Yoga and
Health & Wellness Education
Pioneers in Yoga, Health and Wellness Education
The American Yoga Academy is a world-renowned leader in Yoga and Health and Wellness Education. We’ve been training and certifying instructors since 1993. We’ve been registered with Yoga Alliance for over 2 decades. (Fun Fact: We were training and certifying excellent instructors before Yoga Alliance existed!)
Yoga is for everyone, and all are welcome at The American Yoga Academy. We’ve taught thousands of successful yoga teachers and practitioners all over the globe, and we’d be honored to have you join our worldwide family of students and graduates.
Our Mission
To teach you accessible, uncomplicated health and wellness wisdom,
To guide you in the beautiful ancient practices of yoga, meditation, and breathwork, and
To empower you to share them confidently and compassionately in your own authentic way regardless of your age, shape, size, ability, or flexibility.
Learn From Experts in Yoga Teacher Training. All are Welcome.
Yoga and Health & Wellness Education Expert, Claire Diab
Claire traveled the globe teaching yoga for decades and has trained and certified thousands of teachers all over the world. Besides being an amazing and inspiring instructor, she is also a professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University, a published author, director, and producer, and winner of the National Association of Professional Women’s Executive and Professional Woman of the Year.
As an expert instructor, Claire has taught fitness and wellness programs to the US Navy Seals, the New York City Firefighters, and her past and present corporate clients include JP Morgan, Exxon, CNBC, Dun & Bradstreet, MSNBC, Honeywell, AT&T, and many more. She’s worked with numerous celebrities and has a large private clientele.
Claire’s proudest achievement is being the founder and lead educator of The American Yoga Academy.
Past and Present Clients
Testimonial from 200-Hour YTT student, Kathy N. in Florida:
I love your teaching techniques. I’m enjoying having yoga and the asanas reflect joy as the main motivator in the movements. I’ve been in other yoga classes where there has been more “comparison” of who could do a more challenging pose, who could hold the pose the longest…I would leave those classes feeling embarrassed. Your classes, philosophies, meditations, and mindfulness exercises have been music to my mind, body, and spirit.
Claire's Yoga Journey
Claire is a true expert, best known for her brilliance in making health and wellness fun, practical, and available to everyone. Her charisma, charm, and vast experience in yoga have allowed her to reach thousands of people all over the world. Claire’s gift of teaching students powerful, yet simple techniques to add into their daily lives is extraordinary. In each of her classes, Claire teaches that yoga is more than just a pose — it’s about living yoga on and off the mat every day.
School Director and Mentor, Martha Kein
Martha’s yoga journey spans more than three decades, weaving together ancient wisdom and modern understanding. From Manhattan’s urban landscape to India’s sacred spaces, she studied under renowned teachers and deepened her practice.
A multilingual educator, Martha’s diverse background enriches her teaching approach. Her academic journey spans from Columbia University to advanced degrees in creative writing and business. Because she’s taught at prestigious universities like Rutgers and NJIT and led teams at Fortune 500 companies, she brings invaluable real-world perspective and academic expertise to The Academy.
Her dedication to yoga education is reflected in her regular contributions to Natural Awakenings Magazine, and her extensive certifications, including e500-RYT and YACAP with Yoga Alliance and e500-Hour certification from the World Yoga Federation of India. As an advisor to the Federation, she continues to bridge Eastern and Western approaches to yoga, making ancient practices accessible to contemporary students.
Martha is uniquely positioned to support and mentor our global student population, and our students adore her! She shares the transformative power of yoga with warmth, wisdom, and scholarly insight, helping others discover their own path to wellbeing.
Meet The Team
Greatness doesn't happen alone. The American Yoga Academy has a wonderful team that gets things done. Special thanks to each of them.
Folllow us on Instagram @americanyogaacademy
Martha
School Director
Grant
Expert Trainer
Mary Ann
Advisory Board
Eric
Advisory Board
Valerie
Social Media Guru
Alex
Admin Wiz
Bill
Shy IT Director
Ciara
Accounting