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Meet Our Beautiful Teachers
Mike Nix
Mike graduated from Yoga Teacher Training with Sukha Mukha in 2021.
Since then he has developed into a beautiful teacher. You will enjoy his "no fluff" approach with a physical focus, yet these deep nuggets of wisdom pop out just at the right time when you need them the most.
Mike's classes are suitable for you who likes to feel your body when you practice and are not afraid to get warm.
His sequences are simple, so even if you are new to Yoga, you will enjoy the simplicity of his classes.
Since then he has developed into a beautiful teacher. You will enjoy his "no fluff" approach with a physical focus, yet these deep nuggets of wisdom pop out just at the right time when you need them the most.
Mike's classes are suitable for you who likes to feel your body when you practice and are not afraid to get warm.
His sequences are simple, so even if you are new to Yoga, you will enjoy the simplicity of his classes.
Ali Courtney
Ali started her physical movement path at 8 years of age as a committed gymnast with a career spanning eight years, followed by many more years and genres of dance.
Discovering yoga later in life and initially drawn to the physical aspect, Ali has since unearthed the many benefits of the practice.
As a dedicated and committed student for 7 years at UpDog Yoga in Melbourne where she completed her YTT200, Ali moved to Forster in 2022 and has since completed her Yin YTT100 with Mysan Sidbo in 2023, followed by a Bhakti YTT in 2024 with Heidi Mellican. Ali is excited to serve her local community sharing the many teachings she has learnt and hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps (or asanas) who is still teaching yoga at 92!
Discovering yoga later in life and initially drawn to the physical aspect, Ali has since unearthed the many benefits of the practice.
As a dedicated and committed student for 7 years at UpDog Yoga in Melbourne where she completed her YTT200, Ali moved to Forster in 2022 and has since completed her Yin YTT100 with Mysan Sidbo in 2023, followed by a Bhakti YTT in 2024 with Heidi Mellican. Ali is excited to serve her local community sharing the many teachings she has learnt and hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps (or asanas) who is still teaching yoga at 92!
Julia Dunstan
Julia has been teaching Yoga in Forster since 2017. She has broad experience and understanding with more than 700 hours of formal training to shape and enrich her classes. She once lived in northern India at Sattva Yoga Academy where her deepest training took place under the guidance of Anand Mehrotra. She is a Sattva Yoga and Meditation teacher and carries the
Himalayan Yog-Vedantic tradition in her practice and in her life.
Her advanced training in Yin Yoga has been with Hugh Lee, Breath of Heart, in Adelaide and Melbourne. Her Yin classes at the Studio are infused with a sense of connection to blended traditions, Nature and mindfulness.
She has studied with Bhakti Rose and is an experienced Prenatal Yoga teacher. And following training with the late Maria Kirsten, she gained certification to teach Yoga for Mental Health, and always teaches from within this framework.
With her friend and teacher Christine du Fresne, she has trained in Chair Yoga and offers strengthening, stimulating classes for all ages and physical capacities. And, as well, Julia is a certified Yoga Nidra instructor having trained with India’s Nada Yoga School.
She has a Bachelor of
Arts (Humanities) and a Graduate Diploma of Education with a completed career in Secondary
teaching.
One of Julia’s greatest joys, along with guiding students in practice, is to meet regularly with Eve Gryzbowski’s Teachers’ Circle here in our region for collegial practice. It is a circle that is attended
by a small and growing number of devoted teachers. They meet in each others homes, lead practices for one another, share knowledge and allow the heart of Yoga to support them in a binding way. Another ‘greatest’ joy of hers is to have her grandchildren on her lap.
It was in the 1970s when Indian Swami Saraswati appeared on Australian televisions teaching
Asana and Meditation to viewers that Yoga first entered her family’s life. Many people including her
mother became intrigued with the classical and cultural expression of Yoga and felt the surprising
physical benefits through her TV teaching. Weekly classes began popping up in their town and mother and daughter enrolled. Julia’s forever thankful for being introduced in her teenage years to Yoga - a yogini ever since - and always grateful for her parents, her teachers and for life’s gracious unfolding.
