About me
Shanna Small is a seasoned yoga educator committed to fostering social justice and accessibility within yoga spaces. Embarking on her yoga journey over two decades ago, she delved into the intricacies of Ashtanga Yoga, immersing herself in the study of asana, Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Sanskrit, and chanting within the Jois lineage of Mysore, India.
With a solid foundation in Vinyasa yoga, Shanna earned her 200-hour Yoga Alliance accreditation under the guidance of Dolly Stavros. Building on her extensive experience in Ashtanga, she attained 500ERYT and YACEP status from the Yoga Alliance. She ultimately became the director of numerous Ashtanga and Vinyasa programs in Yoga studios across North Carolina.
Two pivotal events— an accident revealing damage to her sacrum and spine and the tragic murder of George Floyd by police— catalyzed a transformative shift in Shanna's yogic journey. This led her to specialize in Accessible Yoga, studying with Dianne Bondy and Amber Karnes, and Trauma Conscious Yoga under the guidance of Nityda Gessell. Shanna explored her experiences as a racialized woman in the yoga community and initiated Yoga Teacher Training programs and social justice initiatives.
In her pursuit of healing, Shanna found inspiration in Vedic studies under the tutelage of Kaya Mindlin and Shantala Sriramiah. She currently shares her wealth of knowledge through extensive travel, offering teachings on accessibility, social justice, and yoga philosophy both in person and online. Shanna Small is not just a yoga educator but a passionate advocate for a more inclusive and mindful yoga community, empowering others on their own transformative journeys.
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