Your Yoga Teachers and Practitioners Biographies

Formerly trained as a lawyer in Mexico, Ana’s first experience with yoga came in 2001 when she moved to Canada and was waiting for her status. During this time she was not allowed to practice law, or go to school, and so one day found herself wandering into the Prana Yoga Studio. Here she took her first yoga class ever and right then she knew, something had changed in her life forever. After one year of practicing Ana signed up to complete her yoga teacher training.

In 2003 Ana graduated from Prana Yoga College under the tutelage of Shakti Mhi. She has also studied Yin Yoga with Bernie Clarke and has had the opportunity to work and study with many amazing teachers in Vancouver, including, Sandra Osborne, Alix Rodriguez, and Sharon Abbondanza. As soon as Ana finished her training she began teaching full time.

In 2006 Ana completed her Mat Pilates training under the guidance of Marta Hernandez through the Physicalmind Institute. Through this training Ana developed a special interest in core stabilization and focused on creating a safer practice.

In the last two years Ana’s interests have broadened to include Ayervedic and nutritional counseling as a healing technique for the body. Ana applies the old adage “you are what you eat,” and teaches students how to better understand what this means in practical day-to-day life.

In 2007, Ana returned back to Mexico with plans to open her own studio and expand her teachings into a retreat setting.

Ana’s teaches from her heart. Her classes are a dynamic flow drawing from her many teachings incorporating her classic Hatha practice with both her Yin Yoga and Pilates training.

Meghan's understanding of movement began at a very early age through both dance and yoga.  Over the years she has practiced and taught many different styles of yoga.  Her experience ranges from deep restorative to powerful flows and many different stops in between.  She is also a certified pilates instructor and pilates teacher trainer and often draws this knowledge into her classes.

Her current inspiration comes from the study of Tantra under the tutelage of Mary Jo Fetterly. A central concept of many traditions including Tantra is that we are all born under certain conditions and limitations.  How we overcome these boundaries and limits in the most life affirming, expedient way possible, with the most ease, is the practice.

For Meghan, yoga is the journey to understand the self and to understand the universe that we live in. It is the departure, transportation and the arrival.

Ryan's first experience with yoga began five years ago, when after being left injured on a rock climbing adventure he needed to find a new way to move his body.  He began dropping in on classes and was soon hooked, going 4-5 times a week for mysore classes.  In 2007 the Ashtanga school where he was practicing, the Yoga Shala, approached him about completing his teacher training. He has been teaching ever since and recently joined the teacher training faculty to teach the anatomy portion of the course.

Ryan has been an avid athlete for many years.  He has been a Climber for the past twelve years and instructing climbing in Victoria for the past ten years.  He has also competed in several trail running races, including several ultra marathons of 50km and over.

When he is not on his mat, on the trail, or up a mountain, Ryan can be found at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, his latest passion.   He has had several years of studying extensive anatomy and is currently working towards registration as a Massage Therapist. 

Ryan is happy to be sharing his experience in both modalities of yoga and massage therapy while in Mexico.


Massage Therapy can benefit anyone and everyone.  It is one of the oldest healing arts in the world and can make a positive difference in our lives whether we are searching to improve our health and well being or simply maintain it.

Massage Therapy is not only useful in treating chronic disease and physical injuries, but has immense benefits in alleviating the stress of our fast-paced lifestyle.

Some of the Physical benefits of Massage Therapy include:

• Relief of pain, stiffness and discomfort
• Increased mobility
• Improved circulation
• Promoting relaxation
• Reducing Stress

Some of the Psychological benefits of Massage Therapy include:

• Decreased anxiety
• Enhanced quality of sleep
• Reduced fatigue
• Improved concentration

Ryan will be available throughout the retreat to book appointments for Massage Therapy Treatments.  His treatments focus on releasing deep fasc

Wendy has been immersed in yoga and the art of healing for the last 10 years.  Her unique approach to wellness is inspired by her passion for the healing arts combined with her entrepreneurial spirit.   This flows through her teaching with her natural ability to allow students to inspire their full potential by facilitating deep states of restoration.   She is certified in several disciples of yoga, and continues to expand her knowledge of healing through her Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy training.   Wendy will be teaching restorative and yin yoga practices as well as offering craniosacral sessions.

Craniosacral Therapy is a hands-on approach that involves listening ‘with the fingers’ to the body’s subtle Rhythms. The natural motion of cranial bones can be disrupted by the tensions and traumas sustained by the body.  The emphasis of treatment is to encourage the body’s innately self-healing abilities and to restores its primary balance in motion.

Wendy is available throughout the retreat to share this wonderful experience.

Erika has always been drawn to the helping professions. While living in Canada she obtained her degree social work and worked as a counsellor and advocate at women’s shelters, in mental health promotion at mental health agencies and finally as a child protection worker. It was during this time that Erika discovered yoga and found it to be a major stress release. Erika incorporated yoga into her active life that also included dance, hiking and political activism.

2007 marked the beginning of an important adventure for Erika, not only did she decided to explore Mexico, she also decided to embark on a journey of self-discovery.  Almost immediately Erika began working as an assistant to Barbara Rotthaler a certified naturopath and massage therapist.  With a growing interest in wellness and cultural diversity Erika has immersed herself in Mexican culture and a more holistic lifestyle. Erika continued her yoga practice and began attending classes taught by Ana Hernandez with whom she is now completing her teacher training. 

Erika is currently working as a health coach for seniors and is being trained in massage therapy. She is excited to have the opportunity to combine her knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of life with meditation, hatha yoga, homeopathy and nutrition.