Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Cleaver.
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When asked about my story, I always say that yoga found me early on, but it took a few turns to become my life’s focus.
I grew up right here in New Jersey, and I was first introduced to yoga when I was eighteen at a local studio. Right away, I gravitated toward that feeling of pure presence and the connection I felt on the mat. Yoga stayed with me through the years—sometimes just a class here and there—while I built a career as an elementary school teacher, got married, and started raising a family.
After having my second son, I stepped away from teaching in the classroom. There was a yoga studio just down the block from my house, and I passed it for almost a year before I finally dusted off my mat and walked through the door. That step restarted everything. I became a regular at wonderful studios across Bergen County, diving deep into the poses, the origins, and the philosophy of the practice.
That passion led me to complete my 200-hour teacher training at Juluka Yoga Studio under the incredible guidance of Mandy Grant and Soo Yoon. That experience gave me so much insight, joy, and a true sense of community, and it made it crystal clear that this was where I wanted to dedicate my time and energy.
Today, as an E-RYT 200, my approach to yoga blends both the physical challenge and the deep stress relief it provides. Coming from an education background, I love designing creative, intentional flows where students leave feeling both challenged and successful. Over time, my own practice has evolved from something physical on the mat into a philosophy that shapes every part of my daily life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—there were plenty of bumps along the way.
Taking over an established studio from a successful owner is always tough. People naturally resist change, and early on, I faced a lot of scrutiny because I didn’t do things the exact same way the former owner did. I had to learn to tune out the noise, listen to my gut, and stay true to what I felt was right for the community and for myself.
On top of that, timing was a huge hurdle. Taking the reins in 2021—right as the world was slowly reopening after COVID—was terrifying. In those early days, I’d look out at classes with only two or three students on their mats. There were moments when I genuinely wasn’t sure if I’d be able to keep the doors open.
Reframing those challenges required a lot of patience and trust. I had to focus on serving the people who did show up, building genuine connections one student at a time, and allowing the studio to evolve into its own unique, welcoming space.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Release Yoga Studio ?
At Release Yoga Studio, we’ve created a warm, inviting haven right in the heart of Hillsdale where yoga feels accessible, fun, and deeply grounding for everyone—from complete beginners to daily yogis.
At its core, yoga means union, and Release was built to be a true community hub. It’s a space where people from all walks of life can connect—not just to movement, but to each other. We honor wherever you are in your journey, making sure your practice is completely your own in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Our incredible teaching team is dedicated to guiding students through intelligent, creative flows that calm the mind while strengthening the body, ensuring you walk away from every class feeling both challenged and successful.
What really sets us apart is our cozy, neighborhood vibe and our unwavering focus on nervous system regulation and holistic well-being. Beyond our daily class schedule, we offer rich, restorative experiences like floating sound baths, seasonal workshops, and intimate retreats—often set to great playlists that make the practice feel fresh, relatable, and fun.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community that has grown within these walls. We’ve cultivated a space that truly feels like a second home—a sanctuary where you can step off the hectic wheel of daily life, tune into what matters most, and give yourself room to breathe.
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away, it’s that there is a place for you here. As the world keeps spinning faster, stepping onto your mat gives you the space to slow down and reconnect.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, my main focus is to keep evolving our offerings so they remain unique, accessible, and deeply meaningful for our community.
Because our studio has a strong, spiritual heart, I’m always seeking out new intentional practices. At the same time, I’m really excited about bridging the gap between ancient practice and modern science. With all the fascinating research coming out around longevity and functional health, we’re integrating evidence-based movement right alongside traditional yoga.
As part of that shift, we’re partnering with a physical therapist who will be teaching specialized classes—focusing on everything from perimenopause and post-menopause support to mobility and functional strength.
Alongside these new additions, we’re continually expanding our core offerings: weekly Sound Healing sessions, deep meditation practices, and our signature Hatha and Vinyasa flows. Plus, one of our incredible teachers leads a vibrant, highly successful teacher training program right inside our studio walls.
It’s all about creating a rich, holistic environment where science meets spirit—and where everyone who walks through the door can find a practice that serves them for a lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://releaseyoganj.com/
- Instagram: @releaseyoganj
