The Team

Nicole McConnell

What are your hobbies? Hiking with my double doodle Loki, ferrying my two kids around town lol, and hockey season! What do you love about teaching yoga? A chance to give back to my yogi community. I have gained so much through yoga, and I love the opportunity to help others on their journey. What do you love about being a student? I love the energy that comes from practicing with others, it fuels me, keeps me focused and keeps me coming back. The yogi community is truly amazing! Where do you struggle as a student? Humility. I struggle with my own physical limitations now, and accepting that my flexibility is not what it used to be 10 years ago can be super frustrating some days. I have to remind myself that each day is different and that I am where I need to be today. How do you stay positive and committed to your practice? My commitment is to myself. When I first became a mother, I found myself pulled in many different directions. A wise friend taught me to set time aside for ME. Yoga truly grounds me, and with consistent practice, I see and reap the benefits. The hardest step can be simply getting into the car. Once that’s done, I am already there. What is your mantra or personal intention? Let it go.

Kelly Commandeur

Kelly came to yoga through the doorway of mental health, seeking stillness in the midst of life’s intensity. What she found was an ongoing journey of self-discovery, inner peace, and connection that keeps her coming back to the mat again and again. With deep respect for the roots of this ancient practice, Kelly continues to learn and honour the traditions of yoga while creating classes that feel fresh, alive, and accessible. Her offerings are dynamic and creative, blending mindful movement with breath to keep students grounded in the present moment. Whether it’s a gentle flow or an energetic sequence, Kelly loves to infuse her classes with curiosity, joy, and the invitation to come home to oneself. She believes that yoga is for everyone, and that through breath, movement, and presence, we can all return to a place of balance and belonging. Kelly is passionate about continual growth and exploration in all areas of movement and mindfulness. She’s expanded her practice to include somatic sound, kids yoga, and barre, bringing a diverse and heart-centered approach to her teaching.

Elysia Keepence

Elysia Keepence is a sound practitioner drawn to the quiet magic of inner transformation. She completed her 200-hour training at MA Wellness and Yoga, and a 100-hour training in sound offering, where she explored how vibration, rhythm, and rest can reconnect us to ourselves. Sound deeply inspires her—it creates an inner landscape for self-alchemy, a kind of song and dance with the soul. In both movement and stillness, Elysia holds space for softness, curiosity, and the return to what’s real and felt. Her offerings blend breath, body, and sound into something simple and sacred.

Monique S.

Monique Sekhon, trained in Tofino by Randelle Lusk, blends various limbs of yoga, including breathwork and meditation, and inspiration from mycology, to balance mind, body, and breath. She focuses on somatic and communal healing through dynamic movement. Monique is also the founder of @Caretwoshare for mental health and substance use awareness. Follow Monique @themycomethod !

Kai M.

I’m a STOTT Pilates instructor specializing in mat, reformer, and pre + postnatal classes — with a big love for contemporary movement that stays true to Pilates foundations. I teach reformer classes at @studiopilatesbykai and mat at The Lab Westshore, and you’ll often find me teaching at wellness spaces around BC, sharing Pilates at beautiful community events. My teaching is rooted in the STOTT principles and focused on good biomechanics — helping you move safely, build strength, and feel more connected to your body. I believe Pilates is a whole system, and mat work is the base that supports it all. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced mover, I aim to offer classes that are accessible, challenging, and empowering. When I’m not teaching, I’m a busy mama of two who loves to stay active and keep learning — always working to grow as a teacher. Let’s connect anytime! e-mail: pilatesbykai@gmail.com Instagram: @pilatesbykai

Heather F

Heather Frazer is deeply inspired by your life journey. She is dedicated to her students and welcomes you with humour brightness and compassion. Heathers offers mindful alignment based classes, and supports you in settling into your authentic expansive self. It is through her practice on-and-off the mat that she has been able to meet life and its challenges with strength and grace. She holds hold space for you to do the same.

Peter S

Hello, my name is Peter, and I am a certified athletic therapist, yoga instructor, and osteopathic student. My goal as a professional is; to combine my knowledge of athletic therapy, osteopathy, and an integrative practice of yoga, in order to provide my clients/students a holistic approach to health. The practice of yoga came as a natural avenue for me to finally find a bit of quiet in my thoughts. I did not realize until I began the practice of yoga, that I had to move my body to find stillness in my mind. To me, yoga is a system of techniques we use to increase the mindbody connection. I believe that a well sequenced and well taught class can offer benefits to anyone regardless of their ability. My style of practice and teaching is very much influenced by my formal education in athletic therapy, ongoing osteopathic studies, and years on the mat. Athletic therapy is the certification I chose to pursue to work as a health professional. Throughout my training as an athletic therapist, I have been fortunate to work with different local teams, including; Charger’s men’s volley ball, Vike’s girls’ basketball, and the Harbourcats baseball team. This has given me a wealth of practical experience, providing care for athletes who have sustained acute injuries, as well as providing ongoing rehabilitation of injuries. Athletic therapists are orthopedic specialists, who can provide care for anyone, not just professional athletes. As an athletic therapist, I look to get to the root of the problem in order to provide immediate care, and to offer solutions to prevent the injury from re-occurring. In addition to athletic therapy my educational journey has recently landed me in the study of osteopathy. This is an ongoing program lasting 5 years with additional years to complete a thesis. Osteopathy is a holistic manual practice which utilizes the bodies’ inherent autoregulatory mechanisms through which to create a physiological effect. This philosophy of approach treats the individual, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all structures and processes within the human body. I have been teaching yoga for five years and have completed my Bachelor in Athletic & Exercise Therapy at Camosun, as well as my certification to be an athletic therapist, CAT(C). I am also committed to ongoing education through my osteopathic studies. The ability to combine the holistic practice of yoga, and the formal education in athletic therapy and osteopathy, allows me to approach the healing aspects of the body with an analytical yet flexible mind.

Tracey N

Tracey has dedicated herself to the practice, study and teaching of yoga since discovering its joys and benefits during her first pregnancy in 2001. She was fuelled by the inspiration of Shiva Rea, and has further trained with teachers around the world combining elements of dynamic and inspiring alignment-based flow. Her teachings blend the traditional Eastern philosophy and asana with todays desire for physical practice, while integrating the mind body connection. Tracey completed her RYT 200 Yoga Alliance certification through Shiva Rea in 2005 with an emphasis on Prana Vinyasa training. She earned her RYT 500 certification with Janet Stone in 2018 specializing in philosophy, intuitive sequencing and the devotion of unified breath and movement. Being a lifelong leaner, she graduated from McMaster University in 1988 with a degree in Physical Education. She credits this early start as her catalyst to a diverse, and blossoming thirty years in the health and wellness industry. Tracey initiated the Global Mala Project for Peace now running in its 12th year. She is the co-creator of Binds and Beats, a local project that unites the yoga and music world, and has taught workshops at the Victoria Yoga Conference for six years. She has led retreats, workshops and immersions in New York, Mexico, Greece and Thailand. She is currently working on Teacher Training Programs in Victoria and Vancouver, while offering mentorship and one on one training. Tracey creates a safe, non-competitive space for her students to dive beneath the surface of their daily lives to find deeper meaning and clarity. She leads from her heart, stirs emotion and infuses joy while honouring the teacher within. She is known for her creative sequences and intentional themes, emphasizing the importance of proper alignment and the ability to pause and honour time shared on the mat. She is a devoted mother of two and offers yoga as a way of life, a practice of being in the moment and savouring every breath! MUSIC: Creative sequencing is met with the undercurrent of music curated to enhance your practice from beginning to end. Expect up-tempo and down-tempo beats, spiritual, chants and a few favourites to stir your emotional body.

Sam S

Originally from Ontario, Sam has called Victoria home for the past 15 years. She’s got a traveling heart and an adventurous soul. Those attributes have taking her to numerous yoga studios across North America as a guest teacher. Sam took her first 500hr YTT, January 2012 at Modo Yoga LA. With over 1000hrs of trainings under her belt, Sam’s flame for learning continues to burn bright. She finds her greatest growth through fellow teachers, students, community, books, conversations and life experiences. “Life and all the experiences, good or bad, that have been thrown our way skillfully mold us into the people we are now and the people we’re becoming. Breath is an incredibly powerful tool we can use to connect deeper with ourselves. It can allow us to truly be present, in the moment. It can carry us through the most uncomfortable situations, on and off our mats.”

Hannah R.

Hannah first stepped onto her mat in high school during a challenging time. Her dad brought her to The Lab Westshore, where she quickly found a sense of home both within the community and within herself. Wanting to spend more time in the space she loved, Hannah joined the studio’s ambassador program. This gave her a chance to learn what happens behind the scenes while deepening her connection to the practice. From there, her journey unfolded naturally. She completed the first-ever Lab YTT in 2022 and now feels grateful to guide others in the very place where her passion began. Her classes are a blend of grounding, connection, and just the right amount of play. She encourages students to trust their own inner wisdom and to show up exactly as they are. Expect breath-focused movement, funky playlists, and the occasional subpar witty joke. Outside the studio, you might find Hannah behind the DJ decks, lifting heavy weights, or perched in a tree by the ocean. She embraces many ways of being and brings that same fluidity into her teaching.

