
In 2012, Melissa went to her first yoga class and kept going back for more. In her Bali trip of self-discovery in 2014, Melissa met her teacher Dylan Bernstein. From that moment on, she was inspired to delve deeper into the world of yoga and philosophy, practising Ashtanga yoga diligently.
Freshly graduated with a Master of Architecture, Melissa found herself longing for her daily Mysore practice before work but dreading work itself. Yoga led her to seek the truth and gave her courage to take a big leap of faith. She resigned and gave up her prospects of becoming an architect. Instead, she flew to Mysore, India to study with R. Sharath Jois at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute, and went on to pursue a career of yoga teaching. Practising and teaching yoga made her heart sing, so she followed her heart.
Melissa is immensely grateful to her teachers Dylan and Clayton Horton who have been patiently guiding and mentoring her, day in day out. She also deeply appreciates Connie Yan who generously holds the space for her when she needs it most.
Like her personality, Melissa's class is grounding and inviting. She always encourages her students to develop intelligence in every movement. She hopes they can step away from the classroom a little lighter in body, calmer in mind, and warmer at heart.
QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
- Authorization Level 1 to teach Ashtanga Yoga Primary series from KPJAYI, 2018
- Pre- and Post-Natal TT (30 hrs) with Samantha Chan, 2017
- Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage: 110-Hour Level 5 Therapist Diploma with Ananta Sylvian Girard, 2017
- Diving into Yoga Traditions: 200-Hour Yoga Training with Dylan Bernstein, 2015