About Us

Often plagued with niggles and injury from playing multiple sports at a competitive level, Lizzie began her yoga journey when she just 16, attending classes with her mother. Yoga soon became an essential part of her life – allowing her to find a balance with sports training. Lizzie completed her first 200-hour yoga teacher training in Biscarrosse, France with Yoga Beach House in 2018 and has passion for both vinyasa and restorative/yin yoga. She loves holding space for people to be present and find peace in their day. When she’s not practising yoga, Lizzie plays premier club and representative hockey.

Originally from Walnut, California, Kim’s personal health journey began when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 14. After years of feeling disempowered by this illness and invasive medical intervention, Kim chose to learn how to take her health into her own hands. From 2016 – 2019, she completed trainings in yoga, meditation, tantra philosophy, aromatherapy and further pilates education, and in 2020 Kim completed the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in Holistic Health Coaching. Kim joins Soul Studio Hot Yoga as teacher, studio support and health coach and facilitator.

Having discovered yoga at the age of 16, Kate underwent initial training and then began teaching in her home region in the Manawatu. To broaden her teaching knowledge Kate began travelling internationally and gained experience teaching in multiple retreat settings, including surf camps in San Sebastian and at Kali Yoga retreat. Kate loves motivating others to improve their wellbeing while supporting the commitment of communities to their long-term health and fitness. In addition to teaching yoga Kate comes with significant other workplace skills that she is excited to bring to Soul Studio.

Alex fell in love with yoga while living and working in Cambodia, and describes her first time on the mat as one of the most transformative in her life. Having never felt more at home in her body before, she knew she was now “on the path” and there was no going back! Alex brings with her sixteen years as a dancer and dance teacher, and is deeply passionate about offering yoga that encourages every student to dive into a self-inquiry as to how they are feeling in body, mind and spirit at any given moment.

Practising with Pele you are going to be challenged – yet cherished. She is fierce and funny. She only asks of you what you can give. Pele is a force for sure. A force for good. Forthright and fair. Committed to the development of new teachers. Teaching for 9 years she is well known and cherished in our yoga community and the community of her Pacific Island people. If Soular Power and Soul Hot Flow are for you prepare to bust a move with Pele.

Gordie has practiced many different types of yoga over the past 20 years – landing with Vinyasa – and has a regular pranayama and meditation practice, which continually explores new and different meditation and pranayama techniques. As an energetic extrovert, Gordie has a deep love for connecting with people and a drive to help people be the best version of themselves. He spends a lot of time outdoors and has experienced the benefits first-hand of how a regular yoga practice is essential to maintaining flexibility while creating stillness in the mind. Gordie will encourage you to come as you are, while he creates a safe space for you to practice.

Zita started practising yoga at 12 years old. For fifteen years she has been on her mat and in June 2021 committed to completely her first teacher training. Zita loves the heat. She loves the dynamic challenge of both Flow and Power. She’s our yoga little sister and we are super excited to have her as part of the Soul team and watch her teaching flourish.

Dan began attending yoga classes at night school 23 years ago and became hooked on the intensity and challenge of hot yoga in 2006, which aided his mental stability, focus, emotional wellbeing and flexibility. Dan trained in leading Laughter Yoga, and went on to attend Donna Farhi’s Advanced Yoga Teacher Training which taught him about the importance of safe and mindful alignment in the body. His classes are taught with care, breath and alignment with the aim of helping students to release stress, reset and practice finding a calming, easeful space.

Sayaka began her yoga journey in her home country, Japan, in 2011. She transitioned from a dance career – and her yoga practice helped her realize her own inner beauty, and to cultivate self-love and compassion. To dive deeper into yoga, Sayaka attended a 500-hour hot yoga teacher training in L.A in 2014. Since then she has taught in 20 countries world-wide and joined several trainings, including Touch-Care Therapy, Acro Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Art of Teaching with Donna Farhi. She is passionate about sharing tools like asana, pranayama, meditation, and the practice of yoga off the mat.

Originally from Hungary, Timea began her yoga journey in Australia in 2010 having practiced gymnastics and discovered her love of movement and dance from the age of six. When she discovered yoga she felt ‘at home’, and – led by a desire to have a greater understanding of yoga poses/asanas and whilst attending a wedding in India – she decided to complete her first teacher training. Timea has continued to study anatomy, and pre- and post-natal yoga. She is passionate about working with beginners and those suffering and recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, and believes that yoga is for every BODY.

Shawn aka Paua Man has been teaching since 2015. He trained originally in Astanga Vinyasa. Since his initial training Shawn has travelled broadly including to Italy for an Acroyoga training where he meet his partner and our much loved Sayaka. Shawn is a marine biologist ( hence the Paua Man ) and in his spare time loves to be in NZ bush hunting. He teaching style reflects his love of life and yoga. Calm, funny caring. We are delighted to have Shawn join us at Soul Studio.