Welcome to Season 2023!
The Yoga Trail offers yoga classes in Central Park, NYC since 2011, and has received the 2022 Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice. We love to inspire people to reconnect with Nature through Yoga, even in the heart of Manhattan. Come join our community!
The Yoga Trail offers yoga classes in Central Park, NYC since 2011, and has received the 2022 Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice. We love to inspire people to reconnect with Nature through Yoga, even in the heart of Manhattan. Come join our community!
The Yoga Trail Team
Silvia Neri, founder
Christian Ramos
Madalyn Pedone
Natalya Malarczuk
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Shane Allen
Lillian Cuthbert
Lorine A. Bamberg
Mae Lever
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Sara Cousins
Mark Saferstein
Demetra Adams
Joelle Ng
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SHANE ALLEN, 500 RYT
Shane is an experienced yoga teacher E-RYT 500 with a specialty in meridian yoga therapy, a certified Pilates mat instructor, and an Acu Detox Specialist (ADS) working in harm reduction for the cities most overlooked neighbors. Additionally, he’s continuing his study at Hunter College as well as the AASECT recognized Sexual Health Alliance (SC). Shane originally found his way to yoga as a way to cope with chronic panic attacks. Having just moved to the city for acting school, he’d learned the body tells a story. Yoga taught him to listen. In his classes, Shane hopes to charm his students to meet challenges with honor, humility, and humor.
LILLIAN CUTHBERT, 500 RYT
Lillian found yoga at an early age and immediately recognized its many benefits. She fell in love with the practice and the way it enhanced her other physical activities, such as mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, running, and tennis. She completed the 200-hour training at Yoga Vida in 2018 and further studied under the guidance of her mentor, Sangeeta
Vallabhan. She currently has a E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance designation.
Lillian’s classes are athletic and challenging, yet balanced, safe, and accessible to all. She believes that a mindful yoga practice extends beyond the mat and infuses everything we do. With that in mind, Lillian aims to have people leave her studio feeling stronger, calmer, and more connected to the world around them.
In 2018, Lillian climbed Mount Everest, completing the Seven Summits. She has run the New York Marathon ten times, has qualified for and run the Boston Marathon twice, and regularly plays tennis. She is the Treasurer of The Practice Coalition, a non-profit dedicated to providing trauma-informed yoga and to taking care of the teachers who offer it. She holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering.
MARK SAFERSTEIN (aka Yoga Ranger), 500 RYT
Mark creates a safe space, for students to confidently evolve their practices and work through some of life’s hurdles. He earned his 500-hour Yoga Alliance certification, training at YogaWorks and Pure Yoga in New York City. By applying learning from contemporary neuroscience and biomechanics, Mark blends the ancient yoga philosophy of Patanjali with modern scientific knowledge. In addition to teaching, Mark is engaged in new product development, bringing a new yoga/fitness prop to market. Informed by an accident that left both his wrists permanently injured, Warrior Blocks® are unique, patented yoga blocks, designed to maintain neutral wrists, instantly improve alignment and make the physical practice of yoga more accessible for everyone. New product development with a focus on safety and ergonomics is part of a diverse life experience Mark brings to his teaching. He also reaches millions of park lovers in his role as editor-in-chief at American Park Network, publisher of the familiar green Oh, Ranger! guides. Yoga in the park combines two of his passions.
CHRISTIAN CARPIO-RAMOS, 500 RYT.
Christian practices yoga as recovery from sports-training and as way of life. Yoga asana can truly be life changing, for the better, for the greater good. Becoming aware of how energy flows and dances through the body can be insightful to our everyday and long term wellness (Science of Self 100,200,300 RYT, YttP Traditional Hot 100 RYT). Ultimately, yoga can help prepare us for meditation, compassion, and devotion (Bhakti Center 300 MTT, Three Jewels 200 MTT). Christian meets you where you are, guides you through strength, presents variations, offers challenges, moments of resolve, and emphasizes a sense of stillness through it all.
