Now offering 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certifications!

Yoga Teacher Training is one of the most fulfilling experiences of a lifetime. Whether your aim is to deepen your knowledge of the philosophy, root more firmly into your own practice, begin a path of teaching, or continue seeking the deeper layers of wisdom contained within you - our trainings are irreplaceable.

Yoga is a lifelong journey. It is a transformation of your inner and outer worlds. It awakens you to your life, and your ability to create it, in a profound way.

Our programs are experiential and interactive. We will give you the skills you need to safely, confidently and compassionately guide yourself and a variety of students through their own yoga practice. And we will continue to support your learning as you grow and evolve.

We now offer two unique pathways to serve you a 200-hour Inter-discimplinary Yoga Teacher Training and a 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training. Each exceeds Yoga Alliance standards for excellence and certification.

Led by beloved instructor Anne Howard, our Yoga Alliance certified programs are eclectic, inter-disciplinary approaches to Yoga with a broad focus on various asana techniques, pranayama and yoga philosophy. We appreciate Yoga in all its forms and intend to give students an understanding of the primary traditions and theories while encouraging them to find their own comfort and voice.

NOW OFFERING 200-HOUR & 300-HOUR ADVANCED PATHWAYS...

YOUR GUIDE

Anne Follenbach-Howard
eRYT-500 YACEP

DIRECTOR OF YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM + YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Anne is the director and lead instructor of our Yoga Teacher Training program - Amalam School of Yoga at Outer Banks Yoga, and the heart & soul of the studio.

She has been practicing Yoga for nearly two decades. She began her journey in France when she was traveling often between Europe and Indonesia and felt she needed a nourishing practice that she could bring with her anywhere. After she moved to the US she pursued her 500-hour yoga teacher certification.

A beloved teacher with 10,000 hours of experience, she leads classes that are ever evolving. Challenging, yet balanced with softness, relaxation and humor.

A beloved instructor, Anne received her initial 220-hour yoga teacher certification from Stephanie Keach in 2008. She has since studied Ashtanga with Tim MIller, David Williams, David Swenson and David Garrigues, Anusara Yoga, Vinyasa with Sean Corn, Anatomy with Stephanie Keach and Leslie Kaminoff, and Power Yoga with Beryl Bender Birch. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance at the ERYT-500 level. She is also certified in Yoga for Trauma, Pre-natal, Kids Yoga, and Pilates.

Reviews from the 2020-21 YOGA TT 200 hours students:

B.K.S. Iyengar states that a yoga teacher should be “clear, clever, confident, challenging, caring, cautious, constructive, courageous, comprehending, creative, completely devoted and dedicated to knowing the subject, considerate, conscientious, critical, committed, cheerful, chaste and calm.” Anne is the true embodiment of a yoga teacher. She possesses all of these qualities with incredible humility. It has been one of the greatest privileges to study under her mentorship and learn from her decades of experience. This training in particular had its own unique set of challenges with the pandemic and current restrictions, however, Anne handled all of these obstacles with grace and provided a safe and nurturing environment that made everyone feel comfortable. Her lessons each weekend were well thought out and there were ample opportunities to teach, forcing each of us out of our comfort zones. Anne’s style of teaching wasn’t militant or egotistical. It was grounded in the foundation of self-study. She empowered each of us to find our own voices; to experience the poses on a personal level; to intrinsically understand the movements from our own perspective so that we may better guide future students. This is the true testament of a “guru,” someone who can show another their own way. 

