Community Heals
Pawling Yoga & Wellness (PYW) is a not-for-profit organization. We rely on contributions and grants so that our programming can be offered on a Pay What You Can basis.
PYW holds passion and accountability in making holistic wellness practices accessible to all of our neighbors. Weekly classes, wellness services, workshops, and community-building opportunities are all offered on this sliding scale.
We envision a world where all beings have a sense of belonging; where no one is without the means for sustaining wellness, vitality, enrichment, connection, and nourishment. Yoga and Wellness.
TEACHERS

Gabrielle Semel
ERYT 500, AHC

Gabrielle Semel
ERYT 500, AHC
Yoga Teacher. Yoga Therapist. Ayurvedic Health Counselor. Breath guide. Nature lover. Wellness advocate. Space Holder. Loving force. As Founder of Pawling Yoga & Wellness, Gabrielle is committed to sharing the wisdom of the healing sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda. Her primary intention in her work is to connect with each individual, to hold the space for healing, and offer guidance that honors and embraces where one is on his/her own path. The innate healing wisdom of the elements resides within; Gabrielle’s gift is offering means to access this wisdom.
A graduate of Rutgers University with a BS in Exercise Physiology, Gabrielle moved on to yoga to broaden her understanding of movement and the body-mind complex. Her training began with Amy Pearce-Hayden for 200-Hour Teacher Training certification at The RajaHatha School of Yoga in 2006, and four years later traveled the path of the 500-Hour Teacher Training with certification in 2011.
Inspired by her students, and with a commitment to learning and devotion to service, Gabrielle continues to dive deeper in search of a broader understanding of the healing process. She has studied the power of breath with Leslie Kaminoff at The Breathing Project in New York City, and currently has the privilege of studying Ayurvedic Medicine with Dr. Somesh Kaushik at his Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic in Cross River, NY.
A graduate of Rutgers University with a BS in Exercise Physiology, Gabrielle moved on to yoga to broaden her understanding of movement and the body-mind complex. Her training began with Amy Pearce-Hayden for 200-Hour Teacher Training certification at The RajaHatha School of Yoga in 2006, and four years later traveled the path of the 500-Hour Teacher Training with certification in 2011.
Inspired by her students, and with a commitment to learning and devotion to service, Gabrielle continues to dive deeper in search of a broader understanding of the healing process. She has studied the power of breath with Leslie Kaminoff at The Breathing Project in New York City, and currently has the privilege of studying Ayurvedic Medicine with Dr. Somesh Kaushik at his Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic in Cross River, NY.

Terry Ariano
RYT

Terry Ariano
RYT
Terry Ariano has had an involvement with yoga since discovering it during her high school years. In 1998, she started practicing regularly, and in 2005 met teacher Amy Pearce Hayden in Holmes, NY. Terry immediately felt a shift in her approach to yoga, attempting to go further with her physical practice than she had ever thought possible for her body. Physical obstacles began to release, and she felt an expansive growth in her physical abilities, an increased stamina and pleasure in doing a more strenuous practice.Following an illness, she enrolled in teacher training with Pearce Hayden, when “the spiritual aspects of yoga became relevant in my life. Yoga is really responsible for keeping me sane throughout the whole ordeal. Once I came through it and felt my energy level returning, I decided to continue that spiritual exploration by enrolling in teacher training, as a sort of immersion recovery vehicle.” She received her 200 hour certification in 2006. She has taught since then at many yoga studios and locations throughout the Hudson Valley.
”Yoga as a physical and spiritual practice has enriched and grounded my life. I have come to recognize the interconnectedness of all Beings. I can recognize yoga as present in every aspect of daily life, and am a continual student in learning to integrate yoga philosophy on and off the mat. Yoga has allowed me to improve my attitude and outlook in life, and filled me with a purposeful goal to accept the unchangeable in my life, and to work at expanding my level of consciousness.
In my classes, I strive to impart a sense of possibility to those who come to practice, to allow people to develop in their individual ways, and provide positive feedback while students find what works for them. I enjoy working with people who would not normally choose yoga as a physical practice, and help them understand how it can help them deal with aging and physical infirmity. As spirit and nature are very important in my life, I try to integrate these elements into classes, and encourage students to draw inspiration from the beauty and magic in the world around them.
”Yoga as a physical and spiritual practice has enriched and grounded my life. I have come to recognize the interconnectedness of all Beings. I can recognize yoga as present in every aspect of daily life, and am a continual student in learning to integrate yoga philosophy on and off the mat. Yoga has allowed me to improve my attitude and outlook in life, and filled me with a purposeful goal to accept the unchangeable in my life, and to work at expanding my level of consciousness.
In my classes, I strive to impart a sense of possibility to those who come to practice, to allow people to develop in their individual ways, and provide positive feedback while students find what works for them. I enjoy working with people who would not normally choose yoga as a physical practice, and help them understand how it can help them deal with aging and physical infirmity. As spirit and nature are very important in my life, I try to integrate these elements into classes, and encourage students to draw inspiration from the beauty and magic in the world around them.

