Our Story

Our mission

1

Support the livelihood of yoga professionals

We believe that career yoga teachers—those who have dedicated themselves to deep study, personal practice, and years of mentorship—deserve more than just passion-driven work. They deserve a sustainable income, long-term career growth, and financial stability in retirement. Today, this is the exception rather than the norm. We're here to change that.

2

Improve the quality, transparency, and outcomes of yoga education

Not all yoga schools are created equal—so why should they all hold the same credential? We're introducing a competency based credentialing system that leverages technology to create yoga certifications that reflect the actual skills, experience, and lineage of a teacher. —not just hours and checking boxes. Transparency around teacher lineage, program outcomes, and community reviews (coming soon) improves informed consent and fosters safe, trusting student-teacher relationships. Through data we can help programs improve.

3

Help more people find the yoga that's right for them, improving the health and wellbeing of the world

We believe yoga teachers will be among the most vital wellness professionals of the next century. In a world shaped by digital disconnection, AI, and automation, the need for human presence, embodied wisdom, and mindful movement will only grow. That’s why we’re working to ensure that more people—not fewer—can access in-person yoga that resonates with their body, beliefs, and lifestyle. The result? A healthier, more connected, and more compassionate world.

How we operate

Venn diagram showing the intersection of Advisory Council, Product Team, and Members with AYC at the center

How we operate

We're not rethinking American yoga alone.

We listen to our members in regular office hours and surveys, to develop the services and features that best meet their needs.

We've gathered a diverse Advisory Council representing the breadth of the yoga world to provide direct feedback and suggestions.

Our experienced product design team pulls all these insights together technically in the simplest, most delightful way possible.

Become an AYC member See membership benefits

AYC Advisory Council

Andrew Tanner

Andrew Tanner

Founder & CEO of the American Yoga Council

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Beryl Bender

Beryl Bender

Author of Power Yoga, Beyond Power Yoga, and Boomer Yoga

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Ishan Tigunait

Ishan Tigunait

Executive Director of the Himalayan Institute

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Jeannie O'Neill

Jeannie O'Neill

Founder of Yoga Farm, PhD candidate in competency-based yoga teacher education

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Jill Miller

Jill Miller

Founder of Yoga Tune Up and The Roll Model

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jyll hubbard-salk

jyll hubbard-salk

Owner of Urban Asanas Brooklyn

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Leslie Kaminoff

Leslie Kaminoff

Author of Yoga Anatomy

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Matthew Giordano

Matthew Giordano

Founder of Chromatic Yoga

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Nikki Myers

Nikki Myers

Founder of Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery)

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Theodora Wildcroft

Theodora Wildcroft

Author of Post-lineage Yoga and The Yoga Teacher's Memoir

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Young Ho Kim

Young Ho Kim

Founder of Inside Yoga

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We're still building the Advisory Council, and would love your suggestions for members

support@americanyogacouncil.com

AYC Product Team

Our team is united by a passion for yoga and a desire to use our tech talents to grow the yoga community

Andrew Tanner

Founder & CEO

Scott Kleinfeld

Finance & Ops

Debbs Rimmler

Legal

Eric Brown

Head of Engineering

Erica Heinz

Head of Product

Tom Ahn

Brand Design

Lauren Turner

Marketing

Sonia Azad

Social Media

Sawyer Hurwitz

Video

Dennielle Bazar

Admin

Lisa DiBona

Support

Bruna Cabral

Project Management

Nícolas Marçal

Engineering

Bianca Vieira

Engineering

Maísa Santos

QA

Be a part of our team! Join our next open house

AYC Members

We're in Beta through 2025; join now to get our Founding Member discounts and one-on-one support to setup your school.

Become an AYC member See membership benefits

Questions about AYC?

We love to hear them

Instagram Live Events

Live Events

Open to everyone

Interviews and special talks with our members, Advisory Council, and more

@americanyogacouncil
Open Houses w/the CEO

Open Houses w/the CEO

Open to everyone

Get a guided tour of AYC's features and ask any questions you have

Open House Calendar
Office Hours

Office Hours

Members only

Get tech support, onboarding assistance, or membership answers

Office Hours Calendar

Keep in touch

Be the first to know when we launch new features