Dana Spano

My connection to good health and fitness began a long time ago.  I was raised by physically fit parents whose lifestyle influenced that of my brother and I.  Five or six days out of the week, I participate in yoga and one or more cardio activities.  I am an avid biker, I enjoy jogging, and I try not to miss my favorite cardio class at the gym called Body Attack.  I also walk, hike, swim, dance, and play outside with my nephew.  While I find all the mentioned activities to be enjoyable and beneficial, yoga is my favorite.  It covers all aspects that I try to get a good work out in- my mind, body, and spirit.  Teaching yoga is only a part time job, but it gives me full time satisfaction.  For the past fifteen years I have been teaching high school Spanish.  I have also taught Italian, though I am not certified (in NYS you can legally teach one course outside of your certification).  The education field is not what it used to be and my responsibilities and challenges are continually growing.  I impart my knowledge to an unwilling audience, at least that is how it feels most of the time.  When I teach yoga, however, I feel a connection with the participants.  They are there for the same reason I am, to improve their lives through better focus, body awareness, calmness, strength, flexibility, and circulation.  The benefits don't even stop there.  I am proud and honored to accompany them on their journey towards these benefits.  I speak Spanish and some Italian and have travelled extensively.  While I have not yet done so, I know I can provide instruction in both these languages.  With travel and languages being among my top three passions, along with yoga, I feel participating in this program will be a natural fit for me.

An important update since I first wrote my profile:  my love for sports has taken a more serious turn :)  I compete in triathlons and run marathons.  I'm very proud of this growth.