Kim DeSantis
Completed the 200 hour teacher training program thru Prana Shakti Yoga/Long Island Yoga School, which is a RYS (Registered Yoga School) with the Yoga Alliance. Also a registered practicing member of the International Yoga Association (IYA).
Currently anin the process of continuing my studies and working on obtaining my 500 hour certification to enhance my teaching skills. I have trained with Laurie Ahlemann, a certified Reiki Master and a master/teacher of spiritual healing, who is my teacher and mentor, In addition, Nikki Spatacco, RYT who encouraged me to pursue this and believed enough in me to do so. I have also trained with various NYS certified teachers, to experience their own teaching styles.
I began my practice approximately 12 years ago, when I took one class with my cousin and was instantly hooked. Since stress was a daily occurence, as well as migraines being a monthly caveat, I found relief and solace in my yoga practice.
While working during the day in the Securities Industry for the past 20 years, and loving what I do, I found that I needed something to clear my mind each day and connect back to my authentic truth...
So, one day, I had a brainstorm. I thought if I could help my dear collegues, the stressed people of my industry and interested students by showing them what I see and what I have learned, combined with my love of teaching, it would be a remarkable endeavor. This is when I made my decision to become a yoga instructor.
As I embark on this journey, I am committed to meeting the individual needs of my students. As a result, a practice that is designed for you. I encourage you to read through some of the feedback of my students.
I welcome the opportunity to provide you with a safe, secure environment that is completely non-intimidating. One in which allows to find your inner self, find openness, ability to relax, breathe and JUST BE....
Thalia Gavriel
Thalia completed her Yoga Certification under Lisa Bondy of Om Sweet Om Yoga and is registered with the Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 200 Level). Although she initially began practicing yoga several years ago as a stress reliever, Thalia was instantly struck by not only the power inherent in the practice, but both the mental and physical benefits that would follow. Such an experience propelled Thalia to share this auspicious knowledge with others. Therefore, after a brief stint in Corporate America she decided to pursue her overwhelming passion for yoga. In response to inquiries regarding her decision Thalia remarked “Such early recognition has made the process of exploring yoga and evolving my practice an essential part of my daily life. Yoga is so much richer and fuller than I could have ever imagined”. Most of all, Thalia enjoys introducing the practice, teachings, history, and philosophy of yoga to new students. She continues to study and explore different traditions, having completed workshops with Bryan Kest, David Swenson, John Friend, Shiva Rae and Desiree Rumbaugh. “My classes integrate a blend of styles learned throughout my journey, and most importantly are designed to welcome new students alike”.
Mary Lou Wojcicki-Haas
has completed her 200 hr teacher training with Yoga Polarity and is registered with Yoga Alliance. Her classes are an eclectic Hatha style. Mary Lou's classes create a mind, body experience that often guides her students into self discovery. She encourages her students to incorporate yoga into their daily lives through self-awareness. Mary Lou believes that a calm state of mind is the essence of yoga. Mary Lou is also professionally trained as an Usui and Karuna ® Reiki Master Practitioner and Teacher as well as being the founder of “My Holistic Haven”. She began working with Reiki after experiencing the calming effects that a Reiki treatment had offered her. She facilitates a monthly Reiki circle both in Nassau and Queens county.
She has developed a passion to help people balance themselves, whether it be physical, mental or on a spiritual level. Her goal is to share these gifts with others for their highest good.
Joanna Dinolfo
Joanna began her yogic journey after the stress of practicing law became overwhelming. Inspired by the benefits yoga had to offer, Joanna decided to share it with others through teaching. Joanna completed a 200 hour training at the Long Island Yoga School, which is a registered yoga school with Yoga Alliance. Joanna teaches vinyasa flow yoga, which connects each posture with the breath. Joanna is also a certified Reiki practitioner specifically for animals, which is another of her passions. In addition to teaching and lawyering, she also sculls with the Sagamore Rowing Association in Oyster Bay, and is an avid rock climber. "It's amazing how yoga compliments every activity I do, increasing strength and range of motion for climbing, flexibility and coordination for rowing, and clearing my mind for everything else!"
Dana Healy
Dana was first introduced to yoga at a gym in 2002 and would take yoga classes occasionally whenever the classes were available. She wasn't aware of how powerful yoga could be until she found a teacher at her local gym that she resonated with that she started to take more classes. Gym classes weren't enough only offered 2 times a week and when it came time to leave the fashion industry she racked her brain of what else she could do. Dana wanted a career that had a purpose. She was looking for a way to not only help and heal herself but others. In 2009 Dana found the Long Island Yoga School and entered into a 200 hour teacher training course where she would learn much more than she bargained for. Now, nearing the end of her 500 hour certification Dana primarily chooses to teach beginners helping them develop a strong foundation and understanding of the postures encouraging students to develop their own practice. She teaches students to become aware of themselves and others helping them find their place in the world. Her classes are suitable for practitioners of all levels, giving each student personal attention, clear cues and many modifications to either deepen their practice or learn the basics. She is patient and light hearted and believes that yoga is for all people from all walks of life. Dana continues her education by attending workshops and taking classes with all different types of teachers from different traditions broadening her understanding of yoga with an appreciation and open mindedness to better serve her students.
