Shahana Yasmin

Lead Teacher

With a background in coaching, mentoring and teaching, Shahana’s enthusiasm, passion and commitment to the path of yoga (and the 121Urbanhotyoga studio) was rewarded when the Teacher Training school was established in 2017 and she was asked to be one of the lead teachers.

With over 20 years of experience and practice across various forms of yoga, Shahana’s passion and commitment shine through in her role. Her extensive teaching experience spans over 10 years of full-time dedication to sharing the transformative power of yoga with others.

Shahana’s teaching philosophy revolves around empowering her students to explore, experiment, and challenge themselves both on and off the mat. She encourages a holistic approach, where students are urged to delve into self-exploration, discussions, and readings to uncover their true potential.

As a mentor, Shahana fosters a supportive and nurturing environment where trainees feel empowered to push past their limitations and embrace growth. The training course not only equips students with the skills to become exceptional yoga teachers but also instills a sense of camaraderie and resilience that extends far beyond the studio walls.

Shahana’s greatest joy lies in witnessing the success of the students as they graduate and embark on their own teaching journeys. Her role extends beyond the classroom, as she continues to mentor and support her graduates throughout their careers.

Shahana holds a RYT350hr certification and is trained in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Rocket Yoga, Mandala Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga. She is a proud member of Yoga Alliance.org, embodying the highest standards of professionalism and expertise in her field. Additionally, her background in Sport and Exercise Science, coupled with numerous sports and coaching awards, adds depth and richness to her teaching approach.

Join Shahana and her team on the path to self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation. Whether you’re beginning your yoga journey or seeking to deepen your practice, their guidance will inspire and uplift you every step of the way.

Maggie Adesanya

Lead Teacher

I am a fun-loving yoga instructor, eclectic story teller with over 20 years of experience helping clients on their path to wellness. I am a member of Yoga Alliance, a British Wheel of Yoga Representative, I have a BA (Hons) in Health Promotion and I am one of the Lead Teacher’s at Yoga Teacher Training Essex, 121 Urban Hot Yoga a Yoga Alliance Registered School.  As an instructor, I am most rewarded when my clients achieve their goals, especially those who transition to pain-free movements and achieve increased mobility.  My students have a very high success rate on the Teacher Training Program, where all have become successful instructors in their own right.

I began my journey in fitness but quickly realised I wanted to teach yoga which deep down I always knew was my passion. I incorporate a unique fitness-based approach with a style of yoga characterised by stringing postures together so that those practising move from one to another seamlessly whilst using the breath.

When teaching Hatha yoga I like to encompass an upbeat element to all my classes incorporating a mixture of yang and yin. There is and always has to be a fun element to yoga.  In my practice I always strive to inspire others with meaningful exchanges and quotes that can provide spiritual clarity throughout the day. 

I always aspire to instil confidence so that students can achieve their best and believe in themselves. I am a firm believer there is no such word as “cant”. Rather “you are not quite there yet”.

For me Yoga is the key of life.

SHANEL NOLAN

Teacher

Shanel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our community, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her on board. Shanel’s passion for yoga and dedication to teaching align perfectly with our mission of providing comprehensive and transformative education to aspiring yoga teachers.

Shanel has been an integral part of our studio since 2018, enchanting students with her transformative classes that continue to flourish.  We are delighted to be able to welcome her to our YTT Team as of 2024! Working alongside our lead teachers, Shahana Yasmin and Maggie Adesanya, to further enrich our training programs. Her passion for yoga and dedication to teaching align perfectly with our mission of providing comprehensive and transformative education to aspiring yoga teachers.

As a versatile teacher, Shanel effortlessly weaves together her expertise in Anusara, Yin, Rocket, Mandala, and Prenatal Yoga to create immersive and enriching experiences for her class students.

Rooted in meditation training, Shanel infuses her classes with mindfulness and presence, guiding students through dynamic flows and introspective holds. Whether leading invigorating Rocket sequences or gentle Yin sessions, Shanel empowers her students to cultivate strength, flexibility, and inner peace. Her dedication to each student’s journey is evident in the way she creates a safe and nurturing space for self-discovery and transformation in her classes, to which will also reflect in her Teacher Training.

Shanel’s unique perspective and teaching style will greatly benefit our upcoming teacher training sessions. Her presence will undoubtedly enhance the depth and quality of our programs, offering our students invaluable insights and guidance on their yoga teacher training  journey.

DAWN PELLICCI

Teacher

Dawn brings a profound dedication to her classes and a genuine desire to share its transformative power with others.

Dawn’s journey with yoga began in 2013  while recovering from injuries sustained during her years of playing and coaching team sports. Joining us as a student in our scheduled classes, Yoga became her sanctuary, guiding her through a shift in mindset from constant pushing to self-care and introspection. Through yoga, Dawn discovered the importance of honoring oneself and cultivating a deep connection with the inner self.

Having completed her teacher training at our school in 2018, Dawn found herself not only welcomed into our community but embraced as an essential part of it and has been teaching classes with us ever since. She considers herself a lifelong student on a continuous yoga journey, always eager to learn and grow.

We was pleased to welcome Dawn as part of our teacher training team in 2023, her teaching philosophy revolves around creating a space where students can challenge themselves while honoring their bodies and minds.

With a background in Ashtanga Vinyasa and a passion for creative flows, Rocket, Mandala, inversions, and arm balances, Dawn offers a diverse array of styles to her students in class and teacher training.

To anyone hesitant about starting their yoga journey, Dawn extends a heartfelt invitation to take the first step and experience the many gifts that yoga has to offer. She believes wholeheartedly in the transformative power of yoga and is excited to share its countless benefits with others.