A creative and curious soul

I stumbled upon a hidden treasure at a local gym. A Sivananda yoga class that captured my attention. The practice provided a sanctuary of calm, peace, and focus for my usually scattered mind, while also strengthening my body and alleviating aches and pains.

I embarked on my yoga journey after years of working as a postman and graphic designer. My body reflects a regular working life. I'm not naturally flexible, sporty, acrobatic or a trained dancer or gymnast which I think has helped my teaching in classes all the more relatable.

In 2015, I ventured to Kerala, South India, to delve deeper. Immersed in Ashram life, I completed my first transformative teacher training course and realized that yoga was destined to become a significant part of my life.

Driven by a genuine desire to share the benefits of yoga with others, I began teaching part-time while continuously expanding my knowledge. In 2017, after a decade at Royal Mail, I took the leap and became a full-time self-employed yoga teacher.

My teaching, training and experience

In June 2018, I obtained certification as a Somatic Exercise Coach under the guidance of Lisa Petersen at Living Yoga. This particular path of exploration revolutionized my personal practice and teaching approach, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment through yoga.

For ten years, I have led yoga and mindful movement classes in Manchester, accumulating over 3000 hours of teaching experience. I've worked in diverse settings, including community centers, inner-city schools, colleges, universities, private offices, and online.

Thriving in the bustling environment of leisure centers, my adaptability and creative flair has been invaluable. I strive to foster a non-competitive, serene, and a lighthearted atmosphere in my popular classes, blending the energy of group practice with individual focus, encouraging mindful movement and space for introspection and peace.

As an advocate for personal growth, I actively participate in workshops and further training. Here are some of my most recent endeavors:

Embodied Anatomy Immersions (2024). A cross-pollination of yoga, somatics, embodied anatomy, breathwork, movement inquiry and developmental movement Lisa Petersen (2024)
Learning, Adapting and Responding: The Nervous System Amy Matthews (2024)
The Inspiring Yoga Teacher: A Blueprint for Teacher - Student Transformation 8 wks Lisa Petersen (2023)
Somatic Exercise Coach as Assistant 75hrs Lisa Petersen (2023)
J Brown 500hr Yoga Teacher Training (2022)
Befriending the Breath, Space and Gravity Immersion Series (2022) Lisa Petersen
Somatic Immersion Series (2022) Lisa Petersen
Livestream Class Series (2022) Donna Farhi Lisa Petersen Neal Ghoshal
Somatic Immersion Series (2021) Lisa Petersen
Restorative Yoga with Adelene Cheong
Laban / Barteneiff fundamentals with Alexandra Baybutt
Body Mind Centering with the STEM/Embody-Move teachers and Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen.

and before lockdown in person:

Intelligent Yoga: A CPD weekend with Peter Blackaby (March 2020)
The Embryology of Communication: Cells, Blood and Fluid Movements with Amy Matthews (Nov 2019)
Somatics CPD: Pelvis, pelvic floor, psoas, sacrum and jaw theme Lisa Petersen. (Sept 2019).
Coming Back to the Senses with Donna Farhi (June 2019)
Gentle is the New Advanced with J Brown at Triyoga, London. (Jan 2019)
Breath Centered Yoga with Leslie Kaminoff at Triyoga, London. (June 2018)
Moving from Centre with Gaby Porter.
Somatic Movement Education with Lisa Petersen, Gaby Porter & Maggie Peasewood.
Embodied Yoga with Amanda Latchmore,
Yoga with Christine Howitt,
Core stability CPD with GLL and Kirtan.
Yoga Teacher Training 200hr Alliance RYS Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre. (Jan 2015)

I regularly attend yoga teacher sanghas, Bhakti yoga because I love the energy and the music and I attend 5 Rhythm dance classes regularly which further inspires and informs my own practice.

With a background in graphic design, the arts, and occupational therapy in mental health, there's a lot of other stuff I can bring to the table!

"I never thought that yoga (even in it's modified way) was something I would even do. It has helped me to sleep better as I incorporate breathing techniques to help me to relax and not feel tense.

Teresa, SK4