Teachers

meet your teaching team in Riverdale, Bronx

Serving Riverdale, Inwood, YonkersWestchester and beyond

Ben Alpern

Ben Alpern

Co-owner · Reiki · QHHT

My classes are built to calm your nervous system, ease tension in the body, and help you feel more alive.

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I'm a Reiki master, a certified QHHT hypnotherapist, and the co-owner and a lifelong teacher here at the studio. My classes are built to calm your nervous system, ease tension in the body, and help you feel more alive.

I'll push you physically in class — enough to find your edges, and enough to learn where they are and respect them. Once you know your boundaries, yoga becomes a way to deepen your relationship with your body and grow at your own pace.

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Deborah Sabalusky

Deborah Sabalusky

Co-owner · Meditation

My approach to meditation uses continuous body grounding cues to help still the mind.

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I’m a co-owner of the studio and have been a yogi for more than two decades. I began meditating regularly in 2022 to help manage brain fog and re-find myself while going through the early stages of divorce as a single parent.

My unique approach to meditation uses continuous body grounding cues to help still the mind and make the benefits of meditation more accessible so that everyone can strengthen their relationship with their body, leading to a vibrant, fulfilling life.

I often teach a meditation about the pearl — how pain held in the body can slowly become something luminous. We carry that same alchemy in us. We can take what hurts and let it turn into something beautiful.

I offer guided meditation recordings for purchase, so you can stay connected to your breath and grounding practice between studio visits, especially on the days life doesn't leave room for a full class.

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Kendra Jackson

Kendra Jackson

Yoga · Ayurveda

Beginners hold a special place in my heart.

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I’ve been teaching yoga since 2006 and working as an Ayurvedic health counselor since 2017. My love for both has grown with every year, and I’m grateful for each chance to share them with you.

Each season I lead the Beginners Yoga Series, a four-week course that takes you from your very first breath and pose to a full, connected practice.

My Vinyasa 1 class on Wednesdays at 6 pm is great for newer students, offering a steady, accessible flow where your inhale and exhale set the pace.

Right after, at 7:15 pm, I teach Restorative & Sound Bath, where we settle into supported postures and then listen to healing crystal bowls.

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Deb Serri

Deb Serri

Vinyasa

I believe that yoga is for any body, and my teaching offers modifications for all levels, preferences, and injuries.

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I’ve been practicing yoga for over 10 years. My relationship with the practice began as a physical replacement for soccer following multiple knee surgeries. It has since grown into a deep appreciation for what yoga brings to my life by going inside myself and being present on my mat. I believe that yoga is for any body, and my teaching offers modifications for all levels, preferences, and injuries. Nobody starts their yoga practice being flexible! I live in Riverdale with my family and I’m excited to share my love for yoga with others in the Riverdale community!

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Jocelyn Jeffries

Jocelyn Jeffries

Yoga Sculpt

My goal is to make yoga accessible to everyone, meeting students where they are.

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Yoga is my happy place and I’ve always wanted to share its benefits with others. After retiring as a registered nurse, I received my 200 hour teaching training from Heights Meditation and Yoga.

My goal is to make yoga accessible to everyone. I do this by meeting students where they are, offering modifications throughout the practice and encouraging students to take a challenge when ready.

I look forward to meeting you!

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Shawna Emerick

Shawna Emerick

Vinyasa · Thai Massage

I’m a trauma informed yoga instructor and teacher trainer with more than 21 years of teaching.

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I’m a trauma informed yoga instructor and yoga teacher trainer with well over 1,000 hours of certifications and more than 21 years of teaching. I’m a Thai massage therapist, Life Coach for Transformation, Mindfulness Meditation teacher, and an integrative somatic facilitator.

My passion is supporting others' healing and drawing out their inner wisdom in order to live from their most authentic place of heart.

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Harold Hidalgo

Harold Hidalgo

Hatha Yoga

I guide people toward balance and renewal in a world that rarely slows down.

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I guide people toward balance and renewal in a world that rarely slows down.

As a dedicated practitioner for over a decade, I've experienced firsthand the power of yoga. After a spinal injury that was headed toward surgery, yoga became part of how I healed — helping me quiet my mind, restore my energy, and manage my recovery. Now I share those same tools with others, helping them release stress, build resilience, and find a calmer way of living.

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I’m a NYC dancer, teaching artist, and choreographer.

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I’m a NYC dancer, teaching artist, and choreographer. As a member of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, I’ve performed on stages all over the world, and was featured on PBS’ Dance in America, in the short film The Pink Pony, and on the cover of Dancers Among Us, by Jordan Matter.

Since 2011, I’ve been studying and performing with the acclaimed dancer and educator Margie Gillis, with a focus on soul connected, improvisatory movement for healing and transformation. I am also the creator of Dancing Amulets, a collection of magical gemstone jewelry, handmade in Riverdale.

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Five stars, 130+ times over

  • “If you read one review, let it be this one. I couldn’t speak highly enough of this sanctuary and we are so lucky to have them in Riverdale… Ben’s elite proficiency in yoga & pilates is what gets bodies in the room — the delicate poetry of his artistry (especially in cueing) is why he keeps them! Deborah’s Tuesday night candlelight class is home base for me! The kindest hearted teacher you’ll ever meet, her class feels equally like a massage for the body and a hug for the mind! Jocelyn’s Monday night yoga sculpt packs a punch! Don’t underestimate this super sweet & petite lady — she will have you sweating like you’ve never sweat before! Kara’s pilates classes totally got me hooked on what was otherwise such a daunting subject! Never easy but always so fun… Kendra’s restorative yoga for deep sleep classes are my favorite way to unwind — you’ll learn things you can immediately use at home… What started on a whim truly could not have developed into a more foundational part of my life.”

    Alana M., Google review