Zander Winther
Studio
Classes
About Me
Zander has been teaching yoga and meditation for over 10 years, and is passionate about providing traditional instruction in the lineage of Sri Krishnamacharya. He holds E-RYT 500 status with Yoga Alliance, having logged over 1000 hours in training and 4,500 hours of yoga instruction. Zander also holds Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist certification via the Himalayan Institute, Advanced Teacher Training certification in Vinyasa Krama with Srivatsa Ramaswami, Yoga Therapy Teacher Training certification with Manju Jois, as well as deep study in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with Fiona Stang and other senior teachers.
Zander is also a Yoga Teacher Trainer, having co-facilitated 200 Hour programs for hundreds of students in Vancouver. He holds an MA in philosophy (2010) and is currently completing a second graduate degree at UBC where he is translating and examining the Yoga Yājñavalkya, an important haṭha yoga text in the Sri Krishnamacharya tradition.
Instagram: @zanderyoga
About Me
Zander has been teaching yoga and meditation for over 10 years, and is passionate about providing traditional instruction in the lineage of Sri Krishnamacharya. He holds E-RYT 500 status with Yoga Alliance, having logged over 1000 hours in training and 4,500 hours of yoga instruction. Zander also holds Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist certification via the Himalayan Institute, Advanced Teacher Training certification in Vinyasa Krama with Srivatsa Ramaswami, Yoga Therapy Teacher Training certification with Manju Jois, as well as deep study in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with Fiona Stang and other senior teachers.
Zander is also a Yoga Teacher Trainer, having co-facilitated 200 Hour programs for hundreds of students in Vancouver. He holds an MA in philosophy (2010) and is currently completing a second graduate degree at UBC where he is translating and examining the Yoga Yājñavalkya, an important haṭha yoga text in the Sri Krishnamacharya tradition.
Instagram: @zanderyoga
Michelle Weisbom
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
Students will break down any barriers they once set upon themselves, realizing a new potential that lies within.
About Me
I’ve been teaching classes for over 15 years and I continue to upgrade my education and certifications. Not only do I inspire students, but students inspire me. It’s a lifelong journey to always improve oneself but to also acknowledge the awesomeness of the present moment.
What should students expect from your class?
Students will break down any barriers they once set upon themselves, realizing a new potential that lies within.
About Me
I’ve been teaching classes for over 15 years and I continue to upgrade my education and certifications. Not only do I inspire students, but students inspire me. It’s a lifelong journey to always improve oneself but to also acknowledge the awesomeness of the present moment.
Alannah Shaffer
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
A fun class that focuses on connecting with your breath and body.
About Me
Your past doesn’t dictate your future.
After nearly failing PE in junior high, I began teaching various forms of fitness in 2006 and couldn’t imagine life without a physical practice! A teacher by nature, my passion is holding the space for personal inquisition and growth, as well as providing tools that guide each of us to become the highest and truest version of ourselves. This is through teaching yoga and fitness, as well as Life Coaching with a focus on Whole Food Plant Based nutrition and Human Design – in person and online.
As a teacher, my training includes 100hr YTT with Nicki Doane, 200hr YTT with Tiffany Cruikshank, Meditation training with Carolyn Budgell, as well as fitness, TRX, and indoor cycling trainings. As a coach, I trained with Co-Active Training Institute, and for nutrition I received my certification through Precision Nutrition.
Instagram: @thesimplyca
What should students expect from your class?
A fun class that focuses on connecting with your breath and body.
About Me
Your past doesn’t dictate your future.
After nearly failing PE in junior high, I began teaching various forms of fitness in 2006 and couldn’t imagine life without a physical practice! A teacher by nature, my passion is holding the space for personal inquisition and growth, as well as providing tools that guide each of us to become the highest and truest version of ourselves. This is through teaching yoga and fitness, as well as Life Coaching with a focus on Whole Food Plant Based nutrition and Human Design – in person and online.
As a teacher, my training includes 100hr YTT with Nicki Doane, 200hr YTT with Tiffany Cruikshank, Meditation training with Carolyn Budgell, as well as fitness, TRX, and indoor cycling trainings. As a coach, I trained with Co-Active Training Institute, and for nutrition I received my certification through Precision Nutrition.