      The format of the weekend was thoughtfully designed, allowing time for practice, discussion, teaching and of course, more practice. When I first started practicing, I had no idea that yoga meant more than just the physical postures. But I knew when I took classes with Anne that she was doing more than just teaching a class. This type of approach to yoga is rooted in its history, the ancient texts, and a respect for the lifestyle that yoga truly represents. It is not just about physical asanas and as I learned more about the philosophy of yoga, I began to understand that Anne was more than just a yoga teacher; she embodied what yoga truly meant. This was knowledge and information that she presented to us during the training, allowing us to see that yoga was more than practicing on your mat. It was about what happened when you left the mat. These are lessons that will stay with me for life. The only feedback I would give is that I wish there was more time. It’s been an incredible opportunity and experience that I’m so grateful to have been part of. The atmosphere and environment that Anne creates with her time, attention, and energy is one of a kind. To say that she is a gift is an understatement. The poet Rumi says, “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” Anne is someone that will help you realize that you have wings and encourages you to fly when you would rather stay comfortable crawling. She has helped me beyond words to recognize the person that I am and to go confidently in the world, wings fully outstretched. I highly recommend this training to anyone who has interest in yoga, it will far exceed your expectations. -Jennifer Jakubosky

As I write this, I cannot believe that our teacher training program has come to its end.  I'm so saddened that it will soon be over, but I will take the lessons learned with me throughout the rest of my life. I cannot express to you just how much I've enjoyed each and every weekend that we've spent together and how grateful I am to have gotten to know and grow with you and our kula.  Thank you for bringing together such a wonderful group of women and helping us to embrace our strengths and work through our weaknesses. For me, this program and the knowledge you've brought into my life could not have happened at a more perfect time.  I've loved every minute of practice and learning from your wisdom not only the intricacies of the asanas but also the history and philosophy of yoga.  I deeply appreciate the time you've taken to educate us on these topics and the sincere reverence you pay them.  I've learned so much and found both the pace of the course and the broad reaches of topics covered to be absolutely perfect.  I look forward to diving deeper and uncovering more in further training throughout the rest of my life.  You have been the most incredible teacher, and I feel so blessed to have gotten to know you.  You will be greatly missed here on the Outer Banks, but I'm so excited for you in your upcoming adventure to return home.  I will of course remain in touch and look forward to continuing to take classes with you and attending further training with you in the future.  Just knowing that you're always there to continue to support me and the rest of our kula means more than you'll ever know.  Thank you for sharing your beautiful knowledge and spirit and for providing me this wonderful opportunity for self-growth and discovery.  I will be eternally grateful. -Shelley Fluke

The opportunity to participate in the teacher training has been hovering on the horizon for me. It took a pandemic to clear my calendar and my mind so that I could focus on this journey for myself.  Like so many women, I have invested many hours in my career, and family.  To spend these many hours with the kula expanding our practice and knowledge in so many ways has been an amazing experience.  Having practiced with Anne for a few years, I knew that she would be a very thorough instructor, holding us to a high level of accountability while freely offering her wealth of experience and understanding.  She found that sweet spot between challenge and support that helped us find the very best within ourselves. Anne created an atmosphere that fostered intellectual and spiritual curiosity.  Her choice of books and handouts was stellar, and has created a valuable resource that I know I will return to time and again.  I feel humbled and honored to have taken this teacher training under someone as wise, knowledgeable, and caring as Anne.  -Barbara Hardy

This was the best 5 months of my life.  First, I was little worried how it will go, but from the first training I fell in love. The girls are amazing everyone so different but they energy are glowing like a rose. Also, I have learned so many new asanas and pranas for my body and mind. When I attended YMCA my dream was to go lift my legs little more. But now I’m in search to reach to the sky!!!! )). Miss Anne Follenbach you re amazing, spiritually gifted very wise, and you create a beautiful student. From your teaching I learn one thing give a freedom to the students (who is willing to learn they will do they homework and etc). You knew every week where we are each 14 of us and you encourage us to try some other poses. Little push… which I loved and always after new asanas I have been feeling achieved something. I am still impressing what body can do and can’t do. With your calm and relaxing voice my body moves. You felt all of us. You re real spiritually gifted a Yoga teacher, because when I took yoga here back home the Energy is not the same. Maybe one day I ll describe better, but I don’t know in present time. Thank you for this opportunity that you shared your knowledge with me with us. I’m grateful for the letter I receive about this training fall 2020. Wishing you the best Miss Anne, hope you will have a wonderful time with your MOM, and your family. I will miss you dearly!!! - Zhyldyz Samudinov

