Santosha Yoga Teacher Trainings

 + Our Amazing Team

Our team of yoga professionals are without a doubt among the most experienced and qualified in the world. They boast extremely diverse backgrounds and all share one common passion: helping others achieve balance in their lives by finding inner peace and contentment so that they may see true beauty in the everyday, appreciate all life has to offer, and live life to the fullest.

Prem (Peter Clifford)

Peter is the founder and director of Anahata Yoga, senior yoga teacher (E-RYT 500) and teacher of the Five Element Form. Peter has studied and practiced yoga for 52 years. He has had the honour of studying with many wise and knowledgeable teachers in India including Swami Shankara, Swami Sarasvati, TKV Desikachar, AG Mohan, BKS Iyengar and Rishi Nityabhodananda. Combining his study of Anahata Yoga with a lifelong interest in learning about bio-mechanics, postural integration, anatomy and physiology, Peter has developed the unique, powerful and comprehensive Anahata Yoga philosophy, which manifests in asana as the Dance of Shiva and Shakti.

Peter’s teaching style reflects his experience as a household yogi and his training in Assam, India. He embodies the qualities of grace, humour, compassion and non-judgement, and provides his students with the tools to apply the philosophy of yoga to all aspects of daily life. His classes are joyous, opening and transformational.

Peter commenced the study of yoga in 1963 at University to complement his studies of civil engineering and discovered the wealth of benefits that it contained. This began a lifelong exploration of the inner conscious aspects of yoga and its many different paths.

After commencing studies in Hatha and Raja yoga in 1963, a deepening interest in yoga led Peter to travel through North East India into Assam. Here he studied Tattwa Shuddhi Sadhana (the Five Element Form) with an Aghor Tantric Sadhu Shankara at the Kamakhya temple near the city of Guwahata, where he was taught Anahata Yoga and became proficient in the Five Element Form. Over a period of 50 years, Peter has practiced and studied this ancient form and he is one of only five yogis around the world entrusted by his teachers to impart the knowledge of the Five Element Form to his own students.

Peter continued his yoga journey and studied Iyengar Yoga with BKS Iyengar, Nicky Knoff and James Bryant. In the 1980s he continued his Iyengar studies with Michele Besnard in Noosa and in 1992, he was trained in the theory and practice of Hatha yoga, anatomy and physiology by Swami Sarasvati and became a qualified Yoga teacher recognised by the Australian Yoga Masters Association.

While teaching yoga internationally, he also studied with TKV Desikachar and AG Mohan of the Krishnamacharya Yoga tradition, which is similar to the Anahata Yoga tradition of Assam. Following a serious motorcycle accident in 1997, Peter commenced studies in Vinni Yoga with TKV Desikachar, the son of Krishnamacharya, his wife, Menaka, and later with Desikachar’s son Kaustub. With the goal of personal rehabilitation, Peter studied the internal aspects of therapeutic yoga and his knowledge in this area was further deepened through his studies with AG Mohan and his wife Indra in 2003.

Our Byron Bay Yoga Teacher Training students are so lucky to experience Peter’s incredible teaching and wisdom on our Byron Bay RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training and Byron Bay 50 Hour Yoga Therapy Course.

Rohil Jethmalani

Rohil is sharing his authentic yoga wisdom and teachings with our students, from the heart of mother India.

Having practiced yoga with his mother right from childhood, Rohil believes that yoga is not simply a physical practice and strives to highlight the philosophies that underlie these rich and sacred traditions.

Rohil has taught immersive retreat and teacher training programs in Morocco, Bali and India. He has spent long periods of time learning & practicing Ashtanga in the traditional Mysore-style, as well as classical Hatha with his teachers in Mysore and Rishikesh.

His teachings are non-dogmatic, whereby different students receive unique and appropriate instruction to tailor the practice to their needs and not the other way around.

Rohil will be sharing his wisdom and experience online with our Online RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training students and live with our lucky Bali RYT-200 Yoga Teacher trainings students.

