Wellness Hot Yoga

Melissa Belliard

Yin & Prenatal Yoga Instructor

Meet Melissa – Yin & Prenatal Yoga Instructor

Melissa’s journey with yoga began in 2000 at the renowned Kripalu Yoga Center in Massachusetts, where she took her first Hatha yoga class. The deep connection between breath and movement resonated with her, and she has carried that foundation into her teaching ever since. Originally a massage therapist, Melissa never planned to become a yoga instructor—she joined a 300-hour training designed for holistic practitioners simply to deepen her personal practice. But by the end of the training, she felt inspired to share yoga with others. Over the years, she has completed multiple teacher trainings, refining her approach to Yin and Prenatal yoga.

A Diverse Background in Healing

Melissa’s background is as diverse as her teaching. She originally studied environmental science and Japanese, which led to a corporate HR role in a company based out of Japan. After 16 years, she realized she wanted work that truly made people feel better. That realization led her to leave the corporate world and pursue a career in massage therapy, specializing in myofascial release—a perfect complement to her Yin yoga practice.

The Science Behind Yin Yoga

“Releasing fascia takes time,” Melissa explains. “That’s why we hold postures in Yin yoga for several minutes—to allow the ligaments, joints, and connective tissue to truly relax and let go.” Most Yin poses are practiced on the floor, creating a deeply meditative and restorative experience. In her classes, Melissa brings a balance of humor and stillness, helping students quiet their minds, return to their breath, and embrace the challenge of slowing down. Many students leave her Yin classes feeling deeply relaxed and ready for rest.

Nurturing Mothers in Prenatal Yoga

In her Prenatal yoga classes, Melissa combines her extensive bodywork knowledge with a nurturing approach, creating a safe and supportive space for expecting mothers. Her classes focus on opening the pelvis, connecting with the breath, and preparing the body—physically and mentally—for childbirth. She also fosters a sense of community, helping moms-to-be connect with one another during this shared experience.