About Yana Yoga and Amber LaPointe - Yana Yoga Location Information

Location & Contact

-Physical Address: GPS DOES NOT GET YOU TO OUR DOOR We have taken the map and address link off of this page hoping that people will read this before they come. GPS will get you to the plaza we are in, but not our front door. We are in SUITE 26 (there are numbers on the side of the building). Our door faces "The Lofts" apartments. Look for the Yana Yoga yard signs/ billboard with the red arrows. 100 Saratoga Village Blvd, SUITE 26, Malta, NY, 12020.

Mailing Address: We do not get mail at the studio. Please contact us for this info.

Phone/Text: 518-955-1764 Click here to call/text us.

Email: customerservice at yanayoga.net Click here to email us

About Us

Our Team Our Mission Testimonials

Yelp Reviews Facebook Reviews Google Reviews

Our Mission

Our Goal

At Yana Yoga we aim to create a welcoming, non-competitive environment for our yoga classes. We encourage our clients "to be where you're at" and "come as you are" and to listen to their inner wisdom, but to stay open to what our teachers may offer. It is extremely important to us that you leave each class or offering feeling "heard, seen, & loved". We have yoga classes for beginner to intermediate students. Yana Yoga currently offers in-person and live, online yoga classes and workshops, yoga teacher trainings, meditation, reiki energy healing and trainings, Intuitive Tarot Card Readings, and Inner Alignment Coaching.

Mission Statement

To create an environment and build relationships that helps every being to feel seen, heard and loved.

Motto

“Build your strength from the inside out.” (R)

The Meaning of Yana

Yana is sanskrit word that means; a form of transportation, a method of getting somewhere. Yoga being "the vehicle" we are using to get us "somewhere"... wherever that may be. We will be there every step of the way on your journey to wherever you are going, knowing full well that it may not end up being where you intended, and most likely somewhere unexpected and wonderful.

Our Team

Samantha Lyman

Owner of Yana Yoga and Travel Light Studios
RYT 500, Children's RYT, and Reiki Master

Samantha has been practicing yoga for 15 years, teaching for six, and has been a Reiki Practitioner for three. Samantha’s classes and Reiki sessions range from gentle, intimate, and down to earth with mindful movement, to fiery, electric flows. She intertwines humor, complete freedom/permission to be exactly as you are, and genuine, compassionate leadership throughout her time with her clients and self-devotees, both on and off the table and mat. She is wildly passionate about assisting any(body) with the desire to go beyond the surface of their being, to explore their depths in a safe and compassionate environment utilizing a holistic approach.

Samantha utilizes several different methods within her practice including, pranayama , meditation, asana (postures), energy healing and realignment, as well as bringing in lectures, deep discussions, and workshops focused around the mind, body, soul connection through epigenetics . "The mind is the most powerful tool we have, yet we never seem to put it down, as if it will not break. As humans, we have a challenging time remembering the other tools we have within. In order to explore these tools and their benefits, we must set the mind down. When we implement any of these various methods, the tools we recover wildly expand our knowledge, level awareness, and reclaimed powers that will never exhaust or leave us.”

"In 2014 I was working about 80 hours a week. Like much of society, my mindset and focus was very- money, money, money, work, work, work and was doing what I thought I needed to to be considered "successful". Caffeine, unproductive food, no time to myself, and very little sleep was my daily regime. This lifestyle eventually led me into a life-threatening illness. It was a wakeup call that helped me realize that my ability to listen to my body was my new and actual definition of success. Treating my body like my own personal temple was now my top priority. After months of learning about holistic health and the emotional body and its connection to the brain body, I realized I had put myself right where I was and that I was far more powerful of a creator than I could have ever imagined. I had stepped back into my power and deeper into my yoga practice which led me to the deep desire to share it with others. Now it's my turn to love others through it, to help remind them who they really are, and be as helpful as I can during my time here. It is literally my complete pleasure and joy to help remind people just how power(ful) they are, to remind and guide them back towards their truth and all the delicious aspects of their being to create a path of least resistance for them to explore and expand in all areas of their lives.”