Nani S.

Nani’s practice is deeply rooted in nervous system regulation – cultivating and strengthening your nervous system primes the body and allows for deeper healing to take place throughout all systems. We are better able to work through muscle tension, digestive disturbances, sleep issues, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, skin concerns, chronic and acute pain. Compassion and integrity are at the forefront of every treatment. Assessing and improving the body as a whole rather than as individual parts, listening intently to formulate a treatment plan to fit you like your favourite sweater. With a background in psychology, a curious mind and open heart, it would be Nani's absolute pleasure to hold space in the treatment room for you and have you leaving looking and feeling better than you came in.

Brandi G.

Brandi completed the 3000 hour Registered Massage Therapy program at West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2013, and remains a member in good standings with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. Brandi became interested in the human body at a very young age, knowing she always wanted to work in the Health and Wellness profession. This curiosity led her to embark on the long journey to becoming a Registered Massage Therapist.  After completing her studies in Victoria B.C, Brandi moved to North Vancouver and had the opportunity to broaden her knowledge by working alongside a variety of health care professionals in a spa environment.  Brandi has a special interest in treating a wide variety of conditions including, but not limited to, pre and post-natal, acute and chronic back/neck injuries, shoulder injuries, postural dysfunction, tension headaches, and neurological conditions. Her treatments involve the use of techniques such as myofascial release, joint mobilization, trigger point therapy, active release, and Swedish techniques. Using all of these to cater to each body’s specific needs.   Brandi believes in a mind-body connection as well as regular maintenance to achieve an optimal sense of wellness.  She truly takes pride in being able to help her patients reach their goals on their path to health and wellbeing.

Cody T.

I first discovered yoga in 2015 on the advice of a friend after suffering minor injuries while training for a half marathon. After my first class I was hooked! Continuing to practice 2 or 3 times per week while still training, I noticed the injuries were subsiding while my flexibility and strength were increasing. I began incorporating yoga into my training plans for running as I started running marathons and eventually ultramarathons over the next few years. In 2019, I wanted to dive deeper into the origins and philosophy of yoga, so I registered for a 200hr YTT cross disciplinary program with DevaTree in London, Ontario. Because I graduated during Covid, I started teaching via Zoom for the next 2 years. I am currently working on a 300hr course with YogaRenew and look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion of yoga with everyone who steps into one of my classes!

Talina B

Talina Barsalou, a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer, has built a lifelong connection to movement and wellness. From team sports to the artistry of baking, her wide-ranging experiences have shaped a thoughtful and holistic approach to health. While earning her Business Degree at UVic, Talina began her fitness journey with her first certification through the YMCA—an early step that sparked a deep passion for mindful movement. Since then, she has earned multiple Functional Fitness certifications, completed two Yoga Teacher Trainings, and achieved full STOTT PILATES® certification. In 2021, Talina took the next step in her journey, training to become an Instructor Trainer. Mentored by exceptional educators in Victoria, Vancouver, and Toronto—including the renowned Tessa Crofton—she has continued to deepen her practice and her teaching. Whether working one-on-one with clients ranging from rehabilitation to sport-specific conditioning, leading group classes, or guiding aspiring instructors, Talina finds joy in helping others discover the power of Pilates and movement to transform body and mind.

Pilar M.

Pilar is a seeker of truth. She believes that what we desire the most is to see our wholeness and to connect intimately with one another in this world – to see each other fully. She believes it begins first with yourself. Pilar teaches from a place of curiosity and humor. You are encouraged and challenged physically, mentally and emotionally to showing up fully! Grounded in knowledge of the heart and love, Pilar’s gentle and mindful guidance through postures creates safety for each and every student to intimately connect with their breath. This is the ultimate experience of life. She encourages students not to miss out on any part of their lives: the light and the dark and all the spaces in between. She is joined on this journey by her two beautiful children who are both her teachers and allies. Pilar’s trainings include: Modo Level 1 (2011), Yin (2014) and Vinyasa Flow (2014).

Cassie M.

Hi! I’m Cassie - a passionate Pilates instructor who has been teaching Pilates & amp Fitness for a year now. Originally from the BC Interior, I moved to Van Isle nearly three years ago and instantly felt at home. My teaching journey began as a client, where I fell in love with the atmosphere in the studio and the community of members and instructors. My love for Pilates goes beyond just movement - it’s about helping others feel strong, confident, and connected to their bodies. I value bringing energy and enthusiasm to every class, creating a supportive space where members can challenge themselves and grow!

Sarah M.

Sarah is a Yoga and Pilates instructor with a deep passion for movement and functional strength. Her classes offer opportunities to soften, to strengthen, to feel nourished by movement. Sarah brings a deep curiosity to her teaching, always learning and evolving. She creates thoughtful, educational sequences that help students better understand how their bodies move and why it matters.

Ellen C.

Ellen is a dedicated Registered Massage Therapist with 15 years of experience, having graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2009. Her passion for health and anatomy drives her holistic approach to wellness, allowing her to address not just physical symptoms but the underlying factors affecting her clients' well-being. Ellen has continually pursued further education and holds certifications in Personal Training, Reiki, Health and Wellness Coaching, and Holistic Nutrition. This diverse skill set enables her to create personalized treatment plans that consider multiple healing avenues, ensuring a comprehensive approach to health. Committed to empowering her clients on their healing journeys, Ellen fosters a supportive and compassionate environment where individuals can explore their wellness goals. She believed that true health is achieved through a balance of body, mind and spirit, and she is dedicated to helping her clients achieve that balance.

Jordyn R.

Jordyn Kathleen Ryan (she/her) is a kinesiologist and yoga instructor with over 300 hours of teacher training, including prenatal and restorative yoga. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Jordyn is a former collegiate athlete for the University of Hawai’i. Her lifelong journey in movement and wellness deepened during her time in Hawai’i, where she completed her yoga training. Guided by her yoga dharma, mālama kākou—‘to care for all of us (inclusive)’—Jordyn creates a safe landing space for her students, so they, in turn, can mālama kākou and extend this care to others. She blends functional movement, breath (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana) to offer support across various stages of life, especially in prenatal and postnatal care. Her approach emphasizes the importance of restorative practices for sleep, stress relief, and overall well-being.

Ambre R.

Instagram: @ambreyogini Facebook: Ambre Rippon Ambre has been practicing yoga since 1997, where she attended her first Iyengar classes on Vancouver Island, and found hot yoga in 2000, when she developed a passion for hot yoga, from Bikram’s to Moksha/Modo to YYoga and heated power classes. She holds three yoga certifications, totaling approximately 780 hours of teacher trainings, from Vancouver Island, 2003 (500 hour), Mexico, 2013 (200 hour) , and YYoga Richmond Hot Yoga Training, 2010 (80 hour). She taught for Y Yoga in Vancouver from 2010-2018 before she moved back to Vancouver Island, where she grew up. Ambre earned her degree in music therapy in North Vancouver in 2012, and currently works in Long Term Care using music activities, singing and movement as a medium to goals with residents. Ambre also has a passion for outdoors, nature, nutrition, and animals, especially her two fur babies, King Henry and Jojo. Come sweat, play, and practice at your own edge, which may vary practice to practice, honoring that you are your highest teacher, always.

Amber F

Amber’s Yin and meditation classes emphasize a holistic mind-body-spirit approach to yoga, offering a safe holding container for your practice through steady, grounded presence and trauma-sensitive practices to encourage deep inner listening, cultivation of present moment awareness and trust in the innate healing intelligence of our bodies. Amber practices as a Medical Herbalist in Victoria, and draws on her knowledge of the healing modalities of plant medicine, ayurveda and buddhism to enrich her offerings as a yoga and meditation teacher. She bows deeply to her many teachers with whom she continues to study, and looks forward to practicing with you! To learn more about Amber visit her website:www.embodiedherbalist.com What to expect for music: Still + Meditation classes = no music Still = relaxing atmospheric instrumental music (sometimes no music) Flow, Flow + Restore = relaxed to mid-tempo music, a mix of instrumental songs and mid-tempo songs with lyrics (mostly from independent artists) You could say even her music selections are trauma-informed!

Lori K

Lori presents a progressive and unique approach to the flow of yoga, offering a continual creative style that begins from the inside out that allows for the freedom to colour outside the lines by feeling, rather than just doing. Seamless connection through dynamic transitioning enabling the space in between to be just as essential as the pose itself. When she’s off her mat, Lori can be found traveling the world with her job as the Program Manager for an international animal welfare organization. And, don’t be surprised if she’ll try to get you to adopt a four legged creature by the end of class!