MADALYN PEDONE, 200 RYT
Madalyn is passionate about making the joy of yoga accessible to all levels of practitioners. Her classes are best described as creative Vinyasa flow with a strong Iyengar influence. Madalyn is interested in approaching movement from a place of internal awareness and intimacy with one’s own being. She hopes to foster a greater sense of interconnectedness through dynamic sequences and intentional in-depth explorations. Madalyn believes that within the asana lies a pathway to self-love and liberation. She aims to balance every class with equal parts effort and ease. Expect to be challenged, to play, to sometimes fall on your face, and to be supported in your self-discovery.
SARA COUSINS, 200 RYT
Sara received her 200-hour YTT certification in the Himalayan foothills of Rishikesh, India. After experiencing the variance of traveling around the world, living in 12 cities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America, Sara came to understand the mind's ability to dictate reality, regardless of external circumstances. With this understanding of expanded consciousness, she set out to India to more deeply study the foundations of Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, Reiki and Vipassana meditation. Her classes encourage observation, introspection, and self-compassion by linking breath and movement. They are created to equally challenge and nurture the self.
Off the mat, Sara works in investor relations, spends time exploring the far corners of the world and enjoys trying out new hobbies.
DEMETRA ADAMS, 500 RYT
Demetra is a yoga teacher, Reiki Master and musical artist. She has been a yoga practitioner for 22 years and received her 500-hour yoga teacher certification from YogaWorks in NYC. Trained in the Usui Method of Natural Healing, her Reiki practice includes treating private clients (both in person and via distance healing worldwide), leading healing circles and offering trainings. She creates Reiki infused custom-made essential oil blends, which are crafted to support vitality and well-being.
As a sound healing practitioner, she combines her expertise in both the musical and healing arts, incorporating singing bowls, tuning forks, voice and other instruments to foster calm and enhance life force energy. Her immersive specialty classes and workshops integrate sound, yoga, Reiki and essential oils to create a state of deep meditation and facilitate healing. Through these teachings and practices, Demetra aims to enhance joy, ease, and connection to one's True Self.
MAE LEVER, MFA & 200 RYT
Mae graduated with her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance in May of 2022 from The University of Arizona School of Dance, where she also obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance. After attending her 200hr RYT certification at Yoga Mantra Bali Ubud, Mae has been passionate about combining both yoga and dance philosophies across her teaching. She is passionate about taking a holistic approach to fitness, and combines influences from multiple genres of exercise (yoga, pilates, dance, restorative work) to structure her classes. Mae takes pride in cultivating a lesson plan that suits the individualized needs of her students/clients so that they are able to achieve wellness goals at a reasonable, yet efficient pace.
LORINE A. BAMBERG, 200 RYT
Lorine studied for her 200hr RYT yoga certification at Bamboo Moves in Queens, NYC. She has a dance minor from LIU CW Post, is a former aerobic/body toning instructor (...back in the day when wearing leg warmers and slouchy socks was originally cool!) and a Dance for PD volunteer. The outdoors is her haven and healer. The trees are her movement inspiration. She marvels at nature and its adaptability and draws from her Reiki and Yoga studies, gym workout routines, love of nature, and openness to alternate methods of healing when she teaches. But mostly, this life-long NYer hopes her students find the joy in their yoga journey as much as she does!
NATALYA MALARCZUK, 200 RYT
Natalya is a yoga teacher, meditation teacher, and writer. She’s deeply inspired by the effects yoga has on the mind, body, and spirit. She believes yoga can be used as a tool for personal transformation and social change. She has studied with Rainbow Body Yoga, Three Jewels, Science of Self, and others. She teaches hatha, vinyasa, as well as trauma informed yoga. In addition to teaching, she is a poet, painter, and mama to a kitty & chihuahua.
