OUR
instructors
SADAF HOSSEINI
Owner and Director of IAM STUDIO
SADAF HOSSEINI
Owner and Director of IAM STUDIO
Sadaf's journey into yoga began in 2016, prompted by her battle with anxiety and a quest to find solace for her mind and body. After working as an Engineer at Bombardier for 7 years, she lost her job like many other Canadians during the pandemic. This loss became the catalyst for her to pursue her long-held dream of owning a yoga studio. IAM has been her sanctuary, where she feels deeply connected and ready to delve into her practice. Now, as a studio owner, Sadaf is driven by her passion for activity, finding her greatest joy in movement. Whether it's yoga, pilates, or cycling, she eagerly embraces each opportunity to guide others on their journey to stillness, healing, and physical wellness. Sadaf's mission is to help others to quiet their mind, heal their hearts and move their bodies.
LYNDSEY BISHOP
A love for all things yoga has inspired Lyndsey since she first began practicing asana in the late 1990s. What started out as enjoyment of the physical benefits of yoga quickly transformed into a deeper appreciation of the truly transformational aspects of the practice. In 2010 Lyndsey completed her first teacher training program, and this became the foundation for her commitment to sharing this wondrous practice with other like-minded individuals looking to discover the magic of yoga. Lyndsey is a devoted student as well as a teacher and has a particular interest in the meditative and philosophical aspects of the practice. Lyndsey’s asana classes are typically challenging but always kind. She aims to bring together elements of strength, breath and movement to facilitate positive energy flow and the creation of space, within and without. ~Amaram Hum Madhuram Hum – Pure, Free, Forever.
TYLER JACKSON
Mat Pilates Instructor
TYLER JACKSON
Mat Pilates Instructor
I’m Tyler, an interdisciplinary movement enthusiast and instructor!
I’ve been a movement teacher for a decade and have had a personal practice since my early twenties. My teaching focus is on developing an adaptive approach using inclusive and interdisciplinary intelligence to grow a sustainable movement practice. My classes are practical in that I build a template around a functional bias, aka mobility training! In essence, I want to help you move better because when you move better, you are more likely to enjoy life better! I’m currently enrolled in Sutherland-Chan’s massage therapy diploma program, and I’m looking forward to having a manual therapy practice to increase my scope around working with the body!
Mat Pilate Instructor
FRC® Mobility Specialist
Licensed KINSTRETCH® Instructor
Yoga Ⓔ-RYT®500
I’ve been a movement teacher for a decade and have had a personal practice since my early twenties. My teaching focus is on developing an adaptive approach using inclusive and interdisciplinary intelligence to grow a sustainable movement practice. My classes are practical in that I build a template around a functional bias, aka mobility training! In essence, I want to help you move better because when you move better, you are more likely to enjoy life better! I’m currently enrolled in Sutherland-Chan’s massage therapy diploma program, and I’m looking forward to having a manual therapy practice to increase my scope around working with the body!
Mat Pilate Instructor
FRC® Mobility Specialist
Licensed KINSTRETCH® Instructor
Yoga Ⓔ-RYT®500
ELAINE CLARK
Creative Sequencing
ELAINE CLARK
Creative Sequencing
Elaine Clark is a Trauma Informed Advanced Yoga Educator, entrepreneur, and the host of the Mindful Matters Podcast. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in Clinical Psychology.
With over 10,000 hours experience in directing teacher trainings, trauma-informed yoga classes, workshops, retreats and private & public sessions, she has assisted people of all ages and ability levels to achieve self-compassion, self-regulation and energy management.
Elaine holds an honours degree in Health Sciences, is registered with the Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT-500 advanced yoga educator, and is a certified Trauma Sensitive Yoga provider. The results of working with Elaine have been described as “a newfound capacity for self-inquiry,” an “evolution into healthy embodiment,” and “an empowered maturation”.