Himalayan Yog-Vedantic tradition in her practice and in her life.
Her advanced training in Yin Yoga has been with Hugh Lee, Breath of Heart, in Adelaide and Melbourne. Her Yin classes at the Studio are infused with a sense of connection to blended traditions, Nature and mindfulness.
She has studied with Bhakti Rose and is an experienced Prenatal Yoga teacher. And following training with the late Maria Kirsten, she gained certification to teach Yoga for Mental Health, and always teaches from within this framework.
With her friend and teacher Christine du Fresne, she has trained in Chair Yoga and offers strengthening, stimulating classes for all ages and physical capacities. And, as well, Julia is a certified Yoga Nidra instructor having trained with India’s Nada Yoga School.
She has a Bachelor of
Arts (Humanities) and a Graduate Diploma of Education with a completed career in Secondary
teaching.
One of Julia’s greatest joys, along with guiding students in practice, is to meet regularly with Eve Gryzbowski’s Teachers’ Circle here in our region for collegial practice. It is a circle that is attended
by a small and growing number of devoted teachers. They meet in each others homes, lead practices for one another, share knowledge and allow the heart of Yoga to support them in a binding way. Another ‘greatest’ joy of hers is to have her grandchildren on her lap.
It was in the 1970s when Indian Swami Saraswati appeared on Australian televisions teaching
Asana and Meditation to viewers that Yoga first entered her family’s life. Many people including her
mother became intrigued with the classical and cultural expression of Yoga and felt the surprising
physical benefits through her TV teaching. Weekly classes began popping up in their town and mother and daughter enrolled. Julia’s forever thankful for being introduced in her teenage years to Yoga - a yogini ever since - and always grateful for her parents, her teachers and for life’s gracious unfolding.
Lara Monrieff-McCarthy
Lara approaches yoga with a playful heart and a deep appreciation for staying curious in the moment. Her practice is rooted in exploration—of movement, stillness, and the spaces in between. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at Forster Yoga Studio, where she developed a grounded understanding of yoga philosophy, asana, and mindful movement. With a background in theatre, drama, and movement, Lara brings a unique sense of rhythm, flow, and presence to her practice. She hopes her classes offer a space to feel, express, and return to yourself—gently, honestly, and with joy.
Fernanda Olivera
Fernanda is a passionate Vinyasa yoga teacher and Pilates mat instructor originally from Peru, who’s called Australia home for over a decade. She’s recently settled in Forster to begin an exciting new chapter and is beyond thrilled to share her love for all things mindfulness and movement with the local community.
Fernanda completed her Yoga Teacher Training at Krishna Village, where she immersed herself in the spiritual and physical roots of yoga. The experience was deeply enriching and transformative, laying the foundation for the vibrant and soulful classes she now offers. Soon, she’ll be heading to India to continue her yoga studies—diving deeper into the practice and returning with fresh inspiration (and probably some great stories) to share with you all!
Her Vinyasa classes are a fusion of strength and flexibility, designed to challenge you in the best way. She believes in helping students feel strong from the inside out—while always offering plenty of variations so everyone feels welcome and empowered on the mat.
And then there’s Pilates—don’t be fooled by the smiles! Her classes are spicy, challenging, and seriously fun. Each week, you’ll feel yourself growing stronger—and not just physically. Fernanda creates a space where community and connection grow just as much as those deep core muscles!
Whether you’re rolling out your mat for the first time or the hundredth, Fernanda is here to welcome you with open arms, a big smile, and maybe a few Pilates pulses that will leave you shaking— but always coming back for more!
Fernanda completed her Yoga Teacher Training at Krishna Village, where she immersed herself in the spiritual and physical roots of yoga. The experience was deeply enriching and transformative, laying the foundation for the vibrant and soulful classes she now offers. Soon, she’ll be heading to India to continue her yoga studies—diving deeper into the practice and returning with fresh inspiration (and probably some great stories) to share with you all!
