Meet the BBY Healers
At Bohemian Bliss Yoga, ‘Life is what you make it…!’ We thrive on positivity and if it is not there, we are responsible for creating it. As a Healer (a member of the Teaching Tribe), we accept all beings as individuals and encourage growth upon others from beginners to advanced. We follow a ‘listen to your body’, 'follow your breath’ and ‘smile as often as possible’ attitude when teaching and also off the mat. We promise to follow the Yoga Yamas and Niyamas (ethics and morals) to the best of our abilities. We are to work on self-love first before attending to the needs of others and keep our energy and balance in a safe place. Tribe members spend time in nature and enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer. Most importantly, we grow together as one.
JAYBE MASCARINAS
Yogi Name Yogi Orchid
School Balanced Life Yoga
Practicing Since 2010
Teaching Since 2018
Other Certificates Reiki 1 & 2, Yoga for Anxiety Relief, Yoga Nidra , Meditation, 200Hr RYt, 500Hr RYT
Mantra “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
Favourite Style of Yoga Yin/ Vinyasa
Favourite Yoga Pose Makarasana (Crocodile Pose)
Jaybe Mascariñas
Senior Teacher & Mentor - Humble Warrior 3
I found “Yoga” through one of the home workout programs, P90X. I was hesitant of doing the Yoga X disc because I never experienced any value in “stretching.” As I continued to move through each pose, it brought up a lot of internal turmoil. I was frustrated, sweaty & mind blown that “stretching” was so difficult.
Over the years, I grew more curious about Yoga & why I found it challenging. So, I found a local gym & kept doing their morning yoga class before I left for my labor extensive job. Yin Yoga was the first style that I fell in love with. The balance of energy flowing through our bodies while releasing & resetting the muscle fibres. I was so amazed that after my very first class, I felt an instant relief flowing throughout my entire body. It brought a new state of being that I’ve never ever experienced before!
It kind of snowballed from there. I jumped right into the 200hr RYT, then my 500hr RYT at Balanced Life Yoga & quickly fell in love with how I was able to “heal” my body & found why I wanted to share this medicine & magic with others!
RICHARD NASH
Yogi Name Yogi Lex
School School of OM, Bali
Practice Since 2015
Teaching Since 2024
Other Certificates 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training
Mantra Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Favourite Style of Yoga Vinyasa
Favourite Yoga Pose Half Moon
Richard Nash
Seasonal Teacher - Warrior 1
I first started practicing yoga in 2015. A close friend and I were Christmas shopping at the mall. We popped into Lululemon, bought a few gifts, and were given complimentary passes to a local yoga studio. After Christmas, we took our first class. We weren’t well versed in yoga, and unknowingly signed up for a high paced Vinyasa Flow. Did I mention that it was a hot yoga class? Either way, I was instantly hooked. We eventually purchased monthly passes and would
go to classes during our lunch breaks.
The following year, my wife bought me a membership from another local studio. My interest and commitment to yoga began to flourish. I wanted to know more about this sacred practice. A year later, my family suffered a traumatic event, which put all of us into a state of crisis. My wife encouraged me to lean into my yoga practice because she saw how it was helping me to cope with all that we were experiencing. I listened to her and yoga ended up becoming my therapy.
In July of 2024, I completed my 200 hrs. in Bali, Indonesia. The experience was something that I will never forget. I am very grateful for my yoga practice, and my intention is to spread the love, peace and happiness that yoga has given me.
TERRI JENNINGS
Yogi Name Yogi Terri
School Yandara Yoga Institute
Practicing Since 2000
Teaching Since 2022
Other Certificates 200 HR Advanced RTT, Pilates for Yoga Teachers
Mantra "Stay in the present moment. That's where you find life's magic."
Favourite Style of Yoga Vinyasa Flow
Favourite Yoga Pose Sun Salutations
Terri Jennings
Teacher - Humble Warrior 1
I am a wellness activist and nature enthusiast. I have been an avid yogi for over 20 years. In the summer of 2022, I completed my dream of becoming a certified yoga teacher in beautiful Baja, Mexico. The experience was truly life changing and unforgettable.
Yoga is my passion, my religion, my therapy, my escape and my self-care all in one! Yoga is an opportunity for me to get out of my head and into my body. I often say yoga is the gift that I give to myself as often as I can.
I teach from my heart. I practice with my eyes closed and the corners of my mouth lifted, it’s called smile pose :)
My goal is to challenge you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually while honouring where you are on your yoga journey and in life.
I hope to inspire you out of your comfort zone while guiding you to breathe through challenges that arise. I hope that what you learn on your mat you can apply in your daily life.