Amber LaPointe, E-RYT 500

Founder of Yana Yoga, Co-Owner of Radiant Being Yoga School, and Owner of Northeast Yoga Adventures

Amber no longer teaches regular classes at Yana, but continues to radiate her love and passion for yoga through her Yoga Teacher Trainings and Workshops here at Yana.

"In my teaching, I try to keep things light and fun and accessible to all. I strongly encourage people to listen to their body, to find a balance between effort and ease, and to breathe... can't do a pose? Just breathe. I work to help my students integrate the mind, body, and breath in a way that leaves them feeling calm, yet strong and renewed."

The first time I stepped onto a yoga mat, over 29 years ago, I walked out of class after about 10 minutes. I was bored. I wasn't aware that there were different types of yoga and gentle yoga wasn't the one for me at the time. It took me seven years to step on a mat again, but when I did it felt like home. After that, I practiced and took classes when I could and I often visited Kripalu Yoga Center in the Berkshires. During one of my visits in 2001 I noticed that every time I passed by their catalog display a little voice inside me would say "yoga teacher training". I ignored it because I hadn't done a lot of yoga at the time, but every time I went back to Kripalu it got louder. Finally, in January of 2007 I listened to my inner voice and started looking for a training program that suited my needs. I completed the 200 hour training in April of 2007 and started teaching in September of 2008. Since then, I have completed my 300 HR advanced yoga training as well as several specialty trainings and now have 15+ years and nearly 8,000 hours of experience teaching yoga classes, workshops, retreats, yoga and meditation at the office, and yoga teacher trainings.

Ellen Dragonette

E-RYT 500, Reiki Master Practitioner and Teacher, Co-Owner of Radiant Being Yoga School and Director of the 300 HR Advanced Yoga Teacher Training

Ellen has been with Yana Yoga since day one and has been an integral part to the growth of the studio. Ellen continues to expand her training and knowledge to enable Yana Yoga to offer a deeper experience to our clients. We are truly blessed to have her as part of our community.

An educator by nature and by training, Ellen has a BS in Education and a MS in Educational Psychology. She has been practicing yoga for more than 25 years, has been teaching classes for 12 years, and is an E-RYT 500 (experienced, registered yoga teacher with 500+ hours of training) with more than 4,600 hours of teaching experience. Ellen has additional training in Children’s Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Cancer Recovery, and is a Reiki Master.

“My training was Iyengar based, so alignment is a key factor, but my classes are pretty eclectic. They always include pranayama (breath work), asana (poses) relaxation and meditation, and we explore them in a variety of ways through the teachings of many different traditions. And, since my personal yoga journey has brought me so much joy and taught me the very important lesson of not taking myself too seriously, there’s often laughter, and sometimes downright silliness in my classes; but just as often there are moments of deep silence, contemplation and connection. One of my favorite quotes from Lao Tzu is “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Yoga is such a wonderful vehicle for that journey. I encourage my students to listen to their bodies, hearts and minds and ask them to question, explore and move beyond their comfort zone. My role is to support their practice in whatever way I can and I am truly honored and privileged to share their journeys. I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Bonnie Lee

RYT 500, Teacher at Yana Yoga

During Bonnie's 20+ year yoga practice, she had often visualized herself teaching some day. After 36 years of being an elementary school teacher, she took the plunge to begin the RYT200 hour training.

She has now been teaching for four years and currently expanding her knowledge within the RYT300 Teacher Training program at Radiant Being Yoga School.

"My yoga journey has taken me to a new level of internal awareness. Being drawn to movement, I started yoga to find stress relief. I immediately loved the physical aspects of yoga and came to realize the benefits beyond the physical. I felt at home with the inner and outer energy that yoga elicits and it has enabled me to find some peace through difficult circumstances in my life.

Creating space in body, mind, and soul has become my priority. Whether it be active and vigorous or grounding and calming, yoga is truly my passion.

