One day, in the 1990's sometime,  I saw an ad in the local paper advertising yoga at a local community hall around the corner. At the time, I wasn't in a great place and I wasn't sure what to expect but decided to give it a go. And wow. It was incredible. The room was full of a variety of people, mostly older, gently being guided through the class of movement. There was not a single yoga mat in sight; it was blankets and pillows and so comfortable and welcoming. I moved on to an amazing yoga studio in Glenelg, and I quickly confirmed that I loved it! Fom here on yoga became my "sanctuary" to escape into another world that was peace, community, support and encouragement. Hence the name of my business. 

Fast forward to 2024, after several moves around the country and years of working in the unforgiving corporate world, a final straw of destruction left me broken and suffering from burnout and potential breakdown, with no support. I went on a Yoga Retreat to Koh Samui with Hayley and Nat (which was honestly life-changing), and it was suggested to me to do the teacher training. When I got home, I thought about this some more and decided to give it a go. I didn't know yet if I wanted to teach, but I had time up my sleeve, a heart and mind to heal, and thought that at least the training might help me personally and physically (as I have back issues). So ... Can't hurt, right? I had recently properly discovered the magic of Yin, which is what I connect with the most, and this was where i wanted most of my focus to go. 

Of course, then, I decided that if I was going to do yoga, why not pilates too, as they do go rather hand in hand. Sometime in the late 2000s, I tried Pilates reformer classes - there was a studio next to my apartment building. Class 1 resulted in barely being able to walk! But it was since then that I have always wanted to get my own reformer. So I signed up to this as well and purchased a commercial-grade reformer for my home studio. And since then, I've made the realisation that the only thing that consistently stops my back hurting is doing regular pilates!

I am also working through Meditation, Qigong Yoga fusion, and Somatic Healing. I am hoping to also complete further Restorative Yoga training with Judith Lassater when it is next offered, and am slowly working my way through my 300hour yoga training. Additionally, I've studied and completed Reformer Yin and some basics in Breathwork, Trauma-informed yoga, Chair, and Children's yoga. You can view all of my certifications here. I am, of course, fully certified in the required CPR and First Aid, and also hold the relevant insurances. 

I am pleased and honoured to have studied with Bernie Clark, Diana Batts, and also the amazing crew at Yoga Renew.  Inspiration and encouragement are abundant from my local studios and teachers, and the opportunity to learn a lot through their teachings - with a heartfelt thanks to Kel, Margaret, Sara, Jesska, Milena, Hayley, Nat, and Alex, especially.  Hot Yoga Oxenford and Balance Lane are the two local studios that have welcomed me with their space and put me on my path in the last few years, and made me feel completely at home. I have also had endless support and encouragement along the way, which I am most grateful for. A special mention must go to Stace for taking a risk on the 'newly certified but no experience teaching yet' me in late 2025. And to my students who keep coming back. 🤎

The yoga and pilates community has so much heart, soul, and connection - if you have something missing in your life, I promise it's worth exploring whether this is what may fill your heart.