It has been a pleasure to take Anne’s teacher training course. Her depth of knowledge and commitment to yoga and her students is evidenced in the care and patience she displays during her teaching. Her knowledge of all aspects of Yoga, asanas, philosophy and lifestyle are shown everyday through her practice and teaching. Her instructions are clear and concise when instructing on poses, and demonstrating adjustments. She is able to evaluate her students and reinstruct or correct without judgement. Her calm demeanor conveys calm and patience, as well as a deep knowledge and confidence in her teaching. She is adept at teaching and her experience allows her to meet the needs of students at their individual levels of practice while meeting all the required guidelines to include all content necessary to achieve the 220 hours.
She gives constructive feedback and is very supportive of her students, on a class and individual level
Her teaching included asanas, yogic philosophy, and lifestyle, as well as education and pointers for awareness and intuition for teaching students at all levels. The class included information for business and practice alike.
Her studio and and the physical setting were conducive to practice and learning, as well as her music.
She set the environment for success of her students to learn and practice. Self-study and independent study were encouraged, and the readings that were assigned correlated well with classroom content. The didactic portion was staged to build on our knowledge of Yogic philosophy and lifestyle, opening a whole new world and widening our view.
She imparted tidbits and nuggets of knowledge attained over years of practice and teaching. At times it can be difficult to understand her instructions due to her accent, however, as time went on, that comprehension came with becoming familiar with her speech. I would highly recommend Anne as an instructor, and am sorry that she will be moving and not be available for future classes. She is a wonderful teacher and has been a true pleasure. --Betsy Giannuzzi

I want to start off by saying thank you, thank you for all of your kindness and knowledge that you have shared with us all these last few months. The class has been more than I could have hoped for. I thought the material was well thought out and executed with mindfulness and accuracy. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the teacher training, but I never imagined it would lend me to discover a new part of myself. You teach with such patience and encouragement that inspires us all to truly peel back the layers of ourselves and invite our future students to do the same. Your training has spilled over to many aspects in my life outside the studio, and has set me on a path of new discoveries and opportunities. The training was a nice blend of hands on, self-research, and lecture. I enjoyed the balance you maintained while offering a well-rounded lesson of the true essence of yoga. The traditional manner in which you practice and teach was extremely appreciated, I never felt as though I were trying to fit into a box called yoga, but rather discover how yoga can transform my body and spirit out of the box of the world. Thank you again for all you have done for us. I can’t wait for you to start a new chapter in your life just as we will after this training.  -Courtney Mattina

I want to thank you for all the knowledge and insights I received in the program. It was really a wonderful experience indeed. My goals were: to 1) learn more about Yoga and get a deeper understanding of what is it truly all about. I definitely discovered a lot more that I could imagine! Thank you! Really! 2) to meet like-minded people and hopefully to meet a very close friend that we can stay lifelong friends or close to that. I really miss a lot friend like that on OBX. Yes, I met like-minded people and I truly sincerely enjoyed each and everyone in our Kula 200. Everyone is an amazing individual! I want to thank you for your confidence and dedication to "in person" studio sessions! Thank you a million!! I know due to situation you absolutely could have done the classes online, but you did it in person. And I thank you so much for sticking to the end with that! I could never thank you enough for coming to my very first teaching class as a "student". That was very special and dear to me. Another thing impressed me the most is how you could guide the student into the posture almost like you are in person's body and you know exactly what he/she needs to do to get there! It's unbelievable 😳👏 I cannot get over that I got to stand on my head in such a short period of time thank to your instructions. You almost like shortening the months getting into the posture in a week! Not to mention your poise and grace, your flexibility and beauty are so inspiring! Your experience and knowledge are priceless and impressive! It's almost scary how much you understand what students think. I am very happy that I got a chance to be your student. Thank you for all the support, understand and guidance. It was truly a beautiful course. -Olusha Gauss

