Teaching Faculty

Qualifications
British Wheel of Yoga 500 hrs Diploma
Diploma in Crystal Healing – The Rose School
The Oxygen Advantage Breathwork – Patrick McKeown
Breathwork Facilitator Training – Yoga Lap

Specialist Training
Scaravelli Yoga Immersion – Catherine Annis
Soma Prana Vinyasa Flow – Shiva Rae
Well Woman Therapy Yoga – Uma Dinsmore
Yoga for Pain – Heather Mason (The Minded Institute)
Lamberts, Pharma Nord and Bio Care Nutritional Training Courses (various)

Classes taught and teaching style
Carole is the founder of The Self Centre (2005) and has been teaching yoga for 20 years. She teaches a Hatha to Yin style, Slow Vinyasa Flow to Yin and also pure Yin Restorative. She specialises in Yoga and Wellbeing Workshops on The Menopause, The Immune System and The Digestive System. She will be launching some new Breathwork Classes in the Autumn.
Her classes are accessible for all and her style is never serious! She loves nothing more than a challenge or someone who says they are not flexible enough or young enough to start yoga! She has clients in their 80’s who have only just begun their yoga journey!!

Anyone and everyone who wants to discover the power that they have over their own body and mind.

Class Descriptions
Menopause is likely to be easier if a woman has a high level of self-awareness and is in tune with her body’s needs.
We need to love ourselves and love our bodies, despite the fact that they are changing without our consent! Perhaps we need to give consent for this change to happen and try not to fight it (very hard I know!) Many of us have spent our lives raising children and giving much to others and are not very good at receiving or self-care.

Yoga has been shown to benefit those going through Menopause – studies have indicated it can help with hot flushes and night sweats and reduce stress and anxiety. In my view, it helps you develop an innate wisdom about your body and teaches you to observe the changes of this powerful change. It helps us understand that the symptoms we experience are never permanent and it’s how we approach them mentally that makes a big difference!

Body systems our yoga practice will work with to optimise for a healthier Menopause:
Hormone balance; Thyroid function; Inflammation; Adrenal gland function; Optimal digestion.

Carole is the founder of the Self Centre and has been teaching yoga for 20 years. She is pushing the big 60 this year and has first-hand experience of flowing through the joy that is Menopause!
She will also be running Specialist Yoga and Wellbeing for the Menopause Workshops.

About Carole
All the jobs I’ve had have shaped me and given me the skills to do what I love! I have managed 350-seater Mexican Restaurants, been a top Account Executive in Advertising and sold Pharmaceutical Drugs to GPs! I now promote and teach the benefits of preventative health care through yoga, mindfulness, healthy eating, native medicine and complementary therapies.
I observe in my work that people are desperate for information on how to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, and the NHS in its current form continues to struggle. I strongly feel we need to learn how to prevent ‘dis-ease” in the first place. My aim is to encourage people to understand that “Health is their greatest wealth” and you can help prevent ‘dis-ease’ by learning how your body finds it’s way back to Homeostasis/Equilibrium. Making some lifestyle changes and learning about what your unique body and mind needs to stay in a state of “ease” is just the beginning! Stress is a by-product of our current lifestyles and how we deal physically and mentally with Stress and all forms of Change, shapes us to be the person we are.
I am a yoga teacher first and foremost and my journey into yoga began when my mother persuaded me approx 26 years ago to try a local village hall class as I was a slightly overweight and very stressed mother of two small people! I rejected the suggestion stating that “yoga is just for grannies” but as I look back now, that first class was a turning point in my life and I am a different person now! I qualified as a Yoga Teacher with The British Wheel of Yoga in 2006 and have been teaching for over 17 years.
I created the Self Centre (a health and wellbeing centre with yoga, pilates, tai chi studios and 8 complementary therapy treatment rooms and a healthy cafe) in 2005, in Bury St Edmunds, as a place for me to teach yoga and work with complementary therapists and create good food! I sold the centre in 2015  to Abbeycroft and am now working within the corporate and school sectors whilst also offering private one-to-one and small-group yoga sessions and Wellness Workshops from a bespoke Yoga Studio in my garden.
I was a guest twice on the Chris Evans Radio Show talking about the benefits of yoga and putting Chris and his team through their paces, so not many things can phase me!
For the last 10 years, I have been teaching yoga at LATITUDE FESTIVAL and I absolutely love that too!
I have three grown-up daughters, my other fave things are growing organic veg, cooking gluten-free food, attempting to be a good horsey mummy, watching musical theatre, dog walking and occasional rock climbing!

