— Meet our team
Real teachers.
Helping you succeed.
We have a great team on board! Read more about us and our amazing yoga teachers below.
Are you interested in working and teaching with us? Send us an email.
Rebecca Harford
Founder & Owner
Yoga & Pilates Teacher, BPHED Otago
I’m Rebecca, the founder of Adapted. And to be completely honest, I’m the person who thought they would never, ever belong in a yoga class.
When I first started, I felt too stiff. Too uncoordinated. Certainly not cool enough. And I was definitely not into anything "woo-woo."
Everything changed when I met clinical, high-empathy teachers who met my body exactly where it was. I quickly realized I didn't need to touch my toes, I didn't need a perfectly quiet "Zen-like" mind, and I never had to feel out of place.
By combining my Bachelor of Physical Education (BPHED) from Otago University with deep, therapeutic movement principles, I discovered that true yoga is simply a pathway from physical awareness to deep internal connection.
More than 20 years later, I am still teaching, still learning, and still living my dream. My mission remains completely unchanged: stripping away the intimidation of fitness culture and supporting everyday people across Christchurch to find happier joints, calmer minds, and a welcoming place to belong.
Yoga Teacher
Menna Harries
Home Venue: Church Corner
Hi there, my name is Menna and I am a yoga and Pilates teacher here at Adapted Yoga and Pilates. My classes are about having fun, connecting in with yourself and connecting with others. Let us discover what you and your marvellous body can do, whether you are managing an injury, medical conditions or would like to feel more mobile and agile, come join us on the mat to feel refreshed and rejuvenated!
Yoga Teacher
Lisa King
Home Venue: Church Corner & Halswell
I’ve been teaching yoga with Adapted for a number of years and love how our community completely embraces every single body that walks through the door. My teaching style is centred on building confidence, mobility and strength through a combination of individual poses and flow sequences, allowing you to focus on the mind, breath, & body, and achieve a truly connected and grounded practice at your own pace. Whether you are stepping onto the mat for the first time, are a seasoned practitioner, or are recovering from an injury, my room is a safe and inviting space for you. I can't wait to welcome you to class soon!
Yoga Teacher
Olga Sergiienko
Home Venue: Church Corner, Halswell, The Tannery
I love to help people slow down, step out of the daily rush, and reconnect their breath with mindful movement. In my classes, I slow the pace down, giving you all the time you need to find a correct, comfortable alignment that actually feels good in your body. By offering clear adaptations, I create a supportive space where you can adjust, breathe, and simply explore at your own speed. See you on the mat!
Pilates Teacher
Natalie Pantos
Home Venue: Halswell
I love teaching Pilates at Adapted because I get to connect with people and guide them back into their bodies — helping them feel stronger, more present and more at home in themselves.
My teaching style is grounded in strong foundations, clear and specific cueing, and rhythmic, unique combinations that flow seamlessly from one movement to the next.
For me, Pilates is also about celebrating the beauty of movement and celebrating the joy it brings. There’s nothing quite like that feeling when movement clicks — especially when it comes with a good laugh or giggle along the way!
I love creating a space where you can move with purpose, discover what your body can do, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
My teaching style is grounded in strong foundations, clear and specific cueing, and rhythmic, unique combinations that flow seamlessly from one movement to the next.
For me, Pilates is also about celebrating the beauty of movement and celebrating the joy it brings. There’s nothing quite like that feeling when movement clicks — especially when it comes with a good laugh or giggle along the way!
I love creating a space where you can move with purpose, discover what your body can do, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Yoga Teacher
Anita Smith
Home Venue: The Tannery
I really enjoy teaching at Grassroots because it's a lovely space and the students that come along are always so friendly and enthusiastic! My teaching style is warm, supportive and mindful with an emphasis on connecting with your breath and body, whilst maintaining a sense of fun. I truly believe that yoga should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, therefore I offer various options and encourage you to make the practice your own. Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practising for years, there’s a place for you in my class. I can’t wait to see you on the mat!