Nicole W

I tap into my creativity to build sequences that help students discover their inner strength and I facilitate the process of relaxation for each body using modifications and variations. With a heart full of passion for yoga, I strive to create a sacred space where everyone feels encouraged to explore the transformative journey of yoga. Strength & Balance: My yoga practice emphasizes strength and the importance of restoring balance, both in body and mind. I believe that yoga isn't just about poses; it's about fostering resilience, empowering your body, and finding tranquillity within. Community & Connection: I cherish the joy of building a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Through my classes, I aim to bring people together, fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose. Yoga isn't just a physical practice; it's a gateway to relationships, support, and a shared path to well-being. Inclusivity: I'm deeply committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for every body and identity.. I celebrate the beautiful diversity of all individuals, and I believe in the healing power of yoga for each unique soul. Completed 500hrs Hatha Yoga Training with Modo Yoga in Kelowna, 2016. Completed 22hrs Flow Training with Modo Yoga in 2022. Completed 50hrs Restorative/Yin Training with Octopus Garden in 2022.

Shane R

Shane loves the outdoors. Chasing the ocean and mountains all the way from Ontario, he arrived on the island in 2021. He has since become addicted to surfing and mountain biking in between his day job as an environmental consultant. Shane began his journey with yoga in 2018 – he was bored at the gym and needed something to spice things up. Believing flexibility was not in his cards, he’d never entertained the idea of practicing yoga. One of his best friends pushed him to try an into month of power yoga – and just like that, he was hooked. The blending of a full body workout, finding the physical limit, and the practice of checking into the present moment while letting go, was exactly what he needed. Yoga helped him tame his temper (and still does) and touch his toes. Now he tries to pass that immense benefit of yoga through his teaching.

Sarah H

Sarah began practicing yoga as a way to stretch after running, but it became so much more than a physical practice when she started to feel subtle changes in her mind and heart. Without realizing it, she had started down a path of self-discovery, and it has changed her life for the better. Practicing yoga gives her the space she needs to let go of her thoughts, listen and connect with her heart, and embrace her dreams. Sarah began teaching yoga in 2013 to share her passion for something that has truly been such a positive influence in her own life. She strives to give her students space and connection to their heart, to their voice, and to their own unique passions. She believes that taking the time to find stillness, to breathe, and to listen will help us tap into our own innate and intuitive wisdom and guide us to where we truly want to be. Sarah enjoys spending time immersed in nature and feeling a connection to our beautiful Planet Earth. She believes there is always more to learn, and will always be an enthusiastic student and explorer of our world ♡ Sarah is a YA certified RYT-500, and teaches all levels Yin, Restorative, Hatha, Vinyasa, and paddle board (SUP) yoga. She also leads Meditation and Yoga Nidra, and always includes Savasana with every class! For more info please visit www.sarahhendersonyoga.com

Tamara M

My name is Tamara Maxim and I live in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada! I am so grateful to live in the Pacific West Coast, which has a vibrant yoga community! I have 2 beautiful daughters who always support my yoga ventures. I have two adorable yoga dogs, Honey and Sweetheart, who join in my yoga adventures and are often featured in my yoga videos! I started teaching yoga in 1999, due in large part to the inspiration I found from spending time at the Yasodhara Ashram as a child and young adult. Through my own practice, infused with yoga philosophy and study, I have found yoga to be a constant source of healing and joy. I love weaving together deeper elements of yogic teachings into my classes, especially drawing from the elements that have resonated within my life. I am grateful for the many connections I’ve made in life through yoga and feel grateful to share my passion in my community.

Telisha K.

I’m passionate about creating a safe, inclusive space where students of all backgrounds and experience levels can feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening your practice, my goal is to guide you toward a deeper connection with your body, breath, and inner peace. I discovered yoga in my early 20s during a period of personal growth and healing. What started as a refuge quickly became a lifelong passion for movement, mindfulness, and self-discovery. With a background in gymnastics and dance, I bring a love for alignment, grace, and flow into every class. I’m certified in Hatha, Vinyasa, Hot Yoga, Restorative, and Meditation, with over 17 years of practice. My classes blend strength and stillness, movement and relaxation, creating space for you to explore, grow, and come home to yourself. I teach with a bubbly, compassionate energy, always encouraging creativity, vulnerability, and joy on the mat. My classes are an invitation to explore your own unique path and return to your true self, again and again.

Karen M.

Karen's love of volleyball, singing and dance, expanded into yoga, reiki, being a therapist to intuitive offerings as she nurtured her relationship with holistic medicine. She brings her love of energy, body and dream space communication to awaken your aliveness, free your voice and nourish you deeply for a fully expressed, sacred and playful life. When Karen is not teaching yoga, she is offering 1:1 Power of Expression Coaching & Energy Healing. Karen brings 20 years experience as a certified Hatha yoga teacher, facilitating workshops, teacher trainings and retreats in Canada. Trained in Hospice volunteering services specializing in Reiki complimentary care, Karen is a certified Reiki Master since 2010 and holds certification in Transpersonal Hypnotherapy and a diploma in Psychotherapy.

Erin K

Erin Keir, born and raised in Toronto landed in paradise Victoria B.C. 500Hr RYT + Reiki Energy Healer, Erin combines elements of breath, energetic movement and mindful relaxation to promote a deep sense of balance and freedom. Her approachable style is accessible to yoga veterans and rookies alike – you’ll leave her classes connected to joy and ready to ‘Let Shift Happen.’ With over 15 years of diverse experience teaching many forms of yoga & dance, Erin leads regular weekly classes, private sessions, workshops and retreats worldwide. She proudly has served on the faculty of the Ahimsa Yogayama Teacher Training program, where she herself studied and graduated. Always a student, she is deeply grateful for her teachers & mentors: Michelle & JP Tamblyn-Sabo, Danielle March, YuMee Chung, Simon Park, Rod Stryker & Theresa Marcotte.

Rose C

My passion for Creative Expressions, Yoga and Healing Arts continue to bloom everyday. I’ve been a Yoga Teacher for a decade sharing my energy and experience through community building, art, poetry and innovative resilient props for on and off my Yoga mat. My recent projects are supporting, facilitating and gathering conscious minds as a Creative Director for Yoga, Art & Nature Retreats as visitors on unceded territory on Haida Gwaii + sharing my Reclaimed Cedar Bloom Yoga & Art Blocks. To preview my music check out my Spotify playlist: Yoga with Rose

Eve C

Eve has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and took her practice to the next level by completing her Yoga Teacher Training Program (RYT-200). From there, she has completed various other training programs to complement her yoga and aerial fitness classes. She completed her 300 hours Yoga Teacher Training in July 2020 and is designated as a RYT-500. She is currently a member of Yoga Alliance and also designated as a Continuing Education Provider (YACEP). She aims to make her classes fresh, uplifting and fun for all levels. She is friendly, approachable and takes great care with creating a safe and comfortable environment for all her students. She loves sharing the joy of yoga and fitness with each and every student that she meets along the way. She believes in yoga for life – taking every opportunity to weave the tools and practices of yoga that she has learned into her daily life. She is always looking for ways to deepen her practice and expand her study of yoga by continuously learning – not only from other teachers and colleagues, but also from students.

Kelly D’A

Welcome! A little about Kelly ~ She has been specializing in the Critical Trauma Rehabilitation sector since 2007. She is a Massage Therapist (2005) certified in Craniosacral Therapy, Orthopedic Evaluation ,Total Body Balancing, Lymphatic Drainage and Yoga Therapy. She is also certified in energy medicine therapies, Energetic Balancing level 1,2 & 3. She is a certified Reiki Master, Consultant in Akashic Records & Soul Realignment. She believes that "Every-BODY" is different therefore each session is unique and designed for your needs. She specializes in bringing awareness to patterns that are wanting to be cleared and healed from chronic di-stress, dis-ease and dis-empowerment. Utilizing her passion, knowledge, and experience in Anatomy, Fascial Restrictions , Somatic Emotional Release and Akashic Records, she has created my Shifts Happen program. This program establishes and links your unique Soul Gifts, Talents and remarkable characteristics for you to release what is no longer serving you and Shift into your True Potential! My program identifies blocks, restrictions, and karmic patterns that are disrupting your balance potential in your present life. Through her program, unique learning strategies are created specifically for you to step into your TRUE POTENTIAL and the LIFE YOU DESIRE. She takes great pride in the progress and successes of my clients, and looks forward to working with you. Shifts Happen when you Practice the Pause Cheers, Kelly