Instagram: @thesimplyca
Emily Gonzales
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
Whether it is rocking out to your favourite song in a vinyasa flow, sitting softly with your heart beat, or tackling tough moments on and off the mat, let’s dance together to the rhythm of life.
About Me
My journey toward mindful movement started with cheesy music, leotards and leg warmers. I was an aerobics instructor in the 1980s, dancing to the beat to get fit and have fun. In 2005, I began incorporating yoga postures into fitness classes because they improved balance, flexibility and they just felt so beautiful in the body. Then, in 2012, my life became a bad country song…Ugh. Never was there a better time to turn to yoga and practice its embodied teachings off the mat. No longer just words in a yoga class, I had to actively practice calm and compassion – every moment counted.
Today I offer yoga classes that invite you to dance to your own rhythm. Your individuality is respected and encouraged…and leg warmers are welcome too.
Facebook: Emily Gonzales Yoga
What should students expect from your class?
Whether it is rocking out to your favourite song in a vinyasa flow, sitting softly with your heart beat, or tackling tough moments on and off the mat, let’s dance together to the rhythm of life.
About Me
My journey toward mindful movement started with cheesy music, leotards and leg warmers. I was an aerobics instructor in the 1980s, dancing to the beat to get fit and have fun. In 2005, I began incorporating yoga postures into fitness classes because they improved balance, flexibility and they just felt so beautiful in the body. Then, in 2012, my life became a bad country song…Ugh. Never was there a better time to turn to yoga and practice its embodied teachings off the mat. No longer just words in a yoga class, I had to actively practice calm and compassion – every moment counted.
Today I offer yoga classes that invite you to dance to your own rhythm. Your individuality is respected and encouraged…and leg warmers are welcome too.
Facebook: Emily Gonzales Yoga
Sasha Smith
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
A friendly environment with a focus on intentional sequencing, authentic embodiment, and a vibrant playlist.
About Me
I have been practicing yoga since my teen years, and have undergone several teacher trainings including 200 hr, YHot, Vinyasa Sequencing, Kundalini, Core, and Fitness Theory. Experiential immersions in Chanting, Intentional Dance, and Thai Massage have taught me the subtle art of witnessing and teaching to multi-faceted beings. I love holding space for others to feel radiantly alive and embodied with awareness.
Instagram: @sasha.smith.yoga
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/SshA3
Check out Sasha’s classes on YYOGA at Home – Click here to view the collection. Not a subscriber? Try it free for 7 days!
What should students expect from your class?
A friendly environment with a focus on intentional sequencing, authentic embodiment, and a vibrant playlist.
About Me
I have been practicing yoga since my teen years, and have undergone several teacher trainings including 200 hr, YHot, Vinyasa Sequencing, Kundalini, Core, and Fitness Theory. Experiential immersions in Chanting, Intentional Dance, and Thai Massage have taught me the subtle art of witnessing and teaching to multi-faceted beings. I love holding space for others to feel radiantly alive and embodied with awareness.
Instagram: @sasha.smith.yoga
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/SshA3
Check out Sasha’s classes on YYOGA at Home – Click here to view the collection. Not a subscriber? Try it free for 7 days!
Sandra Stephanson
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
Human tensions & uniqueness reshaped into sweet mobility & supple serenity.
About Me
My yoga practice emerged from insights into pain from playing hard. I tore my achilles heel in the passion of flamenco dance. From this hot spot, add an achey chest from asthma and a sensitive heart, I was ripe for the yoga fire of transformation. In 2007, I dove into training in the healing science and spirit of yoga and realized – Wow, this will be a life long adventure in wisdom! Opening the energetic gateway to freedom through hatha, vinyasa and yin asana coupled with meditation has led to artful suppleness and strength as well as the unexpected bonus of enough humour to absorb the unruly and delightful challenges of life.
We weren’t born with an owner’s manual. However, practicing yoga will help you understand your unique physiology, history, habits, and attitude that will creatively inform your awareness and capacity for happiness. You can’t help but improve physically and mentally. From the first day of practice, you can find relief in this ancient effective practice that is now a modern phenomena that responds to your well-being. With your focus, mobility and mindfulness melt into a new way of feeling good in your skin!
Facebook: Sandra Stephanson
Instagram: @sthsoftr
What should students expect from your class?
