Our Team
MEET THE LIBERTY YOGA TEAM
Christine Shaw
Founder + Owner + Instructor. Morning Flow | FLY! Vinyasa | YES | YES for Youth | Yoga Fusion | TRX Yoga | Pilates
Christine is the founder and owner of Liberty Yoga, and has been practicing Yoga since 1998 and teaching since 2004. She received certifications as a personal trainer, pilates instructor, level 2 Reiki practitioner and 500hr E-RYT.
She studied Core Strength Vinyasa with Sadie Nardini in 2009, and Yoga Therapy and Spiritual Leadership with SwaminiJi in 2018 at Kula Kamala Ashram in PA.
In 2015, Christine developed and created Yoga for Emotional Support (YES), a unique program for self-care and self-love, and recently published her first book, Yoga for Emotional Support.​ The Audio Book is coming soon!
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In addition to practicing and teaching yoga, Christine is a professional singer who enjoys biking, camping, teaching elementary school children, spending time with her grown children, Emily and Bailey, and her dog, Sosa.
Prithie Naicker
Yoga Instructor | Beginner Yoga | Therapeutic Yoga
Prithie's yoga journey started after walking into a yoga studio 11 years ago where she enjoyed taking all level classes and eventually became a regular at Liberty Yoga in Newark, DE. Seeing improvements mentally and physically, Prithie found that yoga was doing wonders for her body and spirit.
She decided to take her 200 hour yoga teacher training (YTT) with Liberty Yoga, and shortly after that went on to take the 500 hour YTT for Therapeutic Yoga. Prithie currently teaches Beginner and Therapeutic classes.
Additionally, Prithie is certified in Hinduism and is active at the Hindu Temple in Hockessin, DE. The best part of teaching for Prithie is sharing her knowledge and guiding others on their yoga journey.
Eleanor Fink
Yoga Instructor | Therapeutic Yoga | YES
Eleanor took her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Liberty Yoga in 2017 became a yoga instructor when she retired in 2001. Since then, she has completed her 500-hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher with Erin Detwiler at Liberty Yoga in 2021. She is certified with Lakshmi Voelker as a Chair Yoga Teacher (LVCYT), and completed Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra Teacher Training.
She recently (March, 2026) received training in Roll Model Method (ball therapy).
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Additionally Eleanor has studied meditation and Tai Chi, and credits these practices in helping her as caretaker for her father and his Parkinson’s
disease.
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When not in the studio, you will find Eleanor reading, beading, or
walking her rescue dog, Chloe.
Lisa Wheeler
Yoga Instructor | Morning Flow | Therapeutic | Yin
Lisa began her yoga practice about 15 years ago and completed the 200hr YTT training in 2024. She is also certified in Yin Yoga.
I graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelors degree in nursing and have been a practicing RN for 35 years. The majority of my professional experience has been in end of life care and management. I am currently working in a senior living community as their marketing director.
I love yoga in its true form and practice all eight limbs. I have a special interest in yoga philosophy and have studied the sutras extensively as well as some of the sacred texts. Yoga has been transformative in my life both on and off the mat.
Gladys Bordonada
Yoga Instructor | Gentle Flow
Gladys Bordonada became a certified Yoga Teacher through Liberty Yoga in 2018. She is a dedicated preschool teacher and caregiver and is passionate about continuous learning.
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Gladys is currently focusing on mastering swimming and playing the drums. However, her true passion is yoga and she strives to integrate into her daily life, whether at home, in the classroom, or while traveling.
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Gladys looks forward to sharing yoga with all of you- the students who come to Liberty Yoga- to improve their practice and lives.
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Gladys
Substitute Yoga Instructor
My name is Gladys Bordonada, and beyond being a dedicated preschool teacher and caregiver, I am passionate about continuous learning. I am a 200 hr RYT certified in 2018 through Liberty Yoga!
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I am currently focused on mastering swimming and playing the drums. However, my true passion is yoga, which I strive to integrate into my daily life, whether at home, in the classroom, or while traveling.
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I look forward to sharing yoga with all of you- the students who come to Liberty Yoga to improve their practice and lives.
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Tyler Ackrivo
Yoga Instructor | Morning Flow
I joined Liberty Yoga as a student in May of 2025 after practicing solo on and off for some years. When Yoga Teacher Training was announced for the following year, I couldn't pass up the opportunity after having resonated with yoga, and made it a regular practice in my life. As a yoga teacher now, I intend to foster a safe and welcoming space for students to explore their practice.
Outside of the studio, I enjoy being outdoors in my garden as well as indoors curating a plethora of houseplants. I'm also very active in the fiber arts space, creating knitted, crocheted, and embroidered items for my business using second hand and/or natural materials whenever I can, practicing Ahimsa (non-harming) and Asteya (non-stealing/not taking advantage of) on and off the mat.
Jennifer Snyder
Yoga Instructor | FLY! Vinyasa
Jennifer began practicing yoga about 15 years ago and credits yoga with bringing balance and mindfulness to her life. She has tried several physical styles of yoga including Ashtanga, Baptiste, Yin, SUP, and Aerial Yoga, and routinely practices Vinyasa styles.
She completed the 200 YTT at Liberty Yoga in 2026 where she enjoyed learning more about the philosophy of yoga.

