Teacher Profile | My Yoga Place

My Yoga Place

Teacher Profiles

Joanne Biggs

Nationality: British

Training:
200 hours ‘Art of Yoga Teaching’ registered through Yoga Alliance
Certification in Yoga for 2-5 year olds
Functional assessment and alignment certification

Background:
Joanne Biggs was born in the United Kingdom. She is a BA (Hons) Advertising Management graduate with 10 years corporate blue chip experience. Her first step into yoga came whilst she had a short spell out of the corporate field and it was after her first class that she was hooked.

“It was a time in my life when I was going through career changes and I felt like I needed direction in my life. Through meditation, breath and movement I found that I did not need to seek external direction, the answers were all within”.

Only one year after a consistent practice Joanne decided to embark on a yoga teacher training course. “I just loved the way yoga had changed my life and I wanted to share my experience with others, I thought if it can do this for me then imagine how I can help by teaching others” … and so after intensive Vinyasa training with Canadian born teacher Wade Imre Morissette Joanne’s yoga path began.

Joanne has since been teaching Vinyasa style yoga at studio’s in Sydney and more recently received a yoga certificate of completion for 2-5 year olds. “My love for children also inspired me to embark on a course teaching yoga to the young, in today’s society the onset of childhood obesity and diabetes is a worrying phenomenon. It is important to encourage children at a young age to look after their health” This style of yoga is practiced through stories and animation to really engage the children.

Joanne has also completed a certification programme in “Functional Assessment”. Functional assessment focuses on assessing different postural types, looking at different postures in yoga practices and developing asanas (postures) to suit “Everybody’s body is different, some people have tight hips, others tight shoulders, it is important to recognise your body type and tailor a practice to suit your needs. Working on the basic building blocks of flexibility, stamina and strength will improve your overall practice".

Remy Quinter

Training:
Remy is certified to teach yoga through the Yoga Alliance International, and has studied with Yoga masters in India, Thailand and Western Canada.

Background:
He brings a strong knowledge of anatomy and alignment to class, along with an intuitive understanding of how to encourage people to explore their edges while working safely within their limitations. Previously a high-level athlete, Remy was part of the first expedition to row down the fifth-longest river in the world, and has made award-winning films for Geographic Channels International. He currently resides in McMahons Point and continues to study and deepen his practice daily.

Peita Bate

Background:
Peita was drawn to yoga in the early 90’s, initially for relaxation. She soon realised its other benefits and it became a way of life.

In 2002, she undertook the International Yoga Teachers Association teacher training and has been teaching ever since. Also an Energetic Healer, Peita incorporates her knowledge and faith in the body’s subtle energy system into her classes. Her gentle and flowing sequences are delivered to honour each individual process.

“The thing I love the most about yoga is the ability to remain focussed and present. It is about the journey; being aware and honouring where you’re at, and being open to what’s to come”.

Divya Hegde

Training:
200 hours ‘Art of Yoga Teaching’ registered through Yoga Alliance
Embodying the Flow - Twee Merrigan
Energetic Alignment - Twee Merrigan
Remedial Massage, Nature Care College
Baron Baptiste Power Vinyasa Level 1 Hawaii

Background:
Divya is originally from India and started practicing with Bikram Yoga. After two years of Bikram Yoga, Divya was introduced to Vinyasa Yoga.

“Vinyasa yoga instantly resonated with me, yoga is an inward journey only when you are comfortable with the outside are you prepared to go inward”

Divya is very passionate to share her experiences of Yoga with others and continues to improve her teaching skills by regularly attending courses.

“I believe training is very important but ultimately you are your best teacher. I want to empower students to find YOGA. It doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, what you do, it doesn’t matter if it’s your first class or you’ve been a 1000 times, everyone is equal in yoga”

Gabrielle Earls

Training:
200 hour Yoga Alliance International Certification
Master of Yoga - Swami Sivananda Yogasana Research Centre - India

Background:
After being introduced to yoga in 1996 while studying Thai massage, Gabby's yoga journey began. During her pregnancy in 2006 Gabby began to practice yoga daily and found the benefits allowed her to experience a fulfilling transition into motherhood.

Following the birth of her son, yoga became an integral part of Gabby's life as she discovered the benefits of it as her body developed a greater sense of vigour than before the birth. There was also the added sense of balance and calm she developed and was hooked, spending 12 months in India and Thailand studying, practicing and training to teach in 2007/2008.