What others have said

“This week, we had the first of a number of sessions on mindfulness for the staff with a professional, Nancy Siegel, and she did a half-hour workshop through Zoom.  She teaches breathing techniques, and it’s about understanding ourselves, to stop being so hard on ourselves, on the way we are reacting to stress. And it’s also a way to let people see each other.   I have to tell you that it is not my cup of tea.  But leaders lead, among other ways, by example, so I enjoyed it. And after about 15 minutes, I felt much much more centered and relaxed. So I assume that anyone who came into it with a more open mind than I did got even more out of it than I did.  I am looking forward to the next one,” ~ Rabbi Yisrael Rothwachs,  Dean SINAISchools

"I've never done something like this before, and I was surprised that my anxiety level was markedly reduced, actually gone, by the time the half hour was over - both times. Thank you for that! And for the tools to use going forward." ~Debra Kammerman, LCSW, Social Worker

SINAI Elementary at RYNJ

"Nancy led a dynamic and thoughtful session for our entire leadership team. During her time with us, she challenged us to broaden our perspective, walked us through the science and theory about the benefits of mindfulness, and shared practical applications that can be used in our classrooms. The session was engaging, interactive and adaptable to a wide level of backgrounds." ~ Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, Head of School, Yavneh Academy

"It was truly inspiring to learn from you and with you in a very real, positive and productive way. We are so excited for our children who will have the opportunity to benefit from teachers who are implementing mindfulness practices, and classrooms that resonate and prioritize playing attention and being present." ~ Ms. Shani Norman,  Early Childhood Director/Assistant Principal, General Studies Grade 1, Yavneh Academy

"Nancy, I just wanted to thank you again for such a wonderful, mindful  day Thursday. It was so nice seeing you again and meeting such a nice group of people. I liked that the class was smaller as it made it easier to connect with everyone. Your presentation and great ideas for a more mindful classroom were so appreciated. I also loved the focus on myself and making sure I do one thing each day for my mindfulness practice. I’ve already started and love how I feel at the start of each day."   ~Joanne Marcus 

Assistant teacher 4 yr olds, St. John’s nursery school

"Great tools for classroom management in a non-punitive way." ~ Chani Stochel, Assistant Teacher 1st grade, Yeshivat Noam 

"Simple age-appropriate ways to calm yourself and your class."  ~ Robin Newman, Pre-k teacher

"Nancy is very personable and knowledgeable and an excellent speaker, as well as a useful resource."  ~ Aliza Enker, Assistant teacher 

"I really appreciated the way that the mindfulness breathing was mondeling so that we can do the same for our students."  ~ Aubrey Wolff, 1st grade teacher

"It was meaningful, powerful, and there were great tools to use immediately in class.  Very useful, very practical, thoughtful, engaging, interesting, calming.  I want more."  ~ Rahel Brebler, 1st grade teacher 

"I was 110 times right about inviting you to our school! You got my teachers on so many levels:   emotional- you made us cry ( in a good way), social -you made the quietest teachers talk), physical-you made us move and professional -you taught us so much about us and others.   Thank you for changing people's lives!" ~ Inna Izman, Early Childhood Director, Mazel Day School, NY

"I first met Nancy when she was invited to lead a yoga program for early childhood directors on Long Island in 2001. I am in no way a "fan" of yoga and was not comfortable about attending. But Nancy made a believer out of me. Although this was years before anyone used the term "mindfulness" Nancy's yoga was a journey in mindfulness as well as exercise. She led the the group with a quiet authority and gave everyone a sense of calm and respect through her engaging and interesting presentation.

After that, our paths crossed as I supported her work in teaching of young children and especially the teachers of young children. Through my work with Yeshivot, Nancy has brought mindfulness and yoga study to many of our observant elementary schools where she is honored and beloved. 

Nancy has run workshops for educators, which many of the directors and teachers I worked with attended. Each person felt that she made a difference in their professional and personal life through what they learned and experienced with her.  Nancy is a true professional. I have seen her in many environments and working with many diverse groups of people. No matter the age - from the youngest preschooler to adults she is always dynamic, on target and relevant for each group.  She is patient, kind and senses what a group will appreciate and enjoy and how to make it applicable in their lives. She has a true dignity when she teaches and respects the integrity of each individual.   Mindfulness is not an "easy" concept and many can be skeptical of the benefits. After learning with Nancy, the participants are always grateful for the experience and have tools and strategies that can be used over and over again. 

