Meet the Team
Our experienced teachers are the heart of our community, bringing diverse backgrounds that make each class at Little Mandarin a unique and enriching journey.
Together we will help you realise your potential and celebrate every step of your progress.
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(English/普通话)
My yoga journey began more than two decades ago, initially as a way to improve flexibility and find some space away from the demands of my career in graphic design. What started as a physical practice gradually became something much deeper, shaping the way I understand movement, the body, and our relationship with ourselves.
I eventually left graphic design to follow the path of teaching yoga. Now, after two decades of teaching, I still approach the practice with curiosity. I believe yoga is not about achieving the perfect pose, but about developing awareness, understanding your own body, and discovering strength and possibility through consistent practice.
Little Mandarin grew from my wish to create a space where people from different cultures, backgrounds and stages of life could practise together and feel that they belong. What began as a small idea has grown into a diverse community, but the philosophy remains the same: meaningful change happens little by little.
In my classes, I bring together my experience in yoga, movement and body awareness, with an emphasis on thoughtful alignment, mobility, strength and breath. I encourage students to explore rather than simply follow, and to develop a practice that is intelligent, sustainable and personal to them.
After all these years, teaching continues to inspire me because every body is different and there is always more to learn. I look forward to sharing that journey with you.
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(Physiotherapist, English/Turkish)
For me, Reformer Pilates is where strength meets play, and it’s a way of moving that feels good for both the body and the mind.
Before moving to Melbourne in 2022, I ran my own physiotherapy clinic in Turkey for almost four years. Since then, I’ve completed my Master of Physiotherapy here in Australia and fallen even more in love with how movement can heal and empower.
I believe Reformer Pilates, when practised with intention, can be profoundly therapeutic. My passion lies in helping those with pain reconnect with their bodies.
You’ll always be welcomed into a warm, encouraging space where you can move at your own pace.
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(English / 普通话)
Yoga has been a constant thread throughout my life, offering a practice I continue to return to with curiosity, discipline, and gratitude. Along the way, I have been fortunate to learn from inspiring teachers whose guidance has continually deepened my understanding of movement, alignment, and awareness.
As the co-founder of Little Mandarin, I have spent the past decade creating spaces where people can practise, connect, and grow. Teaching is a natural extension of that journey which is a chance to share what has been generously shared with me. My classes are grounded in refined movement, thoughtful alignment, and mindful observation. Rather than striving to achieve a pose, I invite you to explore how you move, how you breathe, and how you relate to your body with greater clarity. Through consistent practice, small refinements can lead to meaningful transformation, both on and beyond the mat.
I look forward to practising with you and sharing this ongoing journey together.
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(English)
I am a yoga/aerial/yin teacher and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist. My passion for health and well-being is constantly growing and evolving. I began in remedial massage and aromatherapy, amongst many other modalities.
As a therapist, I dived into yoga to keep my body and mind balanced and grounded. I am now very excited to be spreading my wings further with Little Mandarin! I love connecting with like-minded souls, creating a vibrant community.
I encourage students to listen to their bodies and forget about what the pose is ‘supposed’ to look like. I aim to inspire yogis into moving, feeling and adapting into the shape to serve their individual anatomy. I love to incorporate massage skills in adjustments to facilitate a deep experience. My love of pranayama and the subtle yet powerful aspect of energetics are intuitively woven into my classes, leaving students feeling connected and whole. See you on the mat :)
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(English/普通话/Français)
Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT)
I completed my 350-hour Yoga Teacher Training with the Australia Yoga Academy in 2016 and began teaching in 2017, focusing on flow yoga, yin yoga, and hatha yoga.
Over time, I became increasingly curious about how yoga can support both physical and mental wellbeing. This inquiry led me to Iyengar Yoga, which has since become an integral part of my personal practice.
In 2023, I committed to a three-year Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training program (equivalent to 500 hours). Through this ongoing study, I have developed a deeper understanding of alignment in asana, the role of the Yoga Sutras in cultivating insight into the systematic nature of hatha yoga, and the thoughtful use of modifications to support individual needs. I passed my Iyengar assessment in May 2025 and am now a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher.
With over 850 hours of training across both general yoga and Iyengar Yoga, my classes are grounded in classical Iyengar methodology, emphasising precise alignment, the safe and effective use of props, and a structured progression of learning. I also integrate teachings from the Yoga Sutras, inviting students to explore the philosophical foundations of yoga alongside their physical practice.
