Meet the Team

Everyone comes to Yoga for different reasons. Which means everyone shares yoga a little differently.

We are excited to have several amazing yoga educators on the Raw Yoga team!

Check them out Below…

  • Founder / Owner / Lead Trainer

    E-RYT500 / YACEP

    Nicole is a highly qualified Yoga Instructor, Yoga Teacher Trainer (both 200RYT and 300RYT) and Holistic Therapist.

    Having trained in Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Subtle Yoga, Yin Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Acro Yoga, Hanna Somatics, Pilates, Polyvagal Theory Yoga and Trauma Informed Yoga.

    Nicole has also trained in PSYCH-K, EFT, Somatic therapy for Trauma healing, Meditation and Energy Medicine.

    Nicole also had a Diploma in Counselling and Psychology.


    Nicole initially trained as an early childhood educator and has a Bachelor of Education from Auckland University. Though she loved the theory and learning, teaching five days a week in early childhood centre did not resonate. While teaching early childhood she was introduced to Yoga and started practicing about one a week. Not long after this, she left New Zealand and spent several years travelling, still maintaining a (very minimal) yoga practice while working in France through ski seasons. Nicoles first real introduction to the complex nature of being human and what the spiritual path could offer came after her first 10 day silent Vipassana meditation. Nicole then ended up travelling to India, where everything changed, she learnt more about yogic philosophy and decided Yoga Teacher training was the next step. Returning back to NZ, she trained at The New Zealand School of Yoga under Mike and Sharon Byron-Mckay. The training was of B.K.S Iyengar style and was full time for a year. She qualified as a registered Yoga teacher with a 500RYT + Introduction to Yoga Therapy.

    During this time her interests were expanding, including her interest for her own healing and self discovery. Over the past 12 years training has never stopped, this includes: Reiki level 3, Yoga Nidra level 2, Acro Yoga Teacher Training, 200RYT Vinyasa Teacher training, Trauma Informed Yoga (TCTSY), Diploma of Counselling and Psychology, Online Trauma Training with Peter Levine, Online Somatic Trauma training with Albert Wong, Psych-K level 2, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Level 2, Hanna Somatics Level 1, Online 50hr Yin Yoga with Bernie Clark , Rainbow Kids Yoga, Online Subtle Yoga Teacher Training with Kristine Weber, Eden Energy Medicine Level 1, Soul Speak certified and Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate.

    Nicole's passion is supporting herself and others to cultivate Embodied self-Awareness, through the tools of yoga, somatic exploration and self reflection. She believes the process of getting to know ourselves is the journey to freedom and that this happens in the most loving and empowering way through a Trauma Informed Perspective. Our physical bodies, our minds, our emotions, our spiritual connection are all intimately interconnected and in essence need to be addressed as one to truly come home to ourselves

  • Manager

    200RYT + YACEP

    From a passion of wanting to understand how things work, wanting to understand why, and wanting to create beautiful solutions, John has explored numerous careers and interests. His interest in technology led him to work in the world of printing, photography, design, signage and graphics where he spent nearly 10 years. John's passion for the environment then led him to study Landscape Architecture, where he achieved an Honours Award BLA (excelling in research), while concurrently studying, tutoring and volunteering in Permaculture. John began working in the fast paced corporate environment of the Architecture world and working through a divorce while co-parenting 2 young boys - so his newly found Yoga practice became a necessary solace. As the internal space grew, so did a passion for understanding why and how it was happening.

    ​​When John met Nicole she was already teaching Yoga and looking for a premises to open the Raw Yoga Studio, so he was involved in the creation process from the beginning. After practicing intensively for 2 years John qualified as a yoga instructor and the researching and learning has never stopped, this includes: 200RYT & 300RYT with Raw Yoga, Trauma Informed Yoga (TCTSY), Online Subtle Yoga Teacher Training with Kristine Weber, Yoga Anatomy Training Online with Jason Crandell, Online Yoga Anatomy and Functional Anatomy with Tiffany Cruickshank, Online Fascia Anatomy with Tom Myers, Yoga Philosophy with Edwin Bryant, Yoga Philosophy with Christopher Wallis, Yoga Nidra level 2, Online Somatic Trauma training with Albert Wong, Psych-K level 2, Hanna Somatics Level 1, Online 50hr Yin Yoga with Bernie Clark , Rainbow Kids Yoga, Eden Energy Medicine Level 1, Soul Speak certified and Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate.

