Upper West Side Yoga and Wellness Virginia

Riverside Initiative’s Faculty

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Our faculty draw from diverse fields of expertise and professional experience in a wide variety of institutional and performing arts settings. They are committed to life-long learning and growth on an individual and collective basis.

Nanette Walsh, MFA, m.AmSAT, is founder and director of RIAT. She co-founded ATNYC, Associate Director(2006); Co-director from (2009-2014); taught at ACAT, Resident Associate Faculty (2005-2008); Alexander Technique Workshops, Sweet Briar, Virginia (2007-2012); NYC School of Visual Arts(SVA) (1987-1990). She holds an MFA from The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University (1982); graduated from ACAT (1995); undertook extensive post-graduate work with Walter Carrington, Peggy Williams and Pearl Ausebel; recently completed Peggy Williams: Un-smudged, soon to be published. Appointed to AmSAT’s Board of Directors in 2009, served extended tenure AmSAT Chair until 2011; Professional Conduct Committe(2008); Leadership Advisory Council (2012-2014.) Awarded: AmSAT’s Certificate of Merit: 2012; Certificate of Appreciation: 2013, 2014. Long standing practitioner of tai chi, various forms of contemplative meditation, and depth psychology; currently doing graduate studies, Union Theological Seminary(UTS): Religion and Psychology.

Anne Waxman has been practicing the Alexander Technique for 30 years. She is a teaching member of the American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT) and was Senior Faculty at the American Center for the Alexander Technique (ACAT) from 1987-1998, where she helped train many teachers who practice today. She has traveled nationally and internationally to Europe, Asia and Mexico presenting the Alexander Technique in Master Class format, small group classes and private lessons. Ms. Waxman maintains a private practice on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and most recently in East Jewett, NY. From Master classes in classical flute in Tokyo and Osaka, to massage therapists in Ohio, physical therapists at New York Hospital, dressage riders out in Long Island and singers at the Metropolitan Opera, Ms. Waxman continues to work in group and individual lessons ranging from performing artists and the general public. www.annewaxman.com

Sheila Bandyopadhyay , MA; m.AmSAT was first introduced to the Alexander Technique during an actor training intensive in 1999. After moving to New York in 2003, Sheila began private lessons with Nanette Walsh and went on to teacher training shortly therafter. Sheila is a theatrical movement specialist and Head of Movement at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. In addition to teaching Alexander, Sheila teaches ATyoga (a specialized blend of Alexander infused yoga), movement for the actor, mask, commedia, and clown. Additional teaching and coaching with: FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, Shakespeare & Company, NYU Gallatin, the Linklater Center, the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, and Emerson College. Sheila is a graduate of ATNYC, Dell’Arte International, and NYU’s Gallatin School (MA in movement & physical theater). She completed her 200-hour RYA training with Three Sisters Yoga. www.innovativemovement.com

Nadia Banna completed her three-year, 1600-hour teacher training with Nanette Walsh and John Nicholls in 2012 and holds AmSAT certification as a teacher of the Alexander Technique. Nadia maintains a private Alexander Technique teaching practice in Manhattan (in Union Square), where she helps a variety of clients find mind-body wholeness, greater poise and improved posture and breathing. In addition to her faculty position at Riverside Initiative, Nadia also facilitates communication workshops for engineering students at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art; topics include Physical Expression based on the Alexander Technique.

Nadia is committed to sharing the Alexander Technique with a wider population, and has also taught Alexander Technique as part of community outreach through Community Relief & Rebuilding through Education & Wellness (CRREW) in addition to other volunteer work. Nadia also holds summa cum laude degrees in Music Performance and Italian Language and Literature from New York University. More information about Nadia can be found at www.nadiabanna.com.