Dawn B

Hi I’m Dawn, I believe yoga transforms us from the inside out. Whether you’re new to yoga or are looking to deepen your practice, I’m here to support you on your journey and offer you tools and experiences to feel more at ease in your body and mind. I began my teaching career in Calgary, Alberta where I taught full time at top yoga studios as well as offering privates and corporates. In October 2021, I moved to Victoria where I continue to teach. Yoga truly changed my life and teaching is my passion. After years in a hectic marketing and advertising career, I answered my calling and have been teaching full time for over 14 years. I am a 500RYT and certified Meditation Teacher. I teach a variety of styles from Hatha to Flow to Yin and Restorative Yoga, as well as Breathwork and Meditation. I have facilitated several Meditation and Pranayama workshops and created alongside my husband a Yoga and Sound experience - Immersion, Sound, Mind, Body which we share at yoga studios as well as festivals in Alberta and British Columbia. I’m known for mindful, grounding and balanced classes integrating breath and movement; using breath to calm the mind while working into and connecting with the physical body. I also blend music and meditation to create a serene experience. To preview the music I play in class, feel free to check out my Spotify. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/9o28m9vt5r1ghf6yo35p1o257 Instagram: @dawnbayersyoga and @yogaserenestudio Website: yogaserene.com Spotify: @yogaserene

Kailie W

Kailie began her Yoga journey not soon after moving to the island in 2001. She felt like a duck out of water but with a little time, patience and curiosity she realized how important and impactful a regular practice could be! Kailie sees herself as a life long student whom shares her journey and lessons with her fellow community. She has studied a variety of mind body movement practices such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Prenatal Yoga, Pilates, Chair Yoga and Barre. She recognizes the power of the breath and ensures she lovingly encourages her students to tap into the depth of it every class. Kailie’s classes are playful, strength based, alignment focused and all encompassing. Her intention is to bring her students back to themselves, an opportunity to get out of their heads and back into their hearts. 

 When not in the Yoga room, Kailie provides Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine out of a local wellness center. Her biggest love is her family and the humbling new role of becoming a Mother.

Jonni-Lyn F

Jonni-Lyn Friel has been teaching Yoga since 2006 and is a E-RYT-500, E-RYT 200, RPYT and Jivamukti teacher who recently returned to Canada ,after many years of living in Athens Greece. She is pleased to call Victoria , B.C home and looks forward to exploring how life will unfold here.She first was exposed to Yoga as a child in Canada through her first teachers, her parents, and joined in their practice by watching and following along. Yoga was always a self practice that took her through years of competitive swimming, University and backpacking around the world. In 1999, she stepped into her first Yoga class and discovered the joys of having a teacher and being taught from another person's experience and knowledge. In 2006 she completed her first teacher training in Athens, Greece. With a strong background in alignment and Anusara, she began to explore the world of Vinyasa, completing a teacher training with her wonderful teacher Rusty Wells. In 2013 she completed the 300 hour Jivamukti Yoga teacher training in Costa Rica and found new teachers in Sharon Gannon and David Life. Now a 500 hour RYT, she has taught numerous 200 and 500 hour trainings, where her love is to share the Bhagavad Gita and to teach service and compassion as a way to happiness and self realization. In 2016 she founded Namaha Yoga School, a collective of teachers from around the world from different traditions who share the common belief that teaching Yoga is a path of Seva, or service. Jonni-Lyn knows Yoga to be sacred, healing and powerful. This is how it has affected her life and spirit. Her greatest joy is to share her knowledge and pass on the teachings of her beloved teachers to others, in hope that it serves them in their lives.

Fiji M

Fiji McAlpine is an ERYT 500 yoga instructor and is one of the founding yoga teachers featured on DoYogaWithMe.com. Her online popularity has grown significantly over the years, giving her global reach in the online platform, and has allowed her to offer frequent guidance to thousands of students each week. Fiji is now devoting more time and energy into bringing a personal experience to those who have practiced with her for so long. She has been offering retreats and workshops around the world to connect with her global yoga family and to share her love for this practice. To keep updated on her upcoming retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings around the world visit her website: mindintomatteryoga.com Fiji’s personal practice and classes focus on vinyasa flow, infused with power, strength and precision. Having trained extensively in California, Costa Rica, and Canada, her classes are often described as a strong practice that allows students to face challenges with support and guidance, inspiring them to move forward fearlessly and more consciously. Over the past decade, yoga has helped Fiji through personal transformation, she openly shares about finding yoga to be a vital tool of healing as she overcame an eating disorder. You can find Fiji at Harmony Yoga in Duncan, BC, or at her website

Elysia K.

Elysia Keepence is a sound practitioner drawn to the quiet magic of inner transformation. She completed her 200-hour training at MA Wellness and Yoga, and a 100-hour training in sound offering, where she explored how vibration, rhythm, and rest can reconnect us to ourselves. Sound deeply inspires her—it creates an inner landscape for self-alchemy, a kind of song and dance with the soul. In both movement and stillness, Elysia holds space for softness, curiosity, and the return to what’s real and felt. Her offerings blend breath, body, and sound into something simple and sacred. She went on to study extensively at the Sivanada Yoga and Vedanta Ashram, Kerala, India and at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana in Bangalore, India and has since taught in India, the USA and Canada. She has been offering Ayurvedic Workshops for the past 8 years in India, USA and now in Canada. Sarada also offers private Ayurvedic Consultations, teaches Ayurvedic cooking classes,workshops and Marma Kriya

Tara H

Tara Heal landed in beautiful Victoria in 2017 from a 14 year stint living in NYC, and couldn’t be happier. Her teaching has spanned NHL teams, teens, Broadway performers, office groups – always offering classes that are powerful, soulful, and dynamic, while incorporating innovative, intelligent sequencing and functional alignment. She aims to encourage body awareness, agility, and strength, while illuminating the peace and power that comes from mindfulness.Tara fell in love with this practice in 2001. By 2008 she began formal training with Rod Stryker’s Para Yoga Vinyasa Certification (Mary Bruce and Johnna Smith), and has continued with trainings, immersions and inspiration from The Iyengar Institute, Laughing Lotus NYC, Kula Yoga NYC, Moksha/ Modo Yoga, Sivananda, Janet Stone, Carly Forest (Yin), Christine Price Clark, Ryan Leir, Dina Tshouluhas, Witold Fitz-Simmons, Ted Grand, Jessica Robertson and will be a student for life. Tara is honoured to share the practice that has brought so much courage, resilience and joy into her own life, and intends to bring light, humor, patience and authenticity into her teaching. Alongside Yoga, her work as a performer has taken her to stages all over the globe. She feels endlessly grateful to continue sharing her “why” through movement and music.For info on events, special offerings, privates, and mentorships, connect with Tara via Instagram DM. For info on upcoming events, workshops, and teacher trainings visit IG: @tarahealybird

Crista S

Crista adores yoga! She loves the peace and happiness that it brings her, and loves helping others to similarly discover the healing and empowering effects of yoga. She has found that yoga addresses all aspects of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, and that acceptance and confidence on the mat reflect into daily life. Crista holds a B.A. in Psychology, and has taken additional training in counselling and social work. She has been teaching yoga for over 15 years. She has completed numerous Teacher Trainings: 5 Elements Vinyasa with Janet Stone, Vinyasa with Clara Roberts-Oss, Prenatal with Teresa Campbell, Advanced Hatha Teacher Training, Silent Meditation, and Advanced Pranayama. She is proud to hold the highest designation of certification with Yoga Alliance, an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500). She loved being a member of the Semperviva Yoga Teacher Training faculty in Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about helping students learn, sweat, de-stress, and have fun! She encourages students to be playful and open. Her classes are always creative, working toward peak poses, and include a theme in practice. She feels that yoga should be a balance between challenging oneself to grow and learn, and gently respecting one’s daily limits. She believes that every person has the ability to discover the wisdom and compassion of their own inner teacher. Come and play!

Carly GH

Her classes are a lot like her hair: ever-changing, colourful and full of joy. Meet Carly Greene Hill. She’s a movement teacher, events organizer and writer, here on the traditional lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People. Often found with a coffee in one hand and a pen in the other, Carly creates avenues of self-expression under her pen name tiny.writer. Her yoga sequences offer something for everyone—be it heart, flow or funk. You can expect a focus on intelligent movement, playfulness and connection to music + poetry. When she isn’t working, this community connector winds down by cooking (badly), camping (also badly) and watching TV (namely Ted Lasso). More often than not, she has her nose in a book and arms around her favourite infamous companion, Ari The Cat.

Becca R.

My name is Becca Rudyk. I am a coffee professional, a mother of two boys and a wife. I have always been very active, playing volleyball, running and hiking. All of these high adrenaline, high impact sports eventually took their toll on my body. In my search for a solution to the pain I was dealing with due to sports injuries and the repetitive strain of life that affects many of us, I found yoga. I started practicing yoga on a regular basis in 2011 at Moksha Victoria (now Lab Victoria), the studio where I would eventually complete my YTT (200 hrs). After a month of regular practice, I was hooked! I was starting to find relief from the pain I had been experiencing for years and I continued to get stronger as the months went by. As months of practice turned into years, I noticed that yoga was affecting my life in ways I had not anticipated. More than relaxation and pain relief, my practice began to reach beyond the physical, to the mindful and spiritual layers of my Self. Through breathwork and meditation, the benefits of yoga started to carry over into my life off the mat. I completed my yoga teacher training in June of 2024. I have a background in teaching and have always worked very closely with the public and my community. As a yoga teacher, I strive to bring authenticity and acceptance to the classes I lead, so the students in my classes feel free to bring their own true selves each class. I decided to become a yoga teacher because I have experienced so many gifts in my own life from practising yoga. Through teaching yoga, I hope to share these gifts with my community.

