Shari's favorite yoga pose is Bakasana, or Crow Pose, because it requires strength, balance, and focus. And because it's fun to jump into!

Kelly Brennan

In her past life, Kelly was an Associate Media Director at a global ad agency and eventually traded in her flowcharts and conference calls for more downward facing dogs and meditation sessions. She holds teaching certifications throught Om Yoga, Karma Kids Yoga, Radiant Child Yoga, CircusYoga, Judith Lasater's Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, Jyothi Larson's Yoga Mom Buddha Baby Training, Prenatal Yoga Training with Janice Clarfield, and is registered with Yoga Alliance. More recently, Kelly completed her apprenticeship to facilitate the Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training and has been teaching the course around the country.

Thoroughly enjoying her current path in life as both teacher and student, Kelly continues to be in awe of the magic that yoga can bring on and off the yoga mat.

Kelly is thrilled to be a part of the Karma Kids Teaching staff and to share the joy of yoga with children. Kelly's classes are creative and fun, and always include a lot of laughter.

Kelly's favorite yoga pose is Ardha Chandrasana or Half Moon Pose.

Jola Budnik

Jola has been on the yoga journey for years, but the last 4 have been the most significant in her studies. Her daughter, Layla Irene, become Jola's most inspirational teacher.

After years of practicing, Jola became certified through Kristin Leal's Kaya Yoga Teacher Training. She is fascinated by the discoveries she makes during her yoga practice and through observing her daughter practice and it became obvious to her that children are naturally gifted yoginis making tremendous discoveries and developmental leaps thorugh yoga.

Jola became certified to teach yoga to children through Karma Kids Yoga and is thrilled to be part of our teachers dedicated to guide kids through the world of yoga. Jola is always smiling and she's sure to include educational stories, playful poses, singing, laughing and relaxing in all of her magical classes.

Having also received a Masters degree in Psychology from Silesian University in Poland, a certificate in Creative Arts Therapies from the New School University with a concentration in Dramatic Therapy, Jola has endless enthusiasm to teach yoga. More recently, she has completed her certification in Postnatal Yoga with Jyothi Larson's Yoga Mom Buddha Baby course.

Jola's favorite yoga pose is Legs Up The Wall Pose or Viparita Karani when she reads to her daughter, and she loves Splits or Hanumanasana when she's getting ready to take a yoga adventure.

Monet Dalpiaz

Monet discovered yoga upon moving to NYC in 2004. She decided to take her first yoga class because she "thought it would be good to stretch, and it looked pretty!" She soon found out that there was more to yoga than beautiful pictures she saw in magazines. Her on-going yoga practice continues to change her life, as she felt compelled to share her love of yoga with others. She became certified to teach through New York Yoga, Karma Kids Yoga, Every Kids Yoga, and through Jyothi Larson's Yoga Mom, Buddha Baby training.

Monet is so excited to be teaching children! She loves discovering and exploring with them, and she feels so grateful that she can be a part of each child's journey that she teaches. Her enthusiastic and genuine nature imbues her classes with a sweet sense of joy.

When she isn't teaching, Monet works as a Registered Nurse and a visual artist. She is the grateful mother of her son, Dylan James.

Monet's favorite yoga pose is Urdhva Dhanurasana, or Wheel pose, because it reminds her heart to be free.

Vanessa Dawson

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Vanessa has been dancing and singing since the age of 3. Starting out as an acrobat, she has always loved the power of the human body to move, adapt, and play. After graduating from Niagra University with a BFA in Theater and touring with shows like Dragon Tales Live and Tony and Tina's Wedding, Vanessa moved to NYC where she remains active in the musical theater community.

Vanessa began practicing yoga in 2004 as a way to heal from a torn ACL. Finding the results dramatic, she kept with her practice exploring the discipline through different types of yoga. A certified personal trainer, Vanessa stresses the importance of flexibility to her clients, not just in the body, but also the mind, one of yoga's greatest tenants.

