Colleen Saidman Yee

Colleen Saidman Yee began her yoga journey in 1984 in New York City, initially hesitant but deeply impacted by her first class. After years of pursuing other athletic disciplines, a back surgery in 1994 led her to fully commit to yoga. She completed Jivamukti’s teacher training in 1998 and went on to found Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor in 1999. Over the years, she has become one of the most recognized figures in modern yoga, earning the title “First Lady of Yoga” from The New York Times and appearing widely across major publications and media. Her 2015 bestselling book, Yoga for Life: A Journey to Inner Peace and Freedom, reflects her ability to weave personal story with practical guidance.

Her work extends beyond the studio into education, media, and integrative wellness. She co-created initiatives blending yoga with healing modalities through UZIT and helped develop Urban Zen’s Integrative Yoga Therapist Program, bringing yoga into healthcare settings worldwide. Alongside her husband, Rodney Yee, she leads teacher trainings and workshops globally, while also contributing to major yoga platforms and wellness programs. Based in Sag Harbor, she continues to teach, write, and evolve her practice, drawing inspiration from her students, her teachers, and most meaningfully, her four children.