HI. I'M SO PLEASED YOU'RE HERE.

I guess you want to know a little bit about me. Of course, there's more to me than yoga - I'm a mum, a wife, a daughter, a friend. But here, it's all about the yoga...
If you like numbers and letters, here's how I stack up:
25 years of yoga
9 years of teaching
Over 3,000 hours teaching experence
Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500 - Advanced Yoga Teacher
My first experience with yoga was over 25 years ago as a dance student. Approaching yoga from a dance background I was drawn to the challenging physical practice, but under the guidance of my teachers my yoga changed, and it has changed me. Today, I'm interested in finding balance in mind and body, movement and stillness, softness and strength to develop a rounded yoga practice. I'm interested in yoga for life.
I teach nurturing, heart-centred vinyasa yoga, so you can expect a gentle warm up to ground you, building to some flowing yoga sequences then ending with more restorative poses to wind down. I also teach restorative sessions providing much needed stillness and time to rest. All classes end with a deep relaxation and a few moments in silent meditation to leave you feeling energised yet calm.
I am a 500 hour yoga teacher registered with the Yoga Alliance, initially completing my training with OrangeYoga and redkiteyoga. I have an ongoing commitment to studying this life changing practice, and still continue my training with OrangeYoga. I am a Level 1 Poppy Perinatal Yoga Graduate which means I can support you through pregnancy and work with you after you've given birth. I have completed yoga and somatic training for healing and recovery, and I am also a Mental Health First Aider with MHFA England.
As well as being a yoga teacher, I am still a committed yoga student and regularly attend workshops and professional training to further my own yoga journey.
TESTIMONIALS
Some thoughts from a few of my students

Claire
To say yoga changed my life is a bold statement, but for me it is true.
Finding Melissa again after a few years break was a wonderful stoke of luck.
I had allowed my life to become too busy and let it slip with work and children, grandchildren, elderly mum, not enough hours in a day.
Change had to come and so it did.I now prioritise time in my day off for ME and boy has it made a difference. I feel stronger, more flexible more grounded than ever before. So yes yoga has changed my life for the better and I am so glad I found you again.
Thank you Melissa for the practice, thank you for the time, thank you for the words that send us on our way until the next time. Thank you.
Steve
Yoga for me has been and continues to be a journey.
It began supporting a friend who had recently qualified as a yoga teacher. I'd previously done pilates so was interested to explore yoga.
Online classes through the pandemic was an experience but opened up an opportunity to practice with other teachers and different forms of yoga. Coming back to in person classes my friend recommended I got in touch with Melissa.
As a nervous class newbie, particularly as a man in a group of mostly women Melissa was and is a calm and reassuring presence that ensured I felt both comfortable and supported throughout my practice.
The next step in my journey was unexpected.
I'd come to yoga to focus on the physical aspects of strength, mobility and flexibility. I'd not really given too much thought to the importance of breathwork and engaging my mind.
Through Melissa's teachings my yoga practice is now so much more than a one hour class. My practice extends off the mat into everyday life, some of my attitudes and behaviours have changed for the better.
I believe that I am now a calmer, kinder and more considerate human.
I attend a range of Melissa's classes each offering something slightly different but all delivered with care and consideration for the individual and a sense of humour and fun.
This testimonial would not be complete with a reference to our 'community' . Melissa creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable in class and with each other. She fosters a very strong sense of belonging to something beyond just a weekly class. It's about how you feel, how you act and what you share with other members of the yoga community.
Yoga is no quick fix but I thoroughly recommend the journey.
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Janet
I started yoga with Melissa about 5 years ago. My 60s had brought with it stiff and creaky joints and I thought a bit of yoga might make me more flexible and able to look over my shoulder when reversing.
I'm pleased to say I can now turn my head and neck with ease and I'm definitely more flexible. However, yoga for me now is all about the breath, the way this connects with movement, how it helps focus me physically and mentally, challenging me to breath steadily through a tricky pose and to laugh if I fall out of it. It spills out into my everyday life and has changed the way I think and how I try to live my day.
Melissa's classes are responsible for this change. They're a perfect blend of effort and ease, serious focus and gentle acceptance of my body's many limitations. Her readings at the end of class are always thoughtful and uplifting. Her warm and welcoming personality shines through every class making everyone feel accepted, whatever their abilities.
I've experienced many different yoga teachers but I can truly say that for me, Melissa is the best teacher ever - I wish I'd discovered her and yoga sooner but hope now that I'll still be practicing in some way when I'm 90, even if it's just to remember to breathe!
In memory of our friend Michelle
1967 - 2025

Michelle kindly shared these words with me in 2022.
I have been practising yoga on and off over the years, in different places, with different yoga teachers, realising the benefits both physically and mentally.
I have been going to Melissa's classes for about 2 years now and she is one of the best yoga teachers I have ever had. She enables individuals of all capabilities to participate in the class, by suggesting alternative moves and providing different levels of class, including online classes. This has been really good for me as I have certain disabilities which prevent me doing some of the postures.
I am certainly more flexible and stronger since attending Melissa's classes. My stamina has also improved. The breathing control as part of the postures and moves has improved my breathing in my everyday life, helping me both physically and mentally.
Also, the lovely ambience in the room created by Melissa's friendly, empathic approach, lovely readings, soft music and candles, really helps me to relax and enjoy the class.