Sativa Y.

Sativa’s journey with yoga began at birth, thanks to her mother's influence. For all 23 years of her life, yoga has been a constant companion, guiding her through the ebbs and flows of existence. Growing up as a dedicated competitive dancer, Sativa found that yoga provided the grounding and balance she needed to navigate both the physical and emotional demands of dance and everyday life. Sativa's deep-rooted connection to yoga has shaped her into a compassionate and insightful instructor. Her personal practice, enriched by years of experience, informs her teaching style, which emphasizes the holistic benefits of yoga. She believes in the delicate balance of yin and yang, incorporating this philosophy into her classes to create a harmonious blend of dynamic movement and restorative stillness. Her favourite style to teach is Yoga Nidra which exemplifies this balance, offering profound relaxation and mental clarity. Sativa's background in competitive dance has endowed her with a keen understanding of the body, alignment, and movement. Her classes are designed to be accessible yet challenging, with a focus on proper alignment and mindful transitions. She uses her extensive knowledge to guide students through sequences that build strength, flexibility, and awareness, all while ensuring that each pose is performed safely and effectively. A cornerstone of Sativa's teaching philosophy is her dedication to mental health. She passionately believes in the transformative power of yoga to support emotional resilience and mental well-being. Her classes often include elements of meditation and mindfulness, encouraging students to connect deeply with their inner selves and cultivate a sense of peace and balance. Sativa's empathetic approach creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where students of all levels can explore and deepen their practice. Sativa is profoundly grateful for the many remarkable teachers she has had the honour of learning from and practicing beside. These mentors have profoundly shaped her approach to yoga, and their wisdom and insight continue to inspire her daily. This deep sense of gratitude fuels her desire to share the transformative power of yoga with her students. Through her compassionate guidance and unwavering commitment, Sativa strives to inspire her students to embark on their own journeys with yoga. Her classes are a testament to the transformative power of yoga, fostering physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance in all who practice with her.

Lucie P.

Lucie is a highly skilled and empathetic Pilates, Yoga and Mindfulness educator with over 10 years experience in the wellness industry. Her passion for movement was developed at an early age through training as a dancer and studies in the performing arts and her teaching style is anchored in mindfulness, combining movement with focus, feeling and purpose, advancing participants over time to a state of better mobility, strength and confidence. Inspired by a deep love of movement and a passion for community and connection, classes are inclusive, relaxed and welcoming, empowering you to move easy and have a good time. Kim is constantly amazed with the resilience of the body, mind and heart. She believes that everyone can benefit from yoga, and that practice can be a pathway to connect to ourselves and those around us. The practice of yoga can help us to remember that we are whole and complete just as we are. Kim teaches mindfulness by slowing down, and linking breath with movement to encourage present moment awareness in both body and mind.

Kamila N

Kamila, Teacher & Owner of the Lab Westshore, is the one behind the scenes and often at the desk working with our incredible Westshore faculty and facility, and teaching a variety of class offerings at both Lab Westshore and Victoria. She grew up on Vancouver island, and keeps very active exploring within BC’s bountiful nature. Dance was a huge part of Kamila’s yoga journey and active lifestyle growing up; she fell in love with graceful mobility, and learned much about stretching and movement anatomy. Yoga came into Kamila’s life over 13 years ago, the physical/spiritual restorative functions and power of breath latched onto her heart and mind. The ever learning world of yoga and mindful fitness is humbling and exciting for Kamila, with several trainings, workshops, and years of experience in management and business she hopes to meet and move with you very soon! 

Wendy D

I was actually born right here- in Metchosin on the Westshore, back in ‘68. Just to think how differently my 20’s may have turned out if I had had access to a brilliant yoga space like this one?! Well things turned out just the way they needed to and here I am, full circling back to my geographic roots. As a longtime lover of yoga as my chosen form of exercise for both the brain & body, you’ll likely see me next to you practising mornings, on my mat, and mostly because being on it and with other yoga doin’ folks, makes me feel alive & thriving- keeps me steadfast and motivated as I round the corner into my 50’s. As a dedicated and developing yoga teacher, my hope is that the deep necessity of my personal practice somehow comes across in classes, and that those like myself, who stumble, may find surer ground. I anticipate so very much sharing together- all of us learning & feeling better through the powerful group dynamic, yet still with the peace, privacy, & power, that comes with being on the mat.

Sasha M

I finished my initial 200-hour training in Ucluelet, British Columbia. This marks just the beginning of a profound and magnificent journey for me. I've dedicated myself to delving deeper into the essence of Yoga, understanding that this pursuit spans beyond a single lifetime. This realization fills me with humility, excitement, and a sense of profound beauty. My intention now centred on sharing the transformative power of Yoga. I utilize its diverse tools to guide individuals toward greater fulfillment, freedom, and joy in their lives. My approach is rooted in presenting Yoga as a spiritual science, guiding individuals on an inward journey back to their inherent wholeness. Everything I offer aims to empower others to cultivate their own understanding and experience, allowing them to grasp the essence of Yoga's philosophical concepts and integrate them into their lives.

Lex W

My highest joy is to create spaces where we can connect back into our bodies and ourselves through mindful movement, breathwork, and sound! I believe that the juice of life lies in cultivating connection, kindness, and loving-awareness for the self and all others. This practise has been my anchor through challenging times, a place of deep inward growth, and a beacon which has led me to the edges of the world to train, teach, and play. I feel endlessly inspired by the lessons that blossom outwards from the mat and so, so grateful for the beautiful opportunities to share this practice! You can expect elements of creativity and expression in our classes together, along with a strong backbone of traditional asanas and lots of deeeep breaths! I became a Moksha yoga instructor in 2012 and expanded over the years to train in the traditions of Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin. With roots as a dancer and a cheerleader, movement has always been a big part of my life. As the depth and complexity of the practice revealed itself over time, I grew more and more in love with it. About five years ago, I became entranced with circus arts and began training in aerial silks and aerial hoop. With a dream to merge the two worlds of yoga and circus into one embodied practice, I trained to teach Aerial Yoga in 2015 and also began deepening into the practice of Acro yoga. Since then, I’ve been involved in some really exciting projects, including the creation of a 50-hour YACEP Aerial Yoga Teacher Training Program at Soul Studios in Calgary, AB, an Aerial Arts and Yoga retreat in Guatemala, and a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program with Sacred Paths in Costa Rica. When I’m not on the mat this year, I’ll be completing a degree in Psychology, jamming contact improv, and adventuring outdoors in my gorgeous backyard of East Sooke! “Physical matter is music solidified.” -Pythagorus

Kristyn F

Kristyn is a true explorer, embodying a deep connection to the earth and to all wild things in nature. After migrating to Vancouver Island 3 years ago, you’ll often find her free-diving and exploring the coasts or inland, hiking and camping off the beaten trails. Her bond with nature is paired with a passion for deep healing and mindfulness through daily yoga practice and meditation. After undertaking her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in 2015, she travelled around the world and across Canada in pursuit of self study. As her practice evolved, she became inspired to share her teachings of yoga not only to build strength and flexibility in the body, but also to create a safe space to embrace the experience of yoga through meditation, as a deeply profound and transformational exploration of who we really are. Her classes are all encompassing, as she offers nourishing yet creative teachings of Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and Nidra. She believes in movement as medicine and the power of the breath, a combination that invokes both presence and an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us. As a devoted Yoga Nidra teacher and practitioner with 30hr + 60hr Yoga Nidra teaching certifications, Kristyn also offers teachings of deep relaxation and altered states of consciousness known as the ‘yogis’ sleep’ or conscious sleep. For her, the experience of yoga teaches us how to be resilient yet compassionate, both on and off our mats.

Sheena N

Born in Toronto and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Sheena moved to the west coast and feels sweetly embraced by the change of pace. One of the best decisions she ever made. Following a previous life in restaurant operations, she set out on a year long self guided pilgrimage. Staying in ashrams and meditation centres to explore embodiement of the yogic lifestyle, in none of other than its birthplace of India. The intention being to better understand the intricacies of her own heritage, fostering spiritual growth. Her time abroad allowed her to absorb the nuances and traditions of Eastern hospitality which have reminded her to connect with authencity and sincerity everyday. She aspires to educate that the practice of yoga extends beyond being in a studio moving your body, manipulating your breath, relaxing and meditating. Empowering yogis to approach themselves with playfulness and curiosity inwards, themes from the traditional philosophies are woven through her classes to remind us how to take our practice off the mat. The message remains consistent; Slow down, breathe, illuminate the positive qualities of one's life, by approaching one’s own self with love. If not dancing in the kitchen, you can find her with a camera in hand. She’s happiest snacking in the sun, day dreaming by the sea or flowing on her yoga mat.

