About Us
Yoga for Everyone
Yoga unites the mind, body, and soul in a way that eases tension, reduces inflammation, and promotes health and well-being. Regular practice will help you reach, improve and perfect poses, correct posture and positioning, and improve your breathing and outlook on life.
Enhance Your Wellness
Sweetwater Studios offers a variety of wellness options for everyone. Whether it's some form of exercise, or a class designed to ease anxiety or depression, or an opportunity to learn about natural ways of taking care of your health, we want to help you lean into the light and live the life you deserve.
Nature
Sweetwater Studios is nestled in the gently rolling hills of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Surrounded by the natural world, we offer a place of peace and tranquility. As landowners participating in Kingdom Trails, the studio is just a stone's throw from the White School trail and boasts an incredible view of Burke Mountain. We have been raising bees for about 10 years and continue to grow each year. Join us and experience the world in a way that is intended to refresh and restore.
Stay Healthy Naturally
Yoga is a complicated practice with so many valued components ~ the physical practice ~ meditation ~ pranayama ~ mindfulness ~ right living to mention a few. Part of taking care of the body we inhabit is by using all natural ingredients in the products we use on and around the body, as well as in what we consume.
What's Coming Up?
Introduction to Yoga for Equestrians
In this workshop, Michelle, will introduce you to the beauty in the unification of yogic practices and connecting with horses.
We will explore the ways that the practice of yoga can deepen our connection with our horse friends and the world around us, via breathwork, grounding practices, and physical yoga practice, to develop strength, flexibility and awareness.
This workshop is for all. No prior yoga experience, or even horse experience, is necessary.
This will be a preview of what will be shared in future classes to come, and a chance to begin taking your relationship with horses and yourself to a deeper level.
Saturday, September 6, 2025
and
Saturday October 4, 2025
10 - 11:15 AM
$15.00 per person
Register at www.vagaro.com/sweetwaterstudios
January Retreat 2026
In 2025 Sweetwater Studios held it's first annual New Year's retreat called Winning at Life!
It was a huge success and we are ready to offer an even better opportunity in 2026!
The 2026 day long retreat will be held on Saturday January 3, 2026 from 9 AM - 5 PM and will focus on Energy work, which is the art of tuning into and consciously shifting the subtle currents that run through and around us. Whether through breath, movement, meditation, and other forms of moving energy, this work helps dissolve blocks, restore harmony, and amplify the frequencies of desire and gratitude.
Awaken Your Dreams for the new year and beyond. Watch for more news about the retreat and other exciting workshops related to Manifestation & Energy Work!
Qigong Classes
Needle Felting Classes are Back!
Weekly Qigong classes will be starting in September on Sunday mornings from 9-10 AM at the studio.
Qigong (Chi Kung) is one of the 4 pillars of Chinese medicine & has been called the mother of Chinese self-healing. It is available to everyone through simple methods that are easy to learn and practice. Qi can be loosely defined as the vital life energy force, and by having greater access to the Qi that is all around us we can strengthen our body, mind and heart, building vitality through spontaneous balancing & enhancing of the natural healing resources within the human system.
Beginning September 7, 2025
Register at www.vagaro.com/Sweetwaterstudios
Needle Felting Classes are Back!
Reiki & Restorative Yoga with Sound Healing
Needle Felting Classes are Back!
Beginning in September a monthly Needle Felting class will be offered at the studio. If you would like to learn the art of Needle Felting, or just want to hone your craft and gather with your community, join us!
Each class will be held on a Saturday from 9 - 11:30 AM.
Here is the lineup:
September 20, 2025 Fall Leaves and Acorns
October 18, 2025 Mushrooms
November 15, 2025 Turkeys
December 13, 2025 Holiday Gnomes
January 17, 2026 Snow Peeps
Register at www.vagaro.com/sweetwaterstudios
Let Your Fascia Flow
Reiki & Restorative Yoga with Sound Healing
Reiki & Restorative Yoga with Sound Healing
Let Your Fascia Flow is a 2 hour workshop incorporating Self Myofascial Release techniques and Yoga to release tension, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.
Fascia is the web-like connective tissue that surrounds and supports every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve in your body. When this fascia becomes tight or restricted, it can lead to discomfort, pain, headaches, and a limited range of motion.
In this workshop, KC will guide you through a blend of yoga and self-myofascial release techniques designed to release tension and promote better movement throughout your entire body. By targeting key areas of tight fascia, this class will help you reduce discomfort, alleviate pain, and increase your flexibility and range of motion.
The workshop is open to everyone, whether you're an athlete, someone with chronic tension, or someone simply looking to improve your overall well-being. No previous yoga experience is required—just bring your curiosity and willingness to try something new!
What to Expect
• Guided myofascial release techniques using therapy balls and massage balls
• A series of yoga poses designed to stretch and open the body
• Focus on breathwork and mindfulness to support relaxation and healing
• Personalized adjustments to address your unique needs
Saturday, October 25, 2025
9:30 ~ 11:30 AM
$35 Investment
Register at www.vagaro.com/sweetwaterstudios
Reiki & Restorative Yoga with Sound Healing
Reiki & Restorative Yoga with Sound Healing
Reiki & Restorative Yoga with Sound Healing
Karen & Janice will return with their monthly Reiki & Restorative Yoga sessions beginning in November of 2025.
Each session is a relaxing and healing opportunity to treat yourself to a well deserved break. While Karen gets you into restorative poses and plays the crystal sound bowls, Janice provides healing reiki. Each session is limited to 6 participants.
