Dana Heller was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She always was an active child - played Soccer from ages 4 through 13, climbed trees, played dress up and was fully committed to watching I LOVE LUCY re-runs.

As Dana grew up, she came to realize exercise was her ally.  When challenges arose, stresses formed, and anxiety and depression reared it's ugly head, Dana continued to exercise. Whether she was running, working out at a gym, doing yoga or trying a new workout trend, she knew exercise was her lifeline. It provided endorphins. It helped her get out of her head, relieve stress and become centered. It was like a moving mediation.

In 2015 Dana decided to take her yoga practice to the next level and joined a Teacher Training Program. It was at this pivotal point in time Dana reconnected with her inner voice and authentic self. The program began to push her levels of comfort and encourage her to speak up for herself. After completion, Dana was inspired to learn more about yoga. Not just the physical benefits but the impact it has on ones mindset, energy level and overall well-being.

As we all know, life doesn't always happen as planned. In 2016, Dana found out she had a Brain Tumor and needed surgery asap. Post surgery, the doctor's came to find it was a Pituitary tumor, which are benign. Through the recovery process, she came to see her body wasn't the same and maybe would never be. It was then Dana knew she wanted to learn more about her body, find ways to practice better self-care, eat better and get her strength back.

In January 2017 Dana joined the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program, started by Donna Karen, Rodney and Colleen Saidman Yee to name a few. The approach and main focus  incorporates using alternative healing techniques like Reiki, Aromatherapy, Gentle body movements, Meditation, Restorative poses and Breath Awareness exercises to help people relieve various ailments (pain, anxiety, insomnia, exhaustion etc.)

Dana finished her 50 clinical hours at UCLA and is now E-RYT 500.

Be Authentic Now is about finding ways to better yourself. This website is about sharing what works and what doesn't. It's Dana's one stop shop on yoga, mental health, feelings, tips on self-care and so much more. She hopes you will find some of the information useful. Take what you need and leave the rest, right?

In addition to this website, Dana offers private sessions which focus on a combination of Yoga and Urban Zen Integrative Therapy techniques. Please contact her for more details.

Much love xo