Our Mission
Our mission is foremost to honour the ancient practice of yoga and embrace each student’s search for personal growth, wellbeing, connection and fulfilment by offering the highest quality yoga programs to people of all ages and from all walks of life.
About Lisa
Born out of Lisa’s passion for mindfulness, meditation and yoga, she has taught and facilitated yoga classes, workshops and specialist teacher trainings for the past 5 years in Sydney.
She has worked as an Occupational Therapist with adults and children for over 15 years in the area of Neurological Rehab. The Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation (DNS), Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue approaches Lisa uses as part of her work provides functional tools to activate and stabilise the body in order to optimise movement and vitality, providing a connection with the whole body.
Lisa is constantly driven to explore and stay curious. She has sought out opportunities to study with teachers who ignite her love of the practice and its philosophies such as Seane Corn and Bryan Kest. Both of whose unique self-expression, and inspirational style of teaching incorporates the physical, mental and mystical aspects of the practice of yoga.
Her continuous professional education has taken her to the USA to study extensively with Matthew Sanford (Mind Body Solutions), Warriors at Ease and Yoga for the Special Child. Lisa is also Level 1 trained in iRest, a research-based transformative practice of deep relaxation and meditative inquiry. This, alongside her experience as an Occupational Therapist in Neurology has evolved into an extensive understanding of the intricacies within the human mind and body.
She teaches from a place of love, laughter and embodiment - linking movement with breath to explore the mind body connection. She is able to give the you the physical assistance (where required) to enable you to practice, and enjoy, yoga and meditation.
Lisa has recently completed a Masters of Philosophy degree with Sydney University, researching the impact of a yoga practice for people with a Spinal Cord Injury. The title of the thesis is An evaluation of an adapted yoga program for people with a spinal cord injury: A journey of reconnection with the self. Stay tuned for publishing!
She has worked as an Occupational Therapist with adults and children for over 15 years in the area of Neurological Rehab. The Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation (DNS), Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue approaches Lisa uses as part of her work provides functional tools to activate and stabilise the body in order to optimise movement and vitality, providing a connection with the whole body.
Lisa is constantly driven to explore and stay curious. She has sought out opportunities to study with teachers who ignite her love of the practice and its philosophies such as Seane Corn and Bryan Kest. Both of whose unique self-expression, and inspirational style of teaching incorporates the physical, mental and mystical aspects of the practice of yoga.
Her continuous professional education has taken her to the USA to study extensively with Matthew Sanford (Mind Body Solutions), Warriors at Ease and Yoga for the Special Child. Lisa is also Level 1 trained in iRest, a research-based transformative practice of deep relaxation and meditative inquiry. This, alongside her experience as an Occupational Therapist in Neurology has evolved into an extensive understanding of the intricacies within the human mind and body.
She teaches from a place of love, laughter and embodiment - linking movement with breath to explore the mind body connection. She is able to give the you the physical assistance (where required) to enable you to practice, and enjoy, yoga and meditation.
Lisa has recently completed a Masters of Philosophy degree with Sydney University, researching the impact of a yoga practice for people with a Spinal Cord Injury. The title of the thesis is An evaluation of an adapted yoga program for people with a spinal cord injury: A journey of reconnection with the self. Stay tuned for publishing!
What is adapted yoga? It's just Yoga!
The term adapted, accessible or adaptive yoga is predominantly used in the UK and US where yoga practices for people with chronic illnesses or a disability have been flourishing for many years.
If you believe social media, you would think yoga is only for young women, wearing lycra, doing a handstand on a beach somewhere! This is so far from the truth.
Rooted in Indian Philosophy and spiritual practice, yoga has been considered a tool to quiet the mind for centuries.
I choose to use the term 'adapted yoga' so the end user (the person living with a diagnosis) may have the courage to try a class for the first time. One of the 'fathers' of yoga, Krishnamacharya, and whose lineage Lisa has studied, has said "If you can breathe, you can do yoga."
At Yogavana, we explore the essence of a yoga pose and find where that meets you (physically, mentally and spiritually).
Different. Not less.
