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Karen D. - M.W.B.E.
CEO & Founder of Inner Being LLC
Yoga Instructor E-RYT 200, Wellness Educator, Mindfulness Coach, SEL Certified & Resident Teaching Artist at Arts Westchester
Karen D, from Westchester, NY, fell in love with Yoga in the year 2005. Karen’s passion for Yoga has led her down the path of self discovery, self love, self kindness, & self acceptance. With over 200+ hours of
Vinyasa Training, her life was changed forever. Karen cannot wait to share this experience with all of you. Her classes are designed to connect the breath with movement, strengthen the physical body, and help quiet & ease the mind. All are welcome to join Karen D on this journey through this thing called life.
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Karen D is the lead yoga instructor in the Peekskill City School District, Peekskill Parks and Recreation and Self Direction Provider. She Infuses Social Emotional Learning through Yoga & Mindfulness, while building "Awareness To Wellness", One Breath at a time. This is our only Goal.
Group and Private Sessions are available. Please email to inquire.
Come With an Open Mind and Leave With a Full Heart!!!
Annette Kirlew
Co-Founder Inner Being LLC
Yoga Instructor E-RYT 200, SEL Certified, Mindfulness Certification
& Epilepsy First Aid Certified,
CEO of AKD Wellness LLC
Annette is passionate about working with adults and students of all and backgrounds. Since 2018, she has been facilitating classes in the Peekskill City School District, tailored for students, faculty, and families, including individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In addition to her classes, Annette leads yoga and wellness workshops for her "warriors of life" at Drum Hill Senior Living Facility and other senior residences. As Co-Founder of Inner Being LLC, she focuses on workshop planning and curriculum development, ensuring her classes provide ease and balance in the present moment. Join Annette on your chair or mat; she will meet you exactly where you are.
Jennifer Marvin
Yoga Instructor E-RYT 200
"The joy of learning to listen to the body is one that is not to be missed". This is at the core of Jennifer Marvin's being and what she teaches her many clients through the lens of Inspired Forrest Yoga. Jenn is a certified RYT 200-hour instructor with 2 Trauma-Informed Yoga Certificates, is certified through Forrest Yoga's 70-hour Advanced Teacher Training and holds over 400 hours (and counting) of recognized expertise. Jenn's approach is therapeutic, helping clients find relief from physical injuries, gain flexibility, increase strength, improve range of motion, reduce stress or anxiety and learn to breathe better. She helps those with addictive tendencies through decades of work in recovery communities. Classes, 1:1 private sessions and workshops are approached with curiosity, wonder, awe and fun providing students with a safe, sacred space always. Yoga's healings continue to bring Jenn to a deeper and profound relationship with the body. Helping others find deep connection with themselves in new and exciting ways, continues to inspire her work.
Jenny Fernandez
Yoga Instructor RYT 200
Reiki Practitioner
As a certified Hatha Yoga and Meditation Instructor Jenny graduated from "Whole Sky Yoga", in Stone Ridge, NY. Jenny is a longtime advocate for supportive ways that stimulate awareness of the mind-body connection. As such, she has further and diverse education in nutrition and wellness, including certifications in Integrative Nutrition and (IIN Graduate), Reiki and Ayurveda. Jenny is also the CEO and Founder of Awaken Your Awareness (AYA) Health Coaching in Peekskill, NY and AYA Hummus, a nutritionally elevated hummus which aims to fuel well being.
Xenia Vazquez
Yoga Instructor RYT 200
Welcome to my yoga practice! I'm Xenia from Peekskill, NY, and I've dedicated my life to working children and individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. As a college student, I’ve discovered the transformative power of yoga, which allows me to reconnect with my true self through self-reflection and growth. Join me on the mat where we embrace presence and leave judgment behind—let’s embark on this journey!
Elana Master
Yoga Instructor RYT 200
Elana Master, a Putnam Valley resident and Hudson Valley native, brings 20 years of diverse yoga and teaching experience to Inner Being Yoga. Founder of Healing Yoga with Elana, she offers online and private sessions, workshops, and retreats following a transformative health journey. Through exploration of various spiritual practices and personal healing, including yoga, meditation, and connecting with chakras, Elana discovered the power of inner transformation. She believes in the capacity of each individual to heal themselves and the world, one breath at a time, and invites others to join her on this journey inward.
