Our Team
A FAMILY OF WELL EDUCATED PROFESSIONALS.
WILLIAM LAZNOVSKY
CO-OWNER, PERSONAL TRAINER, FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Bill is Co-owner, Founder, Personal Trainer and class instructor at WellNest Studios. He has over 20 years of experience in the Fitness field and holds certifications through the National Council of Certified Personal Training as a certified Personal Trainer, certified Functional Training specialist, certified Kettlebell specialist, certified back injury prevention specialist, as well as, a certification for TRX suspension training.
As a former 3 sport athlete and workout enthusiast Bill excelled in Baseball, Track & Field and played soccer at the collegiate level. He has always understood the disciplined approach it takes to achieve optimum results both on and off the field. His determination, focus and motivation permeate into each and every client, class and training session.
Bill has the knowledge, experience and passion for giving people an outlet for positive change and life-long health improvements. He treats his clients with the utmost respect and motivates them beyond what they once deemed possible. Creating personalized exercise programs blending resistance training, functional training, flexibility, stability and high intense interval training provides a well-rounded fitness plan to maximize the potential in each of Bill's clients. Bill strives to connect with his clientele, constructing the very best individualized method to achieve significant results in the safest way possible.
"It is when we embrace the challenge and continuously push forward that we discover our inner strength and in turn, we evolve…"
NICOLE LAZNOVSKY
CO-OWNER, 500HR RYT YOGA INSTRUCTOR, ENERGY PRACTITIONER
Nicole is a Co-Owner & founder, Yoga Instructor and Wellness advocate at WellNest Studios. Her journey of health and wellness started with her love of Yoga. Nicole came into the practice of yoga after severe injuries due to running. She quickly found that yoga brought the same clarity and ease in the mind & body that she loved so much in her running practice, if not more. Through the consistent practice of yoga, Nicole not only found physical healing for her aliments and injuries but a deep connection to her spirituality and a passion for personal growth. Nicole fell in love with the practice for the spiritual evolution, mental clarity and the balance that it brought to her life.
Grateful for this practice, Nicole went on to complete her 200RYT in 2013 and later her 500 RYT in 2016 under the guidance of Justin Wolfer in Saratoga Springs. Nicole holds a Masters Degree in Education and as a former Art Teacher, teaching this practice not only became a natural step for Nicole, but a passion.
As a practicing Yogi and Instructor for over a decade, Nicole has mindfully developed her teaching style and continues to refine her instruction through workshops and personal growth. As the Co-Owner and designer at WellNest Studios, Nicole first offers her students a safe, warm and welcoming atmosphere to practice and holds space for them to continuously evolve.
Nicole teaches through the wisdom of the breath. Believing that breath is the single most important aspect of the practice, her teaching is based on movement lead by the breath and anatomically finding each pose through light adjustments that are energetically created from it. It is through this breath led meditative movement that she encourages students to find a connection with their own essence and find their presence. She believes that it is here that one can find inner wisdom and the guidance to bring their own life into balance.
Nicole’s classes move slower than most because of her belief in mindful movement, proper alignment and the opportunity to observe, feel and connect to the present moment. Not only does this create a peaceful contrast to daily life, it actually makes her classes quite challenging as moving slow builds strength, stamina, and focus. Through this movement she encourages students to find the balance between strength and ease, while learning how to maintain a calm center even through the hardest challenges both on and off the mat.
Nicole is available for Private Yoga Instruction, Meditation, Prenatal Yoga and also Pilates-Fit in which she still implements her yogic philosophy.
“By giving your full attention to this moment, an intelligence far greater than the egoic mind enters your life.”
TRAINERS & INSTRUCTORS
SANDRA
PERSONAL TRAINER + FITNESS & SPIN INSTRUCTOR
Sandra is a NASM Certified Fitness Instructor, dedicated Boxing enthusiast with 26 years of training under her belt as well as a background in competitive Dance.
Sandras classes pay strict attention to the form and function of the movements in a low impact styled, total body and core workout.
Sandra is a lifelong fitness and outdoor fanatic. She is currently climbing to complete the ADK 46ers club.
JASON
PERSONAL TRAINER + FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Jason is a NASM certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor and a former collegiate Football star. He expects to complete his Nutrition course the latter part of 2023
Jason's training style focuses on strength training and weight loss while also incorporating functional movements and muscle toning.
Never short on motivation and encouragement you can expect to work hard towards your goals during his Trainings.
ERIKA
200HR RYT YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Erika’s earlier experiences with yoga asana and breath work began a transformation into living a more joyful and healthy life. She incorporates this joy and peace into her career as a Speech Language Pathologist. While exploring movement from her previous love of dance and healing her own physical injuries with the help of yoga, Erika completed the “Skillful Action-Yoga Teacher Training in Saratoga, NY in August 2013. The training sealed her love of yoga by widening the circle of amazing people in her life, “each a beautiful soul on their own journey”. Erika integrates Hatha and Vinyasa Flow yoga with an intelligent and humorous connection to our movements in daily life. Erika’s classes also include related anatomical information, breath work, yoga nidra and positive quotes for a full experience.
