MEET OUR TEACHERS

Hi! I’m Melanie Lourenco, creative director and owner of Circle Studios Yoga + Art. This space came to life inspired by a need to expand the yoga studio model outside of adult only yoga spaces to embrace the many facets of well-being through movement, creative expression, body/energy work and mental health for all ages.

I have a degree in Fine Arts from Queen’s University and have been an artist all my life, exploring creativity as an important tool for personal growth. I have been teaching yoga since 2007 (Fall Hawaii) and have extensive training in The Original Hot Yoga method originally with the Bikram Yoga College (500H), and studying with Evolation Yoga (200H). I have trained in Aerial Yoga with Suzanne Hennig, creator of the Zero-Gravity Method and in the Aerial Yoga Goddess Method and have been a student of Ayurveda since receiving certification in Abhyanga Massage in India 2011.

Connecting with people and witnessing the positive impact of mindful movement + creative wellness practices in their lives is one of the greatest blessings of this life! I look forward to meeting you and being of service on your journey.

I found yoga in the summer of 2014. My chiropractor had recommended on numerous occasions over a period of years that I take up yoga for tight hips and neck pain. I finally gathered up the courage to go and try one of her classes and I was immediately hooked. That one class immediately led to 3-4 times a week of practice which turned into a daily practice not long after.I have studied a variety of yoga styles over the past few years. I have certification in Traditional Hatha/Vinyasa, Forrest Yoga, Yin and Restorative. I am very drawn to the Classic 84 practice and Bikram style in which I have also been studying and have completed Jedi Fight Club Training. My favourite styles of yoga to teach are Classic Hatha and Vinyasa, in which students will find a very unique blend of both Jedi Fight Club and Forrest Yoga methods. Be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone in my workshops and classes, as well as come with an open mind to some unique ideas and methods you don’t see in the everyday yoga class.

Hi, my name is JoAnne and I have been practicing yoga for personal wellness for over 25 years. I became a Certified Kundalini Yoga Instructor as taught by Yogi Bhajan, in 2010 with the Karam Kriya school while living in the UK. I was drawn to kundalini yoga for its holistic practise of combining pranayama, meditation and mantra with asanas. Teaching is one of my greatest pleasures, and thrilled to be joining the Circle Studio teaching community to create and hold space for others as they deepen their personal practise.

An intuitive healer, Danusia (KIRN KAUR, in the Kundalini tradition means “princess who is the ray of light”) enjoys illuminating folks’ journey to stillness with joy and fun. She values detail and precision, expertly guiding students to a deeper awareness of themselves with both clarity and ease. Join her on the path to exquisite peace.

500 Hour Internationally Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher.

Hello friends!
My name is Katherine and I began practicing hot yoga in the summer of 2012. After a few really hard classes, I became hooked with the challenge! I fell in love with the intensity of the heat, the detox and stretch that came with it. The series of yoga postures and the benefits they would provide for my body; both physically and mentally!

In the fall of 2013, I attended the 9 week Bikram Yoga teacher training in Los Angeles, California. This was a pivotal moment in my life and I’m forever grateful for the teachings I received from the many yoga teachers I came in contact with during that time.

Teaching yoga is something I was meant to do. I love motivating people to practice something I’m also so passionate about. I look forward to guiding you through your stretch and sweat. Take time for yourself, but remember to have fun. When all else fails, smile!

Hi ! I’m Emma. I am a student, a teacher, and a lover of learning. I am a Canadian currently living out of Buffalo, NY, and I couldn’t be more in love with the community and support that has surrounded me here. My goal is to bring people together, to create deeper connection and to support people in their brave quest to find their most authentic, human, Self. I have trained as a D1 track and field athlete for the previous 6 years at the University at Buffalo, where I met humans (coaches, friends, mentors) who have forever changed me.

After graduating with my M.A. in Philosophy and competing in what I knew was my final track and field competition, I took my yoga teacher training in Buffalo with Evolation and my profound interest in human experiences, (what it’s like to be in a body, to BE a body, what it means to be human, how we express emotion, how we “cope”, why we need to- to name a few examples), was ignited in a new way, revealing a new path before me. My certainty, purpose, and exponential curiosity has never felt so blazing, and I am blessed and humbled to be bringing energy and love to this beautiful city and the humans who call it home. I can’t wait to share intention, space, and love with all of you. See you on the mat <3