My classes are often planned around a theme with choices offered to meet individual needs. My goal is to make yoga accessible to everyone. I strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance with a sense of lightness and humor. One of my greatest pleasures is to share the practice of yoga with others."

Amy Mullen

Inner Alignment Coach and RYT 500 at Yana Yoga

Amy Mullen is an inner alignment coach and RYT 200 who is passionate about helping her clients find balance, clarity and peace by connecting their inner self into the outer world.

She received her certification as an Inner Alignment Coach through Kim Beekman’s Inner Alignment coaching certification program. She is a Level II Reiki practitioner and dedicated yogi. Amy has over 20 years of health and civil service experience connecting people to necessary resources that assist them in their everyday life. As a coach, Amy’s work remains grounded in service. She continues to connect her clients with appropriate resources to guide themselves through a healing journey in order to live a more authentic life.

"Like many, I came to yoga during a difficult time in my life and it quite literally, changed everything. It brought me back to my breath and to my body when so much in this world simply takes our breath away. Over time, it opened not only my heart, but my mind to new experiences, feelings and beliefs. With practice, it has become the easiest way for me to reestablish internal balance and peace when the world around me seems a little (or a lot) out of control. Yoga is magick – it is the ability to increase, decrease, transform and transmute energy at will. A pose, a breath, a meditation, a movement – that realigns, recalibrates and restores. How we feel when we first step on our mat is completely different when we prepare to step off of it. As a teacher, I hope to share that energetic transformation in each class.”

Kristie Marsden

RYT 500, Reiki Master Practitioner

Certified Cardiac Yoga Instructor

KristieI has practiced yoga for 11+ years and completed her RYT 200 in April 2019 and RYT 500 in August 2022.

"Yoga has opened my eyes to the world around me. The practice of Yoga transformed my life in wonderful ways. It has taught me to follow my own path, which led me to become a Yoga Teacher.

We all face obstacles in life and Yoga offers tools to overcome these obstacles. I have experienced heart-related health problems and Yoga has provided me with the tools to redefine my illness. I have the gift of a “Big Heart.” I’ve gratefully accepted my gift so that I may use it to help others.

At the present time, I am working on becoming a Certified Cardiac Medical Yoga Teacher. I intend to use this therapy-based training to bring joy back into the lives of those dealing with any illness of the heart. "

Come and join Kristie on your mat! Into a space filled with acceptance and kindness for all. During class, Kristie will make the Yoga Postures fit your bodies, and not the other way around. Kristie believes a key part of any Yoga class is to not take yourself too seriously. She encourages all students to laugh a little and smile A LOT! Kristie see all human beings as sacred individuals that deserve acceptance, love, and kindness. On the mat, she will guide you into a place of inner peace and transformative healing.

Donna Evleth

Grand Tarot Master

Donna is a gifted intuitive and empath who is a Grand Tarot Master, Reiki Master Teacher, and doTerra essential oil representative. She is the Founder and Director of Saratoga Intuitive Tarot - a teaching organization dedicated to teaching tarot and encouraging others to use their gifts through its C.O.R.E Tarot Master Certification Program. Donna offers tarot card readings in-person, virtually, or over the phone.

Donna trained in the Usui Method of Reiki with John Harvey Gray (one of the Takata 22) and Lourdes Gray in NH and finished her teacher certification with Tanya LaMothe here in NY.

Donna is a student of American Meditation Institute and Radiant Being Yoga School (here at Yana Yoga) and enjoys working with breath and meditation techniques to help with the stress and anxiety that life hands us on a daily basis.

As a gifted intuitive and empath Donna is able to add a deeper level of guidance to her clients, whether it’s during a tarot card reading, training, or reiki session. Donna is excited to join the Yana Yoga tribe and offer guidance and healing in whatever way she can.