Vanessa has been working with children for many years, as a teacher at the Theatre of Youth, and Fit Kidz, as well as teaching numerous dance and phys. ed classes. She also provides personal training to children. Vanessa completed her children's yoga certification with Karma Kids Yoga, and more recently, Postnatal Yoga with Jyothi Larson. Her playful spirit is contagious and inviting, as you can see in her classes.

Vanessa's favorite yoga pose is Salamba Sirsasana, or Head Stand, because it not only brings blood to the brain, but because it forces one to look at the world in a different way.

Jodi Epstein

Jodi is an actor and professional "big kid". She is a graduate from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she orginally realized her love of yoga through her college movement classes, which incorporated breathing and yoga techniques. She has taught theater, movement and voice and is continuously inspired by her friends and fellow teachers, but her biggest inspiration has been her favorite yoga teacher - her mom!

Jodi trained with My First yoga and is also certified through the Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training Program, as well as through Every Kids Yoga. She currently works as a children's piano teacher and early intervention play-aid. Jodi believes that since children have the most unrestricted and vivid imaginations, their minds are infinitely free to gain a new knowledge of themselves and our magical world.

Jodi keeps her students engaged through her cotagious energy and excitement. She looks forward to every class she teachers because it gives her another chance to learn from the creativity of her students.

Jodi's favorite pose is Vrksasana or Tree Pose because it makes her feel balanced and peaceful (but she's also a big fan of Child's Pose - it just makes her happy!)

Lisa Feuer

Lisa grew up in the cornfields of Edwardsville, IL, but always knew she was bound for the Big Apple, where she received her 200 hour certification in the vinyasa style from Om Yoga, and is certified to teach childrens yoga through Karma Kids Yoga, and Prenatal Yoga through Ma Yoga and Janice Clarfield. Lisa is also a certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator.

Lisa enjoys all aspects of family yoga - teaching Prenatal, Mommy and Baby, and - the most fun of all - kids' yoga! She loves going on yoga adventures with all the children, finding their creativity and imagination a constant source of inspiration!

Lisa is mother to nine year old son Sasha, who very much enjoys yoga in the Karma Kids style!

Lisa's favorite yoga poses are Vrschikasana or Scorpion Pose and Natarajasana or Lord of the Dance Pose. They make her feel warm, fuzzy and open-hearted!

Jen Fink Oppenheimer

Originally from Montclair, New Jersey, Jen discovered yoga while attending a cheerleading camp in high school. While cheerleading at the University of Pennsylvania, Jen continued her yoga practice to help strengthen her core and to help her perform countless stunts at football and basketball games.

Jen holds a dual MA degree from NYU and teaches Spanish and ESL. She is also certified to teach yoga to children through Karma Kids Yoga, Radiant Child Yoga, and YogaFit Kids. Most recently, Jen completed the CircusYoga Ring 3, Yoga Mom Buddha Baby Training, and Prenatal Yoga certifications. Even after a long day in the classroom, Jen loves to come to our studio to teach new yogis her craft. She loves to incorporate Spanish into her classes as well!

While small in stature, Jen's energy in the studio is infectious. She loves to take her students on imaginary trips to places far and wide - you never know where her class will travel to on any given day, and getting there is half the fun!

Jen is also a facilitator of the Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training, and has developed the Karma Kids Yoga En Espanol Workshop for children's yoga teachers.

Jen's favorite pose is Salamba Sirsasana or headstand because she loves the meditative state of standing on her head.

Annie Foster

Annie, a lifelong southern belle, moved to New York several years after earning her BA in Theatre from Christopher Newport University in Virginia. As she worked and interned at serveral theaters, her yoga practice became more and more important as a tool to acheive balance, peace, flexibility of body and mind. So she dove in to her 200-hr certification through Sonic Yoga, and began pursuing her passion of giving the gift of yoga to anyone open to receiving it.