Follow Carole on social
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About Ken

Teacher Ken Bone has over thirty years of experience in the arts of Tai Chi and Qigong, 12 of those years were spent training and working in the Reiyuka Centre, a unique martial arts and Buddhist centre in the heart of Norwich. He has trained with many teachers including Julian Wilde founder of the Fei Yan school in Norwich, and Master Wee Kee Jin to name a few . 

His classes in QIGONG are informal and are focused on relaxation through correct structure, alongside deep natural breathing the flowing movements of qigong are none for soothing and relaxing a person’s overall condition.

The typical class consists of a gentle warm-up (15 mins) followed by Qigong breathing in movement exercises, the focus will be on the correct alignment of the physical structure, relaxation and working with breath.

These classes are suitable for all levels of practice.

Qualifications
RYS 200 Vinyasa TT Malta – Anchelique Mariano, Free My Me 2015
RYT 300 Rocket, Yin Yoga, Tripsichore & Yogic Arts Thailand – The Yoga People 2016
RYT 100 Mandala Vinyasa & Shamanism India – The Yoga People 2017
RYT 100 Pre & Post Natal Yoga London – Cherie Lathey, Yoga Mama 2016
RYT 50 Advanced TT Italy – Ambra Vallo, Sandstone Yoga & Pilates 2018
RYT 50 Yin Yoga & Meridians Online – Annie Au, Soulful Yin Yoga 2021
RYT 50 You, Your Gut, Your Movement Online – Elena Voyce 2020

Classes taught and teaching style

From a young age, I was fascinated by the body and the power it has to move in challenging and creative ways.
The first way I learned to use this power was through dance and I worked as a professional dancer for over ten years. Dancing has been my passion for as long as I can remember but it’s a highly competitive field and although I had immense highs in my career there were also some extreme lows.
I discovered yoga by accident, taking a class to stretch my tired muscles. I was shocked at the power it had to help me find calm and stillness.  It allowed me to re-balance and find space not only in my physical body but also in my mind. The benefits were amazing and yoga quickly became an integral part of my daily life.
After a few years of practicing, I decided to turn my hobby into a career and go deeper into my practice and I trained intensively to become a qualified instructor.  I wanted to share my experiences and help others to develop mindfulness and awareness of the body, find strength and overcome personal barriers just as I had done myself.
Living in today’s fast-paced world, it is so important to take time to invest in yourself. The benefits of practising yoga don’t just stay on the mat, they come with you, helping to make everyday life flow more easily with control, calmness and an openness that will leave you wanting more.

I became an instructor in 2015 and have now completed over 800RYT hours of teacher training accredited by the Yoga Alliance and am qualified to teach Vinyasa, Rocket, Mandala, Yin, Post and Pre natal, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Kriya and Pranayama.
I have traveled to some incredible places with my training and have been taught by some truly inspiring yogis who have inspired me to share my knowledge and passion. I have so much gratitude for my teachers – Anchelique Mariano, Dulce & Jamie at The Yoga People, and Ambra Vallo.
I love to free flow and encourage others to let go, find strength and enjoy the benefits of yoga. I am a high-energy and playful person and I like this side of my personality to be reflected in my classes, whilst also taking the time to slow down and truly connect with our mind and bodies.
From a warming vinyasa flow to headstands and inversions or a restorative yin approach, my classes will give you the confidence to be brave, fierce, and feel the power that is already within you.
Using the breath to create a moving meditation, you will be able to free the mind to feel balanced and relaxed in your daily life. Practicing with me will enable you to be something stronger than you thought you could be, both physically and mentally.
I hope to inspire you to be the best you can be and to accept and embrace every single aspect of what that means.

