Laurel Katz-Bohen is a native New Yorker, a longtime Harlem resident, a new mama and the founder of Harlem Yoga Studio.  She is a graduate of the Integral Yoga Institute and is certified to teach Hatha Yoga, Prenatal Yoga and Raja Yoga Philosophy.  Currently Laurel is pursuing certification as a Doula in order to offer emotional support, encouragement and wisdom to women and families throughout labor, birth and postpartum.  She has practiced yoga since the age of 5 and especially enjoys planting a life-long love of “playing yoga” in her Children’s Yoga classes.  Laurel is a singer and songwriter who has toured throughout the United States and the world with various groups and currently works with one of her favorite icons, Blondie.  She is the winner of an Emmy award for outstanding Journalism.  In addition, she has a background in childhood education, teaching elementary school in the New York City public school system.  It is Laurel’s intention to serve the vibrant and diverse New Yorkers in the Harlem community by offering peace, wellness, and a sense of oneness

Erica Barth ran into a yoga class while training for a marathon over 12 years ago and has been practicing yoga ever since.  A soccer player and runner, she was impressed by the strength and flexibility yoga gave to her body, and even more by the serenity and balance it brought to her mind.  Erica continued to deepen her asana practice and delve into the other limbs of yoga, obtaining her teaching certification from the Integral Yoga Institute of New York where she met Laurel and the two decided to open Harlem Yoga Studio! Erica’s classes combine a focus on alignment with a playful and creative sequencing of postures, leading students to find a relaxing and energizing union between breath and body.  Continually inspired to deepen her knowledge of both the body and mind, Erica has studied Yin Yoga and Mindfulness with Sarah Powers, as well as Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff.  Erica is certified to teach Yin Yoga, Teens, and children,  has many years of experience working with children of all ages.   She has studied with Saraswati Jois at the Shri K Patabi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India, and at the Shivananda Institute in Nayer Dam India, where she obtained an introductory certification in Aryuvedic Studies.  Erica holds a Masters degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, where she focused on group dynamics and conflict resolution.  In her work with clients both on and off the mat,  she incorporates yoga philosophy to help groups and teams work together more effectively.

Nelly Hernandez first started practicing yoga at the awkward age of 14 years old.  The practice blew her mind and body away, shook the foundation and opened doors that she had no idea how to open.  Since then she has continued to study different styles of yoga with wonderful teachers whom she is very grateful to and for.  She teaches yoga in hopes of helping people awaken to their own greatness and through the practice of yoga. 

Keisha Bolden is a New York based Yoga and Pilates instructor who enjoys teaching to all ages, shapes, and sizes.  She began studying yoga 12 years ago and has studied Hatha, Bikram, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga and has been practicing Pilates for 6 years.  Keisha has studied with master teachers, Swami Mahadevananda, Swami Sivaswaroopananda, and Bhooma Chaitanya, and Ted Ryan.  In 2008, Keisha was blessed with the opportunity to live, study and teach yoga in India for 6 months. In addition to joining the teaching staff at the Sivananda Vedanta Ashram, Keisha managed the ashram’s Karma Yoga program. When teaching, Keisha encourages students to challenge themselves while maintaining purity and simplicity of movement. Her teaching style is infused with positive energy, honesty, and inspirational flow. Students are taught to focus inward and to develop ultimate trust for their bodies. Keisha believes that there is a Yoga for everyone and encourages students to find their comfort level within each pose. Class and workshop information can be found at her website www.keishabolden.com

Amy Tobin has been practicing yoga in NYC for the past 10 years and is a graduate of the 500 hour Yoga Works Professional Teacher Training Program.  Her training, based on the lineage of Krishnamarya, and T.K.V. Desikachar, allows her to share with her students a dynamic balance of stability and freedom in the body, mind and heart.  Amy's classes combine a challenging flow of Vinyasa Yoga with the strong alignment principles of Iyengar Yoga.  She encourages her students to link breath with movement, and to explore the benefits of yoga at their own pace.  Amy believes that yoga - like life - should be approached with warmth and humor.

Tricia Townes has studied yoga since 1998 in North Carolina and in New York City.  She is a graduate of the Teacher Training Program at The Integral Yoga Institute and is a Certified Therapeutic Yoga Teacher.  Tricia loves studying and practicing the philosophy and psychology of yoga known as Raja Yoga and helping students deepen their Meditation practice and Hatha Yoga practice. Tricia is now launching Harlem Yoga Studio’s Full Figured Yoga class, where people with larger bodies learn to adapt the classical yoga practice and receive all the great physical and mental benefits.  She is also a practicing visual artist with an MFA in Painting and Drawing.

