Pamela Rogalinski

I took my first yoga class when I was 13 through my local Park and Rec, 49 years ago. I was the youngest person by decades. I loved it! Learning and practicing the poses and movements of various Salutatiions mesmerized me. I attempt to share that spirit of a moving meditation with my class participants. Though I often considered teaching yoga I wasn't serious about it until my children were grown. In January 2022 I began Yoga Teacher Training through Yoga Renew. Six days after pouring myself into the coursework my college-student daughter was diagnosed with a rare cancer. At that point i took a permanent leave of absence from my job as a project manager at a construction company and stopped working on my YTT. I helped her navigate through all the difficult aspects of cancer treatment. It was intense but I'm happy to report she is cancer free. Shortly before my daughter again became self sufficient my mother's health began to fail. I slid right into caring for her and her big house. She passed in early 2023. It was  challlenging and emotional process to sell her house and settle her estate. Through it all, I never stopped my personal yoga practice. I know how much it has helped me throughout my life and was more determined than ever to share it with others.

I set a goal to get certified by the end of 2023 and to teach by the time I turned 60 in February 2024. I met both these goals. I heard about this Fit Bodies travel teacher program from a long-time teacher, Lori Witmer. My next goal was to meet your eligibility requirement and teach for 2 years. I have been teaching 4 classes a week at VASA, two vinyasa, one deep stretch and one restorative, since April 2024. I also sub at Princeton Club, another local fitness center. Most weeks I pick up an extra class or more, either at VASA or Princeton Club. Someone is always in search of a sub and my schedule is flexible so I'm happy to help when needed. I never went back to my other job after devoting all my time to my daughter and mother. I'm fortunate my husband provides for us.

I grew up in a family of 10. As a child we travelled throughout the US in a 32 foot motorhome to all the National Parks and everything in between. Oh how I longed to get on an airplane and indulge in an all-inclusive! Combining my passion for oceans, beaches and yoga makes this opportunity with Fit Bodies my ultimate dream come true.