“Yoga is a not a work-out, it is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable; to open our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are.” -Rolf Gates
CHRISTINE CASSAR
Yogi Name Yogi CC
School Yoga YogaRenew
Practice Since 2012
Teaching Since 2021
Other Certificates 200hr RYT Multi Style Yoga
Mantra Go with the Waves, they will take you exactly where you are meant to be. Health is Wealth!
Favourite Style of Yoga Vinyasa / Yin
Favourite Yoga Pose Shirshasana (Headstand)
Christine Cassar
Senior Teacher - Humble Warrior 3
I came to the mat 10 years ago, interested in the practice as a way to increase my flexibility and insert another level of fitness into my already vast array of workouts. Being an avid golfer also left me with a few joint and mobility challenges that I thought yoga might also help relieve. Everything at that time was physical and I didn't stick to the practice. Several years ago, I went through a traumatic life altering change. It left me in a dark place, one where some days I wasn't sure I would ever manage to pull myself out of. I found my way back to the mat, this time with a focus on the mind and body as a whole. Each evening it was my safe heaven, where I could sit in the seat of awareness with my breath as I rediscovered who I was. I had opened the door to my life again with constant practice. I did it at my pace, shifting slowly, looking to deepen my understanding of asana, yogic philosophy, breath work, meditation, until there was no turning back.
The urge to teach has always run through me as I had gone to school to become a teacher, but never felt so strongly connected to a subject to transfer my knowledge. Not until yoga. When you personally encounter a transformation with a discipline, whatever it may be, something screams inside of you 'share this with the world, they need to know!' and so I undertook my teacher training and have recently graduated with my 200-hour certification. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to teach what I have learnt thus far (and continue to learn!) with Bohemian Bliss Yoga, out in nature and in the present moment.
MELANIE BASQUE
Yogi Name: Yogi Melly
Practicing Since: 2019
Teaching Since: 2021
Mantra: “Everything is exactly as it should be. I am exactly where I need to be right now.”
Favourite Class: Vinyasa
Favourite Pose: Warrior 2, Fallen Triangle, all Heart Openers
Melanie Basque
Senior Teacher - Warrior 3
Hey!
ALEXANDRA GILLIS
Yogi Name: Yogi Alex (sorry it’s not more creative lol)
School: Fountain of Youth Yoga (now closed)
Practicing since: 2012
Teaching since: 2017
Certificates: 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, 15 Hr Prenatal Yoga Training, 15 Hr Meditation & Pranayama Training, 24 hour Thai Yoga Massage Training
Mantra: “Don’t limit your challenges; challenge your limits.” - Jerry Dunn
Favourite style of yoga: Vinyasa
Favourite yoga pose: Toss up between Lizard (Utthan Pristhasana) & Wide Leg Forward Fold w/ bind (Prasarita Padottanasana C)
Alex Gillis
Teacher - Warrior 2
I began practicing yoga in 2012 during an extremely challenging time in my life. I purchased a 50% off Groupon on New Years Day, took my first class later that week… and the rest is history. Taking that first class was a HUGE leap for me, as someone who had grown up very sedentary and always struggled with body image and fear of being judged in any type of “athletic” situation - I was so nervous beforehand and probably thought about canceling 10 times. I struggled tremendously during that 60 minutes as I watched others flow seemingly effortlessly between poses, but I was hooked and ended up purchasing an unlimited membership. I ended up making yoga a consistent part of my life, amazed at what my body could do for me when I wasn’t exclusively thinking about what it looked like. As someone who has always struggled with anxiety, yoga along with breathwork and meditation also offered a sanctuary from racing thoughts - as a way to get out of my head and into my body, and also develop tools to challenge negative thought patterns and take control of my own mind.
As my dedication to my practice grew over the next few years, the studio owner suggested I take my YTT200, and while at first I was extremely hesitant, it ended up being the first step toward an extremely fulfilling part of my life. I have discovered a real passion for sharing my love of intuitive movement, anatomy, and physiology with my students, and creating a safe space for anyone to move with love for their body and challenge their self-limiting beliefs.
That first yoga class ended up being the gateway to a love of fitness and now I find my yoga to be a wonderful complement to all the other activities I participate in like running (I just completed my first half marathon!), lifting weights, playing tennis, kayaking, hiking, and in general being active and engaged in my body - something a younger me never could have imagined in her wildest dreams.
LISA JOHNSON
Yogi Name: Lisa
School: Body Harmonics
Practicing Since: 2013
Teaching Since: 2024
Certificates: Anatomy for Motion, Mat Pilates Level 1
Favourite Mat Pilates Exercise: a tie between Side Lift and Leg Pull Front Support
Lisa Johnson
Seasonal Teacher - Warrior 1
Hi, I’m Lisa! My goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space to facilitate power through movement. I focus on building balanced and approachable sequences that guide participants to find strength in their bodies. My love for Pilates began as a personal quest to add variety to my workouts, until I injured my knee and had to take a break from high impact activates while it healed. What started as a simple curiosity grew into a profound connection during this time as I was not only challenging my body in new ways but also cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness and resilience through my Pilates practice. I became a Body Harmonics certified Pilates Instructor to share my love for Pilates with others and help people find new strength, movement, and power within themselves.
