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’s interests include; business, lifting weights, food and family.
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’s interests include; business, lifting weights, food and family.
Crows Nest Personal Trainer, Rehabilitation Specialist, Sports Massage Therapy - Neil Eden
Neil has been in the fitness industry for over 15 years as a tennis coach and now as Personal Trainer and a Sports Massage Therapist. Neil has competed in an ironman, 10 marathons, strongman, powerlifting and recently a physique competition, raising over twenty thousand dollars for charities. This has taught him many skills that he looks to pass on to clients to make their sessions as specific to their training needs to achieve their short and long term goals. Neil now specializes in rehabilitation of specific illnesses and injuries to improve a client’s day to day living, fitness, strength and mobility. Neil believes in improving his client’s quality of life by sharing his vast experience and knowledge that he has gained throughout his career.
Areas of Expertise: Rehabilitation from illness and injury, strength and conditioning, circuit training, triathlon & marathon coaching, illness & injury recovery & prevention, sports massage therapy, stroke & cancer strength & conditioning, specific training & nutrition plans, fat loss, flexibility & mobility.
Follow the link below for Client Testimonials:
http://www.heartandsoulhealthclubs.com.au/testimonials.html
Neil has been in the fitness industry for over 15 years as a tennis coach and now as Personal Trainer and a Sports Massage Therapist. Neil has competed in an ironman, 10 marathons, strongman, powerlifting and recently a physique competition, raising over twenty thousand dollars for charities. This has taught him many skills that he looks to pass on to clients to make their sessions as specific to their training needs to achieve their short and long term goals. Neil now specializes in rehabilitation of specific illnesses and injuries to improve a client’s day to day living, fitness, strength and mobility. Neil believes in improving his client’s quality of life by sharing his vast experience and knowledge that he has gained throughout his career.
Areas of Expertise: Rehabilitation from illness and injury, strength and conditioning, circuit training, triathlon & marathon coaching, illness & injury recovery & prevention, sports massage therapy, stroke & cancer strength & conditioning, specific training & nutrition plans, fat loss, flexibility & mobility.
Follow the link below for Client Testimonials:
http://www.heartandsoulhealthclubs.com.au/testimonials.html
Byron Bay Personal Trainer - Egon Meerschaert
Egon started training Muay Thai at the age of 16 and competed in both Muay Thai and MMA until his mid 20's. He discovered Yoga at first to get more flexible but was soon convinced of its healing effect as he experienced a recovery of chronic injuries and a quieting of his busy, competitive mind. This clarity led him to pursue his passion and become a trainer after he completed a Bachelors Degree in Event Marketing in 2009. He started re-educating and by 2013 he had his professional job in the field of Crossfit and Personal Training. In the same year he caught the Ashtanga Yoga virus and decided to do a 300hr Yoga Teacher Training aswell. Driven by a a more holistic approach to fitness he began integrating more mobility training and gymnastics into his programming. Until today his approach to fitness is very therapeutic with a strong focus on creating healthy movement patterns and building functional strength. He encourages his clients to be mindful about the way they train and treat their body, heart & soul. Egon likes: practicing ashtanga yoga early in the morning, Gymnastics & Mobility based strength training, Inspiring people to move better and laugh more, Hiking and growing his own vegetables. He holds certificates in Personal Training, Vinyasa Yoga, Crossfit and Trx training.
Egon started training Muay Thai at the age of 16 and competed in both Muay Thai and MMA until his mid 20's. He discovered Yoga at first to get more flexible but was soon convinced of its healing effect as he experienced a recovery of chronic injuries and a quieting of his busy, competitive mind. This clarity led him to pursue his passion and become a trainer after he completed a Bachelors Degree in Event Marketing in 2009. He started re-educating and by 2013 he had his professional job in the field of Crossfit and Personal Training. In the same year he caught the Ashtanga Yoga virus and decided to do a 300hr Yoga Teacher Training aswell. Driven by a a more holistic approach to fitness he began integrating more mobility training and gymnastics into his programming. Until today his approach to fitness is very therapeutic with a strong focus on creating healthy movement patterns and building functional strength. He encourages his clients to be mindful about the way they train and treat their body, heart & soul. Egon likes: practicing ashtanga yoga early in the morning, Gymnastics & Mobility based strength training, Inspiring people to move better and laugh more, Hiking and growing his own vegetables. He holds certificates in Personal Training, Vinyasa Yoga, Crossfit and Trx training.
