Monica began her practice of yoga in 1978, closely followed by a dedicated meditation practice. She practiced Hatha Yoga and then Iyengar Yoga for 13 years until she discovered Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in 1993. After multiple journeys to Mysuru, India in 1996 she was authorised to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga by K. Pattabhi Jois.* Monica continues her studies in anatomy and movement as well as manual, movement, yoga and mantra therapies. Her education as a Rehabilitative Chiropractor inspires her teaching and application of movement principles that support and promote a healthy body, regardless of the style of asana practised.
Since the age of 24, Monica has studied many different disciplines of the Healing Arts. In 2008 she graduated with 1st class honours as a Doctor of Chiropractic and received numerous awards for Academic Excellence.
Monica is a registered Yoga Therapist with the Australian Association of Yoga Therapists and a full member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She is registered at the highest level with both Yoga Alliance and Yoga Australia.
Monica has published ‘Ashtanga Yoga Beginners Course Manual for Teachers‘ which is a step-by-step guide on how to teach Ashtanga Yoga safely and effectively to beginners (www.lulu.com). She is also a contributing author to Ashtanga Yoga, Practice and Philosophy and Ashtanga Yoga, The Intermediate Series in the areas of asana, anatomy, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
In 1996 Monica co-founded 8 Limbs Yoga School in Perth with her husband Gregor Maehle, which they co-managed for almost 20 years. Now they train yoga teachers world-wide and from their home studio in the hinterland of Byron Bay Hinterland.
Monica has written numerous blogs and created a series of therapeutic short videos (http://www.chintamaniyoga.com/blog/). She is available for workshops on a variety of topics as well as one-on-one Yoga Therapy consultations, private Yoga tuition and Rehabilitative Chiropractic consultations.
Monica’s breadth of knowledge, her insight, her calm manner and playful personality make learning from her easy and enjoyable!
*In the wake of the MeToo movement information surfaced regarding KP Jois’ sexual assault and abuse. Please read Monica’s statement.