Sifu Steven Reilly
Tai Chi Teacher

Sifu Steven Reilly
Tai Chi Teacher
Tai Chi, an internal art form and moving meditation, focuses on cultivating internal energy, which the Chinese refer to as "Chi". Like other internal arts, it is famous for calming the mind, relaxing the body, and strengthening the spirit. Some other benefits, which may sound much more practical in modern society, include boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, improving balance and strength, and counteracting depression and anxiety.
Sifu Steven Reilly has studied at Dragon & Crane, in Somers, NY, for over 10 years. He practices both Tai Chi and Shaolin Kung Fu under Master John Scattaretico. He is truly grateful for the opportunity to begin sharing this art with those who wish to learn. This weekly one-hour class will offer students an opened door to a world of movement, philosophy, and laughter. All skill levels are welcome, and beginners are especially encouraged!
Sifu Steven Reilly has studied at Dragon & Crane, in Somers, NY, for over 10 years. He practices both Tai Chi and Shaolin Kung Fu under Master John Scattaretico. He is truly grateful for the opportunity to begin sharing this art with those who wish to learn. This weekly one-hour class will offer students an opened door to a world of movement, philosophy, and laughter. All skill levels are welcome, and beginners are especially encouraged!

Robert Meko
RYT 500

Robert Meko
RYT 500
A Midwest native, Robert's exploration of yoga began during his college years in Indianapolis, where an unlikely blend of influences sparked his interest in the practice. After decades in the visual arts, he felt a desire for a more balanced life, leading him to seek an exchange - trading the isolation and stress of the art studio for the practices of connection and well-being found in the yoga studio.
As a 500hr Kripalu Certified Yoga teacher, Robert is passionate about guiding students towards the cultivation of meditative experiences through mindful movement, breathwork, and self-observation without judgment. His classes prioritize creating a safe and supportive foundation for exploration, encouraging self-discovery, and empowering students on their unique paths.
As a 500hr Kripalu Certified Yoga teacher, Robert is passionate about guiding students towards the cultivation of meditative experiences through mindful movement, breathwork, and self-observation without judgment. His classes prioritize creating a safe and supportive foundation for exploration, encouraging self-discovery, and empowering students on their unique paths.

Danielle DiCamillo
LCSW, RYT

Danielle DiCamillo
LCSW, RYT
For Danielle, cultivating a deep yoga practice was a natural extension of her lifelong study of dance and was the perfect way to integrate movement and the mind. Danielle completed her Dance and Psychology Degree at Hunter College and shortly after received her yoga certification from Laughing Lotus in 2008.
Danielle received her Masters in Social Work at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in 2014. She works as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice and utilizes her yoga and meditation practices to serve and empower communities throughout New York City. Danielle has worked as a clinician in both hospital and clinic settings. She has completed two trainings from the Trauma Conscious Yoga Institute along with attending mental health conferences and workshops specific to trauma and integrating yoga into the mental health system. Danielle’s yoga teaching is inspired both by her integrative background of her clinical practice and her vinyasa practice. Her classes emphasize alignment of the body with a moveable flow while maintaining connection to the breath. She incorporates all elements of the practice – physical, mental, and spiritual—to create a strong foundation for her students.
Danielle received her Masters in Social Work at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in 2014. She works as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice and utilizes her yoga and meditation practices to serve and empower communities throughout New York City. Danielle has worked as a clinician in both hospital and clinic settings. She has completed two trainings from the Trauma Conscious Yoga Institute along with attending mental health conferences and workshops specific to trauma and integrating yoga into the mental health system. Danielle’s yoga teaching is inspired both by her integrative background of her clinical practice and her vinyasa practice. Her classes emphasize alignment of the body with a moveable flow while maintaining connection to the breath. She incorporates all elements of the practice – physical, mental, and spiritual—to create a strong foundation for her students.

