Meet our teachers
Founder of T.F.A
Dianne Johnston established Think.Focus.Act in Newport in 2016. Her mission was to create a space where people could come and embark on their own self discovery through Counselling, Hypnosis, Reiki and Yoga.
Completing her 350hrs in Yoga Teacher Training in 2017 with The Australian Yoga Academy, Di teaches her unique Restorative Yoga Classes twice a week. With her background as a Hypnotherapist, her soothing voice guides you into the most restful, meditative states you'll experience.
Di also teaches our Gentle Yoga classes, designed for the beginner. A gentle working through postures and breath, a slow paced class with guidance to safe alignment and foundation for a great practice. Her caring approach holds the perfect opportunity for the novel Yogi to embark into their Yoga journey or coming back from injury. Her passion to encourage Seniors into safe movement classes is also one of the reasons her classes are so popular.
New to 2019: Di created two early morning Vinyasa classes, for the Yogi wanting to ignite the mind and the body for a powerful start to the day. A Slow Flow designed to challenge your strength, flexibility and balance.
Caitlyn Taylor
Having adventured around the world for many years, Yoga was Caitlyn’s one constant, exploring different styles under a myriad of different teachers. Caitlyn eventually found herself back where her yoga journey began, completing her 200hr training with Power Living Australia.
Caitlyn’s classes connect the dots between mind and movement, threading them together to invite a creative expression of self. Playfulness and self-inquiry are equally balanced, and each class reflects her truest belief: that life is intrinsically joyful.
Lisa Gatt
Lisa has worked as a remedial massage therapist for over 10 years. At the beginning of 2017, Lisa went to India to complete her 200hr Vinyasa/Ashtanga Yoga training and now works as a therapist & Yoga teacher. Her classes focus on developing overall body strength and stamina, improved tone and greater flexibility. The class is open to everyone and suitable for all levels of strength.
Lisa is also our Mums and Bubs teacher, which runs twice a week, giving mamas an opportunity to attend to the practice with bub in tow. Each class is well structure around the considerations of the post baby body and interactive with baby including baby massage time. Babies are the priority in this class, that’s why we have a second teacher in the room to help entertain, settle or care for your baby. New Yogis are encouraged to join us, to experience the benefits of Yoga after childbirth.
Kate Podolak
Kate is a compassionate and enthusiastic yoga facilitator with a personal practice spanning 15 years.
“Once we shine a light on ourselves we can't help but look within".
Kate is always striving to balance the heart with the mind and was naturally drawn to gain a deeper understanding of the essence and theory of yoga which led to her completing the advanced diploma of yoga teaching (350 hours) with the Australian Yoga Academy. Kate specialises in yin yoga, which enables her to facilitate time for introspection and physical expression leaving you with a sense of self enquiry and nourishment at the end of your practice.
Beyond the mat Kate works in the field of architecture and construction, and holds strong beliefs about the way a place can make you feel. She creates harmony in our welcoming suburban studio environment.
Darren Villaneuva
Darren Villanueva completed his 200 hr Yoga Teacher training in India in 2017. Not only a Therapeutic Massage Therapist and a Dental Technician, he has become the shining face around our Studio, as our in-house Men’s Only Yoga Teacher and host to our Restorative Relaxation Retreats.
As well as being passionate about his own health and vitality, Darren is committed to inspiring men who are new to Yoga a safe and providing a non-judgemental space for them to explore the benefits of Yoga. His classes are fun, and related to how the mens body differs to the female's, and targeting the issues that men come across with flexibility and tightness.