
I'm Mel, a yoga instructor, personal trainer, sound practitioner, and holistic guide. More than titles, I'm someone who believes that movement is medicine, that breath is a doorway, and that coming home to your body is a sacred act.
With over a decade of teaching across various traditions, from trauma-informed yoga to Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired practices, from functional strength to sound therapy, my mission is simple: to help you feel stronger, softer, and more you.
My classes are more than sessions; they are experiences. Rooted in both science and soul, they are inspired by the rhythm of the natural world. I weave together strength and mobility training, yoga asana, pranayama, meditation, acupressure, aromatherapy, and the healing vibrations of sound. Each offering is crafted with intention: to restore your nervous system, build resilience, and reconnect you to the steady wisdom of your own body, just as we return again and again to the steady cycles of nature.
Whether you're brand new or a lifelong mover, you'll always feel welcome, seen, and supported at Sanctuary.
"Melanie is simply the best! She is a dedicated teacher who offers everyone a warm welcome to her class, thoughtful meditations and informative yoga instruction. Her knowledge of anatomy and ability to explain poses is so helpful… now I understand how, as well as why, we practice yoga."
-Cathy M
"I love Mel’s classes. They are fun, thoughtful and informative. I appreciate her cueing and they have helped me in other areas like in weight lifting. She’s also amazing at hosting the classes and her homemade tea is such a treat!"
-April H
"Melanie is a treasure! From the moment you enter the yoga studio you are invited into a community of wellness. She greets each person with authenticity. Her holistic approach and many gifts are shared throughout each yoga class. Whatever you are seeking you will find here. I am full of gratitude for Melanie and her many offerings."
-Mia L
"Melanie does a wide arrange of beautiful yoga practices. I moved to town last year and she immediately made me feel welcomed in the yoga community. She has a class for everyone. I always feel better after one of her classes physically, emotionally and spiritually."
-Karen B
"I've been practicing yoga for 20 years but after practicing with Mel for the last 2 years, my life has truly changed. Her passion for helping her clients shines through in every class. Melanie is so much more than a yoga teacher, she offers friendship, support, community and a space for both physical and inner work. Her attention to detail and personal touches make every class special, from her essential oil sprays, amazing loose leaf tea and delicious baked treats you always leave her classes feeling amazing, both physically and mentally. Melanie creates an environment where you feel seen, cared for and encouraged to grow. I can't recommend Melanie enough!"
-Krista L
"Some people touch your life so deeply, you wonder how you made it without them, Melanie is one of those people. She is the most outstanding yoga instructor I have ever had - she knows her poses, anatomy, and is always striving to learn more. She holds space for each of us in her class. In three years she has never forgotten to do the poses on the other side (Ever!) Melanie's knowledge, compassion, and vulnerability brings me to class each week, and life is better."
-Michelle A
"I love Melanie! From the second you walk in the door with her smiles, hugs, ambiance, aromatherapy, and beautiful set up - you will be hooked!!!! It’s something pretty magical to experience a practice with her. She is incredibly knowledgeable in every aspect of yoga, Chinese Medicine and anatomy. You will be spoiled and feel absolutely lucky to have found someone as lovely as her!"
-Jill L
"I've been a student of Mel's for years and my life changed dramatically the very first time I attended one of her classes. When you go to a class with Mel, you walk away with what I can only describe as an EXPERIENCE. She is a beyond skilled teacher, always offering variations and taking care of all different body types, always. She offers aromatherapy, organic hand blended tea, and the most thoughtfully curated props at every class. Watching the room fill up with people is always such a treat, she remembers everyone's name, their injuries, their birthdays, grandkids birthdays and so much more. Mel has given me the best gift of all, the skills to regulate my nervous system through breath and movement - which in my opinion is the single most incredible thing you can do for another human."
-Carol F
"Melanie’s offerings have changed my life in Qualicum Beach. As a new resident to the community Melanie’s varied classes nurture my nervous system, ignite my social connections and fire up my glutes, all through her talent and training. I have practiced yoga for 3 decades and I can truly say that these are the most comprehensive classes I have attended."
