The Academy's experienced instructors are Registered Yoga Alliance Teachers. Each seasoned instructor offers a wealth of knowledge about yoga and its application to modern day life. The American Yoga Academy instructors are highly qualified, professional, and reliable.

CLAIRE E. DIAB

Claire, founder of the American Yoga Academy, is an internationally renowned Yoga Therapist, Health and Wellness Expert, Fitness Specialist and Inspirational Speaker with over 25 years of experience. She is one of the lead educators and on the Advisory Board at the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. She teaches throughout the United States and internationally with Deepak Chopra. Claire is a Professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University teaching one of the most popular courses on campus: Zen and Yoga. Claire has written yoga manuals and workbooks on Health and Wellness and has produced, directed and starred in 7 Yoga DVDs. Her lectures are inspiring, life-transforming, fun, and informative!

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MARY ANN GEBHARDT

Maryann  has been studying yoga for 25 years. She is a registered member of the Yoga Alliance 500 hour and is a Chopra Certified Instructor. She received her various trainings from The American Yoga Academy & Studio, Mary Barnes Pre-Natal Yoga for Two, Sarah Tomlinson “The Ancient Ayurveda Yoga Series at The Yoga Ayurveda Institute”, Sue Dumais Yoga for Fertility and also practices Primordial Sound Meditation. Her deep respect for yoga comes in part from her experience working in hematology and open-heart surgery as a Medical Technologist, where she witnessed first-hand the powerful connection between mind and body in the healing process. Her classes are a blend of movements that encourage strength, balance and relaxation.

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LIZ CINNAMON

Liz is the Studio Director at The American Yoga Academy and has been working in the fitness industry for over 20 years. Liz is certified in numerous fitness categories, such as: The American Yoga Academy 200/500 hour Yoga Teacher Training, Personal Training, Gravity, TRX, Spin, Kettle bells, Bosu, Group Fitness, Aqua Yoga and Aerobics. Starting her career in Sweden and various parts of Europe teaching health and wellness, she then moved to the United States and has continued to teach since. She is a powerhouse of health and knowledge and loves to share her passion of being physically and mentally fit. Her classes are both challenging and nourishing to your Body, Mind, and Soul.

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DANA MURPHY

Dana is a 500 hour certified Vinyasa Yoga Instructor through the Open Center in New York City and Yogamaya New York, teaching since 2002. Dana is a Guided Meditation instructor and conducts workshops on Yoga, Meditation, Journaling and Life Assessment. She is a registered minister with the Universal Life Church and performs weddings and memorial services. Dana holds a BS from the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University. She shares   her unique gift of bringing the yoga philosophy into her classes and lectures, helping people access their own spirituality.

SCOTT BRASSEL

Scott, Yogi and Reiki Master, is one of the lead educators at The American Yoga Academy and a well-respected lecturer on Buddhist Teachings. After working in corporate American for over 16 years, Scott traded in his suit and tie to start his spiritual journey. He is the owner of Room to Breathe in Hohokus, NJ. He is an incredible inspirational speaker, captivating the audience with his wit and wisdom. Scott has created a unique and powerful system to teach students how to use these ancient spiritual lessons and meditations to find their purpose and path in life.

ANDY BELL

Originally from Missouri, Andrew Bell moved to the northeast in 2011 for his non-profit work located in NYC.  Andrew is a 500 American Yoga Academy graduate and has studied extensively through Chopra Center University as well as in his personal time.  Andrew currently teaches meditation and yoga at the 200 & 500 hour AYA teacher trainings & is available for private instruction & guidance. 

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PAUL NEWELL

Paul is an expert in Anatomy & Physiology and has been in the Health and Wellness industry for 12 years. He received his Yoga Certification from the American Yoga Academy and is an incredible Yoga teacher and Certified Personal trainer. He works as a Retention Manager for MedfIt and is also the owner of Balanced wellness, a Fitness and Wellness coaching business helping people to better themselves. He infuses movement with mindfulness in his classes to help others enhance physical and mental well-being. 

HELEN DIAB 

Helen is a licensed Acupuncturist in New Jersey and New York.  She holds a Master of Science in Natural Sciences.  As a certified Yoga Therapist she integrates Yoga Philosophy with Oriental Medicine creating a unique style of teaching. She is an expert in Anatomy and Physiology and teaches the Anatomy portion of the teacher training in a fun and informative way.