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Katie Brehm
Students enjoy Katies warm-calming energy, our German native and another one of our incredible yoga instructors. Katie fell in love with Yoga at the age of eighteen. In 2012 Katie walked out of her comfort zone as a Sales Manager and decided to follow her passion to become a professional Yoga Instructor and extend her knowledge of body well-being in Germany, India and Australia. When not teaching Yoga and meditation, Katie is working as a Holistic Bodyworker. This well trained unique human being makes sure each student feels as an individual. Katie has a wealth of different kind of yoga styles, certified with over 700 hours of t training provides Katie incredible adjustment in her classes. Each class will give you inspiration for more awareness of your breath, body, mind and soul. You will improve your strength and flexibility physically and within. Katie believes in living life and treating her students with truth, love and passion.
Students enjoy Katies warm-calming energy, our German native and another one of our incredible yoga instructors. Katie fell in love with Yoga at the age of eighteen. In 2012 Katie walked out of her comfort zone as a Sales Manager and decided to follow her passion to become a professional Yoga Instructor and extend her knowledge of body well-being in Germany, India and Australia. When not teaching Yoga and meditation, Katie is working as a Holistic Bodyworker. This well trained unique human being makes sure each student feels as an individual. Katie has a wealth of different kind of yoga styles, certified with over 700 hours of t training provides Katie incredible adjustment in her classes. Each class will give you inspiration for more awareness of your breath, body, mind and soul. You will improve your strength and flexibility physically and within. Katie believes in living life and treating her students with truth, love and passion.
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Trish Flynn
Trish Flynn began her career over 40 years ago, dancing professionally in the Monte-Carlo Opera Company. She taught ballet in Singapore and Indonesia and Sydney, and decided to make a change and became a Level 2 coach in elite Gymnastics for 13 years. Trish became a student of Yoga 27 years ago when she became pregnant with her daughter and in 2004 her teacher suggested she study to become a teacher. Trish gained her teaching diploma at Samadhi yoga in Newtown and has continued to study with various teachers namely Sarah and Ty Powers, Paul Grilley, Bernie Clark, Sharon Gannon, and many others and has focused her teaching on the Hatha and Yin styles of yoga. Trish hopes to impart her knowledge and appreciation of yoga to all her students whether they are young children, students , mothers , athletes and injured or disabled. Life without Yoga is a life without breathing, it can bring you so much peace and contentment as well as nurturing your body and allowing you to move with grace and strength throughout any stage of your life.
Trish Flynn began her career over 40 years ago, dancing professionally in the Monte-Carlo Opera Company. She taught ballet in Singapore and Indonesia and Sydney, and decided to make a change and became a Level 2 coach in elite Gymnastics for 13 years. Trish became a student of Yoga 27 years ago when she became pregnant with her daughter and in 2004 her teacher suggested she study to become a teacher. Trish gained her teaching diploma at Samadhi yoga in Newtown and has continued to study with various teachers namely Sarah and Ty Powers, Paul Grilley, Bernie Clark, Sharon Gannon, and many others and has focused her teaching on the Hatha and Yin styles of yoga. Trish hopes to impart her knowledge and appreciation of yoga to all her students whether they are young children, students , mothers , athletes and injured or disabled. Life without Yoga is a life without breathing, it can bring you so much peace and contentment as well as nurturing your body and allowing you to move with grace and strength throughout any stage of your life.
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Ana Luna
“Now is the time for yoga”
This is my second year as an Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga instructor. I did my training and practice in Mexico and now I’m exploring yoga in Australia. I’ve had the honor to teach kids, adults and also talk to sports coaches and athletes about the benefits of yoga. played soccer for over 20 years and had the time of my life until I had surgery in both knees, however I can still play and feel great thanks to my practice. Yoga brought movement back to my body, heart and mind and is why I want to share my practice with you. I am open and willing to bring movement to my body through yoga. It is when I am most confident, happy and feeling the energy of love. With every OM and every asana I am assuming that I am in the present moment. The challenge is to practice yoga in my everyday life, both on and off my mat, the challenge is just to be. I am very grateful for having the knowledge and understanding the power of using my dristhi, asanas and breathe to keep my body and mind in balance. I can maintain this loving way of life, the only thing I have to do is practice and teach it because after all, the only real thing is love, and if through my practice, my yoga practice, I can live, feel and give love, then I am fulfilled and ready to share this with whomever is ready to let yoga do them, let yoga do you.
