Meet the team

Sarcha is an advanced practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga yoga. She began her journey in yoga in the Iyengar in 1990 under the instruction of John Leebold and later Linda Healey. She has practiced Ashtanga yoga daily in the Mysore tradition since 1997.

As our principal Ashtanga and Mysore teacher Sarcha focuses on helping her students develop breath integration with functional movement and alignment patterns. Off the mat her wish is that this translates to more grace, stability and compassion in her students’ lives.

Her own lifelong commitment to yoga includes maintaining a steady daily practice through injury, life’s ups and downs, raising children and adapting to ageing. Sarcha teaches with a humility that comes from many years of dedicated practice and she infuses her teaching with kindness and humour. Grounded and highly knowledgeable in the Ashtanga yoga tradition, Sarcha’s approach welcomes both beginners and advanced students alike.

Sarcha began her yoga journey as one of the original students of Monica Gauci and Gregor Maehle in 1997. She completed a 3 year (500 hours) teacher training in 2009 and an additional year of senior training which allowed her to teach advanced postures and assume the lead teaching role in the early morning Mysore classes, as well as undertake teacher training roles. After 18 years with her beloved teachers and with many additional trainings under belt, Sarcha embarked on a new adventure, opening Yogahub in Mount Hawthorn.

Sarcha holds a Level 3 Senior Teacher Qualification with Yoga Australia. Her formal qualifications include a Psychology Degree from the University of Western Australia;  a Post Graduate Diploma in Couples and Family Therapy: and Sanskrit language studies at the Australian National University.

Sarcha practices and is competent to teach the Primary, Intermediate and Advanced A Series of Ashtanga Yoga, and also teaches pranayama, yoga meditation and yoga philosophy. Much of her time these days is dedicated to training and mentoring yoga teachers through her various training programs.

Sarcha is dedicated to mentoring her students through unhurried and deep learning of the whole system of yoga. She remains a curious student of yoga and is committed to sharing the gifts of yoga with everyone.

“Yoga is both my anchor and my sail, the discipline of daily practice provides a grounding to life’s challenges and triumphs. The spiritual practice helps to illuminate the path ahead and keeps me growing in the right direction. To develop a sincere and consistent practice over time brings yoga’s gifts of a strong and healthy body, the ability to focus the mind, and a place where I can turn inwards towards my true nature. Teaching is a joyful experience for me. My approach is warm and inclusive, catering to the individual’s capabilities with a strong focus on correct technique. It’s a real highlight helping to connect my students with the practice and then seeing them embrace their own journey along the yogic path.”

Read more about Sarcha and her approach to teaching at http://perthashtangayoga.com.au

As a senior teacher at YogaHub, Celesta is known for her approachable, fun, and inclusive teaching style. She believes yoga is for every body, and her classes are thoughtfully tailored to meet the needs of all students, regardless of experience or ability. Celesta fosters a space where movement is not just physical, but an opportunity to deepen awareness of the body, mind, and breath—encouraging students to find joy and ease in their practice.

Celesta’s yoga journey began over 30 years ago at an Iyengar school on Queen Street in Perth. Drawn to yoga’s transformative power, she became a teacher in 2013 and has since completed over 900 hours of training in Hatha Vinyasa, Chair Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Ashtanga, and Sound Healing Therapy.

With a strong passion for holistic wellness, Celesta has been an active therapist at Solaris Cancer Care for the past 9 years, where she facilitates yoga sessions and also provides yoga therapy in the oncology department at St John of God Hospital. She holds a degree in Psychological Science from the University of Western Australia (UWA), hence bringing a deep understanding of evidence-based mind & body connection to her teaching.

Whether you’re looking to build strength, find relaxation, or simply have fun on the mat, Celesta’s classes provide a nurturing environment where you can explore your practice in your own unique way.

Scott is a qualified Physiotherapist, accredited Yoga Teacher, APA accredited Pilates instructor and owner/director of Inner Focus Physiotherapy. Scott has been working as a physiotherapist for over 15 years.

To overcome a debilitating pelvic injury, Scott began an in depth study of yoga, which continues to this day. Scott has developed extensive knowledge of the role of yoga in physiotherapy and evidence based practice. Scott completed formal training in therapeutic yoga under the guidance of Senior Yoga teacher Kale Leaf, and continues an ongoing personal apprenticeship with Kale in yoga therapy.

Scott has completed the prestigious Dance Medicine Australia Clinical Pilates course and studied extensively the Polestar Pilates method.

