Hi, I’m Alison. I was born in a small town in Southern Indiana (if you want a soundtrack to go with this, click here). As much as I’ve traveled and transformed, that small-town, down-to-earth quality has stayed with me. So have a few other things, like an athletic background, a deep yearning to make a difference in the world, and great teachings from a struggle with anxiety and depression.

In my early 20s, Yoga was the only place where I felt okay. Soon, I was going every day. Sometimes twice a day. The more I went, the better I felt. Eventually, the practice transformed me. And I had a voracious appetite to know WHY. Why did these practices (which I wasn’t even good at!) work when so many other treatments had failed.

This question has fueled the last 20 years of my life.

As a teacher, I’m known for my playful fire, inquisitive nature, and technical expertise. I have training far outside the realm of “yoga poses” and yet everything comes back to the goal of getting connected in body, mind, and spirit. 

I was initially certified in Anusara Yoga and spent many years in mentorship with Noah Maze. I’ve practiced Ashtanga, SATYA, and Shadow Yoga. I have training in yoga mythology, philosophy, Jyotisha and classical texts. I’ve studied with bodyworkers and Physical Therapists, in methods like Rolfing, Anatomy Trains, Feldenkrais and Somatics, Polyvagal Theory and Attachment Theory.

In 2018, after a decade of teaching, I founded Kanda School because I saw a great need for education and in-depth study to support my students’ love of asana practice. Kanda School sits at the intersection of different disciplines, like blending yoga asana with the intuition of somatic movement, the science of physical therapy, and the awareness of polyvagal theory. 

During Covid, the school went virtual. This has made teachings easier to access and preserve. Kanda now has an expansive Virtual Library and the put-practices-in-your-back-pocket 20 Minute Miracles App. 

I have been a presenter at Bend Yoga Festival. Taught for Central Pacific Medical Center, Charity: Water, Everlane, Tola, and Raphael House. Worked with clients at Google, Facebook, Twitter, and UCSF. 

I continue to teach virtually and in-person. 1:1, group classes, retreats, and in-depth study programs. 

Ultimately, I use movement to teach you to listen to your body, develop inner knowing, and live with more connection. Practicing and studying with me will be a journey, a process of discovery, and an inner adventure. Let’s get growing.