Dahn Yoga Named Center of the Month

Each month, the corporate directors of Dahn Yoga choose one of their many locations as center of the month. has been honored this December, recognizing manager Dawn Quaresima and the center as a whole for the exceptional work they have done. With its 10-year anniversary approaching, December has certainly been an exciting month for all.

"Choosing us was a surprise," Quaresima said. "They found my story interesting; I was raised here in East Meadow and I came back when my son was born."

The East Meadow native graduated from the College of Mary and William in Williamsburg, VA, earning a Bachelors Degree in Science and Psychology. When she returned to her hometown years later, Quaresima began attending Dahn Yoga as a student.

"I started as a member here, a student, and I kept training and learning," she said.

For the last four years, Quaresima has devoted her time to managing the East Meadow center, where she instructs both group and individual sessions. "I kept growing here to the point where I now run the whole center," Quaresima said of her longtime experience at Dahn Yoga.

The center strives to provide a healing environment for all of its members, and to improve the well-being of themselves and others. Classes are offered in yoga and Ki Gong, a Korean form of Tai chi. Additonal classes are taught in stretching, breathing exercises, energy centering and meditation.

"Our members and instructors will visit workplaces to help people learn how to relax in times of stress," Quaresima said. "Our members benefit so much from the practice, it comes naturally to share and help others."

According to Quaresima, another deciding factor in the center being chosen was the large number of students who have become class teachers.

"We have had a lot of students who have grown into the role of instructors just within this year," she said of the impressive transition. "Some are still here and some others are working around locations in Queens or the Bronx, Syosset or Smithtown."

A majority of the center's members come from East Meadow and neighboring towns like Levittown, Merrick and Westbury. The staff and students at Dahn Yoga make sure to give back to the community and its members.

"We do an outreach class for United Cerebral Palsy once a week," Quaresima explained. "They benefit a lot from our classes."

In the past, center instructors have taught many classes at the East Meadow , along with introductory seminars for the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce.

Dahn Yoga of East Meadow will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Dec. 31. For their anniversary celebration, various specials will be running through the month of January.