Becoming a certified yoga teacher has been on my “dreams” list for a few years. Unfortunately, life threw a few tough curves balls my way and I had to place that dream on the back burner. This past august I happened to be on my annual vacation in the obx and decided now was the time to get my yoga practice back on track. I signed up for beach yoga every day. I told one of the teachers about my dream of becoming a teacher myself. She told me about the training with Anne and how amazing it was and highly recommended Anne’s training. After vacation I researched online and decided it’s now or never. I am going to do this. So I signed up having no expectations and no idea I was about to go through the most life changing experience of my life. I am not the same person I was when I started this training. And I mean that in the best way possible.  I really just wanted to deepen my practice so I could share something positive with others. Two months into training Anne called me in front of the class to try a headstand. I was so scared and nervous and I gave her all of my trust and guess what I did a headstand. And then I did a full wheel the next weekend. Anne helped me realize that it’s not about the asanas at all. It’s the many layers we have unfolding one by one. And with tears in my eyes as I was driving home, I was so happy that I made this decision to finally do something I’ve always dreamed of doing. And I was so happy I decided to take Anne’s training as there are many. But none like Anne.  If there’s anyone, I’m going to try a new pose with its Anne. She’s taught me more than I could have ever imagined and then some! And I’m still unfolding one layer at a time. She is a true light of wisdom and humility and beautiful from the inside out. Thank you, Anne, for this beautiful and amazing opportunity. It has been life changing and I’m truly honored to be a part of this training. 🙏♥️ -Jennifer Colgin

This journey was a wonderful experience. Even though this training is ending, the journey you have started us on has just begun.  I have a foundation to build upon. You have an amazing amount of patience to handle the diverse personalities of 14 women for 20 hours a weekend.  -Sylvia Mattingly

It is hard to summarize all of the wonderful things I would like to highlight from our training. First of all, you have been an amazing instructor, mentor and guide on this yoga journey, but to me, also the journey of life. I am so incredibly thankful for your experiences in life and yoga and how you are able to exemplify that throughout our training. I can say that this training has been a savior to me in so many ways, and I have enjoyed every minute of us being together. There were things that were challenging for me, personal blocks I needed to overcome (and still many more to come!), and fears I had to move past. I felt your belief in me, and so I was able to move forward and better myself and my practice. I cannot thank you enough for making all of your classes accessible and free to us throughout this training. This has meant everything to me. I was able to make the training a priority in my daily life; something I feel has been key to my personal growth, mental health and yoga practice. I wish that our training extended beyond this 200 hours. I feel as if I am just beginning to see the road, and now this part is over. I want you to move back to France for you but I wish you were still here and that we would begin the  300 hour training in the fall! I would have loved some time spent on building sequences as artistic and flawless as yours! I would also have enjoyed more exploration into the yogic lifestyle. Maybe a challenge for us all as a group to explore our constitutions and its meaning in our lives. It would be fun to share our personal experiences as a group.

More than anything, I profess my gratitude. Not only have you done an amazing job, you've maintained your calm demeanor and gentle guidance in the midst of a pandemic. I cannot tell you in words what it has meant to leave the uncertainty of the world behind me as I walk into the studio and the magical world that exists inside. From the bottom of my heart, thank you thank you thank you!!!  Namaste, Meredith Foust

As I approach the end of the 200-hr yoga teacher training program at Outer Banks Yoga, I am happy to share my thoughts and experience.  Overall, the program was outstanding.  Anne Follenbach Howard is an amazing source of knowledge and inspiration. She is 100% committed to her students and so willingly gives of herself, sharing her indepth knowledge and real-life experiences in a way that honors and respects each student’s opinions and differences.  Anne was firm yet flexible when needed to support each person’s individual needs.  I enjoyed and appreciated Anne’s use of humor to keep the spirit light-hearted and real.  The handouts are an amazing source of information and reference that I will keep and use in the future.  The selected books and assigned readings were great.  I especially enjoyed myths of the asana. The daily yoga practice led by Anne with zoom availability has been such a gift. I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know my fellow classmates and I appreciate how each one influenced me.  I only regret that due to the challenges of the pandemic, we were limited in our ability to get together more outside the structured training weekends to get to know each other, bond and support each other’s growth. I can’t emphasize enough how important this is, in hindsight. 

