Meet The Team
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​Hassina Mirica-Albukhary 
E-RYT 200

Program Director of YTT Journey
International Retreat Leader

Originally from France, Hassina has spent the last 20 years teaching yoga in a variety of settings from small studios to corporate environments and large clubs in the USA and internationally. Due to her leadership, guidance and personality, the various yoga programs became very successful and highly attended. Combining her knowledge and initial training in Hatha Yoga and adding her love of Vinyasa, Hassina teaches a creative and energetic Hatha-Vinyasa style of yoga and is passionate about movement, mindfulness and health.

Hassina believes everyone can enjoy and benefit from a yoga practice. Her classes are aimed at exploring yoga with ease and a smile, in a supportive and encouraging environment, finding flexibility in the body and openness in the mind. She strives to create authentic connections with her students supporting their growth and helping them navigate the path of yoga with compassion, wisdom and strength.

Hassina created YTT Journey 6 years ago and has since successfully graduated 100+ students in the US and abroad.
For the last 5 years, she has led Yoga Teacher Training in Egypt. 

Her deep knowledge and love of travel made her take the decision to lead international yoga retreats: Provence (Sept. 2018), Egypt and Jordan (Feb. 2019), the French Riviera (Sept. 2019), Egypt and Jordan (March 2020), Puglia (Sept. 2021). Jordan & Egypt (March 2022), Kenya (April 2022), Finland/Estonia (July 2022) and Dordogne (France) in September 2022.  Bali is scheduled for April 2023.
Terhi Mengel
E-RYT 200

Terhi moved from Finland to the United States in 2005 and is a graduate of Sri Dharma Mittra Yoga Teacher Training.  She has been teaching yoga for 15 years.

Terhi feels unbelievably grateful and privileged to be a part of people's yoga journey. She believes yoga should be for everyone, regardless of age or past experience. Terhi honors the traditional yoga philosophies and ancient texts of yoga and incorporates them into her teachings. 

​Her students love her kindness, humility and compassion.  She is often described as having a laid-back attitude and a free-spirited heart.  

Terhi co-teaches the Yoga Teacher Training in Egypt and co-leads all international retreats now offered by YTT Journey.
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Beth Place
E-RYT 200

Beth graduated from Black Hills State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Her focus on teaching, rather than just leading a class, is one of the characteristics that sets her apart from most fitness instructors. Beth's classroom experience allowed her to transition seamlessly into the fitness world and to become highly successful in numerous health clubs across the United States. 

Beth has over 20 years experience teaching fitness classes and is a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. She is an
E-RYT 200 hour yoga instructor with over 15 years, and more than 2,000 hours of yoga classroom experience.

Beth's teaching style encourages everyone to respect their physical limits while challenging their mental ones. She strips away yoga's mystique and complexity, making class practical, all-inclusive and FUN! Her classes are welcoming and comfortable.  Beth believes yoga was created to help us move through life powerfully, joyously, and freely. 
Neva Avery
​RYT 200
ACSM, NSCA

Neva is originally from South Dakota and has been in North Carolina since 2002.  She has a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and has been working in the fitness and wellness industry since 1997. 

Neva’s original thoughts about yoga were that it was “too quiet”, “too still” and therefore “boring”. In her late 20’s, she started to notice a decrease in flexibility and as a former gymnast. With a little nudging from a friend, she decided to give yoga a try. From the physical side, she embraced the strength, balance and flexibility challenges. Being able to hang out upside down again brought the element of joy, reminiscent of her days as a gymnast. Quieting the constant chatter in her mind was an added bonus. Yoga classes left her feeling calm, relaxed and happy and it was neither still nor boring. 

Many begin their yoga journey with an idea of what yoga is and Neva believes what is important to you is what matters most...even if it’s just stretching your hamstrings! Ultimately it’s YOUR yoga. Her favorite class style is vinyasa but has since found a love of yin as well. The relaxing long holds and meditative quality of a yin practice is a complement to the strong, energetic vinyasa practice.  

With her extensive knowledge in kinesiology and biomechanics, Neva teaches the anatomy & physiology modules at YTT Journey.
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