Inspired by fellow children's yoga teacher, Laura Frye, Annie set her sights on the world of yoga for kids, and completed her Children's Yoga training through Karma Kids Yoga. Working with children has cracked her heart and smile wide open, noticing that it's hard to take life too seriously when you surround yourself with kids. More recently, Annie completed her Prenatal Yoga certification with Juliana Secches, and her Postnatal certification with Jyothi Larson.

Annie's gentle nature and warm personality make even the most shy child feel comfortable in her classes. She ensures that all kids have fun while strenthening their bodies. Balancing out her high energy yoga adventures with children, Annie is currently receiving her certification in the healing art of Thai Yoga Massage.

Annies' favorite yoga pose is Child's Pose or Balasana, because it reminds her that no matter what challenges the outside world can throw at you, you can always curl up, and go inside to find that blissful place that lives inside us all.

Laura Frye

With a love for the stage, Laura made her way to NYC after completing her Master's in Acting at the University of Houston. Upon arriving, she realized that she also had another love and that was working with and helping children with their confidence, through movement based fun. She realized quickly what a rewarding experience it was to work with kids of all ages nad she knew she wanted to pursue more movement based programs for children.

Laura had been practicing yoga for several years and through a chance introduction, she became part of the KKY family. She completed the Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training, as well as Jyothi Larson's Postnatal Yoga Mom Buddha Baby Training, and has been lovin' life ever since. More recently, she completed the KKY Teen Yoga Teacher Training Intensive. Laura finds complete and total joy helping each child grow and learn through yoga. This is extremely evident in her exciting and imaginative classes, as you can tell that she's having as much fun as the kids are. Laura says that this is the happiest she has ever felt.

When she's not teaching at KKY, Laura is traveling the country teaching movement and acting at different Theater Academies and festivals. Laura is also the Artistic Director of Promethean Theater Company and a very proud member of Actor's Equity.

Laura's favorite yoga pose is Natarajasana or Dancer Pose, because it makes her feel strong and confident, but mostly because she's been doing it since she was a little girl, when pretending she was an Olympic Ice-Skating champ. This pose still creates a sense of play and fun in her practice.

Claudia Fucigna

Claudia hails from Washington, D.C. She first came to New York to attend NYU for a joint degree in Theater and Psychology. While in school, she took her first yoga class and has been hooked ever since. Claudia has studied with Victoria Hoffman, Sri Pramod Tiwari of Varanasi, Raju Saini, and Gary Damsky. She is certified through Sonic Yoga and the Banares School of Yoga in India, and has extensively studied Mysore Asthtanga. Claudia is also a certified Karma Kids Yoga Teacher, and is also certified to teach Mom & Baby Yoga through Jyothi Larson's Yoga Mom, Buddha Baby program.

Claudia teaches people of all ages, from Telluride, Colorado, to India, and has found being with kids to be a great inspiration on how to lead a life full of play, wonder, joy, curiosily, and endless learning. This is the same approach she takes when teaching her wonderful and magical classes at Karma Kids Yoga.

Claudia's favorite pose is Salabhasana Sirsasana or Lotus Headstand Pose. She enjoys practicing this pose because it changes her perspective on things.

Claudia is currently living in California. But whenever she's in NY for a visit, she brings her giggle-inspired classes back to Karma Kids Yoga and see all of her yogini friends!

Heather Gobbee

Heather can't think of a better way to spend her day than having fun, being creative and supporting the developmental needs of our children. Born and raised in the California sunshine, she brought her little light to NYC in pursuit of acting.

Heather's educational training, theater endeavors and classroom experience has shed light on the many layered connections between child development, yoga, and the dramatic arts. She believes that when children play, they happily learn.

Heather is a NYS Certified Theater Arts Educator, and has received certifications in teaching yoga to children through Karma Kids Yoga and Little Flower Yoga, and has recently completed the Radiant Child Heart & Soul workshop, as well as completed the CircusYoga Ring Two Teacher Training. She is also mom to two little theatrical yoginis.

Heather's classes are inspiring, exciting, and always include something unexpected or a wonderous learning experience! Her passion for working with children is obvious in all that she does.