Services offered:

Intuitive Tarot Readings, private and small group

Reiki Healing with crystals

Intro Tarot Classes - group

C.O.R.E. Tarot Master Certification program (group)

Essential Oil Education and sales

Laura Snyder PT, HTCP, RYT 200

RYT 200, Licensed Physical Therapist, Healing Touch Certified Practitioner

Laura has been practicing yoga for 20 years and finally dove into teaching yoga in 2023 to add to her energetic and positive approach to holistic health. She has over 38 years of experience in healthcare specializing in orthopedic physical therapy, athletic training, exercise programs and energy medicine.

Her first love of sports and fitness led her to a degree in Health Fitness and Athletic Training, teaching exercise classes, corporate fitness programs, American Red Cross classes and aquatic therapy. Realizing that she loved the rehabilitation aspect of training, she furthered her education for 3 more years to gain her degree as a licensed Physical Therapist, working in orthopedics. She loves teaching her students/patients about anatomy, postural awareness, strengthening and flexibility, while energetically solving the puzzles of injury and illness. To complete the restoration of full function, she wanted to incorporate the body, mind and spirit, into physical rehabilitation, and became a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner, and Reiki II practitioner, blending energy medicine for a full recovery of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.

Yoga has always been her own personal outlet, melting together the asana, pranayama and meditation in addition to the yogic philosophies for daily living. Her classes incorporate the entire body, postural alignment, strengthening and flexibility, while staying true to the traditions of yoga. She stresses the importance of clear communication for modifications with anatomical accuracy, knowledge and patience to provide inclusivity for all abilities, and an authentic compassion for maximizing each individual’s potential in each class. Her light-hearted and fun approach to classes will create joy on the mat, while immersing the body in endless possibilities! A perennial student, she is always striving to educate herself and her students to positively impact the thirst for health in the body, mind and spirit.

Kris Doty RYT200

After decades of on again off again yoga practice her dream of teaching has come true! Carrying chronic anxiety, severe panic attacks, and debilitating back pain I finally found my way to Yana's Beginner Series and slowly but surely nestled right in like a rescue dog curled up in my forever home! With much love and encouragement I graduated the Radiant Being Yoga School as a 200Hr RYT. Primarily trained in the Hatha yoga style my priorities are accessiblity and peace. Bringing the energy of my favorite gentle styles (restorative, nidra, yin, etc.) to any class so no matter your experience level your practice with me will sooth your body, mind, and nervous system while giving you ample options to spice it up if you so choose.

Stephanie Davis- 200hr, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Mindfulness RYT certified // Usui Reiki I, II and Usui Shiki Ryoho Master level with Animal emphasis

//23 years experience in health and wellness services

Ever since I was a child, I've always been drawn to helping others feel better about themselves, about how they fit in this world, and encouraging them to love who they are not what the world expects. In all my years of this, giving back through Yoga and Reiki has been by far the best "job" I've ever been blessed to have.

As an instructor, my classes are gentle and loving. Each pose or flow is designed with subtle meditative qualities that calm the mind, slow the heart rate, and allow for a true mind-body-breath-spirit connection.

As a Reiki facilitator, I act simply as the channel for Reiki healing energy to recipient. While I have deep intuitive abilities, I always enter each session with no expectations other than to allow Reiki to flow wherever it chooses to go. My goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, and loving environment in which healing can be received.

In my personal life, if I'm not lying about in my backyard reading and watching birds, I'm either running or working on puzzles. My dog is probably my soul mate from a different species and perhaps I'd rescue him before my husband in case of a fire. I'm a mother of two boys, one of which has given me a grand-daughter and plant mom to several house plants and a fabulous willow tree outside. Lastly, I was born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama, but I'd take the four seasons of New York any day!

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Testimonials

I'm so happy to be back in your class, you truly are a gifted instructor; the best in the area in my experience. -J.C.

This was my first class and my first time trying yoga. It was amazing! It truly felt like this was something in my life that I was missing. I left the class feeling amazing! Sam, the instructor, was awesome, and I immediately "fell in love" with her and all the aspects of yoga. I cannot wait till next week! Definitely something to try! - N.O

Restorative Yoga class was extremely relaxing, I came away feeling loose and refreshed. Ellen’s guided meditation throughout the class was excellent and always the best. S.W

I have been to the other studios in Saratoga as well as taken a few classes at the Y and I thought they were fine - but your class & method of instruction totally blew them out of the water. -J.M.

