Alexa’s Client List (Scroll to the bottom of this page)
THE MORE LAUGHTER PROJECT
Alexa is committed to sharing laughter with as many groups as she can. Paying clients help to fund valuable programs for the MORE LAUGHTER PROJECT, which is focused on providing underserved communities with more laughter programs and placing certified Laughter Yoga leaders in more areas, where they can share the gift of this important laughter health program. If you wish to support this project, reach out and let’s create a special event!
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Hi Alexa,
Thank you so much for providing our staff with such an enjoyable experience with Laughter Yoga. We all enjoyed the Zoom session and found ourselves feeling good for a while after the session. For me, it was really good to do this with others and see them doing the same strange things and laughing about it. Thanks for making it fun and caring about our wellbeing.”
Veronica Klopfenstein
Senior Program Officer, Internal Communications & Project Management
United States Institute of Peace , May 2020
From one of our other participants:
“Thank you for organizing this. It was a really enjoyable experience. As you said, it felt weird at first but then I got into. Afterwards I found myself giggling on and off for the rest of the afternoon and evening. My Mom has done laughter yoga and when I spoke with her yesterday evening she and I had a few laughs talking about it and a few more just to laugh. I can be quite shy socially and I while I wanted to participate I really had to force myself to do so. I am very glad I did and I would do it again.”
a three week later, follow-up testimonial:
“Thanks for organizing the session. I was curious how it would be and ended up really enjoying the experience together with everyone. After a bit, the laughter came naturally and it felt like a release from the weight of the pandemic. It was fascinating to actually be conscious by how many types of laughter we have.”
“I wanted to personally thank you for bringing Laughter Yoga to CMSU. I was told that this year’s conference was the best of the last several years, and I can’t help believe that Laughter Yoga was a huge reason why. I am so grateful for what you shared with us.” Maxine Williams, MSW, LSW Quality Improvement Specialist, CMSU Behavioral Health
“Alexa Drubay, provided a fast moving 30-minute presentation on Laughter Yoga. Ms. Drubay had everyone up on their feet exercising and laughing at things we normally don’t laugh at – and made everyone feel refreshed and alive.” District Governor Don Kaufman, Lions Club International
Student Testimonial:
“When signing up for this training, I found it online for social work license CEUs but never heard of Laughter Yoga. After experiencing just one session, I could feel the effects. I have fibromyalgia and anxiety so I am always in a lot of pain. However, after the first session my pain levels were lower. I was pleasantly surprised and can’t wait to continue using Laughter Yoga!” Alyssa Amabile, Social Worker
virtual laughter
Click here for Student Testimonials from Alexa’s zoom leader trainings
As part of my MORE LAUGHTER PROJECT, I am interested in hearing from you.
Please feel free to share how Laughter Yoga has improved your life.
– Naila Francis, Senior Editor/Writer, Kathy Davis Studios, Horsham, PA. 10/25/2017
A Testimonial from a student:
“Hello my name is Tiffany (Tiffy) and I am now an officially a certified Laughter Yoga Leader.
I am so thankful for Alexa Fong Drubay for allowing me and my fellow newly certified Laughter Yoga Leaders into her home and heart. I have learned so much about Laughter Yoga and mostly about myself.
A year plus ago I saw a buzzfeed video on Laughter Yoga and since then I’ve tried and tried to find someone, somewhere locally that I could learn from. And nothing. Then a few weeks ago I tried again, one more time. Not quite sure what I googled differently but there she was. Alexa and her workshop. Only an hours drive away. (Yes it was meant to be). “Take my money!”, I hollered out (yes I truly said that out loud). My poor coworkers had to hear about how excited I was almost every shift I worked.
Then the day came. Anxiety at a 9 and I almost backed out because well hello anxiiietyyyyy lol. But I got in my car and drove to the most beautiful, magical home I’ve ever seen.
There is where I met beautiful souls who started out as strangers but have now turned to glorious friends. We learned. We laughed. We cried. We were childlike. We all have forgotten what it’s like to be childlike. But this weekend, we have remembered.
And so today, we danced with all the silliness we could muster as we accepted our certification. And with this, I vow to always laugh, everyday. I vow to share my knowledge with everyone who wants to know how to laugh and be a child again. I vow to spread love always, in all ways.
I know I can’t control life but I can control how I choose to laugh with it.
Very good. Very good. Yaaaaay.”
