About The Shala
About Us

Be Your Own Guru

At The Shala, we believe that the best teacher lives within you. Our role is simply to help you find and nurture that inner wisdom through the transformative practice of yoga and mindfulness.

Our Story

A Journey That Started With a Question

It began with a simple, yet profound question: What if yoga could be stripped of the pressure to perform and returned to its true essence? In a world increasingly focused on physical perfection and outward achievement, we felt a deep calling to create a space that prioritized the inner landscape. We realized that true transformation doesn't happen by mirroring someone else's practice, but by tuning into your own.


That realization birthed the core philosophy of The Shala Yoga & Mindfulness: Be your own Guru. We envisioned an education that beautifully wove together the spiritual depths of Eastern traditions with the physical and scientific knowledge of the West. For us, yoga and mindfulness were never just about physical flexibility or mastering a pose; they were about cultivating a deeper connection with oneself and integrating this profound wisdom into everyday life as a holistic lifestyle. Our mission became clear—to provide an accessible journey where every student learns to become their own greatest teacher.


What started as a deeply personal vision has blossomed into a thriving, internationally recognized sanctuary for learning. Today, as a proud Yoga Alliance Certified RYS500 school, we have had the honor of guiding over 700 graduates worldwide. Through our carefully crafted, self-paced online modules, students are empowered to merge ancient wisdom with modern science to find their unique, authentic voices.


As an organization dedicated to making this transformative practice accessible to everyone regardless of their starting point, our journey is far from over. We continue to grow alongside our beautiful, ever-expanding community of seekers and teachers. We look forward to supporting your lifelong journey, welcoming you into our community, and watching you step confidently into the light of your own inner guidance.

The Shala community

700+

Graduates

Our Values

What We Stand For

These principles guide everything we do, from how we design our programs to how we welcome each student.

Authenticity

We believe in finding your own authentic path. There's no one-size-fits-all in yoga – we help you discover what resonates with your unique nature.

Community

A supportive sangha (community) is essential for growth. We nurture connections that last long after our retreats end.

Depth

We go beyond the physical. Our teachings weave together asana, philosophy, meditation, and lifestyle for a truly integrated practice.

Excellence

As a Yoga Alliance certified school (RYS 500), we maintain the highest standards in our teacher training programs.

Meet Our Team

Expert Guidance

Our instructors bring decades of combined experience, diverse backgrounds, and a shared passion for authentic teaching.

Liv Lillehei

Liv Lillehei

Lead Pilates Instructor

Liv is a classically trained dancer and Lead Pilates Instructor from Washington, D.C. She blends precise technique with a playful, joyful spirit, occasionally even breaking into Broadway songs!

Shine Francis

Shine Francis

Lead Ayurvedic Therapist

Shine Francis is an experienced Ayurvedic therapist from Thrissur, South India. With over a decade of international experience, he shares the deep wisdom of Ayurveda.

Tanja Joy Tonning

Tanja Joy Tonning

Ayurvedic Massage Therapist

Tanja Joy Tonning is a dedicated Ayurvedic massage therapist and educator. With a passion for Abhyanga, she brings a deeply intuitive, holistic approach to healing and teaching at The Shala.

Chloë Nemier

Chloë Nemier

Lead Yoga & Pilates Instructor

Vancouver-born Chloë Nemier is a Lead Instructor with 10+ years of experience. A trained dancer and passionate anatomy nerd, she blends focus, form, and fun in every class.

Kimhye Jin

Kimhye Jin

Senior Teacher & Founder

Kimhye Jin is the Founder & Lead Trainer at The Shala in Norway. Specializing in Meditation and Tantra, she empowers students globally to unlock their true spiritual and human potential.

Lucas Casanova

Lucas Casanova

Senior Teacher & Co-Founder

Lucas, co-founder of The Shala, is an E-RYT 500 teacher with over 20 years experience. He shares Hatha, Yin, and meditation to make authentic yoga accessible to all.

Recognized Excellence

Yoga Alliance Certified

The Shala is registered with Yoga Alliance as an RYS 500 (Registered Yoga School), meeting the highest international standards for yoga teacher training.

RYT 200 & 300 certified teacher trainings
Internationally recognized credentials
Comprehensive curriculum meeting Yoga Alliance standards
Continuing education opportunities

RYS 500

Registered Yoga School

ID: 329091

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Explore our upcoming retreats and teacher trainings, or get in touch to learn more about how The Shala can support your practice.