Our Team
Lisa O’Connor- Owner and Founder
Lisa O’Connor is the founder and heart behind Capella Yoga, formerly known as Yoga with Lisa O., established in 2021. Her journey into yoga began during nursing school, when she discovered that yoga was one of the only forms of movement that required her full attention—offering a rare sense of presence and calm in the midst of a demanding career path.
Before becoming a yoga instructor and studio owner, Lisa spent over 14 years as a CICU nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital. Her years in healthcare, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, deepened her understanding of the importance of holistic wellness—both physical and mental. That calling led her to bring yoga into her community, first by teaching in her own backyard.
Born and raised in Quincy, MA, Lisa still lives just down the road with her family. Her deep roots and love for this area are woven into everything she’s built at Capella. What began as a few classes among neighbors has grown into a thriving yoga and wellness studio that serves people of all backgrounds and abilities.
For Lisa, Capella isn’t just a studio—it’s a place where people come to feel better, move with intention, and reconnect with themselves and their community. She especially loves seeing her family in classes, especially her little man, Harrison who joins her for all her Mom and Me classes. And that’s what keeps her showing up every single day.
Instagram: @capellayoga
Nicki Grealish: Studio Manager
Nicki has been a part of the Capella family since August 2023, and if you didn't already know-she's not just an incredible instructor, she's also our studio manager, keeping us all afloat!
Nicki is as real as it gets, and she brings that authenticity to her mat. She creates a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no pressure, no judgment, just movement, and breath.
Nicki has led some amazing events at Capella, from a Fall Equinox event to New Moon Circle with Sara. Our studio is so incredibly lucky to have Nicki not just leading classes but in a leadership role.
At the heart of Nicki's classes lies the spiritual principle of Satya (truthfulness), where our bodies, minds and actions can align. Often reminding us that yoga is not about the perfect asana, but rather the perfect expression of what our body is calling for.
Whether you're seeking inward nourishment or outward expression, her classes offer opportunities to explore both. Infusing the art of meditation and movement as one, you can expect harmonious (and often vigorous) movement, guided meditation and intentional breathwork. You'll often hear her say the practice of yoga is the expression of our heart...yet stillness, is the gateway there.
Instagram: @beingaverb
Abby Rezendes
Abby teaches Yoga Sculpt and Pilates at Capella, blending yoga, strength, cardio, barre, and Pilates into a full-body, feel-good workout. With 7+ years of experience in group fitness .
She’s passionate about promoting wellness inside and outside the studio. If you didn’t know Abbby has a background as a nurse practitioner in primary care. Whether she’s in the studio or at work, She is all about taking care of people. Coming full Expect high energy, smart sequencing, and a supportive vibe in her classes. Abby lives right here in Marina Bay—if you see her walking her Cavapoo, Murphy, be sure to say hi!
Instagram: @abbyrezendes
Kaileen Sanner
Kaileen is a Yoga Alliance RYT 500 teacher who has been leading classes in studios, workplaces, and private settings since 2007. She’s trained in Vinyasa, Power, Prenatal, Postnatal, Yoga Nidra, Mommy & Me, Meditation, and Self-Care, and also holds certifications in Balanced Athlete™ and Clinically Informed Restorative Yoga.
It truly is my honor to lead my students through dynamic, challenging and creative flows based in functional movement. My goal is to help my students practice yoga on the mat so that when they walk off of their mats and into the world, they have the tools to use their breath, to put one foot in front of the other and move forward even when it is overwhelming or daunting. Each and every class will meet students - whether beginners or advanced practitioners - where they are. I want you to come home to your truest self and fall in love with the practice while maintaining a steady and joyful connection to yourself. I want to help you remain centered even when your life becomes unbalanced. Don't wait. Begin your journey with your next breath.
Instagram: @kaileensanner
Website: www.kaileensanner.com
Lori Scott
Lori is an E-RYT 500, YACEP, and the founder of Lori Scott Yoga School, an accredited 200-hour teacher training program. She’s known for leading retreats, corporate wellness classes, and specialty trainings in Chair Yoga, Meditation, Chakra Balancing, and YTT-Lite.
She’s also a trauma-conscious yoga teacher with Connected Warriors, offering free classes to service members, veterans, and first responders. With additional certifications in Restorative Yoga, Kids Yoga, Functional Movement, Barre, and MBSR, Lori brings a deeply informed, inclusive approach to her teaching.
All of Lori’s classes incorporate a unique mind-body approach to breathing, functional movement and yoga teachings for ALL bodies in a way that is relatable and accessible - on and off the yoga mat. No flexibility or yoga experience needed - ever.
She is mostly known in her community for teaching her signature Beach Yoga classes and writing a Monthly Mindfulness column in the local newspaper. When Lori isn't on her yoga mat, she's creating something artistic, writing, traveling, walking the beach or spending time with her family and rescue pup, Ruby.
Instagram: @Loriscottyoga
Website: www.loriscottyoga.com
Anna Tonseth
Anna is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher who brings high energy and joint-friendly movement to her Yoga Sculpt classes. Certified in 2021, she aims to help students feel strong, confident, and empowered—with upbeat music and good vibes always included.
Originally from North Carolina, Anna moved to Boston after grad school to work in healthcare administration. Outside the studio, she loves traveling, golfing, spending time with loved ones, and adventuring with her German Shepherd. You can usually catch her teaching Saturday Sculpt—and cheering for the Red Sox and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Instagram: @annatonseth
Evangeline Danei
Evangeline is a Yoga Instructor, Life Coach, and Embodiment Mentor who brings presence, joy, and empowerment to everything she leads. At Capella, she teaches Yogalates on Mondays and offers a wide range of yoga styles rooted in mindful movement, upbeat playlists, and thoughtful cueing.
Outside of class, she organizes women’s yoga and wellness retreats and leads a local women’s walking group. Her mission is to help women build self-trust, confidence, and compassion—on and off the mat. Expect to leave her class feeling more grounded, energized, and connected to your body.
Instagram: @evangelinedanei
Website: EvangelineDanei.com
Erinn Gallow
Erinn is a 500-hour certified yoga instructor with specialized training in yoga sculpt, restorative, chair yoga, and pranayama. With a degree in Health Sciences, she brings a well-rounded approach to movement—blending fitness, wellness, and mindful energy into every class
At Capella, she teaches Yoga Sculpt and loves the view from the studio just as much as the supportive community inside it. As a mom of two and dog-mom to a couple of pups, Erinn knows how important it is to carve out time for movement and self-care. Her classes are dynamic, empowering, and designed to leave you feeling strong, refreshed, and grounded.
Instagram: @erinnkathryn
Sara Little
Rooted in the art of stillness, my yoga teaching style offers a sanctuary from the noise of modern life. I guide students through the gentle, meditative practice of Yin Yoga—creating space to slow down, soften, and reconnect with their inner rhythms. My classes are an invitation to surrender, encouraging deep release not just in the body, but in the heart and mind as well.
With a focus on breath awareness, mindful presence, and the wisdom of the subtle body, I weave in seasonal themes, energetic alignment, and emotional support to meet each student where they are. My approach is intuitive, grounded, and deeply nourishing—supporting nervous system regulation, hormonal harmony, and energetic flow.
In a world that often pushes us to do more, Yin offers us the medicine of being. I hold space with gentleness and intention, honoring the healing that unfolds when we allow ourselves to simply be.
Instagram: littlefieldyoga