experienced teachers

Pru

Pru created The Retreat Yoga Studio and community to give people a place to land, to feel accepted and know they belong. A warm and inviting sanctuary where people feel safe and supported as they move, breathe, listen deeply and discover ‘sanctuary within.’

Pru is passionate about the body-mind connection, the whole person and their individual experience. In her mindful, embodied classes, Pru integrates functional movement, myo-facial release, somatic experience and psychotherapeutic practices with the tradition and philosophy of yoga. Her classes are an exploration of self where people not only develop strength and mobility, they grow more understanding, acceptance and compassion for who and where they are, embodying the practice to feel good from the inside out.

Pru is an experienced yoga teacher and registered Counsellor with an integrative approach to yoga, psychotherapy and somatic therapy. She opened The Retreat Yoga Studio in 2016 and developed Mindful Somatic Yoga Therapy, a course for embodied healing: trauma, anxiety. She is currently undertaking the Master of Psychotherapy.

Through her trauma informed teachings students learn to regulate their nervous system, attune to their felt sense and connect to the wisdom of their body.

Pru is warm and engaging, and through meditation, flow, yin and therapeutic restorative yoga, she invites students to be curious and kind as she supports them on their journey to strength, vitality, ease and well-being.

Join Pru on the mat and welcome yourself home to body, mind, heart and soul at The Retreat.

Indi

Indi’s relationship with yoga has evolved in a soulful direction over the past five years in particular. Initially curious to explore just the physical asana, she soon realised the textures and depth of which the practice could go. Time on the mat seemed to be time to practice new ways of thinking, moving, breathing and healing. Upon completing her first yoga teacher training in 2019, her love of eastern philosophy and her desire to teach was confirmed. Indi continues to practice, whether in studio or immersed in nature, as a special way to honour and embrace life’s emotional experiences – in an embodied way.

In her teaching she likes to explore different themes each week, sharing her ideas and insights, encouraging her students to join her in the noticing of sensation, moving with intuitive intention and integrating the practice into our lives beyond just the mat. Indi simply loves to share space and to connect with people through a yoga practice that is accessible to all. Through participating in further teacher trainings, alongside her current psychology studies, Indi values the balancing of eastern and western traditions.

Jana

I first came to yoga in my early 20’s to when I experiencing severe physical pain. Iyengar Yoga allowed me to understand the foundations of the Physical practice and gave me tools to apply and support my body in day to day living.

I continued my discovery of Yoga in India, spending time in Multiple ashrams and Buddhist retreats and trained under international teachers. I found the Eastern philosophy aligned with my belief system. From my time in India I adapted more of a spiritual practice, through meditation, pranayama , japa and Bhakti Yoga , which I have practiced over the past 10 years. This pathway allowed the essence of yoga to unlock a lot of barriers within me and offer a true connection and understanding with myself .

In 2013-2014 I studied Advanced Diploma of Yoga and began my teaching journey. I have taught in various establishments in England, Melbourne including hospitals and studios. Teaching Hatha, Vinyassa, Restorative, Yin and Yoga Nidra’s.

Over the past 3 1/2 years I have endeavoured on the Diploma of Shiatsu to become a Shiatsu and Oriental Therapy’s Practitioner. By Completing this modality, I hope to provide others with a deep connection with their own bodies. To navigate pathways to help heal through Chronic health, Trauma. Also assist people be present with their body in every day life.

I am passionate about holding space for others and integrating the physical and subtle layers of the body. Working with breath, movement, stillness, and the knowledge of Eastern philosophy’s of Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine. By using all these applications within a yoga class we allow ourselves the ability to come away from our mind and back into our centre, finding that rich connection within.

Jennifer

Hi! I’m Jen. I’m from New York and Shanghai and recently have called Melbourne home. Yoga grounds me. It is the constant in my life and I couldn’t be more grateful. I’ve been teaching in different parts of the world. My favourite is always Vinyasa flow as it is so vibrant and creative. I like guiding clients along the zen journey through pranayama and meditation. I love the yogi community so please always come for a chat, I’d love to get to know all of you!

Kristie

I travel through life leading with my heart and soul. I’ve been practicing yoga around the world for over 20 years. Yoga is a huge part of my life, guiding me through trials and triumphs. As a wife and Mother of 4, when it came time to head back to work, instructing yoga and being a part of the yoga community was a no brainer. During my life chapters, my practice has grown and changed through many styles of yoga. Today, I enjoy a dynamic Yang practice to give me strength in body and mind, and a Yin practice for my mental health and well-being. I feel a combination of these styles is where I truly find my balance. My classes are always guided with openness, authenticity, and encouragement. It will be my pleasure to see you in the studio and be a part of your own yoga journey.

Yuliya

I’ve been practicing for a decade now. Ever since the beginning, I knew this was something special. It didn’t take long for me to realise, yoga isn’t just an exercise. As I uncovered the depth of this practice, I was instantly drawn to it and knew this was a lifelong connection. It was the physical aspect that first drew me to yoga, but it was the mental and soulful practice that kept me in it.

