Our Instructors
Alex Mazari - Studio Owner
My journey into Yoga and well-being came through my own internal struggles. It started with meditation, and reading books on yoga philosophy which really resonated with me and led me to understand that my mental health is in my own hands and could be balanced through using the tools and practices mentioned in the philosophical yogic texts. I then started practicing Yogasana (the postures) which prepares the body physically and energetically for meditation.
Through researching into everything Yoga and meditation I then found Reiki so spent a few months educating myself on Reiki and the subtle energy body.
The next step for me was completing my level 1 and 2 Reiki over the course of a few months, this opened me up spiritually and deepened my understanding of the subtle energy body.
I then purchased the Bio-Well which is a device used to measure the subtle energy body. Using this on myself to measure my own field I then tested some of the different breathing techniques and meditations I practiced, this showed me visually how we can positively influence our energy body at will with certain practices.
The Bio-Well is used for my reiki sessions with clients so we can see how the effects of the Reiki affect the energy system over the course of a few sessions.
Realising I had a lot of past trauma, and understanding how trauma affects our nervous system and subtle energy body, I knew of a local therapist who had just learnt a technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). EFT involves tapping on acupressure points which has a calming effect on the mind and the nervous system, this technique is then used whilst replaying a traumatic memory in the mind. I decided to go for some EFT therapy to process and overcome some of my trauma, the two sessions I had gave me complete resolution! It blew my mind, so I instantly booked on to a course so I could become a therapist in EFT and EFT Matrix Re-Imprinting.
Whilst on the course we worked on some of our traumas and I had a profound experience once again bringing me closure and resolution with certain past traumas.
After gaining my qualification I have been able to help myself through using EFT to calm my mind and nervous system. I have also been able to help lots of clients with varying traumas.
The next step on my journey was the most amazing month in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in Rishikesh, North India to gain my 200hr Hatha Vinyasa and Ashtanga Yoga qualification. Being immersed in the Philosophy and practice of Yoga in the home of Yoga really solidified everything I had been learning up to this point and gave me the knowledge and confidence to start teaching a couple of months after my return home in May 2021.
I now have a beautiful space where I am able to share these wonderful tools and techniques to all that need them, as I personally know how powerful they are.
Email - theyogadenbuxton@gmail.com
Mobile - 07834872663
Noelle Riggott
Noelle qualified as an Iyengar yoga teacher in 2017. She teaches three general classes, as well as one in Tideswell and free Woodland Yoga in Grinlow woods in summer in conjunction with Buxton Civic Association.
Noelle worked as an occupational therapist in mental health services for 30 years and brings her profession’s philosophy of working alongside people to unlock their potential. Noelle’s coaching accreditation, and training in mindfulness techniques are part of her yoga teaching toolkit.
Everyone is welcome to Noelle’s classes: just arrive with an open mind, a sense of curiosity and a willingness to have a go and see what happens!
E: noelleriggott@gmail.com
T: 01298 871479
WhatsApp 07942210416
W: www.yamayogacoaching.com
Heidi Sherwood
Heidi has been an Iyengar yoga student for 23 years and first started teacher training in 2013. This was brought to an abrupt end following injuries sustained in a near fatal car accident in 2014. Through determination and tenacity, Heidi returned to teacher training in 2018 and qualified in 2020 and is now working towards level 2 of the Iyengar syllabus.
Heidi loves being able to extend her knowledge to teach a variety of students that range from the local football and cricket clubs to HGV drivers, Plumbers and office staff, her view is that we all benefit from doing something each day.
Heidi is a popular face in Buxton and has a very down to earth teaching style without losing the essence of Iyengar yoga.
Jax Palmer
I discovered Kundalini Yoga on my 50th birthday, when I went on a retreat and I have never stopped practising it since .
Having experienced the many benefits of Kundalini Yoga, I furthered my passion by completing my teacher training in 2021.
I continue to learn everyday how relevant this ancient technology is right now in an increasingly fast paced and stressful world.
Kundalini Yoga will help you achieve a sense of calm and inner stillness. The effects can be experienced from your very first session.
Yoga sessions with me are inclusive, being suitable for all bodies.
Each session incorporates breath, movement, mantra and meditation.
