Chad Cowie is an excellent yoga instructor, joining us from Byron Bay Australia

Chads versatility as a teacher is apparent to students who join him for both his gentle yoga classes and great vinyasa flow classes

Elissa Gumushel is a certified Anusara Yoga Teacher, one of 11 in all of Canada.

She began her study of yoga in California, and was immediately drawn to the heart, intelligence, and fun of Anusara Yoga. She has spent the last decade studying, practicing, and teaching this dynamic style.

Elissa has been teaching with us at Shanti for three years. Her classes are upbeat and refreshing. Her teaching style is deeply motivating.

Visit Elissa at vankula.com

photos by bill tipper

Joy came to yoga like many people do. An evening course for beginners was offered on campus and she signed up. 38 years later yoga still delights and surprises her every day.

Joy's passion for people and her open friendly nature create ease for students. One of her greatest delights is witnessing new students embrace their practice with excitement.

After living a life far and wide, 10 years ago Nelson captivated Joy and her family. Setting roots here has been deeply satisfying, motivating Joy to give back to the community she has grown to love.

Joy's love of Nelson and of community is apparent in every aspect of the studio. As director, anything good for community has the potential for expression at Shanti.

Mariska approaches the practice of yoga with an inquisitive mind and a hint of playfulness. Her teaching focuses on creating space inside the body, and from that fullness, extending outward.

Mariska teaches a wide variety of yoga in a flow style, focusing on opening the body to rejuvenate the mind and create a flow of energy. Mariska believes that yoga is an enjoyable discipline with personal exploration at the center.

Sarah comes to us from Thunder Bay Ontario. Her teaching style is energized and spirited.

Sarah understands yoga is an opportunity to see the divine within each of us. It is an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves in whatever way we need to on a given day - mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally. In her classes, Sarah creates a space for students to play with this connection and get to know themselves through a more challenging practice.

Yoga on the beach? Check out Shanti Yoga's Kauai Retreats!

Valerie has trained extensively in Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga styles. She is a gifted teacher - encouraging and inspiring her students with every posture.

Valeries classes encompass breathwork, postural alignment, mantra, visualization, concentration, and meditative movement. Her flowing style is energetic, uplifting, and stimulating.

If you love Astanga and Vinyasa flow, Valeries classes are for you!

Visit Valerie at innerharmonyretreats.com