Your class has made a considerable impact on my life. -K.T.

ew to the studio, and a beginner yogi. I had a wonderful experience at Yana Yoga! Bonnie made me feel very welcome, as did the other participants in the class. The pace was comfortable and the studio was exceedingly clean. I cant wait to make this a routine part of my life! J.S

Love you as my yoga teacher! -B.C.

This was my first time at Yana Yoga, and my introduction to Reiki. Kristie offered an outstanding program, explaining and teaching along the way, as well as answering questions and allowing for discussion at the end. The space is welcoming and relaxing, and this workshop was just what I needed. Thank you so much. SS
You are such a gem thank you so much. I will be back at class as you have made such a wonderful impact in my life. -D.Z.

I very much enjoy your class, some kind of Yoga practice has been part of my life for a long time, however I thought with my aging and weight issues I might not be able to participate. Your class is very inclusive for people like me and I do appreciate that so much. It is the one time that my body and I are together, no separation and it is like a poignant homecoming. -B.V.

I am enjoying the transformation in my body since starting my yoga practice. I feel more relaxed & focused overall. I became more serious about keeping fit & aging gracefully about 12 years ago & now I realize that yoga was the missing link. Amber succeeds in challenging us while allowing us to go at our own pace & comfort level. I am hooked! - D.W.

I wanted to let you know that I hurt my back and that's why I have missed several classes. I am so upset with myself that I can't workout and especially because I'm missing yoga class. You really are a great instructor and I love your class and what it does for me. I am looking forward to coming back soon! -S.N.

I'm so appreciative to have you as my Yoga instructor! -J.S.

I really enjoyed your class, thank you so much for creating such a wonderful experience. -A.P.

Excellent class last night.....I have been enjoying your classes so much....I can't wait to go :-).......I think you are a gifted yoga instructor. -D.S.

Modeling what you preach is a rare thing in this world, but this is exactly what you do. Thank you. -M.S.

I just wanted to tell you before I go away how happy I am that I found you. I love what you and yoga have done for me. -N.K.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the incredible time I have had in your classes. I have been doing yoga for around 3 years and have never had such a wonderful and impacting experience. I have lower back problems and my yoga workouts were too low impact or too much. I found your class to challenge me in a safe and healthy environment. Your instructions were clear, but more importantly, you add the little things that make all the difference like what muscles to use, what part of the body to use, when to pull from your core and how to do it. After your class I feel like a million bucks! My back feels great, mentally I am calm and centered, and it stays with me all week. Thanks for putting your life into something that helps the world to be a better place. -J.A.

I am very thankful for you sharing your passion for yoga with all of us. You are a masterful instructor & I love your attention to form & correct alignment. It has made me a stronger person both inside & outside. -D.W.

With every email that comes it reminds me all the time how very much I MISS YOU and your FANTASTIC classes. I will be making the trek from Lake George to see you soon! -M.K.

I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for a wonderful class today and all the days that I have been so fortunate to practice under your guidance. You are truly a magnificent teacher and I am blessed to have you in my life. I feel terrific! Thank you! -S.D.

I LOVED Amber's deVine yoga class and I definitely recommend it, especially if you are looking to deepen your practice beyond the purely physical aspects of yoga. Through her guidance and authentic approach you have the space to celebrate and connect with your own personal spirituality. It's a life-affirming experience. Go!! -E.D.

I just wanted to send you a letter saying thank you so much for providing such a great yoga class. It has been so helpful! I am an avid runner, however due to an illness last year I am taking some time off to regain some strength and yoga has been the perfect fit for me! -C.S.

Your yoga classes have helped tremendously to allow me to focus on healing & caring for myself also. You have an amazing gift & I sincerely hope you will be able to continue to share your gifts with others through your practice. A.C.