Sandy Trimarchi
RYT

Sandy Trimarchi
RYT
Sandy has been teaching yoga since 2011 after graduating from the Ratha- Hatha School of Yoga. Her yoga journey has been one of her greatest teacher’s. She feels that this practice of yoga is not exclusive to the mat but in all aspects of life. Sandy likes to bring a mindful, informative, challenging, grounding and fun class. Always something new with lots of modifications available.
Along with teaching yoga she is also a Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator and Lactation Counselor. Sandy enjoys Stand up Paddle Board Yoga in the summertime as well as hiking and kayaking.
Along with teaching yoga she is also a Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator and Lactation Counselor. Sandy enjoys Stand up Paddle Board Yoga in the summertime as well as hiking and kayaking.

Alma Pink
LMT, RYT

Alma Pink
LMT, RYT
Alma’s gift of touch began in 1995 when she became New York State licensed and nationally certified as a Massage Therapist.
Her intuitive connection to her clients’ needs grew over the years and inspired her to embark on a journey of exploring yoga. Alma’s Healing Hands massage therapy practice is currently located at Inner Balance Studio in Patterson, NY. Here she loves to help her clients on their own special inner journey, and has an innate capacity to use the healing power of touch to dissolve tension and release holding patterns.
Having trained with Amy Pearce-Hayden in 2008, Alma is a certified yoga teacher. Her skills allow her to combine her knowledge of the human body with her desire to help others find ease.
Her intuitive connection to her clients’ needs grew over the years and inspired her to embark on a journey of exploring yoga. Alma’s Healing Hands massage therapy practice is currently located at Inner Balance Studio in Patterson, NY. Here she loves to help her clients on their own special inner journey, and has an innate capacity to use the healing power of touch to dissolve tension and release holding patterns.
Having trained with Amy Pearce-Hayden in 2008, Alma is a certified yoga teacher. Her skills allow her to combine her knowledge of the human body with her desire to help others find ease.

Dawn Colabatistto
RYT
Dawn was introduced to yoga at the age of 48. Her first yoga teacher was very encouraging and kind. Dawn started to consider the possibility of becoming a yoga teacher after her youngest daughter went to high school.
She found Inner Balance Studio and decided to take the 200 hour teacher training course with Gabrielle Semel. The process was a life changing experience and she is grateful to Gabrielle for sharing her knowledge and craft.
Dawn is currently teaching yoga classes from her home and she is honored to be one of the teachers at the Pawling Yoga and Wellness. Her goal as a teacher is to create a relaxed environment that is encouraging and peaceful for all.
She found Inner Balance Studio and decided to take the 200 hour teacher training course with Gabrielle Semel. The process was a life changing experience and she is grateful to Gabrielle for sharing her knowledge and craft.
Dawn is currently teaching yoga classes from her home and she is honored to be one of the teachers at the Pawling Yoga and Wellness. Her goal as a teacher is to create a relaxed environment that is encouraging and peaceful for all.

Kristen Antzoulis
Teacher

Kristen Antzoulis
Teacher
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Kristen is a certified Pilates instructor and pre/post natal certified too. She pursued her passion for dance at a very young age and received a BFA from SUNY Purchase. She was inspired by Pilates when she discovered its endless benefits, managed her sciatica and transformed her body. She believes consistency and positivity in your Pilates practice allows for both mental and physical benefits. Her knowledge of the body and movement brings precision and creativity to her practice. Kristen focuses to help others obtain a healthier, stronger and happier body. She’s now a new mother and currently lives here in Pawling. She is looking forward to sharing her love for Pilates with her new community.

Danielle Riccardi
RYT
has a deep love for yoga’s transformative power, both on and off the mat. Her aim is to support students at all levels in cultivating mindfulness, strength, and flexibility. With a commitment to continued learning and growth, Danielle looks forward to sharing the joy and healing of yoga with others.

Michelle Pellegrinelli
RYT
I discovered yoga during my years living in Spain, where I explored the practice and developed a deep appreciation for its ability to create balance and calm. It wasn’t until 2022, after moving back to the States, that I truly fell in love with yoga as a transformative way of life. Encouraged by the physical, mental, and spiritual growth yoga brought to my life, I completed my teacher training with the inspiring Gabrielle Semel in 2024. This journey deepened not only my knowledge of yoga but also my gratitude for the vibrant and welcoming community I’ve found here in Pawling.Teaching yoga has become a way for me to give back to the community I cherish so much. I aim to create a space where everyone feels supported, connected, and empowered to explore their own practice—on and off the mat.
WELLNESS TEAM

