Testimonials

“I have taken private lessons and classes with Kat and cannot begin to convey what a gifted teacher she is. In six months she taught me more about my mind, my body, and my spirit than I ever understood. I am doing things I never dreamed I could do. Despite being less than half my age, she taught me about life through a yoga practice. Her wisdom resonates throughout whatever I am doing. I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience working with Kat. It’s been life-changing for me.”
-Ann Florie, Birmingham, AL


“I've known Kat for several years and have taken many of her classes and workshops. Every experience with Kat is physically challenging, thought-provoking, and refreshing. What I love most about Kat is that she shows up 100% herself every single time she teaches. Her authenticity is palpable and constantly inspiring. She has a unique gift for sharing her perspective on life, weaving in nuggets of wisdom while simultaneously pushing your body in new ways. Through something as simple as closing your eyes and holding a pose, I've genuinely been changed. Kat creates space for you to see your own potential while also asking yourself the hard questions. She was the first person to introduce me to breathwork, Yin, Katonah, the list goes on. Whether I was a complete beginner or a more seasoned student, she met me exactly where I was. Which helped me to meet and accept myself where I was. If Kat is talking, I'm sitting nearby, wide-eyed and spongey. Anyone would be lucky to walk away even from a conversation with her, but a class or workshop? You owe it to yourself.”
-Jennifer Holzner, Birmingham AL

"Kat is an outstanding educator who happens to practice yoga. I’ve long noted her enthusiastic teaching style. A part of what might be called her “secret sauce” is that enthusiasm. As one who has taught full-time for four decades, there’s no doubt enthusiasm matters. She encourages her students to “fight for it” and that it’s NOT easy (and isn’t supposed to be!) She models the techniques she is teaching with intentionality and thoughtfulness. In helping her students to honestly see what is, she helps them transition to visualizing what they want. I’ve seen her in different settings—workshops, an out-of-country retreat, and in private sessions and can speak from personal experience:  Kat Yates is one of the positive, kindest people you will ever meet.  If you want to learn more about your own body and, as her website says, inform to reform, attend a class, book a private session, or attend a workshop with this accomplished professional."
-Steve Katsinas, Birmingham, AL

“Some teachers give you sequences, but the good ones give you an experience. Something that stays in your body long after you’ve left the mat. Kat is one of the good ones. She has been one of the foundational threads of the Yoga[Lab] - the kind of teacher who raises the bar, the kind of person who makes a studio feel like a home.”
-Kristin Rand, Birmingham, AL

“Kat Yates is the best yoga instructor I’ve ever known. She is a kind, old soul with a very precise understanding of anatomy, mechanics, and technique. Kat is passionate about her practice and committed to her students.”
-Bart Stephens, Birmingham, AL


“Sometimes we cross paths with a ray of sunlight at the very moment we’ve felt shaded for too long, or at least long enough. You came into my life and helped uncover parts of me I forgot I had: courage, patience, capacity, and a breath of life I’d been missing. You may not have realized what you were witnessing, so let me tell you by saying, simply thank you. I am a better human for knowing you.”
-Sylvion Moss, Birmingham, AL

“Over the last couple of years, Kat's guidance, teachings, and leadership have changed my life. Her mentorship gave me the opportunity to not only dive deeper into the theory and practice of Katonah Yoga, but also explore and move toward achieving personal goals. Kat emphasizes the embodiment of the physical Katonah practices while gracefully weaving in the theory which makes Katonah Yoga so deeply therapeutic and reformative. Kat's way of teaching and guiding is intentional, altruistic, and transformative. The time I have spent learning from her has changed my perspective on how I can reach my highest potential. Kat is an exceptional person, friend, and leader.”
-Rebecca Turnley, Birmingham, AL

"Kat’s mentorship sparked inspiration in ways I didn't know I was looking for. Kat’s ability to build and fill a ‘container‘ like this is unique and appreciated. She holds space for each person to have an individual experience within a communal setting, where you are guided and supported while simultaneously encouraged to be your own teacher. Kat’s personal dedication to her practice and self-study are felt each step of the way, as you know she isn’t asking you to go to any depths she hasn’t explored or is willing to go with you. What sets her teaching and guidance apart is raw authenticity and honesty. Her words and guidance find me at my lowest, highest, hardest, easiest, most joyful and painful moments - all exactly when I need them. It is so evident that Kat is a practitioner of what she teaches, as her own experience and truth are weaved into the material. To have her living example that ‘doing the work’ works, is inspiring and relatable along the journey. I am so grateful for her willingness to show up authentically, with joy and compassion. This experience has already, and will continue to, shape me as a teacher, student and human.” 
-Helen Lee, Birmingham, AL


“You have a real gift as yoga teacher and I am so glad that you came into my life. It has simply been a wonderful honor and privilege to be your student. You will continue to touch lives in your new adventure.”
-Mell Smith, Birmingham, AL