Erika especially loves time with her amazing family and friends. She enjoys varying styles of yoga; studying yoga texts; meditation; health/wellness and living joyfully. She truly loves sharing the gift of yoga with students-new and returning, as well as assisting those with injuries. Erika is also a Level II Reiki Practitioner.
Her journey continues…..
“Balance, Believe, Evolve-with and without your mat”
SHANNON
PROFESSIONAL BOXER & INSTRUCTOR
Shannon was introduced to the world of Boxing at a very young age having competed in his first amateur boxing match at just 8 years old. During his 10-year amateur career he won the gold medal at the National Pal tournament in West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as, winning the bronze medal at the USA junior Olympics in Davenport, Iowa.
Shannon turned professional at the age of 18 after entering the Tough man contest at the starlight theater in Latham, NY and winning with a total of 4 knockouts. During his professional career he held a record of 17-5 with 9 knockouts and one “No Contest”. He would earn the ESPN fight of the year award in 2005 with his epic battle with Vinny Maddalone. He also would fight for the NYS heavyweight title at Madison Square Garden as well as the WBC USA heavyweight title in Rhode Island. Shannon’s second to last fight was against multiple time heavyweight champion of the world Hasim Rahman.
In February 2011 Shannon underwent successful surgery, donating 60% of his liver to his uncle Ray who was suffering from liver cancer. In his last fight, just 10 months after surgery in December of 2011, he finished his career with a decision win and became the first fighter to ever donate their liver and fight again. Shannon donated his pay from his final fight into a foundation he started called KOLD (knock out liver disease) that would help families suffering from liver and other cancers. He has throughout his life worked as a boxing manager, trainer and promoter, as well as, promoting many of the local amateur mixed martial arts events. He currently works as a Public safety officer at RPI and remains actively teaching Boxing classes.
ANTIONETTA
PERSONAL TRAINER + FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Antionetta is an ACE certified Fitness Instructor, Certified Life Coach and overall Fitness Enthusiast.
Antionetta's classes are full of energy, motivation and encouragement.
She strives to inspire each and every client to live their healthiest lifestyle while keeping Fitness fun.
In her downtime she enjoys all things outdoors, especially hiking with her Labrador Sadie.
Dawn
200 hr RYT Yoga Instructor
Dawn embarked on her yoga journey in 2012, initially practicing to fulfill a commitment she made to a friend about attending a yoga retreat. Over the years, she has explored various yoga styles to refine her teaching methods. In 2023, she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training, as well as a specialized course in the foundations of children's yoga teaching. Since then, she has established Bala Dawn Yoga and has been actively teaching within her community.
Dawn's teaching style centers on harmonizing breath and pose, focusing on your drishti. Her classes are systematically planned and her soothing aura provides a safe space for you to move, allowing you to tune in to your body and mind. As a mother of two children, often seen striking yoga poses, she emphasizes the tranquility that yoga can bring into everyday life. Motherhood has deepened her practice, inspiring her to teach children how to connect deeply within themselves, giving them the comfort to be their true selves. She invites you to join her in discovering your own journey and cultivating a sense of tranquility that extends beyond the mat.
GINNY
500 RYT YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Ginny found yoga as an athlete, looking for a way to cross train. While yoga
provided the physical benefits she desired, it was the mental benefits – a greater sense of peace, and relief from daily stress and anxiety – that kept her coming back and ultimately fueled her desire to teach.
Ginny completed her 200hr training at Rise Yoga and Movement Arts in Saratoga in 2015 and added a 30hr intensive in 2017 to further strengthen her teaching foundation.
In 2017, she underwent the Love Your Brain Foundation’s teacher training program at Kripalu, certifying her to teach their yoga program to survivors
of traumatic brain injury and their caregivers. In 2019, she completed her 300hr
training at Jai Yoga School in Albany.
Ginny loves the fact that there is always more to learn and is excited to continue to be both a student as well as a teacher of the beautiful practice of yoga.
Ginny teaches from the heart and strives to bring a message of empowerment to her students, encouraging them to find their inner strength and confidence. Her
classes are creative, purposeful, and strong.
She aims to meet every student where they are at and encourage them to dig deep both physically and mentally to uncover their greatest potential.
MASSAGE THERAPISTS
JESSICA | LMT
DEEP TISSUE, SWEDISH, PRENATAL AND MORE!
Jessica is graduate of the Mildred Elley School of Massage Therapy and specializes in Deep Tissue, Sports, Prenatal, Swedish and Myofascial therapy.