Emma LaBarbera
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Yoga Instructor RYT 200
Reiki Practitioner - Level 2 Usui Shiki Ryoho lineage
Emma is a New York native with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and extensive experience working with children in varying capacities. Emma is also a writer, artist, and musician with a deep love for wellbeing and spirituality. She was first introduced to the Yogic philosophy during a time in her life that called for reflection and taking back her holistic health. She soon learned the interconnectedness between mental, emotional, behavioral, physical and spiritual health and sees how one can’t exist without the others. She is also still unwinding perfectionism ;) and believes life, and its beings, are always teaching you. Emma also strongly believes that caring for and loving the self is a brave act of collective change. You can expect Emma’s guidance to be super meditative and slow–as is her nature–and a bit wild, letting your expression and movements flow without much thought. Emma continues to pulse healing through her writing and art practice, as well as pursue alternative long-term mind-body holistic practices.
Chloe Wareham-Gordan
Yoga Instructor RYT 200
Chloe Wareham-Gordon is a dancer, yoga teacher, and social media strategist with a profound dedication to movement, wellness, and community. Beginning her dance journey as a scholarship student at The Ailey School’s Junior Division, she balanced this with attending the Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) as an Ailey dance major, training for over six hours daily. Awarded PPAS’s Crystal Stair Award for courage, character, and endurance, Chloe continued her studies at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, earning a BFA in Dance Performance and Pedagogy with a concentration in Ballet. Her professional experience includes performing in ballet companies, with potential future guest performances. In 2016, Chloe completed her 200-hour certification in Vinyasa yoga under Sandy Delgado of Savvy Soul Yoga. She has since taught thousands of hours, including children’s yoga and a range of Vinyasa flows from restorative to power yoga. Certified through the Mark Morris Dance Center’s Dance for PD program, Chloe also teaches both dance and yoga specifically for Parkinson’s, blending her skills to support participants’ mobility and joy in movement. Her teaching is enriched by her anatomy and physiology expertise, offering a nuanced understanding of the body and a dynamic, dance-inspired approach. In addition to her work in dance and yoga, Chloe founded a digital media management agency, where she curates content for a diverse client base. Known for creating high-retention, organically viral content, Chloe has produced over 1,000 videos with 50,000+ views, recognized for her strategic approach. Recently honored as the 2024 Young Professional of the Year, Chloe continues to inspire and connect through her work in both wellness and digital media.
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Richard Hunter
Yoga Instructor RYT 200
Richard Hunter began his yogic journey inward 20 years ago at a children’s yoga class and has kept a practice ever since. Yoga is part of his family! His father is a yoga teacher with Three and a Half Acres; his mother practices daily.
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Richard began his teaching journey five years ago, leading an impromptu peer group during recreation time at St. Christopher’s Inn, a rehab and men’s shelter. Yoga was instrumental in his early recovery, and now, five years later, he remains dedicated to his own journey while helping others find healing through yoga. As such he went on to obtain his RYT 200-hour teacher training certification from ISHTA (Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda) in Manhattan after receiving a full scholarship from the Department of Education for vocational training. He studied and apprenticed under accomplished authors and world recognized masters Yogiraj Alan Finger, Yogiraj Mona Anad, Peter Farko, and Wendy Newton. His specialties are in Yoga Nidra meditation, restorative yoga, and chair yoga.
Under his continued NY DoE scholarship he is earning his 300 hour certification from ISHTA and is expected to be an RYT 500 by July. He also has a Trauma-Informed certification from Three and a Half Acres, a charity he and his father work with in providing accessible chair yoga to rehabs and community centers in Harlem. You can find him during the full moon leading a Nidra meditation with the sound bath healing group Bruja Bianca and the Moonlight Ensemble!
Candace Lynn Matthews
Yoga Instructor RYT 200
Meet Candace, a proud Bronx native with Puerto Rican and Chilean roots. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Opera Performance from the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College and a Master's from the Aaron Copland School of Music, showcasing her extensive expertise in the arts. Candace is also a certified RYT 200-hour yoga instructor from Core Power Studio in NYC, which she seamlessly incorporates into her role as an assistant director and private music instructor at Bach to Rock in Mamaroneck. With a strong passion merging music and wellness, she continues to offer private lessons in voice and ukulele while performing actively throughout NYC.