-Amy C
"Melanie is simply the best! She is a dedicated teacher who offers everyone a warm welcome to her class, thoughtful meditations and informative yoga instruction. Her knowledge of anatomy and ability to explain poses is so helpful… now I understand how, as well as why, we practice yoga."
-Cathy M
"I love Mel’s classes. They are fun, thoughtful and informative. I appreciate her cueing and they have helped me in other areas like in weight lifting. She’s also amazing at hosting the classes and her homemade tea is such a treat!"
-April H
"Melanie is a treasure! From the moment you enter the yoga studio you are invited into a community of wellness. She greets each person with authenticity. Her holistic approach and many gifts are shared throughout each yoga class. Whatever you are seeking you will find here. I am full of gratitude for Melanie and her many offerings."
-Mia L
"Melanie does a wide arrange of beautiful yoga practices. I moved to town last year and she immediately made me feel welcomed in the yoga community. She has a class for everyone. I always feel better after one of her classes physically, emotionally and spiritually."
-Karen B
"I've been practicing yoga for 20 years but after practicing with Mel for the last 2 years, my life has truly changed. Her passion for helping her clients shines through in every class. Melanie is so much more than a yoga teacher, she offers friendship, support, community and a space for both physical and inner work. Her attention to detail and personal touches make every class special, from her essential oil sprays, amazing loose leaf tea and delicious baked treats you always leave her classes feeling amazing, both physically and mentally. Melanie creates an environment where you feel seen, cared for and encouraged to grow. I can't recommend Melanie enough!"
-Krista L
"Some people touch your life so deeply, you wonder how you made it without them, Melanie is one of those people. She is the most outstanding yoga instructor I have ever had - she knows her poses, anatomy, and is always striving to learn more. She holds space for each of us in her class. In three years she has never forgotten to do the poses on the other side (Ever!) Melanie's knowledge, compassion, and vulnerability brings me to class each week, and life is better."
-Michelle A
"I love Melanie! From the second you walk in the door with her smiles, hugs, ambiance, aromatherapy, and beautiful set up - you will be hooked!!!! It’s something pretty magical to experience a practice with her. She is incredibly knowledgeable in every aspect of yoga, Chinese Medicine and anatomy. You will be spoiled and feel absolutely lucky to have found someone as lovely as her!"
-Jill L
"I've been a student of Mel's for years and my life changed dramatically the very first time I attended one of her classes. When you go to a class with Mel, you walk away with what I can only describe as an EXPERIENCE. She is a beyond skilled teacher, always offering variations and taking care of all different body types, always. She offers aromatherapy, organic hand blended tea, and the most thoughtfully curated props at every class. Watching the room fill up with people is always such a treat, she remembers everyone's name, their injuries, their birthdays, grandkids birthdays and so much more. Mel has given me the best gift of all, the skills to regulate my nervous system through breath and movement - which in my opinion is the single most incredible thing you can do for another human."
-Carol F
"Melanie’s offerings have changed my life in Qualicum Beach. As a new resident to the community Melanie’s varied classes nurture my nervous system, ignite my social connections and fire up my glutes, all through her talent and training. I have practiced yoga for 3 decades and I can truly say that these are the most comprehensive classes I have attended."
-Amy C
"Melanie is simply the best! She is a dedicated teacher who offers everyone a warm welcome to her class, thoughtful meditations and informative yoga instruction. Her knowledge of anatomy and ability to explain poses is so helpful… now I understand how, as well as why, we practice yoga."
-Cathy M
"I love Mel’s classes. They are fun, thoughtful and informative. I appreciate her cueing and they have helped me in other areas like in weight lifting. She’s also amazing at hosting the classes and her homemade tea is such a treat!"
-April H
"Melanie is a treasure! From the moment you enter the yoga studio you are invited into a community of wellness. She greets each person with authenticity. Her holistic approach and many gifts are shared throughout each yoga class. Whatever you are seeking you will find here. I am full of gratitude for Melanie and her many offerings."
-Mia L
"Melanie does a wide arrange of beautiful yoga practices. I moved to town last year and she immediately made me feel welcomed in the yoga community. She has a class for everyone. I always feel better after one of her classes physically, emotionally and spiritually."
-Karen B
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