Ian Bennett
Ian Bennett of Bennett Chiropractic and Wellness is a chiropractor who serves Pawling and the surrounding communities in New York.
Ian Bennett, DC uses chiropractic care to improve the health and wellness in all areas of patient’s lives, whether they are having problems with back pain or neck pain, or just want to start feeling better when they wake up in the morning. Dr. Bennett takes a “whole person” approach in chiropractic care, which means looking for the underlying causes of disease, discomfort, and pain, as opposed to just treating the symptoms. Dr. Bennett will be able to determine the root of the pain and create a personalized chiropractic and exercise plan to suit each patient’s individual needs. Under the supervision and care of our caring and skilled chiropractor, patients report higher functioning in all areas of their lives.
https://bennettchiropracticandwellness.com/
Ian Bennett, DC uses chiropractic care to improve the health and wellness in all areas of patient’s lives, whether they are having problems with back pain or neck pain, or just want to start feeling better when they wake up in the morning. Dr. Bennett takes a “whole person” approach in chiropractic care, which means looking for the underlying causes of disease, discomfort, and pain, as opposed to just treating the symptoms. Dr. Bennett will be able to determine the root of the pain and create a personalized chiropractic and exercise plan to suit each patient’s individual needs. Under the supervision and care of our caring and skilled chiropractor, patients report higher functioning in all areas of their lives.
https://bennettchiropracticandwellness.com/

Julie Johns, L.Ac.
My goal is your return to robust health. My patients know me to be gentle in technique, sympathetic in attitude, and knowledegable about Chinese medicine. I am honored to help release people from pain and aid in their recovery from disease.
I earned my Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and a BS degree in Health Sciences in a three year program at Mercy College which focused on acupuncture, theory of oriental medicine, Chinese herbology, health sciences, and clinical experience. This was a demanding curriculum which gave me an wealth of information and experience on which to build my practice.My first career was as a research assistant in two basic research laboratories, one at Stanford Medical School and the other at Weill Cornell Medical College. These experiences along with the BA degree in Biology I received from the University of California, Santa Cruz gave me a good grounding in science and the theories of allopathic (western) medicine.
https://www.juliejohnslac.com/
I earned my Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and a BS degree in Health Sciences in a three year program at Mercy College which focused on acupuncture, theory of oriental medicine, Chinese herbology, health sciences, and clinical experience. This was a demanding curriculum which gave me an wealth of information and experience on which to build my practice.My first career was as a research assistant in two basic research laboratories, one at Stanford Medical School and the other at Weill Cornell Medical College. These experiences along with the BA degree in Biology I received from the University of California, Santa Cruz gave me a good grounding in science and the theories of allopathic (western) medicine.
https://www.juliejohnslac.com/

Alma Pink, LMT, RYT
Alma’s gift of touch began in 1995 when she became New York State licensed and nationally certified as a Massage Therapist.
Her intuitive connection to her clients’ needs grew over the years and inspired her to embark on a journey of exploring yoga. Alma’s Healing Hands massage therapy practice was previously located at Inner Balance Studio in Patterson, N.Y. for the past 12 years. She since has relocated to Pawling to share space with Gabrielle at the Pawing Yoga and Wellness, were she loves to help her clients on their own special inner journey, and has an innate capacity to use the healing power of touch to dissolve tension and release holding patterns.
Having trained with Amy Pearce-Hayden in 2008, Alma is a certified yoga teacher. Her skills allow her to combine her knowledge of the human body with her desire to help others find ease.
https://www.healinghandsny.com/
Her intuitive connection to her clients’ needs grew over the years and inspired her to embark on a journey of exploring yoga. Alma’s Healing Hands massage therapy practice was previously located at Inner Balance Studio in Patterson, N.Y. for the past 12 years. She since has relocated to Pawling to share space with Gabrielle at the Pawing Yoga and Wellness, were she loves to help her clients on their own special inner journey, and has an innate capacity to use the healing power of touch to dissolve tension and release holding patterns.
Having trained with Amy Pearce-Hayden in 2008, Alma is a certified yoga teacher. Her skills allow her to combine her knowledge of the human body with her desire to help others find ease.
https://www.healinghandsny.com/