Sessions are on the first Saturday of each month, running November through April an are held from 9:30 - 11 AM
Cost $40 per person
Register at www.vagaro.com/sweetwaterstudios
Sweetwater Studios Scholarships
Sweetwater Studios Scholarships
Sweetwater Studios Scholarships
Did you know that Sweetwater Studios has funds available to assist with the cost of wellness classes?
It's true ~ donations from Chair Yoga and other "by donation" classes (or from donations of kind members of the community) is put aside to help those who are interested in taking classes at the studio, but find the cost is more than they can manage.
To access funds simply send Karen an email at 135.sweetwater@gmail.com explaining what classes you are interested in taking!
Let Sweetwater Studios Be a Part of Your Life
Our Mission
At Sweetwater Studios, our mission is to empower individuals to take control of their health and wellness through education, support, and personalized care. We believe that everyone has the potential to live a vibrant and fulfilling life, and we're here to help them achieve that goal.
The Sweetwater Team
Karen Kennedy
Karen Kennedy
Karen Kennedy
Karen has been a practitioner of yoga for many years, and in 2016 decided to go for her 200-hour certification through Heart Space Yoga under the guidance of Andrea Thibodeau. She then began teaching classes in her community regularly. In 2017 she traveled to Barcelona to become a certified Trapeze Yoga teacher through Yogabody. In 2020 she became a certified gravity yoga coach. In 2021 Karen became a certified Aromatherapist and in 2022 earned her 300 RYT through the Kaivalya Yoga Method. Karen also has certifications in Crystal Sound Bowl Healing, Yoga Nidra, Qigong, and Restorative Yoga. She teaches a variety of classes, and offers retreats and workshops. Her dream of owning her own studio became a reality when she opened Sweetwater Studios in East Burke in the fall of 2022.
Sorrel Watson
Karen Kennedy
Karen Kennedy
Sorrel is a firm believer that yoga is for everyone, no matter what their age, fitness level, flexibility, gender or background, and ensures that her classes are designed with this in mind. Yoga has always been a safe haven for Sorrel and this nurturing element is something that runs through each of her classes. Expect flowing sequences that offer the chance to reconnect with yourself, whilst enjoying some great music and a welcoming atmosphere.
An English woman based in Vermont, she completed her initial 250 hour teacher training in 2017 under Keren Cooksey of Falmouth Yoga Space in the UK, but is on a continuous journey to learn more about the practice of yoga and the many ways of teaching it.
Michelle Berry
Michelle Berry
Michelle Berry
Michelle found her way to the practice of yoga during her college years, when she discovered how supportive the physical practice was to her passion for riding horses. Her connection to the practice quickly grew as she discovered the array of ways that it supported her being transcended far beyond the physical, and led to a more wholesome, empowered manner of showing up in the world.
After a number of years of practice under the guidance of an Ashtanga instructor, Michelle attended her first 200 hr teacher training in Ashtanga Yoga through Yoga Vermont in 2015.
For Michelle, yoga isn’t only found when you show up on your mat. It is a way of being in the world that enriches your experience, encourages you to grow, connect to yourself more deeply, live present, have increased awareness of your surroundings and develop a deeper connection with others and the natural world.
In a pursuit to delve deeper into her own authenticity and creativity, in 2023 Michelle enrolled in “Authentic Movements” 200hr yoga teacher training in Hatha Vinyasa; a training that invites creative expression and freedom of movement to bring enrichment to life and the practice.
Michelle’s passions extend beyond yoga with a delight for being in nature whether that means being with or riding her horses, hiking mountains, swimming in rivers and lakes, or sitting and enjoying a sunset.
She is the dedicated and compassionate manager of the “Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary” for over 10 years, representing and supporting the world of animal rescue.
She also holds a certification as an Equine Gestlatist in which her business, “Journey Within Equine Healing”, is motivated to guide individuals on their personal journey of healing and empowerment, with the powerful guidance of the horse as a co-active coaching partner.
Shelly Watts
Michelle Berry
Michelle Berry
Shelly Watts is a passionate individual who has recently embarked on a new journey to become a trapeze yoga instructor.
She is an experienced professional with a background in cosmetic sales spanning over 20 years. Throughout her career, she has developed strong communication skills, enabling her to effectively connect with others and create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
In June 2023, she became a certified trapeze yoga instructor through Yogabody, solidifying her expertise in this unique form of yoga. Shelly is also an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying activities like hiking and biking, which align with her healthy lifestyle.
Shelly's return to Vermont three years ago has been a fulfilling experience, particularly in the vibrant community of Burke. She has found a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the community and at Sweetwater Studios, where she feels inspired to grow and share her knowledge of trapeze yoga.
Resources
Mindful Activities
- Walking meditation - take a short walk alone focusing on any one of the senses ~ sound, sight, smells. . .
- Finding Pleasantness ~ stressed about going somewhere new? When you walk into a new space for the first time,take a moment to look around and notice what makes you feel good.
- Need a moment to process ~ STOP : Stop what you are doing; Take a breath; Observe what you are thinking & feeling; Proceed
- Keep a gratitude journal ~ each day write 1 or 3 or 5 things you are grateful for.
Chants
- OM MANI PADME HUM ~ The jewel is in the lotus or praise to the jewel in the lotus
- OM NAMAH SHIVAYA ~ chanted during meditation in order to help realize the inner Self and possesses the qualities of prayer, divine love, grace, truth and blissfulness.
- OM GAM GANAPATAYA NAMAHA ~ This is the mantra to invoke Ganesh when you need to remove obstacles in your own life.
Great Mindfulness Sites