Tiffany Wallace, Boyertown, PA
Here are some of the groups Alexa has laughed with
Alexa has shared laughter with the following groups:
- ACTS Senior Communities
- American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American Heart & Stroke Association
- Alpha Delta Kappa
- Appficiency.com
- Arrow Global Services
- ArtsAbility.org
- Assoc. for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (AADD)
- AstraZeneca
- Beth Sholom Synagogue Center for Spiritual Well-Being, Philadelphia
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Blue Shield/Blue Cross
- Bryn Mawr College
- Burlington Township High School
- Canadian General Consulate of Chicago
- California Public Libraries
- Chester County Prison
- Cigna Healthcare
- CJW Medical Center
- CMSU Behavioral Health
- Coatesville, PA Veterans Administration Medical Center
- Cooper House Events
- Dell Technologies
- Drexel University Hospital Nursing Dept. of Anesthesia
- Edvance College
- Endicott College
- EmpowHER
- Families First
- Friends Life Care
- Gilda’s Club
- Girl Scouts of America
- Illinois Public Libraries
- Impetus Technologies
- Interdisciplinary Health Services at St. Joseph’s University
- Knights Park Summer Camp
- Johnson & Johnson
- JP Morgan
- Lankenau Hospital Nursing Symposium
- Lehigh Valley Activity Professionals Association (LVAPA)
- Life Steps Foundation
- Lions Club International
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer
- Magellan Healthcare
- Maryland Coalition of Families
- m.Design
- The Moorings at Lewes
- Montessori- River Falls Public Elementary K-12
- MSQ Ventures Global
- National Association of Educational Procurement Professionals (NAEP)
- New Horizons Rehabilitation Services
- National Institute of Health (NIH)
- National Social Workers of PA (NASW-PA)
- New Jersey Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association ( NJ-EPA TRA)
- New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Youth Suicide Prevention Program
- Optimist Club of Rose Tree Media, PA
- PMD Alliance (Parkinson’s Movement Disorder Alliance)
- Penn Medicine
- Penn State University at State College, PA
- Penn State University at Brandywine
- Pennsylvania Public Libraries
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
- The President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
- Red Hat Society-Foxy After Fifty
- Rotary Club of Media, PA
- Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation
- Spotify Global Employee Wellness
- Swarthmore College Students
- Swarthmore College Staff Wellness
- Surrey Senior Services
- Temple University Hospital Nursing Staff
- Temple University Heart & Vascular Institute’s Heart Failure Awareness Community Outreach Program
- Temple University Hospital Social Workers
- Temple University Hospital Diabetes Awareness Prevention
- Toastmasters International
- University of Pennsylvania
- Uniper Care
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County
- Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, PA
- United Nations Office of Drugs & Crime Conference of States Parties Anti Corruption Conference (COSP10 Atlanta)
- Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, PA
- United States Army
- United States Attorney’s Office/Dept. of Justice
- United States Institute of Peace
- United States National Crime Victim’s Rights
- Program States National Institute of Health (NIH)
- Veeva Systems
- Weaving Light Women’s Retreats
- Western Illinois University
- White Horse Village Senior Community
- Yoga Journal
- Yoga International
- zipnosis
Alexa provides customized sessions for Daycare, Elementary, Middle and High School Students
Holistic Health Groups, Veterans, Community Fairs, Corporate Wellness Fairs & Customized Sessions for Special groups.
Educational programs:
- Retreats & Workshops
- 1-DAY Laughter Yoga Laugh, Learn and Lunch
- 2-DAY Certified Laughter Yoga Leader (CLYL) Trainings
- 5 -Day Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher (CLYT) Trainings
( CEU credits available.)
Follow-Up Feedback from a recent Laughter Yoga Workshop presentation at the New Jersey-Eastern PA Therapeutic Recreation Association’s Fall Conference 2019 in Princeton, NJ . Feedback from the 2019 NJEPA-TRA Conference
Article highlighting Alexa’s activities in Social Work Advocates December 2019 – January 2020
I signed up for a laughter yoga course with Alexa, not completely sure of what I was going to learn. I felt very enthusiastic after completing the course, that the knowledge I gained could not only be helpful for others, but I would benefit as well. I appreciated her teaching style by keeping it fun and interesting. I’m excited to use my new skills and I would highly recommend Alexa as a teacher for laughter yoga certification.
Laughter Yoga with Alexa has improved my life and well as the lives of so many others. I became a CLYL (Certified Laughter Yoga Leader) in 2017 and since then have led Laughter Yoga sessions for corporation and in elder-care facilities. Everyone can benefit from Laughter Yoga. We love Alexa – and I can’t urge you enough to take her courses.
A big ThankYou to Alexa! I trained to become a Laughter Yoga leader – I’d heard about the practice online but had no expectations about what the weekend would entail. Well, if I had had expectations, they would have been blown away! As a nutritionist counselor and health coach, I learned so much that will help me in working with my clients. I had an amazing time with Alexa and the group, wonderful people and such a positive vibe. Alexa was upbeat, knowledgeable and really tailored her instruction to the group. I’ll be able to use the information and guidance she offered not only in Laughter Yoga clubs I might host, but in every day of my life and how I interact with friends, family, work and community. In whatever way you can connect with Alexa, I highly recommend that you do!
The course exceeded my expectations in flying colors. I am a yoga professional and a very happy customer. Her knowledge, skill, energy, hospitality and beyond is a real treat for creating health and laughter 🙂 She is a gem! Hamaste!
Alexa led a zoom session for my organization (telemedicine solutions) , and the feedback was all positive! She provided education on the practice and then led us through a session. We ended with a meditation. What a great way to relax and detach from work for an hour. I arranged the event, and Alexa was great to work with. Highly recommended!
Thank you Alexa. It was fun and now my sister who was there and I talk on the phone and laugh all the way through. You have enhanced my life very much. All good things to you.
Alexa masterfully led our Laughing for the Joy of It group today, and we were taking to new height of joy and laughter than ever before! She is a delightful presence, and part of our group were inspired to stay on Zoom afterwards for a half hour, to brainstorm new and creative ways to re-energize our meetings and make them more collaborative in how we run them.
I just had a Zoom laughter session with Alexa. It was wonderful! I had a lot of resistance in the beginning, thinking how silly I was. But by the end I was relaxed, laughing, and grateful. Alexa’s experience and care really came through as she skillfully led us through a variety of creative exercises that freed up my expression and got me outside of my head and into a whole other space of acceptance. I love how practical the exercises were reminding me that I can laugh at any time, from brushing my teeth to during a stressful traffic jam. So much value in that! I’ll be laughing a lot more in the days to come.
Dear Alexa,
Thank you for joining our group Laughing For the Joy of It and sharing a virtual zoom session with us! Your laughter leadership was clear, loving, fun, joyful, and masterful! Thank you for bringing your joy, talent, and transformational leadership to our group. You infused life into our meeting and are inspiring transformation in our meeting process!