Drawing on extensive study in nutrition to inform a holistic approach in her teachings, Elaine offers wisdom and resources for the work of freeing your best self. www.elaineclark.ca
SHELDON SHANNON
Freestyle Flow Level1/2
SHELDON SHANNON
Freestyle Flow Level1/2
Sheldon is one of Toronto’s most sought-after instructors, known for his challenging classes, creativity and commitment to both the practice and teaching of yoga.
A natural-born athlete, Sheldon came to the practice with a rebellious and playful energy. With a passion for cycling and a childhood of competitive gymnastics, Sheldon was immediately drawn to the powerful Ashtanga yoga method and began a committed practice in 2007. Ashtanga’s rhythmic breathing, challenging vinyasa and meditative quality had a powerful effect on Sheldon and the practice allowed/encouraged him to focus and connect to a deeper place within himself. He maintains his daily practice in the tradition of Sri K Pattabhi Jois, R Sharath Jois and R Saraswati Jois.
Sheldon teaches vigorous and dynamic Vinyasa classes that focus on building strength, and increasing flexibility, and he encourages his students to push the boundaries of their own limitations. Known for running a tight ship and holding students to the same standard he sets for himself, his classes are powerful, fun and challenging. In addition to leading group classes, workshops and retreats, Sheldon works one-on-one with Toronto’s elite. He is a Certified Yoga Instructor through Downward Dog Yoga Centre and has also completed his Kid’s Yoga Teacher Training with Bee Birch Yoga Therapy.
A natural-born athlete, Sheldon came to the practice with a rebellious and playful energy. With a passion for cycling and a childhood of competitive gymnastics, Sheldon was immediately drawn to the powerful Ashtanga yoga method and began a committed practice in 2007. Ashtanga’s rhythmic breathing, challenging vinyasa and meditative quality had a powerful effect on Sheldon and the practice allowed/encouraged him to focus and connect to a deeper place within himself. He maintains his daily practice in the tradition of Sri K Pattabhi Jois, R Sharath Jois and R Saraswati Jois.
Sheldon teaches vigorous and dynamic Vinyasa classes that focus on building strength, and increasing flexibility, and he encourages his students to push the boundaries of their own limitations. Known for running a tight ship and holding students to the same standard he sets for himself, his classes are powerful, fun and challenging. In addition to leading group classes, workshops and retreats, Sheldon works one-on-one with Toronto’s elite. He is a Certified Yoga Instructor through Downward Dog Yoga Centre and has also completed his Kid’s Yoga Teacher Training with Bee Birch Yoga Therapy.
NATALI OSADCHIN
Mat Pilates Instructor
NATALI OSADCHIN
Mat Pilates Instructor
Natali is a certified Pilates Mat instructor with a deep love for art, nature, and anything rooted in beauty, line and form. Her classes are contemporary with a classic feel, with a focus on accessibility and providing modifications for all levels.
Growing up with anatomical postural issues, Pilates was the only practice that provided not only immediate relief but also long-lasting solutions for Natali, and she is excited to share it with others.
Growing up with anatomical postural issues, Pilates was the only practice that provided not only immediate relief but also long-lasting solutions for Natali, and she is excited to share it with others.
ANDY LEVER
There is something special and powerful in the connection we find with our physical body. Andy first experienced this harmony through dance. While living in Thailand, she found Yoga, which sparked in her the mind-body connection that she sought, and she has been absorbed in a dedicated practice ever since. Andy spent over a decade as a primary school teacher, incorporating elements of Children’s Yoga in the classroom, before deciding to take her teaching practice more exclusively to the realm of yoga. She is so excited to join the IAM Yoga community, with a goal to guide practitioners to use yoga as a tool to deeply connect with and better understand themselves within their own bodies, both on and off the mat. Prepare to play, explore, be curious, and grow in a safe and inclusive environment.
Ruby Kagan
Ruby (she/her) is an energetic RYT 280-hour certified yoga practitioner with a strong passion for the ancient tradition of yoga. Currently specializing in Psychology at York University, Ruby brings a dynamic and creative approach to her teaching. She expertly blends fluid, creative vinyasa flows with elements of dance, mobility, and callisthenics, offering a balanced and engaging movement experience. Specializing in Ashtanga, power yoga, core work, arm balances and inversions, Ruby is committed to meeting her students where they are and creating meaningful, transformative experiences on the mat.
