Alana Kessler

Alana Kessler, MS, RD, CDN, CYT, is a registered dietitian, certified yoga teacher, and founder of Sangha Yoga Shala, a community nutrition, yoga and conscious living space located in New York City. Steadfast in her passion for healthy living, Alana obtained a master’s in clinical nutrition and a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics from New York University, as well as a certification to teach yoga from YogaWorks. She continues to deepen her knowledge through her many teachers and life itself, which she firmly believes is the greatest teacher of all. Through the integration of nutrition, yoga, mindfulness, and a dedicated personal practice, Alana provides individuals with the practical tools they need to live more balanced and meaningful lives.

Alana encourages students and clients to incorporate breath, movement and conscious awareness into their daily routines. By employing these practices and other lifestyle modification techniques, Alana assures individuals they will experience reduced stress, diminished anxiety and a stronger core, resulting in a healthier existence.

A former athlete, Alana can personally attest to the wonders of alternative fitness regimens. When a sports injury hampered her ability to run as a teenager, Alana turned to yoga and meditation as a safe and effective way to maintain fitness and a steady mind.

During her travels to Europe and Southeast Asia, Alana continued to expand her knowledge of Eastern practices and mindfulness techniques, and uniquely couples Eastern and Western methodologies to promote a proactive and preventative approach to health.

Prior to Sangha, Alana served as a registered dietitian at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York, NY. Working in the cardiac care unit, intensive care unit, geriatric psych and general medicine areas, she managed different disease states and used deductive reasoning to help patients receive the best nutrition care possible. She founded Sangha Yoga Shala as a way of reaching a greater scope of individuals on a deeper level.

Originally from Long Island, NY, Alana enjoys singing, songwriting (www.myspace.com/alanaheather), and is currently learning how to play the harmonium. She also likes to read, travel and swim, as well as, skydive.

Alana is currently influenced by Ashtanga Yoga as taught by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and practices mysore daily.