“Kat is a powerhouse - in the most grounded and intentional sense. She cuts right to the heart of the matter, and all of her offerings ask you to really learn, look, and truly stretch yourself. If you’re hoping to deepen your practice, grow your skill set as a teacher, or more closely investigate your inner landscape - say yes to any opportunity to practice with Kat!! I have had the privilege of getting to know her through her public vinyasa and Katonah classes, yin classes, private lessons, and workshops. Through her generosity of time and spirit, she has become not only a teacher, but a mentor and friend helping me to grow and expand in countless ways. When I first met Kat I knew something was special about her class, and her teaching ultimately inspired me to pursue my yoga teacher training with her teachers. Since then, she has continued to mentor me - I seek out her public classes, private lessons, as well as her workshop offerings any chance I can. She has also generously shared her time, insight, and trust by training me in restorative Katonah privates, so that I have been able to deepen my understanding, as well as helping me to build my own set of tools to share with my own students. Her Elements of the Seasons workshop was a perfect example of what makes her work so impactful - grounded in Daoist and Katonah principles, it offered a framework that is both practical and expansive. Kat doesn’t just teach poses - she teaches you how to think, observe, and refine your practice in a way that stays with you. She is deeply committed to this work and how the networks of our bodies, and all of nature, are intricately connected. Her skills and toolset have been intentionally honed, and she helps others by sharing it. She is naturally gifted, but she is a powerful teacher - not by accident. She puts in the time, and the work, and i've had the privilege to see the incredible positive impact on some of the lives she's touched through her efforts. Kat is warm and inviting, yet firm and clear where it matters. She is wise, thoughtful, driven, and deeply devoted and committed to both her own practice and her students. She's incredibly knowledgeable and is the kind of teacher who truly changes the trajectory of your practice. All her classes are thoughtful, precise, and deeply intentional. She has a rare ability to meet you exactly where you are while also asking you to grow beyond it. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for Kat. She would be a gift to any studio or community!”
-Mary John Blevins, Birmingham AL

"I’ve been working with Kat for four years. She is an amazing teacher and friend and brings out the best in you with her great positive attitude. I look forward to going weekly to her very nice studio for my private yoga workout. When I go in, she always greets me with a smile and welcomes me with a high five. It is the highlight of the week for me. She inspires, motivates, and builds my self-confidence. We use a variety of techniques including stretching, deep breathing, posture and mat work, and many other exercises. The tools I have learned have improved my vision, mobility (especially in the neck), flexibility, endurance, stamina, mood, and general stress levels. What's really amazing is the improvement in my everyday activities (when we first started working together it was a challenge to get up and down off of the floor, and now it is no problem at all). I continue to get stronger in all aspects of my body and life. Kat is fun to work with as I'm always learning something new from her. I highly recommend Kat and give her a five star rating."
-David Bates (90 yrs), Birmingham, AL

“The 30-Hour Katonah Mentorship with Kat was transformative. This mentorship transcended the physical practice, offering a dynamic map for personal growth and evolution. Kat’s approach is deeply insightful, pushing you to critically examine your home practice, personal religion, and the deals that you make. The mentorship is agitating in the most productive way—driving you to uncover new depths in the mind, soul, and body. Each session with Kat is uniquely structured. She layers Katonah based knowledge with her understanding of life, nature, and the elements. The mentorship is both encouraging and challenging. The mentorship provided me with tools to expand my practice and strengthen my theoretical foundation as a yoga teacher. I highly recommend this mentorship for anyone open to refining their practice.”
-Dominique Maywald, Birmingham, AL

"I've had the fortune of knowing Kathryn for a long time, and she has gone on to blossom into an exceptionally intuitive and informed teacher with a quiver of excellent yoga knowledge and experience that one could only receive having traveled the globe teaching, as well as, learning in some really excellent places. I have no doubt she will continue to be a force in the yoga world (literally). My one-on-one classes with her were extremely beneficial and I look forward every time to these meetings as well as spending time with the endlessly lovely and bright individual that she is. 10 out of 10."
-Sam Meadows, Birmingham, AL

"I worked with Kat for three years. Her private sessions offer me the combination of a movement practice, breathwork, and neurological tracking to find new perspectives and elicit insight. Her adjustments help me gain new levels in the postures and my body's ability to function. I leave every time with a greater overall sense of wellness that stays with me until I come back!"
-Lois England, Birmingham, AL

"Kat’s strengths lie in her deep understanding of people, relationships and the potential we all hold in taking charge of our lives. In just a few development sessions with Kat, she gave me some very practical tools to improve my personal relationships, and most importantly the confidence to put them into action. She is a great listener and empathetic coach. I couldn’t recommend her enough."
-Stephanie Cusack, Australia