Outside of being a Pilates Instructor, I love to travel and challenge myself to learn new things, like Spanish – estoy aprendiendo español! I’m a huge music lover and have attended more concerts than I can count. My love for music can heard during my classes with carefully curated Pilates playlists!
PATRICIA BROWNE
Yogi Name: Yogi Tea
School: YogaRenew
Practicing (Yoga) Since: 2018
Teaching Since: now!
Mantra: I can do hard things.
Favourite Style of Yoga: Hatha, Yoga Flow
Favourite Yoga Pose: Reverse Warrior
Patricia Browne
Senior Teacher - Humble Warrior 2
My name is Patricia, or Yogi Tea (like the drink!) and I am so happy to be joining the tribe of BBY teachers.
I started my yoga journey several years ago as an unsure Yogi, hiding in the back of every class, hoping no one would notice me and that I wasn't taking up too much space. I never thought I'd be able to say "I practice yoga" let alone say "I teach yoga"!
A couple of years ago I decided to challenge myself to do 100 days of yoga in a row which I completed on Halloween at BBY Saturday in the Woods program. This year I've challenged myself to make 2023 my "Year of Yoga" and practice yoga every single day for the entire year.
As I've grown in my practice both on and off the mat I've discovered that I have a true passion for sharing the healing power of yoga and meditation and my belief that yoga is for everybody and Every Body.
I looked forward to seeing you in class!
AMBER GARDNER
Yogi Name: Yogi Amber
School: Ahimsa Yoga
Practicing Since: 2015
Teaching Since: 2018
Certificates: Yin Yoga, Mat Pilates, Goddess Flow™, Yoga Nidra, Reiki 1 & 2
Mantra: “Life is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be experienced.”
Favourite Style: Vinyasa
Favourite Pose: Ardha Kapotasana (Half Pigeon Pose)
Amber Gardner
Seasonal Teacher - Warrior 1
Amber (she/her) has been practicing Yoga for almost a decade and guiding since 2018.
She is a passionate student of the mystical and spiritual elements of practice and a strong believer in the healing and transformative power of rest, meditation and all forms of movement.
Amber has enthusiastically trained in various styles, like Vinyasa, Yin, Pilates and Nidra, not just for her own gain but to support and empower a diverse community.
What experiences will unfold for you? Meet Amber on the mat in studio and in nature to find out!
Yogi Name: Twilight
School: Yoga Flow, Soulbody Fitness
Practicing Fitness Since: I was old enough to get a gym membership at 16 . Started yoga during the pandemic, 2020.
Teaching: Fitness since 2019. Yoga - Teach target is Summer 2025
Mantra: Dream it. Do it!
Favourite Style of Fitness: Barre, Yoga Flow
Favourite Yoga Pose: Tree
Dawn Salter
Senior Teacher - Warrior 3
Finding time for self-care is what keeps me balanced. I enjoy physical work-outs, whether alone or in a group. It is so rewarding to experience the many benefits of physical and spiritual exercise. I love helping others achieve goals which is why I chose education as a professional career. For the past 14 years I have been a professor of advertising and marketing. My love for instruction allowed me to evolve my teaching practice into group fitness. Currently I teach barre classes. These mindfully intense workouts offer the perfect mix of yoga, pilates, and ballet, to deliver ‘a strong body and mind’. I believe work-outs should be challenging as much as they are fun. I want members to experience improvements each and every class. It doesn’t matter how small the change, with continued practice and discipline, desired results will be achieved. I am so excited to join BBY as an instructor and look forward to building a strong connection with the rest of the BBY tribe!
JENNA SPARK
Yogi Name Yogi J
School YogaRenew
Practicing Since 2019
Teaching Since 2021
Other Certificates 200hr RYT Multi Yoga Style
Mantra Share loving kindness.
Favourite Class Hatha and Vinyasa
Favourite Move Halasana (Plow)
Jenna Spark
Senior Teacher - Humble Warrior 3
My relationship with yoga developed slowly throughout my life but strengthened greater over the past couple of years. Being an athlete all my life and constantly playing sports, I never imagined the benefits I would experience when engaging in a yoga practice. After serious reoccurring knee injuries and difficult recovery from surgery, for months I felt useless and like nothing was left for me, but then yoga found me.
