Karen D. Faulkner

In addition to earning my MWBE certification (Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) becoming a Teaching Artist by far, has been one of my greatest achievements. Art takes many forms, and our practice combines the art of intentional, representational movement with the art of  connecting the breath to the body. Yoga is a dance of wellness that incorporates all elements of the practitioner: mind, body, and spirit.  I fell in love with yoga in the year 2005 and my passion for it has led me down the path of self-discovery, self-love, self-kindness, and self-acceptance. My journey started as a fleeting moment when my sons Jordan & Joshua were small and I needed some basic movement in my body, to balance the intensity of being a daily runner. After a period of significant personal trauma and loss, I knew that I needed something more to attend to my mental health, and a way to find a more gentle, sustainable means to honor my body and my mind. This wellness journey directed me towards deepening my training and attaining my certification as a RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher) in 2018.  That same year, I was also diagnosed with congestive heart failure, which made me re-evaluate my life, my presence in the world, and how I could best serve my own wellness needs. Yoga was a means to do this. As I navigated the journey ahead, I realized that I could bring this same sense of wellness, purpose, and healing to others in the community. I have dedicated myself to bringing the art of yoga to a wide range of people who may not think of this practice as something that is readily available to them.

I value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I make sure that this practice is available, accessible and affordable to all. I run and offer courses through my business- Inner Being Yoga.

I received my Certified Yoga Instructor certification in May 2018, with more than 200 hours of Vinyasa Training. I attended Hostos Community College (Bronx, NY), and received training at Breathe for Change Organization for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) facilitator, and New Skills Academy for Mindfulness Certification. I am also certified to work with students with special needs through the New York State Education Department and approved to work with families with special needs through OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities).

Since 2018, I have been dedicated to teaching individuals, small groups, elementary, middle, and high school students, special needs populations, and seniors in a wide variety of settings. I have been an integral part of the Peekskill Public School System since 2018, having taught in all six of the district schools, including faculty yoga. I have led other classes at senior centers, local nonprofit spaces, community centers, private homes, and local houses of worship. My dedication to inclusion and diversity means that I donate my work to those who need and benefit from an accepting and safe space. I have experience incorporating the visual arts (painting) and literary arts (journaling) into my lessons.