Our Instructors
STUDIO CO-OWNER/INSTRUCTOR | RYT 500
My yoga journey began years ago, when I was looking for a way to both stretch and strengthen my body, while also attempting to find that calm within.
I did not start practicing yoga until I was in my thirties. At first I found it difficult to find that stillness, and go at such a slow pace, as I am someone that is constantly on the go. I started to practice more regularly in 2018 and by early 2020 I decided that I would love to broaden my horizons in the world of yoga.
Yoga is so much more than just the physical practice and I love to share with others how it can not only help to prevent injury but also bring peace of mind and help us get in touch with our True Self. I cannot wait to share my passion of Yoga with you!
Crystal Sawatzky
INSTRUCTOR | RYT 200
I discovered yoga probably 25 years ago when my yoga instructor friend talked me into trying it (ironically in the same space that Zikhara Yoga is now in). I had always thought yoga was too slow and boring for someone like me who preferred harder more cardio-driven forms of exercise. Little did I know it could actually be quite a hard workout and more importantly an amazing way to calm the mind and stretch your entire body. Soon after that I started my path to be a fitness instructor and then eventually took yoga teacher training with Yoga Medicine in Hawaii and Mexico. I moved to Belize in 2004 to teach yoga and have been teaching off and on ever since.
What I love about yoga is there are so many different styles and there is something for everyone. It’s such a wonderful, overall healthy form of exercise. It’s great for the body, muscles joints and strength, and most importantly it’s so powerful for the mind and soul — relaxing, stress relieving and helping you be in the present even if just for that time you are on your mat.
Karen Turner
INSTRUCTOR | RYT 500
Mandy Lawson has been teaching yoga for over 12 years and has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years. She recently moved back to Prince Rupert after several years in Costa Rica where she started her yoga school, Costa Yoga. She leads yoga teacher trainings as well as Yin and Restorative Yoga classes. Mandy welcomes everyone to yoga, no matter their experience or ability, she loves working with beginners and sharing the life-changing gift of yoga with anyone who wants to try it!
Mandy Lawson
INSTRUCTOR | RYT 200
Cori’s yoga journey began in 2005, and she developed a love for teaching as a swimming and Aquafit instructor from 2011 to 2017. In January, 2019 she fulfilled a dream by travelling to Goa, India to study and complete her 200hr RYT in Ashtanga Yoga at Himalaya Yoga Valley International Training Centre. She is very excited to share the knowledge through her teaching.
Cori believes that yoga inhabits all parts of our lives, with a focus on uniting the body, mind and spirit to understand our true selves and to spread love, acceptance and peace to others.
Her classes focus on the Ashtanga Primary Series sequence of standing, seated and supine asanas with attention paid to mantras, pranayama and opening and closing Savasana. This class is suitable for all levels.
Cori O’Connor
INSTRUCTOR | 200 RYT
Rebecca is a Registered Nurse who recently relocated from Vancouver Island. She is passionate about health and wellness, and excited to continue her yoga journey in Prince Rupert.
After her first yoga class in 2004 she was hooked and began practicing Ashtanga Yoga regularly in Calgary by 2008. This led her to explore various styles of yoga such as hatha, yin, restorative, vinyasa, hot yoga, kundalini, and meditation. Recognizing the physical and mental benefits of yoga, she believes there is a practice suitable for everyone’s needs. As a lifelong learner, Rebecca is committed to expanding her knowledge and sharing the transformative power of yoga with her students.
Join Rebecca’s Restorative yoga class for relaxation and rejuvenation or come to her Vinyasa class for an accessible dynamic flow to increase your strength and flexibility.
Rebecca Steinke
INSTRUCTOR | 200 RYT
Michelle began her yoga journey in 2011 as a way to manage chronic pain and stress. She envisioned a soft and quiet experience and was surprised to unlock the power of her own body, discovering what was possible and exploring the emotions the practice of yoga released. For Michelle, yoga is power and freedom.
In May 2023 Michelle achieved her 200 hour certification in Gentle Vinyasa Flow and Restorative Yoga with Costa Yoga as a way to learn more about how to support her own mind and body and now looks forward to sharing her experience with others.
As a busy executive Michelle understands the constant pressures of work life and supportive leadership, and invites you to experience with her the benefits of a relaxing Hatha practice that will help you navigate life’s complexities, find clarity and tap into your inner self.
Michelle believes that a yoga space should be inclusive, where we can show up as we are and discover our authenticity in a supportive and loving environment. Join her for a candlelight experience that promotes relaxation at the end of a busy day to prepare for a restful evening.
Michelle MacNeill
INSTRUCTOR | RYT 500
Reyann is a certified Soulflow TM Embodiment Facilitator, yoga instructor & Soul Embodiment Coach.
She is also cerified in Transformational Life Coaching, Health Touch TM Energy Healing & Trauma-Informed practice.
Reyann’s mission is to lovingly guide & empower you to reconnect with your Soul's wisdom so you can live the joy-filled life that you know in your heart you are meant to be living.
Reyann takes a very multidimensional, holistic approach in her transformative work. She works with you on every level: mind, body, emotions, energy and spirit.
She has studied Sivananda, Kundalini Embodiment, Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative yoga styles.
“To me, yoga is about connecting to the truth of who you are through movement, meditation, energy mastery, embodiment and pranayama.”