Beyond yoga, I am multilingual, an enthusiastic reader, and an adventurous traveller who has lived and practised in different parts of the world. These experiences have shaped my perspective and inform my teaching. They have helped me develop a thoughtful and analytical approach to sharing yoga, and I am passionate about helping students connect their practice to everyday life in a clear, practical, and meaningful way.
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(English/粤语/普通话)
As a Doctor of Physiotherapy student and sports trainer, I am passionate about creating a safe and supportive space for self-discovery. Before moving to Melbourne to obtain my degree, I spent several years teaching at Pure Yoga Hong Kong, where I led workshops on chair yoga and functional anatomy. Beyond yoga, I enjoy callisthenics, gymnastics, and occasionally playing lacrosse.
I discovered yoga in 2015 as a way to heal from sports injuries, and it has remained a grounding force throughout my studies. Inspired by my teachers Patrick Creelman, Jason Crandell, Hiro Landazuri, and Irene Pappas, my teaching style is strength and alignment-focused, blending stability with mindful movement.
With a background in neuroscience and biomechanics, I incorporate evidence-based principles into my classes to help students build strength, mobility, and sustainable practice. I aim to create an educational and explorative environment, where students can deepen their understanding of their body and mind through precise alignment cues and intelligent sequencing.
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(English/한국어/普通话）
After completing my masters in both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I practised as a kidney specialist in Shanghai. After relocating to Australia, I have been practising TCM for over ten years and have a clinic in Camberwell.
As I became a mother of two girls and witnessed the musculoskeletal and mental health illnesses of my patients, I wanted to discover a way to help connect body and mind.
I felt positive energy to help connect the body and mind through my Pilates practice and now I have found an effective way to achieve a holistic mind-body-lifestyle.
My group sessions include alignment and sculpting, like Yin-and Yang, focusing on toning the body, correcting posture to reduce pain and balancing mind and body to ENJOY life more.
Join my journey together to balance mind, body and LIFE.
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(English/粤语/普通话)
I have shown an interest in yoga at a young age. Yoga makes me feel calm and healthy. Guiding me through dark periods.
I believe yoga is not only an exercise, art or philosophy but a way of life. It’s my life’s journey.
I studied anatomy, functional holistic rehabilitation, and dietetics in China, and completed reformer Pilates and mat Pilates courses in Australia.
I’m a qualified Yoga and Pilates instructor specialising in
- Alignment Hatha Yoga
- Flow Yoga (Slow Flow & Vinyasa)
- Yin Yoga
- Reformer and Mat Pilates.My journey is my client’s journey to better health.
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(English/粤语/普通话)
My yoga journey began when I was living in Hong Kong and working as a finance professional in the corporate world with a hectic work schedule. Initially, I practised yoga to alleviate my work stress and chronic pain. However, it wasn't until I moved to Melbourne in 2020 that my yoga path expanded to a broader and deeper level. That's when I started practising Iyengar yoga and Ariel Yoga, and eventually completed the Ariel Yoga Teacher Training in October 2022.
As I dedicated myself more to yoga, I further realised yoga is a philosophy and a way of life that unifies our body, mind, and soul, bringing about balance and centeredness. The essence of alignment is not just about perfecting physical forms of poses (Asana), but rather directing awareness and consciousness towards our body movement, breath control, and concentration of our mind.
I cherish the sense of peace and bliss that yoga has brought to my life, and I'm still learning and growing every day on this journey. I have also explored other forms of meditation and mindfulness practices. I find that these practices complement my yoga practice and help me to stay grounded and present in my daily life. Whether you are new to yoga or a regular looking to achieve physical and mental liberation or to restore and rejuvenate your well-being, I am happy to listen and share my joy and experiences with all of you. Namaste.
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(English/粤语）
I delved into the fitness world after moving to Melbourne from Hong Kong, and I realised that yoga is an important part of my wellness journey. Through practising yoga poses and mindful breathing, I find that yoga provides stillness when I desire calm; it is a place of energy when I want to be uplifted. As my passion for yoga grew, I decided to undertake my teacher training in 2017 to understand yoga more deeply.
I am not only a yoga instructor, but also a Pilates instructor, an Australian-qualified personal trainer, and a fitness professional. I like to incorporate my knowledge of anatomy and human body movement into my yoga classes, with dynamic sequences and the Sanskrit names of poses. I will also explain how the poses affect the body, and make adjustments for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
With a passion for yoga, I want my students to find strength in their bodies and calmness in their minds.