Isabella Millan-Pedraza
Yoga Instructor RYT 200
Isabella's vibrant energy and eagerness to learn create a harmonious balance in her wellness practice. Her passion for helping students thrive shines through in every session, fostering a supportive and uplifting environment. With Isabella, you can expect journey of growth and well-being that inspires and motivates. Join her to experience the transformative power of wellness!
Stephanie Conte
Yoga Instructor RYT 200
Reiki Practitioner
Stephanie is a high school social studies teacher, holding dual certifications in general and special education. She currently teaches yoga and wellness at Newburgh Free Academy in Orange County, NY in addition to teaching students and private clients for Inner Being LLC in Northern Westchester. Stephanie's yoga journey began in 2016 and it has transformed her life. Her goal is to help students and adults realize their potential, understand that true transformation and peace come from within, and that healing the self is the first step in the journey to healing humanity.
Bari Ruck
Yoga Instructor RYT 200
"When we begin to live in the body again, we discover that we have an internal environment that is as rich as that of any country and in a constant state of flux and change" Donna Farhi, Bringing Yoga to Life.
I have been in the world of Yoga Teaching, Massage Therapy, and Energy Work for about 15 years. I have worked with people going through cancer and chronic illness,
caregivers, community colleges, at a local JCC and privately. I had practiced Yoga and Meditation personally off and on over the years before being trained as a teacher. It was and still is tremendously helpful for me in facing my own issues of anxiety and fear.
It is my belief that anyone who wants to do Yoga can do it. It is a very personal and adaptable practice. My teaching style is designed to empower people to connect with, find ease and love in their own bodies. It is an eclectic practice because I include teachings from various forms that I have studied over the years. It is my great joy to share what I continue learn with anyone who is willing to show up and give it a try.
Frankie Sibrizzi
Yoga Instructor RYT 200 in Training
Hi, My name is Frankie and I am 22 years old. I live in Wappingers Falls, NY and attend college classes at the Successful Learning Center in Pleasantville, NY. My passions include Art, Yoga and My Family.
I have been doing yoga since I was very little, a lot of the poses are similar to the work I did with my Physical Therapist at a young age.
I became actively involved in yoga about 4 years ago when my father passed away in 2018. I was looking for tools to deal with the grief and yoga became a great part of my life.
I am extremely excited for the opportunity to work with Inner Being LLC. As a person with Special Needs, being considered for this scholarship makes me feel "Recognized".
I am proud to say that I was one of the first students with Special Needs to attend yoga classes in the Peekskill City School District with Inner Being LLC. My Mom & Sister have been very instrumental in securing wellness opportunities for me and other students with Special Needs. I have been a student since 2018 at Inner Being LLC.
After my first class I decided the Yoga & Wellness needed to be part of my life because of all the benefits it provides me.
The support, kindness & recognition I have received by these amazing people has been overwhelming and I am so happy & grateful to have an opportunity to deepen my practice and share wellness with others in a safe and supportive space. I am very grateful to Karen and Annette for considering me for this awesome opportunity and helping me make my dream a reality!
Jenn Holdman, a Peekskill resident and Hudson Valley native, believes yoga should be for everyone—all ages, all bodies, all abilities. With 25 years experience as a speech-language pathologist, she has a deep understanding of how people move, learn, and connect in different ways. Her experience in communication, motivation, and inclusive teaching, will make yoga feel welcoming, accessible, and fun.
She celebrates difference, supports individual needs, and believes movement is a powerful way to feel good—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Jenn is looking forward to moving, breathing, and growing with you.
Yoga Instructor RYT 200 in Training
Jenn Holdman
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Katherine Brooks
Teaching Artist
Katherine has more than 25 years of experience in the field, working with children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. Her enthusiasm for teaching shines at Inner Being Yoga, where she is our bilingual teacher's assistant. Katherine enjoys guiding and supporting the Inner Being LLC community, fostering a nurturing and enriching atmosphere for everyone.
Joseph Detres
Teaching Artist
Meet Joseph, a dedicated Teaching Artist who began his journey in 2018 assisting students with special needs and their families. Joseph is a Junior at Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York, where he is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.
Outside of his studies, Joseph loves reading, working out, and practicing yoga to maintain his well-being. His dedication and community spirit shine through as he volunteers at food drives and nursing homes, making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Joshua Faulkner
Teaching Artist / Workshop Coordinator
Joshua has been practicing yoga since the age of 11 with his mother. In 2018 he became a Teaching Artist assisting in classes with the students of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families. Joshua is a Junior at the University of Connecticut studying Engineering. He is a great young man with a passion to learn & teach. His leadership skills & the ability to engage with everyone is unique. Joshua's brilliant smile & support makes it easy to breathe.