“Now is the time for yoga”
This is my second year as an Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga instructor. I did my training and practice in Mexico and now I’m exploring yoga in Australia. I’ve had the honor to teach kids, adults and also talk to sports coaches and athletes about the benefits of yoga. played soccer for over 20 years and had the time of my life until I had surgery in both knees, however I can still play and feel great thanks to my practice. Yoga brought movement back to my body, heart and mind and is why I want to share my practice with you. I am open and willing to bring movement to my body through yoga. It is when I am most confident, happy and feeling the energy of love. With every OM and every asana I am assuming that I am in the present moment. The challenge is to practice yoga in my everyday life, both on and off my mat, the challenge is just to be. I am very grateful for having the knowledge and understanding the power of using my dristhi, asanas and breathe to keep my body and mind in balance. I can maintain this loving way of life, the only thing I have to do is practice and teach it because after all, the only real thing is love, and if through my practice, my yoga practice, I can live, feel and give love, then I am fulfilled and ready to share this with whomever is ready to let yoga do them, let yoga do you.
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Emily Carton
Emily is a peaceful northern beaches soul with a love for the ocean, nature and healthy living. From a young age Emily has always had a passion for leading a natural and holistic lifestyle with interests in holistic nutrition, moving the body and connecting to nature. Emily first started yoga in her teenage years as a form of exercise yet like many, soon became drawn to the greater benefits it had on her mind and soul. Yoga was able to help her re-connect with her true nature, something she had struggled with during times of depression and anxiety. Through years of soul searching at university and travelling overseas, Emily was always drawn back to yoga and she began to see it as much more than just a hobby. Emily completed the Qi Teacher Training 420 hour diploma in 2017. Whilst completing her studies she had the privilege of mentoring under senior teachers Maurice Eberlin and Morgan Webert. Following her studies she hopes to further expand her knowledge in Vinyasa Yoga and Ayurveda. Emily loves to teach dynamic and uplifting Hatha classes that bring together a beautiful combination of movement, relaxation and self-reflection. Often touching on yoga philosophy, nature and Ayurveda. Emily hopes to inspire her students like she has been inspired by yoga. She aims for her students to leave class feeling uplifted, alive and centered.
Emily is a peaceful northern beaches soul with a love for the ocean, nature and healthy living. From a young age Emily has always had a passion for leading a natural and holistic lifestyle with interests in holistic nutrition, moving the body and connecting to nature. Emily first started yoga in her teenage years as a form of exercise yet like many, soon became drawn to the greater benefits it had on her mind and soul. Yoga was able to help her re-connect with her true nature, something she had struggled with during times of depression and anxiety. Through years of soul searching at university and travelling overseas, Emily was always drawn back to yoga and she began to see it as much more than just a hobby. Emily completed the Qi Teacher Training 420 hour diploma in 2017. Whilst completing her studies she had the privilege of mentoring under senior teachers Maurice Eberlin and Morgan Webert. Following her studies she hopes to further expand her knowledge in Vinyasa Yoga and Ayurveda. Emily loves to teach dynamic and uplifting Hatha classes that bring together a beautiful combination of movement, relaxation and self-reflection. Often touching on yoga philosophy, nature and Ayurveda. Emily hopes to inspire her students like she has been inspired by yoga. She aims for her students to leave class feeling uplifted, alive and centered.