JOELLE NG, 200 RYT
Joelle guides her students to work toward quieting the mind and bringing about the natural flow of the body. Her creative style, rooted in her knowledge of Ayurveda, consists of conscious movement, awareness, imagery, and balanced choreography. Students are encouraged to shape their individualized practice to tap into their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellspring for restoration, healing and natural harmony. Her classes are designed for all, an experience that
offers multiple options for the beginner to seasoned participant. Joelle’s certifications include 200 hours with Ishta Yoga, Yoga Nidra with Jennifer Reis, Restorative / Yoga Nidra with Mona Anand, Ayurveda with Dr. Paul Dugliss and Dr. Vasant Lad, and Marma therapy with Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla.
CECILIA FONTANESI, PhD, 200 RYT.
Cecilia is a dance therapist, yoga teacher, contact improviser, and holds a PhD in Neuroscience from CUNY, The Graduate Center. Cecilia completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Laughing Lotus (NY), is a certified movement analyst at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, LIMS (NY). She currently works helping people living with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Cecilia also collaborates with Jody Oberfelder, and is a co-founder of the Parcon NYC dance collective.
Shane is an experienced yoga teacher E-RYT 500 with a specialty in meridian yoga therapy, a certified Pilates mat instructor, and an Acu Detox Specialist (ADS) working in harm reduction for the cities most overlooked neighbors. Additionally, he’s continuing his study at Hunter College as well as the AASECT recognized Sexual Health Alliance (SC). Shane originally found his way to yoga as a way to cope with chronic panic attacks. Having just moved to the city for acting school, he’d learned the body tells a story. Yoga taught him to listen. In his classes, Shane hopes to charm his students to meet challenges with honor, humility, and humor.
LILLIAN CUTHBERT, 500 RYT
Lillian found yoga at an early age and immediately recognized its many benefits. She fell in love with the practice and the way it enhanced her other physical activities, such as mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, running, and tennis. She completed the 200-hour training at Yoga Vida in 2018 and further studied under the guidance of her mentor, Sangeeta
Vallabhan. She currently has a E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance designation.
Lillian’s classes are athletic and challenging, yet balanced, safe, and accessible to all. She believes that a mindful yoga practice extends beyond the mat and infuses everything we do. With that in mind, Lillian aims to have people leave her studio feeling stronger, calmer, and more connected to the world around them.
In 2018, Lillian climbed Mount Everest, completing the Seven Summits. She has run the New York Marathon ten times, has qualified for and run the Boston Marathon twice, and regularly plays tennis. She is the Treasurer of The Practice Coalition, a non-profit dedicated to providing trauma-informed yoga and to taking care of the teachers who offer it. She holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering.
MARK SAFERSTEIN (aka Yoga Ranger), 500 RYT
Mark creates a safe space, for students to confidently evolve their practices and work through some of life’s hurdles. He earned his 500-hour Yoga Alliance certification, training at YogaWorks and Pure Yoga in New York City. By applying learning from contemporary neuroscience and biomechanics, Mark blends the ancient yoga philosophy of Patanjali with modern scientific knowledge. In addition to teaching, Mark is engaged in new product development, bringing a new yoga/fitness prop to market. Informed by an accident that left both his wrists permanently injured, Warrior Blocks® are unique, patented yoga blocks, designed to maintain neutral wrists, instantly improve alignment and make the physical practice of yoga more accessible for everyone. New product development with a focus on safety and ergonomics is part of a diverse life experience Mark brings to his teaching. He also reaches millions of park lovers in his role as editor-in-chief at American Park Network, publisher of the familiar green Oh, Ranger! guides. Yoga in the park combines two of his passions.
CHRISTIAN CARPIO-RAMOS, 500 RYT.