Jessica has a passion for helping people reach their health and healing goals in a holistic fashion.
She takes pride in connecting with the needs of her clientele and producing an outstanding therapeutic experience through the use of well versed and professional techniques.
Whether it is Deep Tissue, Swedish, Prenatal, Sports, Myofascial or Injury Treatment she is able to comprehensively meet your
needs as a therapist.
KAREN | LMT
WELL VERSED IN ALL MASSAGE, WITH A PASSION FOR SHIATSU
After graduating from the Center of Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in 2014, Karen worked closely with Dagny Duhamel for six years at The Holistic Network developing her skills and knowledge in shiatsu. Other hours of continued learning with certification are shiatsu, lomi-lomi and Medical/Functional:Upper Extremities Massage
Karen is a four- season athlete. From Marathon and triathlon training to century bike rides, skiing and hiking the high peaks, karen found a way to recover quickly through the healing ability of massage. For Karen natural forms of healing have always been the complement to a good workout.
All in all, with each treatment Karen weaves together the principles of shiatsu and deep-tissue, utilizing acupressure points to prevent and treat sports-related discomfort. Her personal experience in athletics and healing have deeply influenced her understanding of the active body and mind.
Karen is married, has 4 grown children and overlooks the care of her aging parents.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
JAMI
200 RYT & FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Jami is a lifetime certified Mad Dogg spinning instructor, Professor at Siena College as well as a 200 hour certified yoga and Koru meditation instructor.
With over 20 years of spinning and outdoor riding experience Jami blends her athletic background with her yoga and meditation training to offer a unique riding experience that is designed to leave you feeling energized, challenged and rejuvenated.
Jami’s approach to everything she teaches is whole person focused to meet you where you and inspire you to be your best self.
EMILY TALLMADGE
200HR RYT YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Emily began her yoga journey seven years ago, in 2013, after a car accident left her with a severe lower back injury. Emily dedicated so much of herself into healing her body through the practice of yoga. In that time she realized yoga is so much more than just a physical practice. In finding her own connection with the mind, body and breath, she fostered a passion for helping guide others in their journey.
Emily believes that a healthy and fit lifestyle is one of the keys to happiness and brings that mindset to the array of classes she teaches. Whether it’s guiding a gentle flow, a power flow, or anything in between, Emily brings a caring, welcoming, and inclusive energy with a touch of silliness into the space.
When Emily isn’t teaching, or playing in her Lyra hoop, you may find her hiking, dancing, thrifting, petting dogs (and sometimes goats!) or working on a totally unpredictable project.
Emily’s loves to combine each corner stone of yoga, breathing, alignment, stretching & meditation to create an experience that has something for everyone.
BRENDA
PERSONAL TRAINER + FITNESS & SPIN INSTRUCTOR
Brenda McCullen-Moeske - Lives in Niskayuna and works for NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. Brenda is married and keeps busy with her children’s activities and many hobbies; family time being her favorite. Brenda received her B.S. Business, Management and Economics, is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Mad Dog Spinning Instructor, CPR/AED and 200hr RYT. Brenda started taking Spinning classes 15 years ago and decided to turn her love for the class into an opportunity to share her passion with others. Through Brenda's fitness journey she found yoga as a way to compliment her busy lifestyle. Yoga has given her the tools for personal reflection, spirituality and mindfulness, the perfect compliment to her higher intensity classes.
ELISA
200HR RYT YOGA INSTRUCTOR
In 2012 Elisa discovered the transformative power of yoga to heal, grow and strengthen the mind and body. Through many years of practice and study, and immersion in the yogic lifestyle she found new meaning and balance in her life. Her goal is to share the gift of yoga with others, especially those new to yoga in a safe, accepting environment.
Through the use of vinyasa flow, breathwork, music and poetry, Elisa encourages her students to embrace the physical and spiritual branches of yoga. Classes are fun, welcoming, and an opportunity to stretch both mind and body. Elisa also wants share with her students how by transferring focus and attention to the breath and body, yoga can assist in the healing of anxiety, depression and trauma.
Elisa is 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher through the Bhakti Yoga Teacher Training from Gopi Kinnicutt and Kate Reddy in 2017. She has also completed courses in Yin Yoga Teacher Training and Yoga Teacher Adjustments. Her classes include Jivamukti inspired flows gained from weeks of master classes with Jivamukti Yoga founders David Life and Sharon Gannon. Elisa’s passions include attending yoga and kirtan festivals, and learning from spiritual masters in India.
When she is not on the mat, Elisa has been helping people have clear vision for over 25 years, as an Optometrist and owner of Optique Boutique Opticals. She also enjoys hiking with her dogs and four children.
STUDIO THERAPISTS AND DOOR GREETERS
KONA AND LUNA
WILLIAM
Trainer in Training! “I would FLEX but I like this onsie.”