Mystical Mexico: Along the Path of Empowerment with Shelley Cates and Erin Smith

Shelley Cates
With a background in architecture + design, Shelley always wanted to help shape and improve the spaces in which we surround ourselves. But after 10+ years in the field, she felt dissatisfied with her career. At her lowest point - depressed, lost, and sucked into a world of consumerism (but lacking in emotional abundance), Shelley started exploring how to pivot her career choice into something that would fill her cup, rather than deplete it. An opportunity presented itself when her home yoga studio was going to be sold - Shelley and her (very supportive) partner Pablo bought the yoga studio, never looking back. Not quite a pivot - instead a giant leap of faith, Shelley listened to her heart and her head (which were for once in alignment), and with the help of Pablo, BREATHE Cambridge was born. She quickly found a love for not just teaching yoga, but also learning how to move bodies through space, offering people opportunities to slow down, explore, and be curious about their own selves - similar goals she had as a designer, but with a much more enriching outcome.

Since BREATHE’s conception, Shelley has received over 800 hours of teacher training, including Vinyasa(200RYT), Hot26(300RYT), Barkan, Yin, and Yoga Nidra, and is now starting to explore the powers of pranayama (breathwork) and meditation. Shelley has led retreats in Mexico, Belize, and the US. She has co-led a Hot26 teacher training in Cambridge, and is co-leading a 200-hr Vinyasa YTT in April ‘24 in Chile. Shelley currently lives with Pablo and their daughter, Fuego, in Valparaiso, Chile.

Erin Smith
Erin has taught multiple group fitness formats - Danz Insanity, Zumba, barre, spin, aqua, HIIT, strength, and more - across all ages and abilities for over 15 years. She has recently added mindful meditation to the list of certifications, and enjoys bringing a new level of awareness to her clients and classes. When not teaching in a studio, Erin owns and operates Whole Health Coaching where she works with clients one-on-one to help them realize their deeper potential for wellness and fulfillment. Erin brings energy and excitement to everything she teaches and finds endless joy in connecting people and creating community. Erin lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, her 4 beautiful children, a dog named Taco, and a flock of chickens.