Human tensions & uniqueness reshaped into sweet mobility & supple serenity.
About Me
My yoga practice emerged from insights into pain from playing hard. I tore my achilles heel in the passion of flamenco dance. From this hot spot, add an achey chest from asthma and a sensitive heart, I was ripe for the yoga fire of transformation. In 2007, I dove into training in the healing science and spirit of yoga and realized – Wow, this will be a life long adventure in wisdom! Opening the energetic gateway to freedom through hatha, vinyasa and yin asana coupled with meditation has led to artful suppleness and strength as well as the unexpected bonus of enough humour to absorb the unruly and delightful challenges of life.
We weren’t born with an owner’s manual. However, practicing yoga will help you understand your unique physiology, history, habits, and attitude that will creatively inform your awareness and capacity for happiness. You can’t help but improve physically and mentally. From the first day of practice, you can find relief in this ancient effective practice that is now a modern phenomena that responds to your well-being. With your focus, mobility and mindfulness melt into a new way of feeling good in your skin!
Facebook: Sandra Stephanson
Instagram: @sthsoftr
Parking Tip
Richmond Olympic Oval
Studio Hours
Reserve your Spot!
New to YYOGA?
In partnership with the Richmond Olympic Oval, this modern yoga studio serves our community and local athletes alike.
Enjoy this incredible two-room studio filled with natural light. Unwind in our infrared sauna, browse our retail boutique, and relax in our cozy tea lounge. From relaxing yin classes to challenging YSculpt, we have a variety of yoga and fitness classes for all levels.
- Receive complimentary parking if the Richmond Olympic Oval is your home studio and you have an unlimited membership (Month to Month or Annual Membership).
- Changerooms: Provided in partnership with the Richmond Olympic Oval, guests are supported to use the changeroom that best aligns with their gender identity. Please note that changerooms are located outside the YYOGA studio facilities.
- Shared men’s changeroom with private shower & toilet stalls
- Shared women’s changeroom with private shower & toilet stalls
- Single, private, all-gender changeroom with toilet
Deb Cehak
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
Students can expect a challenging class in which space will be held for you to laugh, cry, play, rest, add on, subtract; space in which you can show up and be fully YOU.
About Me
I am a lifelong yogi, therapist, student, a mom to five brilliant kids, and a passionate participant in life. Right now, I teach flow and power yoga and handstands. I practice and teach yoga because it feeds my soul. I teach to help people break people open. To find their fullest selves. To hold space for people who need to recover, to heal, to process, to dive deep, and do their work. I teach to help students find their strength and the spark that makes them feel alive
Instagram: @deb.cehak
What should students expect from your class?
Students can expect a challenging class in which space will be held for you to laugh, cry, play, rest, add on, subtract; space in which you can show up and be fully YOU.
About Me
I am a lifelong yogi, therapist, student, a mom to five brilliant kids, and a passionate participant in life. Right now, I teach flow and power yoga and handstands. I practice and teach yoga because it feeds my soul. I teach to help people break people open. To find their fullest selves. To hold space for people who need to recover, to heal, to process, to dive deep, and do their work. I teach to help students find their strength and the spark that makes them feel alive
Instagram: @deb.cehak
Alison Klektau
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
A wholehearted and alignment-based practice that aims to challenge while creating space to (re)connect back to ourselves with every breath.
About Me
With a lifelong love of movement, along with the curiosity that comes from self-exploration, I started teaching in 2013 with Pilates Fusion classes and further expanded my offerings with Yoga the following year. I offer classes that are fun, challenging and nourishing to create a well-balanced practice that supports others in (re)connecting back to themselves in every moment. To practice what it means to be here and now, to be mindful and aware, while allowing room for possibility. In addition to my offerings on the mat, I am also a certified Life Coach and I hold certifications in Yoga Nidra and neuro-informed breathwork (pranayama).
Instagram: @alisonklektau | @a.i.k.movement
Spotify: AlisonKlektau
What should students expect from your class?
A wholehearted and alignment-based practice that aims to challenge while creating space to (re)connect back to ourselves with every breath.