Her Vinyasa classes are a fusion of strength and flexibility, designed to challenge you in the best way. She believes in helping students feel strong from the inside out—while always offering plenty of variations so everyone feels welcome and empowered on the mat.
And then there’s Pilates—don’t be fooled by the smiles! Her classes are spicy, challenging, and seriously fun. Each week, you’ll feel yourself growing stronger—and not just physically. Fernanda creates a space where community and connection grow just as much as those deep core muscles!
Whether you’re rolling out your mat for the first time or the hundredth, Fernanda is here to welcome you with open arms, a big smile, and maybe a few Pilates pulses that will leave you shaking— but always coming back for more!
Peter Whitfield
Peter has been teaching philosophy for over 30 years. His journey began with a degree in Physics and Mathematics, followed by travels to India in search of truth. Guided by a sage, he continued his studies in London at the School of Economic Science, focusing on philosophy, religion, meditation, and Sanskrit.
He has lectured at the Sydney School of Philosophy for over 15 years and is the creator of the Zen Tails© children’s book series, now translated into 12 languages.
In 2014, Peter completed his Yoga teacher training to integrate physical practice with philosophical inquiry.
During the COVID lockdowns, he launched the Philosophy Café, an online forum for global dialogue and reflection that continues to thrive.
In December 2023, he became the owner of Forster Yoga Studio, where he brings together movement, meditation, and timeless wisdom to support a vibrant and inclusive community.
He has lectured at the Sydney School of Philosophy for over 15 years and is the creator of the Zen Tails© children’s book series, now translated into 12 languages.
In 2014, Peter completed his Yoga teacher training to integrate physical practice with philosophical inquiry.
During the COVID lockdowns, he launched the Philosophy Café, an online forum for global dialogue and reflection that continues to thrive.
In December 2023, he became the owner of Forster Yoga Studio, where he brings together movement, meditation, and timeless wisdom to support a vibrant and inclusive community.
Kati Simpson
Hi, I’m Kati! For almost five years, I’ve had the privilege of being the welcoming face of Forster Yoga Studio — a space where community, connection, and consciousness come together through the practice of yoga.
Working alongside an inspiring team of teachers and yogis, I’ve watched our studio grow into a soulful sanctuary for well-being, healing, and shared transformation. The biggest achievement seeing our yoga community blossom & grow and many beautiful connections formed.
Alongside yoga, I’ve discovered a deep passion for the sound and healing energy of crystal quartz singing bowls, which I’m so grateful to share intermittently in our classes and special events. There’s something truly magical about the way sound can calm the mind and nourish the soul.
My own spiritual path began when I stumbled upon The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein — a book that cracked open my heart and guided me inward. Since then, I’ve drawn wisdom and inspiration from beloved spiritual mentors like Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, and Eckhart Tolle, whose teachings continue to influence how I live, parent, and show up in the world.
Outside the studio, you’ll often find me planning my next adventure, whether it’s road-tripping in Sunny (my trusty van!), soaking in new cultures, or finding peace in nature. I’m also the proud mama of two vibrant, gregarious daughters — my greatest teachers in patience, love, and joy.
I believe we’re all here to help each other rise — and I hope that through every class, every conversation, and every shared moment, we move a little closer to a more peaceful, conscious, and connected, and loving world.
Working alongside an inspiring team of teachers and yogis, I’ve watched our studio grow into a soulful sanctuary for well-being, healing, and shared transformation. The biggest achievement seeing our yoga community blossom & grow and many beautiful connections formed.
Alongside yoga, I’ve discovered a deep passion for the sound and healing energy of crystal quartz singing bowls, which I’m so grateful to share intermittently in our classes and special events. There’s something truly magical about the way sound can calm the mind and nourish the soul.
My own spiritual path began when I stumbled upon The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein — a book that cracked open my heart and guided me inward. Since then, I’ve drawn wisdom and inspiration from beloved spiritual mentors like Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, and Eckhart Tolle, whose teachings continue to influence how I live, parent, and show up in the world.