Bhairavi began her journey in yoga 12 years ago, after a physical condition left her debilitated and depressed.  She tried a yoga class and after six months her condition improved exponentially.  Her childhood interest in math and science influenced her to study nutrition and the effect food has on our bodies, leading her to become a certified Holistic Health Counselor from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  Further study of the self and how emotions and mental state affect our bodies brought her to The Integral Yoga Institute where she received her 200 and 300 hour yoga teacher certification as well as additional teaching certification in Raja Yoga and Teen Yoga.  Bhairavi strongly believes that “Yoga saved her life” and yearns to use her knowledge and experience to guide people in transcending their mental, physical, and spiritual fears and limitations, through Yoga.  Bhairavi’s classes are challenging, meditative and dynamic and enable her students to take their practice from the studio into their everyday lives.

Nyota Nayo came to the yogic lineage via her journey as a dancer and is now a long-time practitioner.  She is certified to teach Hatha Yoga and Prenatal Yoga through the Integral Yoga Institute, and is certified to teach Core Vinyasa Yoga through training under Sadie Nardini.  Additionally, Nyota is a Reiki practitioner and teaches and performs Egyptian Belly Dance and Brazilian Samba.  Currently Nyota is in training in the US, and in Egypt under the Temple of Aset, towards certification in Egyptian Yoga and Meditation.  Nyota’s mission is to use her myriad of experiences to empower all who are on the quest for wellness of mind, body and spirit.

Originally from Havana, Cuba, Aniela moved to Miami when she was 8 years old and began her yoga journey at the age of 15 at an Ashtanga Yoga studio.  There she discovered the powerful healing qualities of connecting breath to movement.  She has a BFA in Acting from Rutgers University, through her acting training she learned various relaxation techniques, such as the Alexander Technique which opened her curiosity of human anatomy. Her path led her to become certified in Brian Kest inspired Power Vinyasa at Yoga to the People in New York City, where she currently teaches . She is grateful to have been welcomed into the Harlem Yoga Studio.

Ali Began her yoga journey freshman year in college studying Ashtanga, and began practicing at Corepower Yoga in Minneapolis shortly after.  She found that it opened her eyes to the stability and beauty in life and soon earned her teaching certification in Vinyasa Yoga in order to spread the amazing power of yoga to all who seek unity in life, on and off the mat.  Ali believes that Yoga is an amazing practice that opens our bodies, minds and hearts, and she hopes to share the sense of community, strength and peace she has found through yoga with all her students! Namaste!

Nikki came upon the path of yoga 10 years ago and is grateful for the life-altering impact it has made on her mental, physical and emotional well-being.  A New Jersey native and New York based resident for many years,  she recently completed the 300 Hour Teacher Training program with the Jivamukti Yoga founders Sharon Gannon and David Life.   She is committed to serving and providing the same opportunity for others "to witness the healing benefits of Yoga" through her teaching of yoga and meditation.  Nikki’s classes infuse the elements of the Jivamukti method, incorporating; Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti yoga and infusing all of these elements with a primary awareness on aligning breath through movement.   Nikki holds a B.A. in English from New Jersey City University.  She is honored to be joining the Harlem Yoga Studio Community!!

Julie Sutera has been practicing yoga for over 10 years.  Upon moving to Hawaii in 2003, she developed a deep connection with the island and the many fitness activities it had to offer, particularly exploring and practicing a variety of styles of yoga: Vinyasa, Iyengar, Bikram, Kundalini, and more.  When a family illness drew Julie back to the east coast, she recognized health, fitness, & yoga had a greater purpose in her life and became certified to teach in order to  deepen her own practice.  An elementary school teacher by trade, she immediately became certified to teach Kids Yoga and passed the practice to her young yogis in Harlem!  Julie continues to teach children both at Harlem Yoga Studio, as well as schools throughout New York City.  Yoga created a shift in Julie’s life and she is eager to nurture others through their own journeys, providing a challenging, strength-building, and relaxing practice.  Her goal is to develop awareness and enthusiasm for health & fitness through yoga for practitioners of ALL ages. For more info: www.yogawithjulie.weebly.com

Val was introduced to Iyengar yoga in December of 1986, while residing in Southern Indiana on a suggestion from his mother who thought that as a musician yoga would help improve his musical endeavors. (Which it did!) and he was hooked.  After continuing to practice on his own using Iyengar's "Light on Yoga” as reference and attending multiple workshops and retreats, Val eventually sought  out senior Iyengar teacher Karin O’Bannon to become his mentor,  and began the 3 year journey of Iyengar Certification in 2001.   Val  has apprenticed with Karin O’Bannon in LA, studied directly with the Iyengar family in Pune, India, and is certified at the Intermediate Junior 1 level of Iyengar certification.  I can say with conviction that I truly believe in the transformative power of Yoga!

Rochelle “Leanne” White received her teacher training at Yoga to the People.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral health and experience in the psychology and medical health fields.  Students in Rochelle’s class can expect an instructor that is personable, attentive, understanding, and open. They are welcomed with a smile and will walk out empowered, stronger, and more confident as they learn to allow their breath to lead the body through poses that strengthen the mind and reduce tension. The style of teaching is adjusted to meet the needs of the class without compromising the key foundations of yoga.  Rochelle creates a meditative environment that is exciting, challenging, and fun.

