top of page
Photo Jan 11 2025, 9 36 27 AM.jpg
Photo Jan 08 2025, 3 09 14 PM.jpg
Photo Jan 08 2025, 3 18 01 PM.jpg
Photo Jan 08 2025, 3 14 02 PM.jpg
Photo Jan 11 2025, 9 36 27 AM.jpg
ABOUT YOGA DARSHANA CENTER
Discover Our Studio

Darshana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded to share the deeper teachings of yoga, self-inquiry, and healing with everyone. Since 2001, Darshana has held space for people to slow down, reconnect, and return to what truly matters. This is not a business but a place of service, built from the heart.  It is our sincere intention to make yoga accessible to every body, every background, and every budget.

 

Our mission is to keep these teachings alive and available, especially for those who need them most.  Sliding scale pricing, scholarships, and donation-based programs are available so no one is ever turned away. Everything is made possible by the support of the community, through showing up, giving, and walking this path together. If this work speaks to you, Darshana welcomes you to be a part of it.

Meet Your Teachers
Regina Chaeli

Founder / Vice President - ERYT-500, RYT 500, YACEP

Regina is the Director of the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program at Yoga Darshana Center. She is a registered nurse, holistic practitioner, yoga and meditation instructor, spiritual counselor, mother, and grandmother of two beautiful girls that she adores. As a master yogi, she has studied with many great teachers over the past 40 years, including Joan Shivarpita Harrigan, Swami Chandrasekharanand Saraswati, and Richard Miller.  Regina’s education in yoga includes traditional methods of meditation, philosophy, trauma-sensitive yoga, yoga therapy, Yin Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and postures, all incorporated with current science and research. Her love for yoga propelled her to open Yoga Darshana and establish East Neck Yoga & Wellness. She is the grounding force of the center, and her gift lies in her ability to understand life situations clearly and help others create a clear path for solutions. Regina also has a deep understanding of the body from her years of bodywork, allowing her to skillfully guide students through healing practices.

Matthew Pecorella
Matthew Pecorella

President • ERYT-200 - RYT 500

Matthew is the president of Yoga Darshana Center and Pawsitive Possibilities Rescue, two nonprofit 501c3 organizations dedicated to serving others. For more than 20 years he has practiced and taught yoga, meditation, and Eastern philosophy, devoting his life to helping people heal and grow. He has studied with Joan Shivarpita Harrigan and Swami Chandrasekharanand Saraswati of Patanjali Kundalini Yoga Care, teachers who have deeply influenced his path. Matthew is committed to making yoga welcoming and accessible to everyone. Compassion and service are at the heart of his work, both in the studio and through his rescue efforts. Outside of teaching, he is an artist and nature photographer who captures the beauty of Long Island’s landscapes and wildlife, reflecting the peace he hopes to share with others.

rosemary hudson
Rosemary Hudson

Lead Instructor - Darshana Ambassador, ERYT-500

Rosemary’s light-hearted style emphasizes body awareness, breath, and listening to inner wisdom. With over 35 years of teaching experience, she is certified in Nidra, Yin, slow Vinyasa, and Gentle Yoga, and is also a Reiki Master Teacher. Passionate about yoga’s calming, transformative effects, she encourages taking the practice off the mat for a balanced, fulfilling life. In Teacher Training, she guides new teachers in breathing, postures, Yin Yoga, and classroom management.

ChrisMichael copy.jpg

RYT-200, ED.D

Chris has practiced yoga for over 10 years and recently completed his 200-hour teacher training at the Darshana Center. A Long Island public school administrator with a doctorate in Educational Administration, he has spent 34 years in education. Chris believes that through yoga, meditation, and a beginner’s mind, we can cultivate inner peace. Passionate about health and wellness, he is excited to help others explore the connection between body, mind, and spirit.

