Help Support IYCWM's Transition to Hybrid Classes

Through teaching online, The Iyengar Yoga Center of Western MA has gained many fellow travelers on the path of yoga, diversifying their community and expanding their reach beyond the walls of a studio. In order to continue providing yoga to these new members, the studio will be transitioning to a hybrid model of teaching wherein classes will be taught in person and simultaneously live streamed via Zoom.

The transition will require significant technological upgrades and purchases, (such as acquiring internet, upgrading lighting, purchasing of microphones, cameras, monitors, etc.), in addition to the standard procedures of re-opening, which include a deep cleaning of the studio and props. The studio hopes to have these improvements completed by August. 

Two students of IYCWM, Jane Potter and Kathy Ahern are encouraging their fellow practitioners and community members to support Susan Elena and the Iyengar Yoga Center of Western MA in these ventures.

Learn more about the studio’s mission and view upcoming classes and workshops on their website 

For both Doug and I Susan Elena has been the Goddess Durga. Her helping and insightful arms are able to reach through the zoom world into our hearts and minds these past sixteen months on an almost daily basis. We were both fortunate to be able to be a part of daily Yoga Vrksa classes. One arm would gently wake us, the other would open our eyes and heart. Another hand would set us upright; while the fourth and fifth would adjust us and scatter the chitta- vrittis that disturbed our asanas. The sixth was a healing hand that made adjustments to prevent injuries. The seventh re-aligned our chakras and arranged classes with international yoga masters.Finally the eighth allowed us to open in awe to witness Susan Elena's determination, resilience and abundance of knowledge and gentle kindness. We continually feel so blessed and appreciative to have landed on our mats in her classes.

Namaste,
Diane and Doug Gnepp


Susan Elena, in simplest terms, is an amazing teacher. For so many years she has been a steady presence in my life. That was especially meaningful this past year when the world was anything but steady. The community that has grown around her has also supported me in ways I didn’t expect. Susan Elena created a space for all of us to come together, voice what we were going through and know that we were not alone. That mattered. Beyond her incredible knowledge and insight of Yoga and her masterful skill at teaching, she is so kind, compassionate and generous. She has helped me thru very difficult times with physical pain and injury as well as other life disrupting issues. I know that each class I attend, Susan Elena will have given some thought to me (and every student) in regard to the sequence she will teach. Of course I am excited to return to the sanctuary of the yoga studio, and just as grateful that Susan Elena will continue with online classes. Because the true sanctuary encompasses everything: the studio, the community and the Yoga…and at the center is Susan Elena.
-Nicole Ferraro

I started with Susan Elena’s back care classes at Down Under and counted on my weekly Sunday class time with her. I have dealt with scoliosis since adolescence and have found Susan Elena’s approach and understanding to be a lifesaver in terms of how I feel and am able to move. One bright spot of the pandemic was being able to continue with Susan Elena’s classes through zoom even though she was no longer coming to Boston to teach. I am happy to know that she will be setting up her studio to support distance learning and look forward to ongoing study with her.
-Eda Spielman


Through Yoga with Susan Elena, my chronic low back and neck pain has improved dramatically. She has made a big difference in the quality of my life. Her gentle guidance and expert teaching are a blessing to all her students. I cannot wait to get back into in person classes to interact with my fellow students and have Susan Elena at our side.
A Very Grateful Student,
Eli Porth