The SkyBaby Sound Healing Restorative Yoga Ensemble is comprised of master musicians Gwen Laster, David Ellenbogen, and Leroy Hankins, spirited yoga teacher Kathy Toris-Rowe and sound healer Michelle Clifton.

Kathy Toris-Rowe, E-RYT, finds inspiration from her own life’s experiences which she shares generously from her heart to guide others to reconnect with their own uniqueness. Kathy has studied with many gifted teachers, who have influenced her teachings from energetic vinyasa, to healing and nourishing therapeutics of yin and restorative yoga. She encourages her students honor their body, to breath and move mindfully to create an inner journey toward healing and empowerment. Kathy’s inspirational classes will challenge your body and mind to invoke a deeper purpose for stepping onto the mat. She is honored to be able to share her passion for yoga with her community in Hudson Valley. Her favorite Rumi quote is, "let the beauty of what you love be what you do."

Violinist/Violist Gwen Laster brings an eclectic mix of classical training (BM ,MM, University of Michigan School of Music) and improvisation inspired by music of Africa, India and the Jazz idiom. She has recorded two original music projects as a leader with her third release scheduled for fall 2015. Gwen has also recorded, toured and collaborated with artists in the popular and global music community that include Alicia Keys, Anthony Braxton, Haitian vocalist Emeline Michel, Leroy Jenkins, and Shakira at President Obama's Inaugural Neighborhood Ball. As an educator, she is the founder of Creative Improvisers Orchestra presenting master classes and workshops for young musicians. Gwen's fascination with the study of chakras and it's relationship to musical tonalities motivated her to create this ensemble. She is a certified yoga teacher bringing a seamless experience between the practice of yoga and the practice of her music.

Percussionist LeRoy Hankins: with the supports of the Tibetan bowls, the Kalimbas, the UDU Drums, and his voice, LeRoy has creatively harnessed the art of music as a source of healing. His musical talents bring a supportive element to restoring an internal balance when engaged in a conscious practice. Through focused intentions, chanting, the tonal and the rhythmic presentations of these instruments, LeRoy assists in setting into motion a revitalizing vibration, which promotes a healthy experience and encourages an awakening.

David Ellenbogen has performed and studied music in West Africa, India, Brazil and beyond. From Timbuktu to the TED stage, David has championed world music as a radio show host, festival producer and guitarist. For yoga and sound-meditations, he co-founded the Acoustic Mandala Project, which distills raga into ambient music ideal for meditation and journeying. The founder of the 24 hour Ragas Live Festival and a leader of the Brooklyn Raga Massive artist collective David has helped spread the gospel of the raga system and nada yoga. He has presented sound meditations with a collection of gongs and tibetan bows and other instruments at Yoga and Sound workshops and retreats in Costa Rica, Korea and home in Brooklyn.

Michelle Clifton has studied sound healing with Philippe & Lea Garnier and Satya Brat. She is a certified IASH (International Sound Healing Association) sound healer. She started studying energy healing and bodywork in 1987. In April, 1987 she completed the first degree course in the Usui System of Reiki Healing. She then went on to study with a variety of healers including Mietek Wirkus (Bioenergy-1991), Peeka Trenkle (Herbalist-1995) , Kim Brady (Head of Bodywork at Kripalu-Embodiment Training-1995),Jin Shin Jyutsu (Ancient Japanese Healing Art), Donna Eden (Donna Eden Energy Medicine-2012), Dr.Donald Pilipovich, D.A. (Accunect Connect-2012), Upledger’s CranioSacral Therapy (2013), Michelle is Licensed Massage Therapist. Michelle offers Tibetan Singing Bowl sound baths at The Organic Teaching Kitchen in Croton-on-Hudson and at Skybaby Yoga & Pilates in Cold Spring, NY.