MEET THE TEAM

OWNER & DIRECTOR

Antoniette has been an Educator for all of her adult life. From teaching at various Montessori Schools to leading yoga classes at local Yoga Studios, education has always been her passion. She began her yoga journey during a trip to Thailand while studying Traditional Thai Massage in the mid 1990's. After completing her Yoga Teacher Training in 2000, Antoniette began teaching seniors, adults and children Yoga. Antoniette was one of the first teachers to introduce yoga into the classroom and has been a pioneer in introducing yoga to both public and private schools. Her passion is driven by a desire to help people find peace in their bodies and minds. Whether it is leading a Hatha Flow Yoga class, a relaxing Restorative or Yin Yoga class, Antoniette is at home teaching and leading others through this ancient practice.

TEACHER

Alex has been practicing Bikram Yoga since 2007 when she first discovered it while in Tokyo. Immediately falling in love with the practice, she attended the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in 2008 in Acapulco Mexico. Currently, Alex is studying to become an Osteopath here in Hamilton at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, learning in depth anatomy, physiology and manual medicine. Her experience with Bikram Yoga is that it is extremely powerful and healing, and with a regular practice, will do wonders for your immune, digestive and lymphatic systems, metabolism, sleep, stress levels, depression, and so much more. I do my very best to make the classes I teach dynamic, motivating, educational and inspiring by drawing on all my personal experiences.

TEACHER

Alex began training as a classical ballerina. This was her initial exposure to movement and expression, and she developed a love for the discipline and focus of ballet.

After she retired her ballet slippers, she dipped her toes in many other physical disciplines. She is a firm believer that perseverance and strength of the mind translates directly to almost limitless potential in the body.

Alex’s classes are like a box of chocolates, you never really know what you’re going to get. All that you need in her class is your body, and a mindset to persevere.

Alex currently works out of three clinics in Hamilton, and Dundas as a Manual Osteopathic Practitioner (M.OMSc.)

TEACHER

Aly is our creative soul! She brings a lighthearted spirit to our studio with music and creativity. Aly guides a unique Bikram practice bringing in her various modalities. Sound bowls, healing tones, and an Express (60 mins) Bikram class is the BEST way to start your day!

Ashley is a self-professed yoga junkie. Her yoga journey started over 10 years ago when a friend coaxed her into a hot yoga class. She has committed to a regular practice ever since. 

In 2017, Ashley took the plunge and became a certified yoga instructor. Core to her philosophy is that yoga isn't about touching your toes—it's about what you learn on the way down. Ashley puts this philosophy into practice to make yoga accessible to practitioners of all shapes and sizes. 

TEACHER

Jane’s foundational career was as a kindergarten teacher. She practiced yoga for over 20 years before becoming an instructor 5 years ago. Jane guides a gentle traditional Hatha class on Thursday mornings. When we asked her to consider the Baby & Me program, she was honoured. Jane takes care to ensure her programs are safe, and engaging for both mom and baby. Jane’s understanding of movement, body, and mind, makes her the perfect perinatal guide. Join her in the fall for a Prenatal session!

TEACHER

Katie first fell in love with yoga in London, England where time on the mat became a daily refuge from the hustle and bustle of big city life. In time, yoga became a gateway to an entirely new path. First journeying to India to embark on a yoga teacher training program, then traveling to New Zealand to create a community yoga class in the mountains. Katie moved to Ontario and became a full-time yoga teacher in 2018 and is now in her final year at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton.

Katie hopes to bring a sense of fun, creativity and joy to her classes. Students are invited to move with ease, integrity and grace as they embrace a personal practice which leaves them refreshed, invigorated and full of self-acceptance.

TEACHER

Kristen Parise is a Registered Physiotherapist with over 22 years of experience and additional training in Pelvic Health and Pediatric Physiotherapy, as well as a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, and a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University.

Kristen teaches the hot HIIT class on Wednesday nights. She encourages you to push your limits and build strength, but to do so at your own pace.

Away from the clinic, Kristen enjoys cross-fit and yoga and is the proud mom of two boys.

TEACHER

Lindsay is a high energy instructor you will see guiding Hot HIIT, Flow, Stretch and Unwind, and Baby & Me! She has been a long time member of the studio and loves to attend the 26&2 Bikram classes.

She is the proud Mama of Odette, the studio’s youngest Bikram student!

