Teachers

Lisa is a Grief Recovery Specialist who supports people as they move beyond the pain of death, divorce, loss of health and other significant losses. She teaches The Grief Recovery Method, a thirty year proven programme which she facilitates over an eight-week period, both in a one-to-one and group setting. Lisa also educates caregivers on how to engage, connect with and support children experiencing loss. Lisa is passionate about supporting people in reaching a place where they can find a sense of completion to their loss, participate fully in their lives, and thrive. She believes that recovery from loss and trauma is possible when grief is respected and the griever supported with the appropriate tools and resources. For more information, Lisa can be contacted on 07813013396 or find her here: www.facebook.com/healingheartsuk

I have been practicing yoga since I was 19 years old and I am a British Wheel of Yoga trained Teacher (2006) and teacher of Children's Yoga (2007). In addition I am trained to teach Ashtanga Yoga Mysore, am a Senior Teacher registered with the Yoga Alliance and am just completing my training to become a British Wheel of Yoga Foundation course Tutor. I am a passionate and versatile Yoga teacher. My own chosen Spiritual practice is Ashtanga Mysore. However, I also love teaching traditional Hatha Yoga, gentle/restorative Yoga, Children/teen Yoga, Vinyasa Flow and Yoga for people with disabilities. I believe that anyone can do yoga and that therefore Yoga is fully inclusive. I also am a founding member of the Hertford Yoga Shala.

My name is Becky, I have been practicing yoga for 17 years and teaching since 2011. I hold the foundation course certificate and teaching diploma of the British Wheel of Yoga, the governing body for yoga in the UK. I'm also a registered general nurse with over 20years experience of a lot of long term conditions in particular Kidney Failure. I originally came to yoga as a busy, full time working single mum and developed a practice that kept me fit in body and mind whilst slowly showing me another way of living. Over the years yoga has supported me not only through wonderful life events but also injury and ill health. It has taught me to see life as learning and not all yoga is physical. Personal practice is very important to me. I regularly visit Swami Nishchalananda's Mandala Yoga Ashram in Wales ( http://www.mandalayoga.net/ ). I am deeply inspired by my teacher of over 10 years Lorraine Woods (BWY, Anusara, Viniyoga) and Cat Alip-Douglas (Jivamukti London). In addition to my training, I've studied the deeper bodywork of yoga with Pete Blackaby (http://www.peteblackaby.co.uk/intelligentyoga.php) and John Stirk and studied Yoga Philosophy with Carlos Pomeda (http://www.triyoga.co.uk/carlos-pomeda-2/) . My classes are relaxed and inclusive. I aim to teach awareness and have a strong belief that as each person is different, yoga should fit the person, not vice versa. I enjoy the subtle work of mudras (hand and body gestures), bandha (energy locks) and mantra chanting. The philosphical element in my class, draws from the ancient writings of yoga sages and also our modern thinkers. I am currently training in Yoga Therapy with The Minded Institute, which is dedicated to the promotion of psychological health through yoga and mindfulness and uses evidence based teaching to provide holistic, efficacious and person-centered healing.

I have been a student of yoga for many years, eventually coming to the Ashtanga practise and beginning my studies with master teacher Denise Martin Harker. After 5 years of continued practise, I was invited to join the teacher-training programme for primary series with Denise and I am certified to teach as a result of my studies. To further enhance my knowledge I continued my studies in India with Nancy Gilgoff, Kino, Petri Raisanen and here in the UK with Manju Jois and John Scott. All of the aforementioned teachers belong to the Ashtanga linage as taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois and his teacher Sri T Krishnamacharya. I am also an initiate into the Himalayan Yoga practise as taught by Swami Veda of Rishikesh and I have undertaken meditation tutorage with Swami Nityamuktananda. I retreat annually to take Vipassana (guided silence) at the global retreat centre here in the UK. Years of study and practiseallow me to teach from firsthand experience and assist those with an interest in yoga to understand both the physical and more subtle metaphysical aspects of this wonderful practise and way of living. I addition to my yoga studies I am also a qualified masseuse and I am currently studying Psychotherapy at the Queen Mary University in London.

My name is Suzi and I am currently training with the British Wheel of Yoga on the diploma course. I am also learning to teach Astanga yoga alongside my teacher Eliane Codoroli. I have been practicing yoga for over 11 years and it has always been an important part of my life. I am looking forward to sharing these experiences with others and helping them develop their own passion for yoga. My own practice is mainly Astanga Mysore but I love being creative and playing with the sequence. I also enjoy other Hatha practices and exploring different approaches in my classes.