Her professional interests are also health and wellness-related; she holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina and is certified as a Clinical Laboratory Director. She works professionally as a scientist designing clinical studies for medical devices.





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Jennifer is looking forward to offering dynamic and thoughtful yoga classes to the Liberty Yoga Community!
Gladys
Substitute Yoga Instructor
My name is Gladys Bordonada, and beyond being a dedicated preschool teacher and caregiver, I am passionate about continuous learning. I am a 200 hr RYT certified in 2018 through Liberty Yoga!
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I am currently focused on mastering swimming and playing the drums. However, my true passion is yoga, which I strive to integrate into my daily life, whether at home, in the classroom, or while traveling.
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I look forward to sharing yoga with all of you- the students who come to Liberty Yoga to improve their practice and lives.
Amira Estell-Williams
Yoga Instructor | Morning Flow
Amira Williams-Estell is a certified FLY Vinyasa Yoga Instructor through Liberty Yoga, blending mindful movement, breath work, and intentional living with over 20 years of experience in fashion, retail, styling, and community engagement.
As a Personal Stylist for Macy’s, an Event Curator and the founder of the Mira Estell brand, she is passionate about creating experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and self-expression.
Amira’s approach to teaching yoga reflects her belief that wellness, creativity, and personal style are deeply connected. Through accessible, heart-centered movement and community-focused programming. She encourages students to cultivate balance, authenticity, and grace both on and off the mat.
Heather McCarty
Yoga Instructor | Beginner Yoga
Heather earned her 200 hour yoga teaching certificate from Liberty Yoga in 2018 and has been practicing daily ever since. She is also a reading teacher with over 30+ years of experience working with all ages.
Most recently she stepped out of the classroom into the yoga
studio to engage and educate about safe vinyasa alignment, breath control and the mindful notion that yoga is a deeply personal practice that can help one achieve spiritual, mental, and
physical wellbeing. She looks forward to helping you learn to love your yoga practice.
Previous Instructors/ Substitute Teachers:
Claire Wazner -Previous Instructor / Substitute
Yoga Instructor | FLY! Vinyasa
Claire began teaching yoga in 2018 to help with injuries she experienced during her Division I basketball career and has been teaching ever since. Since then, she has completed her 200 hour YTT. Claire teaches vinyasa, power flow, and restorative style classes. Her goal is for students to gain confidence, express and explore movement, and build their mind-body connection.
Off the mat, Claire is a PhD student at the University of Delaware studying health and sport communication who enjoys running, cooking, and walking her dog, Beanie."
Jeffrey Hankinson - Previous Instructor / Substitute
Substitute Yoga Instructor
Jeffrey, a South Carolina native, began studying dance with the Carl Crosby School of Dance and trained in classical ballet performing on broadway in shows like "The King and I", "Ragtime", "Damn Yankees" and more.
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Jeffrey is an abstract painter and has many pieces in private collections around the country and abroad.​ He is also a Chef and was previously the owner of two Dunn Brothers Coffee shops in Minneapolis Minnesota.
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In 2023 Jeffrey completed his 200 hour Yoga Teacher training and has taught at various Yoga studios in the area. We are happy to welcome Jeffrey as a substitute teacher to Liberty Yoga.
Marlee Lee - Previous Instructor / Substitute
Yoga Instructor | Gentle Yoga Flow
Marlee's Yoga Journey began in 2023 when she chose yoga practices for self-care as a busy mom of 2 young boys. With a background in dance she fell in love with the movement and mental clarity aspects that yoga provided.
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She completed her 200hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher training and sound healer certification in 2024 and began her business, Everlee Wellness in 2025.
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Alongside yoga and sound healing Marlee integrates ceremonial cacao into her offerings. She believes that wellness is a sacred journey. Her classes include meditative elements, breath work, and gentle encouragement to listen inward. Her unique blend of spirituality and grounded practice supports both new and seasoned yogis alike.
Wendy Swift - Previous Instructor / Substitute
Substitute Yoga Instructor
Wendy’s journey into yoga began in her early 20s while she was doing a rigorous weightlifting program as a way to bring stretching and flexibility into her workout routine. She quickly realized the incredible spiritual and mental health benefits it also provided. Inspired after many years of classes, taking a 12 week Balanced Mindfulness program, and a desire to deepen her own personal practice, she obtained her 200 hour YTT certificate in 2024.
Wendy studied Environmental Science at the University of Delaware and obtained her MBA from Goldey Beacom College. She works in the wealth management industry and incorporates mindfulness not only when teaching yoga, but when working with her clients and her team.
She is passionate about wellness, mindful living and has a lifelong passion for continuous learning. She went back to school in 2019 to obtain her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. Incorporating both her knowledge of psychology and mindful living through yoga has helped her in both her yoga teaching and her leadership role in the business world.
Off the mat, she enjoys reading, walking her dog, Charlotte, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Sosa
Studio Dog
Sosa is an 8-year-old Border Collie-Golden Retriever mix, and a much-beloved member of the Liberty Yoga family. Often snoozing in the studio room or hallways, he loves to greet Liberty Yoga students with his friendly demeanor and calm aura -- a true yogi indeed!
When Christine is here, Sosa is here!