Nourishing Yoga classes for all ages and stages

Maria O'Connor

Maria began teaching Hatha Yoga in 2013 after discovering its transformative benefits, particularly while rebuilding strength following a neurological illness in her youth. What started as a physical practice soon became a deeper journey of nervous system restoration, intricate balance and inner connection. Maria is also an ordained Magdalene Priestess, and Energy Healer with The Healing Trust, her approach is warm, nourishing and compassionate. Each class is a soulful and sacred space, focused on helping people move, breathe and feel more connected within themselves.

Shelly White

Shelly has been practising yoga since 1999 and teaching since 2010. She is a registered Senior Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, and her interest lies in the therapeutics of yoga. She has studied with many brilliant teachers to provide deeper applications of yoga and specific styles of yoga. Shelly teaches hatha, yin, restorative, and yoga for menopause. Shelly aims to create a friendly, nurturing environment where you can explore the benefits that yoga can bring to your unique & individual body. We all have an abundance of wisdom, beauty and clarity within ourselves. All we ever need, we already have. By connecting to ourselves, we open the gateway within.

Shirin Shafiei

Shirin earned her Level 4 Diploma in Teaching Yoga through the British Wheel of Yoga. Although she has been practising yoga since the age of 12, she began teaching in 2018. Over the years, Shirin has worked with a range of inspiring teachers whose knowledge and guidance have helped shape her approach to teaching. Shirin primarily teaches Hatha Yoga, while thoughtfully incorporating elements from other styles to create balanced and accessible sessions, placing emphasis on adapting postures and offering alternatives, allowing each student to practise in a way that feels supportive and appropriate for their individual needs.

Rachel Miller

Rachel has been a student of Yoga for over 35 years and trained with the British Wheel of Yoga, gaining her teaching diploma in 1999, and later trained in India with Satyananda Yoga, receiving a further teaching diploma in 2004. She has also trained with Peter Blackaby, founder of Intelligent Yoga. Rachel teaches Attentive Yoga, encouraging students to develop awareness of how their body and mind feel in each moment. Rather than striving for greater flexibility, her classes focus on moving with curiosity, attention and respect for the body.

Judith Naylor

Judith is a qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher with over twenty years of teaching experience. Her classes are gentle and restorative, with a strong focus on relaxation, meditation and creating a calm, supportive space. She currently covers Grace’s Wednesday class at Holy Cross Priory, held in the beautiful old chapel surrounded by stained glass windows. Judith also teaches regular Zoom classes on Mondays and Thursdays, with Monday sessions often taking place in her garden in Cross in Hand whenever the weather allows.

Grace Annand

Grace is the founder of Uckfield Yoga, and has taught for more than 20 years, gaining qualifications through the British Wheel of Yoga. Her teaching blends modern postural yoga with influences from Ashtanga, Vedanta, Scaravelli and Satyananda traditions. Having spent time in ashrams across India, Australia and Wales, Grace brings a grounded approach focused on helping people feel more balanced physically, mentally and emotionally, while staying connected to the deeper aspects of yoga philosophy and practice.

Nazan Kaplankiran

Nazan’s work is shaped by lived experience. As someone who is registered blind and lives with fibromyalgia, she brings a deep awareness of different needs and sensitivities. Through movement, sound healing, reiki and sensory-based practices, she creates supportive 1:1 and group spaces focused on self-trust, empowerment and connection. Her work is rooted in trauma-informed practice, compassion, and a conscious connection to nature, animals and community.