Donna M.

Beth (CoachUp client)

Donna was a fantastic yoga teacher. I got an individual session for my boyfriend for his birthday, and she showed up with a birthday balloon and bottle of water for him!

He loved that Donna:

* asked what he’d like to focus on during the lesson and then gave a small summary of what was coming

* explained what muscles were being worked in each pose and the purpose for a pose/sequence

* in addition to the usual yoga directives (e.g., “open the heart”), she also gave layman’s terms explanations for each pose (e.g., “imagine trying to hold a piece of paper between your knees”)

* broke down a pose into its smaller components in order to explain them (e.g., shoulder rotations while standing to explain shoulder rotation while in downward dog)

* was vigilant about his form, offering constant corrections and improvements

* gave plenty of praise to keep him motivated through a very rigorous session

* coached him through two difficult poses, emphasizing the proper form for each

* sent a thorough followup report to the lesson

Don’t hesitate to book with Donna – her expertise is well worth the investment!

Cassandra (CoachUp client)

Excellent!

La (CoachUp client)

I hate writing reviews but Donna's dedication is worth that pain.
From the actual class to summarizing detailed doc provided after, I can only recommend Donna as long as I can see her once a week myself :)

Dorsey (CoachUp client)

Coach Donna... My recent morning session with you left me rejuvenate and ready to tackle the rest of day. I'm very confident that your knowledge of the various forms of yoga and understanding my limitations will allow me to reach my goals with consistent session with you. I'm looking forward to our next practice. Thank you Coach Donna!!

Nok (CoachUp client)

Having practiced yoga in Thailand, my home country, where I fell in love with yoga, I was looking for a yoga instructor who can take my yoga practice to the next level. However, I could not really find an instructor who has met that expectation until I met Donna. She has proven to be a great teacher who focuses on your alignment and safety. She also really cares about what you want out of your yoga practice. I highly recommend her.

David (CoachUp client)

Great session, very focused on helping me advance my yoga stills and a great work out as well. Highly recommend Donna and will continue to work with her

James (CoachUp client)

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Michael (CoachUp client)

A pleasure. Tough but makes it fun. Enjoyed the session and looking to do more.

Robert (CoachUp client)

I've never tried yoga in all my life. So I admit that I was a bit of a skeptic. However, I decided to try it out after often hearing about its many benefits.
Coach Donna was very attentive in listening to my needs and lack of experience in this yoga business.
Even while she guided me through certain poses, I felt very stiff and didn't think I can do any of them. Coach Donna was very patient and encouraging as she helped every step of the way. I was impressed by her knowledge of exactly how far I could and couldn't go.
I was amazed at how my body was being stretched for what felt like the first time ever !
After some intense stretching, Coach Donna provided Thai massage which initially felt a bit awkward, but also very interesting for a first timer like me.
Woke up this morning with my back feeling the best in years!! Whatever Coach Donna did yesterday, truly worked wonders !
I highly recommend Coach Donna to anyone considering yoga. She really knows what she's doing ! Thank you again, Coach Donna !
I look forward to our next sessions !

Nutsa (CoachUp client)

Coach Donna is definitely the best Yoga instructor I've had. After 3 sessions with her I can already do more than I was able to after taking Yoga classes for 3 years. I strongly recommend Coach Donna.

Victor (CoachUp client)

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Lana (CoachUp client)

I had done 2 sessions with Donna and can definitely recommend her. She is thoughtful, energetic and extremely helpful.
she tries her best to cover every single thing a client needs in a session. Donna is highly qualified in all kinds of yoga. I am happy I am working with her. Lana
I did 5 sessions with Donna,learned a lot was very happy with her straight forward approach in teaching. Told her I wish I could take her home with me since I live abroad.

Khadijah (CoachUp client)

Coach Donna is an amazing yoga teacher. She's really very attentive when doing yoga with me. I came for holiday form Dubai, UAE. Donna was always a positive and happy teacher. Understanding my body needs and taking me through a great different exercise styles and yoga methods. She's takes extreme attention about my body moves through different positions. Making sure that I have the perfect alignment and poses. She's also amazing in the stretching style if you have sore muscles or work a lot in a sitting desk. Not only that's she's an amazing coach but also she's a a wonderful person inside out.

I highly recommend her for anyone who wants to do yoga. Two thumps up.