Wishing you Continued Blessings of Laughter and Light,
Lucy P. Dickinson, Sequim, WA
Virtual laughter testimonial-Thank you tremendously for the wonderful time of laughter yoga. As a doctoral student and psychologist in training, final exams are a stressful time. I coordinated an event with our Student Government Association, as the Community Coordinator, to do this during the week of finals. The other students were impressed with the experience. When given a brief survey, they were asked to rate the event. The respondents all gave 100 % ratings of satisfaction in the categories of virtual experience, discussion, presentation, and overall. Complements praised Alexa on her skillful facilitation of laughter yoga with feedback to do this again in the future. I highly recommend this for mental health workers. It is a wonderful tool for self-care for both psychologists in training and their future clients.
BJC Hospice hired Alexa for a virtual zoom session of laughter yoga with kids who have lost a loved one. I was surprised and delighted with Alexa’s approach. She was sweet, and tender, energetic, and funny. I would highly recommend her to any group who wants to try out this unique approach to self-care. She adapted her work to be engaging and quickly shifted to different activities to keep the kids entertained as well as encourage the laughter!
It was a treasured time I had doing laughter yoga with Alexa. I felt I was in great hands immediately as we began our one-on-one coaching session. Alexa’s personal interest, gentleness, and elegance made my personal experience very pleasant. Alexa explained the history and science of laughter yoga as well as the physiological and emotional benefits in doing it. I liked that. My subjective assessment is that my mood and spirit lifted 2 points. However more importantly my inner world was more serene and nurtured. I laughed of course and learned to do different motor activities . My horizons expanded and when I felt vulnerable there was always the “mental floss” exercise Alexa did with me🙂.
During meditation Alexa’s voice was very soothing and gentle her words well chosen it brought me to calmer resting places within. In my opinion that was the best guided meditation I ever had. I recommend Alexa to first timers as well as to people who want their inner child to play and feel more freer.
Thank You Alexa!❤️
I recently completed the certified laughter yoga leader training course with Alexa and I am so glad I did! Her level of enthusiasm for spreading joy through laughter was readily apparent and highly motivational. Her level of commitment to her craft and her students left me feeling excited to follow her lead. Thanks, Alexa!
Alexa came into a room of skeptical but willing-to-try Rotarians and soon had them laughing and enjoying her excellent presentation.
The staff at St. Georges Technical High School invited Alexa to laugh with us. The time that we spent with her was perhaps the most important and productive time that we spent all day. After the session, staff members remarked that they were more relaxed and energized for the day. Another staff member remarked that laughing brought the staff closer together. Thank you, Alexa, for your fun and professional service.
Chad Harrison
Assistant Principal, St. Georges Technical High School
What a great event!
At a recent District Rally in Allentown, PA., Alexa Drubay, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, provided a Special Lions Program that had everyone on their feet. It was shear joy to see our Lions roar with laughter and move about the room.
The 2019-2020 District 14-K Rally on September 26th was well attended with Lions from all over the district.
Our Guest Speaker, Alexa Drubay, provided a fast moving 30-minute presentation on Laughter Yoga. Ms. Drubay had everyone up on their feet exercising and laughing at things we normally don’t laugh at – and made everyone feel refreshed and alive.
After my month at an Ayurvedic Ashram in India and having heard about Laughter Yoga from a fellow traveler, I returned to Philadelphia and learned there was a Laughter Yoga group in Media led by Alexa Drubay, a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, now a Laughter Yoga Master Trainer (highest level in Laughter Yoga).
Alexa is a gifted warm and inclusive leader. I felt connected to her and the group immediately!
I am a early childhood teacher in the School District of Philadelphia, a Holistic Health Coach, and a mindfulness educator.
Soon after, I joined Alexa’s certification course to become a Laughter Yoga Leader.
Alexa is an talented, energetic, encouraging and organized instructor. Laughter helps one to have a lighter perspective and connect with one’s inner peace and joy.
Since that time I have implemented the Laughter Yoga practice in my Head Start class everyday! The impact has been enormous. The students love to do it and Laughter Yoga creates cohesiveness and connection amongst the students. It breaks through moodiness and eases shyness, anxiety and general hyper activity. It is fun and the children ( ages 3 – 5 ) look forward to their laughter yoga time everyday.
Sometimes a few children will initiate the practice spontaneously during a free choice time!
I was pleasantly surprised that the students with special needs ( autism, Hyperactive, and high anxiety) were actively engaged and calmed during and after the laughter yoga sessions. Laughter Yoga is a wonderful gift to give.
I was visiting a senior center that my daughter volunteers in, and the social worker asked me to lead an impromptu session. It was a completely different venue with mainly people in wheel chairs. Just a 15 minute taste of Laughter Yoga brightened up the whole group and generated a lovely energy and feeling of connection!
Yes, Laughter Is the best Medicine.
Thank you, Alexa, for your expert teaching and for your certification program under the tutelage of Dr. Mayan Kataria, founder of the Laughter Yoga Movement.
Thank you so much, Alexa. For me the LY training was invaluable! It gave me a “missing piece.” I have been on the spiritual path for over 40 years. And I Realize This ever-Present Spacious Awareness – the Truth of what we all really already Are. Realization has given me, this Jeff character, Unconditional Peace, subtle Happiness, Freedom and Love… While resting in This Consciousness, absolutely nothing is missing, nothing is needed… There Is Absolute Contentment – Fulfillment…
On some subconscious level, something was missing for “me” – this person. What I have found through Laughter Yoga is a “missing piece” – a tool – for “me” to be really happy in any given moment, no matter what negative experience may be happening… To just laugh, transforms the negative experience, at least for as long as I’m laughing. Even when I stop laughing, then there is more lightness about the negative experience that may still be active. Even if it’s only temporary, when I’m laughing, this Jeff character is really happy!!
