Group Yoga

Weekly Classes at The Yoga Collaborative

(In Person & On Zoom)

Private Clients

Email Melissa to Inquire

melissa@theyogacollab.com

Yoga Retreats

Travel with me and The Yoga Collaborative!

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
February 14-21, 2026

Tuscany, Italy
September 27-October 3, 2026

An Invitation into Retreat

By definition, a retreat is a place of refuge, a drawing back, a sacred pause. It is an intentional stepping away from the responsibilities and rhythms of daily life—the errands, the cooking, the never-ending lists that come with being a householder.

A yoga retreat is more than time away; it is a turning inward. It is an invitation to focus on yourself, to rest in the practices, and to allow yourself to be cared for. Together, we will take a deeper dive into the sacred teachings of yoga—teachings that invite us back to presence, wholeness, and the essence of who we are.

I discovered yoga at the age of 20 while living in Colorado. What began as a way to strengthen my body and quiet my busy mind quickly became a lifelong path of healing, growth, and transformation. After the birth of my son in 2008, I realized I needed yoga more than ever, and I immersed myself in a 200-hour teacher training program. Over time, my practice has become my anchor — a source of spirituality and inner peace in a world that can feel so fast and stimulating.

I continue to deepen my studies each year, traveling to expand my education and practice in both yoga and meditation. I train multiple times a year with my teacher, Kia Miller, who continues to be a guiding influence on my path. For me, yoga isn’t just something I do — it’s the way I live.

As a teacher, I strive to be warm, approachable, and present, always meeting students exactly where they are. I focus on alignment and on helping each person understand their own body with clarity and compassion. My students often tell me that my radiance shines through in my teaching, creating a space that feels supportive, uplifting, and deeply connected.

Sharing yoga is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I feel grateful every day to guide others in discovering the strength, presence, and peace that already lives within them.

Credentials (Trainings and Education)

Founder of The Yoga Collaborative

300 E-RYT Radiant Body Yoga
250 Hours in Advanced Orthopedic/Structural Integration Training
220 RYT Kundalini Yoga Level 1
200 RYT Vinyasa/Hatha
Level 1 Foundations of Thai Massage
Reiki Level 1
ChildLight Yoga Instructor
Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
Teaching since 2010

  • I am so grateful to have met Melissa! Her teaching and guidance—both during classes and in conversation--has deeply influenced my practice, my own yoga teaching, and how I relate to the ever changing flow of life. Generous, authentic, knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and joyful are among the many words I would use to describe Melissa and her teaching. She is a true example of a teacher and human being whose continuous curiosity and dedication to her own practice positively impacts individuals and communities!

    - Jane

  • Unlike any other yoga or meditation teacher I've ever had, Melissa connects the deepest roots of ancient scripture to our present-day mental and physical needs. The tools she has given me have made a tangible difference in the way I move through the world, and I am forever indebted to her for that!

    - Neil

  • Knowing Melissa for over 10 years has been such a blessing. Her dedication and commitment to being the best version of herself has been a positive journey that I have been lucky enough to be a part of. Melissa's compassion and energy has continued to flow over in how her practice has evolved and who she has brought on to extend her practice offering various classes & workshops for all levels is outstanding. Without a doubt her commitment to the community has been amazing. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, desire to education, instruct and make connections has made her such a shining star.

    - Joyce

  • Even though she doesn't realize this, Melissa has been a major force in my spiritual life. After feeling the need to leave the church I was attending for 50 years, she helped me find my own spirituality through her meditations and encouragement to explore other experiences that have made my spiritual life so much more enriched. Her class gives me the perfect balance of meditation, stretching and core work that will help me to hopefully live a long, peaceful and healthy life. And, let's not forget her humor and great laugh which is always a plus with a mentor. I encourage everyone to take a class with her and reap the rewards.

    - Karen

  • If you are looking for a place to practice your yoga with a variety of classes, knowledgeable instructors and an all around great vibe… The Collaborative is your studio!! Creator and founder Melissa Lorusso, has created such a place. In her Deep Stretch & Relax class she explains the anatomy in detail and why we need to do particular stretches and what it does for our bodies. She always takes the time to help me with my individual needs, and is very hands on making small adjustments to make sure you benefit from each stretch. What I love most about my practice with Melissa is that I always walk away with some kind of mind, body, and/or breath experience…feeling better when you leave, than when you got there. Whether a beginner or master of yoga, you won’t be disappointed.