Khadijah Kudsi
Greewich, CT

Judy (CoachUp client)

I have just been introduced to yoga and I am so happy that I am beginning my journey with Coach Donna. During these first few sessions, she has been gentle, caring and attentive to my needs. I look forward to continuing our yoga sessions together!

Darren (CoachUp client)

Donna is a thoughtful, caring, experienced yoga instructor. She brings both her peaceful countenance as well a great expertise to her personal yoga training sessions. You would be lucky to have her time.

Anna (CoachUp client)

Donna is a caring and compassionate instructor. She was very attentive to our needs and helpful in adjusting our forms. Since we were in a group class, she also made it a point to personalize her instruction in such a way that she offered various modifications based on personal preferences. We felt very calm and relaxed after the class. Would highly recommend her to anyone looking into learning about Yoga.

Filip (CoachUp client)

I received a birthday present from my boyfriend a 2 hour private yoga session and had the pleasure of meeting Donna. She really is a yoga guru! It was the best present ever, and she gave me so much experience. She showed me many different positions and corrected me and showed some breathing exercises. I can heartily recommend Donna as a yoga instructor.
During those two hours I learned more than all my yoga classes I've been on together, so I would definately say that she gave me a lot of experience. I live in Sweden but wish I lived in New York so I could take more yoga lessions with Donna, but next time I go back to New York I definitely have to go see her again to enrich my yoga experience!
Kindest regards, Tine - Stockholm, Sweden

Adrian (CoachUp client)

Nice and experienced coach. Open and flexible to adjust to your needs. Very sensitive regarding any specific health problem you may have. Very reliable too.
It was a good session !

Monica (CoachUp client)

(no details provided)

John Chartier, Long Branch, NJ ~ Public Relations Professional (Testimonial)

So I’m a runner with perpetually tight hips and am recently recovered from a torn meniscus. I stretch, but it doesn’t provide the level of flexibility I really need. I decided to try an Aromayin class offered at The Giving Tree Yoga studio. Donna, the instructor, was AMAZING! She really knew her stuff. She was fun, sensitive to the different skill sets and she really knew her clients, many of which clearly attend regularly. At the same time, she was super credible. She has a deep knowledge and a clear passion for yoga. She is authoritative and professional. She added a meditative aspect to the class, which only added to the experience. Donna’s firm, yet soothing voice helped me relax and be present and focused. She guided us skillfully through the class, and when it was done, my hips and legs felt awesome! They were loose and limber. I was ready to run a marathon! I will definitely be taking her classes again and returning to The Giving Tree Yoga Studio!!

Pete Amador LMT, New York, NY ~ Massage Therapist (Testimonial)

I wanted to thank Blast Spa and Fitness as well as their lead Yoga Instructor Donna Moy for an Amazing Yin Yoga class. The attention, care and professionalism shown by Donna really allowed me to relax into the postures and open up areas of my lower back and hips. She had all equipment ready to go as soon as we walked in to class. The total layout of the studio was welcoming and inviting. The only upgrade I would prefer would be a * longer class to fully enjoy the Asanas without feeling rushed. I look forward to more sessions as well as participating in all the other classes being offered. Blessings Pete Amador LMT * Suggestion submitted to Fitness Center: upgraded / extended to 75 minutes long

Joan Kassel, New York, NY ~ Preschool Teacher (Testimonial)

I noticed the class listed on the website as Yin Yoga, immediately I visualized how relaxing and mindfully spiritual the class would be. I go to various studios all over Manhattan to try new yoga classes that work for me. They don't always meet my expectations. The moment I walked into Sacred Sounds studio I immediately felt the peaceful energy. Especially the stair front entrance that is lit by natural light. The people at the front desk were pleasant and accommodating. I changed and waited outside for the class to open it's doors. Not sure how the class would be, I walked in and was immediately at ease from Donna's warm and friendly presence. She began with a warm personable touch of introducing ourselves and giving the room a safe space to let go. She integrated these words "I am safe" into our moves connecting the mind and body. She introduced some poses that were different and affective. Donna led a flowing and rooted practice that truly started peeling my stress away. I walked away with one thought in mind. Where and when can I take another class with Donna. Thank you for going beyond my expectations!

