We are primarily a Vinyasa Yoga studio, though we are incorporating, core strength, massage and other mind-body disciplines we feel complement the Quest for inner and outer fitness. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Vinyasa Flow…it is, in short, a very fluid creative style of practice where the movement is driven by the music of the breath and the classroom journey unfolds in delicious and exciting ways. It is also one heck of a workout…for the body yes…but for the mind and the spirit as well. What makes Quest particularly wonderful is our warm and accepting vibe…which allows for your journey to unfold in an environment of safety and joy.
Meet the Quest Family...
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Susan Draper
Owner of Quest Yoga Arts and Yoga Teacher
When I hear myself say that I own a yoga studio I still think, “Pinch me. I must be dreaming.” Several years ago a close family friend was visiting and showed my very flexible, then eight year old daughter some yoga poses. Much to her delight, within minutes Alexis was up in crow, displaying a beautiful wheel and performing an arm balance while in the lotus position. Things should only happen so quickly for the rest of us! I wasn’t surprised when she announced that she wanted to attend a yoga class. Fortuitously, a kid’s class was just beginning to take shape at what was then Sonic Yoga. Anyone who knows me would know that I wouldn’t just sit and wait for Alexis while an opportunity to take on a new form of fitness was at hand - after all I am a personal trainer. As I began taking classes I fell in love with this studio. I kept finding weekly classes that I just couldn’t miss! When it was announced that the studio was closing I just couldn’t let that happen. I have found these instructors to be incredibly inspiring as well as filled with great warmth. They bring a beautiful energy that complements this wonderful light filled space. I have now completed my certification through Sonic Yoga NYC and have proudly joined the ranks of the teaching staff. Please come join us as we practice yoga in what is now called Quest Yoga Arts.
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Johanna Aldrich
Visiting Yoga Teacher
I came to yoga by way of a career in the arts as a performer, choreographer, and director. My classes will always take you on a ride. They are creative, lyrical and sweaty and move you into a deeper state of self awareness with humor and lots of love. I am particularly inspired by my mentors, Lauren Hanna and Jonathan Fields at Sonic Yoga NYC, where I am also a senior teacher and member of the teacher training staff... and by Sri Dharma Mittra from whom I received my Advanced Level Certification. In addition, I am extremely honored to have been chosen as an ambassador for Lululemon Athletica for 2008-9. For more about me, visit www.illuminayoga.com
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Wendy Boller
Anusara Yoga Instructor
Injury brought me to yoga. The Anusara Principles of Alignment gave me the tools to heal and strengthen. The serious playfulness of the Anusara teachings and practice enticed me to stay, soften and play in the teachings that always offer more. My classes are light in atmosphere and challenging in practice. I deeply honor John Friend and Anusara Yoga & Douglas Brooks and Rajanaka Tantra.
Ella Luckett
Visiting Yoga Teacher
For eight years Ella has been teaching yoga classes on both the east and west coasts of the US. As a former dancer, Ella found that yoga was a great way to free the body and soul, and began pursuing both the physical, and philosophical aspects of the practice. Today she is still passionate about learning as well as teaching, and this is what keeps her classes filled with inspiration. Ella’s classes are a strong Vinyasa flow with a meditative atmosphere and a daily splash of humor. In the words of more than one student: "I came because I needed a little 'Ella' today!"
Victoria Pauline
Yoga Teacher
My personal yoga practice began in 1994. Every time I went to Kripalu for R&R I would take a gentle yoga class. I would stay in the back of the room just in case I couldn't "keep up." Fibromyalgia and depression had slowed me down and made me cautious. Gradually over time I began to notice subtle, positive changes in both my physical condition and my mood. I was becoming more flexible and relaxed both on and off the mat. With the development of witness consciousness I became more in control of my self, less reactive, more present and stable. As a 500 hour professional level Kripalu yoga teacher and a
Satya Franche
Yoga Teacher
Satya Franche has been teaching yoga in centers and privately throughout the Westchester, Putnam and
Jane Beltz
Yoga Teacher
Jane began her yoga career over 20 years ago at the Iyengar Institute in San Francisco. After studying there for three years and receiving her teacher training certificate, she went on to study with Swami Saropananda of Sivananda Yoga, John Friend of Anusara Yoga, and also at Tibetan Heart Yoga with Geshe Micheal. Jane has also studied Kundalini Yoga with various Khalsa's and is a certified Kundalini yoga teacher. Jane’s unique classes combine elements of all the yoga disciplines she has studied throughout the years. Throughout her career, Jane has taught classes in Washington D.C., New York City, and the East End of Long Island.
Michelle Weiss
Yoga Teacher
At the age of 18, Michelle fell in love with the serenity and focus that practicing yoga brought her. She took her first Vinyasa yoga class at Quest Yoga Arts (formally Sonic Yoga) in March 2007 and found her true calling. She became instantly hooked on the boost in endurance, strength, flexibility, focus and peace of mind she felt. She greatly wanted others to experience these same benefits, and one week later signed up for her teacher training. Ever since, Vinyasa yoga has become Michelle's passion.
Since receiving her certification in July 2007, Michelle has studied closely with some of NYC's most dynamic and inspirational teachers. In addition to her certification, she completed two mentor programs at Sonic Yoga and PURE Yoga in New York City. Michelle emulates her mentors by teaching her students to continually challenge themselves and push their abilities towards the next level of their practice, no matter where their start point may be. She also encourages her students to overcome their fears and start to fly, whether on or off the mat. Michelle prefers to bring a purpose to each practice, each pose and each breath. Michelle is inspired by the way her daughter Ma'ayan explores the world with clear eyes and a pure heart, while being uninhibited and expressing her true self. She aspires to teach her students how to incorporate these ideas into their practice and into their lives.
