Karen Gastiaburo

When Karen was a young actor, a teacher told her: “To be all you can be as an actor depends on how well you know yourself.” This began a journey of self-inquiry that would also lead her into the world of yoga and meditation.

Her practice started in 2001 in New York City, and her mentors have included Jackie Prete, Rudrani Farbman, Julia Pearring, Jamie Lyn Skolnick, Sianna Sherman, Desiree Rumbaugh, Elena Brower, Ross Rayburn, and Dr. Ray Long.

Karen has traveled to India, Peru, Italy, Costa Rica, and Spain to study yoga. And in 2019 traveled to Bali, Indonesia for an additional 300-hour training in Rasa Yoga.

She completed her 200-hour teacher training at the WYC in 2012–13 and in the spring of 2018 completed her 500-hours. With a total of 800-hours in training, Karen continues her graduate studies in higher consciousness, meditation, asana, and mentoring. Her classes are designed to incorporate deep reflection, contemplation, and alignment. The journey continues!

Karen has taught yoga in an after-school project called Seed Street Inc. through the Children’s Aid Society. She is also an avid supporter of Three and a Half Acres Yoga (THAY) providing yoga, breathing and mindfulness techniques to underserved communities. She is inspired to see children and adults transform and recognize their own power for positive change using the tools of yoga.

Continuing her study of Anusara Yoga including its restorative aspects, Karen is delighted to be on the faculty and is a steady teaching presence at the WYC.

Her favorite quotation: On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort towards spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear. – Bhagavad Gita