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(English/普通话)
After completing my Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne, I started working as a solicitor. Three years into this desk-bound job, my chronic back pain became unbearable. I then began practising aerial yoga as a sort of physical exercise relief for my back pain. I cherished the physical aspect of yoga and the way a vigorous, sweaty practice made me feel. It didn't take me long to commit to a daily practice, which not only soothed my back pain but also gifted resilience and serenity to my mind.
Yoga has humbled and inspired me in ways I never anticipated, and it sparked a desire that led me to finish an aerial yoga teacher training program. Now I am ready to share my love and joy of practising yoga with anyone willing to step on the mat and take hold of the silk.
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（English/华语）
With a family history of chronic back pain, I made a promise to myself to be the one to break the cycle. Like most people, my perception of yoga is that it was a slow and gentle form of exercise until I attended one power yoga class. From then on I was hooked. Yoga now is more than an asana practice; it’s my form of moving meditation, it clears my mind, brings peace, and reminds me to be present. 8 years after my ruptured disc in my spine, I strongly believe that because of yoga I am not in any form of pain.
One of the eight limbs of yoga that resonate with me, sthira-sukham asanam, strength and ease, which I am constantly working on during my practice and that I take with me off my mat.
My practice has evolved, I have also included reformer pilates and aerial yoga to complement my mat practice.
I am forever grateful to yoga for not only my physical health but my mental health. I love sharing my love for yoga and reformer with you, hoping that you will find the same joy I do and how it changes life for the better.
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(English/普通话）
Being a dedicated yoga and Pilates instructor, I embody the essence of breath, control, and awareness. With a profound journey that began in 2009, my yoga path was forever altered when I encountered Jowing, who emphasised to me the need for a yoga practice. Inspired by her in 2012, I decided to leave my banking career and embark on a transformative training journey.
As a mother of three and having experienced an injury which took 11 months to heal, I understand the unique and diverse nature of every individual's physical body. I recognise that each person’s needs and abilities are distinct, and thus, my approach is tailored to focus on the finest details during practice.
Together with the practice of Yoga and Pilates, I discovered more sense in balance and inner strength with flexibility. This newfound equilibrium has not only enriched my personal journey but also informs my teachings, ensuring a comprehensive experience for all participants.
Come and join me to discover the transformative power of these practices as you embark on your own journey towards physical and mental well-being.
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(English/粤语/普通话）
Before I practised yoga, I was someone who focused on work and neglected rest, which eventually affected my physical health. When a friend invited me to a yoga class, I initially thought yoga was just a form of exercise, aiming to sweat and lose weight. However, as I continued practising, I realised that yoga not only brought physical changes but also a sense of inner calm.
I enjoy teaching and I had the chance to teach students with different backgrounds. My teaching philosophy is everyone can practice yoga. Because yoga is not a competitive sport, it’s about the development of students’ mind, body and spirit.
Now I am in Melbourne, I am excited to share the beautiful philosophy of yoga with everyone. Hope can see you on the mat. Namaste!
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(English/华语)
Hi, I'm Shermaine. Originally from Singapore, I'm a certified Mat and Reformer Pilates instructor. Alongside my full-time corporate career, I've experienced firsthand how sedentary work can influence posture, movement, and overall well-being.
Pilates helped me reconnect with my body, improve my posture, and create space to slow down amid a busy lifestyle. That experience still inspires how I teach today. I believe movement should feel both empowering and enjoyable. I aim to create a welcoming environment where you feel supported to move with confidence, challenge yourself when you're ready, and develop lasting strength, balance, and body awareness.
Whether you're new to Pilates or have years of experience, I hope each class leaves you feeling refreshed, capable, and more connected to your body. I teach in both English and Mandarin. When I'm not in the studio, you'll most likely find me practising aerial or enjoying time with my cavoodle.
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(English/Croatian)
I’m a 500-hour certified yoga teacher with the experienced teaching students of all levels. My classes are grounded in clarity, calm, and purposeful movement, with a strong focus on alignment, breath awareness, and the connection between strength and flexibility.
I aim to create a space where students feel supported, focused, and encouraged to move with intention. Each class is thoughtfully sequenced to help you deepen your practice in a safe and accessible way—whether you're building physical strength or seeking stillness and balance.
Yoga has had a deeply positive impact on my own life, and I’m grateful to share this practice with others. I look forward to guiding you through practices that help you feel steady, strong, and connected—both on and off the mat.
