Teachers

gabrielle semel, eryt 500, ahc, lead teacher.

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.

julia harrer, ryt.

With an undergraduate in Psychology (focus on Developmental Psychology) from SUNY at Purchase, and a Graduate Degree in Education from Manhattanville College, Mom of two wonderful young men, Julia Calabrese-Harrer began her journey as a yoga instructor after graduating from the RajaHatha School of Yoga and achieving her Registered Yoga Teacher Certification (200+hrs) in August of 2013. Julia first began practicing yoga in college, and continued to practice through her adult life, two pregnancies, and now, in her "fantastic fifties!" She chooses to practice Hatha Yoga with a focus on alignment because this approach has best helped her to connect and unionize (yoga) with body and mind.

Julia's Mission Statement: To create an internal view of self that is free and full of curiosity. Through this innocent and fun lense of self, not only is the space to investigate and educate the physical body provided in a judgement free zone, but the practitioner is provided the opportunity to see and nurture the child within toward wellness in the present. In this inquisitive place, practitioners shine light within themselves for physical benefits, but importantly, shine light for their subtle, emotional well being. This light illuminates from the inside, being more readily turned out, integrating the power within with the power out. Julia will help you access this conduit of curious investigation through Hatha Yoga Techniques, such as breathwork, physical asanas, and meditation.

sifu Steven Reilly

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!

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 themunderstand 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.

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 Summers as well as hiking and kayaking.  

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.