Thanks Alexa for spending some time with our site. Even though a good number of the participants were hesitant at first, the environment that you created was infectious and they all came around. We now understand the benefits of laughter and are putting it to use in our daily routines.
Words can not express my gratitude for your amazing presentation and its impact on my clients. I especially appreciated your perfect Segway from the emotional impact of Jillian Massey’s story to using your inner child to embrace laughter. Thank you for incorporating some financial ideas into your program.
I received amazing feedback from my clients about your Laughter Yoga session. I also was amazed how you got every single person to be involved.
You have a very special gift and I am so thankful that we crossed paths. I plan to stay in touch and will be looking for ways to incorporate laughter into my life and my clients’ lives as well.
Thank you Alexa, for sharing your joy & laughter skills. You have lightened my load and given me laughter tools and inspiration.
Alexa has left me inspired to pursue my purpose as a Laughter Yoga Leader. After taking this course, I know it is what I am meant to do. Thank you Alexa!
“When signing up for this training, I found it online for social work license CEUs but never heard of Laughter Yoga. After experiencing just one session, I could feel the effects. I have fibromyalgia and anxiety so I am always in a lot of pain. However, after the first session my pain levels were lower. I was pleasantly surprised and can’t wait to continue using Laughter Yoga!” Alyssa Amabile, Social Worker, Philadelphia
Alexa, you did a wonderful job. Not only was your laughter infectious, but your enthusiasm was unbelievable! Best wishes, and I will always remember your delicious lunches and your great smile. Jeffrey Rich, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, Delray Beach, FL
Our Laughter Yoga session, unlike most others, took place in a house setting. The 23 participants enjoyed the casual venue with Alexa and took part in a lively, fun, stress-free time (along with a glass of wine!). The hour-long laughing “exercise” routine was enlightening and uplifting. We all took away a respect for how laughter can influence our daily lives and health. Though it may have seemed somewhat silly at first, everyone got into the idea behind the move and “ha ha’s”. At the end of the evening, we parted with a more upbeat attitude and appreciation of what some good laughing can accomplish.
For those out there who are considering something “different” to do, having exhausted the usual get-together themes, consider a Laughter Yoga session (at home) and have your friends remember the experience! Thanks for a great evening Alexa!
The Laughter Yoga Training with Alexa was incredible! Her love for laughter is entirely contagious and inspiring. The only that out does her ability to professionally deliver the course, is what an amazing host she is. For anyone thinking about attending a Laughter Yoga Training Course, I think you would be seriously missing out if you did not train with Alexa.
I am the Program Coordinator for Temple Health Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). I am always seeking ways to expand the program with interesting ideas. I was quite pleased when one of the Lifestyle Coaches suggested Laughter Yoga as an activity for our program. I first heard of Laughter Yoga when it was referenced in the DPP curriculum as a way to deal with stress. I first went online to get an understanding of laughter yoga but was over joyed when one of DPP Lifestyle coaches told me that she had attended a Laughter Yoga session with Alexa Drubay and Ernie Oktay. She told me how great it was and we should bring it to the DPP. She obtained Alexa’s contact information and passed it on to me. Alexa was so easy to talk to and was receptive to what we have been trying to accomplish with the DPP here at Temple Health. She accomodated our DPP participants with two laughter yoga sessions that the participants are still talking about! I saw some participants smile, laugh and move like never before. Alexa and Ernie both made the benefits of laughter so easy to understand and pointed out that just about anybody can do it! The easiness of Ernie’s balloon, bubbles and hand gestures took us all back to childhood. We so enjoyed the entire session and we are still talking about it and laughing our way through rush hour traffic! Thank you Alexa and Ernie!
Edoris – Program Coordinator, TUP DPP (Temple University Hospital)
As a storyteller, poet and generally happy person, I’ve always enjoyed laughing and bringing laughter to pre-schoolers and adult audiences since 1994. My sense of humor has helped me to overcome many trials and struggles in my own life and I cherish friends and family who are upbeat and positive. “I love to laugh” from Mary Poppins was my favorite song from the movie and my mother had a “Peter Pan” personality up until the day she died at 89. I have found this practice to reinvigorate my love for people and also enhance my already silly…to serious programs that I offer. One of my favorite papers I submitted in a psyche class while in college was “Humor Reveals Truth” I got a A+.
Well, I dropped out of school to pay rent and eat, but I continued to get my Phd from the school of hard knocks…and I did. Now as a full time storyteller and ARTtress, I have found my niche in this movement of bringing on the JOY!
As an avid health advocate and sometimes fitness enthusiast, Laughter Yoga combines everything I need to keep on keeping on and living my fabulous life with purpose, style and benevolence!
I am so happy for Alexa’s training program, I cried tears of joy as I left her beautiful studio, gracious husband, delicious cuisine and memories of meeting creative and passionate people with a purpose. Alexa was excellent in training myself and the other participants to become LYLeaders. Her generous information, sensitive attention, and no hold bars attitude was more than I expected. She is the Laughter Goddess;-) Ernie brought in his great Laughter Yoga WARRIOR energy that really brought everything home to the importance and seriousness of this practice.
We have so much trouble in the world and for people to take time to ease up on themselves and play with others is priceless. I thank Dr. Kataria for developing this program and I will practice and share it with as many people who dare to share a smile and laugh with me. I will be doing some freebies in my own back yard and I am planning to share a few sessions on the beach in Tobago! Very good, very good –Yeahhhh!
