Our Teachers
Shain -teaching 6 weeks after spine surgery
10/4/24
Shain Fishman
Shain has been the owner/director of Highland Yoga & Dance since 2002. Shain began her training in Classical Ballet when she was 8 years old. At age 13 she was accepted into a program of classical ballet at Julliard's School of Dance. At the age of 16, Shain entered Hunter College and 3-1/2 years later graduated with a degree in Speech & Theatre and Elementary Education. She taught first and third grade in the NYC school system. Introduced to yoga in the 1970s, Shain has studied with teachers in New York, Florida, and Arizona. In 2001, Shain became a part-time yoga instructor. She expanded her studies and teaching qualifications and received her 200-hour teaching certification in 2008 from Inner Journey Yoga.
Owner/Director/Teacher
Blake France
Yoga, Pilates, & Step Teacher
Blake holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from UNC-Greensboro, an M.A. in Dance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, NYC. Blake was an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Southern Mississippi before returning to New York and following a professional career as a dancer in Musical Theatre in NYC, regional theaters and on tour across the United States. She also taught dance at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, New York Conservatory Theatre and Circle in the Square.
After leaving NYC she opened Highland Studio for dance and yoga in Highland Lake, NY. Blake lived in Sullivan County, New York for fifteen years, before moving across the river to Pennsylvania. She has worked at The Lodge at Woodloch, a Destination Spa, for over 14 years as an instructor teaching Fitness classes, Pilates, Yoga, Yoga Wall, Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls, Indo Row, Barre, Bosu and Step Aerobics. Blake is a certified Yoga Therapist through IAYT, 500 hour Yoga Teacher specializing in TriYoga and an ACE Personal Trainer.
Rebecca Acker
Yoga Teacher
Rebecca believes that if you breathe and have a body YOGA can be an assist to you. “Yoga helps us be our best through developing strength flexibility, stamina, and equanimity of mind, body, and spirit.”
Rebecca was a weekly yoga class attendee for most of her adult life. At 55, when some people become less active, Rebecca took her yoga teacher training at Studio 34 in West Philadelphia. Her certification is in alignment, movement, and breath. Since that time she has been teaching yoga and continues her practice and study in the tri-state area, Hudson Valley, and on-line. Rebecca is a student at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale Pennsylvania.
Rebecca loves nature and the out of doors. “Yoga helps me do the things I love by keeping me strong, flexible, resilient, and compassionate.” She likes working in clay, gardening, hiking, cooking, water activities, maintaining trails, travel, being with family, and, socializing.
Rebecca is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked as an occupational therapist in mental health, pediatrics, and physical rehab. She has lived in Glen Spey for 25 years. Highland Yoga and Dance has been a place of wellness and community for Rebecca and her family for decades. “I am thrilled to be a part of my local community through sharing the ancient wellness practices of yoga. “If you have a body and breathe then yoga can help you be your best and do the things you love to do. It is delightful to be assisting folks to achieve their goals while enjoying the present.”
Katt Callan
Yoga Teacher
Katt Callan is an RYT 200 certified yoga teacher with a decade of dedicated practice. Her journey began during overnight shifts as a private duty nurse, where she spent hours of downtime honing a rich yoga practice and cultivating mindfulness. Over time, this practice has evolved into what it is today—a deeply rooted flow that connects mind, body, and breath.
As a flow yoga teacher, Katt emphasizes the importance of moving with intention and fluidity. Her sequences are designed to build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness through dynamic, breath-driven movement. Each class offers students an opportunity to move mindfully and quiet the fluctuations of the mind, creating space for a sense of peace and focus.
Katt feels deeply honored to guide others on their yoga journeys. Her teaching is focused on providing a genuine, grounded experience where everyone can feel comfortable and supported, allowing space for each individual's growth and self-discovery.
Rebecca DeRosa
Chair Yoga Teacher
Rebecca DeRosa is a yoga instructor based out of Callicoon, NY. Her classes include both gentle stretches and dynamic movement to open the body and release tension. Rebecca enjoys working with students throughout every stage of life and helping them find the yoga practices that best support them in the moment.
Rebecca received a 200 hour yoga certification in Dharamsala, India in 2015 and an Accessible Yoga certification in NYC in 2018. She continues to study mindfulness practices, philosophy, and anatomy. One of her most memorable experiences as a yoga instructor was teaching meditation at the Brooklyn Cat Cafe.
Valerie Mitchell
Yoga Teacher
Valerie spent 15 years exploring various paths of yoga before deciding to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher; in deepening her own awareness and understanding of the principles of Hatha yoga, she learned that there is no “one way” to practice and you need not be a former gymnast to partake in all the benefits that yoga has to offer. She views teaching yoga as a way to increase energy and awareness of your body through a variety of asana poses while honoring your own unique level of fitness. Her teaching style is accessible to all abilities and she has a keen interest in helping beginners as well those who want to age well and remain strong for years to come. A runner who has completed 5 marathons and numerous road races, Valerie is passionate about bringing this moving meditation to those who want to gain or maintain flexibility while pursuing other sports activities like skiing, cycling, golf, etc.