    John is passionate about understanding the Body-Mind construct through the process of 'everyday researching' using the tools of Meditation, Philosophy, Movement together with an exploration of the intersection of Ancient Wisdom and modern Scientific and Somatic understanding. He believes that understanding how trauma effects our everyday lives holds the key to bringing about more kindness, compassion and unity in our relationships and ultimately the world at large.

  • Janaina Aguiar

    200RYT Teacher

    Teaching: Subtle Flow + Hatha

    I began my yoga journey in 2014, initially unaware of its benefits beyond the physical. Over the years, under the guidance of an inspiring teacher and through a lot of reading on yoga philosophy, my perspective on life has transformed, my passion for yoga is on and off the mat. In the past five years, I have become more interested in meditation. I did a couple of Vipassana courses and started to be friends with my breath. I’ve had the privilege of practising at the Africa Yoga Project in Kenya and various studios in Indonesia, India and Brazil (where I am originally from). In New Zealand, I became a Mindfulness facilitator in 2020 and recently completed a 200-hour trauma-informed Yoga Teacher Training at Raw Yoga. My intention is to share yoga in a simple way. I hope to hold a space where people can connect with their breath and let it guide them.

  • Jessica Dziwulska

    500RYT Teacher

    Teaching: Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin

    Jessica is a Trauma Informed movement and well-being practitioner who has practiced and studied the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of yoga, mindful movement, therapeutic dance, and restorative practices for close to 3 decades. She is passionate about facilitating a personalised approach for each person in a way that is unique to their body, mind, history, and hopes. Jessica is a sensitive, warm, and knowledgeable teacher with extensive experience in physical and mental health, holistic fitness, and well-being. Through the integration of mindful movement, breath practices, and awareness techniques, Jessica supports her clients to find a deeper, more connected, more regulated life. “I continue to be inspired by the endless possibility yoga and movement practice presents and have first-hand experience in their healing power, both within my own body and mind and the bodies and minds of those I have had the privilege of working with. I truly believe we have the power to heal and transform ourselves; body, mind, and soul and to discover new and more sustainable ways in which to be in our world.” Jessica is drawn to movement practices that are sustainable, authentic, and therapeutic in nature. She draws from these to create both group and individual classes/sessions, emphasizing listening to your inner wisdom, nourishing your body and mind, and creating long-term, life-sustaining change, growth, and development. She considers herself a lifelong learner and is currently studying for her Masters in Dance Movement Therapy.

  • Jess Morfin

    500RYT Teacher

    Teaching: Hatha, Vinyasa, Subtle + Align

    My personal story of loss and grief has led me on the path of yoga, trauma healing and greater awareness.

    Yoga, again and again, proves to be my most powerful tool to bring my body, my mind and my heart back into a balanced state of alignment and purpose.

    It is a great honour and privilege to share my passion with you. I strive to provide authentic, nourishing classes where you can discover more about yourself, explore your own potential for growth and hopefully walk out with a smile.

  • Kristy Meyer

    200RYT Teacher

    Teaching: Yin Yoga

    I came to yoga on my journey of self discovery and inner peace. I completed my teacher training in 2015 RYT200 and then fell in love with the slow, mindful practice of Yin. This lead to more in depth Yin Yoga teacher training with Yin Culture.

    Yin Yoga is my passion and a medicine I love to share. I have experienced some deep shifts in my life through this beautiful practice. It brings me back to my centre, balances my energy and allows me to get out of my head and into the wisdom of my body and my heart space. It also allows me to be present and to move through this world with more grace and ease.

    With a passion for Yin Yoga that transcends the physical practice, I strive to create a sacred and safe space where the nervous system is nourished, while mind, body and soul are united in harmony and balance.

    I lead classes that encourage students to soften, surrender and let go, whilst cultivating mindfulness and reconnection to their inner world.

    To teach others how to slow down, to let go and to listen to the wisdom of the body and whisperings of the heart is truly a blessing. To empower others with this deeply healing practice fills my heart. “We rise by lifting others”(Robert Ingersoll)

    ‘Slow down, tune in, let go, wake up’ Nik Robson

  • Siobhan Kelly

    500RYT Teacher

    Teaching: Subtle, Vinyasa + Yin

    Siobhan first started practicing yoga when she was looking for an alternative to dance classes. Her passion then grew as she discovered the benefits beyond asana & the balance yoga can help bring in life.

