COLLETTE REEVES

Studio Owner & Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 200, Vieques Wellness & Yoga

Namaste! My name is Collette and I welcome you to Vieques Wellness & Yoga.

I am a yoga teacher, nature lover, book reader and travel enthusiast. I left my stressful corporate life and relocated to Vieques over eleven years ago in search of a more relaxed lifestyle. For the past six years, it has been my focus to transform my mind and body through the practice of yoga.

The practice of yoga has taught me to view myself through a new lens. One of self-kindness and non-judgement. This new perspective has allowed me to grow and evolve in all areas of my life.

Through my personal journey, I developed a method to lifestyle transformation that works. Not a quick fix or a diet. The method implements true lifestyle changes and routines that transform the way you feel and aim to create balance inside and out.

In my classes, retreats and community, I share my method with you. Until we meet, I encourage you to take that first step along your path to wellness. It is never too late to start.

My advice to students:

• As you move through the Stages of Change – Give yourself grace. Nothing is perfect. Try again.
• Commitment – Commit to taking time for you and your wellbeing. You deserve it.
• Frequency – Register and schedule your classes each week. Show up for yourself.
• Results – Notice and feel results in mind and body.
• Feel Good – You are proof it is possible to wake up and feel good! Keep going.
• Empower – Take your power back. You are in charge. Your wellness starts with you.

Yoga teaches us to go inward and release attachments so that we can continue to grow and evolve as a humans. I call it an infinite transformation. Below are trainings that have been an integral part of my transformation thus far.

My Training – In 2021, I studied hatha yoga with my teacher Mary Byerly at Panacea de la Montaña near Tamarindo, Costa Rica where I learned the connection between mind, body and breath. Mary taught me anatomy and yoga philosophy but more importantly she taught me how to see myself exactly as I am, without judgement. I received a 200-hour certification and returned to Costa Rica in 2022 to teach alongside Mary as an assistant at her next 200-hour yoga teacher training.

In 2023, I received 100 hours of continuing education training specific to sound, breath and stillness from Aligned Flow Yoga School in Tulum, Mexico. My teachers, Dee Ortalan and Isabella Rivera taught me the art of sound bath facilitation and guided me in a deep dive of yoga nidra, yin yoga, restorative yoga, pranayama (breathwork) and meditation.

In 2024, I partnered with Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers and added chair yoga to my weekly classes. With virtual chair yoga classes on the beach, students can access yoga from the comfort of their home.

Yoga is a lifelong practice and one that gives me purpose in teaching others how to feel good in mind and body. I hope you join us on this road of self-discovery.

Join us! – I believe that wherever you are right now is exactly where you should be on your own path to wellness. You can start anytime at any age and at any mobility level.

I invite beginners and practiced yogis alike to join a class or retreat and take time to check in with YOU. All are welcome.

“Yoga is for everybody and EVERY BODY… You don’t have to embody anything other than your truest and most honest self in order to practice yoga.” Quote by author, Jessamyn Stanley

JODIE WOLLITZ

Trainer. Survivor. Inspiration, Vieques Wellness & Yoga 

I am Jodie Wollitz, a certified personal trainer, former teacher and coach, and a proud breast cancer survivor. With over 30 years of experience helping people—from young athletes to seniors—transform their bodies and minds, I’ve made it my mission to inspire strength, confidence, and lasting wellness in others.

Fitness has always been a part of my life, but my real transformation came when I faced one of the greatest challenges imaginable. After moving to the beautiful island of Vieques, to live a dream life with my partner, Dafney, I was diagnosed with breast cancer—just 10 months after our arrival.

I was healthy. I was strong. And yet, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “You have cancer.”

It hit me like a brick wall. I cried. I broke. But I didn’t stay there.

Through affirmations, mindset work, and grace—grace to feel, to rest, to be human—I chose to rise. I told myself: This will not win. Cancer would not define me. Breasts do not define me. I am ME. And I am stronger than ever.

In just six months, I was back home, standing barefoot in the sand with the ocean at my feet and a fire in my soul.

Today, I use that fire to light the way for others.

My coaching is more than physical—it’s about empowering people to overcome their struggles, build resilience, and become the strongest version of themselves. Whether you’re starting from scratch, facing your own battle, or simply ready to feel amazing in your skin again, I’m here to help you rise.

My affirmation?
“To always be a better version of myself.”
My goal is to help you do the same.

Life is too short not to love yourself, to feel strong, and to live fully. Let’s spark your strength, ignite your potential, and move forward—together.

SAMANTHA SCHWARZ

Yoga Teacher RYT, 200, Vieques Wellness & Yoga

Hi, my name is Sami Schwarz and I am so grateful that you are here. A few years ago, before I began practicing yoga, I felt like I’d lost my sense of self. I was suffering mentally and abusing substances to escape reality and avoid facing myself.

When I first went to yoga classes, I would find myself tearing up during savasana and crying when I got to my car. I had been living in a state of fight or flight, I was pushing down my emotions so much that when my nervous system finally felt safe, everything came boiling to the surface.

I began journaling about how I felt and why I felt certain ways – getting to the bottom of my self destructive behaviors. I read self help books and started researching yoga philosophy.

I realized that yoga is so much more than what we do on the mat. The asanas, or poses, help us to focus on the present moment, so that we can become aware. We become aware of our breath, of our bodies, our movements, our thoughts, our beliefs, our actions…

In October 2024, I attended a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training with Moksha Yoga Amazónica in Moyobamba, Peru. We talked about the ideas behind yoga, we implemented routines and healthy habits into our lives. We practiced meditation, pranayama (breath work) and helped the community by cleaning up trash by the river as well as hosting a Yoga Para Niños (yoga for kids) event in the town.

I learned that yoga is a way of life.

To practice yoga is to practice kindness and compassion, to do good things without expecting anything in return.

To meet yourself wherever you are, without judgement, and work towards being the best version of yourself.

It is my goal to create a safe space during my classes, a space where we show up to do good for ourselves. A space of zero judgement. A space of connection. Connection with each other, with our breath, our bodies, our minds and with Mother Nature.