September 2026 Yogi of the Month

Sue Melfi

Q: How long have you practiced yoga and what other forms of exercise do you like to do? I was a runner and competed in triathlons, and at the time, I incorporated some yoga into my training routine. However, after my last marathon—NY in 2022—I stopped running due to back issues and have been practicing yoga consistently ever since.

Q: What brought you to YogaSpark? I had taken a few classes at the old studio years ago, so when I stopped running, I came back. What keeps me here are the amazing teachers, the energy and vibe in the studio and the friendships I’ve made along the way. The YogaSpark community is really special.

Q: What do you love about practicing hot power yoga? I love everything about hot yoga but mostly that it forces me to slow down, breathe, focus and let go of my thoughts. I'm also obsessed with the heat, the hotter the better.

Q: Can you give a word or phrase that describes yoga to you? Community

Q: What's your current favorite song to flow to? Lately it seems to be "The Game of Love" Santana and Michelle Branch.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote? "If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives, dogs would outlive us all" Ricky Gervais
Q: What yoga pose do you love practicing right now? I'm sticking with a theme here, puppy pose ;)
Tell us one non yoga factoid about you: It’s not exactly non-yoga… In 2025, I started a puppy yoga business, NamaSitStay Puppy Yoga. I partner with local shelters that bring rescue pups to our classes, creating an experience that benefits both people and puppies. With anxiety and depression at an all-time high, the classes give people a chance to come together, move, connect, laugh, and snuggle some puppies, like what could be better than that? and at the same time they provide rescue pups the socialization, visibility, and love they need to help them find their forever homes. I’ve been so lucky to have Jenny Ray and Kaitlyn teach classes, and to see so many YogaSpark yogis come out and support what we’re doing. I’m incredibly grateful. We’ve been able to make meaningful donations to our shelter partner, The Incredible Pups Pet Rescue and even better, we’ve helped several dogs get adopted as well as find foster homes... I like to say we are changing lives on both ends of the leash and It truly heals my soul.