"I was a student of Kathryn’s in early 2019 and it is no exaggeration to say that she lives her craft. Her knowledge about yoga and related subjects is considerable and she is very forthright, answering questions honestly and with accessible language. The atmosphere she establishes in her classes is a familial and non-judgmental one, and her attention to form and provision of modifications for all levels of skill is the best I’ve experienced. As we developed a friendship over time I saw that her persona as a teacher was not a persona at all, but an extension of who she is as a person. Mindfulness, sense of calm, knowledge, humility, discernment, patience and positive outlook are qualities she works at constantly and brings to bear outside of the studio as well as within. As a final note, Kathryn applies a logical rigor and internal consistency to her train of thought which is laudable and which appeals to me as someone who fancies myself rational. I never felt like I was getting a half-truth or guess from her, but rather I felt that the subjects she spoke on and the assertions she made were a function of theoretical learning backed by experience. I look forward to training with her again and will seek her out as a mentor at some point down the future as I elevate my own practice into the realm of teaching."
-Andre Guantanamo, Canada

"Magnetic and radiant are the first words that come to mind when I think about this amazing soul. Her love of life and enthusiasm for her craft is evident in all she does.She flows on and off the mat with grace, a beautiful sense of humor, and acceptance of herself and others exactly as they are while always encouraging self-reflection and growth.As a yoga instructor and coach, Kat is passionate, knowledgeable, and FUN. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience collaborating with Kat, on a professional level, and as one of her students.As a person, Kat embodies authenticity and kindness, and radiates light and joy. Her positive energy is contagious. If you’re reading this and have the opportunity to spend time working with and learning from Kat, please do yourself the favor and don’t hesitate. You will become a better version of yourself by doing so!"
-Amy Marino, Costa Rica

"Kathryn is extremely accommodating to one's needs and quirks which speaks volume of not just her qualities but also her maturity. She is an amazing yoga instructor but an even greater person. Her guidance made our yoga retreat truly restorative."
-Cheah Cheong Wai, Malaysia

"I have had the honor of taking privates with Kathryn. Put aside the fact that she is a dear friend and sister to me. She is working with my body in ways that I have needed since birth. I wept during the first private we had together when she physically and energetically opened the space in my lungs, allowing me to take my first real breath…maybe ever. Lastly, she is an empowering teacher, emphasizing that I already have the power and skill; she is just there to help me access it. Spend an hour with her; it will be the best hour you have ever spent."
-Hannah Conzelman, Birmingham, AL

"Kat brings people together in a way that makes them feel comfortable to be totally themselves.If you want yoga in your life, you need to follow this girl. Not only on Facebook, but around the world. Just finished a 7 day retreat with her in Borneo, Malaysia. Absolutely amazing."
-Nicola Samson, United Kingdom

"Kat is one of the most positive, bright, shining people I know. In her presence I feel very much myself because she's so comforting and genuinely a gorgeous person to be around. She never fails to motivate me, providing me with the tools to step outside of my comfort zone whilst giving me security with her presence. Most importantly she's pushed me to chase my dreams! For a long time I've been dreaming of being a tattoo artist, and her encouragement gave me the initial push to put myself out there. This was a year and a half ago, and now I find myself making big steps within an apprenticeship, not far off from doing my own tattoos! This would never have happened without her motivation and trust in my talent. I'm so grateful every day and sure as hell will give her free tattoos for a lifetime."
-Stacey Sykes, Germany

"Her yin classes bring you to another world..."
-Ghislain Beauchamp, Canada

"Till I met Kat, I never practiced yoga on a regular basis. Once in a while I tried a couple of classes with different teachers, but never held it as a day-to-day practice. Now, I practice almost every day! It's the first thing I do and it just makes me feel amazing. It's become a part of my life, and that's because of Kat! She showed me how to develop my own practice. Her classes are super comfortable, the body is working and the mind is peaceful. Not to mention the great music and seamlessly woven spiritual themes!
No words! Amazing."
-Ofri Marshak, Israel

"Sweet, caring, inclusive, passionate, incredibly knowledgeable, fun to be around, always a warm smile. This is Kat! I had an extraordinary nine day retreat experience learning from this young, wise lady. If you want to dig deeper into your life or practice, I highly recommend her yoga classes. I loved it. I will always keep Kat and my 'everyday healthy tools' in my heart."
-Val Sekse, Norway

"Kat gets you back into it in a way that flows and feels natural, each class special and thoughtfully curated to make you feel comfortable back on the mat. Off the mat, Kat is a kind, approachable and wholesome woman that made the time spent on our retreat a very dear one. [...] She has a beautiful soul. I am leaving a different person!"
-Marta Sal, Spain

"The reason I fell in love with yin! Dedicated and driven when it comes to her practice, Kat is an amazing teacher. From her dharma to her playlists to her adjustments...I could go on and on! She loves what she does and you can tell."
-Sophia Stone, Canada