Our Teachers
Anna Oldfield
I’m an Oxford-based yoga teacher and sound bath facilitator with over a decade of experience. I teach a wide range of movement styles - from dynamic and power flows to restorative and yin classes - and specialise in pregnancy and postpartum yoga. I aim to offer classes which feel welcoming and inclusive, offering options to suit different bodies and energy levels so that each student shapes their own most nourishing practice each time we work together.
I offer seasonal yoga, meditation and sound bath workshops to coincide with the festivals in the Celtic Wheel of the Year - a calendar based upon the seasonal shifts and changes we experience here in the UK. I use this as a way to reconnect with the land we're living upon and to tune into natures cycles. Most importantly, I create spaces for rest and reflection: an opportunity to slow down in the face of the hectic world we live in.
Because building community is important to me, I am beginning to offer half-day and day retreats, where we'll be able to slow down even more, and also connect with each other more. There'll be more seasonal teas, infusions and tasty treats, and more time to share with each other so we can weave our own community of care - for each other, and for the environments and habitats we live within.
You’ll find me on the monthly schedule for a Slow Flow and Yoga Nidra on a Friday evening at 18.30.
Ayesha Ali
I am a multi-passionate soul bringing together my love of yoga with my passion for women’s wellbeing, and all things esoteric.
My own journey with yoga began more than 20 years ago, aged 14. Since then I have been blessed to learn from many wonderful teachers in India, the UK and the USA. I qualified to teach Vinyasa Flow ten years ago and since then have completed advanced trainings at Triyoga and with my main teacher Sri Dharma Mittra.
My teaching is influenced by my love of mysticism and studies in tantra and the desert rose, but steeped in the Indian tradition. I aim to reflect the beauty and depth of yoga in an authentic and respectful way and I teach from my own experience sharing what has been so generously shared with me. My classes enliven the spirit using breath, movement, sound and stillness and I aim to introduce students to philosophical concepts, mantra and other powerful tools that have supported my journey so far.
When I’m not on the yoga mat you can find me serving clients with massage and energy healing, or with my head in a book! I’m just about to begin my studies towards a PhD in the Psychology of Spirituality. I also hold an undergraduate degree in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, an MSc in Reproductive and Sexual Health Research and an MSc in Psychology.
You’ll find me on the monthly schedule for a Dharma Yoga Masterclass followed by a women’s circle on the first Sunday of the month from 13.00 to 16.45 with a half hour tea break between the classes.
Bertie Jesson
Bertie has been teaching Yoga for 20 years. She has a great interest in anatomy and physiology and the use of the breath, as well as a deep knowledge of the history and philosophy of Yoga, which she loves to share. She is a British Wheel of Yoga Foundation & Diploma course tutor, so teaches personal development courses and Ofqual level 4 BWY teacher training (basic & advanced), workshops and runs yearly retreats to Puglia.
You’ll find Bertie’s weekly lunchtime class in studio and online on Fridays at 12.15.
Daniela Tramonti
I’m an Oxford based yoga teacher, currently teaching vinyasa and gentle/seated yoga classes in studios and community centres. I have been practicing yoga for 20 years in Rome, Leeds and in Oxford. After completing my yoga teacher training with Yoga Quota (RTY 200h Yoga Alliance) in 2018, I’ve acquired extensive experience of teaching vinyasa yoga classes, both live and online, incorporating aspects of yoga philosophy, which is something very close to my heart.
My aspiration is to make the yoga practice more accessible and inclusive regardless of flexibility, strength, balance, age and experience, reaching everyone who is curious to experience this life tool for physical and mental wellbeing. Following increasing demand form my friends and students, I have specialised in seated/gentle yoga classes for everyone who wants to try a more gentle approach to yoga. These classes are broadly open to everyone who is curious to try yoga maybe for the first time in their life, wanting to add movement, awareness, mobility balance and strength in a more relaxed and slow paced setting.
I’ve worked as a research scientist at Oxford University and I am particularly interested in the science behind yoga, its effects on both muscular and nervous systems, and how these could be used to improve our overall wellbeing.
I see the yoga system as invaluable self care practice that helps in our wellbeing bringing a sense of prospective in everything we do and rely on the yoga system to help me in everyday life situations of stress, anxiety and depression, and have found in yoga a precious tool for self-care that I would love to share with everyone.
I teach a Community Vinyasa flow class on Wednesdays at 12.45 and a seated/gentle and accessible Hatha-yoga class on Wednesdays at 11.30.
Daria Ricchi
Daria Ricchi is a senior yoga teacher and certified yoga and ayurveda teacher from the Kripalu School of Yoga and Ayurveda in Massachusetts. She has a PhD in History and Theory of Architecture from Princeton University where she has been teaching yoga and anatomy of the movement. She studied kinaesthetic and ideokinesis with Irene Dowd (Julliard School NY), Alexander Technique with Rachel Bernsen, and Bartenieff Fundamentals at the Laban Institute in New York. These somatic movement techniques and dance conditioning practices inform her teaching and sequences.
