Nancy Kozak

Name & Hometown:    Nancy Kozak, Novi, Michigan

Who or What inspired you to be a Yoga Instructor ?  I had

been taking yoga classes with Kathie Schaeffer and felt I

had found a home.  I took an immersion with her and when

she offered a teacher training, I was on board.  I like to be

of service and wanted to share how yoga had helped me

and maybe would help others.

Describe your style of yoga:  I first trained in Anusara styl

but through the years have studied Yin, Restorative, Yoga

for Healthy Aging and other styles so it would be safe to

say it is alignment based with lots of modifications for the

students to access their best selves.

What’s your favorite yoga pose ?  I love Trikonasa for it’s

grace, balance and centering.

What brings you to the mat ?  I love how calm and centered

I feel when I practice.  I am able to shut out the craziness of

th world for a period of time and devote it to myself.  And,

as I age, my practice helps keep me flexible, open and

combines the best of all movement – stretches, strength

training and balance.

If you teach, where ?   I teach primarily at Ascension Providence at the  Assarian Center – Healing Arts, at the Novi Campus.

How has being a member of YAGD helped you in your yoga

career ?  I love interacting with other yoga teachers and

how the YAGD is a positive force in the Metro Detroit

community.

Do you have a favorite yoga story from your teaching experience ?

 Every class, seeing students leave much more

relaxed than when they came in.   Sometimes, they are kind

of glowy with healthy energy.

Is there anything else you would like to add, like family… hobbies… karma yoga… or other professions ?   It’s nice that

my husband teaches yoga, too, so we can bounce ideas off

each other.   Wish yoga hadn’t made me so aware of how

important posture is in our daily lives –  who knew there

were manequins that have slouchy posture ?  LOL