Heather's favorite pose is Vrksasana, or Tree Pose, because she loves the strong and glorious nature of trees and because they remind her of people. Like us, trees are forever growing, and need to stay rooted in a healthy environment with plenty of love in order to survive.

Lauren Hale-Biniaris

Originally from Tennessee, Lauren fell in love with yoga during her college years in Providence, Rhode Island. She moved to New York in 2002 to obtain her MFA in Dance from NYU and began teaching yoga in 2003. She received her 500 hour certification through Be Yoga (currently ISHTA Yoga) and her prenatal certification through Yoga Works. She has taught all types of students, from babies to seniors, from pregnant women to new parents.

Lauren believes that yoga is truly for everybody, regardless of age, ability, or background, and she brings humor, knowledge, and lightness to her teaching.

As well as being Artistic Director of her own modern dance company, Lauren Hale Dance, Lauren is also a Labor Doula and new mom to little yogini munchkin, Zoe Beatrice.

Lauren's favorite yoga pose is Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, or Pigeon Pose, because her tight hips just couldn't live without it.

Malia Jade Hawley

Malia has been practicing yoga for twelve thankful years. She has taken her practice all over the world until landing here in New York City where she received her 200 hour teacher certification at the Laughing Lotus Yoga Center. She first discovered the joys of teaching yoga to kids by volunteering at the East Village Community School. She also brings the fun of yoga to the PS 116 After School Program, the Urban Academy High School, and of course, Karma Kids Yoga.

Malia completed the Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training program, and is certified to teach yoga to babies through Itsy Bitsy Yoga. Kids really react to Malia's animated nature, fun personality, and infectuous laugh.

Malia's favorite pose is Parsva Bakasana or Side Crow or Crane Pose because it takes strength, balance and focus.

Our beautiful red-haired angel will always be in our hearts, and her light will shine on us forever.

Amanda Hester-Smith

Originally from Michigan, Amanda discovered yoga at the age of 16. Her love for yoga grew and she completed a 200 hour certification with the Jonny Kest Center for Yoga, which changed her life. Amanda moved to New York City, where she found Karma Kids Yoga and completed the Childrens Yoga Teacher Training. She also trained to teach Mom and Baby Yoga through Jyothi Larson's Yoga Mom Buddah Baby program.

Amanda loves teaching children because she believes that yoga gives them strength and confidence to overcome challenges in life, and she loves being a part of that. Her yoga classes are always creative and fun. Her enthusiastic spirit and gentle nature make children feel comfortable and is the basis for a great class! Amanda is also very silly.

Amanda is a Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training Program facilitator, Senior Teacher, and a mentor to many childrens yoga instructors. She also facilitates the KKY Teen Internship Summer Program.

She is also mom to two yogini sons, Kingsley Sparrow and newborn Reif Tennessee.

Amanda's favorite yoga pose is Virabhadrasana II or Warrior II Pose because it is empowering.

Lisa Kasimow

Lisa brings a rich background into her yoga classes and her energy is contagious. She teaches second grade in Brooklyn and believes that children benefit by having the opportunity to connect to their bodies at an early age. Lisa encourages children to express themselves creatively and incorporates music, dance and yoga into her school classroom.

Lisa has traveled to India to study yoga with Sri K.Pattabhi Jois and his daugther, Saraswati, where she deepended her Ashtanga practice. Using the inspiration of her experience in India, she began teaching an after-school yoga class at her school. Lisa completed her 200-hour training with Michael Gannon, and her children's yoga certification training with Karma Kids Yoga and through KKY's Teen Yoga Intensive.

Lisa performs with her band, Brooklyn's Echo, and encourages singing and dancing in her high-energy yoga classes.

Lisa's favorite yoga pose is Natarajasana or Dancer Pose because she finds balancing poses to be calming.

Melissa Lawson

Originally born in Thailand, Melissa has lived throughout South Asia, Southern United States, and now calls New York home. Her yoga practice began when she took it as an elective in college and fell in love.

