Karen was first drawn to yoga at the
young age of 13 - through the only yoga book at the library! She was
interested in the philosophy of yoga and the idea of a deep
interconnection with nature and all beings. When she discovered a
yoga class in the area, she attended twice a week for several years.
She loved the feeling of wholeness she felt in class. During her
years as a distance runner, and two pregnancies, yoga provided support
for her body and mind. Yoga offers tools for skillful living and
feeling well.
Karen believes yoga heals us,
individually and as a community. Her deep need to help others live
better and happier lives has led her to teach community yoga and
private lessons since 1996. She received her first certification
from Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health.
She has personally experienced the
healing power of yoga by living nearly symptom free of multiple
sclerosis for 10 years. She found that yoga relieves her symptoms
and gives her tools to better manager her stress. Currently, Karen
is completing Integrative Yoga Therapy 1000 hour Professional Yoga
Therapist training.
Vision
To change the world, one person at a time in accord with the Yoga tradition of Swami Kripalu and the belief that the world is one family.
Mission
To offer compassionate, heart-centered comprehensive Yoga instruction in a safe, nurturing environment that inspires personal growth and transformation for students of all ages, fitness levels and health conditions.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Yoga and MS Curriculum Advisory Committee, New York City Chapter
Yoga Teacher
Ledyard Parks & Recreation, Ledyard CT
Weekly classes since 1996
Preston Parks & Recreation, Preston, CT
Weekly classes since 2001
Yoga Heals Us independent classes
Adaptive Yoga for MS classes since 2001
Pfizer Lifestyle Services, New London, CT
Weekly classes since 2001
Montville Senior Center, Uncasville, CT
Weekly chair yoga classes since 2004
Lighthouse Vocational Education Center, Groton, CT
Weekly adaptive yoga classes for children with disabilities since 2004
Ledyard Senior Center, Gales Ferry, CT
Weekly mat yoga classes for seniors since 2005
Weekly chair yoga classes for seniors since 2008
Synergy Center, Waterford, CT
Weekly classes for children with special needs since 2009
Presenter
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New York City Chapter
October 2010, Adaptive Yoga for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis: Strategies for Yoga Teachers, presenter.
November 2009, Adaptive Yoga for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis: Strategies for Yoga Teachers, co-presenter with members of the Yoga Curriculum Advisory Committee.
Yogaville Intregral Yoga Ashram, Buckingham, Virginia
October 2009, Healing Yoga for Every Body:A Mini-Retreat for People who have Multiple Sclerosis
September 2008, Teaching Adaptive Yoga for MS Yoga Teacher Training sponsored by the Integral Yoga Academy and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at the Integral Yoga Ashram, Yogaville, Buckingham, Virginia.
Teaching Adaptive Yoga for People with Multiple Sclerosis Yoga Teacher Training
August 2011, sponsored by the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Warwick, Rhode Island
October 2010, sponsored by the National Capital Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Lorton, Virginia
October 2010, sponsored by the Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Chicago, Illinois
August 2010, sponsored by the Utah Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Salt Lake City, Utah
May 2009, sponsored by the Alabama Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Birmingham, Alabama
April 2009, sponsored by the North Central States Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Sioux Falls, South Dakota
September 2008, sponsored by the Integral Yoga Academy and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at the Integral Yoga Ashram, Yogaville, Buckingham, Virginia.
June 2008, sponsored by the Connecticut Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Hartford, Connecticut.
April 2008, sponsored by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Chesapeake, Virginia.
October 2007, Feeling Good - Having Fun - Being Active, co-presenter with Sandy Matsuda (tai chi), Helen Tilden (aquatics), and Suzanne Carron (moderator) at Dallas, Texas.
Karen offers workshops and in-service programs for organizations, self-help groups, and staff development for workplace retreats. Topics include Health & Wellness, Stress Management and movement solutions for people who sit most of the day.