A Little About Us
Welcome to The Zen Den Inc., Hamilton's premier Pilates & Yoga studio founded in 2014.
Our approach to fitness is all-encompassing, as we believe that a healthy body, mind, and spirit are essential for true wellness. Our team of experienced and highly educated instructors will guide you through each class, ensuring you achieve your fitness goals and working with you to overcome any challenges that may arise.
Who We Are: Meet the Team
Your Local Mind Body Experts
We're looking for qualifed instructors!!
Kriss Young
Studio Owner, Certified: Stott Pilates Instructor, 200 hr. Yoga Instructor, Children's Yoga Instructor, Master Personal Trainer & Nutrition Consultant, Total Barre
Kriss has dedicated her life to fitness and movement, starting with a background in dance. She earned her Master Personal Trainer & Nutrition Consultant Certifications from the National Personal Training Institute in Orlando, FL in 2002, followed by Mat Science I Pilates and Stott Pilates Reformer Certification in 2004. In 2021, she became a Fully Certified Stott Pilates Instructor through Merrithew Health & Fitness in Toronto. Kriss continues to expand her knowledge with continuing education courses and also works as an Independent Consultant for Arbonne, a licensed NY Real Estate Salesperson, and a proud mother.
Melissa Jacobs
Cardio Drumming Instructor, facilitator of Conscious Connected Breathwork and Meditation
I’m Melissa Jacobs, a certified Life and Health Coach, Group Fitness Instructor, and a facilitator of Conscious Connected Breathwork and Meditation. My mission is to help people live an aligned life—one filled with passion, purpose, and peace. I’m deeply passionate about connecting with others and supporting them in creating positive changes in their lives. I believe that true transformation comes from within, and I’m dedicated to guiding others as they reclaim their health, find clarity, and design a life they love. My greatest joy comes from helping people unlock their potential and live with intention and wellness.
Hatha Yoga Instructor
Stoyana Petkova is a 500-hour certified Hatha Yoga teacher, trained in Rishikesh, India. A former restaurant owner, she was drawn to yoga in search of a slower, more intentional way of living. Her teaching focuses on alignment, breath awareness, and mindful movement, helping students build strength, stability, and flexibility while cultivating a deeper connection to themselves. She creates a welcoming space for all levels, encouraging exploration, presence, and growth—both on and off the mat.
Stoyana Petkova
Joyel Schaefer
Yoga Dance Instructor
Joyel Marie is an aeronautical engineer (B.S. M.S. Rensselaer) by day, leading engineering teams at Collins Aerospace across the globe. She is also a recently self-published author who has written a memoir called "The Babe with the Power" to share her experience, strength, and hope.
Joyel has been an avid dancer since she was young, trained in jazz and modern dance and has been a yogi since 1999 when she went to a prenatal yoga class. Joyel is also a triathlete and cultivates a love all things that are associated with moving her body. Joyel has been attending Kripalu since 2008, which is a yoga center offering many training opportunities including a daily noon yoga dance class.
Joyel lives in upstate New York with her husband, kids, dog, cat, and chickens.