“Take it to the mat and open up every cell in your body to the good vibrations of the universe” – Gemma Cousins 


All levels of experience are welcome. I offer variations and adaptations so everyone can get the most from their practice.

Class Descriptions

Rocket Yoga – an Introduction
Fancy something new and on trend? A more dynamic workout yoga style? Then Rocket Yoga is for you! Created in the 1980’s by Larry Schultz a student of K. Pattabhi Jois (the king of Ashtanga yoga) it allows you to go “off piste” using all 4 of the Ashtanga series yoga postures that are modified and adapted as needed into what is accessible for you as an individual. Rocket Yoga’s benefits are also said to be numerous- it builds self-confidence and leads you down the path of self-control, self-discipline, self-improvement, self-realization, and self-transformation.
A faster tempo class with a playlist to uplift and inspire. The practice is strong, playful and fun with options to explore inversions and arm balances. Meet yourself on the other side with a newfound sense of liberation, power and connection.

Gemma welcomes beginners and will lead this fun class and make it accessible to all – “because it gets you there faster!”

Slow Flow Core Yoga to Yin Restorative
This class will open with a slow and warming flow to open the body, build strength and allow energy to flow and release before slowing down into stillness and connecting to the feminine energy of Yin which embraces the aspect of non doing. It works to release….

Yin Yoga Restorative – Prepare to Sleep 
Learn to understand it more completely. Closing with Yoga Nidra – “yogic sleep”, a guided meditation working through the body cultivating a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping. Promoting deep rest and relaxation in preparation for a peaceful night’s sleep.

About Gemma

Gemma is Mum to Jude (3) and Dalila-Rose (1) who are her greatest loves. In her spare time, Gemma can be found stand-up paddle boarding, running, taking long walks in nature, and listening to reggae and soul music. Gemma loves to travel and has a deep connection to the beautiful Rio de Janeiro where she lived for 2 years, she is happiest with salty hair and sandy toes.

Follow Gemma on social

INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK

Qualifications:

RYT200 Yoga Academy, BWY & Yoga Alliance (US) 
Basic Yoga Therapy (Doug Keller) 
Advanced Anatomy for Yoga (Gary Carter) 
RYT500 teacher training Yoga Alliance (US) 
BWY Foundation Course 1 (BWY) 

Specialist Training:
Yoga for Addiction Recovery (Minded Institute)
Yoga Therapy for Eating Disorders (Minded Institute) 
Yoga for People Living with Cancer (BWY) 
Foundations in teaching Mindfulness (Michael Stone) 
Wellwoman Yoga (pelvic health) (Birthlight) 

Styles of class taught 
Hatha Yoga, varying levels.
My teaching style is strong on alignment, balancing muscle strength and flexibility to maintain healthy, resilient joints. I am constantly astonished by the miracle that is the human body and strive to create an environment in class that encourages the self-healing abilities of our bodies. I prefer an informal, friendly environment and encourage students to get to know each other a little so they feel at ease in the classroom.

I welcome everyone in classes appropriate for them. In Gentle Hatha Yoga I have a range of students with varying conditions or mobility issues. I enjoy setting up classes for those with specific conditions where they can get support from each other. I have found that being together with those who know what you are experiencing without having to explain can be hugely empowering and encouraging.

Classes:

NHS Long Covid class: needs updating as talks about “hoping to start new class…” which has now started.

Cancer class: Please amend About your teacher – Bindie Edwards to the following:

Classes for those living with cancer are carefully tailored to the students attending. We practice yoga movements to ease tightness and scar tissue, with gentle and progressive strengthening work. The classes also include strong elements of breathwork and meditation included.

