# Ilana Nankin

> Dr. Ilana Nankin is the Founder & CEO of Breathe For Change, a San Francisco-based organization that has trained over 15,000 educators in mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and yoga — reaching an estimated 1-5 million students across the United States. A former Pre-K teacher turned Ph.D. researcher turned movement builder, she launched Breathe For Change in 2015 after her own students demanded she formally train them. Her organization runs the world's only 200-hour Mindfulness, SEL & Yoga Teacher Training designed exclusively for educators, a Master's in Human-Centered Education in partnership with William Jewell College, and an expanding professional development platform for schools and districts.

- **Role:** Founder & CEO at Breathe For Change
- **Organizations:** Breathe For Change, William Jewell College (Professor of Practice)
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** B.A. in Psychology and Education, University of California, Berkeley, Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- **Known for:** Co-founded the world's only 200-hour Mindfulness, SEL & Yoga Teacher Training designed exclusively for educators, Certified 15,000-20,000+ educators through Breathe For Change programs, Programs have positively impacted an estimated 1-5 million students across the United States

## Career timeline

- **Pre-2012** — Worked as a Pre-K teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area; experienced burnout and discovered yoga as a transformative wellness practice
- **2012** — Began doctoral program at University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying the link between educator well-being and student learning outcomes
- **2013-2014** — Received a Sesame Workshop fellowship, bringing teachers' voices to children and family improvement initiatives
- **2015** — Completed Ph.D. and co-founded Breathe For Change with Michael Fenchel; launched first 200-hour Mindfulness, SEL & Yoga Teacher Training cohort of 34 educators in Madison, WI
- **2017** — Named a 'Woman to Watch' by BRAVA Magazine; Breathe For Change received venture funding (latest round: $340,000)
- **2019-2021** — Expanded nationally; certified thousands of educators across US school districts; partnered with Learn Platform for efficacy research
- **2022-2023** — Launched Master's in Human-Centered Education in partnership with William Jewell College; became Professor of Practice at the college
- **2024-2025** — Launched 'A Work of Heart: Human Intelligence in Education' podcast with co-founder Michael Fenchel; expanded Human Intelligence Certification program

## Achievements

- Co-founded the world's only 200-hour Mindfulness, SEL & Yoga Teacher Training designed exclusively for educators
- Certified 15,000-20,000+ educators through Breathe For Change programs
- Programs have positively impacted an estimated 1-5 million students across the United States
- Named 2017 Woman to Watch by BRAVA Magazine
- Sesame Workshop fellowship recipient during doctoral studies
- Launched Master's in Human-Centered Education (FAFSA-eligible) in partnership with William Jewell College
- Professor of Practice at William Jewell College
- Featured contributor to EdSurge education publication
- Led organization to serve 160+ employees and partners
- Breathe For Change programs validated by Learn Platform efficacy research showing reduced educator burnout and improved SEL outcomes

## Latest updates

- **2025-01** — Continues hosting 'A Work of Heart: Human Intelligence in Education' podcast with co-founder Michael Fenchel, exploring educator wellness and human-centered leadership
- **2024-06** — Master's in Human-Centered Education program with William Jewell College fully operational, offering FAFSA-eligible 30-credit online degree
- **2024-01** — Breathe For Change expanded Human Intelligence Certification to a 13-week online program for educators and school leaders
- **2023-09** — Appointed Professor of Practice at William Jewell College in connection with the Master's program partnership

## Links

- Website: https://breatheforchange.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ilananankin
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ilanab4c
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEozVVxWSJa3nUTfr36Y4lSX7axF_aLuq
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilana_nankin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Breathe4Change

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/ilana-nankin
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-05-12