Love much, Laugh often!
Oni
This has changed my outlook on life.
Alexa and Ernie shared Laughter Yoga with the Philadelphia Network connections group and we are all a little bit lighter for it. Working in an industry that can be quite challenging I don’t think we all realized how much we needed to laugh. It also allowed for us to be humans with our guard down with each other which allowed for a very special connection beyond networking. Personally, the tension I was holding was released that night and I felt at peace. Laughter IS the best medicine! Thank you Alexa and Ernie! 😄😂😄
Alexa’s workshop was a great intro to Laughter Yoga Leadership. Alexa was very organized and presented a lot of information over the 2 days. I feel like we covered what we needed to at this point. She was very willing to answer questions, of which I had many! We had 4 LY sessions which made it all seem more real, very palatable, and very fun! Alexa’s warm spirit, willing family, and graciousness and excellence as a hostess and cook added to the experience. I would highly recommend this Leader training.
I left with a really good feeling for LY and the community it represents. I enjoyed the pre-session in the playground with you and Ernie and then all the sessions with the workshop were fun and interesting. I feel like I learned a lot just by participating with the intention of “Oh! I may want to remember this or that.”
As Dr. Kataria puts it: Very good, very good, Yay!
Thank you, Alexa, for a wonderful weekend training to be Laughter Yoga Leaders. The whole weekend and program was well thought-out and paced, the location and space (your beautiful home) was fabulous, and the food you provided for lunch and snacks delicious (so much more than I would ever have expected). I thought the training was thorough and fun, with at least two full laughter sessions each day, chances for us to practice and gain experience.
All in all, it was very good, very good, Yay! 🙂
And one more thing, I am very much looking forward to helping bring Laughter Yoga to Wilmington, DE.
I had a wonderful time with our laughter yoga session. I am aware of the laughter protocol for my life. I laugh daily whether at myself or with someone else. I know that the joy of the Lord is my strength and that in itself helps me to laugh. We need laughter in our lives, it good medicine for the soul. I look forward to having them come again, but on a larger scale of participants here at Temple. Nursing week or some other event maybe a good time to come. So go ahead and laugh it up it will do the body, mind and soul good. Have a wonderful day and keep on laughing. Thank you Alexa and Ernie.
Alexa Drubay is the perfect person to teach Laughter Yoga. Her exuberance and joy flow through to everyone! I’m glad to have been a part of her teacher training certification and would recommend her classes. She has an incredible ability to bring different people together for a joyful experience.
The two-day training led by Alexa Drubay this past weekend was a terrific experience! She has a real gift for creating a supportive environment in which students can learn about and practice Laughter Yoga. Alexa’s enthusiasm, caring spirit, and fabulous cuisine were noted and appreciated by everyone in the group.
By following Alexa’s guidance, exchanging stories, and sharing ideas with my fellow trainees, I learned the skills needed to start my own laughter club. As a result, I’m motivated to improve my daily practice, increase communication with other CLYLs, and share the benefits of Laughter Yoga with the uninitiated. I highly recommend Alexa as a Laughter Yoga teacher.
Thanks again, Alexa!
What a joy and delight to be in Alexa’s Laughter Yoga Teacher Certification program! A gifted teacher, Alexa beautifully balances imparting information about the background and philosophy of Laughter Yoga with lots of hands-on, interactive exercises. She treats everyone with warmth and respect, making all of us feel welcomed and valued. Her enthusiasm for Laughter Yoga is clearly evident and highly contagious.
Alexa went above and beyond the average teacher to host us in her lovely home and provide gourmet meals for all of us, which were a tremendous and unexpected value-added benefit. I will be recommending Alexa as a Laughter Yoga to any and all of my friends and acquaintances who are interested in the teacher certification training.
Alexa came to our retirement community to do a Laughter Yoga workshop with residents and staff. It was amazing to watch the reactions of various residents–some residents who rarely participate in group activities came in and truly seemed to enjoy it! Some laughed in spite of themselves and the fun-loving more gregarious residents had a wonderful time. Alexa did a fantastic job and I recommend the workshop for all ages. It’s a good exercise for those core muscles as well.
About ten of us gathered today morning in Krishna Village (Temple) in Bear, DE, to laugh with Alexa. She is such a joy to train with. The bad part was, before we knew, the session was over. Laughing helped us connect with one another, enjoy the morning, and discover the pleasure and joy buried inside. Now I am told this is healthy too. That’s a big bonus. It is convenient too. You can do it alone. With others too. Anytime. Anywhere.
THANK YOU, Alexa!
Alexa’s laughter yoga session was enjoyed by all who participated in the 2nd annual Heart Failure Awareness Week at Temple University on 2/14/2017. Everyone truly felt more joyful, relaxed and was smiling ear to ear saying very good, very good yay with their arms stretched above their heads. The group included individuals with advanced heart failure, some with mechanical circulatory support device (LVAD) and community members. Alexa is a skilled professional who had everyone engaged, laughing and doing the wave. If you want to learn how to laugh more and decrease stress, try a session of laughter yoga with Alexa! Thank you Alexa for sharing your knowledge, skills and laughter.
My health students at St. Joseph’s University had a wonderful laughter and yoga session with Alexa. Many have expressed interest in participating in the program. Alexa presented important research and scientific evidence behind the use of laughter in health and the use of laughter as a therapy. The session provided the students with an opportunity to learn about different ways to laugh unconditionally and incorporate laughter into their daily lives. The session made us feel relaxed for the rest of the day. I would highly recommend inviting Alexa for a session and sharing the joys of laughter with your group.
Alexa came to our organization. We enjoyed a relaxing and stress reducing evening. There was great joy in the room. Alpha Beta Kappa Society.