Gabrielle Semel, ERYT-500, AHC
Yoga teacher. Yoga Therapist. Ayurvedic Health Counselor. Breath guide. Nature lover. Wellness advocate. Space Holder. Loving force. As Founder of Pawling Yoga & Wellness, Gabrielle is committed to sharing the wisdom of the healing sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda. Her primary intention in her work is to connect with each individual, to hold the space for healing, and offer guidance that honors and embraces where one is on his/her own path. The innate healing wisdom of the elements resides within; Gabrielle’s gift is offering means to access this wisdom.
A graduate of Rutgers University with a BS in Exercise Physiology, Gabrielle moved on to yoga to broaden her understanding of movement and the body-mind complex. Her training began with Amy Pearce-Hayden for 200-Hour Teacher Training certification at The RajaHatha School of Yoga in 2006, and four years later traveled the path of the 500-Hour Teacher Training with certification in 2011.
Inspired by her students, and with a commitment to learning and devotion to service, Gabrielle continues to dive deeper in search of a broader understanding of the healing process. She has studied the therapeutic aspects of breath practices with Leslie Kaminoff at The Breathing Project in New York City, and currently has the privilege of studying Ayurvedic Medicine with Dr. Somesh Kaushik at his Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic in Cross River, NY.
A graduate of Rutgers University with a BS in Exercise Physiology, Gabrielle moved on to yoga to broaden her understanding of movement and the body-mind complex. Her training began with Amy Pearce-Hayden for 200-Hour Teacher Training certification at The RajaHatha School of Yoga in 2006, and four years later traveled the path of the 500-Hour Teacher Training with certification in 2011.
Inspired by her students, and with a commitment to learning and devotion to service, Gabrielle continues to dive deeper in search of a broader understanding of the healing process. She has studied the therapeutic aspects of breath practices with Leslie Kaminoff at The Breathing Project in New York City, and currently has the privilege of studying Ayurvedic Medicine with Dr. Somesh Kaushik at his Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic in Cross River, NY.
BOARD

Gabrielle Semel
CEO and Founder

Gabrielle Semel
CEO and Founder
A graduate of Rutgers University with a BS in Exercise Physiology, Gabrielle moved on to yoga to broaden her understanding of movement and the body-mind complex. Gabrielle has been living and leading others in the practice of yoga in private and group settings since 2007.
She has managed and directed a local yoga studio since 2011 as well as coordinated monthly workshop offerings, staffing, community outreach and yoga teacher training. Her passion led her to co-create an innovative approach to childbirth education in founding TrueBirth Yoga incorporating breathwork, asana and meditation as centering tools for the birthing process.
In her desire to continue to make these practices as accessible as possible, Gabrielle has also developed an Employee Wellness Yoga Program for Putnam County Employees. She is passionate about building community- supported wellness opportunities.
She has managed and directed a local yoga studio since 2011 as well as coordinated monthly workshop offerings, staffing, community outreach and yoga teacher training. Her passion led her to co-create an innovative approach to childbirth education in founding TrueBirth Yoga incorporating breathwork, asana and meditation as centering tools for the birthing process.
In her desire to continue to make these practices as accessible as possible, Gabrielle has also developed an Employee Wellness Yoga Program for Putnam County Employees. She is passionate about building community- supported wellness opportunities.

Melanie Hopwood
Chair

Melanie Hopwood
Chair
Melanie is a Professional Life Coach and founder of The Restorative Coach. She works with a range of clients who all have a common goal: To find peace of mind and content so they can enjoy a more fulfilling life and perform at their best. By understanding the human experience and where stress comes from, and through increased awareness, Melanie's clients find relief from their ever-changing psychological experience and are able to ground themselves to their innate wellbeing and wisdom. People become less reactive to their experience and find more meaning and purpose in the quiet corners of their mind.
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Steve Roney
Treasurer

Steve Roney
Treasurer
Mr. Rooney has extensive experience in nonprofit financial management and in yoga and wellness organizations. He retired in 2015 from the International Center of Photography, a 501(c)3 cultural organization in New York City, where he served as Chief Financial Officer since 1982. Mr Rooney is past member of the Board of the New York Association of Museums and co-founder of the ad-hoc association of Chief Financial Officers of New York City Museums. He is currently a management and planning consultant for nonprofit organizations and a Yoga Therapist, certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
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Amie Rennolds
Secretary

Amie Rennolds
Secretary
Descended from Pawling’s original Quaker settlers, Amie Rennolds believes in getting involved in the community. She has served on the boards of the Pawling Community Foundation, the Oblong Land Conservancy and the Akin Hall Association.Amie heads a solo architectural design practice specializing in residential projects although she is most proud of her involvement in the design of a yoga studio, music shed and bakery café because they are spaces that foster community.The practice of yoga has been an integral part of Amie’s life for three decades and she is grateful that Pawling Yoga and Wellness has found its new home in the village of Pawling.
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