studio mōrro Instructors

Deanna has been practicing yoga for the past 25 years, she'll be the first to tell you she's forever a student. Her yoga journey began as a quiet call, and it's evolved into a lifelong commitment to continuous growth, change, and the calming embrace to find grounding.For Deanna, yoga isn't a destination; it's a journey marked by humility and a desire for lifelong learning. In her classes, she shares not just postures but the encouragement to listen to your own body and to explore. Deanna creates a calm and grounding space, with gentle reminders that yoga is about evolving, both on and off the mat, all while showing deep respect for our own body and being.When not in the studio, Deanna can be found paddling the surrounding lakes in her kayak, walking along the beautiful waterfront of Kingston with her two dogs, or in the classroom with her students at St. Lawrence College.

Doriana (she/her) was born and raised in Italy, she graduated in Clinical Psychology (MSc., BSc.) and lived in London, UK for 3 years before moving to Canada, her favourite country! She started her Ph.D. at Queen's in 2022, her research focuses on circadian rhythmicity in Chronic Pain and Multiple Sclerosis. She loves to witness how powerful the practice of yoga is and how it helps many people with chronic conditions she encounters through her work. She was a competitive roller hockey player until 2021 and has always been passionate about fitness and wellness.  She started practicing consistently in 2019, completed her mōrro YTT in August 2023 and has been teaching at the studio ever since. She is a RYT and has been deepening her understanding of arm balances and inversions with Nathania Stambouli (E-RYT 500). Doriana loves to spend her out-of-office time upside down, her favourite aspects of yoga are philosophy, breathwork and mindfulness. She will meet you exactly where you are at. If you are ready to let go of your fears of not being strong enough, feel empowered exactly as you are, and take flight, she will be there for you too...with a gentle reminder to not be attached to nailing the poses and instead enjoy the journey. 

MScPT, BA (Kin), BA (Psyc), ERYT-500. Eliana’s training is rooted in Classical Hatha Yoga, which includes postures, breathing exercises, meditation, yoga philosophy, Ayurveda and Sanskrit. She has taught group classes and individualized therapeutic yoga sessions for 10 years (2008-2018) in the community, corporate and hospital settings (Hospital for Sick Children).In 2018 Eliana returned to academia complete her Master’s in Physical Therapy at Queen’s and is currently working as a Physiotherapist at Summit Physiotherapy in Kingston. Prior to graduate school she also completed Bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology (2004) and Psychology (2015). Her yoga classes reflect an east meets west approach integrating aspects of her time as a yoga student and teacher, combined with her academic backgrounds in kinesiology, psychology and physical therapy.

My name is Emma, and I’m a third-year psychology student at Queen’s University. My Pilates journey began after a medical recommendation to help rehabilitate a labrum tear in my hip, an injury I developed from overtraining as a competitive figure skater. At sixteen, I remember feeling lost when a large part of my identity was no longer an option, but thankfully, Pilates training helped me regain strength and mobility, while offering a new passion that opened up a world of movement and brought joy and balance back into my life.Pilates has developed into more than just a workout for me—it’s my way of life. Teaching Pilates feels like a natural step towards sharing the significant physical and mental benefits I’ve experienced with others. My goal is to help people feel empowered and comfortable in their bodies, fostering confidence through the development of strength, flexibility, body awareness, and movement.

Erika has been practicing yoga for roughly 13 years. She was born and raised in Kingston, and you can find her working in the clinic or on the sidelines as a Certified Athletic Therapist. She is passionate about yoga as a practice to unite the mind and body. Her classes are about exploring the edges of possibility on your mat and not taking yourself too seriously. Her favourite pose is pigeon and she loves the way music can make anything better.

Frédérique (she/her) started her Yoga journey in 2008 when she was brought to a studio by her then 15 year old daughter; little did she know it would change her life. After that first (hot) class she felt empowered, strong, humble, sweaty and deeply curious about Yoga and its many forms and in 2012 she became a teacher of her own.In 2009 she fell in love with Ashtanga Yoga and has been practicing it daily since 2014. Through her beloved practice she has learned to unlearn, to build and rebuild, to trust and inquire, to see and feel, to challenge her own views and never take anything for granted. Quite a transformation.Frédérique truly believes that Yoga is the best journey one can start and that anyone can do it, there is always a way. She does her best to share what she has learned with her students through classes where postures and movements are linked by the breath, with simple and precise cueing, a thick French accent, Star Wars references and a dose of humour!

Holly weaves strength and grace into her yoga practice. She is inspired by the thought that yoga is the dance of every cell with the music of every breath that creates inner serenity and harmony. Holly has been practicing yoga for 10 years and relishes the reality that there is an endless amount to learn both as a student and a teacher of yoga. She dove into a 200 YTT and emerged with a new appreciation for nearly everything in life. Holly will challenge you to develop your strength, enhance your breath and find the tranquility in stillness. She will encourage you to discover how yoga offers you the space and time in which you can tap into who you truly are.