Outside the studio, you’ll often find me planning my next adventure, whether it’s road-tripping in Sunny (my trusty van!), soaking in new cultures, or finding peace in nature. I’m also the proud mama of two vibrant, gregarious daughters — my greatest teachers in patience, love, and joy.
I believe we’re all here to help each other rise — and I hope that through every class, every conversation, and every shared moment, we move a little closer to a more peaceful, conscious, and connected, and loving world.
Bernadette Rogal
Yoga has been a beautiful journey of self-discovery for Bernie over the last 30 years. Yoga continues to bring a sense of peace, balance and a spiritual path that has enhanced her life to the fullest.
In 2019 Bernie retired and was able to follow her passion to teach yoga, she went to Krishna Village to complete her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course. Since then, Bernie has been sharing her love of yoga by teaching in the Mid North Coast, NSW community. Bernie has also completed her 150hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga for Mental Health, Yoga for Seniors Chair Yoga, Pre and postnatal Yoga and Somatic Healing.
Yoga means union - bringing the mind, body and breath into one. Connecting to our true self, opening our hearts to love and compassion for ourselves and others. Allowing us to listen to the wisdom of our bodies and be in the present moment by deepening the breath and quietening the mind.
Bernie's classes are designed to suit all levels of experience and abilities, they include Hatha, Restorative, Somatic, Yin and Chair yoga with a focus on heart felt mindfulness, meditation, balance, strength and relaxation.
In 2019 Bernie retired and was able to follow her passion to teach yoga, she went to Krishna Village to complete her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course. Since then, Bernie has been sharing her love of yoga by teaching in the Mid North Coast, NSW community. Bernie has also completed her 150hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga for Mental Health, Yoga for Seniors Chair Yoga, Pre and postnatal Yoga and Somatic Healing.
Yoga means union - bringing the mind, body and breath into one. Connecting to our true self, opening our hearts to love and compassion for ourselves and others. Allowing us to listen to the wisdom of our bodies and be in the present moment by deepening the breath and quietening the mind.
Bernie's classes are designed to suit all levels of experience and abilities, they include Hatha, Restorative, Somatic, Yin and Chair yoga with a focus on heart felt mindfulness, meditation, balance, strength and relaxation.
Kristina Chan
Movement, dance and yoga has been at the core of Kristina’s life. With an extraordinary career traveling the world in contemporary dance and choreography for over 25 years, accompanied by a dedicated yoga practice, Kristina is now settled in Hallidays Point. Since landing here in 2018 she has wanted to share with the community her passion and knowledge in dance, performance and yoga focusing on the importance of moving your body for physical, mental and emotional health.
Kristina’s teaching encompasses a wealth of body knowledge from a lifetime of dance and yoga practice. She is passionate to facilitate many more experiences through dance, yoga and celebration for her community.
Kristina’s teaching encompasses a wealth of body knowledge from a lifetime of dance and yoga practice. She is passionate to facilitate many more experiences through dance, yoga and celebration for her community.
Myles Lowry
Hello I’m Myles! I have been a Yoga instructor here at FYS since 2021 after doing my Teacher Training the same year. I teach Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga and a Slow Flow of gentle movement. I absolutely love yoga and all of our Yogis and our beautiful studio that Peter has put all of his heart into, which has created a warm welcoming hub of connection.
I have incorporated sound healing into my teachings with Quartz Crystal sound healing bowls which adds another element to my teachings for your practice.
I have beautiful children and beautiful grandchildren and a loving supportive amazing partner whom I am eternally grateful for.
My teaching style is all about feeling your yoga and finding that body mind spirit connection which we achieve by letting go of our thoughts and our expectations.
Lots of love,
Myles❤️
I have incorporated sound healing into my teachings with Quartz Crystal sound healing bowls which adds another element to my teachings for your practice.
I have beautiful children and beautiful grandchildren and a loving supportive amazing partner whom I am eternally grateful for.
My teaching style is all about feeling your yoga and finding that body mind spirit connection which we achieve by letting go of our thoughts and our expectations.
Lots of love,
Myles❤️
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