About Ana McIntosh

Aloha,

My name is Ana McIntosh. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and I now call O‘ahu, Hawai‘i home. I would love to share a bit about my journey and the path that has shaped my work.

I grew up in a deeply spiritual environment. My family has long been part of a spiritual community in Rio de Janeiro that continues to offer energy work, as well as spiritual and shamanic practices. From an early age, I was immersed in a space centered on prayer, music, drumming, and unconditional love. Mediumship and healing sessions were held several times a week, which greatly influenced my understanding of connection, service, and compassion.

In 2001, at the age of 11, I became certified in Reiki Levels I and II during a significant period of personal awakening. Reiki helped me recognize light even in moments of darkness and became a foundational step in developing my self-awareness and personal power.

Alongside my spiritual path, I pursued formal education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Logistics. These experiences supported me in navigating the professional world while continuing to deepen my spiritual journey.

My desire to expand my perspective led me to travel internationally, beginning with Indonesia. There, I developed a deep appreciation for the culture, particularly the daily practices of meditation, yoga, and ancestral offerings. This experience inspired me to deepen my understanding of yoga, including its philosophical foundations such as the Eight Limbs.

Following Indonesia, I continued traveling through Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Ultimately, I arrived in Hawai‘i, where I met my husband and where we are now raising our daughter. Throughout these experiences, I explored diverse cultures, spiritual traditions, and healing practices, all of which continue to inform my work.

In 2016, I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, along with certification in Kidding Around Yoga (KAY), allowing me to work with children ages 3–12. I also pursued additional training in Yin Yoga and Chair Yoga to support individuals with disabilities, special needs, and elders.

In 2019, I moved to Texas and began teaching yoga, marking the beginning of my professional journey as an instructor. I later completed a second 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in April 2020 and a 300-hour training in June 2020.

That same year, I became certified as a ThetaHealing® Practitioner (October 2020) and completed Bhakti Yoga (Chanting: Yoga for the Heart) training with Janet Stone in December 2020.

I continue to expand my knowledge through ongoing studies in sound healing, sacred plant ceremonies, shamanic practices, and various modalities of self-awareness and holistic healing.

Nowadays, I host private events & healing sessions at my HomeStudio in Kailua, Oahu, and I host local retreats, as well as internationally, such as Brazil.

I believe that true healing begins within. “Nakine,” which means “hope” in Hawaiian, reflects my intention to guide others toward balance, growth, and inner harmony. I am committed to lifelong learning, as I believe that a great teacher is always a student.

My purpose is to share light, love, and awareness, and to be part of a collective transformation. I truly believe that we can grow and heal together.

Obrigada,

Mahalo,

Namaste.

Kind Words from Those I’ve Had the Honor to Guide

“Thank you, Ana! I absolutely loved your class. It was the perfect introduction for me, and I’m already looking forward to coming back. Your class feels like exactly what I need right now.”
— John

“Hi Ana, I truly enjoyed your class. It was clear that you are highly experienced and that you genuinely care about your students’ experience. From the moment you walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease.
You explained what to expect in a clear and approachable way, and I appreciated how you guided us through each pose while offering thoughtful variations. The atmosphere was beautiful—calming, intentional, and exactly what I needed. I left feeling so much better than when I arrived, and I especially loved the positive affirmations during savasana.
I’m definitely looking forward to taking more of your classes.”
— Steve

“Amazing experience! Ana truly goes the extra mile—providing props, detailed guidance, and creating a fully immersive, sensory experience. It was incredible in so many ways.”
— Kristin

“One of the most unique and powerful experiences I’ve ever had. I was amazed by how my body responded to the different sounds and vibrations. At times I felt emotional, nostalgic, and deeply relaxed all at once. Some moments brought me back to my childhood, while others felt like a glimpse into the future. Truly fascinating.”
— Anna

“I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to participate. You helped me go deeper into certain postures and brought a new level of awareness to my breath. It was a truly meaningful experience.”
— Jennifer

☼☽ Mission ☽☼

Nakine Body & Mind is a mission-driven brand devoted to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where individuals of all levels can experience the depth and wisdom of yoga.

We are committed to sharing the philosophy of yoga in a way that is accessible, supportive, and rooted in community. Our offerings are designed to nurture not only physical well-being, but also emotional, spiritual, and intellectual growth.

Through mindful practices and intentional spaces, we aim to cultivate connection—within ourselves, with one another, and with the natural environment.

☼☽ Vision ☽☼

Our vision is to create spaces that reflect the belief that yoga is truly for everyone. Each Nakine Body & Mind studio is guided by warmth, authenticity, and a deep respect for both people and the planet.

We envision a community where wellness is accessible, sustainable, and integrated into everyday life. Our studios are thoughtfully created and maintained with environmental consciousness as a foundation of holistic health.

We are also committed to empowering teachers and studio leaders with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to thrive and grow with purpose.

Through this vision, we aspire to foster a collective experience of health, balance, and fulfillment—offering high-quality teachings, diverse class experiences, and meaningful opportunities for growth and transformation.

☼☽ Values ☽☼

• Holistic Well-Being
  We honor yoga as a practice that supports the integration of body, mind, and spirit, while nurturing emotional, intellectual, and community health.

• Authenticity & Individuality
  We celebrate each person’s unique path, encouraging self-expression, flexibility, and personal growth.

• Commitment & Integrity
  We are dedicated to showing up with presence, consistency, and respect for the practice and those we serve.

• Community & Connection
  We cultivate inclusive, supportive environments that foster meaningful relationships within each studio and beyond.

• Environmental Responsibility
  We prioritize sustainability and conscious practices, recognizing our connection to and responsibility for the Earth.

• Innovation & Accessibility
  We embrace thoughtful innovation and technology to expand access to yoga and support evolving wellness needs.