Heart and Soul Health Clubs Founder – Tony Cordin
A second generation gym owner, Tony started working in the fitness industry at age 16. With a proven history as a Personal Trainer, Instructor, Educator, Manager and Club Consultant Tony has committed his life to improving the quality of lives for others. Starting the Heart and Soul Brand in 2006 after a personal dissatisfaction with the way the Fitness Industry was heading, Tony has created a sanctuary for everybody. “The first thing I want my members to learn is certainty, certainty that they belong at Heart and Soul.” Tony is a world of knowledge always educating others to support them in succeeding.
Interests out of the gym include; yoga, 4WD, foot & bike adventures out of reception, fishing & car projects.
A second generation gym owner, Tony started working in the fitness industry at age 16. With a proven history as a Personal Trainer, Instructor, Educator, Manager and Club Consultant Tony has committed his life to improving the quality of lives for others. Starting the Heart and Soul Brand in 2006 after a personal dissatisfaction with the way the Fitness Industry was heading, Tony has created a sanctuary for everybody. “The first thing I want my members to learn is certainty, certainty that they belong at Heart and Soul.” Tony is a world of knowledge always educating others to support them in succeeding.
Interests out of the gym include; yoga, 4WD, foot & bike adventures out of reception, fishing & car projects.
Heart and Soul Health Clubs Manager - Jana Pemberton
Jana completed a Bachelor in Sports Business at ACPE in 2015. She is an enthusiastic, bright and bubbly problem solver always willing to help others. Jana is responsible for ensuring the ship sails smoothly for both our clubs.
Jana completed a Bachelor in Sports Business at ACPE in 2015. She is an enthusiastic, bright and bubbly problem solver always willing to help others. Jana is responsible for ensuring the ship sails smoothly for both our clubs.
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Aya Itakura
Aya’s yoga journey began in Tokyo in 2001. Aya has practiced various body work methods including Yoga, Pilates, Core Condition, and subsequently started teaching in 2006. Aya’s teaching method is to break down each asana into individual components, to allow each student to gain a deeper understanding of their own body condition, requirements and needs. Aya’s goal is to offer an environment that allows for a personalised yoga experience tailored to each individual’s particular requirements.
Aya’s yoga journey began in Tokyo in 2001. Aya has practiced various body work methods including Yoga, Pilates, Core Condition, and subsequently started teaching in 2006. Aya’s teaching method is to break down each asana into individual components, to allow each student to gain a deeper understanding of their own body condition, requirements and needs. Aya’s goal is to offer an environment that allows for a personalised yoga experience tailored to each individual’s particular requirements.
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Desiree Folcio
After 16 years in retail in Italy, I decided to give a new direction to my career. Since I discovered Yoga, it has been a huge part of my life. My practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible and fearless, both on and off the mat. In 2018 I completed my 200 hour Vinyasa Teacher Training and since then I never stopped studying and learning : In almost 3 years I have obtained more than 1500 hours: including Yin Yoga, Meditation , Pranayama, Chair Yoga and Certificate IV Teacher Training. I am currently halfway through my Yoga Teaching Diploma. As a yoga teacher I want to inspire students to learn more about yoga philosophy, to connect with their own personal wisdom and build a relationship between their body, mind and breath. I am here to guide my students to find this release ,so that they can comfortably and competently move their bodies through life. In my classes, I love to combine creative sequencing, a spirit of playfulness and a dose of inspiration to help the students deepen in their practice. I will always be a student of the practice, and am deeply grateful for the loving wisdom my teachers have shared with me.
After 16 years in retail in Italy, I decided to give a new direction to my career. Since I discovered Yoga, it has been a huge part of my life. My practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible and fearless, both on and off the mat. In 2018 I completed my 200 hour Vinyasa Teacher Training and since then I never stopped studying and learning : In almost 3 years I have obtained more than 1500 hours: including Yin Yoga, Meditation , Pranayama, Chair Yoga and Certificate IV Teacher Training. I am currently halfway through my Yoga Teaching Diploma. As a yoga teacher I want to inspire students to learn more about yoga philosophy, to connect with their own personal wisdom and build a relationship between their body, mind and breath. I am here to guide my students to find this release ,so that they can comfortably and competently move their bodies through life. In my classes, I love to combine creative sequencing, a spirit of playfulness and a dose of inspiration to help the students deepen in their practice. I will always be a student of the practice, and am deeply grateful for the loving wisdom my teachers have shared with me.
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Theodora Spathis
Theodora is a former international heptathlete who after a decade of living in Melbourne and London pursuing an Olympic dream is now back in Sydney with her holistic approach to health and healing. Theodora's style of teaching goes beyond the mat. A Hatha based class that focuses on alignment to strengthen the foundations of the body, breath to still the mind and calm the emotional body, and words of affirmation to empower the heart and soul. Along with yoga Theodora is also an Emotion Code Practitioner.
Theodora is a former international heptathlete who after a decade of living in Melbourne and London pursuing an Olympic dream is now back in Sydney with her holistic approach to health and healing. Theodora's style of teaching goes beyond the mat. A Hatha based class that focuses on alignment to strengthen the foundations of the body, breath to still the mind and calm the emotional body, and words of affirmation to empower the heart and soul. Along with yoga Theodora is also an Emotion Code Practitioner.