Despite the incredible challenges of the pandemic, Anne did an exceptional job in maintaining the integrity and quality of the program and always conveyed a sense of optimism and hope. I never doubted that our program would continue in a way that was safe and effective.  Throughout this experience I learned so much about yoga, about life and about myself and I am so grateful for this incredible opportunity to study yoga with Anne Howard and participate in this exceptional 200-hour yoga teacher training program.  Thank you Anne for being an incredible role model, mentor and friend. -Robin Hearne

I have really enjoyed taking the 200 RYT training with Anne at Outer Banks Yoga. I did not know Anne very well previously, so I really had no idea what I was getting in to. The few classes of hers that I did attend though, I felt her knowledge and spirit conveyed during those times and had faith that her teacher training would be valuable. I have considered teacher training 3 times in my life now, this being the 3rd. I choose not to the other 2 times because of various reasons. I’m glad that I took the leap of faith this time and signed up for this training. Anne stayed true to the heart of yoga and our Kula had many discussions about what yoga means, not just on, but also off the mat. I really enjoyed our discussions on the origins of yoga, as well. The universe brought us together and for that, I am grateful. I shared with my husband one weekend that she was helping us with inversions. I told him, “All I can hear is Anne’s voice, Lift! Lift! Lift!” This encouragement helped me and many others hold ourselves up high with stability, confidence and belief. We will soar through time and space helping to lift others as she has lifted us. I will hear her voice guiding me, as I journey along this path spreading love and light. Namaste.

Maria Williamson 

The structure of the class was excellent, I especially liked the break outside for discussion of poems and books, working in teams with others in the Kula allowed for a fuller learning experience. Your teachings encourage the development of a personal practice, and this discipline I will continue to work on.  I had many misgivings about deciding to enroll.  Would I be able to physically keep up?  Would I be able to make the time commitment? Would I set myself up for disappointment in enrolling and then not finishing. I am so thrilled that I made the decision to enroll and much of that was due to your encouragement.  I have learned so much.  I now know more of the asanas, the alignment, the adjustments, I also know that I need to learn much more.  Knowing that I am on this journey is a blessing.  You have brought much brightness to my world..   I have read more poetry over the last few months than I have in years, and I have always loved poetry:  that love has been rekindled.  I have listened to more music and with a different ear than ever before.  The books we have read have stirred in me concepts and understandings that have been in dormancy.  Meditation practice is now real to me and not a thought that I should be doing this.  Pranayama, specifically Alternate Nostril Breathing, gives me a sense of assurance.  In addition, I find I am using these learnings in all aspects of my life,  I am "doing the research" in cooking, photography, gardening, hiking, etc. The yoga training and specifically your many gifts, have brought much to my life and I am so excited to continue this journey.   Our particular Kula has also been so enjoyable, what a wonderful comradery has developed. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be a part.  Thank you and Namaste. -Mary Bollwage

This training has been an amazing journey. Beginning with thoughts of uncertainty ~ "Will I have enough time? Will I be able to keep up with homework, reading, studying, etc...?" And the list can always continue, but the answer to all those questions is YES! The weekends were filled with a wonderful mix of time on the mat. teaching and learning, reflecting on reading / quotes with classmates, and all in a caring and conducive environment. I have been able to share my path and journey, not only with a group of amazing individuals, but also with family and friends along the way. In doing so, this has been rewarding for myself and those around me.  Anne ~ you are an amazing teacher. You have the ability to teach and involve your students in a way that they truly learn. As a teacher this is the quote that I hold dear and strive for each time I am in front of my students. Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. (Benjamin Franklin)