Find Rohil on instagram here.

Andrea Abian

Andrea is a physiotherapist, yoga therapist and also a dedicated Ashtanga and Yin Yoga practitioner.

With over 13 years of experience as a physiotherapist, Andrea is an expert in muscular pain treatment, structural realignment and case resolution. She is specialized in therapeutic massage and fascia release.

Andrea has been passionate about yoga since 2007. Through consistency and dedication to the asana and pranayama practice, she experienced the true essence of yoga and how it can heal parts of the body that have been injured or simply ignored.

With deeper understanding, she came to realize that the cure of our body, mind and spiritual ailments lay within ourselves

Andrea began studying Yoga Therapy in India, with Sharat Arora (Iyengar disciple) and continues courses with Ganesh Mohan (Krishnamacharya tradition). Her motivation is to share the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga and integrate the asana and pranayama practice in her therapeutic healing services.

In her Yoga Therapy sessions she teaches what is appropriate for each individual, according to their age, health condition and daily activity. Andrea uses asana practice and breathing techniques to reach a balance state of mind while we improve and heal the functions of the body.

Manjeet

Manjeet (India) is a modern mystic starting yoga path 20 years ago. 

He completed his 200-hr, 300-hr, Yoga Therapy Module 1 & 2 Multi Style Yoga Training with Parimukti Yoga in India.

He also has certifications in Meditation Teacher Training and Iyengar Yoga. 

Manjeet has taught 5000+ hours in 110 yoga and meditation teacher trainings specializing in Hatha Yoga, Yoga Psychology, Traditional Tantra Yoga, Meditation, Chakra Awakening, Pranayama and Somatic Breathwork, and Advanced Philosophical Studies. 

Manjeet has a very practical, human approach to Yoga and believes in personalizing practices for everyone. Emotional awareness and making a light, playful space also are Manjeet’s specialty. 

His classes can range from discussions on our Shadows (related to parents, money, relationships, and life experiences) to singing Mantra circles to Dance Therapy practices to meditating on foundations of yoga from Vedas and Patanjali Sutras.

We are so blessed to have Manjeet sharing his incredible knowledge and wisdom on our Bali and Sri Lanka RYT-200 and RYT-500 Yoga Teacher Trainings.

Jo Riley

As a dedicated transformational coach and holistic therapist, Jo specialises in a range of modalities including breathwork, somatic healing, reiki, sound healing, aromatherapy, and water therapy.

With a deep-rooted commitment to her dharma, I guide individuals on their path to unlocking their inner healing potential. Jo’s mission is to empower and support individuals in activating their healing process, paving the way for a journey toward freedom and ultimate happiness.

Join her as we embark on a profound exploration of self-discovery and holistic well-being, on our Bali RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Trainings.

Ewelina Zablocka

Ewelina is a passionate yoga teacher (ERYT-500) and body-work therapist. She is also a dedicated practitioner of ashtanga yoga, meditation and ayurvedic lifestyle.

With her continuous will to keep learning, Ewelina spent several years in India, mostly in Mysore, Rishikesh, Karnataka and Kerala; studying yoga, meditation, ayurveda, and body-work therapy of Nuad BoRarn.

In her teachings, she supports others on their way toward balance, health and happiness. She believes that through developing body-mind awareness and understanding its imbalances one can significantly help the self and others on the journey towards well-being.

She has taught a variety of courses, teacher trainings and retreats in South East Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

She also writes books and creates online programs focused on holistic well-being.As she herself found much healing in yogic lifestyle, Ewelina feels the most happy when sharing the practice with others.

Ally Griffin

Ally is a yoga teacher & energy healer, who has also has a background in nutrition and personal training. 

Her love for overall wellness, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually is portrayed in depth in all of her teachings. 

Ally’s passion for yoga began years ago when she realised the benefit that her yoga practice had on the stability and balance of the mind. Ally believes that when ones mind is stable and concentrated, the ability to achieve balance, harmony and happiness in life becomes more simple. 