I started yoga in 1999 having come from a background of Aikido, where I studied with Theofanis Andrews for 6 years. I began with Astanga Yoga, attending intensive workshops with Danny Paradise, and also attending an intensive practise week with Sri K Pattabhi Jois , the founder of Astanga yoga. Living in Nice for eight years I discovered the Iyengar method and had the fortuitous luck to work with Advanced teacher Christian Pisano and Senior (3) teacher June Whittaker. I completed their three year teacher training programme and qualified as an Iyengar teacher in 2009. The Iyengar method has transformed my practice and has enhanced my life in so many ways. I continue to study and practice with my teachers June Whittaker and Christian Pisano at the Institut de yoga Iyengar de Nice. In November 2010 I spent the whole month studying at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India, with the Iyengar family. As my career has involved extensive international travel I have been able to sample many styles of yoga and teaching methods which I feel has contributed in a positive way to my teaching. My intention is to pass on what I have learnt so others may benefit from this wonderful holistic system. I am currently studying for a degree in Bioscience.

I completed my Teacher Training in The Bahamas, at the International Sivananda Yoga School in 2005. Located on island paradise, the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat is an island of peace and natural beauty. It was an amazing experience! Since returning from the Bahamas I have been teaching and doing my own practice, and knew that Yoga was the correct path for me. I returned to the Bahamas in 2007 to complete my Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training Course, and then again in 2008 to enhance my asana practice. I have also been to the International Sivananda Yoga School In Tyrol Austria to develop my practice. I found a love for Ashtanga and started to teach myself the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series, I was inspired by Kino MacGregor and went to the Miami Life centre to attend the Mysore classes. I have also been to Purple Valley in India to enhance my own Ashtanga knowledge. It was here that I trained with Noah Williams. My teaching style is a mixture of all the amazing things I have been taught, by all the amazing teachers whom I have trained with. I am a registered Yoga Alliance teacher. I enjoy teaching all levels and It is a privilege to be a yoga instructor and share my teachings.

I have been practising yoga for 6 years and I qualified to teach in 2011. I think that yoga is a lifelong, fun and rewarding journey and I think it’s a privilege to assist my students on their own personal journeys.

My love of Iyengar Yoga has sustained me throughout my adult life. I began practicing in the early 1990's to help me with the rigors of a professional dancer’s life. I have been teaching since 1995 and I have studied directly with the Iyengars in Pune, Indian, in the USA and the UK. I have gained my Senior Level 1 Iyengar teaching certificate and have completed a course in Yoga Therapy. I have taught people of all ages and abilities throughout the years from children as young as 3 to people as old as 95. I am also a trained Acupuncturist, providing sessions at The Secret Space. Find out more about me here.

I am an internationally qualified Iyengar Teacher. I began my practice 12 years ago, and undertook the rigorous 2 year training programme at the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Maida Vale, London. After an earlier life in gymnastics and gymnastics coaching, the discovery of the discipline and excellence of Iyengar yoga became the inspiration for my transition to teaching yoga. I continue my development under the guidance of Marios Argiros, as well as teaching my own classes throughout Hertfordshire. My teaching style is focused and passionate, based on my personal experience of yoga, which has inspired me to transform my life. The focus of each class is on strength, stability and alignment to attain states of union between mind, body and spirit, which in turn lead to a route of healing and inner peace.

I come to yoga teaching after having a 15-year practice and interest in yoga which was ignited by a book given to me by my mother who had her own 30 year yoga practice. My interest in yoga grew and I began practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga in Chicago where I was studying opera and working as a waitress. Studying at a competitive music conservatory full time whilst working full time led me to near exhaustion and I found solace in yoga. Since then, my love and practice of yoga has blossomed and I find teaching yoga inspiring and full of joy. I believe that yoga has the unique capacity to heal body, mind and spirit. It is certainly a mainstay in my life, and I hope to help others find and develop a yoga practice which inspires them and brings joy and peace to their lives. I trained with Yoga London to teach Vinyasa Flow yoga, which is a creative style of yoga that offers a physically demanding practice with connected poses that become like a moving meditation. My teaching has a strong focus on anatomy and alignment and I place a large emphasis on each practitioner listening to their own body, finding their own version of each pose. Mixing in a bit of yoga philosophy, I hope that students leave my classes having enhanced their knowledge of yoga through the practice. I continue to pursue a 500-hr training with Yoga London. I am also qualified to teach Power Yoga, modified Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha and Gentle Flow. I hope to see you soon! Namaste, Marjorie