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(普通话/English)
I was an aerobics teacher in China. I found that practising yoga was really helpful in relieving my pressure both physically and mentally from my teaching job. I enjoyed how yoga helped me to improve my body alignment and mental stress more statically, rather than an intense activity.
With such thoughts in mind, after moving to Melbourne with my family, I began practising aerial yoga regularly at Little Mandarin. During my practice, I had a new cognition of aerial yoga that it is not just those hard poses and fancy moves. It taught me that we can look at things from different angles.
I was pregnant during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was a very difficult time for many of us. Yoga became my spiritual support. Although we couldn’t attend face-to-face lessons, I persisted in mat yoga on Zoom. After the birth, I could regain low silk alignment, which not just eased the stress from my upper back but also corrected lots of physical changes caused by my pregnancy. Meanwhile, I completed a small goal that I had always wanted to achieve: “aerial yoga training”. Thanks to Little Mandarin for giving me this opportunity to communicate and learn with others.
Namaste🙏
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(English/华语/粤语/Malay)
After experiencing the transformative benefits of Pilates during my postpartum recovery and throughout my pole dancing journey, I completed 500 hours of training with BASI and became a certified Pilates instructor. Movement has always played a vital role in my life—it heals me from the inside out.
My Pilates journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m constantly learning and refining my skills to offer thoughtful, effective guidance to my students.
To me, Pilates is more than just a workout—it’s a practice that integrates mental focus, physical strength, and a sense of inner balance. With consistent, mindful movement, you’ll begin to notice real improvements in your overall quality of life.
I’m truly excited to share my passion and knowledge with you in a space that’s safe, supportive, and welcoming.
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(English/粤语/普通话)
Being curious about how Pilates benefits our health, I began my Pilates journey when I was a fourth-year physiotherapy student. After two years of practice, I started to teach private and group Pilates in Macau.
As a physiotherapist, my speciality is movement analysis, and I am confident in providing clinical assessment as well as prescribing tailored exercise in a safe environment.
Pilates has been my one and only exercise for the past four years. I realize my own strengths and limitations by practicing Pilates therefore I am very keen to share this amazing art with people.
In my class, I encourage the integration of breathing, mind and body which allows my students to listen to and control themselves. It is always rewarding to see the progression of my students, and this is why I love teaching Pilates. Come to join our community and glow up together!
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(English/Russian/Vietnamese)
My wellness journey began with a passion for helping people achieve their best health through diet and nutrition. After completing my dietetics degree and working as a dietitian, I saw firsthand how eating a healthy, balanced diet can change lives. Witnessing these positive transformations was incredibly rewarding, but I wanted to do more – to help people move, feel, and live better. Recognising the powerful connection between nutrition and physical well-being, I decided to expand my expertise by becoming a Pilates instructor.
My clients are the reason I do what I do. Your progress, strength, and dedication inspire and fuel my passion every single day. Whether you aim to build strength, improve flexibility, or find balance in your busy life, I am here to support you and am excited to be part of your wellness journey.
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(English/华语/粤语/日本語)
My journey in aerial yoga began about 9 years ago when I discovered with the help of the silk as a prop and the inversion poses, I found relief from my natural body stiffness, enhanced by my desk job environment.
Over time, I found improvement in my mobility and flexibility through regular practice. I am grateful to be part of the Little Mandarin community and I aim to gift the benefits and joy of aerial yoga back to this community.
As I continue along with my yoga journey, I am humbled to share the positive energy of aerial yoga with you.
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(English/普通话)
I began practising yoga during university, initially as a way to stay active. Over time, and particularly through my experiences as a mother and a nurse, movement became much more meaningful to me. It became a way to better understand my body, find balance, and bring greater awareness into everyday life.
My journey into Aerial Yoga gave me a new sense of confidence, strength and freedom, eventually inspiring me to complete my teacher training and share this practice with others. Since then, I have also expanded my teaching into Reformer Pilates, where I continue to explore movement through alignment, control and body awareness.
I believe movement is not about pushing harder or achieving a perfect shape. In my classes, I encourage students to understand their own bodies, move with intention, and gradually develop strength, confidence and awareness through consistent practice.
Whether we are working on the Reformer or exploring movement in the hammock, I hope to create a supportive space where everyone can learn, explore and progress at their own pace — little by little.
