Matthew has been a practitioner of Yoga and Ayurveda for three decades and has had the privilege of training teachers for over twenty years. He is responsible for developing Circle Yoga Shala’s 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training programs and the IAYT-accredited Yoga Therapy Program.
As an owner of a yoga studio for ten years before co-founding Circle Yoga Shala in 2009, he developed an extensive private client base for which he adapted asana, pranayama, and meditation techniques to individuals who sought Yoga as a therapeutic modality for issues ranging from structural/biomechanical pathologies to digestive problems, depression and anxiety disorders, and spiritual development.
He also utilizes his professional training as a chef to design Ayurvedic meals for those best supported by dietary change.
Matt uses Viniyoga techniques as a template for organizing strategies and approaches to working with private clients, combined with Western biological theories of development. So, the movements he uses in rehabilitation situations are gleaned and adapted from models of pre- and post-natal development and the sequence of gait acquisition that is universally observed in bipedal organisms.
His private work has grown to include designing programs for elite athletes, many of whom compete on the world stage: tennis players, bullfighters, beach volleyball players, and rock climbers.
“My work has been a crucible of convergence between Eastern and Western models of the human system. To that end, my life’s work is to help alleviate the suffering of individuals on all levels of being human for the purposes of flourishing and liberation.”
Stela has lived next door to the Shala since 2017 and has become an integral part of its diverse trainings and activities. Her contributions are wide-ranging, from teaching in the Yoga Therapy and Yoga Teacher Training programs to co-facilitating retreats on specialized topics like Ayurveda and the Enneagram. Additionally, she plays a crucial role in curriculum development, website management, and marketing.
Leveraging her corporate and academic experience, Stela brings exceptional organizational skills that have significantly enhanced the Shala's offerings and enriched the learning experience for all participants. Her dedication to fostering a world-class yoga education, grounded in both ethical rigor and scientific insight, is matched by her deep respect for the sacred and esoteric essence of the teachings.
Personally, Stela is committed to building her homestead and continuing her transformative journey under Holly and Matt's mentorship. Her passion lies in delivering a holistic yoga education that honors the practical and spiritual dimensions of this ancient practice.