It wasn’t until I hit a point in my life where I had enough – I needed a change. Yoga has taught me more about myself than I can even say. I dedicate my practice to my personal mindfulness and overcoming difficult obstacles life may give. Stepping on the mat acts as an outlet for me, and I’m so honoured to share that experience with my students.
Due to COVID-19, the world was flipped upside down, and I was not adapting well. Thankfully, BBY went virtual which is when I truly became interested in the foundations of yoga. I would join as many classes as I possibly could until I finally dove into my 200hr YTT with YogaRenew. The more I learn about yoga, the more I’m excited to grow as a teacher because I believe yoga opens various doors of enlightenment in one’s life.
ALLY GOODLET
Yogi NameSchool Kind Yoga
Practicing Since 2018
Teaching Since 2022
Mantra If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far go together
Favourite Style of Yoga Vinyasa and Yin
Favourite Yoga Pose Fallen Angel
Ally Goodlet
Senior Teacher - Humble Warrior 3
The first time I ever practiced yoga was back in elementary school when one of my teachers was going through her first yoga teacher training course. Many years later when I moved back home from living in Ecuador I was looking for that deep sense of connectedness not only within myself but my surroundings. That is when Yoga found me and it slowly became the missing piece I was searching for. Next thing I knew I became a regular attending classes at my gym and I was spending the majority of my free time with me, myself and my mat.
When the pandemic hit Yoga was the one aspect that kept me pushing through - knowing my mat was always there to support me. As the lockdowns progressed so did my love for the practice and I was yearning to know more. My close knit communities were wanting to also join me on this journey of yoga but I lacked the confidence to help guide them on their own mats. This is when I knew a YYT had to happen and would allow me to gain the tools to eventually teach and along the way I deepened my own personal practice. Now upon completion I hope to eventually give back to those who encouraged my yoga journey for so many years and to all the future Yogis who show up to flow with me.
I hope that through the power of yoga others can also gain a deeper sense of purpose and connectedness. To come to their mats and allow time to just give back to themselves.
JENN MINER
Yogi Name Yogi JJ
School KIND Yoga By Heart
Practicing Since 2018
Teaching Since 2021
Other Certificates 200hr Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, 50hr Continuing Education Training
Mantra You can keep talking yourself out of the thing you're hoping for, or you can decide that your dream is more powerful than your excuses.
Favourite Style of Yoga Vinyasa and Yin
Favourite Yoga Pose Wild Thing
Jenn Miner
Teacher - Warrior 2
I began my yoga journey in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the practice and mindfulness. This is exactly what my mind, body and soul needed as I was transitioning home after four years away at university. Yoga was my happy place and I dreamed of one day becoming a yoga instructor and leading my own classes. In 2021, I took the leap and completed my 250-hour nature-based Yoga Teacher Training. I began teaching that same year.
I enjoy many styles of yoga, but I especially love leading a spicy yoga flow and often use all four sides of the yoga mat. I aim to hold an inclusive space for all of my students that is safe, encouraging them to honor and respect their bodies through movement and breath. I strive to incorporate the elements of mindfulness and nature into my yoga teaching and day-to-day life.
When I’m not on my mat, you will find me teaching elementary school, paddling on my SUP board, or chasing my next adventure! I can’t wait to flow with our BBY community!
MILENA SCHEMBRI
Yogi Name: Yogi Mil
School: Yoga Renew
Practicing Since: 2012
Teaching Since: 2023
Other Certificates: 200Hr
Mantra: “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.”- Eckhart Tolle
Favourite Style: Vinyasa
Favourite Yoga Pose: Tree Pose
Milena Schembri
Teacher - Humble Warrior 2
Yoga has been a part of my life since my early high school years. I would attend classes at gyms, and various studios. I initially gravitated towards yoga for the physical benefits of increasing flexibility and strength which was helpful being a competitive dancer and playing rep soccer.
Over the past two years, yoga has played a transformative role in my life due to its mental and spiritual aspects. This encouraged me to enroll in the 200hr teacher training where I could learn more about the yoga philosophy, foundations and healing powers. The core principles of yoga such as breathing, movement, meditation and positive thinking have translated into my everyday life. I’ve grown to appreciate the little things in life, approach each situation with positivity, connect to nature, and to honour the present moment. It has been an empowering self-discovery adventure that I am so excited to share with my friends, family and the BBY community.
Outside of teaching yoga, I am also an elementary school teacher. It has brought me joy to share some of these calming strategies with my students. It is my goal to eventually take the children’s yoga course to expand my teachings.
My hope is to bring presence and positive energy into the studio and nature practices. My goal is to support my students in feeling comfortable and free to explore what yoga means to them. I am so excited to be a part of the beautiful BBY community and to continue my own yoga journey with you all.