YOUR STRETCH TEACHERS
SARAH JANE CRAMOND
OWNER | YOGA | PILATES
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Sarah Jane is originally from Melbourne, has lived in London, Berlin, and now calls Brisbane home. Sarah Jane has a background in aerial and ground based circus arts, performing arts and children’s education. Like many, she began practicing yoga as a means to improve her flexibility and strength, however, it wasn’t long before she felt the broader benefits of yoga seep into her life. An avid believer that ‘it’s a yoga practice, not a yoga perfect’; Sarah Jane brings a light hearted energy, encourages playful curiosity, and creates safe environments for her students to connect openly and positively with all the parts of their internal and external selves. Her classes combine mindful breath work, purposeful sequencing and fluid transitions as tools to find space in the body, stillness in the mind and to connect to, understand, and develop the self. As host to a full time monkey mind, Sarah Jane savours the grounding and pause that yoga offers; the space for stillness, presence and calm- benefits of the practice she aims to share with her students. Whether a strong vinyasa or mellow Yin; Sarah Jane’s classes are always created with purpose and awareness, leaving students feeling centred and connected, and with more space in both mind and body. 
KRISTY ROBINSON
YOGA | TEACHER TRAINER
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Kristy is a 500 hour trained yoga teacher trained in hatha yoga who has been teaching for 7 years. She has taught everywhere from studios, gyms, high schools, corporate classes, community sessions, courses, one on one and yoga teacher trainings. and her aim is to adjust students to better alignment & safely deeper into postures, and encouraging & inspiring others on their journey to improve overall wellness & health. What she enjoys most of all however is to provide a space where students can just be themselves and have a little fun. Kristy danced for over 18 years, and initially turned to yoga as a way to get back into exercise after an injury, but quickly discovered that the practice of yoga was so much more than being bendy. She travelled to India where she completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training with Dr. Gaurav Malik at the Ashtak yoga school, and then again in late 2017 travelled back to complete an additional 300hrs. She has taught in Thailand, London and Australia. Kristy has a passion for helping people to live a more conscious & sustainable lifestyle and loves to travel. 
TORI GILL
YOGA | PRENATAL | TEACHER TRAINER
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Tori quickly fell in love with yoga after her first class left her feeling incredible physically and mentally. After practicing yoga for several years, she decided to undertake teacher training to deepen her practice and to set aside time every month to focus on something outside of her university studies. Soon though, Tori realised that she utterly adored teaching and, on top of her 350-hour training, has since gone on to train in baby, toddler, and pre- and postnatal yoga, and is currently completing her 500-hour certification. As a medical student, Tori is incredibly passionate about all things anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, and anything pre- or postnatal related (don’t get her started on the pelvic floor). On top of this, with a bachelor’s in psychology, Tori loves the effects yoga has on our mental wellbeing and hopes to create a safe and welcoming space in her classes where students can take time out of their busy lives to reset and nurture themselves. Tori teaches with passion and a sprinkling of light-hearted humour, and values making classes accessible and nurturing. When Tori isn’t teaching or practicing yoga, you’ll find her on placement in hospitals around Brisbane or cuddling her dog. 
MATT MULCAHY
YOGA
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A Brisbane-native, Matt's career began in London teaching classes, workshops and trainings across the UK, Europe and South Asia. Back on home soil, he continues to share yoga in many different settings and to people from all walks of life. Matt specialises in Vinyasa yoga, as well as more restful practices including Restorative yoga and yoga Nidra. He blends principles of alignment, strength and mindfulness, allowing his students to unlock physical and emotional potential. His aim is to create educational and accessible teachings to support students of every lineage and background. During his classes, you can expect a practical and down-to-earth approach to yoga that brings together traditional teachings in a modern context. Alongside his teaching career, Matt is studying to become an Exercise Physiologist at the University of Southern Queensland. This ambition is rooted in his interest in educating and empowering people about the many possibilities movement brings in pursuit of better living 
CHARLOTTE KESSLER
YOGA
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Charlotte describes her journey into teaching Yoga as a natural continuation which combines different aspects of both practices such as living in harmony with the environment and sharing knowledge. She believes that Yoga is about balance, peace and creativity. She invites her students to build a solid base and become familiar with the asanas whilst encouraging them to go deeper into their practice by connecting with their breath and their inner selves. Charlotte's original background is in sustainable design and teaching and she hails from Grenoble, France. 