 Nancy Siegel is an outstanding person, teacher, leader and presenter." ~ Susan Topek, Associate Director of Early Childhood at The Jewish Education Project in New York

"Thank you so much for providing us with such a meaningful and successful workshop.  As we mentioned at the time we all felt that you did a masterful job of meeting each of our teachers at the exact point at which they are currently holding in regard to mindfulness.  This is an extremely difficult task which you seemed to achieve with ease.  We know that much effort and mindfulness went into your preparation.  We look forward to continuing this relationship." ~ Rabbi Michael Weichselbaum, Menahel/Principal Bnos Malka Academy, NY

"So wonderful to see you and experience the amazing work you do. Your programming and outreach provide such wonderful insight into how to quiet our monkey minds in order connect with our truths and believe  that we are enough."

~Trena Rauner, Learning  Specialist, Solomon Schechter Day School 

 “This was the best breakout session ever.  Please invite her back!” ~Jenny P, Learning Specialist

 “These approaches could be used in a wide variety of settings in different grades successfully.” ~ Atara S., Lower School General Studies Teacher

“There are no words (to describe) how this workshop affected me personally and professionally.  Thank you!”~ Amy T.,  Lower School Judaics Teacher

“Besides being able to meditate in the middle of a work day (who doesn’t like that?!) I was assured that my two worlds: education, classroom teaching/learning can be combined with meditation, yoga, and mindfulness.”  ~ Andrea B.,  Lower School Teacher

“I loved it all and plan to make a point of doing community building activities with my class once a week.  Thank you for giving me more ideas.”​​
~ Samantha Goldstein, 4th grade teacher

“Thank you!  I appreciated your calming, welcoming demeanor.  I enjoyed the practical implications for the classroom.”​​~ Amy Groeger, Kindergarten teacher

“Very well presented.  Well organized and professional!”​​~ Jane Levine, Enrichment teacher

“You were very sensitive with us. You felt us!”​~ Betsy Smith, 3rd grade teacher

“I thoroughly enjoyed your workshop.  The music and activities are going to be a great addition to my classroom as well as the techniques you showed us.”​ 
~Amy Levine, Pre-school teacher

“Best course I have EVER taken, NKYTT should be a requirement for anyone who works with kids! We live in exciting times, but these days people are often in a state of stress because of the inevitable social and environmental circumstances, and we are seeing how these circumstances are affecting the next generation. When the brain is under too much stress it is not available to learn new information. Yoga and Mindfulness is a healthy way to help the next generation make the most of these exciting times while balancing the social and emotional consequences that come along with it all.

I have never in my life come across an educator/guide like Nancy and I am so grateful to finally have met someone who gets it, can make sense of it, and actually teach and train others how to use her Nesheemah philosophy. This is by far the most useful/beneficial course I have taken, as someone who works with children and wants to truly make a difference. Nancy has opened my heart and mind in ways that can't be undone. This course is true experiential learning at its best! I have never felt so prepared and excited to go out and make a difference!” ~ Natalie Buchsbaum, O.T., Summer '18

"I would  highly recommend this training.  It has helped me grow not only as a yoga teacher, but also as a clinician and person.  Nancy guides you into tapping into your inner child making the teaching experience both valuable and authentic."  ~  Lauren Kriston, Speech Pathologist, Fall '17

"This was a much better experience than my actual YTT-200.  Nancy does a phenomenal job at creating a welcoming, nurturing environment and I'm filled with gratitude." ~ Denise Bozza, Hot yoga instructor, Fall '17

"Over my lifetime of 41 years, I never found anybody that I truly admire and looked at as a role model. SAD:(  I do have high standards. Well that all changed the first week I met you. I mean it Nancy, you and your program opened my eyes to the world. It has been such a great learning experience. Thank you for that!" ~ Chrissy Sunberg, ADHD Coach, Summer '17​

"NKYTT has solidified my philosophical foundation of teaching. The research and theories we learned gave me confidence in how I approach working with students - clear, concise directions, show and not tell, and come from a place of authenticity. I am changing my language and inviting rather than demanding, and stretching instead of challenging. My teaching has always felt blurry around the edges and NKYTT has focused and sharpened the outline, giving structure and support while allowing for flexibility and creativity. NKYTT is absolutely one of the most transformative teaching experiences I've had. Nancy Siegel is joy in human form - authentic, compassionate, knowledgable, and FUN! I l loved every minute of my training and cannot recommend Nesheemah Kids Yoga enough."  ~ Kara Cooper, Transition Specialist, Bergen Family Center,  Summer '16

