Stephanie G. Mortellaro, Director, R.Y.T., C.P.T.

Stephanie is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the National Yoga Alliance through Internationally Acclaimed Yogi, Francois Raoult in the Iyengar Tradition of Hatha Yoga. She has a double certification in the Joseph H. Pilates Method of Physical Conditioning through Innerworks, L.L.C. under the direction of master teacher, Addison Heffernan. She is a Certified Relax & Renew Trainer under the direction of creator, Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD. She has also studied Anatomy with Laura Allard RIYT, Kinesiology with Dr. Daniel Too, Yoga History and Philosophy with Dr. Douglas Brooks, Physiology with Roger Cole, PhD and Ayurveda with Sonam Targee. She is well versed in injury prevention and movement re-education through the use of these methods.

Stephanie opened B E Y O N D in October of 2004 with a deep dedication to bringing awareness and integrity to the “west-side” Yoga & Pilates community. She is the creator and director of Beyond The Mat Teacher Training providing teachers & advanced practitioners with Level I Mat Certification in the Joseph H. Pilates Method. Stephanie also holds a faculty position at The Rochester Institute of Technology and at The Chautauqua Institute (where she has also participated in the Ballet Teacher Training Symposium under the direction of Jean Pierre Bonnefoux and Violette Verdy).

Stephanie brings additional experience to her work with her vast background in dance. Her professional portfolio includes: The Dayton Ballet, The Europa Cabaret Theatre, United Star Production Company and Walt Disney World Studios. Teaching credits include: The Armstrong School of Dance, The Brockport School of Dance & Performing Arts, The Dayton Ballet Children’s School, Images In Dance, The Orlando Performing Arts as well as several summer workshops, master classes and educational workshops in the Batavia, Brockport and Spencerport C.S.D. She is also an accepted applicant to Harvard University for special studies in the area of dance.

Stephanie wishes to give great thanks and credit to her teachers all who have touched her life in deep and meaningful ways. She is forever grateful for the wisdom imparted on her which has shaped the teacher she is today.
"To Francois for gently guiding me towards the light and opening my eyes to fully see the splendor of yoga and the possibilities of life."
"To Addison for the never ending push to strive for excellence."
"To Judith for the awe inspiring words of wisdom and for showing me how to relax with humor and grace."
"To my ultimate teachers, my son's Mateo & Tiago, for showing me my true nature and keeping me grounded."
"And to my husband for being my soft place to fall and supporting all of my endeavors without compliant."

Due to her own personal health issues Stephanie has sought out the direction of Yoga and Pilates and believes strongly in the work as it continues to keep her in a state of well being. Through the studio she strives to create a kind, healing atmosphere to pass along her passion for knowledge and the human constitution, helping others find their own inner strength, peace, health and ultimate happiness!

Amy Brauen, M.S.

Amy Brauen has been a part of BEYOND since its original conception. She has completed advanced workshops in Anusara Yoga under the direction of Master Anusara teacher, Mitchel Blieir and is currently working towards her 200 Hour R.Y.T. In addition to this Amy brings a long history of dance to her Vinyasa, as she was dance minor at SUNY Brockport. Amy holds a Masters in Secondary Education of Mathematics from SUNY Brockport and is a 7th grade math teacher in the Brockport Central School District.

Amy’s joyous, energetic personality is contagious to all who participate in her classes. She is eager to share her love of yoga with everyone at BEYOND, hoping all who study with her receive peace and happiness in their daily lives.

Valerie Gaesser, M.S., C.P.T.

Val has been a student of Stephanie Mortellaro's since prior to the conception of BEYOND! She is a graduate of the Beyond The Mat Teacher Training certification program at Beyond Center for Yoga & Pilates and a Certified Level I Pilates Mat Teacher. She has a very strong and committed practice and lives a life dedicated to health and well being. She received her undergraduate degree from Niagara University and a Masters in Elementary Education from SUNY Brockport. Val is currently a 5th grade teacher at Kendall Elementary School.

Along with everything else Val is the busy mother of five lovely children ranging from 10 to 25 years of age! She says her Pilates practice has brought her increased energy, strength, and well being all while improving her overall fitness. While energetic, Val's calm and patient manner supports those who are new to Pilates and encourages others to reach new levels and personal heights. Through her teaching Val hopes to help others of all ages and abilities to increase their energy, strength and peace of mind, as well as find balance in their daily lives.