Corrie McCallum
200-hour Course Leader & 500-hour Tutor

Corrie began dancing at a young age, and after theatrical boarding school, she merged her love of dancing with singing, and moved to London to attend Arts Chiswick. She discovered yoga at 16 and has practiced Bikram, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa Flow, where she learned the joy of creative sequencing. After nearly a decade of working in the West End and overseas, Corrie shifted into the wellness industry, becoming a Pilates teacher and personal trainer. She embarked on her 200-hour training with YogaLondon in 2012, and has since completed 500-hours. She’s seen YogaLondon from all angles, as a student, as an apprentice and as a teacher. Corrie is a Course Leader on all 4-month and 1-month courses and leads the anatomy module on the 500-hr courses. Her vibrant personality and days as an actress are still very much a part of her, evident in her teaching style and her infectious personality. More on Corrie

Lucinda Beatty
200-hour Course Leader

Luci was immersed in art from a very young age, which manifested in a range of media. Her photography took her all over the world for more than a decade and she currently is Head of the Art Department at a Central London school. Luci is proof that yoga starts at any age. She began practicing yoga after receiving a book about natural healing on her 40th birthday that included a 12-week Iyengar based course. After a few months of self-practice, she switched to Ashtanga Vinyasa. A couple of years after that infamous book landed in her lap, Luci travelled in India for 3 months, studying with various teachers. Following that, she taught drawing at Purple Valley as well as at Yoga Plus. After a decade of practicing yoga, she knew she had to pass on the practice that she loves. Within a week she committed to a YogaLondon 1-year course and two years after that, she did an apprenticeship under Rahoul. She’s now the Course Leader on the 1-year 200-hour course. For Luci, art and yoga fit well together – she finds that drawing from the environment is a meditative process, bringing the present moment into focus. Being taught by Luci is similar to this sensation: outside distractions drop away and an inner stillness takes over. More on Lucinda

Francesca Sanlorenzo
200-hour Course Leader

Francesca grew up in Milan where she studied Art and Photography before moving to London. In her mid-20’s, she was invited to the Benetton’s Centre for Communication where she worked with Oliviero Toscani and other artists from around the world. Upon returning to London, she started a multi-media company with her partner called ‘Cacao’. They worked on social documentation and educational projects, including working with young people facing challenging circumstances. In 2005, Francesca was chosen to run the Art & Design department in Abbey Manor College for students outside of mainstream education. She has been teaching there ever since, and was nominated as a finalist in the 2010 Teaching Award. As yoga became a mainstay in her life, she found YogaLondon and undertook the1-year training course. She then began teaching offering private and local classes in South East London. In Autumn 2014, she trained with TeenYoga in an effort to share yoga with her students and teach them the tools to deal with stress and self-regulation. In 2015 she embarked on her Advanced Teacher Training journey with YogaLondon, completing the Body Module, the Philosophy Module, as well as the Apprentice Module. As a keen student she is enthusiastic about how much there is to learn in this yoga/life journey. Francesca’s forthcoming openness about her journey, discoveries and philosophical inquiry appeal to her students; her sense of humor is icing on the cake! We’re delighted to have her on the teaching team. More on Francesca

Jonathan Thompson
200-hour Course Leader

Jonathan has a mélange of jobs that appeared on his path before he finally found his calling as a yoga teacher: civil servant, recruitment specialist, actor, the cosmetics counter at Estée Lauder, and making smoothies! His story is a testament that life can be a meandering, curvy and bump path; but no matter how many detours life takes, if you pay attention to the signs and listen internally, you will discover your true path. He went off to university to study Law, but became a civil service government worker, studying drama and singing on the side. After six years as a civil servant, he left and went into recruitment. The work didn’t suit him, so he enroled to Drama School full-time, working part-time at the cosmetics counter at Estée Lauder. Meanwhile, yoga became a mainstay in his life; an activity he kept returning to in the background of his life. As he contemplated finding his next job, a friend suggested he become a yoga teacher. His heart cried out ‘Yes Yes Yes’, but his head said ‘No No No’. He followed his heart. Through a friend of a friend, he found the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas and signed up for their Teacher Training Course. It was the best thing he’s ever done. When Jonathan returned to London, without work and low on funds, he couldn’t see the next step. There’s a gym near Jonathan’s home, and the following day, he walked in and asked if they had openings. It turned out that the yoga teacher had walked out last week, and they needed someone immediately. The manager asked him for a 15-minute demonstration. Following that, she asked him what day he’d like to start. Jonathan began covering for other yoga teachers, and he developed a reputation as a reliable, well-rounded teacher. Through his contacts, he eventually became the lead Course Director for YMCA, a title he held from 2014 - 2017. His greatest lesson has come from learning: ‘when you let go, and allow yourself to be led, doors open.’ More on Jonathan