My classes always begin with the breath, taking this breath through to each pose is the intention. I believe in holding a good balance between the yin and yang energies. You’ll find my yang strong and my yin nourishing. My yin classes are an offering of a gentle and nourishing practice, allowing this breath to guide the mind. I enjoy utilising the props and finding new variations of combinations to allow them to hold the body. The flow classes I teach, are playful and all about having a go and seeing how it feels in your body. I put the emphasis on building strength and flexibility. I believe in not taking yourself too seriously, especially on the mat and always welcome laughter in our practices. It’s a place where we connect to the body, the breath and this mind.

Ling

Ling’s yoga classes are particularly grounding. Her approach is to empower personal practice, making deep connections and coming to yoga with enjoyment from the heart.
Ling teaches intuitively and adapts various styles to suit the students and energy at the present moment. Movements are deliberate, mindful and pulsate with subtle refinement.
She weaves life lessons and stories into yoga practice and is known to be cheeky yet nurturing. At present, her biggest yoga teacher is life with a toddler (!).
Ling teaches because she loves sharing what she loves.

Isabelle

Isabelle is a professional contemporary dancer, choreographer, and passionate yoga teacher. A Sagittarian daydreamer and eternal optimist. She’s been dancing, performing, and moving her body into all sorts of shapes since she was a kid. Isabelle had practiced yoga for many years before she truly noticed it’s magic! She completed her Vinyasa yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India, and Yin yoga training here in Melbourne. “Yoga has taught me to treasure myself, to listen to my body, and has helped me to find more space and peace within. I love to hold a space for individuals to delve deeper into themselves; fostering a practice that extends beyond the mat.”

Nigel

Years spent suffering with chronic back pain, acquired from an early obsession with body building combined with the physical strain of working in his family’s orchard, eventually forced Nigel to seek out alternative solutions.
This prompted Nigel to view life from a different perspective leading to interest in metaphysics, meditation and Yoga philosophy. After a lot of soul searching and plenty of reading a chain reaction had begun which started to affect other areas of his life including giving up drinking, becoming vegetarian and even switching up careers from real estate into something more aligned with his soul’s purpose. Discovering the holistic benefits and healing properties of daily yoga, has ultimately led Nigel to becoming a yoga teacher and to support others on their own journey of self-discovery.

Steph

After practicing yoga for several years, Steph experienced the transformative benefits of a regular yoga practice during a period of personal and professional burnout in her life. Inspired by the healing offered by the practice, she completed her 350hr teacher training in order to share yoga with others.

In her classes, Steph offers a grounding and accessible practice whilst still remaining challenging and fun. Steph is fascinated by functional anatomy and skeletal variation; she encourages students to stay curious to internal feedback and sensations in order to adjust the posture to suit their individual body.

Off the mat, Steph is also a practicing veterinarian and keen trail runner – often out exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding Melbourne.

Jo

Jo loves to lead a stimulating practice anchored in Yoga traditions, incorporating clear alignment cues, creative sequencing and rich imagery. She focuses on balancing the
energy of the body and finding ease of movement by bringing awareness to breath and the activity of the mind, to provide support during class and in daily life. Jo’s classes incorporate her experience as a professional dancer and choreographer, bringing her
knowledge of the body through her dance and Yoga training. A Dance graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Jo has practiced Yoga consistently for 20 years, initially
Iyengar and Shadow Yoga, then connecting with Vinyasa, completing her Yoga Teacher Training with Power Living Australia in 2014.

Vickie

I began my yoga journey in 2016 when I joined a local studio and discovered the transformative benefits of the practice. Since then, I have completed my 200HR Yoga Teacher Training with Australian Yoga Academy, and have also done training in Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Children’s Yoga, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Nidra, Advanced Sequencing and Yoga for Seniors. For me, practising yoga means a lifelong journey of learning and self-growth. Increasing my knowledge of yoga deepens my passion for the practice and enhances my teaching.

I believe that different yoga styles complement each other. I love Vinyasa for its dance-like quality where you flow through poses in sync with the breath. Yin Yoga is my absolute passion as I love its meditative and deeply nourishing aspects, and how it promotes self-healing.

Teaching yoga has given me purpose and fulfilment. Let me share my knowledge and passion for yoga so that you may also feel the transformational effects of this ancient practice, now proven by western science to be beneficial for your health and wellbeing.

Off my mat, I love connecting with family and friends, brunching at cafes, walking in nature with my dog, and sunny holidays.

Amber

Amber loves to share the freedom and inner light that yoga brings to everyone it touches. By exploring mindful movement and nourishing breathwork, she endeavours to inspire her students to find their own strength and vitality within.

After being a stay-at-home-mum and giving her all to her family, Amber sought a way to find inner balance and some space of her own. A re-discovery of yoga took her on a journey of healing and self-exploration. Craving more knowledge, yoga teacher training eventually lead her to teach and to share her experience in a fun and loving way.

