MELISSA PERRET

In 2004 I discovered yoga in South Korea. I practiced a Hatha Yoga daily for many years. When I moved back to Edmonton, I began teaching in hatha and vinyassa 2008. I continue to teach, practice and study with vigour everyday.

I’ve been practicing Ashtanga Yoga daily since 2012, with ongoing studies in Mysore, India, and assisting intensives in Goa. Since 2017, I’ve led a Mysore program in Edmonton, supporting students to develop patience, strength, and self-awareness through this traditional method.My teaching is rooted in consistency, care, and respect for each student’s unique journey.

For a full list of my trainings and certifications, scroll to bottom.

JEFF JOHNSON

My yoga journey began in 2012, when I took a class with my daughter and immediately loved how it made my body and mind feel. After completing my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with the Institute of Inner Source in 2017, I was drawn to the discipline and focus of Ashtanga, eventually joining Melissa’s Mysore program in 2018—and I’ve been hooked ever since!

With over 35 years of experience in health care as a pharmacist and professor at the University of Alberta, I bring a deep understanding of health, anatomy, and physiology into my teaching. I believe true health includes physical, mental, and social well-being—and yoga supports them all.

When I’m not practicing or teaching at EAC, I lead warm vinyasa flow classes in St. Albert. I’m also proud to serve as a Lululemon Ambassador, connecting with community to share my love of yoga and holistic health. I’m grateful to be part of the EAC teaching team!

MARIA HYRAK

Not long after retiring from a life in dance, I found my way to yoga. I was immediately drawn to its quiet depth and steadiness, and deeply moved by yoga as both a philosophy and a way of life beyond a sequence of postures.The eight limbs offered a living framework where my lifeintuitively and naturally found expression.

In 2016, I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Sacred Seed Yoga. In 2018, I stepped into my first Ashtanga class. It was the most intense, physically demanding, and captivating yoga I had ever experienced, and from that moment, I knew there was no turning back. I’ve maintained a steady Mysore practice ever since, pulled daily towards finding stillness, breath, and the transformation this practice insists on - unyielding, brutal and real.

My dog Laddy has been my constant companion throughout my ashtanga journey, offering support, assists, and love, and keeping me centered through each new challenge. I am deeply grateful to be a part of the EAC community, and it’s a true privilege to support Melissa. Her unwavering encouragement and belief in me have guided my ashtanga journey,and I am lucky to have her as a friend and mentor. Outside the studio, Laddy and I are learning to paddle board together

Mel’s Trainings

2008

200 hour Kshatriya Teacher Training

I completed my initial 200-hour teacher training at“Lion’s Breath” yoga. It offered a comprehensive exposure to all aspects of yoga. In 2010, I joined Yogalife Studios for my first teaching gig there and never looked back.

2012

300 Hour Tattvaa YogaShala in the Ashtanga Yoga Tradition

In 2012,I studied intensively in Rishikesh, India focusing on Primary and Intermediate Series, Pranayama, Philosophy and assists for 3.5 months. It was there that my passion unfolded

2014

200 Hour Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjalim

Deepening my studies of Ashtanga yoga, I was introduced to David Robson of Ashtanga Yoga Toronto, who was a guest for many sessions. His passion for the practice captivated me and I have been a devoted student since.Following the traditional Parampara method, I practice and learn directly from the source every year.

2018

100 Hour Assisting School Ashtanga Yoga Toronto

Learning safe and affective techniques to guide students in poses with David Robson and Jelena Vesic. We practiced as an assistant in his Mysore room, learned in depth anatomy with Arielle Nash, and studied philosophy of Ashtanga.

2021

25 Hour Yoga & Social Justice Course

I completed a 50 hour workshop with Shanna Small about Social Justice and Inclusivity. It heightened my awareness of areas i need for growth in becoming a more inclusive teacher.

2023 and 2025

Went to Mysore, India to immerse myself in Mysore/ Ashtanga with Sharathji in October and November.

More Training & Things to Know

David Robson of Ashtanga Yoga Toronto has been my teacher since 2012.

March 2023, 2024 and 2025 I assisted David and Jelena in Purple Valley, Goa for a 2 week Ashtanga retreat.

I have taken workshops with Fiona Stang, Janet Hawkins, Kino MacGregor, Shanna Small, Michael Guiou and many other teachers throughout the years.