"To anyone considering taking Nancy Siegel's Nesheemah Kids Yoga Teacher Training:  TAKE IT!  Not only will you leave the program with new and innovative ways to approach teaching and guiding your students...you will leave Nancy's Nesheemah Kids program enriched and enlightened on a personal level, as well. And for you parents, on a parental level, too.  You will learn about Child Development, Teaching Methodologies, Social Emotional Learning, Classroom Management to name a few of the fascinating topics. My favorite, Mindfulness Techniques...through PLAY!  The Recommended Reading List, I promise, you will keep and refer to for a lifetime!  Nancy's teaching style is both grounded in the latest knowledge based research AND sprinkled with light hearted humor making your time commitment to The Nesheemah Kids Yoga Teacher Training course FLY BY!" ~ Jodi Massoud, OT, mother of 2, Summer '16

"Nancy's kids yoga training was a wonderful experience. The classroom environment that she carefully crafted was a place of love, respect, understanding and most of all fun. The class not only taught you how to be a successful kids yoga instructor but also had to be a successful human being. How to bring mindfulness into the classroom, home and life. To say that this experience touched me and changed me would be an understatement. It felt so fulfilling to be surrounded with such wonderful like minded individuals who just wanted to better the world through yoga. This class not only gave me some needed confidence but gave me wonderful tools to create successful, fun and unique mindful focused yoga classes. Nancy is a wonderful teacher, mentor, guide and friend." ~ Devorah Schneider Chaitovsky, Summer '17

"Nancy has a wealth of information regarding child development, social emotional competency, education and yoga!  I learned so much from her children's yoga training course to enhance my current position as a school social worker and to begin my journey as a children's yoga instructor.  Thank you Nancy!  Sharon Prawetz, Summer '15

"Nancy is amazing! Her Nesheemah Kids Yoga Teacher Training program and Mindfulness for Educators workshop completely changed the way that I work with children. I use so many of the techniques and strategies that she taught with my elementary students as a school-based speech-language pathologist. Nancy's programs are fun, evidence-based, relaxing, engaging and stimulating. She provides you with so many resources about mindfulness that can be used with children and teens in a variety of settings. There is no doubt that Nancy made me a better educator, clinician and human being.  I would highly recommend her programs to anyone who works with children in any capacity!" ~Chani Markel, Summer '16

"I gained so much from your course it's hard to pinpoint what was the most helpful. What I learned about classroom management also helps me in my mommy life with my kids.    In general though, the practice teaching yoga classes that we created and taught was the most helpful. I appreciated getting constructive criticism to make my classes better. And practicing teaching helped me warm up and give me just enough confidence in teaching yoga that I needed to agree to teach in a school. The only way to really learn is through experience so teaching the practice classes was perfect."  ~ Shevi Simpson, Fall '15

"I feel so blessed to have gone through NKYTT. This program has
 completely changed the way that I connect & interact with children.  I know the things I learned will be invaluable in the future.  I learned so many new and important ways to teach children's yoga, and discovered a lot about myself in the process." ~ Isabelle Stonier, college senior, Summer '15

"I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to Nancy and her teaching.  What I have learned from her keeps popping and percolating in my brain. She truly made me a better teacher.  So lucky and grateful to have learned from her and I recommend  this training. In it you will find new and heartfelt ways of teaching. Don't get discouraged about education today because it's going to change.  Be part of the new & exciting changes! This training really honors teachers." ~ Bessy Inomata, ESL teacher, Fall '15

"NKYTT offers a great way to bond with others who love  
children, to have fun and learn great techniques to promote mindfulness, self-awareness, self-regulation, strength, confidence, etc., in both themselves & the children they care for." ~ Sharon Prawetz, Social Worker, Newark Public School, Summer '15

"I loved the emphasis on the social-emotional aspect of learning.  And I loved how the various games and activities in this training bonded us all into a family.  That makes me think that this can occur with a group of children, as well.   The training has been very special.  It's not just a training about children, because I have learned a lot about myself, as well!"~ Ellen Mendelsohn, Music Teacher in Public Schools for 40 years, Summer '15

"I would recommend NKYTT because of the love, Nancy's expertise, and the value and importance of the program.  How important it is to help children of today because they live in a place of stress, fear, competition.  Through yoga we can help calm and support them."~ Johanna Samad, adult and children's yoga teacher, Summer '15

"This program is a journey of self-discovery, self-growth as well as learning how to share the joys of yoga with children." ~ Suzanne Warshavsky, Esquire, Summer '15"