Her approach to yoga is one of a path of constant self discovery and meeting herself and others where they are at. Knowing that we are constantly changing, evolving and learning about ourselves, others, and life from moment to moment. 

After a recent move to paradise, Ally will be sharing her knowledge and love with our lucky Bali RYT-200 students. 

Sophie Willmington

Sophie (E-RYT 500, YACEP) is a highly experienced yoga teacher and practitioner (vinyasa, ashtanga, hatha, yin and meditation) from the UK who has had a dedicated yoga and meditation practice for over 20 years.

Initially attracted by the fitness and well-being element of the postures and movements, she later became drawn to the higher spirituality and transformative healing powers of yoga.

In 2016, Sophie’s path took her to India to study and learn the way that a dedicated practice and adherence to yoga philosophy can deeply enrich your life.

For the last 7 years, Sophie has been teaching and sharing her passion for yoga from her heart across the world in yoga teacher training schools, retreats, resorts, studios and online.

Sophie’s yoga classes evoke a connection to the healing energy of the ocean, encouraging dynamic, yet deeply mindful connected movement. With our breath as our guide, inviting a sense of freedom and openness into the body and mind. Sophie encourages her students to be constantly evolving, transforming, and connecting with their inner selves every time they step on or off the mat.

Sophie is one of the team of master teachers on the Bali RYT 200 and RYT 500 courses in Bali and Sri Lanka.

Vivek Bansai

“Often, we may wonder how the stupendous and deep teachings of Yoga can be easily understood and applied in life. Living in different parts of the world where there isn’t much access to a lucid explanation and a sublime experience of the Yogic philosophy; our aspirations to practice the ancient Yogic wisdom may often be hindered from materialising. This indeed calls for mature guidance and a systematic crisp Yogic syllabus, that one could assiduously apply oneself to, and take back home for a transformed lifestyle.

It is well noted that Yoga has helped many individuals in today’s times. But is Yoga all about physical exercise, or is there something deeper? What factually makes Yoga excel the platform of mere physical exercises is the deep philosophical background that it is built upon. If even the physical aspects of Yoga (Asanas, etc) have been so helpful to people, then what to speak of the philosophy behind them that forms the backbone of all Yogic practices!

“Yoga” as a Sanskrit word derives from the Sanskrit root “Yuj”, which means to connect. “Yoga” thus technically means a process that connects us with the divine and with our true inner potential. Getting a firm footing on the philosophical backbone of yoga can veritably help us wade through the river of life’s challenges, instead of letting us get drowned in a deluge of such challenges.”

Vivek joins the Santosha Online team from India, with 20 years of practical experience in studying and teaching Yoga Philosophy to share with our lucky students. He believes nothing has as deep an impact as experiencing and observing lessons, rather than having to just lend one’s ears to them, and firmly believe that an empathetic teacher can best touch the hearts of his/her students; and consequently, personally tries his best to follow this practice in his dealings with all our students.

Vivek says “I had the fortune of studying under the finest of teachers who connected with me at an individual level, and I am glad to be able to connect with my students at an individual level too. More than a teacher, my students consider me a friend, and I am happy to share some of the deepest understandings of Yoga Philosophy with them through personal time and attention. I thus bring out the relevance of this great ancient wisdom to an individual’s daily life. And usually, I try to culminate all my lessons with a deep fulfilling learning experience through spiritual tours to various places of Yogic significance in India (something I personally consider to be the most fun-filled).

My career began with a Master’s in telecommunication engineering from Pune, India. But I soon discovered in me a deeper calling that made me consider the dire need for Yogic Wisdom in today’s times; times when the world is rife with so many distractions that tend to pull us away from a deeply fulfilling life of wisdom and spirituality.”