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(English/普通话)
My Pilates journey began with a passion for understanding how movement can enhance well-being. Throughout my pregnancy and postpartum recovery, I practised Pilates consistently and experienced its profound benefits firsthand. Pilates played a vital role in strengthening my pelvic floor and aiding my recovery from diastasis recti, which further fueled my dedication to this practice.
With a solid foundation in Reformer Pilates and specialised certification in prenatal and postnatal Pilates, I am committed to supporting mothers through their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. My approach emphasises connecting the mind and body through precise movements and mindful breathing.
In my classes, I strive to create a nurturing environment where students can progress at their own pace. Pilates is more than just exercise; it’s a journey of self-discovery and potential. I look forward to sharing this path with you. Join me in class, and together, we’ll work towards your fitness goals!
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(English/普通话）
Since university, I have maintained a consistent habit of exercising. I started with half-marathons, then pursued systematic training in yoga instruction and Victoria’s Secret fitness programs after graduation, and now I’ve developed a deep passion for Pilates. These practices not only help me look younger than my peers but also relieve muscle tension and ease emotional anxiety.
I am truly grateful for my dedication to fitness over the years, as it has gradually become an integral part of my life. I hope we can all discover a better version of ourselves through movement and rekindle our passion for life!
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(English/普通话/日本語)
I fell in love with Pilates the moment I stepped onto the reformer. What started as a simple workout soon became a life-changing practice for me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Before discovering Pilates, I struggled with poor posture, chronic back pain, and a lack of body awareness. Through consistent practice, I gradually built a stronger core, improved my flexibility, and learned how to move with better alignment and control.
This journey inspired me to become a certified instructor, so I could share the incredible benefits of Pilates with others. Every time I teach, I’m reminded of how powerful mindful movement can be—not just for building strength, but for restoring balance, confidence, and calm in everyday life.
Whether you’re recovering from injury, seeking to improve posture, building functional strength, or simply finding space to breathe and reconnect with your body, Pilates offers a safe and powerful path forward and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s move, breathe, and grow stronger together!
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Hi, I'm Jiwon! I'm originally from South Korea and have over five years of Pilates teaching experience, with a strong foundation in Classical Pilates. I primarily teach private and duet sessions, taking a calm, patient and detail-oriented approach to every class. I enjoy helping clients understand the purpose behind each movement so they can move with confidence and greater body awareness. My goal is to create a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable, supported and encouraged throughout their Pilates journey.
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I'm a certified Pilates instructor with over a decade of personal experience practising reformer Pilates. My deep connection to the method inspired me to turn my passion into a profession, and I strive to create a welcoming studio environment where clients of all levels feel empowered and supported. With a focus on mindful movement, core strength, and alignment, I'm dedicated to helping others discover the transformative benefits of Pilates.
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(English/普通话）
Hi, I'm Bowie. Pilates has truly changed my life. For more than ten years, I struggled with chronic neck pain, and nothing seemed to help until I began practising Reformer Pilates consistently. Through mindful movement and body awareness, I regained strength, improved my posture, and finally found freedom from pain. I’m now expanding my professional training in prenatal and postnatal Pilates so I can better support clients who, like me, have faced physical challenges related to pregnancy and recovery. Pilates has been a powerful, transformative practice for me, and I’m passionate about helping others discover its strength, balance, and healing benefits.
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I'm Jasica, a certified Pilates instructor from New Zealand. I discovered my love for Pilates after moving to Melbourne and decided to pursue certification to deepen my understanding of its fundamentals and principles. I love the elegance and refinement of Pilates, and how it leaves me feeling stronger and more grounded after every session.
In my classes, I focus on mindful movement with a strong emphasis on control and alignment. I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where every client feels supported, whether you're new to Pilates or a seasoned regular.
My goal is for you to leave each class feeling energised, confident, and connected to your body. I look forward to seeing you in the studio!
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(English/Bahasa Indonesia)
I began my Pilates journey right here at Little Mandarin, and it’s truly been life-changing ever since. What started as a way to balance my gym and strength training soon grew into a deep passion for mindful movement and body awareness. The inspiring instructors here motivated me to take the leap into teaching so I could share that same spark with others. In my classes, you’ll find a welcoming, feel-good space where everyone, no matter your level or experience, can move, challenge yourself, and have fun along the way. I love offering variations so you can explore what feels best for your body. Pilates really is for every body, and I’m excited to help you discover your own rhythm, strength, and balance.
Together We Grow
Please submit your cover letter and CV to hello@littlemandarin.melbourne if you’d like to join our growing team.