NOLA Yoga - Level 1

Established 2026

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NOLA Yoga

535 E 5th St

New York, NY

Program Instances

Hybrid

Dates: TBD

200 hours • TBD

New York, NY, US

Led by

Catherine (Cat) McCarthy

CYT-L3

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Purpose

I mentor teachers who want to refine their artistry and deepen their connection with students. Yoga studios invite me as guest faculty for teacher trainings and residencies, and I offer my own 200-hour training through NOLA Yoga, which is registered with AYC

What to expect

NOLA YOGA provides the highest level of yoga instruction in a unique style of Align & Flow Hatha Yoga, artfully blending the expression of the human heart with clarity of mind, along with the dynamic energy of the inner and outer form.

Style/Lineage

As a yoga teacher and student for over three decades, I’m honored to present both the theory and the praxis of yoga, so that we all can put our skills into action. I offer what I have embodied myself, teaching privately as well as to groups of 10-300 at studios, conferences, and festivals.

Additional Information

Core competencies

By the end of this program, graduates will be able to…

Teaching Skills	Apply active verbal cues and energy directionals while guiding a class through movement, maintaining clear and consistent language throughout. Apply structured observation techniques while watching a group move through poses, noting patterns in foundation and form as they arise. Construct an original sequence that builds toward a chosen peak pose, formulating preparatory steps that address its specific demands. Design an original themed class, formulating a cohesive arc that connects an idea to the poses, pacing, and language chosen. Offer hands-on assisting technique to support a student's alignment in a pose, using clear pressure and stable positioning throughout. Analyze a room setup for potential obstacles or safety concerns, examining sightlines, spacing, and student access while applying space-setup principles to prepare a room before a class begins, arranging elements to support both safety and flow.
Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	Apply foundational alignment principles to a standing pose, positioning the joints to distribute weight evenly through the base. Demonstrate an understanding of breath anatomy to guide a breathing pattern, cueing engagement of the diaphragm and supporting muscles. Use contraindication guidelines when selecting pose variations for a pose category, choosing modifications that reduce risk.
Business Skills	Apply branding principles to draft a personal bio and mission statement, using language that reflects an authentic teaching identity. Draw on professional practice standards when preparing to teach in a given setting, addressing insurance and safety considerations. Exercise trust-building strategies when working with a private client, tailoring communication to that individual's needs.
Lifestyle & Ethics	Apply the yamas and niyamas to a real teaching scenario, choosing conduct that reflects the relevant ethical principle. Use boundary-setting principles when approaching physical touch with a student, seeking consent and communicating intent clearly. Apply a service orientation to a teaching-related decision, choosing an action that extends benefit beyond the immediate class. Analyze a personal habit for its alignment with core lifestyle principles, examining where consistency is strong or lacking.
Practice Skills	Analyze one's own practice for imbalances across pose categories, examining which areas receive more or less attention. Practice a range of breathing techniques within a personal session, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout each one. Practice both focused and open meditation approaches within a personal session, sustaining attention through each method. Practice engaging an energetic lock during a personal session, maintaining steady engagement through movement and breath.
Yoga History & Theory	Apply the concept of sacred sound to a chosen practice, using voice and language in a way that reflects this traditional understanding. Analyze the connection between a chosen symbol and the actions used to express it, examining whether the link is genuine or superficial. Assess one's own readiness to hold the traditional responsibilities of a teacher, justifying the assessment against those expectations.

AYC allows each school to state and evaluate the competencies each student acquires. Students rate how well the program delivered them.

Program Emphasis

Evaluation methods

Program evaluations

Oral Exam
Solo Project Or Presentation
Written Exam
Written Submission
Direct Observation
Graded Skill Demonstration

Students will be evaluated through a combination of oral/written submissions, solo projects, and direct observations

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Program Faculty

Featured Faculty

Catherine (Cat) McCarthy

20+ years of alignment-based Yoga (Anusara/Kripalu), Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and the Trauma-Informed somatics of Compassionate Inquiry®. An international educator/trainer, Cat holds a relational container in which to safely explore the body-mind-heart terrain.

catmccarthycoaching.com/

New York, NY, US