Michelle is an indigenous yoga teacher hailing from a small and remote Canadian town. Sharing her passion for teaching yoga since 2015, she has enjoyed stints in Canada, the US, Mexico, and Peru, and is thrilled to be returning to Costa Rica to work at Nereus, where she is the lead yoga teacher trainer.
Michelle is well-versed in the hatha and vinyasa styles, as well as prenatal yoga. She is also a YACEP and has obtained additional certifications in yin, restorative and yoga nidra. With a teaching style best described as a harmonious blend of energetic asana practices interwoven with yogic philosophy, punctuated by moments of slow, introspective fascial release, Michelle’s ultimate aim as an instructor is to foster a sense of equilibrium and serenity in people’s lives by creating a sacred space, nurturing silence and encouraging students to embark on a voyage of self-discovery within the realms of yoga.
When not in the studio, she enjoys stalking through the jungle and basking in the sun. She has yet to meet a cat she didn’t want to befriend.
Elise is a native New Yorker and a former NYC High School teacher turned 500 hour yoga instructor, herbalist and Ayurvedic wellness coach. After a decade teaching in the school system in the US and abroad in Italy, she left her career to pursue a life more aligned. She completed her 200 hour yoga training in 2018 and her 300 hour in 2019, where she also specialized in yin yoga and yoga nidra. She teaches yoga at several local studios in Westchester County, NY. Elise is also trained in Ayurvedic wellness and is a clinical herbalist in training.
Elise loves to combine principles from all her holistic modalities into her yoga classes to create fun, dynamic, empowering and engaging practices for yogis of all levels. She regularly teaches a variety of yoga styles ranging from hot power to yoga sculpt, to restorative, but her passion lies in slower practices like yin, yoga nidra and slow paced vinyasa flow. A dancer by training for the first 20 years of her life, Elise prioritizes slow, controlled, fluid movements that allow students to connect within as they move and breathe.
When she’s not on the mat, you can find her traveling with her husband, hanging out in her garden, creating herbal concoctions, pampering her two rescued Pomeranians and snuggling, or at least attempting to snuggle, her cat.
Details of this retreat
TEACHER TRAINING
Nereus School of Yoga offers an enriching program of professional teaching qualifications. Join us to deepen your journey and inspire others in a transformative path of wellness.
RYT200
This training will cover the styles of hatha and vinyasa within the raja yoga system, with the goal of giving new teachers the tools and confidence to deliver a thoughtful and safe class rooted in authenticity. A large focus on cueing, sequencing and inclusivity will be the base, giving students the knowledge of how to modify a practice for any body and contraindication. We believe that yoga should be accessible to everyone and this encompasses the use of inclusive language, both in English and Sanskrit. Students will cover classical sequencing styles and concepts and be expected to teach classes to ensure a good foundation and confidence is established. Conversations and bhakti practices will round out days with all things mantra and mythology. We aim to offer a robust, holistic yoga teacher training program with strong ties to Ayurveda, a thorough understanding of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs, knowledge of his Yoga Sutras and a general understanding of yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda.
Teaching will be overseen by our lead instructor, Michelle Garcia, ERYT500, and provided by her and our team. Our program format for our RYT200 yoga teacher training is a residential 20-day/19-night immersion at our retreat location in Puerto Jiménez, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. Students will also have access to our online educational platform for additional digital content and supplementary materials.
Getting Here
Nereus Retreats, Playa Platanares conocida como Playa Preciosa a 4 kmts del aeropuerto de Puerto Jimenez, Puntarenas Province, Puerto Jiménez, 60702, Costa Rica
Accommodation
Triple
Spacious triple with extra long twin beds.
Double
Double room with 2 XL Twin beds.
Deluxe Single w/ Private Bathroom
Spacious room with private bathroom.
Single w/ Shared Bathroom
Private room with a queen bed. Shared bathroom with one other room.
Customer Reviews
4.92 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
Live your best yoga life at Nereus Retreats!
Keen attention to all the little details is what this new yoga retreat centre is all about. The care and consideration shows up in everything the team does to make your stay into an outstanding experience.
Nereus provides you with three amazing gluten free and super tasty meals every day, made from scratch and with so much love and care.
The grounds are peaceful, immaculate and well-tended - and located only moments from the crashing waves of the ocean and miles upon miles of beachfront sunrises.
The yoga shala is top rate - open to the beautiful surrounding jungle sounds but protected from the elements. It is a treat in itself.