Yoga Teacher
Jessica Outlaw has been teaching yoga in the New York City area since 1999. Her teaching approach and personal practice owe a debt of gratitude to the many teachers and styles of yoga she has studied over the past 15 years. She has been greatly influenced by Shiva Rea, Om Yoga, Laughing Lotus, Kula Yoga Project, Anusara and Iyengar Yoga. Within the nurturing and safe environment she creates Jessica leads her students on path of self-discovery by encouraging them to practice with intelligence, mindfulness and curiosity. She enjoys bringing the practice to ever widening audiences and populations to expand its therapeutic and fitness benefits to all.
Jessica continues to be an active member of the community, both as a teacher and as a mentor bringing the power of yoga to pregnant teenagers in foster care at Inwood House, to recovering substance abusers at the Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center, to inner city youth at Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters, and to college-age women at leadership training retreats at the Woodhull Institute. Jessica is also a Holistic Health Counselor and DONA trained Doula.
Wendy Hagen
Yoga Teacher
Wendy Hagen has been teaching yoga, cycle, fitness, and pilates since 1990. She began teaching classes while in graduate school getting her masters degree in education. She grew up in the
Her special area of focus is on assisting clients to develop a deeper awareness and connection between their minds and their bodies. For Wendy, one of the greatest joys is helping people to discover yoga. She has studied yoga asana, philosophy and Sanskrit for the past 10 years. She is a 500hour certified Yoga Alliance instructor who has led workshops and retreats throughout the country. Her fitness certifications are from AFAA, AAAI, and Johnny G Spin, and her Reformer and Mat Pilates certifications are from Powerhouse Pilates. In her free time, she enjoys travelling and spending quiet time with her family and friends.
She’d like to express her heartfelt gratitude to her teachers Debi DiPeso, Sharon Gannon, David Life, Todd Norian, John Friend, Thict Nhat Hahn and Swami Satchidananda for their inspiration and guidance.
Colleen Breeckner
Yoga Teacher
Colleen Breeckner has been a student of Yoga for more than 16 years. She received her 200 hour Teacher Training Certification in 2005 from Lotus Gardens in Sherman, CT. Since having received her RYT certification she has continued her Yoga in the Anusara tradition. She is currently pursuing Anusara certification. She feels Anusara Yoga aligns with her highest intention; to serve all beings on their path toward their own awakening. Her fluid, yet focused style of conducting her classes seems to evoke the ideal atmosphere for yoga. They are freeing, but at the same time disciplined. She continues to pursue learning in all areas of the practice including: meditation, pranayama, philosophy and other forms of movement. It is evident she deeply enjoys the art of yoga, and is a passionate and caring instructor.
Colleen is proficient at teaching all age levels. She leads workshops and classes for adults, teens and children throughout Connecticut and in New York. Colleen extends heartfelt appreciation to all her teachers past and present. She feels her work is intended to help others find their own personal path and invites you to experience the inward and outward transformations that Yoga can offer.
Karla Diamond
Yoga Teacher
Corey E. Esannason
Yoga Teacher
Corey is a kid at heart--constantly moving and constantly curious. She discovered yoga as a dance major at Skidmore College, and has been an avid practitioner ever since. Amazed by yoga’s unique and constant opportunity for mental and physical discovery, her practice led her to Om Yoga Center in 2003 where she completed her teacher training. Additionally she has received pre-natal and children’s certifications through Janice Clarfield, Karma Kids Yoga and Yoga Ed. Corey’s classes are a creative vinyasa flow with attention to alignment and breath. In class, she uses her playful nature to create a safe and encouraging environment in which students can explore, challenge and discover. Corey is grateful to all of her teachers who have shared their knowledge and is continuously inspired by her students.
Shira Bieler
Yoga Teacher
Shira began her teacher training at The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts, where she was certified though the Yoga
Adrienne Eppner
Yoga Teacher
Adrienne Eppner, RYT-200, discovered yoga in 1995
and in 2008 began her journey to guide others through
the benefits of a regular yoga practice.
She is certified in a Vinyasa Flow style of
yoga (levels 1-5) and also teaches Pre-natal/Post-natal,
Kids, Seniors, Restorative, Therapeutic and Yin style
yoga. Adrienne empowers her students to listen to their body,
be in the moment and use their breath awareness to
have a safe, fun and rejuvenating practice.
Susan Schrott
Yoga Teacher
A Certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Artist. She teaches yoga to mental and medical health professionals in an effort to bring yoga to a broader community and to those in need of healing. She has been practicing yoga since she was 13, studied dance at the School of American Ballet and Martha Graham and is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. Now in her mid-50’s her dedication to teaching yoga has flourished. Susan’s passionate approach to teaching is contagious and inspirational. She is deeply grateful to her mentors Devarshi Steven Hartman and Jurian Hughes. Her intention in all of her classes is to inspire compassion in her students.
Bethany Sax Yoga Teacher Bethany uncovered her path to a yogic way of life through 15 years of learning and practicing a variety of self-knowledge and healing modalities including yoga, art therapy, psychotherapy, astrology and shamanism. Since 2003, she has taken yoga classes in various styles: Kripalu, Vinyasa, Astanga and Kundalini. The yoga of self-awareness, Kundalini Yoga, resonated for her. In 2010 she became a KRI-certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher by completing a 200-hour training at Golden Temple Yoga in Katohah, NY.