Charlie G.

A queer sound maker, certified Deep Listening® practitioner, and somatic facilitator, Charlie holds embodied offerings that combine somatic movement, poetry, queer ecology, Deep Listening® practices, imagination work, and soundscape creation. Charlie has been leading immersive sound experiences since 2012, and has been leading trainings in the art of sound meditation creation since 2015. As an artist they work inside the mediums of movement, performance poetry, photography, and sound/sonic art. Charlie manages and teaches at Lab Victoria. Charlie is a uninvited settler residing on the stolen, ancestral territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, colonially known today as Victoria, BC.

Karla G

Born in Mexico City, my journey into the world of yoga began at the age of twelve. This early start led me down a transformative path of self-healing and self-knowledge. My first introduction to yoga was in 2008 with the 26 and 2 series, and in 2014 I completed the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. Later, I completed an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training and Pranayama and Mudra Certifications with Guruji BNS Iyengar in Mysore, India. I am currently pursuing a two year 84 Asanas Diploma. My teachings are deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ghosh and Ashtanga yoga lineages. My love for movement and holistic wellness inspired me to study holistic nutrition and herbal medicine, equipping me to support others on their health journeys. Today, I am dedicated to teaching yoga and leading retreats, creating spaces for growth and transformation. As a Holistic Nutritionist and Herbalist, I also offer personalized health consultations online, helping clients achieve balance and vitality in their lives. Website: rootedpathhealth.com Instagram: karla_livingmindfully

Emily OS

Emily is deeply fascinated in the holistic relationship between the body, heart, mind and spirit. A yoga practice, to her is an opportunity to play in a space that not only focuses on the body’s wellness, but the intersection point of all the elements that make us human. She draws inspiration from the many facets of her past experiences, including theatre movement training, dance, breath training, meditation, physical embodiment and trauma awareness. She received her 200 hours of training from Clara Roberts-Oss and Carolyn Budgell, and continued her studies with a Yin teacher training with Jolene Bayda, Meditation teacher training with Carolyn Budgell, and a trauma informed training for yoga teachers through Yoga Outreach and Nicole Marcia. She is also a Reiki Master practitioner and works one on one with clients in the city. In a past life she was an actor and comedian, with a BFA in Theatre Performance. When she made the decision to step away from acting, she embarked on her own personal “joy mission” and yoga quickly moved to the forefront. It is this joy, along with higher self awareness, strength in body but also boundaries, and glimmers of freedom and ease that kept Emily coming back to her practice again and again. Through her own life-changing experience she knew she needed to learn how to share it with others. She believes that you DO NOT need to be flexible to practice yoga; the benefits of this practice are truly available to all. Of the highest importance is striving to ensure each student's safety. In body but also in identity, emotion, and expression. She crafts her practices with great care to empower the practitioner with choice; with autonomy over their own experience. She teaches with deep reverence to the roots of yoga and honours where each person is at on their individual journey. Practice with Emily to sweat, to feel (with complete non-judgement), to express, to get stronger, and maybe even sneak in a little giggle.

Jaime K

Kamila N

Kamila, Teacher & Owner of the Lab Westshore, is the one behind the scenes and often at the desk working with our incredible Westshore faculty and facility, and teaching a variety of class offerings at both Lab Westshore and Victoria. She grew up on Vancouver island, and keeps very active exploring within BC’s bountiful nature. Dance was a huge part of Kamila’s yoga journey and active lifestyle growing up; she fell in love with graceful mobility, and learned much about stretching and movement anatomy. Yoga came into Kamila’s life over 13 years ago, the physical/spiritual restorative functions and power of breath latched onto her heart and mind. The ever learning world of yoga and mindful fitness is humbling and exciting for Kamila, with several trainings, workshops, and years of experience in management and business she hopes to meet and move with you very soon! 

Sheena N

Born in Toronto and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Sheena moved to the west coast and feels sweetly embraced by the change of pace. One of the best decisions she ever made. Following a previous life in restaurant operations, she set out on a year long self guided pilgrimage. Staying in ashrams and meditation centres to explore embodiement of the yogic lifestyle, in none of other than its birthplace of India. The intention being to better understand the intricacies of her own heritage, fostering spiritual growth. Her time abroad allowed her to absorb the nuances and traditions of Eastern hospitality which have reminded her to connect with authencity and sincerity everyday. She aspires to educate that the practice of yoga extends beyond being in a studio moving your body, manipulating your breath, relaxing and meditating. Empowering yogis to approach themselves with playfulness and curiosity inwards, themes from the traditional philosophies are woven through her classes to remind us how to take our practice off the mat. The message remains consistent; Slow down, breathe, illuminate the positive qualities of one's life, by approaching one’s own self with love. If not dancing in the kitchen, you can find her with a camera in hand. She’s happiest snacking in the sun, day dreaming by the sea or flowing on her yoga mat.

Aubrey B

To Aubrey, yoga is the practice of coming back to yourself. In the midst of a busy athletic journey and then marketing career, she found that her mat was the solid ground upon which she could return to herself, again and again. This led her to The Lab Victoria, where she combines her love of wellness, movement, and mindfulness with her marketing expertise. As well as her behind the scenes role, you'll also find her leading practice in the Sun Room. She became a RYT-200 yoga teacher in 2024 and now seeks to share her experience and joy of the practice with every student who joins her in class. She emphasizes mindful steady movement, play, and an inner connection cultivated through a strong practice. Find her on Instagram @aubrey.b.

Meg R.

Back to the west coast after being raised on the east coast in Halifax NS. I moved to Vancouver Island in Spring 2024. I've been passionate about health and wellness my whole life; being a provincial level athlete growing up and now possessing my BSc in Human Nutrition. I spend most of my time with my Rottweiler, Remi exploring the island. I love coffee, the beach, and warm energy.

Charlie G.

A queer sound maker, certified Deep Listening® practitioner, and somatic facilitator, Charlie holds embodied offerings that combine somatic movement, poetry, queer ecology, Deep Listening® practices, imagination work, and soundscape creation. Charlie has been leading immersive sound experiences since 2012, and has been leading trainings in the art of sound meditation creation since 2015. As an artist they work inside the mediums of movement, performance poetry, photography, and sound/sonic art. Charlie manages and teaches at Lab Victoria. Charlie is a uninvited settler residing on the stolen, ancestral territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, colonially known today as Victoria, BC.

Jill S

Jill grew up in a large loving family of 8, being a middle child taught her the art of caring for others at an early age. Being very sensitive to the energies of people around her, Jill found herself wanting to help to make all things better. The desire to help others led her to a career in nursing at Island Health. Jill retired in 2021 after a 35-year career, 25 of these years at Hospice caring for the dying and their loved ones. Healing Touch was Jill’s introduction to energy work about 20 years ago and she found it to be a beautiful skill to have at the bedside. Jill completed two levels of Healing Touch and planned on continuing to all levels until she discovered Reiki. Jill completely fell in love with the simple and profound practice of Reiki and completed her training in 2022 and is a Usai Reiki Master Practitioner. Jill creates a welcoming safe space for clients to relax and surrender to the gentle energy with the intention of benefiting their body, mind and spirit for their highest good.

Karla G

Born in Mexico City, my journey into the world of yoga began at the age of twelve. This early start led me down a transformative path of self-healing and self-knowledge. My first introduction to yoga was in 2008 with the 26 and 2 series, and in 2014 I completed the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. Later, I completed an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training and Pranayama and Mudra Certifications with Guruji BNS Iyengar in Mysore, India. I am currently pursuing a two year 84 Asanas Diploma. My teachings are deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ghosh and Ashtanga yoga lineages. My love for movement and holistic wellness inspired me to study holistic nutrition and herbal medicine, equipping me to support others on their health journeys. Today, I am dedicated to teaching yoga and leading retreats, creating spaces for growth and transformation. As a Holistic Nutritionist and Herbalist, I also offer personalized health consultations online, helping clients achieve balance and vitality in their lives. Website: rootedpathhealth.com Instagram: karla_livingmindfully

Ela D

Manuela Dominguez is a passionate yoga teacher dedicated to wellness, self-love, and holistic growth. Certified with a Modo 500Hr. YTT and 3 AcroYoga trainings, she also explores aerial Lyra and flow arts, drawing from her dance background. Since yoga became her path to personal healing and connection, she now views movement as a spiritual practice that grounds her in compassion and authenticity.

Jaime K

Heather F

Heather Frazer is deeply inspired by your life journey. She is dedicated to her students and welcomes you with humour brightness and compassion. Heathers offers mindful alignment based classes, and supports you in settling into your authentic expansive self. It is through her practice on-and-off the mat that she has been able to meet life and its challenges with strength and grace. She holds hold space for you to do the same.

