Jo Harris
200-hour Course Leader
“I’m Jo... I teach...it's fun!”says Jo, which belies how energetic, fun and knowledgeable she truly is. Jo grew up in Guilford, Surrey, and was introduced to yoga in 6th form. She moved to London when she was 19 to attend Central School of Speech and Drama, transferring later to Exeter Uni. The highlight of her week was always her movement classes.
Back in London after uni, she obtained a day job but quickly signed up for a yoga teacher training with YogaLondon. After completing her teacher training she was hired as assistant director for a show and couldn’t wait for it to be over. Afterward, she switched to yoga full-time.
Jo has done all of her training with YogaLondon, completing her 200-hr and Pregnancy TTC. She teaches 10 classes during the weekdays, Postnatal Courses, as well as being Course Leader on the 200-hr and Pregnancy Training for YogaLondon.
Jo recalls that her YL training felt inclusive and encouraging, something she strives to emulate as Course Leader. She wants to help students gain confidence and courage during their TTC, something she herself experienced.
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Chloe Upson
Anatomy Tutor
Chloe grew up in the Midlands and took an early interest in science and the body. She is trained as a Physio, but discovered yoga while she was completing a Level 1 Pilates course. She never considered herself flexible enough for yoga, but after a two-week course on an island in Central America, she fell in love with yoga. There she learned Ashtanga and in January of 2015, she completed her teacher training in Rishikesh, India.
She began teaching as many do, with close friends and family members. Two years later, she’s teaching five different classes a week in addition to her physio work.
For Chloe, physio and yoga co-exist seamlessly. Yoga doesn’t separate the mind-body-breath connection, and more and more she’s seeing how the field of physiotherapy is catching up.
Chloe teaches anatomy on the 200-hr courses as well as on the pregnancy courses. We are thrilled to have her as part of our teaching team.
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Caroline Smith
Prenatal Yoga Tutor
Caroline first became enchanted by yoga as a little girl after seeing her granny practising it. She thought, if an amazing lady in her 60's could do it, so could she! After studying photography at London's Westminster University, Caroline began taking regular Ashtanga classes and immediately felt as if she'd returned to her body and her Self. A whole new world opened up for her and she took a British Wheel Foundation course. Alongside regular practice, Caroline spent time working for the British Library where she became interested in Eastern philosophies. When a broken arm as a result of a bike accident meant Caroline couldn't practice for four months, she realised something was really missing - the supreme mental benefits of a regular yoga practice. With new vigour, she completed her 200-hour teacher training in Cambridge in 2009 and soon thereafter began running her own classes in London. Invigorating by her new profession, she undertook the Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training with YogaLondon, which perfectly complemented her 200-hour training. Caroline's teaching style is influenced by Buddhist teachings, with a focus on a breath-led practice. She lives outside of London with her partner and newborn baby girl.
Alenka Herman
Prenatal Yoga Tutor
Alenka grew up in a Slovenia and her early life was shaped by dance. She studied jazz and ballet, eventually training at the National Ballet School, then at Trinity Laban in London before completing her MA in Dance Theatre. As is often the case for dancers, Alenka first encountered yoga through dance. Yoga altered her state of mind and gave her a sense of peace. As her love of yoga grew, she completed her 200-hr teacher training and eventually YogaLondon’s 500-hr yoga teacher trainings.
When a yoga teacher asked Alenka to cover her pregnancy yoga class, she knew she had to get trained. She signed on for YogaLondon’s first Pregnancy Teacher Training Course and was certified within four-months time. Her teaching blossomed and she was able to start her own pregnancy yoga classes in addition to regular classes.
Alenka highlights what makes teaching pregnant women so special: “On a whole, as they go through this incredible journey, I find they are much more open to the breathing exercises, and to the internal journey that yoga can access for people.”
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Anna Ferla
Prenatal Yoga Tutor
Many yogis are concerned that they are “too old” and believe a teacher training is only for 20-somethings. Anna embarked on her 200-hr teacher training when she was 41. She became a certified Pre Natal Yoga Teacher in 2014 at the age of 47. Yoga teachers come in all ages.
When Anna’s first son was born 16 years ago, she began suffering from post-natal depression. A close friend suggested yoga and it quickly transformed her life. Through yoga, she was able to move through her depression without medication. She’s now an ardent advocate for Pre and Post Natal yoga and how it helps with the physical and mental symptoms that arise during pregnancy.
Nine years ago, Anna did her teacher training with TriYoga. She now has over 16 years of practice, works full-time as a yoga teacher, covers for other Pre Natal teachers and volunteers for the British Wheel of Yoga, as well as being mum to two boys! We are fortunate to have her on our Pregnancy Course.
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Christine Grabowska
Pregnancy Midwife Tutor
The year was 1978 and Christine was in training to become a nurse. As part of her midwifery training, she was assigned to a home birth at a squat in Camden. The woman laboured, full of power and pain, then abruptly stood up naked; in that moment, Christine felt her own embarrassment and discomfort. The birth continued naturally and a baby boy was born. That woman turned out to be Christine’s greatest teacher.
Christine was born, raised and educated in London. She received a BSc in Social Science and Administration from the London School of Economics and an MSc in Medical Sociology from the Royal Holloway College. In addition, she has completed a Licentuate in Acupuncture, a Licentuate in Oriental Herbalism as well as a diploma in caniosacral therapy from The College of Craniosacral Therapy.
She has worked as a midwife since 1981 and received her teaching qualification from Surrey University in 1990. She currently teaches at the University of West London, and is linked to Chelsea Hospital, Westminister Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital and has been present at over 750 births.
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