Yoga Teacher
Jesse Burns
Home Venue: The Tannery
I love working with students who are curious about their yoga practice and interested in building self-awareness and confidence in their own experience. Using tools such as mindful alignment, pranayama (breath practices) and myofascial release (self massage), I offer a space for you to explore different aspects of movement and stillness on the mat. My classes invite you to play in your practice, step away from the day-to-day, and foster joy while feeling good in your body and mind.
Yoga Teacher
Claudia Campbell
Home Venue: Halswell & The Tannery
Kia ora koutou! I have a passion for supporting students to reconnect to their bodies and mind through yoga. I aim to support students in nourishing the mind body connection and awareness through my yoga classes, focusing on self-awareness, breath, and intention with movement. I specialise in teaching intentional classes for students with injuries, limited movement, prenatal/postnatal, and more
Yoga & Pilates Teacher
Islay Harley
Home Venue: Halswell & Covers
I'm a Yoga and Pilates instructor passionate about making movement accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for every body. I love helping people with busy minds, beginners, and anyone wanting to reconnect with themselves through movement. I specialise in accessible Yoga and Pilates, blending strength, mobility, yoga philosophy, and nervous system regulation to support both physical and mental wellbeing. My classes are warm, inclusive, and judgement-free, with plenty of options so everyone can move in a way that feels right for them. My goal is for every student to leave feeling stronger, calmer, more confident, and having had fun along the way!
Yoga Teacher
Laura Koebel
Home Venue: The Tannery
I love teaching Yoga at Adapted & Grassroots because our community completely embraces every single unique person that walks through the door. I’m an experienced vinyasa yoga teacher; my focus being the connection between breath and movement, with a strong emphasis on alignment. My goal for each student is for them to find strength and peace within their bodies. Whether you are stepping onto the mat for the first time or you are a seasoned yogi, my room is a safe space to recover, explore and grow. I can't wait to welcome you to class soon!
Pilates Teacher
Lauren Marshall
Home Venue: Church Corner, Halswell & The Tannery
I specialise in Pilates for strength and mobility, using thoughtfully designed bodyweight resistance exercises to show how the smallest, most intentional movements can create lasting strength, improved mobility, and meaningful results through consistent practice. Her welcoming classes are designed for every body—from complete beginners to experienced movers, including those recovering from or managing injuries—offering a safe, supportive environment where students build confidence, move with greater ease, and feel stronger both in the studio and in everyday life.
Yoga & Pilates Teacher
Lydia Cross
Home Venue: The Tannery
I love teaching yoga and pilates at Adapted/Grassroots because our community completely embraces every single body that walks through the door. My personal teaching style is warm, mindful, alignment and breath lead. I focus on building strength, mobility and mindfulness. With my background in massage and health science I offer a clear and safe approach to everyone’s practice. Whether you are stepping onto the mat for the first time or have an experience practice my room is a safe space for you. I can't wait to welcome you to class soon!
Yoga Teacher
Josh Borella
Home Venue: The Tannery
I love working with anyone who walks into the studio, regardless of their experience or ability. Especially passionate about supporting people who are willing to learn, step outside their comfort zone, and approach their practice with curiosity. I also enjoy helping students understand their bodies, particularly when they are navigating injuries or physical limitations, so they can move with greater confidence, awareness, and ease.
Pilates Teacher
Sam Lowe
Home Venue: Church Corner & Halswell
My passion for teaching Pilates comes from my own experience recovering from spinal surgery & how beneficial Pilates was in helping me to find my own strength & balance again. With my varied background in coaching gymnastics, swimming, trampoline, aerobics & aqua fit I love to help others improve their life, move better, be stronger, recover faster from accidents, injuries & surgeries- in essence to live happier & healthier lives. My room is a safe space for you. I can't wait to welcome you to class soon!
Yoga Teacher
Clara Caponi (away)
Home Venue: Halswell & The Tannery
Clara's yoga journey began after arriving in Christchurch from Italy and trying her first Hot Flow Yoga class. What started with the appeal of a warm room quickly became a lifelong passion. She now teaches a range of classes, from Power Vinyasa to Restorative Yoga, with a focus on breath, movement, strength, relaxation and reconnecting body and mind.