She is also a Yin Yoga certified teacher and a 650 hour certified ayurveda counsellor from the Kripalu School of Ayurveda. Her current research considers the effect of space and movement for wellbeing.
Daria Teaches occasional Somatic or Yin Yoga Yoga classes on Friday evenings at 18.00.
Derek Elliott
Derek Elliott has been teaching for 10 years and is a graduate of the Triyoga Advanced Teacher training. He is a senior teacher registered with the Yoga Alliance. Derek weaves together fluid movement, healthy alignment and stillness, to integrate deep presence with joyful connection. His contemplative background is also reflected in offerings that integrate restorative yoga, meditation and breath work. He has a degree in Religious Studies and is a trained Kirtan singer. He is also known for facilitating courses that explore the Oneness of Being.
In another life strand, he is a noted figure in the contemporary furniture movement.
Derek is teaching Hatha yoga at the Vishuddha Centre on Wednesdays from 18.45 to 20.00 and a slow flow class on Tuesdays from 7.00 to 8.00.
Francesca Melluzzi
Francesca Melluzzi, a seasoned yoga teacher with two decades of experience, is a fully qualified practitioner trained at the esteemed Sivananda Vendanta center. Beyond traditional yoga, Francesca has delved into somatic coaching, bringing a unique perspective to her teachings. Her approach combines mind-body practices such as vinyasa flow, Hanna somatics, and hatha yoga. Francesca's classes are a blend of playfulness, dynamism, and meditation, creating a holistic experience for her students. With a profound interest in yoga philosophy, she views yoga not merely as a physical practice but as a way of life, enriching both the body and the mind.
Francesca offers a vinyasa flow yoga practice on Mondays at 12.00.
Hadas Elbaz
Coming from classical ballet background, I have been passionate about movement and body for most of my life. I have been practicing yoga for more than 20 years, mainly Iyengar yoga. I’m Oxford based, mother of two and have a degree in architecture and interior design. Wanting to share my love and passion for yoga and to incorporate my creativity, I feel it was a natural transition to Vinyasa yoga with a story and poetry behind each lesson.
You will find my class on the Vishuddha schedule on Thursdays at 9am.
Iryna Kukuryk
I have been practicing yoga for 10 years and qualified as a yoga teacher in Kyiv.
For me, practice is a. fantastic tool that helps to live through emotions and return attention to ourselves. Through it we can access incredible internal resources and strength, which have been recently much needed due to the difficulties caused by the war in Ukraine.
I teach Hatha Yoga Classes on Tuesdays at 17.10 and most Sundays at 10.45. After a year of teaching only Ukrainian women, the classes are now open to practitioners of all levels and taught in English.
Come and join me for some active asana practice and some peace and restoration.
Jacqueline Mangold
I first qualified as an Iyengar Yoga teacher in 2006 and have taught regular asana, restorative and pranayama classes in Oxford over more than 15 years. On the yoga path, I have been fortunate to study with inspiring teachers all over the world, from asana, philosophy, jyotish (vedic astrology) to ayurveda. With the deepening of practice, I find gradually more alignment with the inner limbs of yoga through restorative poses, pranayama, mantra and meditation which in turn infuse my teaching.
When I am not teaching yoga, I work as an acupuncturist and shiatsu therapist and, as a co-founder of the Vishuddha Centre with my husband James, will hopefully spend more time now looking after the building and serve the community of teachers and students.
My regular teaching times at the Vishuddha Centre are Monday 18.30 to 20.00, Wednesday 17.00 to 18.30 and Sunday 9.00 to 10.15.
James Pritchard
My first experience of yoga practice was as preparation for meditation. 30 years later I have been fortunate to study with a wide variety of teachers and yoga continues to be a source of fascinating enquiry into the workings of the body, the mind, emotions, and the journey of the soul. My yoga study has resulted in a level 3 Iyengar teaching certificate and qualification to teach traditional yoga meditation.
As well as teaching yoga, I work as an executive coach with senior leaders in the public sector and provide supervision for other coaches. My yoga practice helps me to remain healthy and happy and informs my coaching work with clients in high pressure roles.
Julie Ela Grace
Julie has been practicing yoga and meditation since 2004, starting her journey after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of nineteen and recognizing a disconnect between mind, body, and spirit. With over a decade of teaching experience, she has developed a passion and commitment to Kripalu yoga, emphasizing self-inquiry and compassion toward self and others. With degrees in literature and medical humanities, Julie's approach integrates modern medicine and holistic health. As a professional writer, she regularly provides wellness content to a variety of publications and platforms. Julie's teaching centres on love and grace, creating an environment where clients feel supported and empowered. Her unique blend of personal experience, knowledge, and gratitude makes her a compassionate guide for those seeking balance and wellbeing.
Initially Julie will be teaching occasional weekly classes and some Friday evening restoratives.
Milena Lebedeva
Milena was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga in 1998 by Gillad Harouvi who then inspired her to start a daily practice and to begin her study of Ashtanga Yoga method. Growing up as a dancer in St.Petersburg (Russia) from a young age she has developed a deep sense of body awareness which has led her to become highly sensitive towards practicing and teaching in a safe environment.