Tracey N

Tracey has dedicated herself to the practice, study and teaching of yoga since discovering its joys and benefits during her first pregnancy in 2001. She was fuelled by the inspiration of Shiva Rea, and has further trained with teachers around the world combining elements of dynamic and inspiring alignment-based flow. Her teachings blend the traditional Eastern philosophy and asana with todays desire for physical practice, while integrating the mind body connection. Tracey completed her RYT 200 Yoga Alliance certification through Shiva Rea in 2005 with an emphasis on Prana Vinyasa training. She earned her RYT 500 certification with Janet Stone in 2018 specializing in philosophy, intuitive sequencing and the devotion of unified breath and movement. Being a lifelong leaner, she graduated from McMaster University in 1988 with a degree in Physical Education. She credits this early start as her catalyst to a diverse, and blossoming thirty years in the health and wellness industry. Tracey initiated the Global Mala Project for Peace now running in its 12th year. She is the co-creator of Binds and Beats, a local project that unites the yoga and music world, and has taught workshops at the Victoria Yoga Conference for six years. She has led retreats, workshops and immersions in New York, Mexico, Greece and Thailand. She is currently working on Teacher Training Programs in Victoria and Vancouver, while offering mentorship and one on one training. Tracey creates a safe, non-competitive space for her students to dive beneath the surface of their daily lives to find deeper meaning and clarity. She leads from her heart, stirs emotion and infuses joy while honouring the teacher within. She is known for her creative sequences and intentional themes, emphasizing the importance of proper alignment and the ability to pause and honour time shared on the mat. She is a devoted mother of two and offers yoga as a way of life, a practice of being in the moment and savouring every breath! MUSIC: Creative sequencing is met with the undercurrent of music curated to enhance your practice from beginning to end. Expect up-tempo and down-tempo beats, spiritual, chants and a few favourites to stir your emotional body.

Fiji M

Fiji McAlpine is an ERYT 500 yoga instructor and is one of the founding yoga teachers featured on DoYogaWithMe.com. Her online popularity has grown significantly over the years, giving her global reach in the online platform, and has allowed her to offer frequent guidance to thousands of students each week. Fiji is now devoting more time and energy into bringing a personal experience to those who have practiced with her for so long. She has been offering retreats and workshops around the world to connect with her global yoga family and to share her love for this practice. To keep updated on her upcoming retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings around the world visit her website: mindintomatteryoga.com Fiji’s personal practice and classes focus on vinyasa flow, infused with power, strength and precision. Having trained extensively in California, Costa Rica, and Canada, her classes are often described as a strong practice that allows students to face challenges with support and guidance, inspiring them to move forward fearlessly and more consciously. Over the past decade, yoga has helped Fiji through personal transformation, she openly shares about finding yoga to be a vital tool of healing as she overcame an eating disorder. You can find Fiji at Harmony Yoga in Duncan, BC, or at her website

Tara H

Tara Heal landed in beautiful Victoria in 2017 from a 14 year stint living in NYC, and couldn’t be happier. Her teaching has spanned NHL teams, teens, Broadway performers, office groups – always offering classes that are powerful, soulful, and dynamic, while incorporating innovative, intelligent sequencing and functional alignment. She aims to encourage body awareness, agility, and strength, while illuminating the peace and power that comes from mindfulness.Tara fell in love with this practice in 2001. By 2008 she began formal training with Rod Stryker’s Para Yoga Vinyasa Certification (Mary Bruce and Johnna Smith), and has continued with trainings, immersions and inspiration from The Iyengar Institute, Laughing Lotus NYC, Kula Yoga NYC, Moksha/ Modo Yoga, Sivananda, Janet Stone, Carly Forest (Yin), Christine Price Clark, Ryan Leir, Dina Tshouluhas, Witold Fitz-Simmons, Ted Grand, Jessica Robertson and will be a student for life. Tara is honoured to share the practice that has brought so much courage, resilience and joy into her own life, and intends to bring light, humor, patience and authenticity into her teaching. Alongside Yoga, her work as a performer has taken her to stages all over the globe. She feels endlessly grateful to continue sharing her “why” through movement and music.For info on events, special offerings, privates, and mentorships, connect with Tara via Instagram DM. For info on upcoming events, workshops, and teacher trainings visit IG: @tarahealybird

Heather F

Heather Frazer is deeply inspired by your life journey. She is dedicated to her students and welcomes you with humour brightness and compassion. Heathers offers mindful alignment based classes, and supports you in settling into your authentic expansive self. It is through her practice on-and-off the mat that she has been able to meet life and its challenges with strength and grace. She holds hold space for you to do the same.

Peter S

Hello, my name is Peter, and I am a certified athletic therapist, yoga instructor, and osteopathic student. My goal as a professional is; to combine my knowledge of athletic therapy, osteopathy, and an integrative practice of yoga, in order to provide my clients/students a holistic approach to health. The practice of yoga came as a natural avenue for me to finally find a bit of quiet in my thoughts. I did not realize until I began the practice of yoga, that I had to move my body to find stillness in my mind. To me, yoga is a system of techniques we use to increase the mindbody connection. I believe that a well sequenced and well taught class can offer benefits to anyone regardless of their ability. My style of practice and teaching is very much influenced by my formal education in athletic therapy, ongoing osteopathic studies, and years on the mat. Athletic therapy is the certification I chose to pursue to work as a health professional. Throughout my training as an athletic therapist, I have been fortunate to work with different local teams, including; Charger’s men’s volley ball, Vike’s girls’ basketball, and the Harbourcats baseball team. This has given me a wealth of practical experience, providing care for athletes who have sustained acute injuries, as well as providing ongoing rehabilitation of injuries. Athletic therapists are orthopedic specialists, who can provide care for anyone, not just professional athletes. As an athletic therapist, I look to get to the root of the problem in order to provide immediate care, and to offer solutions to prevent the injury from re-occurring. In addition to athletic therapy my educational journey has recently landed me in the study of osteopathy. This is an ongoing program lasting 5 years with additional years to complete a thesis. Osteopathy is a holistic manual practice which utilizes the bodies’ inherent autoregulatory mechanisms through which to create a physiological effect. This philosophy of approach treats the individual, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all structures and processes within the human body. I have been teaching yoga for five years and have completed my Bachelor in Athletic & Exercise Therapy at Camosun, as well as my certification to be an athletic therapist, CAT(C). I am also committed to ongoing education through my osteopathic studies. The ability to combine the holistic practice of yoga, and the formal education in athletic therapy and osteopathy, allows me to approach the healing aspects of the body with an analytical yet flexible mind.

Tracey N

Tracey has dedicated herself to the practice, study and teaching of yoga since discovering its joys and benefits during her first pregnancy in 2001. She was fuelled by the inspiration of Shiva Rea, and has further trained with teachers around the world combining elements of dynamic and inspiring alignment-based flow. Her teachings blend the traditional Eastern philosophy and asana with todays desire for physical practice, while integrating the mind body connection. Tracey completed her RYT 200 Yoga Alliance certification through Shiva Rea in 2005 with an emphasis on Prana Vinyasa training. She earned her RYT 500 certification with Janet Stone in 2018 specializing in philosophy, intuitive sequencing and the devotion of unified breath and movement. Being a lifelong leaner, she graduated from McMaster University in 1988 with a degree in Physical Education. She credits this early start as her catalyst to a diverse, and blossoming thirty years in the health and wellness industry. Tracey initiated the Global Mala Project for Peace now running in its 12th year. She is the co-creator of Binds and Beats, a local project that unites the yoga and music world, and has taught workshops at the Victoria Yoga Conference for six years. She has led retreats, workshops and immersions in New York, Mexico, Greece and Thailand. She is currently working on Teacher Training Programs in Victoria and Vancouver, while offering mentorship and one on one training. Tracey creates a safe, non-competitive space for her students to dive beneath the surface of their daily lives to find deeper meaning and clarity. She leads from her heart, stirs emotion and infuses joy while honouring the teacher within. She is known for her creative sequences and intentional themes, emphasizing the importance of proper alignment and the ability to pause and honour time shared on the mat. She is a devoted mother of two and offers yoga as a way of life, a practice of being in the moment and savouring every breath! MUSIC: Creative sequencing is met with the undercurrent of music curated to enhance your practice from beginning to end. Expect up-tempo and down-tempo beats, spiritual, chants and a few favourites to stir your emotional body.

Pilar M.

Pilar is a seeker of truth. She believes that what we desire the most is to see our wholeness and to connect intimately with one another in this world – to see each other fully. She believes it begins first with yourself. Pilar teaches from a place of curiosity and humor. You are encouraged and challenged physically, mentally and emotionally to showing up fully! Grounded in knowledge of the heart and love, Pilar’s gentle and mindful guidance through postures creates safety for each and every student to intimately connect with their breath. This is the ultimate experience of life. She encourages students not to miss out on any part of their lives: the light and the dark and all the spaces in between. She is joined on this journey by her two beautiful children who are both her teachers and allies. Pilar’s trainings include: Modo Level 1 (2011), Yin (2014) and Vinyasa Flow (2014).