She brings a playful aspect to her yoga that carries into her life off the mat. Melissa is a fine artist specializing in hand painted yoga mats. She is certified to teach yoga to children through Karma Kids Yoga and Radiant Child Yoga. More resently, Melissa completed her Postnatal/ Mom & Baby Yoga certification through Jyothi Larson's Yoga Mom Buddha Baby program.

Melissa also teaches at St. Ignatius Loyola Day Nursery where she is known as the "Yoga Fairy" to 130 preschoolers. Melissa believes that there is magic in a yoga practice that illuminates people from the inside out. She brings this belief into all of her classes.

Melissa is also known as mom to Scarlet, Pascal, and Tallulah Ginger, who have all practiced yoga since birth.

Melissa's favorite pose is the Bird of Paradise.

Jessica Phillips Lorenz

Originally a movement, dance and theater teacher for children, Jessica decided to incorporate her personal love for yoga into her existing skills. Jessica is certified to teach yoga to children through the Radiant Child Yoga Program (RCYP), Next Generation Yoga, and through Karma Kids Yoga. She is also certified to teach baby yoga through Yoga Mom Buddha Baby and Itsy Bitsy Yoga.

Jessica joined our team over four years ago and works with kids ages 6 weeks through Teens. Children really respond to her sweet and nurturing personality. She's also known to be quite silly.

Jessica is a Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training Program facilitator, co-creator of the Yoga In The Classroom Course, a Senior Teacher, Manager of our studio, and a mentor to many childrens yoga instructors.

Jess is new mom to baby yogini, Audrey Mina.

Jessica's favorite yoga pose is Urdhva Dhanurasana or Wheel Pose.

Elie Losleben

Elie learned yoga in India and has been practicing from the age of five. She grew up in Kenya, where many of the animals that inspire yoga postures lived in her backyard. During high school in Egypt, she practiced regularly on a rooftop that overlooked the Sphinx. Elie later moved to Tanzania to write travel books and practiced yoga everywhere from sailing on the Indian Ocean down to the slopes of an active volcano.

Elie's sense of adventure brings a special energy to her classes, and although she never says no to teaching a yoga class, she likes to teach children and families best. Elie's classes are imaginative and fun, and are engaging to kids of all ages!

Elie was trained to teach children through Karma Kids Yoga and Little Flower Yoga. She also received her 200 hour adult certification from Sonic Yoga, and certification to teach Baby Yoga through Yoga Mom Buddha Baby. When she's not teaching or practicing yoga, you could probably find Elie surfing or writing her next book.

Elie's favorite yoga pose is Ustrasana or Camel Pose.

Elie is currently in Liberia, working to make it a better place. We send her our love and gratitude every day.

Iana Malcolm

Iana began her study of yoga at birth with the guidance of her Yoga teacher mother and at the feet of Yoga Guru, Swami Satchidananda. Throughtout her childhood, young adolescence, and now adulthood, Iana has split her time between living in New York and Yogaville, an ashram in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Buckingham, Virginia.

Iana completed her 200 hour certification at the Integral Yoga Institute, her Children's Yoga certification with Karma Kids Yoga, her Mom & Baby Yoga certification with Jyothi Larson, and Prenatal Yoga certification at The Open Center.

In addtion to teaching yoga, Iana also teaches High School Special Education in Chappaqua, NY.

Iana's gentle nature, beaming smile, and beautiful singing voice, make her classes warm and unique.

Iana's favorite yoga pose is Matsyasana or Fish Pose.

Cleandra Martin-Waldron

Cleandra began her journey with yoga when she was two and a half years old by imitating her mother's morning asana practice. Most mornings ended in a fit of giggles, and yoga has remained a source of inspiration and joy ever since.

While on an extended trip to Thailand in 2003, Cleandra decided to become a teacher and enrolled in a Yoga Alliance certified 500 hour program upon her return to New York, She is also certified to teach yoga to children through Karma Kids Yoga. Cleandra helps her students of all ages explore the space within every pose (giggling is optional).

Cleandra is mom to yogini Zephyr, who she practices yoga with almost every day.