In her spare time you’ll find Amber off on adventures with her three young boys, sweating her way through a high intensity work out, or lazing in a hot bath with a good book.

Ben

Benjamin Hurley has been practicing yoga for the past 10 years, and encompasses its physical, spiritual and philosophical benefits within his everyday life. He has trained with many reputable teachers across Australia and in Bali, and enjoys how every person has a unique expression of the form. He has a dedicated personal practice, and loves experiencing how the benefits expand beyond the mat. His usual class is often light and fun yet physically demanding, finishing with considered pranayama and/or meditation. He is interested in how the practice can weave in an intention in a meaningful way with a strong focus on enabling the student to discover their own breath and impetus.Ben is a movement enthusiast, and believes that it has an immense power for healing, transformation and self discovery. With a background in dance and having performed both locally and internationally in renowned companies and arts festivals for the past 6 years, he is well equipped in understanding the intricate mind-body connection across a range of practices. Ben completed his 200-hour yoga teacher training with the Australian Yoga Academy and has a BFA in dance from the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.

Rachel

A yoga & meditation practice has always been something that has drifted in and out of my life when I needed it most. However, after spending 10 months travelling in France I reconnected with yoga again and I knew in my heart of hearts that this was something I wanted to dive into and explore completely. Movement has always been extremely important to me, having always done some form of sport or another throughout my life. The practice of yoga took things to the next level through the integration of mind, body, diet, breath and spirituality. I am particularly passionate about how the breath influences our entire being – our energy, hormones & mental state. I love the community that yoga creates; while it is an individual path for each person, it is also the thread that connects us all together.Each time I practice I learn more about myself and it is a great joy to share that with others. I hope to bring my bubbly personality into each class, to challenge students to push themselves either mentally or physically – but also to encourage them to rest, restore & relax fully. I like to support people to move more intuitively or in a way that suits their body. I think now, in what is often a fast paced world, we need that Yin & Yang balance in our lives.

Amanda

Amanda took up her first yoga class 10 years ago and knew that it would never be her last. Amanda fell in love with how she felt after a yoga practice, so strong, flexible, confident and compassionate towards herself. Amanda has completed a 1000 hour advanced yoga teacher training program in 2013 at VIYETT (Victorian Institute Yoga Education Teacher Training). She is certified a yoga instructor and has been teaching full time for over 6 years, Amanda enjoys teaching an energetic Vinyasa flow, blissful Yin practice and engaging teen / kids yoga classes.

Amanda see’s her yoga practice as an essential part of life. Through yoga, you develop an intimate relationship with our body, mind and spirit. Her wish is to encourage everyone to begin their practice and open themselves up to the possibility of change in their lives on and off the mat. Amanda brings a sense of humor to her classes to let students know that a yoga practice is a fun and a valuable experience while exploring the possibilities of yoga to improve your health and well being of mind, body and spirit.

Off the mat, Amanda enjoys travelling the world, exploring new beaches, cultures and people, plus sourcing out tropical locations for upcoming yoga retreats. While at home is a friend, sister, aunt & alchemist, blending organic essential oils for self healing, positive vibes & being a divine goddess.

Emma

Emma Gilmartin commenced a regular yoga practice in 2010, shortly after the birth of her second son. After 4 years of regular yoga, Emma experienced many benefits including lower stress levels and a greater sense of wellbeing.

In her career as a singer and a singing teacher, Emma also experienced many improvements, including reduced performance anxiety and a much greater sense of ease whist on stage. For Emma, the practice of yoga is the perfect accompaniment to a career in singing.

Emma is passionate about helping her students to feel better about their bodies. You do not need to have a certain body shape or size to practise yoga, and to experience the many benefits.

Emma Gilmartin completed her 350 hour Teaching Certification at Prana House in 2016 and has been teaching regular slow flow, yin, restorative, chair yoga and yoga nidra classes since then. Emma has also completed the Chair Yoga and Discovery certifications with Nicky Knoff in Cairns as well as courses in Trauma informed and Accessible Yoga.

Emma performs regularly with vocal group Coco’s Lunch, and with her jazz quartet in venues throughout Australia and beyond. Emma is a music lecturer at Monash University and Box Hill Institute and lives in Melbourne with her husband and three sons.

ALIDA

Having practiced Yoga for many years experiencing its many and varied benefits, Alida embarked on a Teacher Training course and life has never been the same. Coming from a corporate background, running her own business, a family with three teenage children, she lives and breathes yoga, mindfulness and loves to share the holistic benefits of yoga, meditation and mindfulness with those around her. Always continuing her enthusiasm with ongoing education and professional development, she has studied with many inspiring teachers in styles including Vinyasa, Yin and Hatha. Alida believes no one is immune to the gifts Yoga has to offer and she teaches from the heart, practicing unconditional love, acceptance and inner strength in us all.

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