Our Teachers

Christi-an Slomka - Director & Anusara-Inspired Teacher

You’re bound to feel the awesome potential of flowing from the heart in Christi-an’s classes. Her teaching richly embodies the Anusara tradition, to ‘open to grace.’ She cultivates a playful and supportive class where students can stretch, strengthen, restore, and connect deeper within.

Christi-an draws tremendous inspiration from her mentors, Sue Elkind, Naime Jezzeny, Sianna Sherman, Colin Matthews, Michael Siddall and John Friend through their luminous expressions of Anusara Yoga.

Off the mat, Christi-an follows her heart (often by bike) to experience the gifts of the world. Currently she is cultivating the art of skateboarding on the streets of Toronto!

Favourite Posture:
handstand, because it always invites something new to explore.

Colin Matthews - Director

Colin invites an ever-evolving conversation, with one’s self and the community. His teaching is infused with passion for life, self-empowerment, healing and the power of intention. His light-hearted spirit inspires a playful and engaged practice that is deeply rooted in the Anusara tradition.

Colin draws continued inspiration from his teachers, Naime Jezzeny, Sue Elkind, Sianna Sherman and Douglas Brooks. He has also studied with Bikram Choudhry, Judith Lasater, Ken Nateshvar Scott, and John Friend.

Colin co-teaches Kula’s advance study and teacher training
certification program.

Off the mat, he’s known to climb great rock faces, indulge in woodworking, and cherish time with his wife, Anne Marie.

Josie Houpt - Anusara-Inspired Yoga Teacher

Josie’s teaching weaves together the affirming philosophies and alignment principles of Anusara Yoga. Her classes are an exciting journey, balancing laughter and passionate play with mindfulness and contemplation.

She’s currently studying in greater depth with Michael Siddall, Christina Sell and John Friend. However, she continuously draws on inspiring wisdom from Darren Rhodes, Martin & Jordan Kirk, Todd Norian, Ann Greene, and Cynthia Cooperstone.

Off the mat, Josie happily indulges in travel, kirtan music, writing, as well as wonderful food and conversation with loved ones.

Favourite Yoga Posture:
Hanumanasana, because it embodies an ecstatic expression of possibility.

Marinella Nesso - Anusara-Inspired Teacher

Marinella’s passion for life radiates as she creatively weaves asana, alignment and Tantric philosophy through her class. Although a devoted Anusara yogi, her teaching also encompasses Pre-Natel Yoga, Kids Yoga, and Yoga Therapeutics.

She draws great wisdom and inspiration from her teachers Sianna Sherman, Todd Norian, Paul Ortega-Muller, Darren Rhodes and John Friend. Marinella’s teaching is intelligent, playful, and charismatic – her smile and laugh is contagious! She is an Anusara-Inspired teacher, and well on her way to becoming a fully certified Anusara teacher.

When not on her yoga mat, Marinella can be found enjoying city landscapes, riding her bicycle through Kensington Market or climbing walls!

Favourite Yoga Posture:
Vrksasana (Tree), because she hopes to be a Yoga Master one day on the Wii Fit.

Sonja Patterson - Teacher

Sonja’s class awakens the teacher within, as she weaves alignment principles with universal wisdom. Her passion and curiosity to deepen her knowledge enriches all who are around her.

Sonja teaches a dynamic hot flow class which blends Anusara and Moksha Yoga. She draws on the inspiring teaching of Naime Jezzeny, Sue Elkind, John Friend, Colin Matthews, and Christi-an Slomka.

Off the mat, Sonja has a soft spot for furry friends! She dedicates much time to loving animals, her own and those in need.

Favourite Yoga Posture:
Anjaneye Asana (Back Bending Lunge), a wonderful manifestation of strength and openness.

Jessica Lemon - Teacher

With great care and love Jessica meets you where you are in your practice to help guide and empower you into a place of growth and healing. Her classes are a sweet balance of cultivating strength and inspiring play.

Jessica’s beloved teachers Jess Roberston and Ted Grand have richly influenced the wisdom and passion that she brings to each class. She is also deeply grateful for the teachings of Baron Baptiste, David Robson and Judith Lasater.

Off the mat, Jess decadently lives life to the fullest. She loves acting, watching films, cooking and art.

Favourite Posture:
Bird of Paradise, because it is a fun combination of strength, balance and flexibility!

Cynthia Cooperstone - Anusara-Inspired Teacher

Cynthia’s passion for Anusara Yoga is evident in every class. It is her greatest intention to guide her students safely through practices that are as invigorating and fun as they are meaningful and balanced. With creativity and enthusiasm, she encourages her students to realize their best vision of themselves on - and off - their mats.

Cynthia recognizes, with gratitude, the support she has received from her primary teacher, Michael Siddall, and the inspiration she has received from John Friend, Todd Norian, Anne Greene, Tiffany Fraser, Paul Muller-Ortega and other teachers. She is also indebted to her students for their ongoing dedication and trust as they join her on this vibrant path.

Cynthia delights in wearing a number of different hats: yoga teacher, writer and editor, avid reader, movie-goer, theatre buff and, best of all, mother of two.

Favourite pose:
Full Vasisthasana, because when you get there, it feels like flying!

Chantal Ayotte - Teacher

Chantal celebrates yoga’s invitation to transform through postures, breath, awareness, and an open heart. Her classes are uplifting, and encourage students to connect deeper within and to the world around them.

Chantal’s teaching style is influenced by Anusara Yoga and Vinyasa Flow. She has been enriched by the wisdom of Sianna Sherman, Kenny Graham, Shiva Rea, Eionn Finn, David Swenson, as well as Martin and Jordan Kirk. However, some of her greatest lessons have been from her parents, who deeply inspire her to live from the heart.

Speaking of the heart, Chantal is always ready to explore the planet, especially destinations that include surfing and fresh papaya!

Favourite Posture:
Urdhva Dhanurasana, because it awakens the heart.