CHECK OUT MORE TESTIMONIALS & RESPONSES TO OUR PROGRAM:

-Eddie McDevitt Class of 2015

For 2 years I thought about joining a yoga teacher training program, but I couldn’t find one that fit my very busy life. NYA gave me the opportunity to train and learn while still being able to fulfill my responsibilities as a mother and military wife. Through the program I made lifelong friendships and developed the confidence and knowledge to become a yoga teacher. I now teach at several locations and also completed the NYA 300-hour training program. I could never truly express how happy I am and grateful for this opportunity, especially being able to find it at this point in my life. NYA has been more than just a teacher training program for me. It’s been a life changing experience.

-Meredith Fonseca Class of 2016

After 14 years of service in the US Army sports injuries in my shoulders, hips and knees were adding up. With yoga I found relief and injury prevention without pharmaceutical drugs. I know I’m not the only veteran who copes with chronic pain. The national yoga academy teacher training was flexible enough that I could keep working and study at the same time. After graduation from the program not only have I been able to help myself but I teach other special operations veterans through MWR programs. The GI Bill was invaluable; allowing me to gain the knowledge and certification without going into debt.

-Gina Swanson Class of 2016

I am so grateful for the program at the National Yoga Academy. In my transition out of the military, yoga classes offered a safe place for me to regain and maintain my health in civilian life. I first took classes for several years as a student. During that time, I was also struggling with addiction and post-traumatic stress from events which happened during my time in service.

Earning my teacher certification has allowed me to achieve deeper recovery and also work with veterans and other individuals similarly struggling with recovery from addiction and post-traumatic stress. I have spent my first year of practicum courses doing service work for that population alone.

Also of importance for me was the ability to take the training in a flexible format. The only other alternative for certification through the GI Bill is through Yogafit. Their trainings are regionally located, occur over concentrated weekends and would likely result in significant additional and out-of-pocket expenses for travel, hotel, food, etc. The distance format offered through NYA provided the support and structure I needed to finish but also the flexibility to work within my schedule. I also appreciated that it was extended over a 6 month period. Many 200/500 hour certifications currently being offered in this country take place in as little as two months. I am not sure one can become truly proficient in such a short period of time.

Now that I have my certification and have placed a particular twist on it based on my background, I have started teaching for pay and am pursuing multiple opportunities in my local community to continue to do this great work. My work can be done on a part-time, full-time and/or flexible basis and designed to meet the needs and interests of me as the instructor as well as the varied populations which I will serve. Yoga instruction is a viable career option for those transitioning out of the military.

-Carol Lazzaro Class of 2016

When I retired from the military, the transition left me directionless, and I suffered a depression that was deep and dark. Nothing but old age to suffer in the the years ahead of me, and since I was suffering pain in my knees, hip, foot, and shoulder, the future looked bleak. I have previously studied yoga with Amanda Hamp, so I thought I would start to try to move again. I contacted Amanda, and discussed my physical issues ( I finally had shoulder surgery) and she encouraged me to return to yoga, and train to be an instructor.

The training has been a life saver, and even though I have limitations from my surgically repaired knees and shoulders, I have learned that I can still do yoga and learn a new view toward my future. Using my GI Bill benefits, I am looking forward to working with vets in my future classes- and knowing about pain as I do, I will encourage them no matter what their limitations might be. I have hope for my own future and I look forward to giving back to others who aren’t so sure the future is bright for them.

-Matt Martin Class of 2017

My name is Matt and recently received my 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) from the National Yoga Academy (NYA) thanks to Amanda Hamp. I came to yoga as a veteran with physical and emotional pain that made it difficult to maintain employment in the field I had went to school for. When I left my job last August, I was under a lot of stress and increased my yoga practice as a way to cope. I had been practicing yoga for years in order to keep my emotions balanced and manage my lower back pain.

By October, I was interested in pursuing a 200 hour RYT certification as a way to make money doing something that I found meaningful to me. Unfortunately, I could not find any yoga teacher training program that fit my budget. I was discouraged until I found NYA, which accepts the GI Bill as payment for RYT certifications. I immediately reached out NYA and signed up.

