Michelle Ingkavet Cavanagh

Yoga is a journey of transformation—a continuous evolution of mind, body, and spirit. My passion lies in guiding others to discover their untapped potential, helping them progress step-by-step toward greater physical and mental balance, strength, and self-awareness.

My yoga journey began in 1996 in New York City, where I studied with world-renowned teachers across the coasts. Over the years, I have cultivated a teaching approach that integrates humor, compassion, and wisdom from my diverse professional and personal experiences. My path has been shaped by a varied background in Performing Arts, Dance, Fitness, Martial Arts, and Portrait Photography. A 1994 graduate of New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media & Communications and a Minor in Dance Performance, I began my wellness career in 1997 as an ACE-Certified Personal Fitness Trainer.

In 1998, my acting career relocated me to Los Angeles, where I concurrently earned Black Belts in HwaRangDo and Shotokan Karate, and began teaching children’s martial arts. After a decade in California as a professional actor, martial artist, and portrait photographer, I returned to New York to embrace motherhood and a more nurturing teaching path. Inspired by the transformative power of yoga, I earned my 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification in 2010, founded Here and Now Yoga, and began offering private sessions and wellness retreats. My teaching expanded to Prenatal Yoga in 2011 and later to Restorative Yoga in 2018. In 2019, I began working with People with Disabilitiesthrough the Mary Quinn’s Mark Foundation and teaching at Molloy University—work that deepened my dedication to Accessible and Inclusive Yoga. In 2025, I furthered this commitment by completing a 50-hour certification with the Accessible Yoga School.

In pursuit of holistic wellness, in 2023, I earned a Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Environmental Nutrition from the University of Memphis. This academic achievement complements my mission to support my clients in achieving balance and well-being on all levels.

Also in 2023, I partnered with fellow yoga instructor and dance professional, Dina Denis-Paolucci, to expand Here and Now Yoga into Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective, creating a vibrant community space in Floral Park, NY. Alongside my yoga practice, I continue to run Michelle Ingkavet Photography, my boutique portrait photography business, and occasionally pursue acting opportunities.

Hosting Yoga and Wellness Retreats has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. “ELEVATE: A Transformational Yoga & Wellness Experience at Menla“ our 2026 summer Catskills retreat marks my ninth retreat hosted since 2021. These retreats embody the transformative power of yoga, mindfulness, and genuine connection, offering participants a space to grow, heal, and reconnect with themselves and others. I am honored to share my experiences, knowledge, and passion, creating spaces where students can flourish and find their unique path to wellness.