Cleandra's favorite yoga pose is Trikonasana or Triangle Pose.

Daphne Nash

Always a lover of children, Daphne became interested in yoga while studying abroad in Israel. Once she returned to the states, Daphne continued to learn about the wonderous effects of yoga and ultimately traveled to India where she continued to practice while learning about the rich culture. She has since contintued to study it's benefits for children, and is currently writing a children's book about India, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and difference in all people.

Daphne has a BS in Child and Family studies from Syracuse University and an MEd in Childhood General and Special Education from the Bank Street College of Education. During the day, Daphne is a Learning Specialist in English and Hebrew language studies at the Heschel School in NYC.

Daphne is extremely excited to be part of the Karma Kids Yoga team, and has completed her childrens yoga certification through KKY and through Radiant Child Yoga. Daphne's warm and nuturing personality is felt by kids of all ages.

Daphne's favorite pose is Ardha Matsyendrasana or Half Spinal Twist, because it makes her feel grounded and rejuvenated at the same time.

Victoria Ohana

With the realization that yoga practice was intrinsic to life, Victoria's need to share it with others was essential and inevitable. She is a recent graduate of Binghamton University with a double major in Art History and Eastern European Studies: Russian Language.

Victoria earned her 200-hour certiication from Bamboomoves Yoga and followed that up with a Children's Yoga Certification from Karma Kids Yoga. More recently, Victoria completed her Prenatal Yoga certification with Juliana Secches. Yoga has shown her that a child's potential is expecially boundless - that the sense of inner achievement, self-love, strength and pure happiness, cannot necessarily be taught, but encouraged.

Victoria's warm nature and effervescent spirit is immediately sensed by young children and most certiainly reciprocated, as she's had years of experienced working with kids in camps. She tries to embrace all things "green" in each of her classes, and encourages all children to follow their dreams (whose childhood dream is to be a professional hula hooper).

Victoria's favorite pose is Urdhva Dhanurasana or Wheel Pose.

Sasha Petukhova

Sasha's interest in kids yoga was inspired by her son! After completing her 200-hour adult yoga certification at Bambomoves, she began teaching yoga to students of various ages, physical fitness levels and backgrounds. Having both experienced and witnessed the amazing benefits og yoga in her own life, Sasha wanted to share the joy of yoga with her son and the lives of many other children. The Karma Kids Yoga teacher training was her answer.

Sasha is grateful for the opportunity to teach yoga as her career. She finds her young students to be amazing fountains of energy and inspiration. Sasha's classes not only focus on yoga postures, she also likes to include breathing exercises and activities to promote self-awareness in her students. Sasha never forgets to include the best part - final relaxation. Her peaceful, kind, and fun approach to teaching yoga to kids engages and encourages little yogis of all ages.

More recently, Sasha received her certification in Prenatal Yoga through Juliana Secches.

Sasha's favorite pose changes from day to day...currently it's Tadasana or Mountain Pose.

Dayle Pivetta

Originally from Michigan, Dayle moved to New York City in 2003 with a degree in musical theatre and a suitcase. After several years of pounding the pavement adn living the dream, she soon realized her true passion wasn't performing and creating characters onstage, but in helping actual people and exploring the human condition firsthand. During Dayle's personal soul searching quest, she found yoga and the mental and pysical benefits have changed her life. She's not the type to be quiet about something she loves, and thus a career in teaching and sharing yoga began!

Dayle received her 200 hour "grown up yoga" certification at Sonic Yoga, Center for Yoga Studies in NYC. It was only a matter of time until her vivid imagination and silly demeanor found the world of kids yoga, and she quickly became certified to "play" yoga with Rainbow Kids Yoga, and recently completed KKY's Teen Yoga Teacher Training Intensive and Postnatal Yoga certification with Jyothi Larson. Dayle cherishes the opportunity to listen to children, and feels there is no time wasted if it's spent with a child. She also teaches drama, musical theater and sports classes in schools throughout the city with DramaZone NYC.

