Cathy Donnelly:
Founder/Yoga Instructor:

I came to this practice 18 years ago, after learning that a car accident in my early 20’s left me with a severe back injury.  It seems I compensated for years but when ultimately confronted with extreme pain, my doctor recommended spinal fusion surgery. In an effort to avoid major surgery, I began to practice yoga and receive chiropractic adjustments. I immediately felt the difference and have avoided surgery and feel healthy and well at 46. I feel lighter physically, emotionally and spiritually upon leaving each class. This practice left me feeling connected to something truly ancient  and good.

Professionally, I worked with adolescents and families as a school counselor in both the Bronx, Queens and Long Island. As I began to practice breathing techniques in my yoga classes, I saw the opportunity to use these tools in my counseling work. I witnessed the benefits of the practice for students wrestling with anxiety, stress and loss. Yoga had begun to integrate it’s ease into many aspects of my life! Personally, I have always been a spiritual seeker, even though more old fashioned members of my family would like to blame that on my liberal Jesuit education.

Exploring different spiritual traditions has been, as they, say a part of my being since I was a “Wee One.” I recall that it was hard to grapple with the notion of inferiority or authority as I saw us all the same. It didn’t seem to matter to me what you choose to name it institutionally but that light and goodness resides within all. It just showed up in different shades. Experience was just waiting for an opportunity to invite the light to shine through! In all of the roles I’ve played in my life : counselor, daughter, mother, friend, community member, wife, Yoga teacher, I have found it a privilege to witness people coming into their own, and finding a practice that helps them be the best “me” they can be. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as a guide for folks in their yoga practice. Namaste my friends!

 

Lauren Pluchino:
Teacher
A former ballerina, Lauren’s yoga practice began in 2005 while she was looking for a workout that combined the discipline and class setting of the dance studio she was familiar with. She was thrilled to discover the emotional and spiritual benefits that yoga provided and soon embarked on obtaining her teaching certificate. Lauren received her RYT 200-hour teaching certificate in 2010 from Kusala Yoga of Brooklyn. As a new mom, Lauren is particularly interested in Pre- and Post-natal yoga and the balance offered by all forms of consistent yoga practice. Lauren is truly eager serve as a guide for all students from beginner to advanced, as her goal is to give access to this beautiful practice to all.

 

 

 

Karen Kennedy:
After having enjoyed aerobic exercise for almost 20 years, and at a difficult and challenging time, Karen found she was unable to even get through a class.  It was time to explore movement that supported physical health and provided an opportunity to quiet the mind chatter.  A 15 year journey began and continues presently, including learning from gifted teachers of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, spirituality, creativity and reflection.  After a serious family health scare, Karen decided to rebalance her work focus and was encouraged to share what she’s learned in her journey by becoming a certified instructor. In a supportive environment and with great joy, she now continues both learning and sharing leading classes and workshops for adults and children to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, improve physical and mental health and relationships and live more in the moment. Karen’s goals are to help others believe that beginning wherever they are today, at any age or level of experience, the benefits of yoga – aligning breath, movement and stillness – and meditation are accessible to everyone.