embodying the resilience and beauty of the lotus she carries in name and spirit.