Karen Score

Karen discovered her Dharma — the joy and satisfaction of being of service to others — many years ago, back in her high school days. In college, she studied Sociology, receiving her BA from SUNY New Paltz in 1982. As a mom of two boys, she later took up many volunteer interests, including volunteer coordinating and managing the Arts in Education Program in her local school district. Through this work she was able to provide the children in grades K-6 with opportunities to meet visiting authors, musicians, poets, and more. In order to provide these experiences, Karen organized fundraising and applied for grants because she believed in the importance of creating more experiences and broadening the horizons for all children. 

Karen then continued her service to the children and the broader community by serving as a Member of the Board of Education for a tenure of 15 years. Karen has also been a Hospice Volunteer providing caring support for grieving families as they face the loss of their loved ones.

Along the way, she developed a love for the practice of Yoga and became a 500 Hour Registered Yoga Instructor (2002) so she could offer her services to those who desired healthier lifestyles, stronger bodies, and quieter minds. Karen owned one of the largest and most successful yoga studios in NYS (Yoga Mandali of Saratoga, LLC) for about 12 years, where she fostered a supportive Bhakti Yoga community filled with compassion, kindness, and love. Karen’s philosophy is that Yoga is so much more than just the practice of asana (postures); it’s about the breath, and the time and space to allow the thoughts (the mind) to become quiet. It’s fresh air, nature, being with like-minded people, enjoying good food, sharing laughter and taking adventures…something everyone can do and experience!

In Spring 2018, Karen placed her beloved studio in the competent hands of one of her instructors so that she could be of service in a new way — through the offering of travel opportunities that share her love of various cultural connections and diversity.

Karen’s own journeys over the years are varied and vast, including many travels to European countries, Mexico, Costa Rica, and more. Although her true love is India, where she has gone every year since 2010, and where she sponsors the growth and education of two young girls. In her travels and in her life, Karen believes in the power of giving and receiving love, as well as creating a space for sangha (community).