That being said ~ Anne, thank you for sharing your expertise and experience with me, our Kula, and so many more wonderful people in our community. I know this is just the beginning and I will continue on a path of seeking out knowledge through books, on my mat, and in those amazing moments of quiet and stillness. As you embark on your new journey and path continue to allow your love and light to shine. I wish you love, joy, happiness of the heart, and peace. Thank you for sharing your time and passion! Namaste -Rebecca Head

My personal yoga practice was something I’ve always wanted to advance, something I thought I could do by reading books, practicing with different teachers and learning from videos, but never in my life considered teacher training. Previously, my practice consisted of pushing my body to its limits in power yoga classes and in heated studios. I thought this was what yoga was about – building tolerance and strength by challenging your mind and body through asanas. However, this perspective quickly changed after just one class with Anne. I’ve since embraced the beauty and challenge of a thoughtfully curated, intentional vinyasa flow. 

Just 4 days prior to starting our first day of training, I severely injured my lumbar area. I arrived to an 18-hour weekend of training sitting on a mat and hardwood floor with oils, creams, ice, heat, bolsters, blankets, anything to comfort me in a room full of new faces. I felt embarrassed, nervous, so out of place, and questioned whether I should’ve been there. The learning environment that Anne provided was free of criticism and judgment, full of wisdom and compassion. I was humbled by the sacred space, community, and support co-created by my classmates that first day. What a rush it was to share this beautiful energy with this group. I was eager to return the next day and the weeks after that. The days were long and painful on my back, but my heart and mind were overjoyed. Over the months, I was able to self-rehabilitate my back by practicing yoga every day, as much as I could tolerate. By the end of training, my back healed to the point of attempting inversions. I thought inversions were so out of sight, out of my realm of capability, that I never considered them in my practice. It was in this training that I’ve been empowered to attempt any inversion of my choosing with grace, poise, and humility. In this training, I learned so much beyond inversions and asanas. 

I learned introspection through yoga philosophy, a lifelong practice that I will carry with me forever. At a very challenging time in my life when I felt alone having moved to a new town, across the country from everything I knew, so out of touch with who I was and what I desired, I was invited to this training when I needed it most and to have the community of my classmates when I needed it most. Anne helped me shine a light on my shadows and helped me break through the barriers that I’ve unconsciously placed on myself. I am very grateful to have been a student in this training, to have had Anne’s guidance when I frequently doubted my aptitude. What a gift it has been to expand my yoga journey through Anne’s knowledge and teachings. If you’ve ever felt a calling in your heart to do something and then receive a personal invitation to embark on that journey, that is the power of the universe’s divine timing and alignment, a clear sign of awakening. Completing this training was my own awakening, and I am so fortunate for it. - Jen Yang

Having sealed the mala of our first yoga training together, I can look back at where I - where we - began and say that what I have learned and how I have had my heart and eyes opened since the beginning of this training has far surpassed my expectations

Anne, beyond the shadow of a doubt, has devoted her heart and soul to living and breathing the life of a true yogini! She shared every ounce of her years of knowledge and wisdom and the message is one of Love. She shared it wholeheartedly and without reservation.

I feel that Anne has amply prepared us to go out into the world and, like bharadvajas, share our knowledge and Love with the world. I feel beyond blessed to have been guided on my journey of Yoga at the tutelage of Anne Howard! Truly the journey of a lifetime.

I would take another training from her in a heartbeat. - Mary Syrrist 

How do you even begin to evaluate something that has changed your life? When I hear people shake out their mats, toss them around and just throw them to the floor to prepare for class I visibly shudder, because I find it so disrespectful now.

I now think of yoga with the reverence it deserves, and that is a gift that I know I only received because of the knowledge Anne provided. I also know that gift is immeasurable.  This training, just like Anne herself, has been the perfect blend of sthira and sukha. The training material and weekends of classes were very difficult, so difficult at times I wondered if I would get through them. Then you would provide a beautiful poem, or perfect meditation that would give me the courage and sense of ease in my heart to know it would be ok. Sthira and Sukha always doing the dance.