And the yoga training and practices are just beyond exceptional. Michelle is incredibly talented and her love of the craft of yoga shines through all she does. She is the perfect compliment to the ownership team of Jen and Stuart. These three are making magic together.
Do yourself a favour and make the trek to the Osa Peninsula to deepen your practice and wrap yourself in the bliss and joy that is Nereus Retreats!
5.0
Verified
The Best Decision for RYT200
Choosing to complete my RYT200 at Nereus Retreats was one of the best decisions I’ve made! As I reflect on the three weeks spent at Nereus, I can’t help but have a huge smile on my face. This experience exceeded my expectations of what a teacher training could look like. The instruction, accommodations, location, staff, and overall vibes of this place are magical! This training gave me the necessary steps to start teaching yoga, while simultaneously leading me through a journey of growth, discovery, and connection.
Jen and Stuart are incredible hosts and will make sure you have all of your needs met during your stay. The food, cultivated through an Ayurvedic perspective, was equally nutritious and tasty. The family-style approach to meals allows you to put exactly what and how much food you want on your plate, offering a truly customizable experience. They also provide filtered water, coffee, and tea throughout the day! In any free time, we were able to enjoy the most breathtaking beach just steps away from the rooms, as well as a refreshing saltwater pool in the hub of the retreat center.
Our daily yoga practice in the beautiful shala was another unforgettable experience. Michelle fostered an open, inspiring, and authentic environment to practice yoga and prepare us for teaching. The yoga instruction was engaging, well-rounded, and empowering – I couldn’t have asked for better. Overall, the RYT200 course was well-planned, all-encompassing, and adaptable to meet the needs of our group.
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to come to Nereus Retreats, and I can’t wait for the day I’ll be back. I learned more about yoga than I could have anticipated, underwent significant lifestyle changes, and created a number of life-long connections. Thank you, Nereus!!
5.0
Verified
Unwind in Paradise
This experience was so much more than just gaining my 200hr YTT certification. I made friends for life and grew as a person in many ways. Everyday you practice yoga with Michelle who holds space for each student to learn and grow. All of her classes were new and exciting. She will provide you with all the tools you need to leave Nereus feeling confident and excited to teach yoga. The beach was one of the most beautiful and peaceful I have ever been to, and only steps away from the rooms. Speaking of rooms, you are living in luxury. With AC, comfy beds, private bathrooms, laundry service and shelving so you can unpack and settle in. The food here exceeded my expectations. All gluten free with vegetarian/vegan options, healthy, delicious and lots of variety. Filtered water, coffee and tea station available all day. Pool is a real treat for a quick refreshing dip and sunbathing during breaks. Jen and Stuart go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and cared for. This wouldn’t be possible without their vision, hard work and of course the dedicated staff behind the scenes. I could go on and on about how wonderful this place is but my review is getting long. Overall I would highly recommend coming here, for retreats, YTT or just to unwind in Paradise.
4.0
Verified
February 2024 Yoga Retreat
Telling Family , friends and peers that this was probably the most relaxing holiday of my life.
Yoga Studio is perfect and I appreciated being able to take in nature as we did Yoga!
Beach was a quick walk away.
Sunrise every morning at 5:30 followed by a long walk in either direction in solitude. Loved it!
Great trees to put hammock up for the morning.
Cool pool to get re-freshed from the heat and humidity of the "jungle".
Healthy meals ! Fresh caught Tuna was my favourite!
Gracious, helpful hosts ! and Girlie!
5.0
Verified
Retreat with Dagmar Spremberg
It was absolutely magical to practice yoga in the beautiful jungle shala. The meals prepared by the Nereus kitchen team were very healing and absolutely nourishing. Other highlights were the sunrise swims in the sea and all the amazing flora and fauna all arounf. I felt completely restored from the bustling city life after a week here. Thank you, I will be back!
Select your options
Available Dates
Select your Dates
Select a Room
Triple
$3,800.00
view details
Spacious triple with extra long twin beds.
Double
$4,300.00
view details
Double room with 2 XL Twin beds.
Deluxe Single w/ Private Bathroom
$4,900.00
view details
Spacious room with private bathroom.
Single w/ Shared Bathroom
$4,600.00
view details
Private room with a queen bed. Shared bathroom with one other room.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
The event is 100% refundable for cancellation 60+ days before the event start date. The event is 50% refundable if cancelled 30-59 days before the start date.