The course director, Michael de Manincor, founded the Yoga Institute in 2002. Michael has been practicing and teaching Yoga for over 25 years, including extensive studies in India with his own teachers Kausthub and TKV Desikachar. He is certified as a Yoga Teacher Trainer with the internationally recognised Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation, is a Senior Yoga Teacher and is the President of the Yoga Teachers’ Association of Australia. As well as Michael’s experience in Yoga, he also holds degrees in Education and Psychology, and is a registered Counselling Psychologist. Michael is the senior lecturer at the Yoga Institute and responsible for much of the course development.
Liz Bennett has been a practicing Physiotherapist and Yoga Teacher for over a decade. Having the privilege of completing a 3 year training apprenticeship with Yoga Synergy, Liz sought to further her understanding of yoga ‘as taught by Sri Krishnamacharya’, taking on formal training under the direction of Michael De Manincor.
For a number of years, Liz has taught the Anatomy and Physiology component of Yoga Teacher Training programs with the Yoga Institute and YogaWorks. Drawing on her background in both clinical physiotherapy and yoga teaching, Liz has developed an Anatomy and Physiology course that is specific to the yoga teaching profession, presented with the intention of awakening the students’ wonder in the body and providing a framework for a lifetime of learning.
Rosie has 35 years of teaching experience spanning preschool, primary school, the tertiary sector and special needs education. Rosie has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and owned her own studio for 8 years. Supporting people to take responsibility for their own learning, development, or healing is intrinsic to her therapeutic approach. Her therapy work has supported students who are ready to develop a personal daily practice as well as those with specific therapeutic needs including AD/HD, Asbergers, Anxiety, Depression, Bi-Polar, Menopause, Eating Disorders and Palliative Care.
Rosie currently works in a voluntary capacity with palliative adults and children and dementia patients. Certified as a Yoga Teacher with the internationally recognised Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation, Rosie is a yoga lecturer and mentor at the Yoga Institute.
Lisa’s first experience of Yoga was in Perth (1995.)Early on, she was surprised by the positive effects of Yoga and how much it had to offer. Her understanding of Yoga and personal practice has since been strongly influenced by the classical Yoga teachings as translated by Sri T Krishnamacharya. She completed her Yoga Teacher training studies at the Yoga Institute and has attended numerous workshops and study programmes in Australia and India. Lisa values individuality and is passionate in sharing Yoga that will assist each student in obtaining their unique goals.Lisa also enjoys her work as a Registered Psychologist and Neonatal Nurse. She lives with her husband and three children.Currently,Lisa is available for individual yoga consultations and counselling sessions at the Yoga Institute.
Anja started her first yoga student program 1978 in Germany. During the last 30 years she explored several ways such as Tai Qi, Qi Gong, Zen meditation and martial arts to improve body strength, emotional and spiritual awareness. Her intention is to develop a sensation of peace within the often stressful context of daily life. Taking inspiration from all of the above, she stayed committed to yoga. Last year she finished her Yoga Teacher Training with Michael de Manicor in the tradition of Sri Krishnamarcharya in Sydney. Anja teaches yoga as a direct connection with one’s body and breath, exploring personal strength and flexibility, and thus developing a sense of contentment with oneself as the basis for a happy life. Anja lives in Newport, is married with two kids.