Christian practices yoga as recovery from sports-training and as way of life. Yoga asana can truly be life changing, for the better, for the greater good. Becoming aware of how energy flows and dances through the body can be insightful to our everyday and long term wellness (Science of Self 100,200,300 RYT, YttP Traditional Hot 100 RYT). Ultimately, yoga can help prepare us for meditation, compassion, and devotion (Bhakti Center 300 MTT, Three Jewels 200 MTT). Christian meets you where you are, guides you through strength, presents variations, offers challenges, moments of resolve, and emphasizes a sense of stillness through it all.
MADALYN PEDONE, 200 RYT
Madalyn is passionate about making the joy of yoga accessible to all levels of practitioners. Her classes are best described as creative Vinyasa flow with a strong Iyengar influence. Madalyn is interested in approaching movement from a place of internal awareness and intimacy with one’s own being. She hopes to foster a greater sense of interconnectedness through dynamic sequences and intentional in-depth explorations. Madalyn believes that within the asana lies a pathway to self-love and liberation. She aims to balance every class with equal parts effort and ease. Expect to be challenged, to play, to sometimes fall on your face, and to be supported in your self-discovery.
SARA COUSINS, 200 RYT
Sara received her 200-hour YTT certification in the Himalayan foothills of Rishikesh, India. After experiencing the variance of traveling around the world, living in 12 cities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America, Sara came to understand the mind's ability to dictate reality, regardless of external circumstances. With this understanding of expanded consciousness, she set out to India to more deeply study the foundations of Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, Reiki and Vipassana meditation. Her classes encourage observation, introspection, and self-compassion by linking breath and movement. They are created to equally challenge and nurture the self.
Off the mat, Sara works in investor relations, spends time exploring the far corners of the world and enjoys trying out new hobbies.
DEMETRA ADAMS, 500 RYT
Demetra is a yoga teacher, Reiki Master and musical artist. She has been a yoga practitioner for 22 years and received her 500-hour yoga teacher certification from YogaWorks in NYC. Trained in the Usui Method of Natural Healing, her Reiki practice includes treating private clients (both in person and via distance healing worldwide), leading healing circles and offering trainings. She creates Reiki infused custom-made essential oil blends, which are crafted to support vitality and well-being.
As a sound healing practitioner, she combines her expertise in both the musical and healing arts, incorporating singing bowls, tuning forks, voice and other instruments to foster calm and enhance life force energy. Her immersive specialty classes and workshops integrate sound, yoga, Reiki and essential oils to create a state of deep meditation and facilitate healing. Through these teachings and practices, Demetra aims to enhance joy, ease, and connection to one's True Self.
MAE LEVER, MFA & 200 RYT
Mae graduated with her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance in May of 2022 from The University of Arizona School of Dance, where she also obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance. After attending her 200hr RYT certification at Yoga Mantra Bali Ubud, Mae has been passionate about combining both yoga and dance philosophies across her teaching. She is passionate about taking a holistic approach to fitness, and combines influences from multiple genres of exercise (yoga, pilates, dance, restorative work) to structure her classes. Mae takes pride in cultivating a lesson plan that suits the individualized needs of her students/clients so that they are able to achieve wellness goals at a reasonable, yet efficient pace.
LORINE A. BAMBERG, 200 RYT
Lorine studied for her 200hr RYT yoga certification at Bamboo Moves in Queens, NYC. She has a dance minor from LIU CW Post, is a former aerobic/body toning instructor (...back in the day when wearing leg warmers and slouchy socks was originally cool!) and a Dance for PD volunteer. The outdoors is her haven and healer. The trees are her movement inspiration. She marvels at nature and its adaptability and draws from her Reiki and Yoga studies, gym workout routines, love of nature, and openness to alternate methods of healing when she teaches. But mostly, this life-long NYer hopes her students find the joy in their yoga journey as much as she does!
NATALYA MALARCZUK, 200 RYT
Natalya is a yoga teacher, meditation teacher, and writer. She’s deeply inspired by the effects yoga has on the mind, body, and spirit. She believes yoga can be used as a tool for personal transformation and social change. She has studied with Rainbow Body Yoga, Three Jewels, Science of Self, and others. She teaches hatha, vinyasa, as well as trauma informed yoga. In addition to teaching, she is a poet, painter, and mama to a kitty & chihuahua.
