Founded in 2011 in Lake Bonavista under its former name, Yoga For Health, CIY has become a hub for Iyengar Yoga in Calgary. We’ve been nourished and nurtured by the practice and our teachers, coming together from all four quadrants of the city. It has been a natural evolution for us to reside in a central location. In December 2023 we moved into our new Centre, built by friends and committed members of our community.

We are grateful and excited to continue to share the
inspiration of BKS Iyengar’s work.

Sharoni Fixler

Sharoni is the founder and co-director of CIY. Beginning her third decade of practice and study, Sharoni took her first workshop with Faeq Biria in 2007, who profoundly inspired her in the subject. Sharoni has a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy. She completed teacher training with Margot Kitchen in 2009 and has also practiced locally with Norman Sjoman and internationally with Faeq and Corine Biria. Sharoni continues regular training with Corine Biria and Jawahar Bangera. She has taken multiple trips to Pune, India, to study with the Iyengars and is an Assessor for the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC) and served a term as Membership Chair. Sharoni is a mentor for apprentices who are training to become certified teachers. She was on the editing team and was a demonstrator for Eyal Shifroni's book, Props for Yoga IV: Backbends. Sharoni brings intensity and heart to her classes and encourages dedication and insight. She holds a Level 3 Iyengar yoga teaching certification.

Deanna Oliphant

Deanna is the co-director of CIY and has a deep respect and passion for the tradition of Iyengar Yoga and the culturing of intelligence and wisdom in body, heart and mind. Deanna has been involved in the community and practicing for over a decade. She continues her studies with Corine Biria, Jawahar Bangera, Ty Chandler and Sharoni Fixler. Deanna holds a Level 1 certificate completed through the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC), mentored by Margot Kitchen and Sharoni Fixler. She served on the national Board of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada as Communications Chair. Deanna officially joined CIY in 2016, bringing her talent and commitment to business operations and marketing. Her teaching style is vibrant, sincere and fun.

Inga Norkute

Inga started taking yoga in 1994 in London Iyengar Yoga Institute where she mainly studied with June Whittaker Pisano. Soon yoga became a retreat for her in a busy London life providing stress relief as well as keeping the body strong and supple. Inga came to Calgary in 1999 and rediscovered Iyengar yoga at the Centre. She completed the Iyengar Pre-Teacher Training Program in 2013 as well as the Iyengar Teacher Training with Margot Kitchen. Inga holds an Level 2 certification completed through the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC).

Janet Harvie

Janet was introduced to Iyengar yoga in 1996 in Portland Oregon. Her initial teacher, Julie Lawrence, and Senior Teachers Mary Dunn and John Schumacher inspired her love for the method. She returned to Calgary in 2003 and, after a long search, finally found her yoga home at Calgary Iyengar Yoga. Janet sees the practice of yoga as a gateway to self-discovery and she continues to deepen her understanding of Iyengar Yoga by studying annually with John Schumacher and other senior teachers. She completed the Pre-Teacher Training program as well as the Calgary Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Program. Janet holds an Level 1 certification completed through the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC).

Maureen McGarry

Maureen began her exploration of yoga in the 70’s in B.C. and found Iyengar Yoga in 2005, a journey which would lead her to her teachers, Margot Kitchen and Sharoni Fixler, in 2009. The tradition took hold of Maureen through the teachings, the ‘work’ and the connection of the physical practice to the psychological and spiritual aspects. In 2013, she completed the Pre-Teacher Training Program and has also completed her Level 1 certification. Maureen is honoured to have studied with many senior teachers through the years, including Marlene Mawhinney, Shirley Daventry French, Jawahar Bangara and Marlene Miller. The teachings of Mr. Iyengar are steeped in knowledge and the science of the body and breath, a place where we should all begin. It is a practice of acceptance and intelligence and an opportunity to teach, share and learn.

