Posted: May 16, 2013 Five Reasons Why Planning Your Nourishment Works
The amazing Angie from Angie Gluten Free, our Retreat Chef will be hosting a workshop on Saturday June 8 at Yoganic called: Wholefood Lunch Box Creati... read more
Yoga moves for you and your baby by Melissa Knapp as seen in the Northside Courier on Tuesday 5th July, 2011. Click here
Check out Melissa's SMART Yoga for Toddlers class as screened on Channel 7's All For Kids program on March 17 at 3.30pm
Check out our article in the Daily Telegraph on Monday 9th August:
Melissa is the Creator of Yoganic™. After graduating in 1999 from the University of Wollongong with a BA (Japanese) & BCOM (Economics & Marketing), she travelled to Hokkaido in Japan where she taught English to children from the ages of 4- 18 years. It was here that she discovered her love of working with children of all ages. After observing an 80 year old Japanese woman doing a headstand, she was inspired to purchase a Bryan Kest Yoga DVD which soon became a daily ritual. Upon her return to Australia in 2001, she was hit by a car as a pedestrian and took up Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga to manage her chronic back pain. She tried Massage, Acupuncture, Osteo, Chiro and Physio to relieve the pain, but found the most effective form of rehabilitation was yoga.
At this time, she found herself unfulfilled in a fast paced role at one of Sydney's largest advertising agencies. In 2003, inspired by her vision for teaching yoga to children of all ages, Melissa exchanged her corporate career for her yoga mat and completed the Centered Yoga Teacher Training programme with Paul Dallaghan in Koh Samui Thailand (Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga), and later studied with Angelika Knoerzer at North Sydney Yoga (Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga) and more recently, Power Yoga with Bryan Kest in the USA. She has also been inspired by Nikki Fulford at Yoga Studio in Bondi Junction, Sharath Rangaswamy, the Director of the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (AYRI) in Mysore (India) and Shakti and Lotus (her two cats who practise 'Catoga'). She has also participated in workshops with the following: Matthew Sweeney, John Scott, Dena Kingsburg and Manju Jois (Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga), Sharon Gannon and David Life (Jivamukti Yoga) Twee Merrigan (Prana Flow) and Eve Grzybowski (Yoga for Seniors).
Melissa has completed the birthlight Perinatal Yoga Diploma with Francoise Barbira Freedman and Sally Lomas and has also studied Prenatal Yoga with Janice Clarfield from Urban Yoga, Ana Davis from Bondi Bliss and Katie Spiers from Samadhi Bliss.
Melissa has a birthlight Baby Yoga Diploma and SMART Toddler Yoga Certificate from birthlight International (Francoise Barbira Freedman) and is currently the only SMART Toddler Yoga Teacher in Australia and the first qualified birthlight Baby Yoga Teacher in Australia. Melissa has recently embarked on a journey to become Australia's first Birthlight Baby Yoga Tutor, studying under Francoise Freedman and Sally Lomas. She is also a Certified Infant Massage Instructor with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM).
Melissa has completed the Rainbow Kids Yoga Teacher Training, the Radiant Child Yoga Program (Levels 1 - 3) with Shakta Kaur Khalsa and the Mini Yogis Teacher Training with Shana Meyerson. Teaching Kids since 2003, she was one of the first Kids Yoga Teachers in Australia.
Melissa flirted with Pilates in 2005- 2009 when she was teaching Yoga at Elixr. After taking a break she realised in 2012 that something was missing from her own personal yoga practice and that of her Clients; core strength and spinal mobility. Before long, Melissa was going steady with Pilates balancing her daily yoga practice with pilates mat and reformer classes. She was visiting the Osteopath less frequently and was much stronger in her yoga practice. Whilst Yoga will always be her one true love, she is really enjoying her affair with Pilates. So much so that she recently studied Pilates Matwork and Reformer with Polestar. She is very much looking forward to passing on these new learnings to her Clients.
Melissa is wildly passionate about teaching Yoga and Pilates to people of all ages and stages including the NSW cricket team, Beginners, Grown- Ups, Pre and Postnatal women, Children of all ages and Teenagers.
