Bliss Teachers & Staff

Jeanette found her love for yoga after trying it for knee issues she’s had since early in childhood, including multiple surgeries. As she once again developed more severe knee pain and issues later in adulthood she decided to try yoga and was pleased with the positive results she experienced with the healing of her knee. Jeanette, never being able to participate in athletic activities due to the severity of her knee issues, was in shock when she saw what her body was capable of with the consistent practice of yoga. Not only did yoga help her to physically improve in so many ways but it also helped her to deal with stress and anxiety in a more effective manner. Jeanette started her practice with Bikram yoga and then expanded to try all different types of yoga and fell in love with all of it!
Jeanette is a certified 200 hour E-RYT teacher that has a passion to help other's through the power of yoga.  Jeanette’s classes are light hearted, she likes to create an atmosphere that will make you work your body in a joy filled way. Her main goal is that you get to be the best version of you; not only become physically better but leave her class with a sense of positivity. 

Jeanette is honored to be the Owner, Manager, and a Yoga Teacher of Bliss Yoga.  Her main goal for the studio remains the same as for her classes, that every person who steps through the Bliss Yoga doors gets a positive mental and physical benefit they can carry with them. 

Anyssa first discovered yoga during college, after experiencing what can only be described as a mental health crisis. When nothing else seemed to work, her father, a fitness trainer, suggested she start putting her energy into working out. She stumbled into a yoga class, and the lightbulb went off. From that day on, Anyssa used yoga not only as a physical practice, but as a therapeutic tool. She firmly believes in the healing power of yoga, and is confident there is no problem or situation that cannot be improved by stepping on the mat. She is a 200 hour RYT, and is passionate about bringing yoga to communities and individuals who have not had access to mental health and wellness support. Anyssa graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2018, and has since worked to empower girls across the country through entrepreneurship at Envision Lead Grow, a Virginia based 501(c)3 non-profit organization. An advocate for the idea that life is a celebration, when she is not teaching girls or teaching yoga, you can find her playing with her dog or party planning. 

Autum first attended a yoga class for the work-out, but stuck around for the work-in! Autum believes that her experience with yoga has been life-changing for her overall mental health and wellbeing. For the last decade, Autum has deepened her understanding of the physical practice of yoga, as well as its therapeutic benefits. Passionate about mental health and wellness, Autum strives to integrate the connection between mind and body. A Navy veteran, Autum is currently enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at William and Mary. She hopes to create a safe space for her clients to explore, heal, and better themselves. Autum is a lover of people, life, and adventure. When she is not on the yoga mat or in her office, Autum enjoys traveling, hiking, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband and fur babies.  

After years of dancing, Lizzy understands how it feels to find pain relief and healing through the practice of yoga. A forever student, Lizzy received her certification in 2016 right here in Virginia Beach and has been sharing a variety of styles with many wonderful communities since. She has two sweet daughters that keep her grounded, a passion for great jams and not-so-great jokes, has too many house plants, loves being in nature and exploring the world.         

  Maria discovered yoga the summer after she graduated college in 2018. Her mental health was suffering, not having any clue what she was going to do with her life. Her mom suggested she take a yoga class and she’s so happy she took her advice. Maria was very drawn by the mind body connection especially connecting movement with breath. She was starting to notice a wave of calm consuming her body after every practice. This ultimately sparked an interest to really dive deep in understanding the yogic lifestyle.

Fast forward to 2021, Maria received her 200 hour YTT with Lakshmi Rising in Costa Rica. She was fully immersed in all things yoga, meditation, pranayama and Ayurveda. It was such a beautiful, transformative experience, being surrounded by a community who shares similar values as herself. It really gave her a glimpse of what her life could be like if she remained consistent with yoga.
Maria hopes to create a sacred space for students to step out of their heads and into their bodies with deep relaxation, intuitive movements all while focusing on the breath.

When she’s not practicing yoga, she enjoys things that tap into her creative nature like making jewelry, film photography and making music with her boyfriend. 

What is the most important thing to you as a Bliss front desk associate?  I want to help make bliss a welcoming and safe space for everyone who comes in just like the staff at bliss have done for me.   

What benefits do you find from yoga?  Making yoga a consistent practice in my life has helped me become stronger, more flexible, and improved my balance. But what keeps me consistent are the mental benefits. Yoga is the one place I can always clear my mind. The practice has become a sort of therapy, helping me find stability even when life feels all over the place.  

What is your favorite thing about the bliss community?

The atmosphere at bliss is so welcoming.  Not only is it a beautiful studio to practice in but the bliss community makes you feel comfortable being there.  I always look forward to working with such friendly people.

What benefits do you find from yoga?  I recently started practicing yoga but I have always respected the art of it. I truly believe it is a powerful practice for the mind, body, and soul.  Since starting yoga I have found I can connect my mind and body together, helping me feel more grounded but also more confident that I do have control.  I'm excited to see where this journey takes me!