Teachers – Sol Moves

Meet Our Teachers

MEL

Melissa, a devoted yoga student for over 15 years, initially drawn to its physical challenges and benefits, now deeply embodies the traditional essence of yoga. With her 200hr Yoga teacher training completed at Yoga Vida in Mooloolaba, Melissa has since added over 600 hours of further teaching training.

Authentically and enthusiastically herself, she extends an invitation for others to do the same. Melissa, a mother herself, extends her passion to the younger generation by offering Kids Yoga at Sol Moves. This playful and interactive journey for kids encourages exploration of movement, breath, and the understanding of their creative power.

Her students, across all age ranges, cherish her unique offerings, experiencing her genuine love for teaching from the moment they enter the studio. A Sunshine Coast native, she teaches at multiple studios across the region. In her classes, Melissa weaves a distinctive tapestry of joy, play, restoration, creativity, and deep connection, challenging both the physical and mental aspects of yoga practice.

CARMEN

Carmen, the visionary behind Sol Moves, believes in the inherent ability of humans to lead extraordinary lives, with yoga serving as a powerful conduit to unlock our best selves.

Carmen, has been a dedicated student of yoga for over 20 years and is deeply committed to her personal practice and sharing her unwavering passion for yoga with others.

Carmen completed her 200hrs with beloved teacher Zoe Zohs at Yoga Vida in Mooloolaba and is actively pursuing another 500hrs. She also holds additional teaching qualifications in Trauma Awareness Yoga, Pre & Post Natal Yoga and has completed additional training in Advanced Yoga Sequencing, Myofascial Release Yoga and is committed to ongoing education and training to deepen her yoga offerings.

In addition to being a dedicated Yoga teacher deeply rooted in its ancient traditions, Carmen is a holistic focused Chiropractor with over 20 years experience in private practice, as well as an accomplished ultra-distance athlete, and functional strength & running coach.

Her diverse expertise allows her to offer a uniquely comprehensive approach to yoga, facilitating deep personal transformation on and off the mat.

KATRIENA

Katriena is a devoted mindfulness and wellness facilitator, committed to cultivating intimate and inclusive spaces where clients feel welcomed, supported, and relaxed on their wellness journey. Through her yoga classes, she emphasizes honoring one’s current state and offers moments of pause, along with optional head massages for added relaxation.

Katriena’s wellbeing journeys aim to reconnect individuals with their bodies, guiding them away from mental clutter and toward a deeper sense of embodiment. If you’re feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, Katriena invites you to step into her classes to discover a sanctuary for presence, slowing down, and reconnecting with the wisdom of your body.

HALEY

Haley embarked on her yoga journey a decade ago, initially attracted to the physical practice. After a 200-hour training at Yoga Vida, Mooloolaba, her passion expanded, leading to ongoing exploration. Currently pursuing a 500-hour certificate with Awakening Yoga Academy, Seattle, under Carling Harps and Patrick Beach, Haley blends traditional and modern Hatha vinyasa.

Her deliberate yet creative sequencing fosters a sense of ritual, interspersed with moments of mental stillness. Committed to individualized adaptation and empowering variations, Haley facilitates a transformative exploration of the harmonious integration of body and mind.

KATYA

Katya, with over a decade of yoga teaching experience and certification in Barre, Ashtanga, Aerial, and Hatha yoga, combines her knowledge of correct postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods.

Having studied yoga in India and completed a Nutrition Training Program, she’s worked in resorts and yoga retreats across Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. With a two-year stint running her own studio in Russia, Katya holds a bachelor’s degree in Regional Studies and International Relations.

Passionate about sharing her transformative yoga journey, she aims to help people of all ages and abilities connect with their bodies, breath, and universal power, believing in yoga’s potential to enhance mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

MELISSA

Melissa discovered Ashtanga Yoga 30 years ago in Brisbane and has been practicing all styles of Yoga since. Yoga has been a constant in her busy life and it has provided her with tools and techniques to maintain a healthy connection to body mind and spirit.

Completing her 350 Hour Teacher Training with Tamara Yoga in Perth along with a Peter Hess Academy Sound Bath Facilitation course in Margaret River, Melissa loves to incorporate the benefits of subtle sound with her collection of Instruments.

Having returned to Queensland in 2023, Melissa is here to guide students to connect to Self. Using traditional Pranayama techniques, slow, mindful, intentional Yoga sequencing along with Kriya’s and her elements of sound. You are guaranteed to float out of her classes feeling a deeper connection to all that is, within and beyond along with a sense of equanimity that will see you move more gracefully through life.

DONOVAN

Donovan comes from a dance and theatre background and has performed his traditional Hawaiian dancing at a variety of events across Queensland. His yogic journey began in Hawaii, where he was taught his first Downward Facing Dog.

After experiencing the world from a different perspective, he decided to embark on a voyage of self-discovery. This led to experimenting with different styles of yoga and meditation, before choosing to dive deeper into the ocean of Vinyasa. Donovan wishes to share The Practice with as many people as possible, as yoga has given him an increase of energy and zest for life!

SUE

Sue, a seasoned yoga maestro passionately unlocking the transformative realms of yoga, mindfulness, and stress reduction. As the architect of ‘The Practice of Mindfulness for Stress Reduction’ classes in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council, Sue has created an oasis of tranquility.

Her dedication resonates through positive student feedback, celebrating benefits from enhanced sleep to profound relaxation. Sue’s journey began with a 200hrs teacher training at Zenko Yoga on the Sunshine Coast, followed by specialised certifications in Yin, Restorative & Meditation, and Pranayama & Subtle Practices.

Sue eagerly extends her love for yoga, pranayama, and meditation, offering transformative experiences and incredible benefits to the community. Embrace Sue’s nurturing approach to yoga practice – an invitation to a masterpiece of mindful living.

SHARN

Sharn Watts is a passionate Yoga Teacher who is in love with all things movement, breathing and meditation. Upon completing her 200hr teacher training at the Byron Yoga Centre, Sharn went on to complete more studies in Pre and Postnatal Yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Remedial Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Trauma Aware Yoga.

Sharn has been teaching yoga for 10 years, including as the founder of her own yoga studios in Canberra throughout 2017 to 2021.

She has a true passion for teaching yoga and focusses on the importance of moving well, feeling strong, self-care and reducing stress using movement, breathing, mindfulness and meditation.

Sharn found yoga almost 20 years ago by attending the classes at her gym. She quickly fell in love with the way it made her feel and supported her strength and conditioning training. “I never missed a class!” She said.

When Sharn moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2021, she found aerial yoga and quickly fell in love with the apparatus and its versatility and decided to continue her love of learning with Aerial Yoga teacher training, and diving into a Certificate III and IV in fitness.

SANTOSHA

Santosha is a Yoga and Pilates Instructor, Sound healing facilitator, Breathwork guide, and Host of the Unfiltered Greatness Podcast. With a Bachelor of Biomedical Science majoring in Medicinal Biochemistry, and currently studying to become a Personal Trainer. Santosha brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and yogic wisdom to her practice. She is passionate supporting people to become their best self!