AMANDA DESHONG
YOGA | TEACHER TRAINER
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Mandy’s motto for life has always been “I’d rather regret doing it than regret not doing it at all” and it was this, that led Mandy to complete her 350 Yoga Teacher training through the Stretch Academy. 5 years on and now yoga and yoga teaching is an enormous part of Mandy’s life. Mandy’s passion for teaching yoga is aligned with her desire to help others who may feel yoga is out of their realm of possibility. Props in yoga practice such as blocks and a strap are a focus in Mandy’s classes and the belief system that any pose can be adjusted to suit you! With a warm and positive “can do” attitude, Mandy loves to offer many alternatives in classes to enable every body type to do yoga. Mandy’s aim is to build a happy, confident atmosphere where all students regardless of experience, shape or size can thrive. |
ERIN COMERFORD
YOGA | YTT GURU
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Erin was first introduced to yoga in her early 20’s and was drawn to the practice for the ability to calm and ground her mind. She noticed positive effects immediately, and loved the space it held for her to unwind and de-stress! She couldn't touch her toes but it didn't matter - yoga was so much more than the asana (and still is!) Erin completed her 350h YTT with Stretch Academy in 2018. She encourages students to explore mindful movement in a way that works for them! Her embodiment of teaching reflects her love to create a safe, nurturing and introspective experience. Erin is also the studio manager at Stretch, connecting with students both on and off the mat! 
DANNY PITT
YOGA | ADMIN
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Danny has always been connected with movement. With his background in dance, yoga became another form of creative expression infused with spirituality. Originally arriving at the studio for a physical work out, he soon became aware of the transformative power within the practice which changes his life every single day. "My mat is my playground. It's an exploration of who I am and how to live life". Danny is passionate about sharing his love of Yoga and teaches from an authentic, kind and playful place. You can expect to move and flow fluidly through his classes. It's his intention to create a space where students are able to connect intimately with themselves through movement and breath leading towards self-awareness and transformation. "Come journey through self inquiry and let's dance with breath. See you on the mat!" 
ELLA BELFANTI
YOGA
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Ella is a warm and enthusiastic teacher, who loves to create challenging classes with accessible options. She has a passion for teaching movement and connecting with students, with a background in ski instructing and performing music. She may even sing to you in Savasana to end the class! Ella’s classes give you the tools you need to safely work towards exciting poses, with a supportive and positive class environment. 
ROCIO MARTE
YOGA
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Born in the Dominican Republic. I spent many years in New York and Madrid before landing in Australia to continue teaching yoga. Holding a Certificate in Yoga Teaching and a Diploma in Advanced yoga studies. I trained in India specializing in Hatha Yoga and Ayurveda with more than 1400 hours of training. Senior teacher and mentor in 800 hours Certificate IV in Yoga Teaching at the Byron Yoga Centre and Australian Learning Group. I specialized in Teaching modular 50 hour training. Such as Yin Yoga, Remedial and Restorative Yoga. Meditation is at the core of my teaching practice. Focusing on alignment with breath awareness and functional movement strategies. My practice and teaching is a complete experience of asana, pranayama and meditation. 
JULIA M
YOGA
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Yoga has been a part of Julia's life for over 14 years and continues to inspire and challenge her. When surrounded by chaos, yoga is a stabilising force and she returns to the mat again and again to find energy, grounding, stability and peace. If she finds herself asking the question “Should I do yoga today?” the answer is always yes. Julia loves to create playful and challenging flows where everyone can laugh and explore postures while growing confident and strong in their yoga practice. Though we often sweat in her class, she encourages everyone to be true to their practice and their body - not every day is a Vinyasa flow day and it is always ok to spend some time in child’s pose! Yoga, like life, is about curiosity and having a bit of fun and Julia invites students to find something in class that resonates with them – their reason for returning to the mat. 
KAYLA DUCKHAM
YOGA
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Kayla first attended a yoga class in 2013 after it was recommended as a way to manage chronic pain and fatigue. The joy of finding connection between body and mind through gentle practice soon blossomed into a love of pranayama, creative flows, and meditative movement. Her 350 hour yoga teacher training with Stretch Academy deepened her interest in the value of physical alignment and the mental and spiritual benefits of yoga grounded in yogic philosophy. Kayla loves a strong vinyasa practice when she has energy to burn, and gentle hatha or yin on days she needs to fill her cup. She is passionate about creating a space where students feel both nurtured and empowered in their practice, and her teachings are guided by breath work, progressive options and an open, warm attitude. You may find her at the front of class teaching a creative and sweaty vinyasa, sweet and simple stretch , or a reflective, slow yin. |
PARIS COLLINS
YOGA | PILATES
ADMIN | TEACHER TRAINER read more
Although Paris would love to say she’s always nurtured a love for yoga, she used to think it was a bit of a hippy cult until she was reluctantly dragged to a class by a friend. Within the first 15 minutes Paris realised she had completely misjudged the practice, and proceeded to go home and spend the night going down the rabbithole of “why is downward dog so hard” and “what the heck is a Savasana.” Coming from a dancing background, she was already a lover of movement and could make some weird shapes with her body, but a love for the philosophy and mindfulness quickly caught up. Probably influenced by her medical background, Paris’s first couple years of teaching has found her gravitating towards anatomy, biomechanics and strength – so, naturally, Pilates joined the party. She now has some groovy-looking certificates for matwork pilates, reformer and barre. You’ll often find Paris happiest at the front of a sweaty vinyasa class or being death-stared during a glute series in a pilates class, but she also lives behind the reception desk sipping a coffee. Come say hi! 