Natasha Lincoln
I'm Natasha - I'm a newly qualified yoga teacher. I live in Chapel en le Frith with my husband, two children and dog. I am passionate about wellbeing and curate my Yoga classes to relax, nourish and connect incorporating the 4 key elements of Yoga - Bhakti, Jnana, Raja and Karma.
David Swinhoe
As well as practising and teaching Iyengar yoga, Dave is also a doctor. Yoga has lots to offer all ages and Dave was first drawn to it from a martial arts background.
Since then Dave has discovered the mental and physical health benefits associated with practice and tries to promote this in his teaching. Above all, it can be fun!
E: djs.abbotside@gmail.com
Sam Fillingham
My journey in the charity sector began in 2011 when I founded PIP-UK Poland Syndrome Support and Network. Since then, I have become the
CEO of an international charity. PIP-UK is an organisation that was created by Sam, who used her experience and love for her son to raise awareness of Poland Syndrome, and create a community of people living with the syndrome. PIP-UK provides well-being and support services for
the Poland Syndrome community, a patient register, children's clinic at Birmingham Children's Hospital, and connection events.
Before my role at PIP-UK, I worked in the civil service. During this time, I discovered yoga nidra, which seamlessly wove itself into my life. A
remarkable force, it facilitated my transition from the shadows of work- related PTSD to the illumination of profound inner peace. My calling now
is to share the sacred tranquility I have discovered with you through my yoga nidra classes and help you with your charity or community.
Gillian Hesp
Hello I am Gillian, a passionate yoga teacher. I am dedicated to sharing the transformative power of yoga with others.
My journey with yoga has taken me on a trip to India to immerse myself into my first teacher training program. This 200 hours multi disciplinary training primarily focused on Ashtanga Vinyasa and Hatha yoga, laying strong foundation for my practice and teaching.
Loving what the teachings of yoga mean to me I travelled to Thailand where I further engaged into qualifying Trauma Informed Yin Yoga teaching certificate of 100 hours.
This experience not only enriched my understanding of Yin and the 5 elements but sparked a keen interest in acupressure and qi gong. I found that these ancient practices beautifully compliment the principles of Yin.
Recently I have added a further 50 hours teacher training in Embodied Yin. Where I explored the benefits of somatics. This training has allowed me to integrate a deeper understanding of how our bodies hold emotions and how to release them through posture either in stillness or in movement. I believe that each persons body carries it is own unique story, through yin yoga students can explore their own narrative.
My classes are inclusive and open to all levels and modifications are offered throughout.
My teaching style is kind and energetic, I strive to make people their explore practice and their own space and belonging. I enjoy bringing fun to the practice as well as some challenges I draw from my diverse training background and life journey and offer an holistic practice whether people want to engage in the dynamics of ashtanga vinyasa, vinyasa or power yoga or yin yoga.
I believe yoga off the mat is of utmost importance and I commit to continue to self develop and share the beauty of yoga with all students. I believe this to be my dharma - that being my life purpose.
Thank you for taking some time to learn a bit about me and I am excited to connect, share and grow with you on a beautiful journey of yoga.
Karen Webb
Hi. I am Karen Webb Green and have been delivering in the fitness and wellness industry for over 35 years. I've seen a lot change due to new methods and research and I am constantly increasing my knowledge and skills base through my own training, workshops and courses delivered by leading organisations and individuals in the fields of both fitness, wellness and medicine.
As a former gymnast and generally sporty child, I chose to start my working life as a gymnastics coach, where strength building, flexibility, injury prevention and recovery were important, as was teaching my gymnasts to be mentally prepared for competitions, focused during training, and resilient during periods of injury.
Whilst continuing my work delivering children's sport and fitness, I diversified into teaching aerobics. At the same time I formalising my training in other areas, through college and university, gaining a degree in Sport and Recreation Studies (which included the study of physiology and psychology as well as health related fitness, and further coaching skills in a range of sports).
After considering further study in health related fitness and sports medicine, I opted for a career in leisure management - retaining and utilising my passion for teaching. During my career, I set up a patient referral scheme with a physiotherapy unit where I had been treated for knee injuries, worked with the local NHS trust and other charities developing a Healthy Living Centre as part of a £5m leisure centre development and developed the branding and co-ordinated the Kids Club children's health scheme, sponsored by Ribena.