Jess Leitch
200-hour Course Leader

Jess’ focus, aside from yoga, has been her dedicated work in grassroots community organisations to support some of the most socially disadvantaged people in both Australia and the UK. Her yoga journey began unceremoniously in a gym, where she didn’t instantly feel connected to the practice. However, with a little faith, dedication and patience, eight years later she found herself on a 200-hr teacher training in Bali. Jess has completed two separate 200-hr teacher trainings, one in Hatha Yoga based on T. Krishnamacharya’s approach, and the other with YogaLondon. Jess has also obtained a Pregnancy and Post-Natal Certification with YogaLondon and more recently completed a Yoga for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Training with The Minded Institute, building on her extensive knowledge of working with people who have complex needs. Jess’ own personal story is one of overcoming social disadvantage and adversity. She feels it’s her Dharma to offer the gift of yoga to people who may not have the means to access it otherwise. More on Jess

Marta Simonetti
200-hour Course Leader

Marta grew up in Italy, living between Milan and Umbria. She moved to London in 1994 and studied at the University of Westminster, focusing on foreign language and politics. She’s spent time in Germany, Belgium, Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic studying political systems and federalism. For years she worked for the European Bank in London. Most recently, she spent 14 months in Asia working on environmental and sustainable energy projects. Not your typical yogi! Marta has trained all over the world with YogaLondon, Sri Dharma Mittra, Denise Payne, and the Brahmin Priest Ratu Bagus focusing on the connection between tantra – yantra – mantra. She serves as Course Leader for YogaLondon on the 200-hour course. More on Marta

Deepti Sastry
500-hour Tutor

Deepti was introduced to yoga as an 8-year old at a boarding school in her native India. She grew up reading, writing and chanting Sanskrit during school, which she utilizes when teaching the Yoga Sutras module on our 200 and 500-hour courses. She completed YogaLondon's first Teacher Training Course, and has completed an additional three Teacher Training courses since then, both in London and India. Deepti's grace, patience and love of yoga make her one of our most valued teachers; her love of horror movies is an added bonus. More on Deepti

Rachel Perry
200-hour Tutor

Rachel’s energy and vivacity are some of her greatest strengths as a teacher. Her professional dancing background allowed her to transition easily into a yoga practice; though she’ll willingly share and laugh about poses that took ages for her to master. Rachel teaches at The Well Garden, Mudra Yoga and Down To Earth, as well as functioning as course leader for YogaLondon on our 200-hour courses. For Rachel, yoga is exploratory in nature, enabling us to develop internally whilst deepening our connection to others. More on Rachel

Loretta Stowell
Anatomy Tutor

Loretta met Mother Theresa at the age of 10, trained as a physiologist as well as a speech and language therapist, volunteered in Mexico, lived in New York City and raised three children. She’s a prime example of a well-rounded YogaLondon tutor. She grew up in Suffolk, one of 12 children. She studied physiology at University College London and after graduating, obtained further qualification as a Speech and Language Therapist. After her third child was born, Loretta and her family moved to America. Whilst her husband worked 12-hour days and she raised their three children, she realised she needed an outlet, and a yoga class presented itself to her. Within a few years, her yoga evolved to a consistent and regular practice. The family moved back to the UK, and she undertook her teacher-training course with the Yoga Academy, qualifying in 2007. She began teaching anatomy for YogaLondon in 2013. Loretta teaches anatomy as a means of helping trainees understand how the study of the body is absolutely relevant to yoga. Watching as her students warm up to anatomy is the most rewarding feeling for her. She teaches on our 200hr and 500hr advanced course, in addition to her private teaching in Kent. More on Loretta

Jenny Travell
Anatomy Tutor

Jenny is one of those rare people who was born and bred in London. As a child, she was very involved in gymnastics, dance, and even yoga. All these movement-based activities led her to an abiding interest in the power of the body. In 2009, she trained as a Physio at St. George’s Hospital and now works there as a Specialised Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, offering patients acupuncture and dry needling as part of her practice. In addition, Jenny is a trained Pilates teacher and infuses her physio knowledge into her classes as well as with individual clients. She delights in finding a way to communicate the mystery and magic of the human body and helping students access this vital part of themselves. More on Jenny

