Our Team
Lauren Chaitoff, Co–Owner
Created in 2007, Yogi Beans is the brainchild of mind–body fitness expert Lauren Chaitoff. As a theater major at Northwestern University, Lauren was first introduced to Pilates and yoga. She received her Pilates certification in Los Angeles through the PhysicalMind Institute and Master Trainer Ivon Dahl. After moving to New York City in 2005, Lauren completed her 200–hour yoga certification through YogaWorks and became an E–RYT registered member of the Yoga Alliance. One of her most transformative moments was when a teacher suggested she tame her high energy levels while teaching an adult yoga class. In staying true to herself Lauren thought, "Who better to share her natural energies with than kids?" After an empirical examination of the benefits of yoga on children, Lauren designed the Yogi Beans curriculum "sprouting" from her innate ability to connect with children and her knowledge of yoga. Since then, the Yogi Beans curriculum continues to evolve from her daily experiences in the classroom and on her mat. Lauren is grateful for the children she teaches as they remind her to appreciate the present moment and the simple miracles of everyday life.
Alexa Klein, Co–Owner
The business side of Yogi Beans is inspired by Alexa's deep passion for yoga, extensive business experience and gratitude for the daily opportunities she is given to positively influence child development. Alexa has practiced yoga since 2007 when she stumbled into her first yoga class as a burned–out lawyer with the usual corporate America aches and pains in body, mind and heart. In 2009, after the pressures of corporate life hit a high note, Alexa made a choice to take a deep breath, follow her heart, and steer her life's path toward the world of yoga. Upon completing a yoga teacher training in 2009, Alexa began teaching yoga to adults and simultaneously worked in a number of managerial positions with yoga studios and companies throughout New York City. She discovered that within her heart resided both a true yogi and a true businesswoman. With those truths in place, Alexa and Lauren fortuitously met and a union was inevitable. Alexa holds a B.A. from The University of Pennsylvania, a J.D. from New York University School of Law, and her yoga teaching certification from YogaWorks. She has practiced law as a transactional attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP and as in–house counsel at a real estate company in New York City. Alexa continues to teach weekly adult yoga classes on the Upper West Side and in Queens.
