Ever since I started doing yoga, I always called it my therapy. It was undivided me-time and my escape.
When the world was locked down and everything was scary and unknown, my mental health was slowly deteriorating. I was used to doing yoga in a studio every single day, and having that taken away really took a toll on me.
Then I got an email from one of my favorite teachers, Ava, offering community Zoom classes every day(sometimes 2-3x!) during the pandemic. She called it yoga for all and it saved me.
From the first class when I stepped on my mat and began to flow, I felt better. I took classes multiple times a day every day and they were the one constant thing I could count on. Being able to return to some sense of normalcy and to something I loved so much was a life saver. My mental health was greatly improving, and I owe it all to Ava.
What started as community Zoom classes has blossomed into an amazing platform, The Work by Ava, and I’m so lucky to have been a member since day 1.
During a time when everyone is feeling so disconnected and alone at home, Ava has created a beautiful community for all of us to connect. I only knew a couple other members when I first joined, and it has been so nice to meet so many wonderful people. Although I haven’t met anyone else in person, I feel like we know each other and have been practicing together for years. Being able to see familiar faces and greeting each other before class was the best part of my day. I felt lighter. It was fulfilling my need for human connection. Everyone is so welcoming, and that is a testament to the people that Ava surrounds herself with and attracts.
Ava is as versatile as her classes on The Work. I can sweat in Barre, ground myself in Yin and flow in Power. Her classes are always fun, challenging, and most importantly, feature at least 1-3 cats in the background. Ava is so well-rounded and knowledgeable, and classes are suitable for members of all levels of experience. She makes an effort to get to know each and every student and because of that, her virtual classes feel very personal. She encourages and cues each student by name. Ava knows me and my body so well that she cues me into fun shapes I didn’t know existed! If you have any injuries, ailments or even if you’re a babe with a baby, Ava seamlessly offers modifications to accommodate everyone.
My favorite part of Ava’s teaching style is how intentional and specific she is with her cues. I’ve gained so much awareness in my body that I’ve learned how to activate and engage very specific parts of my body that I didn’t know I had control over in order to maximize each shape. (Who knew you could externally rotate through your inner thigh in a warrior 2?) I never thought that I would be able to deepen my practice without in-person teaching, but with The Work by Ava, I am the strongest that I have ever been.
As amazing as Ava is as a teacher, she is an even better person. She genuinely loves and cares about everyone and you can feel it every time she pops up on zoom and greets every person individually with the biggest smile on her face. I love her so much and am honored to be able to call her a friend.
Through my time on The Work, I’ve learned that yoga has nothing to do with the studio. It’s about the teachers and communities, and this is the best one I’ve been so blessed to be a part of. It truly is yoga for all and I can’t wait for you to experience it.
Victoria V.
A Teacher. A Mentor. A Healer.
With extensive knowledge in anatomy and an expertise in teaching movement, you can trust Ava will safely guide you through your yoga session. Ava’s dance and choreography background paired with her yoga training allows her to design custom sequences to fit your needs. Her initiative feeling and ability to connect with others creates a deep understanding between her and her clients. You will be guided with care for the health and longevity of your body, mind, and soul.
Ava’s heart and giving nature does not end with her clients. Ava is a mentor. From the moment I met her, she was gracious and willing to provide guidance and show encouragement for my growth as a teacher. I’ve truly been fortunate to have trained under her for my Yoga Yin training. Just by being herself, Ava naturally sets the path for others to follow.
I enjoy learning from the variety of styles Ava offers. My favorite is her Yoga Yin Class. She will allow you to feel safe and vulnerable to open your heart. Her guidance gives you permission to develop self compassion for yourself and your journey. She is a true healer.
On top of all that, Ava has a genuine and lively spirit that brightens up any room she walks in.
Ava, much gratitude for all that you are.
Kimberly Pena
200 Hr Yoga Instructor
Former Trainee under Ava’s Leadership (Yoga Yin Training)
My experience with Ava and the Work has been nothing short of magical, empowering, and transformative. I have been an avid practitioner of yoga for the past several years, and continued to practice yoga, barre, and movement with Ava through The Work while pregnant during this past year. Important to note both, because my pregnancy and birth experience were defined by the outstandingly positive mindset and strength I cultivated through working with Ava before and during this transitional time. My mind and body were prepared for the challenge of carrying and delivering my child in such a way that the doctors were incredulous at the joy and power in the room!
Each of Ava’s classes is unique, with the consistent elements of mindfulness, challenge, and ease. Something I learned from Ava early on was ahimsa, or, respect for all living things, both for myself and others. It is so easy to judge our own progress--Ava taught me instead to grow in the discomfort, embrace change, and to own self-acceptance as a strong individual and uniquely as a pregnant person. She takes an individualized approach to each of her students and encourages us in ways that we can grasp and build on. I look forward to each of her classes because I know I will get my daily dose of Ava’s love, my own self-love, and our yoga community’s love from around the world! As a teacher, Ava embodies warmth and encouragement. Her personality, attention to detail, and dedication to her students sets her apart from the rest. I am eternally grateful to call The Work my movement and meditation home.
Shay R.
I have been taking Ava's virtual yoga classes since the beginning of the pandemic. She was one of the instructors at Equinox and I always loved her challenging classes. These virtual classes made the lockdown an opportunity to attend more classes than I was taking at the gym! I have gotten stronger and more flexible during this past year. Her knowledge about yoga and the body belie her youthful age. She is my young guru and I feel so thankful to have access to her virtual and taped classes. I have also benefited from the fantastic workshops. Every class is a new challenge!