For the the last 24 years,Vivek has been rigorously studying and practicing Bhakti and Yoga in different monasteries/Ashrams in India. He is an E-RYT-500 Yoga Alliance coach and has completed his done Masters in Yoga from a very reputed Yoga University – Uttrakhand Sanskrit University.

We are so honoured and blessed to have Vivek on the team, sharing his decades of wisdom and experience on our Online RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training.

Sri Atman

Having Sri Atman share his wisdom and teaching with our students is an absolute blessing and honor for Santosha; we are so grateful to have him as part of our teaching team. Sri Atman established the Babaji Institute of Kriya Yoga in 2006, offering yoga classes, seminars, and retreats. With more than 17 years of yoga instruction experience, Sri Atman has taught in excess of 1,000 students,

Sri is also a Reiki Master and Healer and he has authored two books on yoga; ‘Way of Kriya Yoga’ (Tamil), and ‘TTC Training Manual’. Not only this, Sri Atman holds a BSc in Yogic Science, attained at the SVYASA Yoga University in Bangalore, India.

As well as being a devoted yogi and scholar, Sri is a kind and warm teacher who guides our students with humor and heart. 

Joanne Farrell

Joanne is certified through Polaris International College in Denmark with a Diploma of Transformational Kinesiology and Transpersonal healing. This diploma has a focus on esoteric Ageless Wisdom teachings and astrology.  She completed a second Diploma of Kinesiology with Create Your Reality Kinesiology School in Brisbane.  This has a focus on anatomy physiology, TCM, and neuroscience. She is also a certified educator of Transformational Kinesiology and Energetic Anatomy.

Joanne has participated in a vast variety of  transformational trainings all over the world, mostly yoga and transpersonal creative teachings in India, Nepal, Thailand, Brazil, Peru, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. She has a special interest in yoga & the subtle energy body, esoteric astrology, shamanic teachings and Druid mysticism. She is currently doing extra training learning indigenous healing traditions with an indigenous elder healer in NSW.

We are blessed to have Joanne share her wisdom and practical techniques for health and wellbeing on our Byron Bay RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training and Byron Bay 50 Hour Yoga Therapy Course.

Jasmine White

Jasmine is a passionate and motivating writer, speaker and qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. From a young age, Jasmine has been practising Hatha, Iyengar and Bikram yoga and has attended Vipassana meditations both in Australia and overseas. Her commitment to knowledge through ancient wisdom took her to meet many doctors, practitioners, healers and even meeting the Dalai Lama in 2014.

Her interest in Ayurveda was sparked after travelling throughout India and experiencing first-hand the impact of these powerful routines and medicines for everyday life. After completing two Panchkarma treatments and spending time with Ayurvedic doctors in India, she returned to Australia for professional study.  

Jasmine has successfully completed the Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda through Australian Institute of Ayurvedic Studies (AIAS). She is a current and qualified member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and has also completed Level 1 and Level 2 Mentorship Intensive for Ayurvedic Graduates. 

Jasmine has worked with many clients through consultations, massage and therapeutic treatments to bring health, wellbeing and balance. Having also continued a strong personal yoga and meditation practice for many years, she understands the importance of a holistic approach to wellbeing.

Our students enjoy Jasmine’s lively engaging classes and have the wonderful opportunity to work one-on-one with Jasmine for consults and massages.

Jasmine is a much-loved member of our Byron Bay RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training and Byron Bay 50 Hour Yoga Therapy Course teaching teams.

Nyree Krueger

Vasudha Harte

Vasudha Harte has been working with the healing power of music and sound for over 30 years. An experienced and qualified Music Therapist (University of Melbourne) and Music Teacher (Grad Dip.Ed), Vasudha also trained in India at the Nada (Sound) Yoga school, Rishikesh, and studied the ancient meditative art of dhrupad singing. A professional singer and multi instrumentalist, she intuitively combines her wealth of knowledge, expertise, artistry and passion for the healing power of sound to present unique experiences for individuals and groups.