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Joao da Costa
Joao’s Yogic journey started in 2008, where he found a new approach to living through his Asana practice and Kirtans. “Yoga came into my life as a way to prepare my body for other activities, from improving my surfing and climbing skills to increasing my flexibility and focus.” Since then Joao has practiced a range of styles of Yoga: Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Power Yoga, Iyengar, Yin and others. He studied with renowned Yoga teachers: Simon Park - Liquid Flow, Duncan Peak - Power Living, Simon Borg Olivier - Synergy Yoga, Michael Laxmivan - Krishna Village. “All my teachers have taught me something special which I now have the honour to pass on to my students one class at a time.” “I believe the Yogic path lies beyond the Asana practice. Postures are simply a medium to help us in our journey. Yoga starts with our actions and self-discipline, our postures help us calm the mind and prepare our body so we can learn how to breath. Through focusing on our breath we reach a state of withdrawal of our senses, which allows us to develop a new level of concentration and focus. Only then we can sit comfortably and meditate so we can connect, connect with the Divinity which resides within each and every single one of us.” Joao’s classes are fun, challenging and hands on assisting, helping practitioners with posture alignment and to deepen their practice. “Yoga is a journey with many paths to tread. One breath at a time.”
Joao’s Yogic journey started in 2008, where he found a new approach to living through his Asana practice and Kirtans. “Yoga came into my life as a way to prepare my body for other activities, from improving my surfing and climbing skills to increasing my flexibility and focus.” Since then Joao has practiced a range of styles of Yoga: Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Power Yoga, Iyengar, Yin and others. He studied with renowned Yoga teachers: Simon Park - Liquid Flow, Duncan Peak - Power Living, Simon Borg Olivier - Synergy Yoga, Michael Laxmivan - Krishna Village. “All my teachers have taught me something special which I now have the honour to pass on to my students one class at a time.” “I believe the Yogic path lies beyond the Asana practice. Postures are simply a medium to help us in our journey. Yoga starts with our actions and self-discipline, our postures help us calm the mind and prepare our body so we can learn how to breath. Through focusing on our breath we reach a state of withdrawal of our senses, which allows us to develop a new level of concentration and focus. Only then we can sit comfortably and meditate so we can connect, connect with the Divinity which resides within each and every single one of us.” Joao’s classes are fun, challenging and hands on assisting, helping practitioners with posture alignment and to deepen their practice. “Yoga is a journey with many paths to tread. One breath at a time.”
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Cat Quilla
Teaching yoga since 2008 and practicing since 2004. Cat came to yoga to relief the stress levels from working as a creative interior architect, focusing the gaze on her thumb amazed her and led to a powerful positive mindset. Yoga healed her spinal disc herniation, feeling like a miracle. Studying and practicing yogic chakra philosophies from her travels to Peru, Mexico, New York, Europe and India, highlighted the critical need to care for mother earth and all beings. Cat appreciates the many aspects of yoga from meditation, an introspective gentle to dynamic faster paced practice, to truly create balance. Cat’s vinyasa classes are dynamic, includes spiritual teachings, chanting, uplifting music, pranayama, hands-on assists and meditation. Teaching yin to dynamic, beginners to advanced, privates, retreats, workshops, kirtans and sound healings at art exhibitions. Cat’s purpose is to find a path to yoga that suits the needs and lifestyle of many.
Teaching yoga since 2008 and practicing since 2004. Cat came to yoga to relief the stress levels from working as a creative interior architect, focusing the gaze on her thumb amazed her and led to a powerful positive mindset. Yoga healed her spinal disc herniation, feeling like a miracle. Studying and practicing yogic chakra philosophies from her travels to Peru, Mexico, New York, Europe and India, highlighted the critical need to care for mother earth and all beings. Cat appreciates the many aspects of yoga from meditation, an introspective gentle to dynamic faster paced practice, to truly create balance. Cat’s vinyasa classes are dynamic, includes spiritual teachings, chanting, uplifting music, pranayama, hands-on assists and meditation. Teaching yin to dynamic, beginners to advanced, privates, retreats, workshops, kirtans and sound healings at art exhibitions. Cat’s purpose is to find a path to yoga that suits the needs and lifestyle of many.
Crows Nest Yoga Instructor - Sujesh Nair
Sujesh has more than 15 years of self-practice and 5 years of teaching experience in classical Hatha style and have learned from classical school and modern yoga practices. While yoga has been evolving and changing with times I believe in preserving the essence and purpose of the practice and incorporate the same into my classes, yoga is not just a workout for the body but a practice to bring harmony of body and mind.I have started my Yoga journey in 2000 at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta centre in classical hatha style and learned classical Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa styles over the years. I have completed 2 teachers training programs in India in classical Hatha styles Sivananda and Bihar school and have attended focus workshops or specific asana practices.I am also a keen follower of yoga’s spiritual philosophy and this helps keep me rooted in the ancient wisdom of the practice.