JOELLE NG, 200 RYT
Joelle guides her students to work toward quieting the mind and bringing about the natural flow of the body. Her creative style, rooted in her knowledge of Ayurveda, consists of conscious movement, awareness, imagery, and balanced choreography. Students are encouraged to shape their individualized practice to tap into their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellspring for restoration, healing and natural harmony. Her classes are designed for all, an experience that
offers multiple options for the beginner to seasoned participant. Joelle’s certifications include 200 hours with Ishta Yoga, Yoga Nidra with Jennifer Reis, Restorative / Yoga Nidra with Mona Anand, Ayurveda with Dr. Paul Dugliss and Dr. Vasant Lad, and Marma therapy with Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla.
CECILIA FONTANESI, PhD, 200 RYT.
Cecilia is a dance therapist, yoga teacher, contact improviser, and holds a PhD in Neuroscience from CUNY, The Graduate Center. Cecilia completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Laughing Lotus (NY), is a certified movement analyst at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, LIMS (NY). She currently works helping people living with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Cecilia also collaborates with Jody Oberfelder, and is a co-founder of the Parcon NYC dance collective.
About the Founder
SILVIA NERI, E-RYT500, Founder of The Yoga Trail
Silvia's Yoga teaching focuses on a strong connection between breath and movement, as a means to honor the body, calm the mind, and find harmony within, acknowledging our divine nature.
We all have unique bodies with limitations and strengths, so understanding the individual range of motion and anatomical differences is key for a safe practice that stimulates the deep potential within ourselves, while recharging the body, and releasing tension and stress.
Sivia developed the idea behind The Yoga Trail in 2011 while she was traveling in Latin America, sharing her yoga practice with fellow travelers immersed in beautiful Nature: what an inspiring and powerful combination! Everybody should experience it!
Silvia was born and raised in Italy and lives in NYC since 2004. She received her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at Ananda Ashram, NY under the guidance of David Hollander, and her 300hrs training in India with Raghunath and the Supersoul Yoga Team, focusing on Bhakti, Yoga Vedic phylosophy and Ayurveda. She is a certified Yin Yoga teacher after a training with Corina Benner at Integral Yoga, NY. Silvia is also a second level Usui Reiki practitioner. and she incorporates the flow of Reiki energy in her classes to stimulate the natural healing processes in the body.
Silvia has her own channel at Online Yoga TV, a video platform powered by Yoga Magazine, and she appears on Yoga Downloads in the Life Force Project channel.
Silvia's Yoga teaching focuses on a strong connection between breath and movement, as a means to honor the body, calm the mind, and find harmony within, acknowledging our divine nature.
We all have unique bodies with limitations and strengths, so understanding the individual range of motion and anatomical differences is key for a safe practice that stimulates the deep potential within ourselves, while recharging the body, and releasing tension and stress.
Sivia developed the idea behind The Yoga Trail in 2011 while she was traveling in Latin America, sharing her yoga practice with fellow travelers immersed in beautiful Nature: what an inspiring and powerful combination! Everybody should experience it!
Silvia was born and raised in Italy and lives in NYC since 2004. She received her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at Ananda Ashram, NY under the guidance of David Hollander, and her 300hrs training in India with Raghunath and the Supersoul Yoga Team, focusing on Bhakti, Yoga Vedic phylosophy and Ayurveda. She is a certified Yin Yoga teacher after a training with Corina Benner at Integral Yoga, NY. Silvia is also a second level Usui Reiki practitioner. and she incorporates the flow of Reiki energy in her classes to stimulate the natural healing processes in the body.
Silvia has her own channel at Online Yoga TV, a video platform powered by Yoga Magazine, and she appears on Yoga Downloads in the Life Force Project channel.