Hi, I’m Michelle!

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I believe in the cultivation of self-awareness, empowerment and transformation in order to live your best life- whatever that may be for you.

 

My Professional Journey

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My mindfulness and yoga journey began almost 15 years ago at a time when I was looking to find some much needed balance in my life. It was 2004 and I was living the corporate life in Los Angeles, leading a successful career as  Vice President of Information Management for a growing  firm. I felt depleted from what must’ve been  accumulated stress from years of working in demanding roles for dynamic companies. Looking for some stress relief in my life led me to the beautiful practice of Hatha Vinyasa Yoga and Meditation. I attended my first meditation retreat under the guidance of Sharon Salzberg.  I haven’t looked back since. 

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I moved to Perth in 2007 and found my ‘yoga home’ at The Yoga Space where I practiced in the Mysore program and completed Hatha Vinyasa Yoga teacher training with Dr. Jean Byrne and Rob Schutze. I have travelled to Mysore, India on several occasions to practice under the guidance of Ashtanga lineage holder R.Sharath Jois at KPJ AYI and am a Level 2 Member of Yoga Australia and E-RYT500 & RPYT with Yoga Alliance.

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I am a Co-Founder of Mindful Birth, a Yoga Alliance and Yoga Australia accredited Pregnancy and Post-natal yoga teacher training course, and have completed a Diploma of Childbirth Education. For almost a decade now, I have travelled around Asia and Australia to deliver Mindful Birth teacher training courses to help empower women and families as they navigate life from pregnancy to birthing and parenting.  Seeing how women and families are forever changed by this training made me reaslise how important it is to extend this to other facets of life - young girls life cycle, work life, and corporate world. 

 

Teaching young girls tools to cultivate resilience, and  self confidence are valuable attributes to have early in life. Why  wait until they're grown women? Starting them early can lead to meaningful insight as they traverse various facets of their lives.

What about work life?  recent study shows that a large percentage of our population ages 23-50 are experiencing work burn out. They feel exhausted and lost, affecting their work output and family life. Is your work place able to provide programs that can support your employees overall well being ?  The science of mindfulness together with proven leadership techniques have shown positive impact and growth in individuals and companies. If employees are well and connected to purpose then companies are ensured of productivity and growth. These are some of the areas I am focusing on and truly passionate about.

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What kind of classes have  I taught over the years?  Yoga classes wise, I have taught Ashtanga Yoga,  Vinyasa, Pre-natal and Post natal yoga, Mums and Bubs, Mums and Toddlers. Teens Yoga, Kids Yoga, Yin, Yin/Yang.  I also co-owned a yoga school  Yoga Space Maylands back in Perth .   I have facilitated many teacher training, workshops and retreats.

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Outside of yoga, I have in depth experience in people development, training and mentoring. 

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I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Charles Sturt University.

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Studies and Training
 

Yoga for Trauma with The Trauma Center of Justice Resource Institute (JRI) US

Spinning Babies with Gail Tully

Meditation Training - Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield
Search Inside Your Self Sydney Training, July 2018

Studied at KPJAYI in Mysore India (3 trips) , 2013 – 2015

Yin Teacher Training Level 1 & 2  at The Yoga Space - 2011

Mindfulness Stress Reduction 8 Week Program, 2010

500 hour - Yoga Teacher Training Graduate at The Yoga Space

​Pranayama (Breathing) Workshop with Clive Sheridan - 2009

10 Day Vipassana Meditation - 2004

Variety of yoga workshops and studies (Vinyasa workshops in US, Asia, Australia) with Shiva Rea,  Kathryn Budig,

Sarah Powers, Tiffany Cruikshank)

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My Inspired Path

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All of these life and work experiences have led me to  my passion in holding space for other whether it's through yoga, mindfulness practices and mentoring young girls. I would love to bring together my years of experience as mindfulness facilitator, yoga teacher, mentor, leadership experience in various business industries, and marry these with current studies around mindfulness and leadership.  This is my dream and my passion, and through it, I hope to guide you through your own path and help you explore what it could mean for you.   

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Some Fun Facts  

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I  have Bachelors in Science Major in Physics and my thesis was on Superconductors. I had an inspiring Physics teacher in High School. Inspired by the cross section between psychology and mindfulness I am currently pursuing

Psychology. I do love learning and sharing it with many.

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My first job was as a programmer and realised 6 months down the track that it wasn't for me.

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I currently live in Sydney with my husband James and my vibrant 8-year old daughter Cassy.

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​​This move to Sydney has made this the 4th city I’ve moved to in the past 15 years- I can also add “master packer” to my list of accomplishments.

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I love traveling for leisure and learning. Exploring new cities, food and culture.

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I love a good cup of coffee.

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