About Me
With a lifelong love of movement, along with the curiosity that comes from self-exploration, I started teaching in 2013 with Pilates Fusion classes and further expanded my offerings with Yoga the following year. I offer classes that are fun, challenging and nourishing to create a well-balanced practice that supports others in (re)connecting back to themselves in every moment. To practice what it means to be here and now, to be mindful and aware, while allowing room for possibility. In addition to my offerings on the mat, I am also a certified Life Coach and I hold certifications in Yoga Nidra and neuro-informed breathwork (pranayama).
Instagram: @alisonklektau | @a.i.k.movement
Spotify: AlisonKlektau
Briana Smirfitt-Brown
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
An emphasis on connecting to your body and having a safe space to focus on your breath.
About Me
I first came to yoga looking to exercise and work out. Slowly, yoga evolved from a physical workout to an emotional and spiritual experience. This has deepened my appreciation for my personal practice and desire to share this form of self-care with others. In 2017, I completed my 200 hour yoga training with YYOGA and I have been eager to expand my teaching styles and knowledge ever since! I enjoy bringing a sense of calm and groundedness into my classes and a focus on reconnecting to the breath. When not in studio, I enjoys hiking, nature walks, reading, and cuddling with my pup.
Facebook: Briana Yoga
Instagram: @briana.yoga
What should students expect from your class?
An emphasis on connecting to your body and having a safe space to focus on your breath.
About Me
I first came to yoga looking to exercise and work out. Slowly, yoga evolved from a physical workout to an emotional and spiritual experience. This has deepened my appreciation for my personal practice and desire to share this form of self-care with others. In 2017, I completed my 200 hour yoga training with YYOGA and I have been eager to expand my teaching styles and knowledge ever since! I enjoy bringing a sense of calm and groundedness into my classes and a focus on reconnecting to the breath. When not in studio, I enjoys hiking, nature walks, reading, and cuddling with my pup.
Facebook: Briana Yoga
Instagram: @briana.yoga
Crystal Rainbow Borelli
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
Be prepared to chant, breathe, learn, sweat and giggle! I infuse traditional practices of Mantra, Pranayama and Mythology with strong Asana for a full rounded class.
About Me
Raised by Yogis off the grid & trained in India. I am dedicated to teaching the traditions & practices of yoga with a modern twist. My bubbly personality and infectious laugh will have you stepping out of your comfort zone in a playful way to discover yourself on your mat.
Facebook: Crystal Rainbow Yoga
Instagram: @crystalrainbowyoga
Check out Crystal’s classes on YYOGA at Home – Click here to view the collection. Not a subscriber? Try it free for 7 days!
What should students expect from your class?
Be prepared to chant, breathe, learn, sweat and giggle! I infuse traditional practices of Mantra, Pranayama and Mythology with strong Asana for a full rounded class.
About Me
Raised by Yogis off the grid & trained in India. I am dedicated to teaching the traditions & practices of yoga with a modern twist. My bubbly personality and infectious laugh will have you stepping out of your comfort zone in a playful way to discover yourself on your mat.
Facebook: Crystal Rainbow Yoga
Instagram: @crystalrainbowyoga
Check out Crystal’s classes on YYOGA at Home – Click here to view the collection. Not a subscriber? Try it free for 7 days!
Laurie Smith
Studio
Classes
What should students expect from your class?
A mindful, joyous journey of self discovery.
About Me
I came to YYoga initially to recover from a sports injury and fell in love with the philosophy, discipline and studio community. My background in kinesiology and work as a certified Medical Exercise Specialist was a natural fit for developing my practice and completing several teacher trainings.
Through the discipline of study, meditation and regular practice, I have found that my attitude towards life has become more accepting of and even inspired by challenges: the implementation of practice off the mat. I encourage my students to approach every class with curiosity, patience and non-judgment: “An open mind learns best”.
Twitter: STS_Health
What should students expect from your class?
A mindful, joyous journey of self discovery.
About Me
I came to YYoga initially to recover from a sports injury and fell in love with the philosophy, discipline and studio community. My background in kinesiology and work as a certified Medical Exercise Specialist was a natural fit for developing my practice and completing several teacher trainings.
Through the discipline of study, meditation and regular practice, I have found that my attitude towards life has become more accepting of and even inspired by challenges: the implementation of practice off the mat. I encourage my students to approach every class with curiosity, patience and non-judgment: “An open mind learns best”.
Twitter: STS_Health