TEACHERS
To understand the profound effects of yoga and an asana practice it must be experienced directly through regular practice and study over a long time. We as practitioners begin to see the rich and vast expanse of yoga, beneath the surface to only begin to explore the layers. Yoga is passed down from teacher to student. All our teachers (minimum 200YTT) have a rich history of practice and through this experience are honoured and grateful to share their tradition, knowledge and wisdom.
Hatha, Yin & Restorative Yoga Claire's practice is rooted in both Vinyasa & Hatha yoga styles and is also certified in Restorative & Yin Yoga. She has an 85-hour RPYT. Claire is a third-year PhD candidate in Environmental Studies at Queen's University. Her research focuses on the interconnections between housing, institutions & climate change. In her free time, Claire is an avid reader of fantasy and historical fiction, and loves to cook and walk her mini-mi (her 12-year-old chihuahua, Diana).
Hatha Yoga What year did you start practicing yoga? What year did you start teaching? What 3 asanas are still allusive/ you are still trying to master?
SYC Student Ashtanga Teacher (Mysore, Intro & Led Ashtanga Classes) What year did you start practicing yoga? 2007 2009 (Ashtanga 8 Limb Practice: daily) What year did you start teaching? 2013 Shadowing & assisting in the mysore room 2015 Mysore What 3 asanas are still allusive/ you are still trying to master? Utkatasana Adho Mukha Svanasana Kapotasana
What year did you start practicing yoga? Started 2011 What year did you start teaching? Started teaching mysore & Ashtanga classes in 2018/2019 What 3 asanas are still allusive/ you are still trying to master? Karandavasana Setu Bandhasana Mayurasana
Ashtanga, Ashtanga Beginners, Intro to Yoga
Ashtanga What year did you start practicing yoga? 2016 2022 (Ashtanga) What year did you start teaching? 2025 What 3 asanas are still allusive/ you are still trying to master? Shadé Abrams 200-hour YTT Ashtanga Led Classes, Assisting in Mysore “Each time you look at a tangerine, you can see deeply into it. You can see everything in the universe in one tangerine. When you peel it and smell it, it’s wonderful. You can take your time eating a tangerine and be very happy.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh
What year did you start practicing yoga? 1999 2005 (Ashtanga) 2011 (Ashtanga in earnest, yin, philosophy studies) What year did you start teaching? 2012 What 3 asanas are still allusive/ you are still trying to master? Bakasana Marichyasana C Navasana
New Teachers to the Shala
Claire Penney
200-hour YTT, 30hr Restorative Yoga, 20hr Yin, 85hr RPYT
Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin & Restorative
Claire is delighted to be joining Shala Ashtanga Yoga Centre as a Yoga Instructor. Claire previously practiced at Shala before moving to Kingston, Ontario and is excited to rejoin the team as a Yoga Instructor. Claire's practice is rooted in both Vinyasa and Hatha yoga styles. Claire is a third-year PhD candidate in Environmental Studies at Queen's University. Her research focuses on the interconnections between housing, institutions and climate change following the 2024 Jasper wildfire event. In her free time, Claire is an avid reader of fantasy and historical fiction, and loves to cook and walk her mini-mi (her 12-year-old chihuahua, Diana).