Bindie has been practicing yoga for over 40 years and trained as a teacher with Simon Low at The Yoga Academy, which is endorsed and approved by the British Wheel of Yoga and by The Yoga Alliance (US). She is now a tutor on the Yoga Academy teacher training courses and teaches a British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course at The Self Centre.

Bindie continues to study with world-renowned teachers on anatomy and various specialisms and has completed courses in yoga for those living with cancer, women’s health in regard to hormonal and pelvic issues, yoga for eating disorders and yoga for recovering addicts. She also teaches classes for those with Long Covid for the NHS.

About me:

I grew up in Africa, later coming to the UK to boarding school. A significant part of my teens was spent in Brazil where my father was posted, though I have lived all my adult life in England.
Beginning my career in marketing and advertising, I began to specialise in event organisation and later started my own company running motorsport championships and events all over the world. It was a great life for those who like to be outdoors and constantly challenged by unexpected events.

Yoga has been such a support to me from my mid-20s onwards and I later decided to train as a teacher so that I could share this great gift. I cannot imagine trying to navigate all life’s ups and downs without it and I love to share the knowledge I have gained with others. I am constantly blown away by the miraculous design and workings of the human body and just can’t resist doing constant study on all aspects of the body and mind.

I have a degree in art and 3-dimensional design so I love drawing and visiting galleries. Other passions include English social history, walking and dancing.

www.bindie.yoga

Qualifications and training

British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) Foundation Course Level One with Kari Knight

500-hour BWY Diploma qualification with Rosie Wright
Teaching Yoga to People with Disabilities with JoAnn Lyons
BWY Yoga Therapy Foundation with Nikki Jackson
Yoga4 Health qualification with Yoga in Healthcare Alliance (Heather Mason and Paul Fox)
BWY Yoga Therapy module for Yoga and Chronic Pain with Nikki Jackson

Styles of classes

• Hatha Mindful Movement
  Gentle Chair Yoga
• Hatha Yoga – Strength and Stretch (aimed towards runners) and Gentle Hatha Yoga (with Chairs available)
• Mat-based classes – all with a basic level of fitness and ability to move from mat to standing (modifications obviously available but with large classes, this is a challenge). Beginners welcome. Pregnant students ok during 2nd trimester if they have practiced yoga before.
• Chair-based classes ALL welcome regardless of physical limitations

Caroline aims to help improve sleep, reduce anxiety and instill a sense of calm using breathing techniques to aid the relaxation response and mindful movements based on yoga principles.

Each week starts sitting on a chair. You will be encouraged to come down to the floor for mat work and do some standing poses. However, remaining on the chair for the whole class is an option as all poses can be modified to your needs.
The course is designed for the movements to be repetitive so that they become second nature and you can focus on breathing at a deeper level (which will develop week by week).

You are encouraged to practice at home in between the sessions for maximum benefit to your wellbeing. To help with this Caroline will give you a lesson plan to take home, as well as a short relaxation audio to help with sleep. Any practice is great even a few minutes!

It is recommended that you attend this course twice (not necessarily straight way) as behavioural change normally takes approximately 8 weeks.

Testimonials: 
“My colleagues noted that I look a lot less stressed”
“I can now breathe better”
“Such a friendly group”
“I have started eating better and have lost some weight”
All equipment will be provided and no prior experience is necessary. We have a lovely cafe onsite, should you wish to stay at the end. 

About me

I am a keen runner and proud to have completed the London Marathon in 2023. My focus is now running regular half marathons and using my personal experience to help other runners through leading ‘Yoga for Runners Masterclasses’. I also love swimming, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Yoga became a big part of my life in 2009 when I started attending ante-natal yoga classes and 6 years later embarked on my yoga teacher training journey. At this time I was also working at The Self Centre part-time as Assistant Manager and spending as much time as possible with my not-so-small children!