Margaritue.jpg

RYT-200

Marguerite is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher specializing in Yin Yoga, a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, Reiki practitioner, and sound healing facilitator. Passionate about holistic wellness, she blends yoga and acupuncture to support the body’s natural healing and create balance in mind, body, and spirit. With six years of teaching experience, her classes focus on breath, mindful movement, and inner peace, offering a nurturing and restorative experience for all students.

bbb.jpg
Virginia Helmecke

RYT-200

Virginia is a graduate of the 200-hour Long Island Yoga Teacher Training program at Yoga Darshana Center. Her journey with yoga opened her heart to its incredible healing power, and now she’s passionate about sharing that gift with others. Virginia’s mission is to help her students tap into their inner strength, find lasting peace, and nurture health in both body and mind. With her warm and caring presence, Virginia creates a space where everyone feels genuinely welcome and at ease.

Rosaria.jpg
Rosaria Luppy

RYT-200 / Puppy Yoga Instructor 

Rosaria is an experienced yoga instructor specializing in Hatha and Chair Yoga. Skilled at adapting poses for all levels, including seniors and those with mobility challenges, she emphasizes breathwork, alignment, and mindfulness. Her nurturing approach makes yoga accessible to everyone, promoting wellness and self-awareness. Rosaria continues to deepen her own practice and shares her knowledge with generosity and care.

donna pfister.jpg

RYT-200

Donna is a former professional dancer who has been practicing and teaching yoga and guided meditation for over 20 years. She began yoga to heal back and hip injuries and soon became a teacher, training with masters such as Yogi Amrit Desai, Rodney Yee, Erich Schiffmann, and Lilias Folan. A licensed Radiologic Technologist, Donna combines her medical knowledge and love of yoga to offer students a safe and deeply enjoyable practice.

Margaret  copy.jpg

RYT - 200

Margaret recently graduated from Darshana's 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training and is excited to begin sharing the practice that has had such a meaningful impact on her life. She brings a grounded, compassionate, and lighthearted presence to every class, creating a welcoming space where students can feel supported, comfortable, and inspired. Margaret believes yoga is for everyone, and she hopes each class offers an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and leave feeling a little more balanced than when they arrived.

Diane Dady_edited.jpg
Diane Dady

RYT-500 - Darshana Ambassador 

Diane, a graduate of Yoga Darshana Center’s 200-hour Teacher Training Program and a Reiki practitioner, brings a warm, compassionate presence to every class. Practicing since 2014, she was inspired to teach by the balance and strength yoga brought to her life. Her intuitive, heartfelt approach guides students to connect with their breath, body, and inner calm in a supportive and welcoming way.

JohnnyBalloons.jpeg

RYT-200

John is a recent graduate from Darshana's 200 hr yoga teacher training program. He is an air force veteran, retired carpenter, eucharist minister, father of 4 and has been practicing yoga for more than 5 years. He is also a Zumba and aqua fit instructor.  Johnny is fun, easy going, friendly and heart centered. He is excited to bring his passion of yoga into the community.

Evelyn Regan.JPG

RYT-200

Evelyn Regan found her passion for fitness while raising her family and working nights. Certified in group fitness, personal training, and senior fitness, she has taught everything from kickboxing to Pilates. Yoga became her favorite practice for its physical and mental benefits. After retiring, she completed Darshana’s yoga teacher training and is excited to guide others in feeling stronger, healthier, and more at peace.

Randi.jpg

RYT-500

Randi is a certified yoga instructor and sound healer who completed her 200-hour training at Yoga Darshana Center. With over 30 years in public education and a background in social work, she brings compassion and dedication to her teaching. Inspired by her musical upbringing and over 12 years of yoga practice, Randi creates a welcoming space where students can deepen the mind-body connection and experience the many benefits of yoga.

BethAnn copy.jpg

RYT-500 / Puppy Yoga Instructor

BethAnne holds a Master’s in Education from Hofstra with a focus on Early Childhood and has spent her career bringing yoga into schools, including special needs programs in Bellmore. A 200-hour graduate of Yoga Darshana and currently completing her 500-hour training, she is also certified in sound healing, special needs yoga, and Reiki I and II. BethAnne especially loves Puppy Yoga and beach classes, where her love for animals, children, and nature all come together.