JULIANA KLEIN
Asana Alignment, Sequencing, Psychology of Teaching, Meditation, Pranayama
JULIANA KLEIN
Asana Alignment, Sequencing, Psychology of Teaching, Meditation, Pranayama
Juliana began her study of yoga with the Iyengar Method and completed her year-long Yoga Teacher Training Certification at Karuna Center for Yoga and Healing Arts in Northampton, Massachusetts. She has deepened her practice with the help of Rodney Yee, John Friend, Richard Freeman, Cyndi Lee, Dharma Mittra, Eddie Stern, David Robson, Chip Hartranft, Edwin Bryant, and Vipassana meditation.
In recent years she has turned her focus to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, studying with R.Sharath Jois annually, including two trips to Southern India. Her classes aim to bring peace, health, and joy to all through physical movement and awakening consciousness.
Her teaching includes Kundalini, Ashtanga, and Iyengar techniques and is influenced by her interest in Eastern philosophy and contemporary psychology. She believes that by cultivating one’s health and awareness throughout daily life, one can engage with the world constructively and lovingly.
In recent years she has turned her focus to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, studying with R.Sharath Jois annually, including two trips to Southern India. Her classes aim to bring peace, health, and joy to all through physical movement and awakening consciousness.
Her teaching includes Kundalini, Ashtanga, and Iyengar techniques and is influenced by her interest in Eastern philosophy and contemporary psychology. She believes that by cultivating one’s health and awareness throughout daily life, one can engage with the world constructively and lovingly.
NICOLE DUFF
Nicole was never really into athletic activities growing up….painting and music were more up her alley. However, when she was 16, she finally realized that her relationship with herself and her body needed to level up, which led her to search for a greater purpose. She quickly found yoga and has yet to lose it.
Nicole did her first teacher training when she was 17 and another at 19. She taught yoga throughout all of University in Montreal, Quebec, where she got her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Drawing. Through these years of consistent self-practice and exploration, she grew her practice. It wasn’t until the unwelcome pandemic made its entrance that Nicole began teaching full-time online and then eventually back in the studios. With classes being online, it gave her access to be a student again to teachers in her local area and globally.
Her passion for music and admiration for dance and acrobatics has “swayed her body in new waves” that she’s never ridden before. She fell in love with going upside down (inversions) and has enjoyed being involved in Montreal’s, Vancouver’s and now Toronto’s Acro Yoga community.
Teaching yoga feels deeply aligned with her values of connection, creativity, and physical & mental health. She believes that through conscious breath and creative, intuitive yet challenging movement, we have the power to connect to our truest selves and ultimately to one another as a community.
Nicole did her first teacher training when she was 17 and another at 19. She taught yoga throughout all of University in Montreal, Quebec, where she got her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Drawing. Through these years of consistent self-practice and exploration, she grew her practice. It wasn’t until the unwelcome pandemic made its entrance that Nicole began teaching full-time online and then eventually back in the studios. With classes being online, it gave her access to be a student again to teachers in her local area and globally.
Her passion for music and admiration for dance and acrobatics has “swayed her body in new waves” that she’s never ridden before. She fell in love with going upside down (inversions) and has enjoyed being involved in Montreal’s, Vancouver’s and now Toronto’s Acro Yoga community.
Teaching yoga feels deeply aligned with her values of connection, creativity, and physical & mental health. She believes that through conscious breath and creative, intuitive yet challenging movement, we have the power to connect to our truest selves and ultimately to one another as a community.
