Yana Yoga

The first time I stepped onto a yoga mat over 26 years ago, I walked out of class after about 10 minutes. I was bored. I wasn't aware that there were different types of yoga and gentle yoga wasn't the one for me at the time. It took me seven years to step on a mat again, but when I did it felt like home. After that, I practiced and took classes when I could and I often visited Kripalu Yoga Center in the Berkshires a couple times a year. During one of my visits in 2001 I noticed that every time I passed by their catalog display a little voice inside me would say “yoga teacher training”. I ignored it because I hardly had done yoga at the time, but every time I went back to Kripalu it got louder. Finally, in January of 2007, I listened and started looking for a training program that suited my needs. I completed my yoga teacher training at Shoshoni Ashram in Nederland, CO in April of 2007 and became a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher). I have owned Yana Yoga for 10 years now and have over 12 years and 6,500 hours of experience teaching yoga classes, workshops, yoga and meditation at the office, and yoga teacher trainings.

In my teaching, I try to keep things light and fun and accessible to all. I strongly encourage people to listen to their body, to find a balance between effort and ease, and to breathe... can't do a pose? Just breathe. I work to help my students integrate the mind, body, and breath in a way that leaves them feeling calm, yet strong and renewed.

I grew up in small town outside of Ithaca, NY. I now live in Clifton Park, NY. I have a diverse work and education background. My work experience includes sales and marketing, management and leadership, Real Estate, interior design, and other miscellany. I have owned and helped manage several businesses over the years which has helped me develop a diverse skill set. My thirst for knowledge kept me busy in my early twenties (which was a long time ago! LOL). I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business and several certificates (one year programs) including, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Hospitality Management. Some of the things in life that I am passionate about are my children, teaching and sharing yoga, nature, today's environmental issues, and healthy food (especially when it is shared with friends and family!). I enjoy many outdoor activities like rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing.

Ellen has been with Yana Yoga since its inception in 2010. She has been an integral part to the growth of the studio and continues to expand her training and knowledge to enable us to offer a deeper experience to our clients. We are truly blessed to have her as part community. An educator by nature and by training, Ellen has a BS in Education and a MS in Educational Psychology.  Ellen has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years, has been teaching classes for over 10 years, and is an E-RYT 500 (experienced, registered yoga teacher with 500+ hours of training) with more than 2,500 hours of teaching experience.

“My training was Iyengar based, so alignment is a key factor, but my classes are pretty eclectic. They always include pranayama (breath work), asana (poses) relaxation and meditation, and we explore them in a variety of ways through the teachings of many different traditions. And, since my personal yoga journey has brought me so much joy and taught me the very important lesson of not taking myself too seriously, there’s often laughter, and sometimes downright silliness in my classes; but just as often there are moments of deep silence, contemplation and connection.”

“One of my favorite quotes from Lao Tzu is “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Yoga is such a wonderful vehicle for that journey. I encourage my students to listen to their bodies, hearts and minds and ask them to question, explore and move beyond their comfort zone. My role is to support their practice in whatever way I can and I am truly honored and privileged to share their journeys. I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else.”  Ellen has additional training in Children’s Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Cancer Recovery, and is a Reiki Master.