SHALA Teachers
At SHALA, we are a collective that values depth over trend. Our teachers are distinguished by their passion, extensive training, and dedication to the practice of yoga. Each teacher brings their unique expertise, deep understanding of yoga principles, and a commitment to creating a meaningful experience for every student. Their diverse knowledge across various styles ensure classes are inclusive, and tailored to meet a variety of needs and preferences. At SHALA, you can trust that every teacher is devoted to guiding you with skill and experience. Learn more about our teachers below.
Jessica Mysko - Studio Director - 500 E-RYT
Jess is a yoga teacher, women's circle facilitator and an aspiring psychologist studying full-time at the University of Manchester. She is also training with Dr Scott Lyons in somatic movement and breathwork for trauma, deepening her understanding of how the body holds and releases experience. Committed to exploring the intricate connections between mind and body, her interest in mental wellbeing fuels her desire to create a safe and supportive space within her classes, where you can find both physical strength and self-discovery.
Charlotte
Charlotte is a Vinyasa, Power and Yin yoga teacher with over six years of teaching experience. She’s your go-to teacher if you’re looking to push boundaries with your body, master arm balances, or explore going upside down. As a qualified Shiatsu masseuse, she also brings a deep understanding of body mechanics and energy flow into her practice and teaching. Off the mat, find Charlotte enjoying the beauty of nature, travelling to new places or soaking in the energy of Manchester’s music scene.
Jess Birchall
Jess is a yoga teacher focused on optimising movement for everyday life. With a passion for anatomy and functional movement, her classes blend various yoga styles, including Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yin, and Mandala Vinyasa. She encourages students to listen to their bodies, explore their practice, and enjoy the mental and physical benefits of movement. Outside of teaching, Jess incorporates the principles of yoga to support and enhance her running and climbing and can often be found in nature on a hike or wild swimming.
Helen Kay
Helen is a yoga teacher and professional actress with over 30 years experience in the performing arts. Having practiced Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Sattva yoga, she found yoga to be her anchor during challenging times. After a career-altering injury and a slow recovery, Helen found Sattva Yoga which was the catalyst for her to train as a teacher. Training under Anand Mehrotra in Rishikesh, India, and Jeff Lester in London, she deepened her practice, allowing her to share transformational teachings with others.
Ash Phocou
Ash specialises in Mandala, Power, and Vinyasa Flow. She is drawn to dynamic, flowing movement, especially the creativity of Mandala practice, travelling around the mat and connecting with the elements. Alongside her love of movement, Ashley finds deep joy in music and sound, and is currently training in sound healing. For Ash, yoga is a space to connect with herself and nature, and she feels grateful to share that experience with others through her classes.
Charlotte Nolan
Charlotte is a mother of two young children and a passionate advocate for mind-body movement. She began practising Pilates around eight years ago when she was seeking a low-impact form of exercise. Her love for Pilates grew during her pregnancy with her daughter, as it brought her immense benefits. This experience inspired her to become a certified instructor so she could help others experience the same transformative impact. Charlotte teaches both mat and reformer Pilates and is a firm believer in the life-changing benefits of regular practice.
Mimi Wilsher
Mimi is trained in Ashtanga and Hatha yoga, having completed her teacher training in Rishikesh, India. She loves practicing and experimenting with various styles to discover what feels most aligned for her. Her classes blend creative, flowing yoga with meditation and breathwork, building toward a peak pose while always allowing time for that essential final relaxation.
Yoga has always been a space for Mimi to reconnect with herself, and she’s deeply grateful to be able to offer that same experience to others.
Tamara Gwen
Tam specialises in Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa and Mandala Yoga and has a deep love for exploring yogic philosophy. Discovering yoga helped Tam to find a connection to her body when she needed to the most. Through many stages in life and especially entering motherhood, Yoga has always been a friend and a teacher. In class, Tam encourages you to honour your body while exploring your edges in a nurturing way. Off the mat Tam finds joy in combining her love for being in nature with creative practices.