Jonni-Lyn F

Jonni-Lyn Friel has been teaching Yoga since 2006 and is a E-RYT-500, E-RYT 200, RPYT and Jivamukti teacher who recently returned to Canada ,after many years of living in Athens Greece. She is pleased to call Victoria , B.C home and looks forward to exploring how life will unfold here.She first was exposed to Yoga as a child in Canada through her first teachers, her parents, and joined in their practice by watching and following along. Yoga was always a self practice that took her through years of competitive swimming, University and backpacking around the world. In 1999, she stepped into her first Yoga class and discovered the joys of having a teacher and being taught from another person's experience and knowledge. In 2006 she completed her first teacher training in Athens, Greece. With a strong background in alignment and Anusara, she began to explore the world of Vinyasa, completing a teacher training with her wonderful teacher Rusty Wells. In 2013 she completed the 300 hour Jivamukti Yoga teacher training in Costa Rica and found new teachers in Sharon Gannon and David Life. Now a 500 hour RYT, she has taught numerous 200 and 500 hour trainings, where her love is to share the Bhagavad Gita and to teach service and compassion as a way to happiness and self realization. In 2016 she founded Namaha Yoga School, a collective of teachers from around the world from different traditions who share the common belief that teaching Yoga is a path of Seva, or service. Jonni-Lyn knows Yoga to be sacred, healing and powerful. This is how it has affected her life and spirit. Her greatest joy is to share her knowledge and pass on the teachings of her beloved teachers to others, in hope that it serves them in their lives.

Fiji M

Fiji McAlpine is an ERYT 500 yoga instructor and is one of the founding yoga teachers featured on DoYogaWithMe.com. Her online popularity has grown significantly over the years, giving her global reach in the online platform, and has allowed her to offer frequent guidance to thousands of students each week. Fiji is now devoting more time and energy into bringing a personal experience to those who have practiced with her for so long. She has been offering retreats and workshops around the world to connect with her global yoga family and to share her love for this practice. To keep updated on her upcoming retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings around the world visit her website: mindintomatteryoga.com Fiji’s personal practice and classes focus on vinyasa flow, infused with power, strength and precision. Having trained extensively in California, Costa Rica, and Canada, her classes are often described as a strong practice that allows students to face challenges with support and guidance, inspiring them to move forward fearlessly and more consciously. Over the past decade, yoga has helped Fiji through personal transformation, she openly shares about finding yoga to be a vital tool of healing as she overcame an eating disorder. You can find Fiji at Harmony Yoga in Duncan, BC, or at her website

Sarah H

My lived experience as a survivor as well as contemporary trauma theory, attachment theory, neuroscience and a commitment to justice inform my work and I’ve been sharing yoga in diverse settings since 2004.The majority of the people I’ve worked with over the years have been impacted by trauma in its myriad forms. Places I’ve worked include Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health Teams, the Vancouver Women’s Health Collective, Pacifica Treatment Centre, the BC College of Psychologists, New Dawn recovery home for women, PHS Community Services, YWCA’s Munroe House (Canada’s first second-stage transition house), Burnaby Mental Health & Addiction, Spirit Way (second-stage housing for Indigenous women), a women’s prison and more. As the Director of Programs at Yoga Outreach I oversee delivery of yoga programs in a wide variety of venues across BC with clients living with the impacts of trauma as well as develop, deliver and oversee trainings in trauma-informed yoga and yoga for chronic pain. I began studying Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) at the Trauma Center, Boston, MA in 2010 and am a certified TCTSY facilitator as well as a training faculty member. I’m also a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT). I live as a guest on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded Indigenous territories of the Lkwungen , Wyomilth, and WSÁNEĆ Coast Salish Peoples, a.k.a. Victoria, BC where I offer pre-registered one-to-one and group sessions both in person and online. I hear from so many clients about the greater sense of embodied safety and wellbeing they receive from their practice. In my own recovery, yoga was hugely helpful with self-regulation, re-connection and recovering from a sense of mistrust – of my own embodiment, of other people and of the world around. I’m committed both to increasing access to the benefits of yoga and to understanding and addressing the wider societal injustices that create obstacles to health & wellbeing.

Emmy C

Emmy was introduced to yoga as a child through her grandmother and mother, and was lucky to grow up practicing kundalini, hatha, and restorative yoga. Her ancestors are from the north of India and the practice of yoga connects her deeply to her heritage. She has been teaching yoga since 2012 in a variety of settings internationally (universities, schools, studios, corporate and privately) and is particularly interested in: the healing potential of yoga, incorporating trauma-informed approaches, decolonization, and embodied pedagogy. Emmy holds a BA in Cultural Studies, minor in Gender and Women’s Studies; and has previously worked in schools as a violence prevention workshop facilitator. Throughout her studies in yoga and the healing arts, Emmy has trained in hatha, pre/postnatal yoga, teen yoga, trauma-informed teaching, and has led her own research at UBC on yoga in the university classroom. You can read more about that research here: https://embodiedpedagogies.wordpress.com/Emmy’s passion lies in educating about how yoga is a site for intergenerational healing through the lens of cultural awareness training. As a South Asian woman working in the North American yoga industry, her voice is dedicated to sharing the complexities of social inequity, decolonization, and avoiding cultural appropriation. Emmy seeks to help others understand their role in dismantling old systems of power and unpacking how privilege operates in the yoga world – and how we can build new ways to be as inclusive, just, and equitable as possible. For more about Emmy, visit her website: https://emmychahal.com

Tara H

Tara Heal landed in beautiful Victoria in 2017 from a 14 year stint living in NYC, and couldn’t be happier. Her teaching has spanned NHL teams, teens, Broadway performers, office groups – always offering classes that are powerful, soulful, and dynamic, while incorporating innovative, intelligent sequencing and functional alignment. She aims to encourage body awareness, agility, and strength, while illuminating the peace and power that comes from mindfulness.Tara fell in love with this practice in 2001. By 2008 she began formal training with Rod Stryker’s Para Yoga Vinyasa Certification (Mary Bruce and Johnna Smith), and has continued with trainings, immersions and inspiration from The Iyengar Institute, Laughing Lotus NYC, Kula Yoga NYC, Moksha/ Modo Yoga, Sivananda, Janet Stone, Carly Forest (Yin), Christine Price Clark, Ryan Leir, Dina Tshouluhas, Witold Fitz-Simmons, Ted Grand, Jessica Robertson and will be a student for life. Tara is honoured to share the practice that has brought so much courage, resilience and joy into her own life, and intends to bring light, humor, patience and authenticity into her teaching. Alongside Yoga, her work as a performer has taken her to stages all over the globe. She feels endlessly grateful to continue sharing her “why” through movement and music.For info on events, special offerings, privates, and mentorships, connect with Tara via Instagram DM. For info on upcoming events, workshops, and teacher trainings visit IG: @tarahealybird

Kamila N

Kamila, Teacher & Owner of the Lab Westshore, is the one behind the scenes and often at the desk working with our incredible Westshore faculty and facility, and teaching a variety of class offerings at both Lab Westshore and Victoria. She grew up on Vancouver island, and keeps very active exploring within BC’s bountiful nature. Dance was a huge part of Kamila’s yoga journey and active lifestyle growing up; she fell in love with graceful mobility, and learned much about stretching and movement anatomy. Yoga came into Kamila’s life over 13 years ago, the physical/spiritual restorative functions and power of breath latched onto her heart and mind. The ever learning world of yoga and mindful fitness is humbling and exciting for Kamila, with several trainings, workshops, and years of experience in management and business she hopes to meet and move with you very soon! 

Sheena N

Born in Toronto and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Sheena moved to the west coast and feels sweetly embraced by the change of pace. One of the best decisions she ever made. Following a previous life in restaurant operations, she set out on a year long self guided pilgrimage. Staying in ashrams and meditation centres to explore embodiement of the yogic lifestyle, in none of other than its birthplace of India. The intention being to better understand the intricacies of her own heritage, fostering spiritual growth. Her time abroad allowed her to absorb the nuances and traditions of Eastern hospitality which have reminded her to connect with authencity and sincerity everyday. She aspires to educate that the practice of yoga extends beyond being in a studio moving your body, manipulating your breath, relaxing and meditating. Empowering yogis to approach themselves with playfulness and curiosity inwards, themes from the traditional philosophies are woven through her classes to remind us how to take our practice off the mat. The message remains consistent; Slow down, breathe, illuminate the positive qualities of one's life, by approaching one’s own self with love. If not dancing in the kitchen, you can find her with a camera in hand. She’s happiest snacking in the sun, day dreaming by the sea or flowing on her yoga mat.