Tatiana Klesikova - Hatha Yoga, Birthlight Pregnancy Yoga, Pregnancy Combo, Mums & Bubs Yoga and Pilates Combo, Venus Yoga and Stretch, Move And Relax for Little Kids and Tiny Little Kids
My yoga journey started at Yoganic™ in 2011 when I attended the Venus Yoga Workshop with Sara Shivani. It was a time when I was exhausted physically and mentally and was looking for a change in lifestyle. I was so inspired by the workshop that I knew in that moment that I wanted to study yoga further and expand my knowledge. I decided to study with & Idit Tamir from Sukha Mukha Yoga in Waverley.
As soon as I embarked on this journey I knew I was on the right path. Before my studies I was attracted to the physical nature of yoga but it has become so much more after immersing
myself in the learning and daily practice of yoga. Yoga to me is like music full of different rhythms, instruments and tunes. Music is a very important part of me, as I used to sing for over 10 years back home in Slovakia. Practicing yoga brought me back to it. It has helped me to listen to my heart's desire and to my inner self.
My desire to teach pregnant women and babies came my love of children and it's in my blood as my mother is a Primary School Teacher. Since I arrived in Australia from Slovakia 3 years ago, I have worked as a nanny taking care of 3 young boys. Recently I had the opportunity to study Birthlight Perinatal (Pre & Postnatal) and Baby Yoga with Birthlight's Sally Lomas.
In 2012, to complement my Yoga teaching, I completed a Pilates Instructor Training with Studio Pilates International and in early 2013, I attend Venus Yoga Facilitator Training with my first "yoga muse" Sara Shivani.
Cora Geroux - Yin and Hatha Yoga
Cora is an international yoga teacher, having studied and instructed in America, Canada and now Australia. She began her relationship with yoga in her mid teens, but fell passionately in love while attending university. After obtaining a 4-year degree in Psychology Cora went on to become a 500hr certified Moksha Yoga Instructor. Realizing her passion for connecting with people on a meaningful level Cora began teaching full time 2009. She has also trained in Yin and Vinyasa Yoga.
Her passion for yoga lies in the interconnection of mind and body, and how we can use one to
influence the other. She encourages her students to slow down, breath and listen to the wisdom of their bodies. When you attend her class expect to feel grounded, balanced and challenged both mentally and physically.
Tamara Ogilvie-Birthlight Pregnancy Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Yoga and Meditation
When Tamara committed to making yoga a cornerstone of her world, yoga had been in her life for a decade or so. It was the profound positive impact that yoga had on her pregnancy and her enchanting day giving birth to daughter Ivy that demonstrated toTamara just how transformative a committed yoga practice could be. Her prenatal practice was blessed with time at Janet Balaskas's Active Birth Centre in London, and with Yoganic's™ very own Melissa Knapp where Tamara practised during her third trimester of pregnancy.
Having already completed the British Wheel of Yoga foundation course in London in 2009, Tamara undertook her formal teacher training in 2011 at Rose Bay Yoga studio in Sydney and Part 1 of the Birthlight Perinatal (Pre & Postnatal) Yoga Diploma with Sally Lomas in 2012.
Tamara is deeply committed to the creation of a space and time during pregnancy to connect the mother's mind with her body, and with her baby. As well as a love for yoga's impact on the prenatal experience, Tamara is aware of the goodness it can bring to one and all. As a busy working Mum and aspiring yogi she has learnt that committing oneself to a yoga practise balances our sometimes overwhelming world.
Her own personal practice has evolved over time, changing with the ebbs and flows of her maturing mind and body and influenced by many beautiful teachers she has and continues to encounter.
Bernadette McGree-Hatha Yoga
"When you least expect it, yoga finds you, regardless of your perceived need." Bernadette's yoga journey began in a student household when she was 17. Though the food and fun didn't beckon a regular practise, meditation did, in 2000. In 2006 she began teaching yoga where she trained in Chicago. She was blessed to have been mentored by Mac McHugh, studio owner and creator of the Niyama Hot Yoga® series.
A FILEX presenter and Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, Bernadette has taught yoga and laughter yoga in the US, China and Australia at conferences, workshops, festivals, retreats, teacher training programs, gyms and in many companies.