Our students had a wonderful session with Alexa. It gave them insight as to how laughter is a valuable health resource and gave them a relaxing and fun break for the day. I would highly recommend Alexa and her laughter workshop to lighten up your day and get your employees to breathe more!
I just completed training to be a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader under the tutelage and guidance of Alexa Drubay.
She is a skilled technician who led the class efficiently on a routine basis. We covered a variety of topics; her depth of knowledge was immediately apparent. Her consistent temperament was conducive to learning. Alexa responded to multiple inquiries throughout this training and tailored responses to the trainee’s level of understanding.
In conclusion, we experienced many of the foundational exercises accompanied by her unique insights.
Alexa expressed and articulated herself very well and demonstrated the appropriate levels of patience and understanding. The training was extremely positive. A fun time was had by all on a regular basis. ” Lady Laughter” conducted herself professionally and competently. I had a “FUN”-om-en-al time this weekend !!!!
What a super professional presentation that exceeded my expectations!
Alexa, you are a superb motivator and a marvelous miracle worker and mentor with laughter. It was a pleasure being in your leader training class.
I just started right in with telling you what a great training class for LAUGHTER Yoga Leaders you conducted and how much it meant to this new kid on the block.
Thank you for your dedication to LY and to us, your new chicks in the flock.
Alexa Drubay’s Training was a great opportunity to laugh extensively over the week-end in a very nice group. Alexa is a great teacher, she is very well organized, she taught us very well how to be a leader, and was enthusiastic about it, sharp and non judgmental. I really learned a lot. Now I feel free and joyful, more confident and happy. I thank her and the students very very much! Carole
Thanks for the great training this past weekend. I learned a lot and it was nice to have a fresh perspective. Your enthusiasm is contagious and your passion for bringing more joy into the world I highly respect.
Thanks for being a great Laughter Yoga Teacher.
All my best,
Judy
Strengths-Based Trauma Informed Leadership Programming (SBTILP)
Alexa:
Thanks so much for uplifting us at our September Delaware County Business & Professional Women’s club meeting. You were terrific and what a silly, joyful time we had! I will highly recommend your program to others. It was great to see our club members so happy. What great fun we had and at the same time I gained incite into the benefit of good laughing and deep breathing and what it can can do for us. THANK YOU!
Laughter Yoga is…
…like having the ability to create a magical “play time”
…a bunch of silly adults, acting ridiculous – just for the fun of it!
Aside from following an instructor, who sometimes uses prepared skits, much of the class is very free-form. When we go around in a circle, each person can make up their own style of laughing, or they can even choose to pass – although the group laughter becomes so contagious that very few individuals will choose not to participate.
Someone whom I had been acquainted with for a long time recently joined our group. Seems she’s really into the LY!
Tonight she said to me, “In just a few weeks I can already feel the changes this makes for me – and, Teresa, the changes that I’ve seen in you have been truly amazing!”
“Really?”, I asked. “Well, the main thing I began to notice from LY class was that I found myself spontaneously smiling more often… and I don’t tend to get so angry at myself for making everyday “dumb-mistakes”, instead of the negative self-talk, I just shrug things off with a good laugh”
“But there’s so much more than that, Teresa! You carry yourself differently, you seem more light-hearted, you make more eye-contact.”
Yes, those certainly seem to be qualities that we are encouraged to do in LY.
We engage with others by making eye contact and acting silly and light-hearted together!
Sometimes, I call it “Recess for Adults” – it’s a chance move around a lot, getting exercise that doesn’t feel like exercising – there’s no judgment – it’s just a place to go and be happy for an hour.
It’s a joy to work with Alexa, who could elicit giggles from a stone! She’s a natural leader and artful teacher. I’d recommend her two-day laughter yoga training for all interested in helping others laugh, or simply to help themselves laugh more every day.
Alexa’s two day Laughter Yoga training was awesome! Alexa is a true professional that gave us a wealth of information on the benefits of laughter and how we could use it in our careers and our personal lives. I’m a licensed therapist and I’m currently in private practice. I plan to use Laughter Yoga during seminars and presentations when I facilitate discussions on depression and other mental health related issues. In addition, I would like to volunteer my services and lead Laughter Yoga sessions at hospitals and hospice facilities. I’m also a certified School Counselor and I’m going to love using laughter yoga to spread joy to schoolchildren in the Philadelphia area.
Hey Alexa..
Wanted to let you know and thank you…
I had my 1st Laughter yoga class at my home church and had 10 people show up including my 86 year old DAD (who has had several mini Strokes, loss of real use of his left arm) …When my mom brought him in I thought to myself..This could be challenging, since he doesn’t understand a lot of what is going on. He was a blast..laughing at the right time and waving his hands. Got to see my mom LAUGH HARD. it’s been difficult taking care of my Pop.
Thank you so much for coming to our Womans Club today Alexa. We all left feeling vibrant and lighter than air. Laughter is something we all needed today and you did a wonderful job. Not one person left without a smile on their face. I hope the members took home with them a little of what you taught them today…to be just a tad silly and not be afraid to breath and play. Thanks again!
I had the honor of taking the 2 day training session by Alexa. Wow what a great time meeting like minded new friends and being coached by Alexa. As a clown, I’ve known for years the effect that laughter has on your mind and the benefits of helping someone to laugh..But now, I know the benefits for your body as well. LY helps with your mind and your body. The childlike playfulness is not far off what a “real” clown is doing. Some of my clown friends tend to just put on their red noses and shoes and expect to be known as a clown…it comes for your heart and your inner being, much like LY does. It’s so much fun to just ‘Play” and laugh for no reason at all.