Prior to that, I had a career in Human Resources and for 10+ years was HR Manager for a high-end furniture design, production and distribution company.

https://www.facebook.com/calmwithcaroline

Amber began her yoga journey as a teenager and has never looked back. Through life experiences and great loss, yoga both in the spiritual and physical practice has provided her with the tools to stay present and live in the here and now, making the most of each moment.

In Amber’s class offerings, she strives to hold a safe space for you to explore and delve deep into your heart, re-establishing a connection to the present moment through breath, movement, and sensation, giving the mind permission to let go. She hopes students leave her classes feeling wrapped in a cocoon of self-love, trust, and empowerment.

She qualified with Yoga Alliance in 2017 after completing a foundation course with British Wheel Of Yoga.

What she teaches very much depends on who is in the class and what their needs are.
All levels are very welcome

I have studied 200 hours of teacher training with Yoga Alliance (2018), yin with mindfulness(2019), pregnancy yoga. I have qualified in L3 Mat Pilates and small equipment and currently studying my L4 Pilates advanced. 

I welcome all levels and abilities and offer modifications and encourage rest if needed!

About me…
I’ve been practicing yoga for over ten years, and I love to hold space for others sharing the beautiful practice of yoga to help people slow down and embrace stillness. We live in a world of endless lists and busyness, and we often forget to take time for ourselves to just be.

I also teach Pilates, what I love most about it is how similar Joseph Pilates principles are to yoga, a mindful approach to every movement and exercise with the connection to the mind, body and breath. I want my students to leave all my classes feeling good both physically, mentally, and relaxed.

Outside of teaching you will find me spending time with my family and my dog in nature, and enjoying good food and a glass of wine!

Qualifications

• Ashtanga Vinyasa  200 hours 
• Hatha Yoga 200 hours
• Transformational Breath Training
• Myofascial Anatomy & Movement

Styles of classes

Ashtanga Vinyasa is a set sequence of postures that are taught in the same order to enable the body & mind to come together in a moving meditation. The Ashtanga style of yoga can be challenging so come with an open mind.

Hatha Yoga is the traditional style of yoga that has been taught around the world for centuries. In a Hatha class, the instructor puts a sequence of asanas together which can vary from week to week, and different instructors will use a different sequence so seldom the same.

I would hope that my classes are inclusive for everyone and that when students leave they can feel a sense of connection back to themselves.

About me

After a few years working in hospitality, I became a joint proprietor of a nightclub (a far cry from a yoga instructor) which was a career I was involved in for twenty years.

I’d been practising yoga on and off for many years before moving to Bury St Edmunds and discovering the Self Centre and the rest is history.

I decided in February 2017 to go off to India and do teacher training and enjoyed it so much that I went back in November to do another training.

As well as yoga I also enjoy cycling and am an active member of West Suffolk Wheelers. I’m a huge music fan and when I can I enjoy going to see live music, my taste in music is quite eclectic as some of my students will tell you when I tell them what I’m listening too!

Instagram  robintaylor5911
robintayloryoga.com

Qualifications

Reiki Master
Gong practitioner
Sound Healer (voice)
Regression Therapist

Styles of classes taught 

Group Gong Baths – works with people new to sound healing and those who are more advanced.

Vicky comes from a healing background and helps people by holding them in the light, so that they can heal their shadows, ground more into their bodies and strengthen their vibrations.

Thursday and Saturday classes (1 hour) – anyone is welcome

Advanced gong baths on a Thursday (1.5 hours) – for people that have been coming regularly to the 1-hour gong baths or coming to 1:1’s with Vicky
Development groups on a Wednesday (1.5 hours) – (for those who have done the advanced gong baths).

About me

Vicky has worked as a healer for over 25 years and still has a huge passion for it.

She is also a keen open-water swimmer and works as a lifeguard and swim coach with her business partner in West Stow, providing swim sessions for people who want to experience open-water swimming.

website: www.girlwithagong.co.uk 

Instagram: girl_with_a_gong.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlwithagong.co.uk