Bernadette is grateful to have worked with extraordinary teachers including Mac McHugh, Steve Ross, Vinnie Marino, Desiree Rumbaugh, John Friend, Dr Madan Kataria, Marc St Pierre, Tara Judelle, Noah Maze, Zhenja La Rosa, Sebastian Gendry and Betsey Downing PhD.
Karen- Anne Wong- Family Yoga, 'Stretch, Move And Relax' for Big Kids and Little Kids, Tweens and Teen Spirit Yoga.
Karen is an aspiring modern yogi who has been practicing yoga and pilates for ten years. As a child and teenager Karen was a dancer, and can only imagine what her life would have been like if she had been introduced to yoga as a child. Today Karen is passionate about bringing empowerment and laughter to young people's lives - and doing so through their bodies.
Karen loves to play, dance, move and breath with everyone she comes into contact with. Having worked for six years at the Art Gallery of New South Wales helping to curate photography and running after kids of all ages from preschool age to tertiary level, Karen now combines creative learning with physical movement by teaching yoga.
Karen is currently writing her PhD at the University of Sydney on yoga, kids and how we imagine through our bodies, drawing on the theories of Gilles Deleuze. In 2011 Karen qualified as a Vinyasa yoga teacher with BodyMindLife and in 2012 completed Part 1 of the Birthlight Baby Yoga Diploma with Sally Lomas.
Karen has been influenced by so many amazing teachers, and can only begin by sending out enormous thanks and respect to Nicole Goodwin, Heather Moritz, Murray Hatton, Melanie Mclaughlin, Beth Borowsky, Bruce Lee, Gilles Deleuze, Virginia Woolf, W. B. Yeats, Rudyard Kipling, Oscar Wilde and J. K. Rowling.
Margie Lim - Birthlight Mother & Baby Yoga for Crawlers and Early Walkersand Baby Yoga for Mums & Dads
My interest in Yoga began when I was in my early years of working in the corporate world. I felt like I needed an exercise that would counteract all the long working hours in front of computers and dealing with stresses at work. In 1998 I came across Liz Coon, my very first yoga teacher and till today I am still one of her biggest fan! Since then, yoga has been part of my life.
I started my first baby yoga class with Melissa when my son was only 7 weeks old! I enjoyed the classes so much with my son that when the opportunity came up to do the Baby yoga course, I just had to do it! I have not looked back since then. The special time spent with son during baby yoga has been invaluable. There has been so much fun and laughter! You never stop learning and growing from each other! I've been truly inspired by Francoise Freedman through the course. I've always loved babies and baby yoga just gives me the opportunity to do what I love! I'm inspired to share this wonderful experience with new mums and dads and their babies.
Louisa McCole - Studio Manager Extraordinnaire and Nanny
Louisa is the mother to two beautiful girls, Marley (4) and Jasmine (5). Prior to being a full time mum she ran her own successful pr, events and management company for 6 years with 15 years working in PR and management in the entertainment industry. Two years ago she had to say goodbye to her other baby (her business, staff, clients and stunning showroom) to allow her to focus solely on her girls after the sudden passing of their father.
Since the closure of her company she is loving being a full time mum again. Now that her girls are at school, she wants to continue looking after children whilst pursuing another of her personal goals of studying and practicing reiki.
Asja Binno - Studio Assistant
After spending much of her life travelling the world, she's still a gypsy at heart with a passion for life and learning new things.
Asja has had a lifelong interest in all things health and fitness. In fact, Asja and Melissa met when they both worked on Reception at Elixr and shared an interest in Yoga, Pilates and cats! Asja is always on the move and is passionate about Dance (Pole, Jazz, Hip Hop, Latin), running (and just completing her first Tough Mudder) and is an amazing Photographer (you can see some of her photos on our website).
Asja has a very big heart and is interested in helping others. This led her to complete a Bachelor or Counselling and Human Change in 2012.
Kathi Janssens - Discreetly Fit
Kathi has spent the past 20 years working as a fitness club manager, international presenter and personal trainer with special focus on rehabilitative exercise. She was a national gymnast in Hungary and began a career in the fitness industry shortly after moving to Australia. Kathi was involved in international competitive aerobics, as a competitor and coach, for 6 years.