Sujesh has more than 15 years of self-practice and 5 years of teaching experience in classical Hatha style and have learned from classical school and modern yoga practices. While yoga has been evolving and changing with times I believe in preserving the essence and purpose of the practice and incorporate the same into my classes, yoga is not just a workout for the body but a practice to bring harmony of body and mind.I have started my Yoga journey in 2000 at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta centre in classical hatha style and learned classical Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa styles over the years. I have completed 2 teachers training programs in India in classical Hatha styles Sivananda and Bihar school and have attended focus workshops or specific asana practices.I am also a keen follower of yoga’s spiritual philosophy and this helps keep me rooted in the ancient wisdom of the practice.
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.
Byron Bay Yoga Instructor - Sydoni Smith
Sydoni’s approach and teaching style has evolved over 25 years of consistent Yoga practice and study. She is a deeply committed and experienced teacher, yogi practitioner & eternal student who has learnt under the guidance of globally recognised teaching authorities on yoga. She has been teaching Yoga for 11 years.
To Deepen and extend her teaching skills, practice and knowledge of Yoga and the human body on an anatomical, physiological, bio mechanical, kinematic, psychological, and neurological level, she has completed a Degree in Human movement, majoring in sports science. She is a qualified- Applied Anatomy and Physiology Yoga specialist through Yoga Synergy, Simon Borg Olivier & Bianca Michalis. Sydoni Practiced and studied Iyengar Yoga for 7 years, at Bondi Junction School of Iyengar with Rod Larrisa & occasional classes with Shandor. This set the foundation for her entry into the Ashtanga Vinyasa system under the instruction & supervision of her Guru Dena Kingsberg. With Dena, Sydoni completed 9 years of face to face, 6 days a week guidance within the Ashtanga system. She has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga religiously for 16 years still under the instruction of her Guru. Sydoni is an avid Vipassana Meditator and has been a practicing Buddhist for 30 years. Her qualifications are extensive and varied with a broad scope of studies into life/yoga, which extend on & off the mat. Her teaching experience includes Swimming Coaching & Brazilian Martial Art form Capoeira. She qualified as a Pool Lifeguard & Fitness Instructor completing training through The Royal Life Saving Society & has completed her first Aid Training 6 times. Sydoni studied teaching at Southern Cross University completing units in Movement Skills, Teaching & Learning, Special Education, Drug & Alcohol Education, Education studies, Behavioral Analysis, & Educational Technology. Her classes are dynamic and flowing in nature, with a strong grounding in scientific principles of stretching, strengthening and conditioning fused with yogic philosophy, pranayama and dharana. Sydoni has a deep respect, knowledge and practice of yoga that she shares lovingly to all her students.
Sydoni’s approach and teaching style has evolved over 25 years of consistent Yoga practice and study. She is a deeply committed and experienced teacher, yogi practitioner & eternal student who has learnt under the guidance of globally recognised teaching authorities on yoga. She has been teaching Yoga for 11 years.
To Deepen and extend her teaching skills, practice and knowledge of Yoga and the human body on an anatomical, physiological, bio mechanical, kinematic, psychological, and neurological level, she has completed a Degree in Human movement, majoring in sports science. She is a qualified- Applied Anatomy and Physiology Yoga specialist through Yoga Synergy, Simon Borg Olivier & Bianca Michalis. Sydoni Practiced and studied Iyengar Yoga for 7 years, at Bondi Junction School of Iyengar with Rod Larrisa & occasional classes with Shandor. This set the foundation for her entry into the Ashtanga Vinyasa system under the instruction & supervision of her Guru Dena Kingsberg. With Dena, Sydoni completed 9 years of face to face, 6 days a week guidance within the Ashtanga system. She has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga religiously for 16 years still under the instruction of her Guru. Sydoni is an avid Vipassana Meditator and has been a practicing Buddhist for 30 years. Her qualifications are extensive and varied with a broad scope of studies into life/yoga, which extend on & off the mat. Her teaching experience includes Swimming Coaching & Brazilian Martial Art form Capoeira. She qualified as a Pool Lifeguard & Fitness Instructor completing training through The Royal Life Saving Society & has completed her first Aid Training 6 times. Sydoni studied teaching at Southern Cross University completing units in Movement Skills, Teaching & Learning, Special Education, Drug & Alcohol Education, Education studies, Behavioral Analysis, & Educational Technology. Her classes are dynamic and flowing in nature, with a strong grounding in scientific principles of stretching, strengthening and conditioning fused with yogic philosophy, pranayama and dharana. Sydoni has a deep respect, knowledge and practice of yoga that she shares lovingly to all her students.
