Alma's journey began in the early 80's in a small health club, Women's World, in Elmsford, NY. She learned to choreograph and teach aerobic classes, which is where she fell in love with teaching. In the mid 80's she joined a team of fitness instructors ant The American Super Spa, a health club in Eastchester, NY. There she learned respect for the human body and decided to advance her career by obtaining personal fitness training in 1988. Alma then moved to working with clients in there homes in Scarsdale, NY, where her clients provided encouragement to broaden her business and pursue another career. She became New York State licensed and nationally certified as a Massage Therapist in 1995. One dear friend, Bonnie Katz, encouraged Alma to open a business in Eastchester merging both her fitness and massage practices, in turn creating a network of wonderful friends and clients. In 1996 she started her first small business, The Exercise and Massage Studio.
Then in1999 everything changed; married, moved, and a mom. For the next ten years Alma was the student, and life was the teacher. Feeling the need to return to her career, Alma embarked on a journey of exploring yoga. Witnessing the passion of the owner at The YogaScape, Amy Pearce-Hayden, brought together the body-mind-spirit connection for which Alma had been searching. The desire to teach was reignited with the same passion Alma had remembered. Upon completion of the 200-Hour certification course at The YogaScape in Carmel, NY in 2008, Alma felt renewed and ready to be doing what she loved again. Now she merged with partners, Gabrielle Semel and Kate Petagine, teaching yoga and practicing massage therapy at Inner Balance Studio. Here she loves to help her students on their own special inner journey.
Gabrielle Semel, E-RYT-500,
Owner
Just as the tracks for a train give it direction, stability, and guidance, such is the practice of yoga for Gabrielle. Meeting Amy Pearce-Hayden in 2006 was pivotal in Gabrielle's journey along the yogic path. Amy's guidance and instruction of yogic philosophy and a deep physical practice allowed Gabrielle to see why she was so drawn to the practice. She developed an awareness of the body that years of athletics and a degree in an exercise-related field could not offer. The idea of the physical body being a metaphor for the emotional body became so apparent. As her physical practice deepened, she found not only physical release, but also the willingness to be more open emotionally--and the ability to be more comfortable with who she is. Her gain in physical strength propelled an emotional strength that Gabrielle hadn't even realized she was seeking. Gabrielle enrolled in the 200-Hour Teacher Training Program at The YogaScape in 2006, and four years later traveled the path of the 500-Hour Teacher Training with certification in 2011. She sees these as truly life-altering experiences, which filled her toolbox with all she needs to find peace and happiness in everyday life--to stay connected to Spirit. Gabrielle's intention as a yoga teacher is to share her experience with others, and to remain open, so that through her expression others may discover something new about themselves.
"In leading a practice, my emphasis is on the breath experience, in relation to the posture the body assumes. My classes are designed to build heat and/or awareness in the body in order to facilitate release. With attention placed on specific muscular engagement, breath and energetic awareness, the intention of the practice is to nurture a relationship with the body and eventually the inner voice. Yoga helps us to find our own intrinsic strength, wisdom, courage, and integrity...our True Being. It is a lifestyle that fosters a curiosity, as well as perseverance towards freedom."
Tom Hajek, RYT
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yogastix/516835605122483
There are natural ebbs and flows to life, and Tom was introduced to yoga at a time in his life when the tide had reach its lowest point. In 2005, while struggling in a twenty year battle with chronic pain, Tom was involved in a serious accident. As he began to learn to walk and move again, one of his doctors urged him to try yoga by giving him a Rodney Yee DVD. Tom’s daily practice made apparent, in an immediate fashion, the benefits of yoga’s physical postures. Slowly but steadily his strength and flexibility returned. As he began to drive again in 2010, he attended his first yoga class at a local gym and was hooked.
In early 2012 Tom, though mostly physically recovered from his back injury, he found himself still suffering terribly from the chronic pain condition. He attended his first class at Inner Balance, and quickly learned that the philosophy of yoga could heal his mind just as the asana had healed his body. Tom began a regular study under Gabrielle & Alma, and with their encouragement, began Yoga Teacher Training at The Yogascape with Amy Pearce-Hayden, from which he graduated in June 2013.
Tom is very excited to begin his journey as a yoga teacher here at Inner Balance, and share all that he has learned about the incredible power yoga can instill into the lives of its’ practitioners.
Miyoko Sasaki
Kate Petagine,
Owner
A pioneer in the fitness industry, Kate has been teaching fitness and various forms of dance since 1981. She holds certifications from AFAA in group exercise, Step, Personal Fitness Training, and is trained in Aqua an Senior Fitness. She has also been trained in Mat Pilates from Kane School of Core Integration and is licensed in Zumba Fitness, Zumba Gold and MELT, Hand and Foot treatment.