Dayle's classes reflect her attitude that life is best lived as a magical adventure, and the more time spent laughing, the better! Her favorite yoga pose is Ananda Balasana, or Happy Baby Pose because it just feels so good!

Kelly Rector

Originally from Orlando, Florida, Kelly studied movement most of her life through dance, gymnastics, cheerleading and acting. While performing at Walt Disney World, she was surrounded by the contagious laughter and involvement of the young visitors. Since then she has always enjoyed the spontaneity of working with children.

After receiving a BA in Theatre from The College of Charleston, Kelly toured with shows and began taking yoga classes around the country. She developed a love for the mind and body connection and recieved her 200 hour certifcation through YogaWorks, then her children's certification through Karma Kids Yoga, and her postnatal training through Yoga Mom Buddha Baby with Jyothi Larson.

Kelly's contagious energy and imagination fill her classes with a joyous sense of self discovery and magic. With every class she teachers, she is inspired by the willingness of a child to explore through movement, music, stories and games. Kids are drawn to her fun, patient spirit, allowing even the timid to come out and giggle. Kelly loves combinign a passion for yoga iwth a natural ability to have fun with children of all ages.

Kelly's favorite yoga poses is Baddha Konasana or Butterfly Pose because she sees her students as beautiful butterflies.

Juliana Secches

Juliana Secches was born and raised in Brazil, where she was a dancer for many years. It was only after she moved to New York that she found Yoga and in her very first class she knew that Yoga was something she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

Juliana has been a teacher for over 17 years. Having earned a certification from Be Yoga and Karma Kids Yoga, she continues to study with some of the best instructors in New York. Her life-long passion for working with kids also led her to further her studies of childbirth, child development and postnatal physiology.

Juliana currently teaches Vinyasa classes, as well as Prenatal, Mom & Baby and Kids Yoga. Her classes are fun and her nurturing personality always makes even first-time Yogis very comfortable. She builds her classes around what she sees as the most important limb of Yoga: Satya (truthfulness).

Juliana is also our Prenatal Yoga Director and offers a comprehensive Teacher Training in Prenatal Yoga.

Juliana is also mom to yogini Bruno, born November 2008.

Juliana's favorite pose is Eka Pada Rajakapotasana or King Pigeon Pose.

Ashley Smith

A native Californian, Ashley moved to New York, in 2005 to study at Teacher's College, Columbia University, and to purse a teaching career in the big apple. She practiced yoga since her college days, and brought her love for the practice into her classroom through songs, poses, and stretches. Ashley has taught preschool through 2nd grade, and is currently a Kindergarten teacher on the Upper West Side. She completed her Children's Yoga Teacher training through Karma Kids Yoga in spring of 2011, and discovered a wealth of new material to incorporate into her daily classroom life.

Children are drawn to Ashley's sweet nature and creative teaching style. Her classes are filled with the joy of learning and positive energy, as she incorporates singing into her classes, and loves to engage children in stories. She sees each child as an individual, and thrives at making everyone feel comfortable in her class, building on each child's strengths while also increasing self-confidence.

Over the years, Ashley has seen the benefits of yoga in herself and her students, thus she is thrilled to be part of the Karma Kids Yoga team. She has a deep understanding of the important balance between mind and body, breath and flow, and strength and flexibility.

Ashley's favorite yoga pose is Sirsasana or headstand, because it makes her feel empowered, and allows her to experience a connection between her mind and body through a different perspective.

Jessica Van Itallie

As a kid, Jessica was afraid to even try a headstand, much less a handstand! That changed when she started practicing yoga five years ago and she eventually realized that she'd much rather spend her days practicing and teaching yoga than sitting at a desk. She received her Yoga Teacher Training at the 200-hour level with Alison West in NYC, is certified through Karma Kids Yoga, the Radiant Child Yoga Program (RYCP), and has also studied with Marsha Wenig of YogaKids. Jessica also completed Jyothi Larson's Yoga Mom Buddha Baby Postnatal Training.