NYA’s program was outstanding. It offered flexible, personalized yoga instruction, and highlighted the business end of yoga. I graduated NYA’s program in April and am in the process of starting up a business that offers adaptive yoga practice to senior citizens at nursing homes and in retirement communities around Florida.

If it were not for NYA’s program, none of this would be possible. Yoga teacher training is expensive and there is no way I would have been able to afford a shot at this new career without the GI Bill. I plan to use my remaining benefits to eventually seek follow-on yoga/yoga therapy certifications.

-Jennifer Stephens Class of 2017

As a veteran and military spouse, NYA has given me the opportunity to obtain the certification and skills needed to build a sustainable business that improves the emotional and physical well-being of my own family, other veterans, and the general public. In December of 2016, I completed NYA’s RYT-200 program and in Dec 2017 started as an RYT-500 student. Although I had practiced yoga personally for some time, I began pursuing certification following my youngest child’s sudden regression into non-verbal autism. I am sure the VA is aware; autism disproportionately affects the children of U.S. servicemembers and veterans. It is my hope to continue my studies to become a yoga therapist so that I may offer yoga therapy to autistic children and their parents and caregivers.

I began offering private training and semi-private small group training almost immediately after receiving my certification. Three months later my husband (now also RYT-200) and I began working with the city of Folly Beach, SC’s City Council to open a business offering public and semi-private classes and private training on the island. We have also opened two smaller businesses operating on Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island this year. We are currently hosting two other yoga business weekly as well as hiring additional yoga teachers for our Folly Beach location to assist with the overflow of business. Additionally, I have been able to offer my yoga fitness services to a local non-profit which primarily works with veterans suffering from PTSD and their families, and in June we will begin offering a yoga fitness class specifically for autism parents and caregivers.

-Stephanie Overman Class of 2017

The RYT200 course I took with Amanda was truly an amazing experience and one that will stick with me for the rest of my life. It was so immersive, informative, and transformational. I am beyond thankful for everything she taught me and for her support. You are so much more than just a student to Amanda when you take her course, and I am forever grateful.

-Angela Hill Class of 2019

Attending the yoga teacher training at National Yoga Academy in 2019 was truly a transformative experience for me. Under the expert guidance of Amanda Hamp in Virginia Beach, I deepened my practice and gained the knowledge and confidence to share yoga with others. The program was thoughtfully designed, blending traditional teachings with modern insights, and Amanda’s supportive and inspiring approach created an environment that encouraged growth, both on and off the mat. Completing the program and earning my certification was an accomplishment I’ll always cherish, and I’m grateful for the positive impact it has had on my life. I wholeheartedly recommend National Yoga Academy to anyone seeking a meaningful and enriching yoga education.

-Brock Martin Class of 2021

I took my 200 hour YTT with National Yoga Academy lead by Amanda Hamp and I can honestly say the experience changed my life and set me on a course towards unimaginable expansion & growth not only personally but professionally, too. Like all great teachers, Amanda met me and my cohort where we were and guided us to where we needed to go in order to bring out the best teacher in all of us. With her help, as well as the help in the other NYA faculty, I not only felt confident in myself, I felt confident enough to build a career out of teaching yoga. What sets her program apart from others is her emphasis on teaching the therapeutic tools in yoga in order to achieve balance in oneself and others and I am forever grateful for my time studying under Amanda.

-Katie Sardoni Class of 2022

1. Why yoga? What was it like before you started doing Yoga Teacher Training with the National Yoga Academy?

Yoga has always been a calming and relaxing activity for me. Practicing yoga has been a great experience, but my practice now is even greater – more meaningful and nourishing – to me since I started the Yoga Teacher Training and have come to understand what yoga is and how I can better apply its teachings to my life on and off the mat.

2. What problem(s) were you trying to solve by starting this program for yourself personally- physically health wise, for your breath, mind, your emotions/spirit?

For the past 4 years I’ve really struggled with large amounts of stress throughout nearly all aspects of my life. That stress led to bouts of depression, anxiety, anger, and bitterness. I began this program with the goal of learning to take better care of myself and find healing.

3. Where did you start your journey searching for yoga teacher training and how did you find us?

I initially started by searching for programs that were connected with the military MyCAA scholarship. After searching on that military website for schools near me, I found various programs, including the National Yoga Academy.

