YCat provides an evidence-based experiential framework adapting the practices of Yoga safely for people with cancer and multiple medical issues. The YCat curriculum is based in nursing process and uses a body, organs and systems orientation. YCat therapists explain the underlying physiological rationale for each yoga practice they offer.

Sandra Susheela Gilbert, BA, C-IAYT, E-RYT500 is the new director of YCat and has spent the last twelve years as Senior Faculty of YCat and facilitating YCat programs alongside her mentor, colleague and friend, Jnani Chapman. Sandra is a highly recognized Integral Yoga teacher holding advanced training certificates in Stress Management, Integrative and Mind/body therapies and Patient Navigation. She has taught for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC and taught the YCat curriculum for the Mount Sinai Breast Health Resource Center and in the Ruttenberg Oncology infusion center. Sandra has also taught at retreats and training’s for the Omega Institute, for the Center for Mind Body Medicine and for Chai Lifeline. In addition, she was one of the first trained Urban Zen integrative therapists in practice in NYC for their 2008 initiative and research. Sandra currently teaches in Yoga research at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, TN and is mentoring YCat Level One teachers. Sandra is appreciated for her patience, presence and dedication to the whole person who is going through the experience of cancer and cancer treatment. She says “Wherever you are, Yoga is there for you.”

About Us

The Following leading cancer centers offer Yoga for Cancer as an established integrative therapy and include YCat trained teachers:


  • Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, New York, NY
  • Block Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
  • George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC
  • INOVA Health System, Multiple Locations, Virginia
  • Mountain State Tumor Institute at St. Luke’s Hospital, Boise, ID
  • VA Medical Center, Boston, MA
  • Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
  • UNC Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC
  • Vanderbilt University School of Nursing-Research, Nashville, TN
  • New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY
  • The Christ Hospital, UC Barrett Cancer Center, Cincinnati, Ohio St.
  • Elizabeth Healthcare, Northern Kentucky

Jnani Chapman, RN, C-IAYT, E-RYT500 beloved founder of YCat Yoga Therapy was an integrative oncology specialist at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco. Jnani was a 29-year, senior staff member of Commonweal Cancer Help Program and Smith Center’s week-long cancer retreats. Jnani was a founding clinician for the UCSF Center for Integrative Medicine, and she developed the Yoga programs for their cancer center She was the executive director of the International Association of Yoga Therapists from1994-1998. Jnani passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in 2017. Her YCat training programs are being carried forward by Senior Faculty member Sandra Gilbert, BA, C-IAYT, E-RTY500.

Jnani Chapman
Founder and Director

Sandra Gilbert
Director

+1.7184907125  •  Get Directions