    Originally from Scotland, she arrived in New Zealand in 2017 & completed her 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training with Raw Yoga the following year. Siobhan has also completed Level 1 & 2 Yoga Nidra Teacher Training with Ashram Yoga. She continues to learn, teach & practice, exploring the areas that spark interest & curiosity. Her classes are grounding, light-hearted & inclusive. goes here

  • Kerry Lynn Fletcher

    500RYT Teacher

    Teaching: Vinyasa + Yin

    The practise of yoga has been a pivotal and anchoring aspect of Kerry's life for the last 8 years,.

    Curiosity led her to complete her 200hr YTT in 2021. She began teaching in 2022, exploring body and breath awareness through Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin. Kerry has deepened her knowledge with additional training in YIn Yoga and recently 300hr YTT with RAW Yoga. Yoga is a powerful practice in Kerry's life, It provides not only physical benefits but feeling more balanced mentally and emotionally. Yoga creates space in life to explore and question what is going on in the body, breath and mind; helping to gain a greater sense of connection to our body, understanding of 'Who I am' and live with a little more ease, joy and contentment. "Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self". The Bhagavad GitaThe practise of yoga has been a pivotal and anchoring aspect of Kerry's life for the last 8 years,. Curiosity led her to complete her 200hr YTT in 2021. She began teaching in 2022, exploring body and breath awareness through Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin. Kerry has deepened her knowledge with additional training in YIn Yoga and recently 300hr YTT with RAW Yoga. Yoga is a powerful practice in Kerry's life, It provides not only physical benefits but feeling more balanced mentally and emotionally. Yoga creates space in life to explore and question what is going on in the body, breath and mind; helping to gain a greater sense of connection to our body, understanding of 'Who I am' and live with a little more ease, joy and contentment.

    "Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self". The Bhagavad Gita

  • Cel Searle

    200RYT Teacher

    Teaching: Vinyasa, Subtle + Hatha

    Yoga has come to my life as a way to balance my body with all the other activities I love doing. I’ve been teaching and performing circus for 15 years and I decided to take the yoga teacher training journey to learn more in depth about what yoga brings to me that makes my body feel whole. The training was the last piece of the puzzle to understanding that yoga enhances all my beliefs. It lets me experience my body and mind from a different perspective and it gives me space to heal. I’m very passionate about teaching and supporting students to understand and feel how their bodies move. I really look forward to offering you a space that you feel comfortable, and curious to explore where your body and mind can take you. And maybe, find healing in your journey

  • Sarah Freear

    200RYT Teacher

    Teaching: Yoga Fusion

    I first discovered yoga at my local gym back in 2002.  Initially it was simply a way to support my physical training, but over the years yoga has become more and more central to my life. During a teaching yoga to children training course with Yoga Kids NZ, I realised I had a desire to learn more about yoga philosophy and practice. This lead me to complete the 200 hour Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training with Raw Yoga. The inclusivity and empowerment offered by the trauma informed approach was a natural fit, supporting my work as a Therapy Assistant in adult mental health and child rehabilitation. 

    I have had the privilege of learning from a wide variety of teachers and styles over many years of practice - Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Iyengar as well as Pilates and breathwork. I have learnt there is no one way of doing things - each student must come to a practice that works for them and their body on that day. Injuries and aging bodies mean that this process is always evolving. During my classes you can expect to use plenty of props, connect to your centre and move mindfully with the breath.  

  • Sam Pobog-Jaworowski

    Teaching: Breathwork

    I discovered breath work while exploring my relationship with the inflammation and pain I’ve experienced in my body. The deeper I journeyed, the more I came to appreciate the profound influence of the breath on every aspect of this life we all share.

    With a deep respect for the natural rhythms within and around each of us, my approach combines somatic methodologies and a variety of breath work practices. In our breath work practices at Raw, you can expect to experience a Conscious Connected Breath journey to create movement and flow, space for you to connect with your inner wisdom, release blockages, and cultivate a sense of clarity and calm. Every breath meets us exactly where we are, different in every moment in time.

    Breath work at Raw is an invitation to pause, tune in, and align with the flow of life.

  • Emma Stone

    500RYT Teacher

    Emma comes from a background of theatre and dance and has always experienced a strong connection to nature, travel and adventure. Training in music gave Emma an understanding of creativity and harmony, which she brings to her Yoga practice. Emma has been practicing Yoga personally for fifteen years and felt a desire to pursue training after living in Bondi, Sydney, where she attended weekly workshops and built in a daily practice. Her love for teaching has led her to further her study, and she is now a qualified Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher (RYT500). Slow flow and yin-style practice is where Emma is most passionate, but she also enjoys teaching Vinyasa, Yogalates & whole-brain Yoga. Her warm presence and enthusiasm will help to gently guide you on your Yoga journey.