Combining his knowledge of physiotherapy with traditional yoga, Scott has been teaching Clinical Yoga to treat chronic pain conditions, and rehabilitate serious injuries.

Scott provides an evidence based approach to treatment.

Scott has studied pain science at Post Graduate level through Sydney University, allowing him to combine the contemporary scientific understanding of pain physiology with yoga and patient education.

After several years of working in a variety of rehabilitation settings throughout Perth, Scott became director of Inner Focus Physiotherapy in Shenton Park. Scott has a compassionate approach and is able to tailor therapeutic yoga sequences to meet the needs of the individual.

Satyen is a medical doctor and level 3 senior registered yoga teacher with Yoga Australia; a Transformational Therapist who has also studied Tibetan Energy Work and Tantra whilst living with his Master in the Himalayas.

Satyen has been teaching for more than 30 years and started to work specifically with trauma in individual yoga sessions and small groups about 7 years ago. He has worked with body-oriented psychotherapy methods in groups and individual sessions since the early 1980’s. Satyen continues to study closely with renowned world leader in the field of Trauma and the developer of Somatic Experiencing Training, Peter Levine.

With over 35 years of practice and teaching behind her, Elisa is worth her weight in ‘yoga gold’. A lifelong practitioner and certified Iyengar teacher her methods are tried and true to the tradition.

Elisa’s mentors are celebrated luminaries of Iyengar yoga. Her first teacher was Luise Wörle. Elisa then completed her formal training with Cle Souren and Nanda Peek in Amsterdam. Elisa went on to further her studies for many years under guidance of Dona Holleman in Italy. Prior to join the teaching faculty at Yogahub, Elisa taught for 28 years under the leadership of Michael Forbes and Margareta Eckl in Munich Germany.

Elisa teaches with a strong focus on alignment and correct technique, with ample knowledge on modifications and the use of props to make every posture safe and accessible to all her students. Elisa offers classical Iyengar yoga at it’s best teaches with clarity, calmness, and an absolute passion for the tradition of yoga she deeply loves.

Walt discovered yoga in his early thirties after excelling in the sport of Muay Thai Kick boxing. Walt has a graceful physicality which has found a natural expression through his practice of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga; as well as in his work as a musician and drummer. Walt credits his discipline and commitment to his practice to his time studying at the Western Australia Academy for Performing Arts.

Stints performing in punk rock bands throughout his 20’s, uncovered a vibrant energy which remains at the heart of his  vinyasa yoga teaching style. His classes are both technically challenging, fun and light hearted.

Walt’s Hatha classes are flowing, calming and nourishing. His signature shavasana includes a beautiful live music mini sound bath on his enormous crystal bowls.

Walt completed his 350 hr Yoga Australia certification in 2017 under the tutelage of highly regarded senior teacher, Kale Leaf and he continues to study Yoga Therapy with his teacher. He is also a qualified personal trainer and trains hand stand skills at Yogahub. Check our courses and events page to join one of his short courses.

Tamzin has taken the slow road to teaching, making her an exceptionally authentic and intuitive teacher. With 20 years of daily Ashtanga practice behind her in the Mysore tradition, Tamzin’s approach is one of both steadiness and grace — that only comes with a lifetime of practice. Her teaching is beautiful balance of experiential and embodied understanding.

Before join our team, Tamzin completed her 350hr training at Yogahub, mentoring with Sarcha Thurston and other senior Yogahub teachers.

“Initially I came to yoga as I was looking for a discipline. I came from a ballet background and after letting that go due to year 12 exams, I felt a bit lost. I tried gym, aerobics, boxing, and all kinds of exercise. Then I stumbled across yoga. I have been very blessed to have been taught and nurtured by extremely experienced knowledgeable mentors over the last 20 years of practice. I was very fortunate to learn about yoga in a pure and precise form that focused on alignment and breathwork. I was also taught that it is my yoga for my body and strongly embrace this principle in my teaching. My wish is that each student find their yoga for their body.”

Stacey teaches traditional hatha-flow and ashtanga yoga.

After investing more than a decade into her own personal practice, Stacey took the natural step of sharing her embodied knowledge and passion for yoga by stepping into teaching. Her values in teaching are simplicity, humility, presence, and the occasional side step for a little good humour.

In her hatha-flow classes she is devoted to service: holding space for those who require gentle rejuvenation, adjusting poses to meet the limitations of those in physical recovery and feeling out the energy of each class to create an experience where her students are able to deeply attune to the inherent wisdom of their bodies. Whether you seek alignment, balance and strength in a dynamic class or to simply take a breath from the steady pace of life in order to reconnect with your body and heart, you will deeply benefit from Stacey’s classes.