Alexa
I soooooooo enjoyed reading all of the interesting articles, comments, and information about LY. I know you must feel such a sense of pride and accomplishment for the beautiful positive emotions which are evoked from the people you teach. I have a loved one who is going through a difficult time, and I will try once again to introduce LY. Perhaps, we can attend one of the Sunday classes. Looking forward to March 6 and the workshop. Thanks so much! By the way, the video of the baby and the ripping paper was absolutely hysterical-I really needed this tonight!!!!!!!!!!!
Reggie Kieserman
PS How could I reach the woman who wrote a testimonial, and who, I believe, works with breast cancer survivors of Delaware County? I believe her last name is Hall. Is she planning to be at the workshop? If you know who I am referring to, would you be kind enough to send her my email. I was also wondering if you might be able to give me some of your professional opinions and pointers for doing LY sessions, only for women. I can explain when I see you. Looking very forward to meeting and laughing with you.!
Testimonial: I began Laughter Yoga based on an article I saw in a local weekly paper about 3 weeks ago ( end of Jan 2016). Upon going to my first “class”, I was – like many – somewhat apprehensive and skeptical. That changed w. Alexa’s calming voice and explanation of how LY got started, how & where she trained and that there would not be any of the typical yoga “downward dog” type poses. Well, that pretty much sealed the deal. Actually, I knew that before I entered the room, as I had spoken to Alexa after I read the article. Balance is not my forte and so I was hooked.
Recently, my husband and I have been experiencing family issues that we never would have dreamed possible. Understanding everyone has “stuff” to deal with, this is “our stuff.” The hour w.Alexa went/goes by way too fast! This time gives me the opportunity to bring out my inner child, if you will, and completely forget all about that “stuff” – except to occasionally think “Gee, I wish certain members of my family had something equally available to them” (they do not live in the Philadelphia area.) Fast fwd, Alexa found something for one of them in the metro area of where he lives!! Gotta get him on board!!).
You can be goofy and no one cares as everyone else is being goofy too! 🙂 And of course there is the laughter – a wonderful and beneficial exercise! Who would’ve thought???? After 50 minutes of fun it’s time for “recess” and a time to unwind, relax, and let your mind “cool down”. As she walks you through your body (either sitting or lying down – a yoga mat is nice if you prefer to lay/lie [never could get it right!! LOL!!!] down) you feel a different kind of release. This part of class is of typical yoga practice – but it’s of a “no poses” kind, just a relaxing yoga nidra restorative meditation.
I don’t know what else to say – and I must admit I did not take the time to read any of the comments ahead of mine – except to say “Give it a try” What do you have to lose except and hour out of your day???
Thank You Alexa for all you have done – your kind words and gentle ways are certainly an attribute!
I am laughing now – not at what I just wrote but because I am late for an appointment. Using my “I’m late laugh”!!!
THANK YOU Alexa for a Phenomenal Laughter Yoga Leader Training!!! What a life enhancing event! I’ll never be the same. Now I have that laughter tool in my internal tool box. My inner child is alive and well and PLAYING! Thank you SO MUCH for following your heart, being the AMAZING person you are and bringing Laughter Yoga to the likes of me! I love you!
YAY!
Laughter Yoga with Alexa was so great. I am so excited to spread the joy and laughter in my area. I would
tell anyone that is thinking of doing this to jump on board with Alexa and let it change your life. She is amazing.
Such a good teacher and so upbeat all the time. She is just the best. Try it , You’ll like it.
The reason that I went to be a Laughing Yoga Leader is because of my husband. He had a stroke 4 years ago and
since then does not want to leave the house much and is on disability and can no longer work. So I have decided
this is just what the doctor would order for him. He is going to be my laughing buddy. I want to see if I can get
him to once again embrace life. I had my first session on Monday night after the great weekend training and he
participated and was laughing along with us. How great is that.
Laughter Yoga certification with Alexa was amazing. Such focus to detail in putting it together. Such fun during the two days. She was so patient and answered questions and gave us tips, but she was also so much fun to play with. You can tell the getting people to ‘laughmore’ is her mission. I would give it a 5 star….and what other certification can you get in two days that spreads so much good cheer. It has been life changing for me.
P.S. The food was local, homemade, vegetarian and lovely.
Alexa educated and energized our staff through thoughtful content, engaging strategies and just plain fun. You could hear the joy and release in tension. She is a great practitioner and presenter for any size group. She worked magic for our staff training that was attended by 150.
Leslie Newman
CEO
Children & Families First
2005 Baynard Boulevard
Wilmington, DE 19802
Alexa’s Laughter Yoga Program was a homerun for our Del Valley Business Leads Group. Laughter, like humor, is great medicine. It is a great teacher for anyone: how to like yourself, how to learn, how to love others, how to face disappointments, how to live life. Like it, Learn it, Love it, and Live Life to the Fullest!
Alexa came to the County Courthouse and ran two back to back workshops for our employees. Everyone had a great time (after getting over their initial shyness!) and enjoyed letting loose and laughing. Everyone certainly carried the laughter and happiness on throughout the rest of the day. Thank you Alexa!
We had a Laughter yoga event last night with Alexa. We have had three different instructors each year we have our education portion of the meeting and Alexa was the BEST. Laughing with a bunch of Clowns is a Hoot…or I should say Ha Ha he he..Was great to see all have fun and learn the benefits of Laughter
Traditions of Hanover hosted Alexa and her laughing yoga program for our senior residents and then invited her to share at our heart healthy happy hour for colleagues. As a premiere independent senior living community in the Lehigh Valley area, we like to build positive relationships through healthy interactions! This was a huge success, at a recent networking event those that attended were sharing their experience- all positive! I would recommend doing it as a unique team building activity anytime as well…..thank you Alexa!