Jordan Faulkner
Lead Transitions Workshop Facilitator
Jordan has Graduated with his master's in criminology from Fairleigh Dickenson University. Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge & positive energy when facilitating wellness workshops for individuals preparing to re-enter the general population after serving time in a correctional and/or behavioral institution. Jordan facilitates a safe space for individuals to share & plan ahead for a successful transition by reminding them of the Wellness tools & practices that are readily available to them. Jordan's time spent interning at the Kintock Group has brought him a wealth of knowledge as to how our wellness work impacts the life of those who have taken a wrong turn but are committed to redirecting their journey. Jordan truly believes that Wellness should be available, accessible & affordable to all.
Randy Basdeo
Transition Facilitator
Randy oversees organizational transitions, setting clear objectives and timelines to ensure smooth changes while maintaining our yoga practice’s core values and philosophy. He plays a key role in facilitating communication and supporting the Lead Transition Facilitator, ensuring seamless transitions. With his extensive background in HVAC, Randy understands the importance of creating a comfortable, controlled environment for yoga. Additionally, he recognizes how incorporating yoga into daily routines benefits those in physically demanding jobs, while also enhancing community outreach by promoting wellness across diverse sectors.
Colleen Klimek
Business Assistant
Colleen met Karen over 23 years ago when they were each pregnant with their first child. They became fast friends and have been best friends ever since. Over the years, they raised their boys together and Colleen has truly enjoyed watching Karen turn her passion for health & wellness into a successful business. Karen has always wanted to help the underserved and Colleen is proud to be a part of this mission.
In addition to her position with Inner Being, Colleen also works at a local library. She enjoys connecting with people and being a part of something that serves the community.
Colleen’s interests include singing, dancing, and theater. For over a decade, she has been a member of an all-female choral group that performs at local libraries and retirement communities. The joy that these performances bring to these communities has been extremely rewarding.
Dara Mansur
Educational and Inclusive
Practices Advisor
Dara Mansur has been working with special populations for nearly 25 years. She started her special education career in 2000, working as a teacher in the Adolescent Therapeutic Day School at University Behavioral Health Care in New Jersey. She taught art and mathematics there for nearly 10 years before returning to school for her Master’s in Education, with a concentration in Educational Psychology. After receiving her M.Ed. from Edinboro University, she and her husband moved to New York, where she began working at Frederick Douglass Academy II in Harlem. She was an ICT teacher in the areas of science and English, eventually taking the position of IEP Coordinator. She was awarded tenure in 2015, and finished out the 2016 academic school year before taking some time off to start a family. While at home with her young son, Dara went back to graduate school to earn her Advanced Certificate in Special Education at Long Island University. Over the course of her career, she has been awarded tenure from N.Y.C. Department of Education in 2015, and she earned the University Behavioral Health Care Employee Excellence Award in 2010, as well as the Teachers of Tomorrow Award from the D.O.E. in 2014. While at home with her growing son back in 2018, Dara also began her longstanding relationship with Karen and Annette at Inner Being Yoga, first as a client in the studio with her toddler “assisting” her poses, and later as an advisor to the business on special populations and their unique strengths and needs. She went back to work as an ELA teacher at Shrub Oak International School in 2019, and assumed the supervisory position of Education Coordinator in 2021. She has maintained both a personal and professional relationship with Inner Being Yoga, with some of her S.O.I.S. students taking advantage of internship opportunities at Inner Being, and Dara taking advantage of wellness gatherings with Inner Being and its network of amazing organizational partners.
Regina Taylor
Developmental Disabilities Consultant
Regina, a Bronx native now living in Westchester, boasts 30 years of experience in OPWDD/OMH, specializing in Early Intervention, Care Management, and Executive Leadership. In January 2022, she founded RTT Investigations, where she serves as a consultant for various OPWDD agencies, focusing on Quality Assurance. A transformative moment occurred in October 2024 when her passion for yoga intersected with her work in OPWDD through IAHD. Inspired by her older sister with disabilities, Regina is deeply committed to supporting individuals with different abilities, embodying patience and understanding in all her endeavors.
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