Gail Gratzel

I grew up in Teaneck NJ and moved to our summer house in Highland Lakes NJ full time the end of my freshman year of high school. Amazingly all of my grammar school friends still get together! This year we are having a 50 year reunion! I earned a BS in Community Health Education from William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ and a Masters in Public Health from AT Still University, Kirksville Missouri. I am retired from a 30 year career in public health where I worked as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist and later as Assistant Health Officer of a local health department with 5 contracting towns. I am a licensed Registered Environmental Health Specialist and Health Officer. 

I got into yoga after going through a tough divorce, starting with restorative classes and working my way up to more advanced classes. Yoga was my saving grace as it helped me through a difficult time in my life. It helped me transform myself physically and mentally. I decided to do my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training when the studio I went to offered it. I fell in love with the learning and teaching process and after completing this I registered for the 300 hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Program. I started teaching at the yoga studio that I went to, as well as subbed as many open classes that I could. 

I have two children from my first marriage. My current husband has one daughter. Combined we have 5 grandchildren who we enjoy tremendously. I love yoga, both taking classes and teaching my students. I have a puppy who I enjoy taking on long walks and hikes several times a day. We moved into a 55 and over community three years ago where I have gotten into playing pickleball, which has become my second love. I play several times a week and I have made so many great friends through playing pickleball. Our community is also close to the beach, so I get to go to the beach more often which is another happy place for me to be.

I also love reading when I have the time. Another passion of mine is cooking healthy meals, which can take up a lot of my time, but it is so worth it.