Over the past 23 years she was most fortunate and privileged to study with some of the Worlds greatest Ashtanga teachers, Pattabhi Jois, his son Manju Jois and grandson Sharat, Danny Paradise who’s teachings and wisdom has been a huge influence and a great inspiration, Richard Freeman and John Scott, Lucy Crawford, Lino Miele, Nancy Gilgoff and Matthew Sweeney, Hamish Hendry, Eddy Stern and Liz Lark, she has completed an intensive teacher training program with David Swenson in 2008 and has been teaching regular public and private classes for over 17 years. She is also indebted to her beloved teacher and a dear friend Mariella de Martini for overseeing her practice here in Oxford.
She is also an Artist, painting dot Mandalas utilizing her deep study and profound intuitive connection with Sacred Geometry, combined with her natural gift of creative artistry. Milena teaches Dynamic Vinyasa Flow on Tuesdays at 18.30 and Ashtanga Yoga on Fridays at 10.00.
Natalie Jiraskova
I attended my first yoga class when I was 16 years old. At that time, my only intention was to bond with my parents and maintain some physical fitness. Studying abroad, yoga became an essential tool helping me cope with all student life's ups and downs. To improve my practice and satisfy my curiosity, in 2020, I signed up for the 200h TTC with TrimurtiYoga in Dharamshala. Unfortunately, my TTC was moved online due to the pandemic, and my first year of teaching was over the screen. In the past year, I learned how to share my flows in person with my students in Aberdeen. I fulfilled my dream and travelled to India, exploring the vibrant culture and practising at the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala. Since my return, I have been settling down in Oxford, excited to meet new yogis, practice together and work towards my pre-natal yoga teacher certification, as that is a topic close to my heart.
Even though I am a teaching newbie, I am genuinely enthusiastic about the yogic lifestyle and look forward to sharing this practice with the students of Vishuddha Studio. I intend my classes to be a feel-good vinyasa flow accessible to everyone, from my fellow university students to my dad.
I look forward to seeing you every Saturday at 9 a.m. in my Vinyasa Flow.
Rachel James
Rachel James teaches Hatha Yoga. She trained for 5 years (2004 -2009 with the British Wheel of Yoga the governing body for Yoga in the UK) and graduated in 2009 and holds a BWY Teaching Diploma. She started teaching in 2006 when she began the diploma course. During her training, she studied Anatomy and Physiology which has become a passion and she continues to progress in her knowledge and understanding of the physical body. Currently, she is studying Medical Neuroscience online at Dukes University under Prof. White. The BWY course also focused on philosophy, and history, as well as precautions, prohibitions and different teaching styles. After graduating, Rachel became a self-employed teacher working in and around Oxford. She set up community classes, has worked for most of the University Colleges, and has had many corporate and private clients. She became the BWY Southern Region Representative for 3 years which involved setting up In-Service Training days for teachers to enable them to complete their Continual Professional Development. Over the years, Rachel has run many workshops based on Posture, Longevity, The Spine and Core, and the Chakras. She also runs retreats in Tuscany.
Ruth Bottomley
In 2011, I completed a 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher training with Hart Lazer of United Yoga Montreal, drawing on both Iyengar and Ashtanga traditions, and in 2020, gained my Iyengar introductory teaching certificate, training with Sheila Haswell. Yoga is an essential part of my life, and I understand the importance of yoga, in all its forms, to sooth the stresses of daily life and to find greater balance, self-understanding, and inner strength. I am particularly committed to seeing yoga benefit everyone, whatever their ability or life challenges. When not practicing or teaching yoga, I work in the disarmament and humanitarian sector.
I teach Iyengar Yoga on Mondays from 10.00 to 11.15 and Thursdays from 18.30 to 20.00.
Sophia Argyris
Sophia started practicing Iyengar yoga in 2006, began teaching in 2011 and is qualified as an IJ2 teacher (now called Level 2). She sees yoga as a life practice that reaches far beyond asana, and loves studying yoga philosophy and mantra. Her teaching is sympathetic and positive, focusing on the individual needs of her students, encouraging them to gain a deeper understanding of each asana. She believes that to be a good teacher you must also be a student, and therefore attends regular classes and workshops with senior teachers to continue her own training. Sophia also teaches meditation, is a Thai Yoga Massage therapist, and a poet.
Sophia teaches at the Vishuddha Centre on Tuesdays from 10.00 to 11.30, 12.30 to 14.00 and Wednesdays 9.30 to 11.00.
Tara Midgen
I have been practising Iyengar yoga since 1990 and gained my introductory teaching certificate in 2020. Over the years I have studied and learned from different Senior teachers in the UK, Italy and the US. I am interested in yoga philosophy and meditation and have been attending philosophy workshops taught by Gitte Bechsgaard since 2019. When I am not practising yoga, I am a practising Educational Psychologist working with children and young people in schools. I am interested in the benefits of yoga practice on physical and mental health for all.
You can find me teaching Iyengar yoga at the Vishuddha Centre on Friday mornings from 8.00 to 9.15.