Karen Lerner was born in Denver, Colorado. Her lifelong interests in movement, dance, acting and music began as a child.

Encouraged by an aerobics studio owner who recognized her talent in movement, Karen began teaching high- and low-impact aerobics and later, jazz and hip hop dance. She moved to New York in 1989 to pursue an acting career and continued teaching dance and fitness in and around Manhattan. While there, she began designing jewelry.

In 1992, Karen journeyed to Bali to create an import jewelry design business, and subsequently returned to Denver and Boulder, where she continued to teach dance and fitness.

Karen moved to Los Angeles and began practicing yoga with Shiva Rea and Bryan Kest in 1997, while recovering from surgery for a herniated disc.

She moved back to Denver and enrolled in her first Yoga teacher training course. She received certification from Hansa Knox, a Kripalu-based training in 2002. Drawn to the Anusara method, she then studied with Madhuri Martin and John Friend.

In 2006, Karen received a scholarship from the University of Denver to study in Israel with Orit Sen Gupta for Vijnana Yoga and with Diane Bloomfield for Tora Yoga and Kabbalah Yoga. The same year, Karen attended Level One training with Tias Little in Santa Fe.

In 2007 she attended a 300-hour Jivamukti teacher training with David Life and Sharon Gannon.

Karen continues to enrich her learning and teaching experiences. In 2008, Karen received her Postural Alignment and Pain Management Certification through Egoscue, trained in Kirtan with Jai Uttal, specializing in vocal training, mantras, and harmonium training and in received Relax and Renew, Restorative Certification through Judith Lasater. She is now a lead teacher of Samadhi’s yoga teacher training program.

Karen is an ardent animal welfare activist. She infuses her classes with her depth of heart for human and animal rights. She is humbled and honored to be sharing her home with her cats - Chaplin, Greta and Tallulah.

Karen has wed her love of jewelry design with her deep appreciation and practice of yoga and her yoga-inspired designs can be found in many fine boutiques. She continues her path of training in all the endeavors which she loves.

in memory of Shuki and Cardigan