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About Iyengar Yoga Napa Valley

Located in St. Helena, Iyengar Yoga Napa Valley (IYNV) is a premier center for the study of Iyengar Yoga in Northern California. Founded and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Jaki and Allan Nett, the studio is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where students of all ages and abilities can explore the harmony of body, mind, and spirit.

The studio emphasizes the classic Iyengar approach: precision in postural alignment, a deep understanding of anatomy, and the strategic use of props to make the benefits of yoga accessible to everyone.

Meet the Teachers

Jaki Nett, M.A., CIYT Level 3

Jaki Nett is a world-renowned yoga instructor, author, and educator with over 40 years of experience. Her teaching style is a unique blend of methodical Iyengar practice, humanistic psychology, and functional anatomy.

  • Background & Training: Jaki began her yoga journey in 1975 and became a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) in 1988. She has traveled to Pune, India, to study at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) over 25 times, learning directly from B.K.S. Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar.

  • The Felt Sense Method®: Beyond her public classes, Jaki is the creator of the Felt Sense Method, a holistic approach to pelvic floor health. Driven by her own healing journey, she authored the book A Crack in the Mask, which uses yoga-based techniques to help women manage incontinence and regain physical independence.

  • Education: She holds a Master’s degree in Humanistic Psychology from Sonoma State University and taught psychology at Santa Rosa Junior College for several years.

  • Philosophy: “Yoga asana is the foundation; anatomy is the insight; precision of postural alignment is the outcome.”

Allan Nett,

Allan Nett brings a diverse and practical life experience to his yoga teaching, helping him connect with students from all walks of life—from office workers to tradespeople.

  • Background & Training: A student of yoga for over four decades, Allan has studied directly with the Iyengar family in India. He has been teaching for more than 30 years.

  • “Yoga with Your Boots On”: Drawing from his 25+ years as a building contractor and his Master’s degree in Geology, Allan developed specialized programs like Yoga for the Construction Industry. He uses his knowledge of physical stressors to help workers recover from injuries and improve mobility through “construction-inspired” stretches.

  • Healing Arts: In addition to yoga, Allan is a professional reflexologist and bodyworker with over 50 years of experience in the healing arts. He is also an ordained minister and clairvoyant, integrating a sense of spiritual awareness into his technical instruction.

  • Philosophy: Allan focuses on developing a solid foundation of awareness, empowering students to live in the moment and experience the true Self.

     

Our Studio History

Jaki and Allan met while studying yoga and married in 1979, settling in the Napa Valley shortly after. They opened a private studio in St. Helena. For over 30 years, they have been a cornerstone of the Northern California yoga community, hosting annual retreats, teacher training study groups, and workshops that draw students from around the world.