Established for over 30 years, our studio is one of Australia's most reputable and longest running schools with a lively and deeply valued yoga community. We offer a range of classes at different levels suitable for first timers through to experienced practitioners. Our teachers offer various styles of yoga; dynamic hatha, vinyasa, gentle restorative, meditation, beginner classes and courses. We also offer a comprehensive, accredited part-time Yoga Teacher Training Program delivered by highly experienced instructors.
Our Teachers
James Sierra
Principal Teacher and Co-Owner
James teaches a unique, dynamic interpretation of yoga asana whilst drawing on the age-old Hatha Yoga tradition. His style is encouraging and infused with humour and his love of music! He has been practising and teaching yoga for more than 30 years, including ongoing studies internationally. James' teaching is deeply informed by his knowledge of human anatomy and natural health. He is also a qualified Homeopath/Naturopath and registered nurse. Together with Michele, James has run an integrated 12- month 350 hour yoga teacher training program for the past 16 years. He weaves valuable insight into nutrition, diet and traditional Hatha Yoga cleansing practices throughout the course and teaches the Asana, Anatomy, Techniques & Teaching Methodology modules.
Michele Sierra
Principal Teacher and Co-Owner
Registered Senior Member Yoga Australia
Michele brings 30 years of experience as a student and teacher of yoga to Baulkham Hills Yoga Studio. Her initial studies in Meditation, East/West Philosophy and Hatha Yoga were undertaken in India and the USA over several years. She has studied with traditional Indian yogis, Iyengar and contemporary yoga and Feldenkrais instructors. This eclectic training fostered a keen interest in the benefit of informed physical alignment and the life-affirming practices of gentle breath work and meditation. Michele’s well-rounded practice blends traditional asana with yoga therapy for vibrancy in the body and clarity of mind. Michele holds a degree Cultural Psychology and offers coaching, mentoring and personalised yoga/meditation programs. She teaches the pranayama, philosophy, yoga therapy and meditation components of the yoga teacher training program. Registered Senior Teacher YA. To learn more about Michele’s work and Meditation Teacher Training visit her website: www.michelesierra.com
Anjali
Anjali’s inspiration to teach yoga came from witnessing a profound shift in her own well being through a dedicated yoga practice spanning 15 years. As a busy mother of two, she believes yoga is a priority and act of self-care. Anjali interweaves her classes with gentle encouragement and clear instructions to integrate one’s mind, body and breath. Her classes provide both dynamic and challenging elements, as well as nourishing, slower postures and guided relaxation. No matter where you find yourself on your yoga journey, Anjali’s skilful teaching and bright spirited nature will support and deepen your experience of yoga. Anj is an accredited 350hr Yoga Teacher and registered Mindfulness Meditation Teacher.
Simone
My career started off in diagnostic and research labs. I subsequently became a science teacher to better manage juggling a career and raising 2 boys. When my boys reached adulthood, it gave me the time e to pursue my new-found interest I.e. gym-ing! However this type of exercise fed an obsessive and aggressive approach to my fitness. At the time I thought this was the best way to manage stresses in my professional and personal life. Then, I rediscovered yoga, which led me to my beacon of light, Baulkham Hills Yoga Studio. Through yoga I’ve learnt to let go of that intense goal-driven approach, which felt like punishment but instead to accept my strengths and flaws and Yes! Love myself! Which in turn helped me become more connected and engaged with the world I live in. My passion lies in showing as many people as possible, the amazing benefits a regular practice of yoga can deliver. Not just physically but also mentally and emotionally too. Simone is an accredited 350 hour yoga instructor.
Bri
Elena
Yoga has been a significant part of Ambritha’s life since she was a child. With an established and dedicated personal practice behind her, Bri enrolled in yoga teacher training at BHYS to gain the formal qualifications to share her knowledge and love of yoga with others. Bri’s has been teaching yoga for nearly a decade now. Her alignment-oriented classes focus on building strength, flexibility and balance. “I enjoy challenging my students by incorporating in each class, a variety of asana and sequences to cater to individuals of all abilities”.
Elena Chovancak had spent many years working in a corporate world and knows firsthand how yoga and meditation can help quieten busy mind, improve focus and move the body in a strong yet mindful way. Having started yoga practice 25 years ago, she has never looked back and became a yoga teacher. Being a parent has deepened Elena's passion for sharing the positive effects of yoga for all generations and teaching yoga to kids and teens, as well as adults. Elena is a certified 350 hour instructor and accredited Yoga for Kids teacher. Elena offers yoga and mindfulness based programs for adults and children at Baulkham Hills Yoga Studio.