Celeste Degener

Celeste is a former Suffolk County employee who worked from 2007 until she retired in 2023. Yoga has always been an important part of her life and when she found herself with extra time on hands, she decided to take a deeper dive into her personal practice. She discovered the Welcome Mat upon the recommendation of a good friend of hers who managed a local crystal shop. She attended a drop-in class and immediately realized she had found her place, her home. She has been an active member of the Welcome Mat community for 3 years. In that time, she attended numerous classes and workshops given by almost teacher at the studio. She is passionate not only about her commitment to her practice but to the practice of her fellow yogis.nnAs part of her continuing interest in yoga, she recently completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training program given at the Welcome Mat through Yoga Alliance and is now a certified 200 RYT instructor. She is also a Level 1 Reiki practitioner.nnOther interests that resonate with her asana practice include meditation, breath work, connecting and balancing movement with the chakras and incorporating crystal energy. Celeste is familiar with how the body can change at any given time due to physical and emotional changes and has learned how to keep practicing through personal injuries. It is only natural for her to therefore provide a safe space for all levels to practice.nnHer nurturing spirit provides comfort when needed but can also give that gentle push to perhaps tap into your personal edge. Her practice is an ongoing journey to help invite more mindfulness, connect with breath and focus on the present moment.