I met Alexa when I attended my first Laughter Yoga class a few months ago and it had a great impact on my life. I was going through a rough time, battling with the emotions of a close family member dying slowly. I got a break and felt such relief when I laughed my pain away. So much, that I brought my Mom with me and we have been participating ever since. She really needed some stress relief too , freeing us from our worries and allowing us to just enjoy the moment. Alexa is a wonderful teacher, her loving energies and her infectious smile/laugh brought lots of good memories to us and continues to do so. We truly enjoy the benefits of Laughter Yoga: feeling light and energized, happy and high on energies after classes. Also Laughter Yoga helped us with tension head aches. During the most stressful times, my Mom and I would call each other to laugh. It felt strange first, but as we got into it, the head aches disappeared. I recommend everyone to try it, laughter is a wonderful medicine!
I took Alexa’s Laughter Yoga Leader Certification Training with my wife (see Joan Leof’s testimonial above) and ditto every word she said. In addition, it’s a wonderful thing for couples to do together to enrich their own relationship, as well as interactions with their children and grandchildren.
We intend to offer it outside of the family. I am a private practice clinical psychologist who, when appropriate, will introduce the world of Laughter Yoga to select patients and colleagues. Joan plans to incorporate it into her journal writing and creative writing groups. We hope to present as a couple, for starters, in the greater neighborhood where we live.
I have attended many types of professional trainings and Alexa’s expertise and charisma put her at the top of the list.
Event: Special Laughter Yoga Workshop at the Swarthmore Public Library in Swarthmore, PA.
Dear Alexa –
– just a thank you for Laughter Yoga this afternoon – it was simply delightful! I found myself smiling, chuckling, laughing on my walk home and even throughout the evening. The concept is inspiring, and you are a lovely representative! One can just imagine what one session could do for everyone in this world and for the world! Thanks again – truly a joy!
Warmly,
Christine
Alexa, enchanted elf and wise woman, gifted us with this spectrum of her being throughout LY Teacher’s Training weekend. Whether leading participants talking gibberish, sharing her personal history and present with LY, or teaching us how to be a great LY facilitator, her passion for this powerful healing tool was evident. The training was enhanced by the eclectic group of people she drew, delicious lunches she prepared, beautiful home we played in, outdoors and inside, and her engaging husband and sons. You’ll come away not only inspired to teach Laughter Yoga, but inspired by the light and laughter of her being.
I participated in Alexa’s Laughter Yoga Leader Training workshop last weekend, and it was an amazing experience! Alexa is a gifted and inspiring instructor. Our group bonded quickly through the fun things we did to loosen up our bodies, minds, and spirits — and laugh! I’ve discovered how easy it is to laugh spontaneously, even when there’s nothing specific to laugh about. At home, by myself, just hearing my own laughter and feeling the relaxation in my body through laughter is a tonic — even though my cat looked puzzled! Thank you, Alexa, for sharing your talents and magic with all of us. You are a Laughter Ambassador! I look forward to incorporating Laughter Yoga into the yoga classes I teach at our local YMCA (for kids and adults) and introducing Laughter Yoga to our participants at Cancer Support Community Delaware — I’m a founding board member. As a writer, some of these quotations came to mind after our wonderful weekend with Alexa: “He deserves Paradise who makes his companions laugh.” “Laughter is inner jogging.” It’s holiday time, and these words to “Jingle Bells” are appropriate: “…through the snow we go, laughing all the way…”
I discovered Laughter Yoga a couple of months ago not long after Alexa, very generously took from her time to create a group in our community. I was curious at first and surprised at how good it felt to just laugh for no reason with a group of strangers, who left their mask at home and came to help bring to each other good energy and attitude.
I was also surprised at the fact that it felt like real exercise on my abdomen and that it doesn’t take long from fake to real laugh.
I have had a good time every single week and look forward the new ideas and new music Alexa and her partner Ernie bring to the meetings.
Alexa and Ernie put on a wonderful workshop for my staff at Homeland Security. Especially for a group of very serious people, it was great to see everyone, including myself, relax and laugh. I didn’t know what to expect from this workshop, so I was surprised to feel better and see a smile on everyone’s face for the rest of the day. Working in a stressful demanding job, it is rare where everyone is happy and laughing. Just remembering the session makes me smile.
I started participating in the Laughter Yoga club during a time that I was struggling with some health issues, and the weekly laughter really helped me get through that difficult time. I could forget about any problems I had during that time of laughter, and re-connect with myself as a young child, playing. During the session, I would remember certain things I would do while playing as a child, and those memories brought me a lot of joy. At first, I felt a little awkward being so silly, but I quickly lost my inhibitions, and eventually didn’t care about how I looked or what people thought of me. This freedom made me feel light and airy, and I could then really be present in laughing and being silly. Since participating in the laughter club, I laugh more during other times of my life, and even during stressful situations. The experience has helped me to remember to keep things in perspective, and to hold on to my goofiness and celebrate it!
Laughter Yoga is a wonderful exercise practice from India that is easy to do, lot of fun,and very very healthy for your body ,mind and spirit. More than ever, in our task oriented,stressed out culture ,laughter and playfulness seems to be the missing ingredients . As a result, we are more than ever, drained, depressed and anxiety ridden.
With regular practice, Laughter Yoga will give you the necessary skills to deal with what ever comes your way with a lighter heart,gentler perspective and a positive attitude. Everyone should incorporate a daily laughter practice into their lives. After all, “Laughter is truly the best medicine.”
Rev.Ernie Oktay