Stephanos.jpg

Musician & Vocalist 

Stephano Andreotti is a classically trained tenor with over thirteen years of performance experience across America, Italy, and Denmark. A multiple award-winning artist, he earned double first place in the NATS competition and won the international Festival of Song USA, leading to performances in Sicily and Arpino, Italy. He has also appeared at Castello Ristonchi in Pelago and been featured on News 12 Long Island, Italian America Long Island, The Aurelia Talk Show, and 2Bscene.

Katherine.jpg

RYT-200

Katherine is a graduate of the 200-hour Long Island Yoga Teacher Training program at Yoga Darshana Center. A previous educator and school administrator, Katherine is currently pursuing a career transition into mental health counseling. She is a certified Health & Life Coach, Hypnotherapist and Master An-Ra Energy Healer. Katherine holds a deep reverence for yogic philosophy; her classes embrace a spiritual focus to reconnect with our authentic truth through yoga.

Tricia Heals .jpg

RYT-200 / Reiki Healer

Tricia is a graduate of Yoga Darshana Center’s 200-hour Teacher Training Program. Her journey and passion in the healing community started as a young girl. In 2012 she studied and became a Certified Reiki Master. This led her to live abroad and study the Art of Yoga and Meditation in 2019 at Florence University of the Arts in Italy. As a Reiki Master and Psychic Medium, her mission is to work alongside you and your spirt team to guide you to the highest version of yourself. Aligning your mind, body and spirit while in session is the most sacred takeaway.

Vanessa.JPG
Vanessa Meyer

RYT, LMT, LMT

Vanessa is an intuitive healer offering Reiki, Traditional Chinese Medicine tools, shamanic practice, sound healing, psychic work, spiritual guidance, and yoga to support deep healing. She is a Reiki Master Teacher who leads workshops and certification trainings with care and clarity. She is a Kripalu certified yoga teacher with additional certifications in youth yoga, group fitness, and personal training, with a background in dance. Vanessa is also a minister who honors ceremonies and offers intuitive readings that help people heal, remember who they are, and reclaim their power.

Alex1 copy.jpg
Alex Helmecke

RYT-200

Alex is a graduate of the 200-hour Long Island Yoga Teacher Training program at Yoga Darshana Center. Inspired by her mom's ability to teach and spread mindfulness through yoga, she continued her practice and found balance in Yin, furthering her yoga education and becoming certified. Alex's mission is to help her students embrace themselves by meeting them where they are, find balance by slowing the down and finding stillness, and nurture health in both body and mind.

Tania WIlk copy.jpg

RYT - 500

Tania Wilk is a certified Reiki Master, Yoga and Pilates Instructor, and Sound Healing Facilitator who uses singing bowls and vocal toning to promote deep relaxation and healing. With training in Yoga Nidra, Health Coaching, and specialty certifications in Prenatal and Children’s Yoga, she offers a holistic approach to wellness and transformation. She is also a singer and songwriter in the indie folk and soul genres.

Dive into Wellness
YOGA CLASSES, MEDITATION, AND EVENTS
group-yoga-class-2022-12-16-00-36-55-utc (1).jpg
Join a Yoga Class

Our yoga classes are thoughtfully curated to cater to all levels of experience, making them accessible and enriching for everyone. Prior online registration is mandatory for all attendees. Embrace the exclusive privilege of regular access to a diverse array of classes by becoming one of our valued members.

TTP523b-2.jpg
Become a Member

Unlock exclusive access to unlimited yoga classes and embrace a transformative wellness journey by becoming a member at Darshana. Enjoy the flexibility to attend classes that align with your interests, guided by certified instructors within our warm and supportive community.

Massage
Upcoming Events

Join our vibrant community at Yoga Darshana Center for enriching upcoming events that nurture your mind, body, and soul. Embody the harmony – be a part of our community and experience the transformation firsthand.

bottom of page