After the joyful birth of her daughter, Kathi's attention turned from general fitness to feminine fitness. She became aware of the need to take care of the hidden part of the female body - the pelvic floor. Kathi realised that changes
affecting the pelvic floor following pregnancy and childbirth could be permanent and could deteriorate with additional pregnancies and ageing - unless specific action is taken to reverse the weakness.
Since 2004 Kathi has dedicated herself to helping women become active participants in their health by tackling pelvic floor weakness. She is incredibly passionate about sharing the secrets of lifelong intimate fitness and offers her information with love, joy and sincerity. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to help women improve their quality of life.
Ann Bridges - Energyflow Hypnobirthing
Ann Bridges is a registered nurse with over 14 years experience. After the birth of her 2 children several years ago, she retrained to assist birthing mothers and their partners to experience birth free from fear, thus reducing greatly or in some cases eliminating pain completely. Ann's simple philosophy that mums dads and babies deserve a gentle birthing experience which the body is designed to create, is the fundamental basis in preparing them mentally and emotionally. With practical techniques, new understanding and fun exercises in a nurturing environment the classes are designed to prepare parents to be fully equipped for the amazing journey of birth.
Ann is a professional member of the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists, and is currently serving on their Board. She is also trained as a doula (birthing attendant), and NLP practitioner. She brings a wealth of experience from her work in the field of the human potential movement, and is dedicated in helping the next generation birth with ease.
Nina Maudslay - Pregnancy Meditation
A yoga lover and mum to be, Nina was first introduced to meditation as a child, receiving guided visualisations from her mother when she had trouble sleeping. Of course at the time, Nina had no idea what a profound tool she was being introduced to, or that she would return to this practice in the lead up to her own journey into motherhood. More recently Nina has gleaned her knowledge and experience of meditation through yoga, Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms movement practice and her own regular meditation practice.
Nina has always had a deep connection to the body learning dance from a young age; she developed an awareness of movement as expression and a tool for processing. Later on (in 2005) Nina qualified as a massage therapist again deepening her understanding about the body in a holistic way. It was not until Nina had travelled to the UK that she realised she again needed to learn more about the body and how to support its wellness. Here, she fuelled her interest in healthy eating with studies in naturopathic nutrition and her passion for helping others grew and grew.
On returning to Australia, Nina further explored different meditation techniques and greatly improved her own health and wellness through the benefits of regular practice. Nina qualified as a Meditation Facilitator through Nature Care College in 2012. Now in her final year as a student of the Energetic Healing Diploma (also at Nature Care), Nina feels strongly drawn to supporting others through education, self-nourishment and connection. Nina believes that life is full of unlimited possibilities and hopes to encourage and inspire others to bloom and flourish!
Our Therapists
Chelsea Pirodon- Bowen Therapy & Energy Healing
Chelsea first discovered the Bowen Technique when she found herself suffering with severe lower back pain. She found that the pain was relieved so quickly and so gently with Bowen that she went on to change careers in order to be able to let others experience the wonderful technique that is the Bowen Technique. She has completed her Diploma in Bowen Technique through the Border College of Natural Therapies.
Chelsea had Bowen treatments right throughout her pregnancies and recommends the use of Bowen before, during and after pregnancy to bring peace and wellbeing to both Mum and Bub.
Chelsea discovered Energy Healing after the birth of her 1st beautiful baby boy. Chelsea found herself feeling out of sorts and exhausted, which was impacting negatively on all aspects of her life at the time.
She was guided to try Energy Healing and the experience once again changed her life. Chelsea went on to study the Diploma of Energetic Healing through Nature Care College as she knew first hand the powerful effect it had on her life physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and was able to recognise the importance it has in helping people heal on each of these levels.
Chelsea has 2 beautiful boys, a husband and a cat who all love having regular Bowen and Energy Healing!
Qualifications
Diploma in Bowen Technique - Border College of Natural Therapies
Diploma of Energetic Healing - Nature Care College
Australian Bush Flower Essences
Reiki 1 & 2