One morning in 1997, Jen began her yoga inquiry alone in her living room; with a kit that contained a mat, blocks and a VHS tape. Her practice expanded to regular studio classes and then to Hatha teacher training 10 years later. Since completion of her first training in 2008; she has been teaching yoga in studios, privately to individuals and groups, and in community classes in Kingston/Katarokwi. Jen is committed to delivering a clear, intentional and inclusive practice to willing humans of any level of experience. She encourages beginning from grounded stability with deep attention to breath and the sensations of the body, paired with curiosity and gentleness. Her classes frequently infuse functional mobility into exploration of traditional yoga postures. Props are a valued tool. Students receive guidance with scalable options to empower them to meet the shapes offered, in a way that works for their own body, to practice acceptance, and to believe in their potential to ever-shift.

Joanna Castles, known as Jo, has been teaching in the Kingston community since 2016. With over 1000 hours of yoga teacher trainings including hatha, vinyasa, advanced sequencing, yin, and breath work. She has also completed some specialty trainings, ‘LoveYourBrain’, to better offer classes to those who have sustained a brain injury. In her past Jo was a competitive gymnast and cheerleader, and also taught both at a competitive level, so she loves to incorporate these experiences into her classes. Always a student first, she is currently expanding her repertoire to include Pilates.Jo’s classes focus on the breath, functional movements, and exploring sensations in the body. She strives to create classes that are fun and challenging, while remaining accessible to all. Forever a cheerleader at heart, she is here to motivate you throughout practice!

Growing up as a competitive dancer, Lilli has always been a very curious and active individual. Following multiple hip surgeries, Lilli was introduced to pilates as a source of rehabilitation and instantly fell in love with this low impact but effective workout. With a background in dance, Lilli brings a unique blend of knowledge and enthusiasm to her classes. She is very passionate about helping others discover the transformative power of movement, creating an environment that focuses heavily on mind-body connection. At its core, the pilates methodology is a very functional form of movement and is a space to cultivate strength, flexibility and inner awareness.

Madison (She/Her) is a Ph.D. candidate in Analytical Chemistry at Queen’s University. She began her yoga journey at mōrro as an energy exchanger, drawn in by the welcoming community. In October 2023, she became the Energy Exchange Lead, overseeing the Energy Exchange program. Her role then expanded to include guest experiences, reflecting her deep appreciation for everything mōrro has to offer.To further enhance her practice, Madison completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in the summer of 2024, followed by her 100-hour Mat Pilates training and Reformer training. She is passionate about the positive impact yoga and Pilates have had on her life and is excited to share that joy with others. If you see her around the studio be sure to say hello, she is always happy to chat!

With a profound passion for holistic wellness, Reagan (she/her) is a dedicated yoga teacher (and student!) constantly evolving her practice. After many years of practicing, Reagan completed a 200 YTT with a focus on vinyasa-style classes. While completing her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at Queen’s University and pursuing studies in Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences, Reagan continues to deepen her understanding of the human body and its intricate systems, bringing a unique blend of traditional yoga practices and modern scientific knowledge to her classes. She believes that yoga is not just a physical practice but a transformative journey. Reagan aims to inspire students to connect with themselves on a deeper level, encouraging self-reflection and the cultivation of a sense of inner peace and balance.

Dynamic and intentional, Shazeeda's teaching offers an array of buildable sequencing throughout her class. She invites students to challenge the depth of their practice through movement and music. Class with Shaz will leave you feeling refreshed, lighter, and stronger!

Sophie found the practice of yoga in 2010 while studying International Development at Dalhousie University. The practice changed the course of her life, and she completed her first yoga teacher training in 2014. Since then Sophie has completed over 1000 hours of training in hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, yin yoga, yoga nidra and most recently, Pilates. Her lifelong love for movement, learning and community keeps her coming back to her mat. Sophie is also the Director of Engagement at mōrro yoga and leads the mōrro method yoga teacher training.

Sticky came to yoga as a way to heal old injuries and regain mobility. In 2012 she began a regular practice of hot yoga, and by 2015 she knew she wanted to become a teacher. Still interested in yoga primarily for its healing benefits, she began by studying therapeutic yoga and how to write yoga prescriptions at Ghosh’s Yoga College in Calcutta. She then went on to learn more about teaching techniques within a group setting. She is committed to being a life-long-learner taking online workshops whenever possible, as well as reading and studying on her own. The more you learn about yoga, the more you realize there is to learn. But she is not concerned with the final destination, she is simply enjoying the journey.

I joined this studio as a student and energy exchanger in 2018, and have dedicated myself to my practice on and off the mat ever since. I recently completed my yoga teacher training, and am excited to share what my mentors have taught me with this community.Originally from Ottawa, I moved to Kingston in 2012 to complete my BScN with Laurentian University. I work part-time at Kingston Hospital in the ICU, and part-time as a travel nurse in America. In my spare time, you can find me outdoors in nature, wandering the waterfront, or with a book in my hand cuddling my cat. My favourite thing about the studio is the golden hour, when the sun shines through the windows and our plants perk up to absorb.I hope in my classes you will find a safe space to unravel into yourself and connect to your breath. Yoga has been a huge part of my journey in life, and I hope to share this love with you.