As a second series ashtanga practitioner Stacey has the experiential knowledge to guide her students to resolve technical difficulties and challenges in the practice and make appropriate progress within the Ashtanga system.

Stacey has a generosity of spirit that inspires her students to fall in love with yoga too, and she leads by example, being genuinely committed to her own practice. Stacey trained initially with Donna Buchanan and Kate Taylor at the Yoga Vine and was later mentored by Sarcha Thurston.

With an insatiable love of yoga, dance and creative movement, Fiona is a trailblazer in both the Perth yoga and dance scene. Fiona started teaching yoga in 2017, and completed mentoring with Sarcha Thurston in 2021, joining the Yogahub team also in 2021.

At Yogahub, Fiona’s classes cover a lot of ground: the quiet introverted still of yin, to slow mindful vinyasa and her signature offering; a skilful weaving of of yoga and dynamic dance.

Wanderlust, and a love of human connection source her creativity and inspiration. She believes in the power of movement as a platform for personal transform, and to foster authentic human connection.

Sava is an exercise physiologist working in clinical practice to support individuals living with chronic conditions including musculoskeletal pain and injury, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, cardiac conditions and mental health and neurological conditions. He has co-authored research supporting healthy ageing and presented at international yoga conferences to share evidence-informed approaches to yoga practice and teaching.

His yoga experience is extensive having explored Hatha and Iyengar methods before settling on Ashtanga yoga, which he currently practices with a flexible approach. He has over 1000 hours of training in yoga therapeutics, burnout resilience, orthopaedics, yin yoga, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Drawing on his background in foundational yoga, he teaches modern vinyasa and yin yoga to provide a therapeutic, grounding and meditative experience of safe, connected movement to support functional, mental and physical wellbeing.

Joanne has an interest in alignment-based yoga, yin yoga and yoga philosophy.

With a natural curiosity for learning and knowledge Joanne invests her time to really know and understand a subject. Her teaching is characterised by keen observation, attention to details and a depth of understanding on the practice of yoga. Expertise, humility and gentleness make her classes especially suited to those taking their very first steps on the mat.

After 9 years of personal practice, Marcus made the leap into teaching.  He is passionate about sharing yoga with everyone he can, and loves helping people find their own practice.  Whilst his training is rooted in Ashtanga, Marcus is a keen explorer of all lineages.  He encourages students to practice with compassion for how they present on the day, firmly believing that there is no greater or lesser, only what is right for the individual in the moment.  Marcus balances his love of yoga with cycling, windsurfing and stand-up paddling.

Being a curious and keen technician makes Marcus particularly suited to teaching students the foundations of yoga. His approach ensures students are moving safely and get the most out of the practice. Kind and humorous, Marcus is also passionate about bringing more men to yoga – to help us be our best selves.

An earnest seeker, Georgia first met the practice of yoga over 8 years ago; her experience evolving through various disciplines of ashtanga, hatha, vinyasa, yin, bhakti & vipassana meditation.

As well as exploring Vedic astrology & diving into Sanskrit studies at Sivananda Ashram.

Her work is based on traditional yoga, the teachings of B.K.S Iyengar through his lineage & the exploration of the Self.

Sharing accessible, authentic posture & vedantic wisdom; Imbibing students with understanding & awareness to prepare the body for longevity & to receive the deeper/subtle benefits.

She continues, to immerse herself as a student, annually traveling to Rishikesh, India to deepen her understanding of yoga & vedanta, under the direction of Senior Iyengar Teachers Usha Devi & Siddhartha Krishna, and gained her formal Iyengar Training Qualification under Kellie Brett 2026.

Matt practiced various styles of yoga before finding a home in Ashtanga and Hatha yoga at Yogahub. After several years of daily practice in the Mysore format, and with encouragement from his mentors, it was natural progression for him to undertake teacher training. Matt completed his training with Yogahub in 2023 and mentoring with Sarcha Thurston in 2024.

Matt’s teaching style is welcoming and inclusive, favouring simple and direct instructions, accompanied by genuine support and care. As a great technician, and second series practitioner his teaching range is versatile, welcoming both experienced practitioner and those stepping onto the matt for the first time.

With several decades of practice and teaching under his belt, Lori is one of Perth’s most celebrated yoga teachers. Lori began the practice of yoga in 1998, with Iyengar teacher John Leebold.