Elizabeth Barnett, New York, NY ~ Yoga Teacher (Testimonial)

Hi dear one, Thanks again for class the other night. I loved that you started with a description of Yin. So good to have some context and to know what spirit to move into things (especially folks in NYC who tend to be yang and on the go go go all the time). That was really nice. I liked that you gave us tiiiime in the poses and simple things to ponder that correlate to the chakra and the pose we were working with (especially the one that took us back to our childhood mindset- freed me up!) Also I had never done the propped-up upward facing dog, that was cool. Your sweet spirit is so apparent in all that you do. I loved the care that you took coming around to make little minor adjustments to poses. You propped up my head at one point, my arms at another, you are so gentle with your voice and movements; it felt very nurturing every time you came around with the (DELICIOUS) essential oil blend - i really liked whatever that was! Thanks for asking for my feedback. It is sometimes hard to ask for that, I honor your desire to keep growing as a teacher! I hope to see you soon, Elizabeth

Kelly Kaso, New York, NY ~ English Teacher (Testimonial)

Hey Donna!  I loved your confidence in your knowledge of yin and the benefits to the body. I learned some new and very interesting things from you!  I also loved the mood that you created with the choice of music, dim lighting, and the volume of your voice was perfect such that you could be heard but you weren't loud.  I appreciated that you came around and gave adjustments during quite a few of the poses even though there was a packed class and that takes time!  Thanks again, Donna ! I look forward to coming to more of your classes !!! 

Irene V., Finland ~ Lawyer and International Marathoner (Testimonial)

Gorgeous Yoga Lesson ! Thank you Donna for your guidance in the most relaxing and stretching Yoga lesson I have ever had after running a marathon. It was truly amazing! You made this, my 25th one so special! The way how you kept your lesson going was professional and participants could follow you so easily! Your smile and your openness is really something that makes people around you energetic! Your happiness and calmness was so refreshing and very relaxing. Just the right muscles were taken care of and after stretching, your personal attention from head to toe including the face was just a gorgeous ending for your Yoga lesson! Brilliant! You were so lovely and taking good care of us. I really enjoy your wonderful yoga lesson and so deep relaxation. Thank you a lot Donna, for making this the most unforgettable Marathon finishing. You are really something! Sincerely, Irene

Ashley Monique Menard - AEA , New York, NY ~ Singer, Actor, & Colorful Commentator (Testimonial)

I just took a group Chakra Yoga class that was taught by Donna at The Giving Tree Yoga Studio and it's the perfect way to start an action packed day. Donna created a positive vibe through chanting, guided meditation and soothing music. As the practice progressed, the room was full of encouragement and acceptance. As a beginning Yogi I'm constantly trying to evolve in my practice and Donna really helps me find a balance in my downward dog. And I noticed she encourages others who were advanced to progress with their practice as well. As anyone who takes yoga knows, an inviting atmosphere in the room during your practice can really alter the temperature of your day. I'm very grateful to have taken Donna's class today and look forward to taking more of her classes again in the future. Best Wishes, Ashley

Katie Consamus, New York, NY ~ Actor & Yoga Teacher (Testimonial)

Thanks so much for class, Donna! I had a very long week, and after taking your class, I finally feel relaxed and ready to take on the weekend! Thanks also for all that shoulder/neck work. I've been really clamped up there and struggling the last week, and I feel more released in those areas now. I thought the class was great! You were very warm and genuine and comfortable. I also thought your assists were really firm and confident. I really liked that shoulder opening with the strap, opening up in the joint. I've never seen it taught quite that way before. I thought your energy was both light and grounded-- you felt really present in the room, but you weren't taking any of it too seriously either, which I also liked. I also thought you did a great job of connecting with each individual student, and you had a really nice vocal volume/energy shift when you were talking with students one-on-one during the practice, versus when you were talking to all of us. (That's something I struggle to remember to do! I tend to have one-on-one convos with students during class at the same full volume that I teach at, which I'm currently trying to improve on.) I think sometimes in yin/slow-flow, I like hearing a lot of detail beginning after I'm set up in the basic pose. It keeps my brain busy when I'm having a day full of thoughts. I thought your balance of breaking down information coupled nicely with lots of moments of quiet where we could just be still. Honestly, I had to drag myself out of my apartment to get there this evening-- I was wiped out-- and I'm very glad that I did !! Thanks again, Donna !