Byron Bay Yoga Instructor - Eva Paterson
I began to practice yoga in 2004 and have continued to do so for the past 13years. Discovering that through the union of body, movement, breath and consciousness I could joyfully connect with my inner self and find deeper connection with others. I completed a 200hr YTT in July 2014 with Louisa Sear and Lucy Roberts of Yoga Arts and began teaching soon after. Always passionate and searching to learn and go deeper I completed a 30 hour Bhakti yoga training with Edo and Jo in May 2015 and continue to attend workshops and immersions to further enhance my practice, teaching and knowledge. I am a strong believer in the importance of taking good care of ourselves and cultivating self love as we navigate through our lives. I completed a Bachelor of Clinical Science majoring in Human Nutrition and Complementary Medicine in 2015 at SCU including remedial massage and anatomy. As the mother of two beautiful young girls I find yoga practice and philosophy to be incredibly nourishing and enriching. I hope to offer and create a loving environment for growth through a dynamic, balanced Hatha/Vinyasa class.
I began to practice yoga in 2004 and have continued to do so for the past 13years. Discovering that through the union of body, movement, breath and consciousness I could joyfully connect with my inner self and find deeper connection with others. I completed a 200hr YTT in July 2014 with Louisa Sear and Lucy Roberts of Yoga Arts and began teaching soon after. Always passionate and searching to learn and go deeper I completed a 30 hour Bhakti yoga training with Edo and Jo in May 2015 and continue to attend workshops and immersions to further enhance my practice, teaching and knowledge. I am a strong believer in the importance of taking good care of ourselves and cultivating self love as we navigate through our lives. I completed a Bachelor of Clinical Science majoring in Human Nutrition and Complementary Medicine in 2015 at SCU including remedial massage and anatomy. As the mother of two beautiful young girls I find yoga practice and philosophy to be incredibly nourishing and enriching. I hope to offer and create a loving environment for growth through a dynamic, balanced Hatha/Vinyasa class.
Byron Bay Yoga Instructor - Tony Dennis
Tony found his personal yoga practice in 1992 while practicing Iyengar Yoga in Melbourne with Isabelle Danko. Along his journey, there have been investigations into Synergy Yoga with Simon Borg-Olivier and the practice of Shadow Yoga, developed by Shandor Remete. Years of studying Tibetan Buddhism with his root guru Geshe Doga at Melbourne's Tara Institute also colour his approach to Yoga along with Tai Chi and Martial Arts training. Tony studied his 200 YTT with Shiva Shakti Yoga under the auspices of Nick Sadashiv Bradley and Diana Radha Bradley. Upon completion, he jumped straight into teaching at the Shiva Shakti studio. With an emphasis on Intention, breathing, alignment and meditation, Tony aims to provide classes which attend to the the mind body and soul. He encourages students to play with their edge and achieve their full potential while providing a safe, encouraging and non-judgemental environment. Continually inspired by Yoga's transformative power, Tony hopes to continue the ever deepening journey into Yoga and share what he finds with as many people as possible.
Tony found his personal yoga practice in 1992 while practicing Iyengar Yoga in Melbourne with Isabelle Danko. Along his journey, there have been investigations into Synergy Yoga with Simon Borg-Olivier and the practice of Shadow Yoga, developed by Shandor Remete. Years of studying Tibetan Buddhism with his root guru Geshe Doga at Melbourne's Tara Institute also colour his approach to Yoga along with Tai Chi and Martial Arts training. Tony studied his 200 YTT with Shiva Shakti Yoga under the auspices of Nick Sadashiv Bradley and Diana Radha Bradley. Upon completion, he jumped straight into teaching at the Shiva Shakti studio. With an emphasis on Intention, breathing, alignment and meditation, Tony aims to provide classes which attend to the the mind body and soul. He encourages students to play with their edge and achieve their full potential while providing a safe, encouraging and non-judgemental environment. Continually inspired by Yoga's transformative power, Tony hopes to continue the ever deepening journey into Yoga and share what he finds with as many people as possible.