Byron Bay Yoga Instructor - Sydoni Smith
Sydoni has been teaching Yoga for 17 years. Her approach and teaching style have evolved over 30 years of consistent yoga practice and study under the guidance of globally recognised Yoga teaching authorities. She is a deeply committed and experienced teacher, practitioner & eternal student of Yoga. To develop her skills as a Yoga teacher, Sydoni completed a Master of Teaching, Bachelor of Human Movement and a Diploma of Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Yoga. Sydoni’s knowledge of Yoga and teaching reflects a deep insight developed through dedicated; vigilant practice and study. Sydoni began Yoga, in the style of Hatha Yoga which has been consistently present in her practice for 30 years. Her training and study extended into the form of Iyengar Yoga (7 years) which then flowed into the Ashtanga Vinyasa system under the instruction & supervision of her favourite teacher Dena Kingsberg. Sydoni has spent 19 years practising Mysore Ashtanga at varied intensity. At the heart of her Sydoni’s expression of Yoga is an emphasis on realising we are essentially energy. Her aim through Yoga is to awaken us to the absolute divine truth of our truest nature. Following the instruction of Raja Yoga, she guides the practitioner in the development of harmonizing, cleansing and strengthening ones energy through the eight limbs of yoga. With deep respect and knowledge of Yoga, Sydoni shares lovingly to all her students.
Sydoni has been teaching Yoga for 17 years. Her approach and teaching style have evolved over 30 years of consistent yoga practice and study under the guidance of globally recognised Yoga teaching authorities. She is a deeply committed and experienced teacher, practitioner & eternal student of Yoga. To develop her skills as a Yoga teacher, Sydoni completed a Master of Teaching, Bachelor of Human Movement and a Diploma of Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Yoga. Sydoni’s knowledge of Yoga and teaching reflects a deep insight developed through dedicated; vigilant practice and study. Sydoni began Yoga, in the style of Hatha Yoga which has been consistently present in her practice for 30 years. Her training and study extended into the form of Iyengar Yoga (7 years) which then flowed into the Ashtanga Vinyasa system under the instruction & supervision of her favourite teacher Dena Kingsberg. Sydoni has spent 19 years practising Mysore Ashtanga at varied intensity. At the heart of her Sydoni’s expression of Yoga is an emphasis on realising we are essentially energy. Her aim through Yoga is to awaken us to the absolute divine truth of our truest nature. Following the instruction of Raja Yoga, she guides the practitioner in the development of harmonizing, cleansing and strengthening ones energy through the eight limbs of yoga. With deep respect and knowledge of Yoga, Sydoni shares lovingly to all her students.
Byron Bay Yoga Instructor - Dianne Lane
My Intention in training and teaching Yin Yoga Is to give more permission to allow Yin, to enter into my life, to feel my gentleness, to embrace strength and flexibility (in both mind and spirit) and to use the sacred breath to support Chi to flow more freely through my body, healing deep within the tissue. After practicing Bikram/Hatha Yoga (which is very Yang) for 15 years and teaching for 4 years, I felt the desire to let go of the feelings of “I need to be strong” and “held together” at all times, and incorporate more balance to my own personal practice by including more of the Yin side of yoga.
It was time to allow the body to surrender to the stillness and support gentleness and more healing towards, myself and the people around me. My new journey began a year ago. After completing 500hr training (to become a Bikram Teacher) I was then offered the chance of becoming a Yin Teacher; under the guide of Melanie McLauchlin. After many years of Bikram I was craving a much gentler approach/experience to my Yoga practice and I now love to share this beautiful practice with my students.
My Intention in training and teaching Yin Yoga Is to give more permission to allow Yin, to enter into my life, to feel my gentleness, to embrace strength and flexibility (in both mind and spirit) and to use the sacred breath to support Chi to flow more freely through my body, healing deep within the tissue. After practicing Bikram/Hatha Yoga (which is very Yang) for 15 years and teaching for 4 years, I felt the desire to let go of the feelings of “I need to be strong” and “held together” at all times, and incorporate more balance to my own personal practice by including more of the Yin side of yoga.
It was time to allow the body to surrender to the stillness and support gentleness and more healing towards, myself and the people around me. My new journey began a year ago. After completing 500hr training (to become a Bikram Teacher) I was then offered the chance of becoming a Yin Teacher; under the guide of Melanie McLauchlin. After many years of Bikram I was craving a much gentler approach/experience to my Yoga practice and I now love to share this beautiful practice with my students.
Byron Bay Yoga Instructor - Gabriella Reis De Bonis
Gabriela became a Yoga teacher in India under the guidance of her inspiring teachers and Masters. Through her studies Gabriela began a yoga journey of self realisation. She has since been practicing for nearly 10 years. Gabriela is passionate about sharing her devotion for Yoga and teaches an authentic, deep, meaningful, loving practice. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and safe, heartfelt space for students that facilitates inward focus and exploration of the body, mind and spirit. Gabriela teaches all level of practitioners, offer a healing space free of judgement, where students feel safe, grounded and loved. She encourages self study and divine connection. Gabriela’s class offers an opportunity to quiet the mind and get to know the self, because by knowing the self, we know truth. And the only way for truth is in our heart, our wide open heart.
Gabriela became a Yoga teacher in India under the guidance of her inspiring teachers and Masters. Through her studies Gabriela began a yoga journey of self realisation. She has since been practicing for nearly 10 years. Gabriela is passionate about sharing her devotion for Yoga and teaches an authentic, deep, meaningful, loving practice. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and safe, heartfelt space for students that facilitates inward focus and exploration of the body, mind and spirit. Gabriela teaches all level of practitioners, offer a healing space free of judgement, where students feel safe, grounded and loved. She encourages self study and divine connection. Gabriela’s class offers an opportunity to quiet the mind and get to know the self, because by knowing the self, we know truth. And the only way for truth is in our heart, our wide open heart.