“Sound Healing facilitates a vibrational state change. It depends upon a talented sound healer who not only understands the intricacies of sound, but also carries the healer archetype. Vasudha Harte is a gifted sound healer and comes highly recommended” ~ Lisa Fitzpatrick, Founder of Sacred Women’s Business

Our Byron Bay Yoga Teacher Training students are blessed with Vasudhda’s teaching and healing sound journeys  on both our Byron Bay RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training and Byron Bay 50 Hour Yoga Therapy Course.

Meret Wandeler

Meret’s love for yoga started when she took her first class in order to manage an injury – but quickly turned into a passion when she discovered the immense physical and mental health benefits yoga offers.

Meret has since become an exercise scientist, and started her health professional journey teaching anatomy at university, then working as part of a  team at Griffith University running clinical trials, aiming to design effective exercise programs to improve the health of people with chronic conditions.

Her yoga and meditation practice brings peace and unity to her mind body and soul, helping her being her healthy, happy self. She is passionate about helping people feel great in their skin and loving themselves through yoga and exercise.

She loves sharing her acquired knowledge of health and wellness as well as learning from each and every student. When not on the mat you’ll find her near the ocean, she adores surfing, diving, snorkelling, sup yoga and soaking up the sun.

Barbara Kundig – Yoga Nidra

Barbara has been practising Yoga Nidra herself for many years on a daily bases. She has conducted hundreds of classes and workshops on Yoga Nidra as well as many teacher training courses in Europe. Barbara is the author of a German bestselling book on Yoga Nidra as well as many CDs.

Currently based in Germany, Barbara teaches our Online Yoga Nidra training as well as running Yoga Nidra classes and retreats around the world. We are thrilled to offer our popular 50 Hour Yoga Nidra Immersive in Nusa Lembongan in conjunction with Barbara.

Hamid Ebadi – Spirtual Counsellor

Santosha is privileged to have a dedicated spiritual counsellor – Hamid Ebadi – on our team, to assist and support our students with their psychological, spiritual and mental health.

Along with his western psychology qualifications and experience, in 2000 Hamid was ordained as a monk and subsequently authorized in 2010 by his master to teach and pass on the ancient teachings. In 2005 he finished a three year training program in counseling at ETAPE (École des Praticiens de la Psychothérapie) in Nice, France and has been in active practice since then.

Hamid is able to integrate much of Western psychotherapy with Eastern wisdom and meditation traditions. He spends a good part of the year in India and has taught meditation, philosophy and comparative spirituality. His own life experiences have helped him gain empathy towards the difficulties of others. He understands that a trusting and accepting relationship is essential for it is the relationship that ultimately heals. His counsel has proved to be invaluable help for many Santosha in the past.

Today a growing number of people are turning to the internet for counselling. Hamid uses both Skype sessions and e-mailing in his work. All contacts with him are private and covered by confidentiality.

Jennie – Student Support + Admin

As a Santosha RYT-200 (2011) and RYT-500 (2013) graduate, Jennie is honoured to work for Santosha in an Administration and Student Support role – handling the day to day of keeping a booming yoga business going!

Jennie makes sure life is smooth and easy for all our students – and grads. She handles all student bookings and enquiries and loves to help our new students get started on their journey. She is supported in this role by our accounts whizz, Margie.

Having studied under Sunny and her team of dedicated teachers, Jennie knows first-hand the deeply transformative power of undertaking a teacher training through Santosha… and of being welcomed warmly into the Santosha family.

Jennie is excited to now be sharing this experience with others, and to offer support, strength and smiles along the way. She came to yoga – as many of us initially do – for the physical benefits. It was not until her own struggle with depression and anxiety that she realised the deep strength and stillness that a regular yoga practice brings.

Jennie loves working with all the amazing people Santosha attracts – both students and teachers!

 Would you like to know who is teaching on the course you choose ?
If you are wanting to train with a specific teacher please email to attain the teachers for the training you wish to attend.