Gretchen has been a student of yoga since 2000 and appreciates the continual a-ha moments her own practice provides both on the mat physically and off the mat energetically. Initially completing a 200-hour teacher training in Cambridge MA in 2007 and seeking out further instruction, training, and knowledge since then, the same process of evolving as an instructor keeps her classes fresh and interesting.

Her classes are alignment-focused and accessible to all levels, set in a warm studio environment with instrumental music to foster a supportive and reflective practice. She knows that this is a long term approach to wellness and inner connection and she commits to holding the space for her fellow community members to get on their own mats and explore.

Yoga, a physical and energetic practice that helps us to connect breath and movement within our bodies in a way that allows us to find our authentic self and shine even brighter. Heidi fell in love with this powerful practice for both the physical and energetic magic that quickly became apparent as she found her first mat in Boston, MA. Growing up in a unique island community she was always athletic whether it be as a lobsterman or as a collegiate rower and believes the practice just makes sense, it combined her loves for both movement and emotional healing.

Heidi grew up on Cliff island, Portland Maine. She moved away, received her BSW from Syracuse University and MSW from BU and is a license independent clinical social worker. After practicing for a number of years she took her first 200 hour teacher training from Prana Power Yoga. She later took a second with the Sacred Seeds School of Yoga, and completed a 300 hour with Illumina Yoga. She has pursued a variety of trainings in Yin, Nidra, and Restorative Yoga, as well as advanced trainings including a 40 hour training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga with the Trauma Center in Brookline, MA, a 100 hour training in Soulful Yoga Therapy, and 45 hour training in the psychology of the chakras. Heidi is grateful for her yoga instructors including Taylor and Philippe Wells, Jacqui Bonwell, Johanna Bell, Kate Graham, Ame Wren, Seane Corn, Dana Flynn, and Anodea Judith who have influenced her growth and teaching. Her classes are vigorous and breath-focused, taught in a hot studio environment with upbeat music to energize and inspire transformation.

Heidi moved back to Maine in 2007 and opened Greener Postures Yoga with her business partner, Danielle Toolan in 2010. For her, Greener Postures is truly a dream come true, and is honored to spread the light and love yoga brings to ones life. Heidi feels fortunate to be part of the yoga community in the Portland area and deep gratitude for all her teachers which not only include yoga instructors, but also her family, friends, students and colleagues as she continues her journey on and off her mat!

Danielle started practicing yoga regularly at Prana Power Yoga in 2004 where she met her current business partner, Heidi MacVane. In 2007, she completed her first teacher training and taught full time with Prana Power Yoga in the Boston area, where she loved being part of a yoga community. In the fall of 2009 she decided to make the move to Maine to be closer to her family and open Greener Postures Yoga with Heidi.

Danielle graduated from James Madison University with a BS in Health Assessment and Promotion, and completed a 10-month program to become a certified Holistic Health Counselor at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC. Since her first teacher training she has completed multiple advanced teacher trainings. She studies regularly with Erin Ehlers, who she views as one of her most brilliant yoga teachers and mentors. Danielle strives to continue to learn about the vastness of yoga by exposing herself to different workshops and instructors. Her classes emphasize strength and alignment, offering a moderate intensity practice in a warm studio environment, energized by beat-driven music to motivate and inspire students. Her intention is to lead informative classes with clear explanation where students can delve into their own physical experience, learn more about themselves and their bodies, and leave their mats with a greater sense of strength and clarity.