studio mōrro instructors

My name is Aryana, and I currently attend Queen’s University. With a background in dance and gymnastics, movement has always been a central part of my life. I was initially drawn to Pilates because of its strong foundation and the way it combines low-intensity, controlled movement with the ability to build real strength.I currently teach Reformer Pilates, focusing on creating workouts that are both challenging and accessible. For me, Pilates is not only about the physical benefits, but also about how controlled movement and breath work can calm the nervous system and leave you feeling more grounded.I’m passionate about helping people discover the balance of strength, mobility, and mindfulness that Pilates offers. I love guiding others toward feeling stronger, more confident, and more connected in their bodies.

“Breathe deep. Deep breath. Steady the breath to steady the mind. Keep breathing till I feel that light shine. Breathe deep. Deep breath.” McYogi Beth has been practising yoga since 1980 and teaching since 1998 in Kingston, Ottawa, Costa Rica and Morocco. She’s also on the teaching faculty of SoulSpeak Yoga Teacher Trainings.She feels deep gratitude to all of her teachers for her YTTs in the traditions of Sivananda, Yin, Modo, Gosh, The Enlightenment Intensive and Vipassana Meditation. She is also thankful to Queen’s for her BA (Hons) and B.Ed and everything she was taught by her students in her 30 year career as a Humanities High School teacher. When she’s not practicing yoga or meditating, she’s loving her time with her children, grandchildren and friends or traveling, gardening, cooking or napping.

Cristyna’s training is rooted in Classical Hatha Yoga, with a focus on functional movement, body alignment, breath work, meditation, and prop-use. She is trained in Pre/Post Natal and Yin Yoga, and is a qualified Astrologer and Master Reiki Practitioner too!With a background in competitive swimming, Cris has always been passionate about wellness and exercise; she quickly discovered that breath control techniques used in the water optimized her ability to run long distances and connect, with intention, to the practice of yoga. This coordination between breath and movement has changed her life.In class, Cris often encourages her students to be their own “scientist”— safely exploring the body in new and dynamic ways to better understand their limitations, capabilities, preferences, and options. She aims to instill a love of learning by creating a supportive and engaging environment that encourages curiosity and exploration of the “self”.

Dayna brings a passion for movement, wellness, and creating an energizing experience in every class. With a background in strength training and yoga, Dayna integrates these practices into Pilates to build strength, flexibility, and balance. As a lifelong lover of music, Dayna enjoys crafting playlists that enhance the flow and rhythm of each session, helping students connect more deeply with their practice. Say hello next time you are in the studio!

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.

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.

Hannah is born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, with a lifelong love for movement and connection. As a hairstylist she understands the importance of making people feel good—inside and out—and she brings that same energy to her Pilates classes. Her classes are carefully designed, incorporating knowledge of human anatomy to help students move mindfully and intentionally.Her approach focuses on exploring how we move and how we feel in our bodies, fostering a deeper connection between movement and self-awareness. Hannah aims to create a safe, welcoming space where everyone can discover movement that feels good and empowering.With a focus on helping her students feel strong, confident, and empowered, she crafts a fun, inclusive environment that encourages self-discovery through movement. Whether you're new to Pilates or a seasoned mover, she's dedicated to guiding you to a place of strength, balance, and joy in your body.

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!

As a former athlete I’ve always loved challenging and strengthening my mind and body through movement. After University I found group fitness which quickly became a necessity in life. Working out with other like-minded people allowed me to create connections and communities rooted in self-empowerment. When I moved to Kingston in 2021, I started my journey into coaching group fitness classes and never looked back.I love the feeling of helping people find that mind to muscle connection and seeing the excitement in their eyes when a movement or exercise that was once out of reach finally starts to make sense and feel good. I’m incredibly passionate about music and you can expect to be moving to the beat, working up a sweat, and high-fiving your neighbour by the end of a class.

Kim took her first Pilates class in 2014 in Toronto. She knew Pilates was what she was missing in her body. It showed her the imbalances in her body from excessive running and the various sports she was playing. Since Pilates, she is more mindful with how she moves her body and can continue her active lifestyle with minimal to no injuries.Having the curiosity about the human body combines with Pilates, she decided to jump on an opportunity to become a certified Pilates instructor. She hopes to share her love for Pilates with her students.

Since 2017, I’ve been passionate about the Energy Exchange Program which has deeply allowed me to grow and contribute as part of the vibrant community at Morró Yoga. With experience as a Rehab Assistant at Providence Care Hospital and a strong background in physiology and anatomy, I bring a thoughtful and informed perspective to my teaching. I’ve loved practicing Pilates since 2020 and I’m dedicated to creating accessible Pilates sequences that anyone can enjoy. I am all about crafting music playlists that match the flow and rhythm of the class! Come join me next time you are in the studio!

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.

Lily is a fourth-year Life Science student at Queen's University. Lily is a STOTT Pilates-trained instructor with a deep appreciation for mindful movement. Her Pilates journey began over 10 years ago, after she was diagnosed with scoliosis. Inspired by her own experience overcoming back pain, she believes deeply in the transformative power of the pilates practice.

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!

Mallory was born and raised in Kingston. She is someone who has embraced movement and physical activity throughout her life. With a strong background in competitive sports and coaching at the university level, she brings a wealth of experience and passion for fitness. She is eager to explore new forms of movement that promote longevity. She is completing her second year in the Fitness & Health Promotion Program at St. Lawrence College, ensuring her knowledge and skills are at the forefront of the industry. She is excited to share her expertise and enthusiasm for Pilates!

Miriam discovered Pilates through her years as a competitive artistic swimmer and equestrian, where she developed a deep appreciation for precision, control, and body awareness. Her passion for movement deepened during her recovery from a back injury, when stepping away from strength training led her to focus on Pilates and the restorative power of low-impact movement—a turning point that inspired her to become a Certified Mat and Reformer Instructor.Now a student at Queen’s University, Miriam brings an intuitive approach to every session, blending athletic sequencing with mobility-based flows. Her classes are both challenging and supportive, helping clients build strength, move with confidence, and find balance through intentional, connected movement.

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.