“Yoga has provided a spiritual framework for understanding and making meaning of my life and the world. Its methodology and practices have enriched my life and provided the tools to navigate the phases and stages and all their joys and sorrows with equanimity and peace.” Mandy

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Mandy was initiated into yoga at the age of 20 and has practiced and taught for over 30 years. She has studied with renowned masters and teachers, and spent a lifetime learning, integrating and sharing. She is a natural leader and over the decades has maintained a commitment to yoga while working professionally as a Writer, Editor, Designer, Communications Specialist, and recently as CEO of a healthcare organisation. Mandy is deeply committed to creating safe and sacred spaces for participants to experience the wonders of yoga.

Mandy has studied and practiced yoga since 1990 in both India and Australia. She has taught yoga for more than 30 years in Perth, India, and on international retreats. She is a registered Senior Teacher with Yoga Australia (over 1000 hours formal training and 10+ years teaching experience), creator of the Hatha Yoga Method, co-director of Kookaburra Creek with her husband Robert, and continues to develop all the programs and content Kookaburra Yoga is known for.

Mandy has had the great privilege of travelling to India many times for extended periods studying directly with teachers and masters of yoga. Mandy’s primary influences and long-term mentors are A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan of the Svastha Yoga and Ayurveda, Chennai. Mandy continues to study closely with the Mohans. In addition to this Mandy has studied yoga with:

•  Senior teachers of the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai
•  Swami Maharshi Somanatha of Somanatha Kshetram, Hyderabad
•  Swami Krishnananda of the Sivananda tradition, Divine Life Society, Rishikesh

Mandy has been a resident in the following ashrams and spiritual centres:

•  Ananda Marga, Bihar
•  Satyananda Yoga, Rikhia
•  Divine Life Society (Sivananda Yoga), Rishikesh
•  Anandamayi Ma Ashram, Haridwar

Mandy is certified (by Svastha Yoga) to teach Hatha Yoga, has also studied Ayurveda at the Australian Institute of Holistic Medicine. Mandy has undertaken additional teacher training in Yin Yoga and is certified (by Jo Phee) to teach Yin.

Mandy considers being still in nature to be the greatest of all spiritual teachers, and seeks out inspiration through immersions in the sublime landscapes of this wondrous planet.

Mandy’s yoga journey has been an integration of these teachings over time and deep personal experience. Her teaching style is practical, relevant and spiritual – with an emphasis on a safe and meaningful practice which leads students towards health of the body and peace of mind. The breath is fundamental to Hatha Yoga and is emphasised in Mandy’s classes for the healing benefit dedicated breathing practices bring.

Mandy has developed comprehensive courses, programs and manuals for all levels of students and is particularly focussed on absolute beginners – ensuring those new to yoga receive a comprehensive introduction to the often misrepresented teachings of traditional yoga.

Professionally, Mandy has a BA in English, is a qualified Graphic Designer with a career spanning decades in evolving roles which included working as a writer, editor, graphic designer, publishing and mass communications specialist, communications manager, and most recently as Chief Executive Officer of a health organisation for 5 years. Mandy is an inspiring, highly regarded leader. She brings together her creativity, love of organising, and passion for yoga to create and deliver Kookaburra’s yoga and retreat program.
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Mandy’s personal practice and the integration of the wisdom teachings of yoga inform every aspect of her life, and have been a guiding influence through the challenges and joys of raising a family and professional life.

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“I didn’t realise it at the time, but when I was initiated into yoga at the age of 20 it became my dharma, my life’s work, to share the wonders of yoga and help guide others along this beautiful, but bumpy path. I feel the grace of my teachers and the masters is always with me.”