LEANNE GERICH
YOGA
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Leanne has always been interested in health. She graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in 2011, Strala Yoga training in 2014, Karma Teachers for Vinyasa yoga in 2015, and has completed the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program at the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine as of 2016. Although Leanne’s original interests began with sports performance and energy balance, she has grown into an interest for longevity. Feeling great at any age is her ultimate goal and her highest interest is stress management and guiding people towards a more positive life. Her teachings in yoga include fun explorations and a lot of concentration. The classes work up a sweat, and greatly aide in confidence building and strength. Leanne’s passion for health is displayed in her youthful attitude towards life, and determination to continue growth. 
PAUL SNEDDON
YOGA
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Paul attended his first yoga class in 2017 as a way to counteract tight muscles from strength training, a desk job and a Hobbit-shaped body. He was instantly hooked and, like many, he realised the benefits go beyond the physical and found yoga to be the perfect remedy for the busy-ness of modern life. In 2018 he enrolled in Stretch’s very first yoga teacher training course and began teaching soon after that. His favourite parts of teaching include welcoming new students in to a safe environment as well as seeing regular students return and the sense of community it creates. Working in corporate Learning and Development as his “regular” job, Paul has always valued teaching, coaching and encouraging others to learn and explore and this comes across in his classes. Students will always be encouraged to safely find what works for them, recognising that all bodies are beautifully unique. In his classes you will find options for everyone, freedom of movement, mindfulness, invitations to explore, playfulness and the occasional bad joke. 
JEN VALDES
YOGA | PILATES
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Jen found her way onto the mat ten years ago and thanks to the effects it had on her monkey mind, she quickly fell in love with the practice. After traveling the world for two years and finally settling in Brisbane in 2018, she took a leap of faith and embarked on her yoga teacher training journey with Stretch. A curious student of mindfulness and movement, she followed her training up with a certification in mat Pilates and is currently completing her 500hr yoga teacher training.Jen finds great joy in providing a supportive environment in which students can safely practice and explore their limits. Her classes are intended to challenge, both mentally and physically. Through the guidance of the breath, Jen makes space for students to focus on themselves and find a moment of stillness in movement. 
CATHERINE NGUYEN
YOGA
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Catherine stumbled into yoga because she wanted to try something new. She quickly noticed the benefits and through its movements and breath work it allowed her to find inner peace, stillness and improved her well-being. Before completing her yoga teacher training in 2021 Catherine was a psychology student. She always questioned how minds really ticked, however like a lot of people sometimes she couldn't always verbally communicate all she needed to say and feel. It wasn't until she studied her Masters of Mental Health in Art Therapy that she began to understand the transformative powers of creative nonverbal expression. Having personally explored the nonverbal expressive effects of art making and yoga herself. Catherine approaches her sessions with a unique lens of creativity, playfulness and exploration all the while supporting her students to grow and empower themselves in a safe environment. With her creative arts, mental health and yoga training together these elements when combined allow Catherine to create a unique approach to exploring one's self and enhancing mental health. Catherine is a strong advocate for making these nonverbal expressive modalities accessible to everyone. Her philosophy for her classes are for students to find peace, freedom and to have fun. Celebrating and embracing all forms of movement and expression whilst encouraging others to connect with themselves and the world around them. 
KAITLYN SANDONA
YOGA | ACTIVE BIRTH
(CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE) READ MORE
One of Stretch's most nurturing teachers, Kaitlyn teaches a meditative Deep Stretch and energising Simple Stretch filled with kindness and ease. Kaitlyn has studied under some of London's best teachers, and has a passion for learning - when she isn't practicing or teaching yoga chances are she'll be reading about it! After having her son in 2017 her focus shifted to learning all things related to mum and bubs. She has completed an additional 150 hours of training in pre and postnatal yoga and active birth. She loves being able to empower women and their support person/s through her Active Birth Workshops, where she shares the latest evidenced based information and educates parents on the tools to make informed decisions. Maybe it's because of the hecticness of life, that comes with being a parent, but she also loves to teach restorative yoga. She does this once a month on a Sunday and thoroughly enjoys watching people walk out restored and renewed. |