    - Beth

  • I’ve had the privilege of practicing with Melissa for the past seven years and I can honestly say that her classes have been life-changing. From the moment you step onto the mat, you’re met with a sense of calm, compassion, and genuine care that radiates from her. Melissa has a rare gift—not only in her deep knowledge of yoga, but in the way she gently guides each student with kindness, patience, and presence. Whether you’re a beginner, which I am, or an experienced yogi, she creates a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow. From the very first class, Melissa created a welcoming and supportive environment that made me feel both comfortable and motivated. Her deep understanding of yoga—both physically and philosophically—shines through in every session. She offers clear, thoughtful instruction tailored to all skill levels, always encouraging mindfulness, proper alignment, and personal growth. Her energy is always uplifting and she has a wonderful sense of humor. What sets her apart is the way she approaches teaching—not just as a physical practice, but as a way to connect more deeply with yourself, the yoga community and the world around you. I’m endlessly grateful for the peace and strength I’ve found through Melissa’s classes.

    - Denise

  • "I was so impressed with Melissa Lorusso that I urged my husband to start attending Melissa’s classes. He is quite proud that he can now touch his toes and turn around effortlessly when driving. Melissa is passionate about what she does. She is very knowledgeable about the human body and is eager to pass along what she knows to her students in an interesting, not bombastic manor. Melissa wants to be able to address the needs of each of her students individually. Rather than having us parrot her actions, she gives verbal instructions on how to accomplish a stretch, watches how we react and then gives individual suggestions on how to optimize the stretch. She makes it clear that each body is different and that what works for one person may not work for everyone. In class she was able to more directly adjust our postures to be more effective. However, even on Zoom, she carefully watches each participant and makes suggestions individually. "

    – Mel

  • I’ve been practicing with Melissa, in various capacities, for almost four years. What I can say is that I’m totally committed to another four years – at least! Melissa is a wonderful teacher with tremendous insight and intuition. In class I see how she meets people where they are and seamlessly modifies instruction and guidance to offer each person just what they need to be supported, or challenged, depending on the situation. For me personally, as I’m seeking to expand my practice from the physical to the metaphysical, Melissa is a tremendous resource. Her depth of knowledge and experience is incredibly helpful, and she is a great reference librarian with fantastic suggestions for further reading, listening, and experiencing. I’m so lucky to be able to practice with Melissa!

    - Cheri

  • Being a new yogi (1 year practice, not age!) wash ashore Cape Codder, I have had Melissa as an enduring presence in my life through yoga for 16 years. My practice has deepened with her patient, personal, and growth-oriented practice. Her depth of knowledge of physical functioning and spiritual presence is manifested in her classes, studio management, and person. My “relationship with my core” is all Melissa! She makes me smile, look inward, and radiates what yoga means to me.

    - Sonya

  • My yoga experience with Melissa has changed my life!! I immediately knew when I first met her that I found an environment to help support my overall well-being. What I didn’t know at the time was how deeply her teaching would impact every aspect of how I approach life with clarity and a balanced perspective. Melissa is an exceptional teacher who addresses the individual needs of each student. Her knowledge and dedication to the mind and body creates an open and welcoming experience. Each class provides a warm and supportive space to develop both physical and inner strength and stability. Not only have I found the guided mindful movement and meditation practices to be a transformative and inspiring force, my family (young and old) now practices yoga with Melissa to reap the benefits. Melissa is an amazing person with a unique talent to teach others.

    - Dottie

  • I started at The Yoga Collaborative March of 2025 in search of a way to incorporate movement into my routine as well as develop a relationship with a higher power greater than myself. My first class I was hooked. I signed up for the unlimited classes plan and had the opportunity to try out all the different types of yoga offered at The Yoga Collaborative. I immediately felt a sense welcome, familiarity, and community and was drawn to Melissa’s way of connecting to each student with such intent, purity, and kindness. She has the kind of personality that makes you feel seen and as if your wellbeing through yoga is a priority. Melissa lives and breathes the yogic lifestyle and has inspired and encouraged me to pursue my yoga teaching certificate and career. Every class I have taken with Melissa I leave feeling nourished, rejuvenated, and energized to take on the rest of my day as well as inspired by whatever theme she introduces her daily classes with. I have learned so much more than the foundational asanas in her classes for she usually brings in educational and spiritual aspects to the mat. I have recommended both Melissa and The Yoga Collaborative to practically everyone I have met due to the ever evolving positive effect they have had on my life.

    - Meg

  • For the past few years, I have been attending the Yoga Collaborative. My initial goal was to get relief from chronic back pain, but I found not only relief but a community of great people both students and instructors. Melissa Lorusso, owner and instructor, has made this experience welcoming and enjoyable! Her workouts are tailored to your abilities not to the person next to you… and above all it is a lot of fun!

    - Curt

  • Melissa brings enthusiasm and passion to her yoga practice which she readily shares with her students. Her depth of knowledge of the origins of yoga is truly impressive. I feel fortunate to practice with her in such a welcoming space.

    - Linda