Melissa Scanlon

Hello everyone! Melissa here. zen momma was birthed into existence back in 2013 when my daughter Isabelle was born. A mutual friend introduced me to Zen master Michiko J. Rolek and my journey back to myself began. During my first meeting with Michiko I was sharing my struggles around bedtime with my then 8-month-old daughter. I was exhausted and overwhelmed. Michiko asked me one simple question, “how are you feeling around bedtime?” This question served as an “ah ha” moment, an insight, a MOMent of clarity. I had to practice loving myself first. I didn’t know it quite yet, but the seeds for zen momma had been planted. Over the course of more than a decade I have continued to coach with Michiko. What I have learned and continue to learn (learning never ends) from her has profoundly changed my life. Loving myself gives me more space to love everything else. Being a zen momma is loving the me in momME. This is my daily practice. This is the work of a lifetime. With Michiko’s blessing, I am honored to share the teachings and Zen techniques I have learned from her, with you. Welcome to the zen momma collective. Thank you for being here.

Melissa is a registered yoga instructor with nearly 15 years of teaching experience, bringing wisdom, compassion, and joy to every class she leads. Over the years, she has been fortunate to study with some of the most respected teachers in the yoga community, including Annie Carpenter, Maty Ezraty, Erich Schiffman, Jillian Pransky, Mark Whitwell and Shana Meyerson.

With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northeastern University, Melissa integrates her understanding of the mind and human behavior with the practice of yoga, helping her students cultivate balance both on and off the mat. Melissa has continuing education certificates in child development from UCLA. She is also a certified coach, prenatal yoga instructor, and a certified autism specialist, allowing her to support a wide range of students with care and expertise.

For more than a decade, Melissa has been a dedicated Zen student under the guidance of Michiko J. Rolek, a practice that set her on the path back home to herself. Loving the me in momME is Melissa’s daily practice and has enriched her life in every way.

Melissa’s most treasured role is being “zen momma” to her two children, Isabelle and Gabe, who inspire her daily with their curiosity, playfulness, and love.