Highly credentialed with an impressive resume of trainings from many renowned teachers,

Lori completed senior training with Nicky Knoff, often assisting in the role of demonstration of techniques at her Bali retreats.

He has also completed several visits to train at the Ramayani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, under the tutelage Geeta and Prashant Iyengar. He has also undertaken some training with Monica Gaucci and Gregor Maehle.

Since 2011, Lori has completed 9 meditation retreats at the Jhana Grove Buddhist Meditation Retreat Centre in Serpentine Western Australia with Ajahn Brahm, Bhante Sujato and Ajahn Brahmali in the Theravadan Buddhist tradition.

A truly dedicated and authentic yogi Lori maintains a daily asana, pranayama and meditation practice incorporating what he has learned from his teachers.

At Yogahub Lori teaches an advanced asana (level 3) class every Sundays at 8:30am and a Level 2 class on Mondays at 9:15am. Keep an eye out for his highly popular Masterclasses run several times a year.

Danica has practiced a multitude of yoga styles for the past 30 years. Her journey began with Anne Horsley an Iyengar style of yoga. In between she has done everything from Hot Yoga to Yin, Hatha to Vinyasa, Therapeutic to Kriya, Restorative to Jivamukti. For the past few years she has been greatly devoted to Ashtanga under the guidance of Sarcha Thurston.

She’s had many wonderful mentors along the way, in particular Matt Exley from Twisting Fish. It took her a long time to consider teaching yoga. When she looked into Sarcha Thurston’s teacher training at Yogahub she knew it was the right course for her, even if it was only to go deeper into her own practice.

Her strong focus is on yoga as a form of meditation and spiritual practice. Her endeavour is to remember who we really are beyond body, mind and ego. To get out of our own way to allow the unfolding of life in the highest way possible for the highest good of all. She draws greatly on the teachings of the masters, most notably Paramahansa Yogananda and Beloved Mooji.

Drawing on foundations of movement training from classical yoga and dance traditions, Jessica has a wide teaching range spanning ashtanga, vinyasa, yin and hatha yoga styles. Jessica also has an interest in teaching pranayama, meditation, sound and yoga nidra practices. Inspired by all things somatic, movement and music are the language of her soul. (Yes! she sings too.)

Jessica believes the heart of any practice is a beginner’s mindset. She seeks an open approach where the journey is more important than having all the answers. For her, receptivity and curiosity are the lanterns that guide the practitioner towards inhabiting the body as a dear and cherished friend.

Jessica teaches from an outstanding lineage and solid foundations. Her foundational training was under the care of Wendy Wesson, later she received teacher certification with Alpha Yoga School and then undertook senior training with Monica Gaucci and Gregor Maehle. Most recently, Jessica has completed mentoring with Sarcha Thurston at Yogahub.

A lifelong learner, Jessica has enriched her teaching through workshops and short courses with respected senior teachers including Peter Scott, Kellie Brett, Janet Stone, Eoin Finn, and Bernd Winhofer. Professional development continues to bring her into contact with many other esteemed teachers. Embracing it all, to share it all, with love and devotion.

Natalie took up the practice of yoga ten years ago initially to assist with her gym training.  As she experienced the benefits of yoga it quickly became her principle practice.

Natalie began with Vinyasa classes at Yogahub, however she has now found a love for the defined postures of the Ashtanga practice and is currently working her way through the Intermediate Series.

Diligent, committed and care-full, Natalie’s desire to understand the system of yoga led her to Yogahub’s teacher training programs initially to further her own practice. However,  teaching became a natural extension of her desire to share what she had learned.

Under the guidance of Sarcha Thurston, Natalie has completed her 200-hour Teacher Training and 150-hour Mentoring Program, joining our teaching faculty at the completion her studies.

Sheldon began her yoga journey in Rishikesh, India, where she completed her first 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. What started as a personal exploration soon developed into a deep appreciation for yoga as a holistic practice, one that extends far beyond the physical postures and into all aspects of life.

Inspired to continue her studies, Sheldon undertook a second 200-hour Teacher Training under the guidance of Sarcha Thurston, followed by Yogahub’s 150-hour Mentoring Program. These experiences deepened her understanding of the traditional teachings of yoga while refining her skills as both a practitioner and teacher.

Most recently, Sheldon completed an 85-hour Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training in Ubud, Bali, with Lauren Prindiville. This specialised training strengthened her passion for supporting women through the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.