4. What made our training programs stand out from other options?

Every other program I contacted had a rigid start time or course period, offering me no flexibility as a military spouse who had a move coming up later that year. When Amanda contacted me back, I brought to her all of my concerns and future plans and she reassured me that there was no issue. The offering of in-person and online classes, as well as the ability to complete the program at an accelerated rate if needed made the National Yoga Academy really stand out to me.

5. What sold you on signing up for the training?

Both the fact that I could use the MyCAA scholarship with this program and that I was given flexibility to complete the program at an accelerated rate.

7. What made you happiest about working with our teachers and program directors?

I absolutely love that each teacher within the program and the program directors have all been practicing and teaching yoga for many years.

This gives more depth and experience to their lessons and classes.

8. What goals have you been able to achieve since starting to do Yoga Teacher Training with the National Yoga Academy?

Physically I’ve been able to learn new postures and variations of postures, as well as how to move through each pose safely and with purpose. I also had the goal of learning to let go and be more present in my practices, which has been taught throughout the training and has really improved the depth and quality of my practice.

9. What has exceeded your expectations since working with us?

I love how this environment is so welcoming and non-stress inducing. Everyone in National Yoga Academy makes you feel comfortable and helps you with whatever you need.

10. What’s the main reason you recommend doing Yoga Teacher Training with the National Yoga Academy?

The main reason I would recommend National Yoga Academy for the 200-hour YTT is the flexibility of the program to work within your time frame, especially for military spouses.

11. What about our yoga training surprised you the most?

I was pleasantly surprised at how personal the training became as there is a major focus throughout the program of applying the yoga sutras and learning to use yoga to benefit your wellbeing. Instead of just assigning textbook readings and practicing postures, this program encourages and allows you to grow in your personal life and practice.

12. What would you tell someone who’s considering doing Yoga Teacher Training with the National Yoga Academy?

Do it! You will not regret it.

14. If there’s one word you could use to describe your experience with us, what would it be and why?

Outstanding. The focus on personal growth, combined with the flexibility and stress-free environment of the program, really makes this program stand out and give an experience that is unlike other yoga programs.

16. What was one unexpected benefit you experienced from doing Yoga Teacher Training with the National Yoga Academy ?

One unexpected benefit from the program is that I thought I was learning how to help others through yoga, but instead, I’ve learned how to first begin my own healing journey before jumping right in and focusing solely on others.

17. How was your experience working with us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic?

It’s been great. All the material and classes are easily accessible online.

19. If you had to choose one, what would be your favorite part of doing Yoga Teacher Training with the National Yoga Academy and why?

I love the stress-free environment of the program because it really has helped me to enjoy learning the content and grow my yoga practice in a healthy way.

20. How has it made your life easier?

This program has given me tools and knowledge that I can apply to the rest of my life!

21. Overall what are the benefits that you have received from doing Yoga Teacher Training with National Yoga Academy?

Overall, I’ve been able to make my own yoga practice more meaningful and learn how to teach others the many ways that yoga can improve quality of life.

MORE TESTIMONIALS & RESPONSES TO OUR TEACHERS

-Amy Lupo 2012

I started taking beginner level yoga classes sometime in late 2009. I really took off with the practice in summer 2010 when I found out I was pregnant with my first baby, and I couldn’t have had a better experience with prenatal yoga and Amanda Hamp as my instructor. Amanda makes everyone in the class feel very welcome, comfortable and happy. There is always a serene and joyful feeling when I arrive, and I always leave feeling relaxed and re-energized no matter how tired I felt when I first came into practice. Amanda has a great method for teaching, and I love the fact that she constantly reminds and integrates the importance of correct, deep breathing throughout the practice. Constantly breathing deeply while stretching are very important and not all instructors remind you to breathe. Her presence, teaching method and choice of music during class make all the difference. The yoga poses are both challenging and attainable and help you feel more and more relaxed and rejuvenated as the class comes to close. Mandy is the perfect instructor for prenatal yoga, and I enjoy her as a beginner level instructor, too. Don’t miss out on what she has to offer!