Sepi Kharazizadeh
Sepideh is a graphic designer and Ashtanga yoga teacher on a mission to
make yoga accessible for everyone. Her yoga journey began as a complement to her love for rock climbing, initially considering it as a great warm-up. However, what she discovered on the mat was far beyond physical benefits – a profound sense of peace and joy. She completed her Ashtanga yoga teacher's training in 2023, and now, she is dedicated to breaking down barriers that keep people from experiencing the transformative power of yoga. In her classes, she blends the dynamic and structured elements of Ashtanga with accessible vinyasa flows. Emphasizing breath with each movement, she aims to help students redirect their focus inward, creating space and removing obstacles within their bodies. She firmly believes that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
COURTNEY MILNER
Travelling the world, Courtney discovered her love for yoga was more than just a hobby; it was a way of living. Courtney trained intensively in Thailand and Cambodia, diving right in and cultivating a strong yoga and meditation practice. While abroad, she completed a 200h student program at Hariharalaya retreat in Cambodia and another 100h at Shambhala Yoga center in Thailand. Upon returning home to Canada, Courtney completed another 250h YTT in Toronto and is currently in the midst of her 300h advanced YTT. Courtney draws inspiration from her various training to provide her students with the platform to cultivate one’s connection to their true Selves in an energetic and fun atmosphere.
JONNY BELINKO
Ashtanga Instructor
JONNY BELINKO
Ashtanga Instructor
Jonny Belinko is a yoga teacher based in Toronto, Canada teaching
Ashtanga Yoga. Jonny has made three trips to Mysore, India, to study Ashtanga Yoga with R. Sharath at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute. Having personally derived tremendous benefits both physically and mentally using the Ashtanga Yoga method, Jonny is passionate about sharing this practice with others so that they, too can experience these benefits. Jonny is a Certified Moksha Yoga Teacher (2005) and has a Certificate of Completion in the Ashtanga Yoga teacher’s training program from David Swenson (2006). His academic background includes an undergraduate in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences (2004).
Ashtanga Yoga. Jonny has made three trips to Mysore, India, to study Ashtanga Yoga with R. Sharath at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute. Having personally derived tremendous benefits both physically and mentally using the Ashtanga Yoga method, Jonny is passionate about sharing this practice with others so that they, too can experience these benefits. Jonny is a Certified Moksha Yoga Teacher (2005) and has a Certificate of Completion in the Ashtanga Yoga teacher’s training program from David Swenson (2006). His academic background includes an undergraduate in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences (2004).
GHAZAL BINA
Ghazal Bina is a certified Yoga & Mat Pilates teacher currently based in Toronto. She has studied extensively with Senior Iyengar & Ashtanga teachers in Iran, India, Germany & Canada, such as Ron Reid, Chuck Miller, Maty Ezraty & Manju Jois. She has been teaching yoga (group, private, senior, corporate, and therapeutic classes) full-time for the past nine years.
She has obtained 1000 hours of yoga teacher training in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Yoga therapy and meditation, and mat pilates training. She has also completed a 10-day Vipassana silent meditation course in Nepal.
She firmly believes that the unity of Iyengar, Ashtanga yoga, meditation techniques, pilates, and physiotherapy exercises can turn a teacher into an expert who can improve the quality of life of many.
She has obtained 1000 hours of yoga teacher training in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Yoga therapy and meditation, and mat pilates training. She has also completed a 10-day Vipassana silent meditation course in Nepal.
She firmly believes that the unity of Iyengar, Ashtanga yoga, meditation techniques, pilates, and physiotherapy exercises can turn a teacher into an expert who can improve the quality of life of many.
ELSBETH SCHOKKING
Yoga has been part of Elsbeth’s life for over 10 years. Her classes are a place where she encourages every participant to take a breath, move beyond boundaries and get their sweat on. Never forget what Elsbeth believes to be the essence of why you are all there: to experience the perfect harmony of strength, flexibility, relaxation, and mindfulness in your body, mind, and spirit. Elsbeth completed her 200-hour training with IAM YOGA in Toronto in 2016 and has been teaching ever since. In the lifelong pursuit of learning, she has also done additional certifications in yin, restorative, meditation, youth, mental health, and trauma-informed yoga. Elsbeth provides creative sequences and an abundance of options for everybody and hopes you will come away from her classes feeling refreshed, nurtured, and balanced.