I remember the first weekend and going through the handouts, and books, and talking about adjustments and just feeling completely overwhelmed. But, oh what a method to the madness. You have designed the training in such a perfect way.  The foundation from that first weekend held up. Each layer that was added with each weekend of training and materials provided, brought a greater sense of clarity and wisdom. I would not suggest changing a thing about the training, and I could not come up with one thing I think did not work. I will be studying the books and all of our handouts forever.  I will not pack them away, they are too precious. - Beth Fariss

Very few experiences in life alter its course in such a powerful, unexpected and beautiful way.  Outer Banks Yoga’s Teacher Training - brilliantly taught by world class instructor Anne Howard - is absolutely one of them.  

The program is meticulously and seamlessly orchestrated behind the scenes - which means participants can sit back with confidence and relax and know that all that needs to be taught is being taught, and that Anne, for over two hundred hours, refers to not one instructional note (not one) - it all comes from her heart and the place that only a gifted, inspired and experienced yogi can access. 

I knew I wanted to take the course and I knew for over a year that it’s commitment to the authentic tradition of yoga fit me perfectly. 

But the truth is after weekend two, I felt strongly I was out of my element and that every other person in class was more advanced than I. Then the real learning about yoga and myself began.

Yoga is about so much more than poses and nifty outfits.  It is about mostly how you choose to live life - truthfully, without attachment, with love and light and the desire to spread all of that to the world. 

I was hooked and I was back full throttle to dedicate myself to the parts that scared me - the poses.  I had been holding myself back - unknowingly - after breast reconstructive surgery - having been told I would be lucky to one day regain range of motion.  I didn’t share this with Anne until many weeks later ... after she had supported me to a headstand, a wheel and a full back bend.  Flexibility back - strength back - self esteem highest as I’ve had in years. 

If I could put into one sentence what Anne and this course did it was “to open doors to possibilities and give us the keys to walk through.”  

We are nearing the end of our scheduled trainings - but we are all positive that there is no end to what has begun at this modest, pure, loving and special studio - you see family and love and light have no end.

I am forever grateful for this opportunity to enhance my yoga practice, deepen my understanding of myself and others and join a family of like-minded people who I’m convinced will change the world. 

Thank you Michelle Madden Smith - owner and orchestrator extraordinaire - and Anne Howard - yogi teacher and mentor - for the details seen and unseen that make this program unique, impactful and life enhancing.  Forever grateful. - Dianne Beard 

“My experience at the Amalam School of Yoga at Outer Banks Yoga was truly a unique one, a comprehensive interdisciplinary teacher training in Kitty Hawk North Carolina. Studio manager and teacher training director Anne Follenbach Howard, quickly became the instructor I naturally gravitated towards as a student, as I was eager and diligent to deepen my practice and Anne immediately became so obvious, as a passionate and endless source of yoga knowledge and direction.

My practice became a lifestyle, sometimes taking multiple classes a day and the benefits became hard to ignore. My thirst for more knowledge of myself and yoga seemed endless and it was Anne who was always there with an answer about the asanas, insight to the lineage, and sincere encouragement, even sometimes a maternal nudge of discipline. After several invitations to partake in the teacher training, I apprehensively agreed and with all due sincerity it quite possibly could have been one of the greatest decisions of my adult life.

I now teach at four yoga studios and co-own one of them I teach a multitude of classes weekly and have manifested a loyal following of people who seek of themselves and great health, relationships and friendships that have now so obviously become priceless. Yoga, as a student and now an instructor, has given to me happiness that is immeasurable. It’s truly an honor to be a graduate of the Amalam School, and the confidence and pride in my teaching is direct result of being under the tutelage of Anne Howard, I’m a teacher to hundreds now but I’ll always be her student, some teachers are too special to equal.  So, in review, after speaking, visiting, attending classes at just about everywhere, it’s not presumptuous to say I feel like I’m a graduate of Harvard for yoga. I know that with the knowledge I’ve acquired with Anne, at the Amalam School, I could teach anywhere with confidence providing a safe and beneficial environment for all my students.