If you believe social media, you would think yoga is only for young women, wearing lycra, doing a handstand on a beach somewhere! This is so far from the truth.
Rooted in Indian Philosophy and spiritual practice, yoga has been considered a tool to quiet the mind for centuries.
I choose to use the term 'adapted yoga' so the end user (the person living with a diagnosis) may have the courage to try a class for the first time. One of the 'fathers' of yoga, Krishnamacharya, and whose lineage Lisa has studied, has said "If you can breathe, you can do yoga."
At Yogavana, we explore the essence of a yoga pose and find where that meets you (physically, mentally and spiritually).
Different. Not less.
NDIS participants |
Yogavana is a registered provider for NDIS.
Testamonial
"I've been a complete T5 paraplegic for 36 years. Needless to say my body isn't as flexible as it used to be. I started doing adapted yoga with Lisa from Yogavana in January. Lisa is an amazing teacher who made sure things were at a level my body could cope with. The effect on my body and mind was amazing from the first class. I immediately noticed a more supple and flexible body after the class and during the following days. I also found after the meditation as a part of yoga my overall happiness level was much higher and I was generally more calm, focused and my memory was much better. The zen effect as I call it. I found that after doing yoga for a few weeks that these effects were stronger and lasted longer and longer after each class with Lisa. I can't recommend yoga with Lisa from Yogavana highly enough."
Greg Hulton.
Greg Hulton.
We love feedback! Compliments & Complaints
Your happiness is important to us!
Yogavana recognises the rights of our clients and we encourage everyone to contact us directly. We also encourage you to share with us what you think we do well; and what you think we can do differently. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome and important in helping us to offer the best yoga and meditation classes possible.
Complaints
At Yogavana we invite clients and volunteers and the broader community to raise complaints about relevant aspects of the organisation’s operations with us. We aim to ensure that all consumer complaints and grievances are dealt with fairly, quickly and confidentially and that all parties involved are satisfied with the result.
Our Assurance
Clients and stakeholders can be assured they will be treated with privacy and dignity, all records will be kept confidential and no retribution will be suffered for having made the complaint.
Grievance procedure process
Where immediate action taken has not resolved the matter for all parties a clear pathway is available to resolve the issue:
Compliments and Feedback
Equally we invite our clients to let us know when we have done something well, exceeded your expectations and had a positive impact. We’re committed to excellent customer service, so let us know how we’re doing. Please contact Lisa on Lisa@yogavana.com.au
NDIS participants
If you are an NDIS participant, and have concerns about the service you have received, you are also encouraged to contact the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines) or TTY 133 677. You also have the option of completing a complaints form by going to their website http://www.ndiscommission.gov.au.
Yogavana recognises the rights of our clients and we encourage everyone to contact us directly. We also encourage you to share with us what you think we do well; and what you think we can do differently. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome and important in helping us to offer the best yoga and meditation classes possible.
Complaints
At Yogavana we invite clients and volunteers and the broader community to raise complaints about relevant aspects of the organisation’s operations with us. We aim to ensure that all consumer complaints and grievances are dealt with fairly, quickly and confidentially and that all parties involved are satisfied with the result.
Our Assurance
Clients and stakeholders can be assured they will be treated with privacy and dignity, all records will be kept confidential and no retribution will be suffered for having made the complaint.
Grievance procedure process
Where immediate action taken has not resolved the matter for all parties a clear pathway is available to resolve the issue:
- If the complaint is unresolved within 21 days from the time the complaint is received, the person making the complaint should contact the Director of Yogavana to investigate and resolve the problem.
- In the event of a serious problem which cannot be resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction, the complainant can request to have the matter considered by the Board or an external body.
Compliments and Feedback
Equally we invite our clients to let us know when we have done something well, exceeded your expectations and had a positive impact. We’re committed to excellent customer service, so let us know how we’re doing. Please contact Lisa on Lisa@yogavana.com.au
NDIS participants
If you are an NDIS participant, and have concerns about the service you have received, you are also encouraged to contact the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines) or TTY 133 677. You also have the option of completing a complaints form by going to their website http://www.ndiscommission.gov.au.