TEACHERS
GEMMA
ASHTANGA – VINYASA – SOFT TISSUE MASSAGE
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES
Fun, Strong, Energetic.
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY?
I love being part of a genuine community. Yoga Reading is inclusive of everyone, and it always feels like a humble, relaxed and supportive space.
QUALIFICATIONS
• 200hr Yoga Teacher Training
• Level 5 Soft Tissue Massage Therapy
• Many hours of workshops and self-practice
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
Spending time with my rescue animals (chickens, cat and dog), growing vegetables in the garden, and going on holidays or small adventures with my family. I also love switching off in front of a good film or TV series.
WHAT ARE YOU GRAT AT?
Multitasking — and I like to think I have good intuition too… even if I don’t always listen to it!
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
I co-own a health and social care company with my sister. We’ve been running it for 13 years and now support a team of 88 employees.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
Yoga, strength training, and walking or hiking outdoors.
BOOK A CLASS
Helen Gevaux
VINYASA – STRENGTH – RESTORATIVE – QIGONG – THAI MASSAGE – MINDSET
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES
Playful, Progressive, Holistic
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY?
Getting to know students, support them through different life seasons and seeing them grow in strength and ease (body and mind) through their practice
QUALIFICATIONS
- Vinyasa and dynamic styles: in power yoga, alignment-based flow, Mandala, Rocket, Space & Flow.
- Restorative practices: yin yoga, yoga nidra, pranayama, meditation and mindfulness
- Thai Massage therapist (Level 2 certified)
- Qigong teacher and 5th degree black belt in Taekwon-Do with 15+years teaching experience
- Acroyoga International teacher (L1 certified)
- Strength and Conditioning coach (L3 certified), Pregnant and Postpartum Athleticism coach and Animal Flow instructor (L1)
- In-training as a belief and mindset embodiment coach, Nervous System Regulation practitioner and movement neurology practitioner
- Endless hours of personal yoga and movement study and research on retreats, intensives, immersions, workshops, and general geeking out
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
Anything playful – hanging out with my toddler or being creative with my hands
WHAT ARE YOU GREAT AT?
Trying new things, sharing ideas based on diverse experiences and making movement and mindfulness concepts accessible
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
I appeared as a guest instructor on Channel 5’s Combat Club (a kids’ talent competition for martial arts) in about 2003
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
Ooh, picking just one is hard! i love the challenge of calisthenics, the flow of snowboarding or being immersed in dance
BOOK A CLASS
JO
VINYASA FLOW – PREGNANCY – MUM AND BABY YOGA
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES
Embodied, non-competitive, nurturing
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY?
Yoga Reading is a really special community of dedicated members and teachers. There’s a real sense of support for the teachers so we can offer the best classes for our students. The dedication of the members makes teaching a real joy as you can see their yoga practice developing over time.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 200 Hours Vinyasa Flow Yoga
- 300 Hours Advanced Teacher Training
- 85 Hours Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training.
- Yoga Nidra Foundation Certificate
- 25 Hours Advanced Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training
- Integrated Baby Yoga and Baby Massage Teacher Training
- Award in Education and Training to teach vocational teacher training courses
- Nurturing Birth Doula Training
- Many Hours of attending workshops, retreats, self-study and self-practice.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
Being outside in the woods, at the coast or countryside and long baths.
WHAT ARE YOU GREAT AT?
Making a safe, welcoming and friendly space for people.
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
A long time ago I used to organize theatrical events and had my own theatre company
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
Dancing in the kitchen to fun music, yoga (obviously!!!) and cycling.
BOOK A CLASS
JOY
ASHTANGA – KUNDALINI
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES
Rejuvenating, Energizing, Deep.
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY?
I love being a part of the Yoga Reading family because we are all so open and supportive of one another. We are all so different and unique as teachers, yet we respect each other and work together as a whole.
QUALIFICATIONS
- YTT with Bryan Kest in California(Power Yoga)
- YTT with Manju Jois in Florida(Ashtanga Yoga)
- YTT Kundalini Yoga.
- And 1,000’s of hours of practice and teaching…endless workshops.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
a good movie watched in bed.
WHAT ARE YOU GREAT AT?
I am great at cooking! Mainly Vegan delights
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
I was on the Radio in the US for 15 years as a DJ…rock n roll stations only!
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
Fave way to move my body…a really good morning stretch and Surya Namaskar.
BOOK A CLASS
KATIA MAJOR
ASHTANGA – YIN – MASSAGE
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES
Thoughtful, fun, anatomy-informed
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY?
The team of teachers are supportive, professional and experienced in so many ways. It’s great to know you can put a call out and someone will have a suggestion, answer or just some kind words. It means a lot to me as working in this area can be quite individualistic and fragmented. I love the feeling that we all bring something different to build a bigger offer to Reading.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 300 hour YTT Ashtanga and Yin Yoga
- Assisted a 300 hour YTT
- Advanced Yin Yoga
- Various anatomy and fascia workshops
- Yoga Nidra trained
- Level 2 ETM
- Indoor cycling and Keiser trained
- Level 5 Soft Tissue Therapy (Sports & Injury Massage)
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
A circuits class or Ashtanga practice (I do have yang tendencies)…
WHAT ARE YOU GREAT AT?
Connecting and being interested in people. I love connection.
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
In my previous career I worked on international education projects and was posted to Abu Dhabi and Qatar several times – I still went to the gym even though it was BOILING out there!
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
It depends on the day! But I really like to do something everyday even if it’s a dog walk.