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 - Florencia Martin
I grew up in Argentina and started my journey to health and well being by chance, not being an overly active person, I stumbled across a small yoga studio close to my home and after that first class, It was the first time I felt my whole body, every joint, every muscle. That yoga class sparked something within me, from just moving my body I started to become more aware of my body, mind, and soul, and without knowing the journey of self-study and self-realization began to unfold in 2010. After many years working as a mining engineer, with a fly in / fly out roster in the south of Argentina and living in Brazil, I was feeling tired, unhappy and wanting more in my life, constantly being confronted with this idea; "if you have the chance to embark yourself in a journey of well-being, would you?", after a 6 years of practicing yoga, I knew I needed to make a change in my life. In 2016 I quit my job, sold everything, bought a one-way ticket to India where I immersed myself in yoga and well-being, and completed my first 200 hours teacher training in Hatha Yoga. In 2017 I moved to Byron Bay, Australia where I now reside and furthered my studies in yoga teaching in Byron Yoga Centre completing a CERT IV in Yoga Teacher Training and at the same time I did my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I studied a variety of dietary theories and practical lifestyle coaching methods. I wanted to give my practice a holistic approach towards a better health and well-being. I have lived an adventurous life and I understand what it takes to move beyond your comfort zone and limiting beliefs.
I grew up in Argentina and started my journey to health and well being by chance, not being an overly active person, I stumbled across a small yoga studio close to my home and after that first class, It was the first time I felt my whole body, every joint, every muscle. That yoga class sparked something within me, from just moving my body I started to become more aware of my body, mind, and soul, and without knowing the journey of self-study and self-realization began to unfold in 2010. After many years working as a mining engineer, with a fly in / fly out roster in the south of Argentina and living in Brazil, I was feeling tired, unhappy and wanting more in my life, constantly being confronted with this idea; "if you have the chance to embark yourself in a journey of well-being, would you?", after a 6 years of practicing yoga, I knew I needed to make a change in my life. In 2016 I quit my job, sold everything, bought a one-way ticket to India where I immersed myself in yoga and well-being, and completed my first 200 hours teacher training in Hatha Yoga. In 2017 I moved to Byron Bay, Australia where I now reside and furthered my studies in yoga teaching in Byron Yoga Centre completing a CERT IV in Yoga Teacher Training and at the same time I did my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I studied a variety of dietary theories and practical lifestyle coaching methods. I wanted to give my practice a holistic approach towards a better health and well-being. I have lived an adventurous life and I understand what it takes to move beyond your comfort zone and limiting beliefs.
Byron Bay Yoga Instructor - Chad Sheppard
“Yoga makes the Fun stuff easy and the hard stuff fun” Yoga has been a big part of my life for over 15 years, and my practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible and fearless, both on and off the mat. Yoga inspires me to live each moment more mindfully and to share the knowledge to all seeking ease in this world. In my classes, I love to combine creative sequencing of Gentle Hatha yoga with a spirit of playfulness and a dose of inspiration to help people deepen their practice. I seek to help others thrive in life by nurturing body, mind and soul with yoga, and my hope is that, you step off the mat feeling refreshed, nourished and in harmony ready to take on the world.
“Yoga makes the Fun stuff easy and the hard stuff fun” Yoga has been a big part of my life for over 15 years, and my practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible and fearless, both on and off the mat. Yoga inspires me to live each moment more mindfully and to share the knowledge to all seeking ease in this world. In my classes, I love to combine creative sequencing of Gentle Hatha yoga with a spirit of playfulness and a dose of inspiration to help people deepen their practice. I seek to help others thrive in life by nurturing body, mind and soul with yoga, and my hope is that, you step off the mat feeling refreshed, nourished and in harmony ready to take on the world.