Ana C. Herrera

Ana is a Chilean yoga practitioner with over fifteen years of learning. She studied under the guidance of José María Vigar and obtained her first certification in 2015. Later, she continued studying with Claudia Lagos and together they founded Gita Yoga in Santiago, Chile. In 2019 she was assessed by Lois Steinberg to obtain her Intermediate Junior I certificate. Ana furthered her commitment to the Iyengar Yoga community as a Chair, Vice President and Technical Committee Member of the Asociación Chilena de Yoga Iyengar. Her achievements include the organization of the Raya Uma Data and Abhijata Iyengar conventions in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Ana has visited Pune twice, having the honor of receiving Geeta Iyengar's last teachings at the Centennial Celebration of BKS Iyengar. Currently, Ana is working on a Master of Social Work at U of C and continues her Yoga learning under the guidance of Sharoni Fixler. She holds a Level 2 certificate with the Asociación Chilena de Yoga Iyengar.

Santiago Arribas Pican

Santi started taking yoga in 2001 at the Amsterdam Iyengar Yoga Institute where he mainly studied with Cle Souren. He moved to Calgary in 2013 and since then has been actively involved in the Iyengar yoga community. What draws Santi to this method is its accessibility. He believes that people of all ages and abilities should be able to practice yoga. Iyengar yoga is a lifelong journey, where consistent and sustained practice helps us better ourselves and connect us with the body, mind and soul. Santi now holds a Level 1 certification, completed through the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada under the guidance of Margot Kitchen and the Calgary Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Team.

Shelly Smith

Shelly has studied yoga since 1990 and since early retirement in 1997, she's had the opportunity to immerse herself in Iyengar Yoga. Shelly's love of being with people and sharing the joy of yoga has enabled her to see others' progress in practise and to give back to her community. She has taught early morning yoga classes at the Calgary YMCA since 1998. Studying with Sharoni Fixler, Shelly has learned the true meaning of yoga and its many blessings. She does not miss a worshop with Jawahar Bangara or Eyal Shifroni, and other senior Iyengar teachers, who we have so much to learn from. Yoga is beautiful, spiritual and humbling.

Ivi Cebrecos

Ivi started taking Iyengar yoga classes in 2010 in Spain. She had the opportunity to study with skilled Iyengar yoga teachers and participate in workshops and retreats. This grew her passion for yoga practice and philosophy. Ivi moved to Canada in 2016 and continued to develop in yoga. She completed her Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Program in 2020 with Margot Kitchen and Calgary Teacher Training Team. Ivi is a Level I certified teacher with the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada and is currently working toward her Level II certificate. She has studied with many senior teachers including Zubin Zarthoshtimanesh, Jawahar Bangera, Eyal Shifroni and Marlene Mawhinney. Ivi is passionate about education and teaching. She is also a high school teacher with the public school board.

Carolyn Badger

Carolyn is a dedicated and certified Iyengar yoga teacher with a passion for the transformative potential
of this ancient practice. With over 10 years experience Carolyn has been trained in the teachings of B.K.S
Iyengar with an emphasis on alignment and the use of props to create a deep understanding of the
asanas. Cultivating a strong foundation and promoting mindful awareness of body and breath students can unlock the full potential of their practice fostering physical strength, flexibility and mental clarity. Carolyn completed the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada Level 1 Teacher Training Program with Margot Kitchen and the Calgary Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Team in 2021. Along with teaching and a regular practice Carolyn continuously seeks growth and inspiration by attending workshops with senior Iyengar teachers.

Yvonne Abusow

Yvonne Abusow was introduced to Iyengar yoga in 2008 in Regina while working towards her first university degree. When she returned to Calgary she discovered Calgary Iyengar Yoga and has been practicing here since 2013. Yvonne holds a Level 1 certificate. She spends a great deal of time working with youth as a teacher with the public school board, as an instructor for Summer Film Camps and as a high school Senior Boys Volleyball coach. Yvonne has experienced many positive mental and physical benefits of practicing yoga and is delighted to be able to bring the practice to young people so they too can experience the benefits.

Lynne Swenson

Lynne has been a student of yoga since 2000 and a teacher since 2007. She completed her Level 1 certification in 2016 through the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC). Lynne is passionate about Iyengar yoga because of its emphasis on balancing alignment with strength, stability and flexibility, offering access to contentment and integration through the practice. Students appreciate Lynne's open and caring approach, enthusiasm, precise instruction and knowledge of the subject. She is a full-time Iyengar yoga teacher and teaches classes for the visually impaired, a program offered by The Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind (ASRAB) and the Canadian Council for the Blind (CCB).