Alice Kelly Bahlke, New York, NY ~ Actor, Agent Assistant, New York Tour Guide, and Promotional Model. (Testimonial)

I think Donna's passion for yoga is contagious! She truly brings a sense of fun and wonder that is exceptional and keeps practice feeling new and energized! I also appreciated her alignment adjustments, the aromatherapy, and savasana assists. I look forward to taking more of Donna's classes again soon!

Tyler Van Fleet, New York, NY ~ Watershed Educator with the Watershed Agricultural Council. (Testimonial)

Dear Donna, I learn a lot about chakras in your classes! Thank you for taking the time to explain the chakra, it's color, it's energy focus. I love that you wear the color of the chakra and encourage us to visualize the color throughout the class. You even picked music that corresponded with the chakra - I appreciate the care you put into planning your classes. I like the variety of seated, standing, and inverted poses that you guide us through - it's fun to mix it up and I feel like my whole body gets love and attention. I also like your hands-on approach - when you use your hands to adjust poses, help me go deeper, or remember to distribute weight among certain muscles or release certain muscles.

Tanya Veleva, New York, NY ~ CoachUp Yoga Coach (Testimonial)

Donna has a wonderful calming presence in her teaching and guided meditations. If you're looking for a knowledgeable, kind, understanding and empathetic teacher, Donna is the right coach for you!

Tess Boissy, New York, NY ~ Copywriter (Testimonial)

Donna M. is a compassionate, considerate, and caring yoga instructor. Under Donna's care, I felt comfortable and confident enough to attempt poses I normally wouldn't try like a headstand. Donna's energy and attention to the practice make yoga with her a relaxing, enjoyable, and uplifting experience

Tré Larsen, Queens, NY ~ Yoga Teacher / Freelance Dancer (Testimonial)

I really enjoyed your calm, soothing voice. It was absolutely beautiful in the meditations. Your meditations were beautiful throughout class. You also had a very nice lightness throughout class, very playful and inviting. It was a very beautiful class. Your love and passion for yoga and teaching all comes through in a very easy and again inviting way, that makes me as a student want to learn and develop my practice the best I can.

Natasha Kislitsina, Queens, NY ~ Graphic Designer (Testimonial)

Hi Donna! I like the beginning of the class. It’s great when teachers start with some philosophical points. It brings spiritual atmosphere and reminds that yoga is not for stretching but for mental balance. So, it’s great to learn something new about chakras or something else and keep it in mind during the practise. I like that I learnt some new poses. I just like variety of poses and do something different from class to class. In my yoga class in Moscow (I did Ayengar yoga) every class was different, always with new set of poses. I like the music in your class! It was meditative, eastern and QUIET :) It really bothers me if the music is out of the place or sounds too loud. For shavasana I always prefer silence. Some teachers keep an eye on that, some don’t. Oh, and of course I love singing mantras! Thank you for that! Please keep it in your class! Thank you so much for the class! It was bright, very positive and yellow like the 3rd chakra. I felt great! with gratitude, Natasha Kislitsina

Miss Crys, Brooklyn, NY ~ Consultant (Testimonial)

Hey, Donna! You physically helping us get deeper into the stretches is fantastic, especially during Downward Facing Dog. It helps a lot when I've forgotten to externally rotate my shoulders, or draw my chest towards my thighs, to have a physical reminder of what the pose is supposed to feel like, and assistance in deepening the stretch. Your encouragement was stellar, and made the class feel much more familial- it was great how you used people's names specifically. Your personality and acknowledgement of your own learning is endearing and encouraging to others, whether or not they are on the same path to "teacherdom" as you. I liked how you moved among the class, and demonstrated the more difficult poses. Not all classes have singing at the end, and I really liked it; I feel as if it connected the yogis on a deeper level, which is usually only achieved on a smaller level with the Ohms at the end.

Sky, New York, NY ~ Drummer (Testimonial)

Observing the environment, the vibe was warm and inviting from the time I entered the room. Once the session began, your voice resonated in a way that embodied the command and trust an instructor must establish. The tone of your voice was pleasant, warm and even-keel. You established a cadence early and maintained it throughout the session, making the adjustment during the cool down period. I left your yoga class yesterday feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and very glad you invited me. I look forward to attending more of your classes.