With a warm, approachable, and compassionate teaching style, Sheldon is particularly passionate about introducing beginners to yoga and creating supportive spaces for prenatal and postnatal students. She believes yoga has the power to help people reconnect with themselves through mindful movement, conscious breathing, and self-awareness.

Her intention as a teacher is to guide students towards a deeper connection with their body, breath, and inner wisdom, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves. Sheldon believes that when individuals cultivate greater wellbeing within, the positive effects naturally ripple outwards, benefiting their families, communities, and the world around them.

Committed to lifelong learning and the authentic teachings of yoga, Sheldon continues to deepen her own practice while sharing the transformative benefits of yoga with others. 

Melissa practiced yoga initially as a complement to her long career as a Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor and coach. Over time, yoga has evolved from a supporting practice into the foundation of her everyday living.

In 2024, Melissa undertook Foundational Yoga Teacher Training under Sarcha Thurston, completing her 300-hour teacher training and then the 100-hour mentoring program. Her background in martial arts strongly informs her teaching, bringing a deep respect for discipline, body awareness, and sustainable movement.

A passionate volunteer in both sport and music communities, Melissa brings generosity and sincere service to her teaching. She approaches each class with humour and authenticity, balancing technical foundations with clear instruction and a common-sense approach.

Melissa is committed to sharing her knowledge openly, offering students accessible pathways to understanding and encouraging them to build confidence, curiosity, and self-trust in their practice.

Minna joined our faculty upon moving to Australia in 2024.

Minna’s lifelong yoga journey began in Ashtanga Yoga in 2006 having completed foundational training with Maty Ezraty. She has undertaken professional development with Pauli Nevalainen, Hanne Sydanmaa, Petri Räisänen, Frank Kappas, Juha Javanainen, Eddie Stern, Lino Miele, Dylan Bernstein and Chuck Miller to name a few.

With Ashtanga yoga as a foundation Minna has trained in nearly every other style of yoga. In addition, she has as a long list of movement and strength-based training credentials related to her work as a Personal Trainer.

A knowledgeable and creative movement teacher with a wide teaching range across Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa & Hatha yoga. Her classes are synthesis of the diverse skillsets she has mastered over the last 20 years.

‘Minna has exceptionally high levels of industry knowledge and related skills…Her interaction with clients is faultless, and she has consistently displayed warmth, empathy, understanding and reliability….She displays her own holistic philosophy of focus upon combining wellness and fitness to achieve sustainable change with her clients….’

 Christian Haglund-Fromond, owner of Elite Trainers, Helsinki

Maja Corak Sound Healing offers immersive sound experiences designed to guide you into a state of deep rest and rejuvenation. Using a gentle palette of natural instruments, including wood, wind chimes, and gongs, Maja weaves soft, ambient soundscapes that ripple and unfold like a quiet landscape. Each session is created to melt away tension, encourage complete relaxation, and invite the body and mind to settle into stillness. Whether you’re seeking a moment of calm in a busy week or a restorative pause to reset, her sound healing offers a soothing space to listen, release, and emerge feeling renewed.

Yoga has been a constant companion for almost two decades, accompanying me through different seasons of adulthood – through change, challenges and growth. What began as a physical activity has gradually become something much deeper: a way of understanding myself, finding balance and meeting life with greater awareness and acceptance.

I started practising Ashtanga at 8 Limbs Yoga shortly after moving to Perth around 20 years ago. About five years ago, I discovered YogaHub and began my Mysore journey, which deepened my connection with Ashtanga. 

Over time, Ashtanga has brought stability to my body, helped release stagnant emotions and energy, and taught me to listen to and respect my changing body, particularly as I grow older. It reminds me that yoga isn’t about perfecting poses, but about showing up and embracing where we are.

Teaching has been part of my life since I was 15, when I began giving piano lessons. After graduating, I went on to teach English and Chinese as a Second Language. I have always enjoyed connecting with people and supporting them in their learning.

My yoga qualifications include 350 hours of Hatha Vinyasa Teacher Training with Yogaspace, 50 hours of Yin Yoga Teacher Training and 100 hours of mentoring with Sarcha Thurston.

I’m excited to share my love of yoga with others. I’m still discovering something new every time I step onto my mat, and hope to bring that same curiosity, openness and sense of fun into my classes.

Some days we’ll feel strong, some days we’ll wobble, and some days simply showing up is enough! There’s no need to be perfect or take ourselves too seriously. Let’s breathe, move, explore and enjoy being on the mat together.