Welcome to Your New Sanctuary
A cozy, candlelit space for yoga, strength, and sound.
Where movement is intentional, rest is honoured,
and you’re invited to feel strong, supported, and at home in your body.
Meet Your Guides
Meet Mel — Yoga Teacher, Strength Coach, Sound Practitioner & Founder of Sanctuary
Mel is the beating heart of Sanctuary — a space she dreamed into being through intention, grit, and a deep devotion to helping people feel at home in their bodies.
Her teaching combines yoga, strength training, pranayama, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and sound healing into experiences that nurture the nervous system, build resilience, and invite students to reconnect with themselves. With certifications across yoga, personal training, breathwork, sound therapy, and holistic nutrition, Mel weaves together East and West, science and spirit, movement and meaning.
Her classes are known for their grounding presence, thoughtful sequencing, seasonal themes, and that signature Sanctuary warmth — the kind that makes you feel seen the moment you walk in the door.
Mel's approach is gentle yet empowering, poetic yet practical. She teaches from lived experience, intuition, and genuine care. Whether she's guiding a fiery sculpt class, a slow flow rooted in breath, or a sound bath soaked in stillness, her intention is always the same: to help you move with purpose, breathe with awareness, and reconnect to the quiet truth within you.
Sanctuary is more than a studio — it's her love letter to community. A home for strengthening, softening, learning, unlearning, and coming back to the self again and again.
With Mel, movement becomes a conversation with your body — steady, honest, and deeply healing.
Meet Shae — BCAK Kinesiologist, Strength Coach & Born Leader
As a BCAK-registered kinesiologist and certified personal trainer, Shae blends evidence-based strength training with rhythm, mobility, and mindful mechanics.
Her approach is athletic, intentional, and deeply supportive, helping you feel strong, capable, and confident in your body — no matter where you're starting. In her Strength + Sweat classes, Shae guides you through rhythm-based intervals that sync breath, music, and movement. She teaches with precision, heart, and a sharp eye for alignment — offering variations that challenge you, empower you, and honour your body's unique needs.
Every session is crafted to help you progress safely and sustainably, building strength from the inside out. Her mission is to help you discover what's possible when you trust your body, follow your rhythm, and step into your power.
At Sanctuary, she creates a space where effort feels purposeful, sweat feels sacred, and every rep becomes a quiet act of resilience.
With Shae, you won't just build strength — you'll become it.
Meet Tianna — Kinesiologist, Strength Coach & Movement Educator
Meet Tianna — Kinesiologist, Strength Coach & Movement Educator Rooted in science and guided by heart, Tianna brings seven years of experience supporting the Oceanside community in their fitness, health, and lifestyle journeys.
She holds a degree in Kinesiology from Vancouver Island University and extensive continuing education in corrective exercise, nutrition, prenatal and postnatal fitness, and cognitive behavioural coaching.
T's approach is all about building from the ground up — helping you understand your body, refine your movement patterns, and feel deeply confident in your strength. Her work blends functional training with mindful awareness, creating sessions that feel both empowering and sustainable.
Whether she's leading Form + Function or practicing alongside you in Vinyasa, Tianna brings a grounded, educational presence to the studio. She has a natural brightness about her — the kind of warmth that lifts the room the moment she walks in. Her classes weave expert cueing, alignment-focused strength work, and a sincere, encouraging coaching style that helps you feel both supported and capable. She creates an environment where questions are welcomed, learning is celebrated, and everybody feels at home in movement.
Her mission is simple: to help you move well, feel strong, and build a body that supports you through every season of life.
With T, you won't just build strength — you'll build trust in your body.
Our New Home!
#104 - 897 Island Hwy W
Parksville, BC V9P 2L9
This January at Sanctuary...
Come move, breathe, and reconnect with us this month in our cozy, beautiful studio in French Creek.
MONDAY | 5:30 PM ~ Form + Function
WEDNESDAY | 6 AM ~ Strength + Sweat
WEDNESDAY | 5:30 PM ~ Vinyasa Flow
THURSDAY | 10 AM ~ Slow Flow Yoga
THURSDAY | 5:30 PM ~ Yoga Sculpt
FRIDAY | 5:30 PM ~ Candlelight Yin + Sound
SATURDAY | 10 AM ~ Strength + Sweat
SUNDAY | 10 AM ~ Yoga Sculpt
SUNDAY | 12 PM ~ Slow Flow Yoga
75 minutes of movement, stillness, and soul...
with warm tea, props provided, and a space that feels like home.
To join:
Purchase a pass under ‘Packages.’
Book your spot on the ‘Schedule’ page.
We can't wait to meet you on the mat!
"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
SAY HELLO!
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