Margot Stokreef
Margot has been instructing group classes since 2009. Upon completing her first Yoga Alliance certification, she continued to study and specialize in pre and post-natal yoga, restorative and yin yoga and teaching yoga to seniors. In 2015, she began certification as a yoga therapist and completed 1000 hours at Yoga Therapy Toronto.
The foundation of her group classes is a strong daily practice, the principles of yoga therapy and the belief that yoga is for all bodies.
Always studying - some recent certifications include Jill Miller’s Body by Breath, Jason Crandell’s Advanced Teacher Trainings and Pilates certifications through Mindful Movement and Saor Studio.
Margot is certified to direct 200-hour, 500-hour and YACEP continuing education teacher training.
Margot Stokreef
C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Yoga Therapist/Instructor/LeadTeacher Trainer
margot@margotstokreefyoga.com
https://www.margotstokreefyoga.com/
DANEA ALEXANDRIA GRAY
I fell in love with the practice of yoga asana after taking my first class in 2012. After five years of practice, I took the leap into teacher training in 2016- I’ve been teaching ever since and currently lead classes across the GTA. My aim with each class is to present students with sequences that focus on building foundation, strength, and confidence to foster a deeper connection to the physical and intuitive body.
TERI ANN CARTY
Teri Ann is a Vinyasa-based teacher and received her Hatha teaching certification at the Yandara Yoga Institute in Baja, Mexico. She then travelled to India, Bali, Thailand, and the UK to deepen her practitioner and teacher knowledge. Teri Ann encourages her students to focus on their journey wherever it begins and to stay present in their practice. Her spirituality permeates all her classes giving her students the opportunity to open up and connect to their own inner flow. She has also studied under the kundalini and Sivananda-based lineages.
ANGELA MORLEY
Arm Balances and Advanced Postures
ANGELA MORLEY
Arm Balances and Advanced Postures
Ang discovered yoga in 2009 when she finally let her roommate drag her to her first class. She immediately connected with the physical practice and was overcome with acute nostalgia for her days as a gymnast. The connection of that movement with her breath and her mind was what really pulled her in. It became therapeutic; she felt lighter, more balanced, and more connected. Since completing her teacher training, Ang has dedicated her life to the learning and teaching of yoga. Her good-humoured personality and her knowledge of human anatomy provide students with challenging classes focused on proper alignment where they can have a good time in the process. Her love of music always brings an eclectic playlist. Above all, Ang hopes to bring you lightness, more balance, and connection.
HASSAN HARAKE
Hassan was convinced to join a friend for his first yoga class over 8 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Having suffered from chronic back and sleep issues for as long as he could remember, he quickly saw the practice’s benefits [and relief]. After years of an almost daily commitment to yoga, in 2013, he decided to take his practice to the next level and completed a 200hr CYA certified teacher training. Since then, he has maintained a committed teaching and practice schedule.
Hassan has a direct approach to physical practice, focusing on balance and control within the movement to challenge the body while maintaining steadiness of breath and intention. His goal is to create an environment where each student can develop at their own pace and discover new abilities by adding elements of strengthening and playfulness.
Hassan has a direct approach to physical practice, focusing on balance and control within the movement to challenge the body while maintaining steadiness of breath and intention. His goal is to create an environment where each student can develop at their own pace and discover new abilities by adding elements of strengthening and playfulness.
TRACY DEPASS
Ashtanga Instructor
TRACY DEPASS
Ashtanga Instructor
Looking for a way to de-stress from a busy life, Tracy stumbled into her first yoga class in 2009 and immediately fell in love with the discipline and the positive effects the practice had on her mental and physical health.
Tracy quickly adopted a daily practice and was fortunate to study various styles of yoga with several wonderful instructors before finding Ashtanga. In 2014 she met her teacher, Emma O’Neill, Mysore Toronto continues to help Tracy to deepen her practice and understanding of asana, yoga principles, meditation, and mindful movement. Ever a curious student, Tracy has had a committed Mysore style practice and incorporates hand balancing, strength and flexibility training, meditation, and laughter in her daily routine. Under her teacher’s guidance, Tracy completed a two-year Ashtanga yoga apprenticeship with Mysore Toronto and became a registered teacher after completing her 200-hr teacher training in 2018.