After practicing Yoga and Pilates for many years, Rochelle “Leanne” White received her teaching certification from Yoga for the People.  She teaches both Yoga and Pilates with a focus on using breath to guide movement,  poses to strengthen the body and mind, and meditative transitions to reduce tension.  Each class is adjusted to meet the unique needs of the students who have come to practice,  while ensuring that key foundational elements are always included.  Rochelle’s goal as a teacher is to ensure that every student feels welcomed and supported when they arrive at class, and feels empowered, stronger, and more confident when they leave.  Rochelle  has a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral health, and experience working in the fields of both psychology and medical health.

Kathe Izzo is the primary force behind the Inner Garden Project utilizing Living Foods Cleanses, Kundalini Kriya & Channeled Energy Clearing as a platform for her teachings on creativity, the path of the heart, as well as plant spirit medicine, ceremonial work & a variety of meditative practices. She has taught yoga for over 20 years in an eclectic blend of Iyengar, Kundalini & Vinyasa/flow.

Jenny Bichsel began practicing yoga 8 years ago after sustaining a repetitive strain injury from extended hours of computer work.  Initially practicing Vinyasa style yoga to gain flexibility and strength, she is now drawn to the more meditative style of Hatha, and incorporates daily meditation into her practice.  Wishing to pass on these powerful tools for strength, balance and inner peace, she completed her teacher training at the Integral Yoga Institute in summer 2011.  She currently teaches yoga at several studios, Integral Yoga Institute, and also at the corporate offices of her previous colleagues.

Her classes are open to all levels, but aimed at beginners wishing to explore the broader aspects of yoga, incorporating asana, pranayama and meditation into each class.

A lifelong dancer, Elisabeth came to the mat looking to heal her body after several injuries, and found that it healed more than just her physical being.  After being certified through Three Sisters Yoga, she quickly realized that teaching yoga could help her share that newfound clarity and peace in both body and mind. As a dancer, circus performer, and yogi, Elisabeth teaches movement of all varieties to adults and children alike, working extensively with Artists Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP). She recently spent a year working and teaching at a residential school for children from the lowest castes in rural India, and during that time was able to deepen her understanding of the origins of yoga.  Elisabeth believes that yoga, movement, and the ability to still the mind are the keys to giving us all the tools to create a more peaceful, accepting world, and is thrilled to be able to share this through Harlem Yoga Studio. 

Dublin was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela.  He began practicing Yoga under the guidance of Master Teacher Marco Rojas and has since practiced with and learned from Alan Finger and Chuck Miller, the creators of Yoga Works.  He assisted Marco Rojas in Pure Yoga and Istha and completed his teacher training at Yoga Works with Yoga Works, Teacher/Director, Jenny Arthur.  He has shown his unique passion for teaching Yoga, applying the fundamentals of the Ashtanga Vinyasa System in his teaching, his practice and in his life.  Dublin is also a musician: he plays percussion with the Israeli singer Orlin and plays drums with the rock-funk band, Mad for Justice.

Nikki Dillon is a 200 hr certified yoga instructor who received her yoga certification from Yoga to the People and began teaching in 2012.  She is also a specialized Children’s Yoga teacher certified to teach kids of all ages.  Nikki teaches both power yoga and Vinyasa Flow to adults, and is interested in spreading the tools of yoga to children in order to help them develop their physical and mental health.

Alex Barsky is a native New Yorker who  has been practicing yoga since the age of 16. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work and hopes to eventually incorporate the healing of yoga within her professional work. Her goal is to inspire students to reach their full physical and emotional potential,  and to embrace and  accept their practice regardless of their level.   Alex believes that yoga is a great tool for both improving ones body as well as achieving greater peace of mind, and she is excited to teach at Harlem Yoga Studio, an environment that supports student’s physical and emotional development.

Nikki came upon the path of yoga 10 years ago and is grateful for the life-altering impact it has made on her mental, physical and emotional well-being.  A New Jersey native and New York based resident for many years,  she recently completed the 300 Hour Teacher Training program with the Jivamukti Yoga founders Sharon Gannon and David Life.   She is committed to serving and providing the same opportunity for others "to witness the healing benefits of Yoga" through her teaching of yoga and meditation.  Nikki’s classes infuse the elements of the Jivamukti method, incorporating; Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti yoga and infusing all of these elements with a primary awareness on aligning breath through movement.   Nikki holds a B.A. in English from New Jersey City University.  She is honored to be joining the Harlem Yoga Studio Community!!

A professional chef by trade and 2008 graduate of the Culinary Arts program at the French Culinary Instititute, Alexa has always been interested in how people nourish themselves. Through an empowering yoga practice Alexa was able to heal from a long-term illness and find the pieces of her life that were previously missing; she encountered a life-altering level of happiness and wellness akin to none she had known in the past, and knew that she was meant to share this practice with others as a teacher.  Alexa completed her 200-Hour Vinyasa Yoga teacher training at House of Jai Yoga. Through music, meditation, and asana Alexa guides her students toward integrating body, mind, and spirit to achieve a calming inner peace.