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 | 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
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
Holly McAlister is a yoga teacher specializing in Yin, Restorative, and meditation practices. She offers a mindful and holistic approach to well-being, with a focus on creating safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for healing.
With over 35 years of experience working in healthcare, Holly has seen firsthand the powerful connection between a calm, peaceful mind and the body’s ability to heal. Her own journey into yoga began as a way to process and recover from past physical and emotional trauma, a path that continues to shape her compassionate and trauma-informed teaching style.
Holly’s classes invite students of all backgrounds and abilities to slow down, rest deeply, and reconnect with themselves. Through stillness, presence, and gentle awareness, she guides her students toward resilience, balance, and inner calm.