Erin first came to yoga through the Mysore Ashtanga series and moved on to explore a variety of Ashtanga-based styles, Bikram and Power Yoga. After moving from Australia to London, she completed her 200Hr Power Yoga Teacher Training at Lumi Power Yoga in early 2014. Since then, she has been teaching dynamic power flow classes for all levels across London. Also a qualified primary school teacher, Erin launched the kids yoga classes at Lumi and since then has been bringing yoga to children both in and out of the school setting. In her continued search for balance and mindfulness, Erin found a great passion for practicing and teaching the deeply restorative yin yoga and meditation. Her regular retreats at Shekinashram Retreat Centre in Glastonbury each year offer a blissful dive into these practices for yogis of all ages, shapes and sizes. www.animmovablefeast.wordpress.com

After serving for the Metropolitan Police for 10 years, I left my career to follow my lifelong calling of becoming a Yoga teacher to pass on the wonderful benefits of the practice. I have been practicing Yoga for many years, my personal committed practice is Ashtanga, and I love the dynamic flow of the practice and base my Vinyasa flow classes with an Ashtanga influence. My classes are suitable for all levels and I always ensure my students maintain good alignment and control with their own practice, building a safe and secure environment, bringing awareness to the body and mind whilst focusing on the breath. I am a registered teacher with the Yoga Alliance having completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course with Heather Elton. I have also completed a 200-hour Ashtanga Teacher Training course with the world renowned John Scott and Lucy Crawford Scott. I am trained to teach the traditional Yogic teachings incorporating Sanskrit count to lead my class through their practice. I am also Pregnancy trained having completed my Pregnancy Teacher Training course with Beverly Nolan and Rachel Moore at Camyoga Cambridge. I am a forever student and always willing to expand my knowledge and develop my own personal practice both as a student and teacher be it workshops, retreats or my endless yogic library. Yoga is a great healer for mind, body and spirit, when practiced daily both on and off the mat the many and endless positive benefits quickly unfold and blossom in each individual. Love, kindness and compassion play a huge role in my daily life. I love to keep my classes positive and energised with plenty of laughter, joy and fun built around the dynamic and strong pace of my classes, incorporating the right attitude to enjoy a high level practice without losing sense of being able to have fun! Namaste x

Alex has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years. Starting his career as a self defence/martial arts instructor, Alex later graduated in Sports Science and Physical Education followed by Personal Training and Physiology of Exercise. Once Alex started practicing Pilates he realised how it would be possible to apply its principles to everything else he was doing. From running, cycling, lifting weights, or just as it is - Pilates was the missing link. Alex’s sports related qualifications are vast, but include matwork, reformer, advanced nutrition and pre and post natal.

Dasha started practicing yoga when she was 16. Now 29 she has celebrated her 13th unnecessary. The Zazen meditation came into her practice a few years later, as her teacher became the founder of the “Zen and Yoga Study Foundation” and became the Dharma Holder in Mayazumi Rochi “Zen Peace Makers Institute” in USA . He then started to combine traditional yoga with zazen - the practice that is essentially Raja (highest) Yoga. Dasha is continuing her first teacher work and is combining vinyasa yoga and zen meditation in her practice and teaching. She is a member of “Zen and Yoga Study Foundation” and also practiced zazen with Genki Roshi from Maezumi Roshi lineage and with Deshimaru Roshi lineage meditation group in London.

Dmitriy is a qualified Kundalini Yoga Teacher with Amrit Nam Sarovar Kundalini Yoga School. He is an active member of the London Kundalini community and has established one of the London’s Sadhana in Bermondsey. His path to Kundalini Yoga started with Bikram Hot Yoga, but with time he sought a more profound and spiritual practice. Having himself experienced the crazy corporate lifestyle and burnt out syndrome Dmitriy’s classes are aimed at achieving harmony and balance and building both physical and spiritual strengths.

Hi I'm Tracey 🙂 I teach the FEDANT and RCM approved Wise Hippo Birthing Programme. I used these Hypnobirthing techniques for the births of my own children, including a beautiful home birth & natural twin birth (over 40 weeks gestation!). I have been so empowered by my own birth experiences that I now wish to support other parents to be on this amazing journey. It doesn't matter what your current birth choices are, this course is suitable for all and will support you in making informed birth choices that are right for you and your baby on your birthing day. I believe in a positive birth experience for all - one that gives you the confidence to birth in the way you want to. Childbirth without fear - whereby mum can use relaxation and breathing techniques to support her journey to birth and beyond. Birth partners are very much a part of the programme and often leave excited by the tools they have gained to act as a protector of mums birthing environment and advocate if needed. My background is teaching, I hold Qualified Teacher Status and have a specialism in the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum with Drama and Dance 0-19 years. I have recently began my Doula journey after attending and supporting the most amazing hypnobirth in 2014, this is another service that I may be able to offer in the near future. I offer two short courses - Bond with Baby (suitable for early pregnancy) and Relax, Breathe and Birth (suitable for later gestations). The full programme is also available at The Secret Space. Contact tracey@birthingcalmly.co.uk for further details and availability.