Tracy is passionate about community-building and sharing both her practice and learning from her mat. She strives to make her classes inspiring and accessible to all and enjoys helping students better connect with their bodies and cultivate a steady and focused mind.
Tracy quickly adopted a daily practice and was fortunate to study various styles of yoga with several wonderful instructors before finding Ashtanga. In 2014 she met her teacher, Emma O’Neill, Mysore Toronto continues to help Tracy to deepen her practice and understanding of asana, yoga principles, meditation, and mindful movement. Ever a curious student, Tracy has had a committed Mysore style practice and incorporates hand balancing, strength and flexibility training, meditation, and laughter in her daily routine. Under her teacher’s guidance, Tracy completed a two-year Ashtanga yoga apprenticeship with Mysore Toronto and became a registered teacher after completing her 200-hr teacher training in 2018.
Tracy is passionate about community-building and sharing both her practice and learning from her mat. She strives to make her classes inspiring and accessible to all and enjoys helping students better connect with their bodies and cultivate a steady and focused mind.
LISA SANTIANNI
Lisa felt an immediate connection to yoga the very first time she practiced over 15 years ago. Initially drawn to it for the physical health advantages, over-time, she naturally began to experience reduced stress and anxiety, while developing an even deeper connection and understanding of the mind, body, and spirit. Eventually, she knew it was time to fulfil the innate desire to strengthen her relationship with yoga and completed her 250-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) with IAM Yoga in 2017 and has since fulfilled an 8-hour “Intro to Restorative Yoga.” She continues to study Yoga Philosophy with Hali Schwartz. Lisa is passionate about continuing to learn- for her own benefit and for those she shares her practice with. She teaches Classic, Hatha, Flow and Restorative styles of yoga, bringing elements of gentleness and play while staying true to the roots of the practice. Lisa aims to provide a safe, fun and accessible place for all, uniting movement with breath and providing the opportunity to look deeper within – to feel, to heal, to grow and be present.
TORI LOVEGROVE
Having grown up outside of the city in Collingwood, Ontario, Tori’s love for movement began at a very young age. Upon transitioning from the competitive dance scene and into the fitness industry, she discovered her love for yoga at age 16 and has since grown a deep passion for hot yoga in particular.
Since studying the practices of Vinyasa flow, Power, Hatha, Yin and Restorative yoga, her teaching style has developed over the years but continues to incorporate her childhood love for dance-like expression. With a heavy emphasis on self-exploration and intuitive movement, Tori encourages a vigorous, playful practice while proudly holding space for a diverse community of students that identify with various movement backgrounds.
Since studying the practices of Vinyasa flow, Power, Hatha, Yin and Restorative yoga, her teaching style has developed over the years but continues to incorporate her childhood love for dance-like expression. With a heavy emphasis on self-exploration and intuitive movement, Tori encourages a vigorous, playful practice while proudly holding space for a diverse community of students that identify with various movement backgrounds.
VERNON FINNEY
Vernon Finney’s experienced practice flourished upon the completion of his 250-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2018. Since then, he has immersed himself in the many teachings of yoga and yoga philosophy.
A lifelong learner, Vernon is ever-growing – a feat you’ll find reflected in his teachings. Energetic and strong, each class is a breath of fresh air sure to align your day and mood. His calming voice fluidly guides the body through each posture while maintaining a meditative atmosphere. Vernon is a strong believer in the perpetuity of yoga – it is, after all, an ongoing journey. And it is much better to endeavour that journey with a teacher whose excitement for growth matches that of your own!
A lifelong learner, Vernon is ever-growing – a feat you’ll find reflected in his teachings. Energetic and strong, each class is a breath of fresh air sure to align your day and mood. His calming voice fluidly guides the body through each posture while maintaining a meditative atmosphere. Vernon is a strong believer in the perpetuity of yoga – it is, after all, an ongoing journey. And it is much better to endeavour that journey with a teacher whose excitement for growth matches that of your own!