What Respira’s Yoga Students and Doula Clients Are Saying

Yoga Testimonials

I have witnessed Laura's classes for youth as well as participated in Laura's classes for adults.  Her teaching style is collaborative, learning from her students while leading in a calm and inclusive manner.  She encourages creativity and independence for her students, and offers a comprehensive and challenging set of poses during practice.  Laura's main goal for her students is clearing their minds to find peace, and she welcomes everyone, from beginners to well-practiced yogis, and meets them where they are at both physically and mentally.  It is a great way to start my day and I leave feeling strong, supported and cared for.  

Jessica Carlson-Belanger, Yoga Student, Shutesbury

Yo llevo practicando Yoga con Laura por varios años y ha sido una experiencia maravillosa, ya que Laura siempre está lista para escuchar atentamente mis preferencias y necesidades también, me anima a aprender nuevas poses, guiándome cuidadosamente y respetando mi estilo y capacidad de movimiento.  Ella siempre me transmite mucha alegría y entusiasmo por la práctica de la Yoga y esto me ha ayudado a no dejar de usar la yoga como parte de mi ritual diario.

Adriana Rich, Amherst

English Translation: I have been practicing yoga with Laura for several years and it’s been a marvelous experience, as Laura is always ready to listen attentively to my preferences and needs. Also, she encourages me to learn new poses, guiding me carefully and respecting my style and capacity for movement. She always brings a lot of joy and enthusisam for the yoga practice and this has helped me to not forget to practice yoga as part of my daily routines.

Adriana Rich, Yoga Student, Amherst

Birth Doula Testimonials

I may not have pushed my daughter out into the world after 36 hours of labor if not for Laura! She was an incredible doula for me and my partner. Knowing Laura had three successful homebirths, knowing she could encourage me from a place of experience, gave me the strength to continue and make it through three hours of pushing. Laura stayed present the whole time, held my hand, whispered in my ear, asked me about my fears, wiped my brow, laughed, danced, and held space for the process. I cannot recommend her more highly! She was great at communicating with the medical team about our wishes as well.

Cristie Reich, Doula Client, Arlington, MA

What I most appreciated about Laura's support during the birth of my second child was her intuitive awareness and steadiness. Surprisingly, I didn't want supportive touch or massage or even encouraging words during active labor. What I wanted was the quiet and steady presence of my partner, the midwife, and Laura. Then, during pushing, Laura alternated getting me cool cloths for my neck/face and warm cloths that I could hold over my vulva and perineum to help my body stretch and make space for the baby's head to be born. Her care and attentiveness were just what I needed, and I will be forever grateful for her loving support. 

Danielle, Doula Client, Cambridge, MA