About
Hi, I’m Ella, a Yoga Therapist & Yoga Teacher of adults, children and teens based in the North-East of England.
My passion lies in making yoga inclusive, accessible and meaningful for people of all abilities and needs. I believe yoga therapy is most effective when it is adapted to the individual, rather than expecting the individual to fit the practice.
I discovered yoga at around 19, but the real turning point came when I found a daily practice during a difficult chapter in my life. It soon became apparent to me that yoga was just as much about the mental and emotional benefits as it was about the physical, and I felt a calling to learn more and share these benefits with others.
After completing my yoga teacher training, I discovered Yoga Therapy and its individualised approach immediately resonated with me. I was drawn to the opportunity to listen, understand each person’s needs and use yoga in a way that could genuinely support their wellbeing.
My own journey as a parent has also shaped the direction of my work. When my son was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD after years of waiting for support, I experienced first-hand some of the challenges faced by children, young people and their families. This led me, almost by happy accident, to begin teaching yoga in schools where I worked with children and teens with anxiety, ADHD and autism through groups and 1:1 support. I loved this work and went on to undertake specialist training in children’s yoga for diverse abilities and complex needs, alongside further training in teen yoga.
In 2025 my life took another unexpected turn when I lost my Mum to cancer and shortly afterwards, was diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer myself. What followed was one of the most challenging chapters of my life – grief, treatment, surgery, and a period of deep rest and healing. During this time yoga therapy became more than my profession; it became my lifeline. I experienced first-hand what it truly means to use these practices not just as a therapist, but as a patient navigating serious illness, physical change and the emotional complexity that comes with it.
These experiences have profoundly shaped who I am as a therapist. I now bring not only my training and qualifications, but also a lived understanding of what it means to navigate additional needs, illness, uncertainty and change. My practice moves forward with renewed purpose: offering compassionate, practical and individualised support and helping people discover tools that meet them where they are and support them towards great wellbeing.
Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.”
BKS Iyengar
What's the difference between Yoga and Yoga Therapy?
Yoga therapy differs from yoga in several ways:
It has a clearly defined scope of practice based on educational standards, accreditation of training programmes, and certification of therapists.
It is context sensitive, grounded in ancient wisdom and integrated with scientific knowledge. It may be preventive, restorative, palliative or curative and therefore adaptable to any patient care setting from prenatal to the end of life.
One is not better than the other, they simply have different purposes.
Yoga Class
Instruction in yoga techniques
General practice, often fitness-oriented
Limited individual adaptations
Community practice
Yoga therapy session
Individual assessment, formal intake
Address specific concern(s)
Practices tailored to client goals
Individual empowered with self-healing
Therapeutic relationship, possibly within a group
As an IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist I have completed an additional 1000 hours of training on top of my yoga teacher training, acquiring skills and practical experience to enable me to work holistically with all brains, bodies and abilities. I have received in depth training in anatomy, physiology and mental health, which allows me with your permission to interact with other healthcare professionals effectively and competently, and suggest referrals when needed.
My Children’s Yoga Teacher Certification is Special Needs registered with an emphasis on inclusion and accessibility for children and teens with diverse needs and backgrounds. I have also completed additional training on supporting the perfectionist, people pleasing, highly sensitive teen through the use of yoga, somatic practices and expressive arts.
At first I was very sceptical if yoga therapy could help me but I am sceptical no more. I am so grateful for everything Ella has done for me, especially the personalised exercises and breathing; helping me to age more healthily. Thank you Ella.
Pauline D