A sensitive soul from the beginning, Callista knew from a young age that the spiritual path was her calling; at age 7, she thought she might become a nun! Although life in a convent was not to be, she set foot on the path of yoga having returned to London after training as a classical pianist. Whilst the musical pursuit quenched her creative spirit, years of mental health issues coupled with perfectionism left her burnt out, disembodied and engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms. Yoga served as a catalyst for a newfound respect for her body, mind, and spirit; it sparked hope, and illuminated what it meant to be truly present and alive.

In 2014, Callista completed her foundation teacher training with The Yoga People, and since finding her footing as a teacher, she searched for an avenue that would not only satisfy her interest in neuroscience, but also one where she could use her own experiences with mental health issues for the greater good. This led her to embark on The Minded Institute’s Yoga Therapy Diploma course in 2015. She also holds certificates in Mandala Vinyasa, Tripsichore, Yogic Arts, Yin, and Functional Range Conditioning, and is currently training in TRE – all of which inform her unique approach to guiding and weaving the practice of embodying yoga.

The heart of Callista’s work lies in locating the pulse of presence so as to fully awaken, and courageously show up for life in all of its facets. The mental and spiritual imprints that hold us back from untethered freedom continue to manifest through unconscious conditioned movement/behavioural patterns, influenced by nervous system activity; for this reason, her trauma-informed teachings focus on making the unconscious conscious by encouraging students and clients to befriend their unique nervous systems at their own pace, and welcome themselves home to the territory of their body.

Her experience ranges from teaching in schools, studios, and corporate companies to community centres, having previously partnered with MIND charity and South London Refugee Centre to bring yoga to its users. She is available for in-person sessions in London, as well as online via Zoom.