Lindsay has been practicing yoga and meditation for the past 12 years and understands firsthand the benefits of yoga on the mind, spirit, and body. Passionate about making yoga accessible to everyone, Lindsay loves helping others experience the joy of the practice within the vibrant and welcoming community of Dundas Yoga & Fitness.

A 500-hour RYT graduate from Heal Evolve Thrive, Lindsay holds a Trauma-Informed Movement and Presence Level 2 certification. With a background in movement education, Lindsay integrates this knowledge with yoga to support others in moving and learning. Currently completing a Foundations in Applied Mindfulness Certificate from the University of Toronto, Lindsay also enjoys teaching meditation in the community.

TEACHER

May is a certified Yoga and Pilates/Fitness instructor, qualified to teach students of every level. May says: “Teaching and continued practice has given me a foundation for my life and I try to take what we practice in the hot room into my life: compassion, discipline, humility, patience and honesty. I am so glad to be back at Dundas Yoga and Fitness and look forward to seeing you all in the hot room!”

TEACHER

Shanel discovered yoga through her first love, dance. While completing her BFA in dance at York University she took to her yoga mat to stretch, strengthen and release stress. Over the years of practice, Shanel found yoga did more than fulfill her love for movement, it also became a spiritual journey showing her a deeper connection to the body and soul.

Shanel enjoys teaching flow classes allowing the inspiration of dance and her love of movement guide her. As well, Shanel is a Reiki Master Teacher who loves to bring her passion for the healing arts together with asana in a Reiki Flow.

FIT MOM Teacher

Torey is a certified Lesmills fitness instructor, former personal trainer and triathlete coach. Early in her career, Torey decided to continue to share her admiration and appreciation for exercise by teaching group fitness. She loves to motivate athletes from the stage and has enjoyed creating safe and fun postpartum workouts.

As a busy mom, kindergarten teacher and avid runner, Torey thrives on the grind and hustle of everyday life. She is happiest in the classroom and in the studio and can’t wait to share her passion for fitness. Torey will be teaching a mom and baby fitness class on Monday mornings and is looking forward to meeting new moms and their babies!

STRETCH & SURRENDER, YOGA FLOW

Shaista’s journey with yoga began in high school, though it wasn’t until she moved to Hamilton that it became a regular part of her life. With a naturally curious spirit, she explored different styles, teachers, and approaches, quickly realizing that yoga was something she wanted to understand more deeply and eventually share with others.

In 2023, she embarked on her yoga teacher training, initially to enrich her own practice. But as her passion grew, so did her desire to guide others in discovering the benefits of yoga. Shaista’s approach is rooted in creating space for stillness and presence, whether through dynamic, effortful flows or slow, intentional movement. Her classes invite you to connect with your breath, tune into your body, and find a sense of ease—both on and off the mat.

NADA YOGA, VINYASA

Monika Benkovic is a yoga teacher specializing in Nada Yoga (the yoga of sound and vibration) and Vinyasa flow. With extensive training in both Canada and India, she blends movement, breath, and sound to create immersive experiences.

Monika is passionate about guiding students toward greater self-awareness and connection, whether through dynamic asana practice or the meditative power of sound. Her classes are rooted in tradition while embracing modern approaches, making yoga accessible and inspiring for all.

TEACHER

In the early 2000s, Tim developed a consistent home yoga practice, drawing on books and his background in movement and energy from his youth as a martial arts enthusiast.

In 2011, he discovered Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, which inspired him to pursue a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) at Toronto’s Downward Dog Yoga Studio under the guidance of Ron Reid. Upon completing his training, Tim began assisting in the Mysore program at Downward Dog.

In 2015, he made his first journey to KPJAYI—now Sharath Yoga Center—in Mysore, India, to study with Sharath Jois, the grandson of Ashtanga yoga founder K. Pattabhi Jois. While in India, Tim also studied with BNS Iyengar, one of the few remaining students of Krishnamacharya, a pioneer of modern yoga.

Tim’s teaching blends tradition with evolution, fostering an open dialogue with students to support their individual progress. His classes incorporate verbal and visual cues, along with hands-on adjustments, to cultivate growth and balance for both novice and advanced practitioners.

With over 500 hours of training and many years of dedicated practice and teaching in the Ashtanga and Hatha traditions, Tim brings depth, experience, and insight to his instruction.