Melanie Batycky

Melanie Batycky fell in love with Iyengar yoga after a 17 year career as a professional ballet dancer with The San Francisco Ballet, Alberta Ballet, and Lines Ballet of San Francisco. She completed her first yoga teacher training in 2012 under the guidance of the Calgary Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Team. Over the years, she has attended many workshops with senior Iyengar teachers in both the United States and Canada. Melanie has found that the benefits of yoga go much deeper than just the physical body, as there is a transformation on both the mental and spiritual levels as well. Melanie holds a Level 1 certification completed through the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada.

Tracy Scott-Cooper

Tracy moved to Calgary in 1997 for her first love, aviation and was so excited to finally do this thing called yoga. She has never looked back. Tracy started taking classes at the Calgary Yoga Center and then the Yoga Studio South and practicing at home with VHS and DVD. Yoga changed her life; and it continues to and, on many occasions, she can say it has even saved her! Tracy has studied with many teachers and began her first teacher training program in 2002 and completed her Level 1 Iyengar yoga teaching certification in 2015. She deeply respects the depth of knowledge, structure and consistency of the teachings and the teachers of Iyengar yoga while trusting the wisdom and self awareness this practice promises. Now a mother of twin boys, Tracy’s practice is often in the kitchen, with her kiddos trying to reach their foot to the counter as she does. In practice, Tracy feels free, grounded, calm, and joyful. She is grateful for each pose practiced, taught and seen.

Jody Crowther

Jody discovered Iyengar yoga in the 90's at a studio in North Vancouver and immediately realized both physical and mental benefits of the practice. Always having thought of herself as a "very inflexible" person with constant hip and back pain since childhood, she experienced that Iyengar yoga always offered a way to support her practice by the creative use of props and careful attention to proper alignment and technique. When her family moved to Calgary in 2008, she sought out a local Iyengar studio and found Calgary Iyengar Yoga. She now helps to support the studio's Prop Shop (she really loves props!) as Merch Coordinator and is studying under the mentorship of Sharoni Fixler. Jody is also the Reception Team Lead.

Kristin Ross

Kristin began the practice of Iyengar yoga in January of 2020 with CIY. A self described "studio hopper", she was hooked by the attention to detail, personal support and alignment adjustments of Iyengar yoga. Two years later and Kristin is now a member of the CIY team! You can experience her cheerful and helpful demeanor at the centre during weekday evenings and in class. Kristin is excited to continue on with her studies of the practice and one day wishes to teach the subject.

Megan Stride

I was introduced to Iyengar Yoga in February 2022 at CIY. After practicing yoga of different styles, here and there over the years, I was delighted to have found CIY. Between the attention to detail, the focus on mind and body, and the information given on the anatomy of poses, I fell in love with Iyengar Yoga instantly. I’m very grateful to have found CIY and the community of Iyengar Yoga. I look forward to expanding my knowledge of the practice and to one day teach.

Jennifer Day

Jenn has been a student of yoga for over 20 years with experience in a number of yoga traditions. In 2014, she took her practice deeper and completed a 200 hour Iyengar influenced teacher training. Since joining the CIY Studio Management Team, she’s enjoying learning and supporting multiple areas of the Centre. She credits yoga for helping to move her into a deeper understanding of her Self and her Body.

Pam Tokariuk

Pam discovered yoga over a decade ago and completed a 200-hour Iyengar-influenced Hatha yoga teacher training program in 2023. Her yoga studies are ongoing and she has discovered great wisdom within the practice. Pam recognizes a deeper calling to her continued growth and evolution through the practice. She loves structure and the way that props can be used to support and enhance the practice in Iyengar yoga. Pam joined CIY in 2023 in an administrative capacity and is enjoying the wonderful community connections she is developing.

Lenka Kotrcova

Coming soon.

Kateryna Savych