Brooks Fraser's beloved journey with yoga began twenty years ago at The Yoga Room in Astoria, Queens with Hot Yoga and Vinyasa. What she discovered there was that movement through asana and connecting to the breath was the gateway to mind-expanding and life-changing lessons. She completed her first teacher training there in 2006 in Hot Core Power Yoga. Instructor Wesley Collier was a true inspiration and motivator. Brooks has been so fortunate to practice at incredible New York City studios over the years, namely Laughing Lotus and Yogamaya (where owner/teacher Bryn Chrisman was a huge influence). In 2017, she began attending regular classes at the Kadampa Meditation Center in Manhattan under the direction of Resident Teacher/National Spiritual Director, Kadam Morten. Brooks completed her 200 Hour Certification in Hatha Yoga and Ayurveda with Gretchen Mills at High Peaks Yoga and Ayurveda in Lake Placid in early 2023 with a full heart.

I began my yoga journey nearly 25 years ago, in my 50’s after a career as a music teacher and a business owner. I was always an athlete; swimming, hiking, running, tennis, skiing and the goal was always to achieve more.

As I moved into my 5th decade, I realized that in order for me to continue to do any of these activities I would need to learn to listen to my body and participate in a journey that balanced my mind with my heart with my body and my spirit. Yoga helped me find that balance.

I took my Hatha Yoga 200 hr. teacher training course at Shakti Yoga, Geneseo NY in 2018 from Jackie McCausland and Angel Caplan, my dear, dear teachers. Through them I became immersed in the philosophy of yoga and became a better student. My continuing education is with Shakti Yoga and with Barrie Risman Yoga.

When we moved to the Adirondacks, I knew this would be a community of people who love nature, who want to be part of it even as they face challenges with health and aging. We all face adversities. As a teacher I want to connect with others where they are, to guide their discovery of their true nature to live in balance and harmony. We all can learn to meet those challenges with grace, dignity, strength and perseverance.

Sammy's journey through movement and performance stems from her personal journey of healing from a childhood spinal disease. She studied yoga for many years under several knowledgeable instructors to help with her own alignment and posture. She is now not only a beloved yoga teacher, but a performance artist as well, making her an inspiration for all.

In 2013, she completed Coherent Breathing Teacher Training at Kripalu to assist those with symptoms of post-traumatic stress or nervous system dysregulation. In 2016, she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training through True North Yoga; and in 2023, she attained and completed attunement and knowledge of the Usui System of Natural Healing Reiki I & II.

Sammy's light and vivacious energy infuse her classes with a sense of joy. Her training and experience speak volumes about her dedication to the practice, and we know you'll love her classes as much as we do.

Robyn Shumer, a certified yoga instructor since 2007, brings a wealth of experience and passion to New Vida. With expertise in Vinyasa flow, gentle yoga, pranayama, and her beloved Ashtanga, she's excited to share her knowledge and love for the practice in our beautiful space.

Ashtanga yoga, Robyn's specialty, is a dynamic and challenging practice that links breathwork to a specific sequence of postures. This structured approach allows students to build strength, flexibility, and discipline, both on and off the mat. Classes with Robyn offer a consistent and progressive journey, no matter where you are in the world.

Beyond yoga, Robyn is the author of a memoir, "Bones: Anorexia, Anxiety, and My Path to Self-Love," a testament to her dedication to personal growth and well-being. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, Robyn's welcoming and supportive demeanor creates a space for exploration and self-discovery.