BOOK A CLASS
LORENA
ANUSARA – YIN – PREGNANCY – SOUND MEDITATION – BREATHWORK
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES:
Nurturing, Caring, Embodied movement
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY?
I love the community side of it and the real kula (family) feeling that YR offers to all their teachers. YR is an encouraging, deeply supportive studio and I am proud to be part of it.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ashtanga Vinyasa (200h) and Anusara Elements (200h) yoga teacher trainings
- Anusara Yoga Therapy and applied anatomy
- Depth Yoga & Psychology
- Yoga for Cancer Survivors Teacher Training Course
- Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training
- Yin Yoga Teacher Training
- Jivamukti Immersion
- Thai Massage Course in Thailand and Certified Thai Yoga Massage training
- Reiki I, II and Reiki Master & Seichim training Level 1
- Sacred Sounds training
- Gong trainings with Don Conreaux, Vikrampal Singh and Sheila Whittaker
- Voice Sovereignty, Voice Yoga and Sound Source-ry & Art of Sound Meditation
- Certified Aromatherapist
- Breathwork & Meditation Teacher Level 1
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
Taking long mindful medicine ritual baths, applying aromatherapy, candles and crystals. Playing the harp or any other instrument.
WHAT ARE YOU GREAT AT?
Creating safe spaces for people to relax and connect deeply with their bodies through yoga, meditation, breathwork and sound.
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
I play the harp — very imperfectly, but with love.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
I love to dance and simply let my mind and body follow, especially when cooking in my kitchen :0)
BOOK A CLASS
MEGAN
IYENGAR INSPIRED YOGA – VINYASA – HATHA
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES
Mindful, alignment, supportive
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY
I truly love being part of the Yoga Reading family. It’s such an inclusive, supportive, warm, and kind community, and I am proud to be part of it. Each class is unique and our teachers share so much knowledge – I continue to learn so much from them. Being part of this family continues to help me grow every day.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 250HRS Sam Rao YAP Yoga Teacher Training Diploma
- Anatomy and Alignment in Iyengar Yoga Study
- Many hours of attending workshops, retreats, self study and self practice.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
My favourite way to unwind is with music, dancing, yoga, and a cosy night in with a candle and a blanket.
WHAT ARE YOU GREAT AT?
I am patient and enjoy creating comforting, supportive spaces where people feel at ease.
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
I have a passion for art and love painting wildlife. I often sell my work at local artisan markets.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
Yoga will always be my favourite way to move – especially practicing inversions – I also love lifting weights in the gym and dancing.
BOOK A CLASS
RAILI
ASHTANGA
STYLES YOU PRACTICE
Ashtanga yoga – traditional form.
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES
Encouraging, energetic, supportive.
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY?
It is a perfect example of a community. Yoga Reading fosters the practise of no-ego and other niyamas or self-disciplines.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 2016 In-depth Ashtanga yoga study with Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute
- Recognised Teacher by Lino Miele
- 17-years of practise and 10-years of assisting with Lino Miele in India and Italy
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
Yoga naturally. Experiencing all elements of nature – hiking in the woods (Earth), being by the ocean (Water), slowing my breathing down (Air), and sitting by the fireplace (Fire).
WHAT ARE YOU GREAT AT?
My dharma or path in this life seems to be initiating and creating things.
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
As an entrepreneur I have created and managed several companies in the UK and Estonia. I’m a qualified lawyer and a corporate security professional and have organised several music awards ceremonies.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
As an ex-dancer, it will always be yoga and dance, then hiking and swimming.
BOOK A CLASS
Yulia
FUNCTIONAL FLOW – OSTEOPATHY – YIN
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES
Mindful, Practical, Reflective
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY?
I love being part of Yoga Reading because it is a community of diverse and amazing people that are nurturing each other, with genuine support and care.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 2007 Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Teacher Training 200 H
- Short trainings on Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Jivamukti yoga
- 2010 Insight Yoga Teacher Training 60 H (Yin and Yang yoga and mindfulness meditation) with Sarah Powers
- 2012- 2014 STOTT PILATES® Mat, Reformer, CC&B, full certification
- Further training in Stott Pilates
- Tripsochore Yoga Training
- 2019 Animal flow Level 1
- Award in Education and Training, Level 3. Level 3 award in assessing vocationally related achievement.
- Lots of workshops and immersion, in addition to my degree in Osteopathy, Sports massage L5 and Lymphoedema therapy.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
Dancing to my favourite music by the fire under the starry sky and eating cake.
WHAT ARE YOU GREAT AT?
Cooking in general, particularly baking ….and making friends
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
I’ve moved 15 times in the past 20 years and lived in 5 counties.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
Impromptu dancing and mixing up different styles while combining them with yoga
BOOK A CLASS
WEIEN
VINYASA – ASHTANGA – IYENGAR – HOT YOGA – NIDRA
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES
Stability – Strength – Stillness
WHY YOU LOVE BEING PART OF THE YOGA READING FAMILY?
At Yoga Reading, I can arrive and just do me. We, as teachers, are encouraged to explore our practice and teaching in a deeply personal way. It’s incredibly liberating to be part of a community that values the unique strengths of not only their teachers, but students too.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 200hrs Vinyasa Yoga Training
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND?
Being in the woods. Walking in the woods. Reading in the woods.
WHAT ARE YOU GREAT AT?
All things food: eating, cooking, baking, talking about food, writing about food.
TELL US A COOL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
I queued an entire day to audition for the role of Cho Chang in Harry Potter… but got turned away for being too young!
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY?
I love walking, especially when I can do it without rushing, without distractions and without anywhere to be.