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. More on Chloe

Dezi Olle
Meditation Tutor

Dézi was born in Budapest but raised in the mountains near Slovakia. She spent nearly all her time outdoors and learned to ski before she could walk. Dézi took her first yoga class at age 19. When it was over, she cried - not from sadness, but from relief of finding what she was meant to do. Dézi has practiced all sorts of yoga and done teacher trainings in Hatha Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Vinyasa Flow. She’s now qualified to teach Yoga, Kids Yoga, Pre and Postnatal Yoga, Pilates, Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga Sports Science as well as Mindfulness and Meditation. Her next training is in BodyART; a form that combines yoga, pilates and martial arts. She’s been teaching with YogaLondon since 2016 and brings joy and laughter to all of her classes.

Gabriella Burnel
Philosophy & Sanskrit Tutor

Gabriella first came into contact with Sanskrit as a little girl hearing it from her parents. She went on to study it at school, at the University of Oxford, and continues her learning to this day both in London and with yearly visits to her teachers in India. The study of Sanskrit enriches her life, through the wealth of its magnificent scriptural texts and the sounds of the language. Gabriella sounds Sanskrit daily and credits this with helping her navigate the vicissitudes of existence! Alongside Sanskrit, Gabriella sings, teaches Alexander Technique and Yoga, and leads monthly Vedic Chanting / Kirtan sessions in London and beyond. More on Gabriella

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.” More on Alenka

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. More on Anna

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. More on Christine

Rachel Wood
Creative Director

Rachel began practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga in 2009 upon moving to Cape Town, South Africa. She's studied with Paul Dallaghan, Matthew Sweeney, David Swenson and Michael Hamilton. She completed her 200-hr certification at Centered Yoga under Paul Dallaghan. Since then, she's continued her asana and pranayama studies under his tutelage and that of his teacher, Sri O.P. Tiwari, and is a 500-hr RYT. In addition to her yoga, Rachel has lived a life in the arts. She began acting at 9, directed her first theatre piece at 16 and in her early 20’s began dialect coaching. She’s worked as a photographer, theatre director, actor, filmmaker and taught at university level as an acting, directing and voice lecturer. She started working with YogaLondon in 2012 by producing and directing videos that highlight the student experience. She’s grateful to be able to combine her love for yoga with her artistic tendencies. Rachel lives with her partner and two young boys in upstate New York.

Ellesse Serrano
Outreach & Events

Ellesse discovered yoga as a teen visiting Koh Samui, Thailand. Her island holiday came and went, but a newfound enthusiasm for asana practice was only beginning to bud. Five years and a zillion 'vinyasas' later, Ellesse joined YogaLondon for a one-month intensive programme where she gained a 200-hour Yoga Alliance teaching qualification. She now helps the YogaLondon team by sharing her experiences as a trainee to prospective students and spreading the good word about what yoga means to her; that is, 'attaining what was previously unattainable' (T.K.V. Desikachar). Ellesse graduated with a MSc in Mental Health from King's College, London and works to incorporate yoga and mindfulness in all her professional pursuits. More on Ellesse

Asha Katz
Outreach & Data Analytics

Asha's background and education in yoga starts as far back as she can remember. She was fortunate enough to be born into a yogi's household. When Asha was 3, her mother discovered practices like meditation and chanting, and a little later started practicing and teaching asana (the more commonly known, physical practice of yoga). It wasn't until 2010 though that Asha took responsibility for her own practice in the pursuit of wellness. Moving to New York for a brief stint, she was looking for some peace of mind and found herself rolling out her mat every morning. Once she returned to London in 2011, she sought out YogaLondon and completed her 1-Month Intensive Teacher Training. She then moved to Canada's glorious East Coast for 4 years where, while studying at university, she taught 3-5 yoga classes a week. Her education continued to grow as she added to her qualifications with100hrs in Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Counselling, a barre certification (a mix of ballet, pilates, yoga, and aerobics), and a Permaculture Design Certification, which specifically explored Permaculture as 'yoga for the planet'. Finally back in the UK in 2015, Asha began working with YogaLondon helping incoming students find the right course for them. She also began her 500hr Advanced Yoga Teacher Training. You can find her now in Toronto, finding ways to enhance the prospective student experience and make yoga dreams come true!