From a career in the leisure and fitness industry spanning over 30 years, to training and developing volunteers and managing museums, I have taken some time out during my personal experience of injuries and bouts of prolonged illness, (which left me feeling both physically and mentally exhausted and unable to cope with many everyday tasks).
I have come full circle, now with a vast amount of knowledge and experience - returning to exercise and health as my full time focus and developing my Fit2Relax and Taking Back Your Power programmes for those starting their health journey as well as those looking to develop further or regain their health. I have worked with a broad range of organisations, from charities helping the homeless, and others supporting families with autisic young people, to Team London Bridge and major banks and fitness clubs, so please get in touch to see what I can offer you or your organisation.
Chloe Lawrence
Chloe combines traditional and contemporary understandings of mind-body-breath connection to create fun, sustainable, and empowering yoga sadhana (practice). Having trained in Ashtanga & Hatha yoga in India, and later in Vinyasa Flow with a focus on longevity & injury-prevention, Chloe fosters a non-dogmatic approach, ensuring you know the intention behind each instruction. She encourages gentle discipline to allow you to soften and meet your edge.
Every body & all levels are welcome.
I look forward to meeting you on the mat.
Chloe x
Mary Mclennan
I first discovered yoga while training as a professional ballerina, using it to build balance and strength. Over time, it became more than a complement to dance—it became a way to clear my mind, eventually leading me into a new chapter.
After leaving the ballet world, I dived fully into yoga, exploring different styles and studying the philosophy. I later completed my 200-hour teacher training in Tenerife, which strengthened both my understanding of yoga and my desire to share it. I now teach classes in New Mills and Chinley.
Vinyasa is my favourite style to teach and practice, as its fluid, expressive movement reminds me of choreographing a dance. I aim to bring that sense of flow, creativity, and mindful movement into my classes.
Thanks,
Mary
Susie Bennett
I’m Susie Bennett, and I teach as Gorilla Feet Yoga — gorilla feet because yoga builds strength, resilience, and flexibility right down to our toes. I’ve been practising yoga for over twenty years and teaching for ten. I qualified in Cambridge, where I used to live, and over the years I’ve taught all kinds of classes — from small groups of advanced yogis in private studios to fifty beginners in a freezing sports hall, armed with a portable heater and a microphone.
I now live in the centre of Buxton, where I’m especially grateful for how yoga supports balance — particularly at this time of year, when the hill behind my house is often covered in black ice. Alongside teaching yoga, I work as a writer, and I’m currently writing a novel about urban alienation (which is much more cheerful than it sounds!).
In my classes, I teach a slow flow with an emphasis on presence and alignment. We move steadily through thoughtful and interesting asana sequences, building strength, balance, and resilience, with bodyweight exercises woven into the practice. Classes are suitable for all levels, from complete beginners onwards, and I offer adaptations for different bodies and levels of experience throughout. Come and develop your focus, strength, and flexibility — and enjoy moving with awareness and intention.
See you on the mat soon,
Susie x
Angela Williamson
Hi, I’m Ange, and I have a passion for designing classes that aim to provide you with an hour of uninterrupted time to be fully presentand move your body. Through nurturing yoga poses and mindfulness, my goal is to help you leave feeling refreshed, energised and restored. Suitable for all levels. Beginners very welcome!
I’ve always been interested in the mind/body connection for as long as I can remember and yoga was the bridge that opened up a whole new world for me. My practice includes slow flow, yin, trauma informed yoga and more recently chair yoga. I offer a group class and individual lessons in Buxton at the Yoga Den and in Bakewell.
As well as being a qualified yoga teacher, I’m a psychotherapist and coach working with adults and teens in my Bakewell practice and online. Being a nature lover, I incorporate the outdoors into my practice through walk and talk therapy. Nature can be deeply healing and hold so much more than we can. I also incorporate yoga into my counselling practice.
On a personal note, I’m a guest speaker, book nerd, always interested in learning something new and a jigsaw lover - which I boundary to December otherwise I would get nothing else done!
Warmest wishes,
Ange