I am a qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher. I am interested in the subtle aspects of yoga such as pranayama, yoga nidra and meditation. I have had a daily pranayama practice since 2005 when I completed Maarten Vermaase's "Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Progressive stages of Pranayama" course. I also completed his meditation module in 2007. I practice yoga nidra which I learnt from the Bihar School of Yoga and which I find amazing at restoring my energy at times of need.

Greta's yoga teaching is grounded in Classical Ballet in Yugoslavia.  She is qualified as a dance teacher from the Royal Academy of Dance in London and graduated from Yoga London as a teacher of Vinyasa Flow. Greta says: 'I fulfilled my childhood dream to become a dancer, and the result was a lot of suffering alongside the reward I felt on stage. I thought that was irreplaceable until one day we were introduced to Yoga classes as part of our routine. I remember that was a real challenge even for flexible dancers with good stamina. That left a good impression and marked my path. Later, I was teaching ballet in the Dominican Republic and Yoga again came into my life. My Yoga teacher at the time was a gentle, amazing person who reached the very core of my heart in a completely different and beautiful way. Nearly 10 years later in Notting Hill, one of my colleagues gave me a leaflet for a local Yoga Centre. I went every single day. I had found the feeling that could match being on the stage and that was Yoga. I graduated and qualified as a Dancer and Psychologist, but becoming a Yoga teacher just enhanced and softened all my skills. Yoga is my calling giving the best I have to the world. I never stop learning. My students are a constant inspiration to me. If you want to learn something you have to teach. Life is a gift Live your greatest Gift' Her yoga practice is joyful, compassionate and blissfully rewarding experience.

I started Yoga over 23 years ago due to a back injury while training in Martial Arts. I was advised to try Bikram Yoga. I was so impressed with the results that I continued to practise and my strength, stamina, flexibility and health all improved, not to mention rectifying my back as well. As a result of my own experience with yoga I moved into teaching and first taught Bikram Yoga in London. I explored other avenues of Yoga and started to practise different types of flow Yoga and decided that this was the route I wanted to take and so I decided to do a Sunpower Yoga course in 2004. I hold the Sunpower Teaching Certificate as well as the B.W.Y. Accredited Certificate. I have experience in teaching all levels of adults and also have experience teaching children as well. I now teach a strong dynamic flow Yoga which is an infusion of different systems of other styles of Yoga. The class is challenging but very rewarding. I have also practised Swedish Massage and Shiatsu Massage but Yoga is my passion. I also practise the art of QI Gong, and often combine this into my Yoga sessions as they combine well. In the last couple of years I have also been involved in teaching yoga to young children with learning difficulties in schools in North London. The range of difficulties ranged from autism to OCD to some physical disabilities.

I have been practicing Meditation since 1989 and teaching for over 15 years. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to have studied a variety of techniques with many different teachers from around the world. I incorporate the methods which I personally have found to be most effective into my classes. My background is as a Complementary Therapist and Teacher. I practice Reflexology, Korean Hand Reflexology, Reiki, Auricular Acupuncture, Heart Thread and Circuitry Alignment. As a Reiki Master I have been teaching Reiki to students for over 13 years. I have worked with people from all walks of life, from Children, War Veterans, those who are in the twilight of their lives and those who are fully in the middle of it. I have also worked extensively with people who are recovering from Drug & Alcohol misuse and other addictive behaviours. I have a passion for teaching and passing on what I know. I work in a deeply intuitive way, yet have a straightforward no-nonsense approach. I like to keep it simple and practical; a blend of compassion, experience and common sense.

I have a background in gymnastics, having spent much of my childhoood in the gymnasium. I started yoga in my teenage years and I have been practising now for 18 years. When I started yoga I studied several different styles, however, I was drawn to Iyengar yoga's precision and subtlety of focus. When I'm completely focussed on a specific part of my body, or breath, my mind is still and I achieve inner peace. In addition, I am learning an increasingly subtle awareness of my body and breath. I love that in my yoga practice I am always learning new things about my body, my breath and my view of the world. Yoga helps me in my day to day life to become more mindful, more aware and more comfortable in my own body. In my teaching I love to help others to start on their own journey of awareness.