So if it is paramount that you’re calling is to teach yoga or just to deepen your practice, please, please, please treat yourself to perhaps the greatest 220 hour gift one could give. I sat with Anne  for 200-plus hours and the woman never once was redundant in her instruction, solely because of the honesty in her teaching. Anne truly lives yoga, and thanks to her I too live yoga.” - Scott Lawlor

My life and my practice have been forever changed, and I would not have it any other way. Anne shared so much good knowledge and wisdom with discipline, tenderness and love. I simply can not begin to describe how much I have  taken from this training. The best part about it all is... this isn’t the end, it is just the beginning. Anne is a true gem on this little beach of ours.  - Denitzza Ramirez

“Signing up to become a student in Yoga Teacher Training with Anne Howard of Amalam School was one of the kindest and most challenging things I've ever done for myself. I feel as if I've been forever changed for the good in many ways; physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. The enhancements Teacher Training brought to my life are immeasurable. If you are considering signing up, I encourage you to take the leap! Even if you aren't interested in teaching, you will not regret the investment of time and money. You are investing in yourself, and you will come out stronger, more inspired and your happiness will increase. Open the door, step inside. A whole new world is waiting for you.” - Karen Bachman

”In 2016, I came for the stress relief and to touch my toes.  And stayed because I discovered so much more in a world I truly didn't know existed.  I was hooked.  Separate from the physical, I began to see the mental, emotional and spiritual benefits of the yoga practice, and I wanted to learn more. Two years later, I registered for the 220-hour yoga teacher training program through the Amalam School of Yoga and never looked back. Studying under the wise sage Anne Howard has been uplifting and inspiring, a testament to her kindness and grace. Through this training, I overcame some of my own fears (headstands, kale, and Sanskrit terms, to name a few). I enjoy encouraging my students to overcome their own fears and self-doubt, to stretch their bodies and minds further than they thought possible, and to leave the practice with a feeling of satisfaction and contentment. When not on the mat, I run a management business with my wonderful husband, have raised three kind young men, love to play tennis, dig in my garden, and search for beach glass. 

And yes, I can now touch my toes.” - Kelly Shields

"In some ways yoga teacher training was everything that I expected.  I knew i would grow from the experience. The fear and uncertainty I felt while contemplating the training signaled to me that growth would certainly take place. I just did not know how or in what ways.  I did not expect to be so moved, inspired and more awakened after just one day of training.  The training gave me the knowledge, practice, and confidence to begin teaching and to assist fellow yogis on the path, but it also strengthened my foundation personally, encouraging my heart to open and compassion to flow freely.  I am so grateful to Anne and my fellow trainees for what has been and still very much is a beautiful learning experience." - Amy Landes

"YTT at Outer Banks Yoga is absolutely amazing! The organized, caring and commitment of Anne is so special! She "cooks" each student in a motherly way, making sure we are ready. Students can continue to grow/ learn even after the 240 hours are complete.  Anne and fellow classmates keep their door open for comments and questions, always!  It is truly an honor and privilege to be part of the Outer Banks Yoga kula. You should do it!  - Linnea Woodson

“Having Anne as my yoga teacher has been healing and inspirational. There is so much wisdom and compassion that radiates from her. I can’t really explain in words how I have been touched emotionally and spiritually just by being her student, but she’s able to speak to my heart through her teaching.” – Dominique Sprouse

“I am thankful for the physical mental and spiritual gifts you gave from your heart during the Yoga Teacher Training Class. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Sue Reynolds

“As a yoga teacher, I want to help others realize the divine light that they have inside of them, the same way Anne has encouraged and supported me. I am so thankful for her guidance, kind words, and knowledge she has shared with me. She really pours her heart into this training!” – Sarah Lucento