Jessica's big smile, enthusiastic and comforting nature puts the shyest of children at ease. In addition to being part of our family, Jessica also teaches at a pre-school in Union Square.

Jessica is mom to yogini, Caetano.

Jessica's has numerous favorite yoga poses, including Baddha Konasana or Butterfly, Garudasana or Eagle, and of course, Adho Mukha Vrksasana or Handstand.

Sean Wilkinson

Sean was first introduced to yoga through his movement class when he was training as an actor in college. From there, he started working at yoga studios and practicing daily and eventually found himself a yogi.

After touring nationally with Charlotte's Web, Sean decided it was time to take the plunge and earned his 200 hour certification from YogaWorks. Since then, he has also been trained through Karma Kids Yoga to teach yoga to children.

Sean is very excited to be teaching with the great family of teachers at Karma Kids Yoga. His classes are high energy laugh-zones where crazy voices and fun ideas are highly encouraged.

Sean's favorite pose is Adho Mukha Vrksasana or Handstand Pose.

Erin Wilson

Erin Wilson has always been a mover and a shaker! She studied dance beginning at the age of five, and began practicing yoga at the age of fourteen. Erin received her 500-hour teacher certification through Integral Yoga, and her children's certification through Karma Kids Yoga. More recently, she trained in Prenatal Yoga and CircusYoga. A native of North Carolina, she attended the North Carolina School of the Arts where she studied dance and classical piano.

In addition to teaching children, Erin also teaches adults and gentle classes for seniors in the city. Erin is thrilled to teach at Karma Kids and share the gift of yoga with spirited youngsters! She teaches with the conviction that every child is an artist, and brings an attitude of joy and free-spirited play to her classes.

Erin is the pioneer and facilitator of the Karma Kids Yoga Teen Yoga Teacher Training Intensive course, which launched in 2010.

Erin's favorite yoga pose is Kurmasana or Turtle Pose.

Rachel Wright

Rachel began her New York adventure after completing a theatre education degree in the loveliest happy-hippy-mountain-town of Boone, North Carolina. After completing an acting program at Circle in the Square she realized she was more in love with children and yoga than actors and lights. Since then, she has been falling in love wiht amazing kids all over the city. She continues to teach everything from drama to clay cinema to schoolchildren all around town.

To Rachel, yoga is the perfect fusion of a vast melody of passions, allowing her to dance, sing, and continue to grow strong and well, and bring mindfulness to all areas of her life. She completed her 200 hour certification through Sonic Yoga, and more recently completed her Children's Yoga certification through Karma Kids Yoga. Rachel truly loves sharing and learning yoga with both adults and children.

Rachel aims to individually connect with each child she teaches. She wants each child to feel important, creative and strong. Her class is full of laughing, playing and adventuring.

Rachel has an incredible passion for back-bending poses! She loves Eka Pada Ragakapotasana or King Pigeon Pose and Natarajasana or Dancer Pose because they remind her to stay strong and flexible while keeping her heart open.

Arlen Zamula

Arlen was lucky enough to grow up on the Jersey Shore with the Atlantic Ocean as her backyard. She loves all sports and discovered yoga while studying for finals at NYU. Yoga has helped her to complete two marathons, one triathalon, and stay active every day.

Arlen currently works as the Fitness Department for a school-based health program where she teaches yoga and other exercises to about 4,500 students. She loves her job because she gets to play all day! Arlen is certified to teach yoga to children thorugh Karma Kids Yoga, Radiant Child Yoga, Every Kids Yoga, CircusYoga, and holds fitness certifications through IYCA and NASM. She also completed the KKY Yoga En Espanol course.

Given her job, we are only fortunte enough to have Alren on staff for special events and birthday parties, where she brings her enthusiastic and silly nature to ensure that all kids are engaged and having fun.

When Alren isn't moving, she's studying for her Masters in Public Health Nutrition from Hunger College. She is focusing on incorporating exercise with education to help kids have stronger brains and bodies.

Arlen's favorite yoga pose is Pineapple Pose because she loves fun, fiberous poses!