In the late 70's she trained and performed with the acclaimed belly dancer, Shellé , (who toured in the Middle east), and later taught Middle Eastern dance for 6 years. Over the years Kate has taught a variety of fitness classes for clients ranging from age 18 months to 90 years young. Kate and her partner, Sherrie Dorchik, created a successful program called "Tumbling Tots", which ran for 22 years. In 1988,she taught a Master Class in "Funk, Jazz and Hip Hop" for Dance Alliance at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. For nine years she was co-coordinator for the American Heart Association's "Dance for Heart" fundraiser in Eastern Dutchess County. For the past ten years she has choreographed for our Lady of Mercy School in Connecticut. Productions have included Bye Bye Birdie, Annie Get Your Gun, Wizard of z, Brigadoon, Beauty and the Beast, Kilroy Was Here, Aladdin, and Guys and Dolls.
Other studies include: Ballet, Eric Hawkins Modern Dance Technique, African Rhythm and Ballroom Dancing.
Robin Cohen, RYT-500 http://robinstarryoga.com/
Her connection to yoga has been strong for as far back as Robin can remember. Of course she didn’t call it yoga way back when, but her guiding life’s principles were definitely yogic in nature. And when she grew a bit older, Robin discovered a book that provided a follow-along day-by-day program for asana and some yoga philosophy. This became her “yoga studio,” and she followed the program for several years.
And then yoga grew more popular, and Robin was able to take an actual yoga class in a gym. The sounds of clinking weights and booming music from the room next door were of no consequence to her. Taking an existing class with others far outweighed any inconveniences.
Fast-forward a few years. Robin was able to practice in a studio, and she savored the learning. When she felt herself ready, she embarked upon teacher training and found for the first time in her life that she looked forward to reading, studying, and doing homework. Taking the 500-hour certification training was a natural progression, and as before, Robin took pleasure in all of it.
Teaching has become a passion. Robin preps for each of her classes by reading relevant texts and practicing the poses she will be presenting. She loves the interactions with her students and looks forward to every class she teaches.
Robin’s belief is that everyone can benefit from the teachings of yoga, and she feels herself in a place right now where it is her dharma to offer these teachings to those who are ready.
Robin’s classes vary from week to week, and each is built around a particular focal point. Students are guided through the poses and are encouraged to work up to their limits but not beyond.
Before yoga found me, I lived yogically without a name for my beliefs. With the teachings of yoga now in my life, I find myself thirsting for more and more. And sharing my knowledge and experiences with others is my dharma at this point in time. Yoga has helped to define me, and my hope is that by sharing with others, they too will come closer to realizing their true Selves.
John DeJulio, RYT
Volunteer
After retiring from teaching mathematics at Harrison High School and Fordham University, John DeJulio was wondering what he should do as he grows up. In 2005, John’s daughter Litsa introduced him to Amy Pearce Hayden, owner of Yogascape in Carmel. After several years of taking classes in Yoga with Amy, John decided to take the 200 hour certification course, and after two years of study, he became a Registered Yoga Instructor in 2009. John has been privileged to volunteer and team teach gentle yoga with Alma Pink at Inner Balance studio. He especially likes to share meditations and savasana, which he hopes will help his students find some measure of equanimity in their lives.
Mark Terza, LMT, RYT, RM
http://www.mettamassagetherapyandyo
ga.net/yoga.php
Immersed in the practice of massage therapy, Mark soon deepened his exploration of the body through the practice of yoga. He now utilizes his hands on expertise as well as his practical understanding of the ancient wisdom embedded in the teachings of yoga to lead his students to presence and ease on their mats. Mark inspires each student to approach and find her edge, and leads each one to his own foundation for safe surrender. Join him for Restorative Yoga on Thursday evening, 5:30-6:45pm.
Corinna was first introduced to yoga as a child when her mom taught her downward facing dog, child’s pose and the importance of self-reflection. In 2011, seeking to eliminate the negative thought patterns and subsequent stress she’d been living with, her regular practice was born.
Having experienced the powerful transformation invoked by both the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga, Corinna felt compelled to dive deeper. She completed her 200-hour teacher training in 2014 at the Yoga House in Kingston, NY and began teaching right away. Now in the process of earning her 500-hour certification from Satya Yoga Center in Rhinebeck, Corinna continues to immerse herself in the practice, soaking up all the teachings she can from the gurus in her life (human and otherwise).
While reminding you to treat your body right – if you can’t breathe or smile while holding a pose then back off – Corinna’s classes are meant to challenge you into surprising yourself and to surprise you into shedding the fear of trying something new. Yoga helps us tap into the unconditional love and boundless joy contained within each and every one of us and Corinna’s classes aspire to do the same.