Thrive at Five Yoga and Mindfulness Sessions at Orchard Hill Pavilion
Join us every Tuesday from June 2 – August 11, 5:00–6:00 p.m., for free, all-levels Vinyasa Yoga and mindfulness sessions at the beautiful new Orchard Hill Pavilion.
Bring a mat, towel, water bottle, and any props you need. Come as you are and enjoy the grounding power of movement and stillness in nature.
Location: Pavilion
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Please feel free to park in the solar-covered parking lot.
Free and open to UMass Faculty, Staff, and Students
What is Vinyasa Yoga?
Vinyasa yoga, translated from Sanskrit to mean "to place in a special way," is a dynamic, breath-synchronized practice known for smooth, flowing transitions between postures (asanas). It acts as a moving meditation, linking movement with breath (inhales/exhales) to build heat, strength, and mindfulness, differing from slower styles like Hatha.
Meet Your Instructors
Betsy Cracco
As the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Life and Wellbeing, Dr. Cracco provides strategic vision to a cluster of programs and services supporting the wellbeing of UMass Amherst students. As a licensed Psychologist, Dr. Cracco has a 30-year career in collegiate mental health, formerly serving as Director of the Counseling and Mental Health Services at UConn, and in therapist roles at the University of Wisconsin, Holy Cross, and Connecticut College. Betsy is a certified yoga instructor, and active member of swim and bike training groups. She is interested in the power of mind/body practices to address mental health and increase our connection to communities of activity and practice.
Betsy will teach the classes taking place on June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23, July 7, July 14, July 21, August 4, & August 11.
Michael Dalton
MS, CYT, Certified PART Instructor
I began my personal study of yoga in 2008 when a colleague shared his Sivananda practice, which I practiced on my own for the next 3 years. In 2012, I found Kripalu yoga class, a style which moved me to become a yoga teacher.
For the next 10 years I taught yoga in yoga studios, gyms and dance studios. Formerly a professional dancer and acrobat, yoga gave me back my body, my strength and flexibility. I savor my yoga practice for the presence and peace it brings me. Currently at UMass, I teach Positivity and Relaxation, an integrated wellbeing program which includes meditation and chair yoga.
Michael will teach the classes taking place on June 16, June 30, & July 28.