Welcome to 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 Therapy Practitioner & Founder of Sanctuary
Mel is the founder and owner of Sanctuary ~ a space she created with intention, grit, and a deep love for helping people feel at home in their bodies.
Her teaching blends yoga, functional strength training, pranayama, sound healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and nervous system education.
With training in yoga, personal training, breathwork, sound therapy, and holistic nutrition, Mel brings together science and soul in a way that feels grounded, thoughtful, and accessible.
Her classes are known for their intentional sequencing, seasonal themes, steady guidance, and signature Sanctuary warmth ~ the kind that helps you feel welcome from the moment you walk through the door.
Mel’s approach is gentle but empowering, poetic but practical. Whether she’s guiding a fiery Yoga Sculpt class, a slow breath-led flow, or a sound bath soaked in stillness, her intention is always the same: to help you move with purpose, breathe with awareness, and feel more connected to yourself.
Sanctuary is more than a studio to Mel. It’s her love letter to community ~ a place to strengthen, soften, learn, unlearn, and come back to yourself again and again.
Meet Shae — BCAK Kinesiologist, Strength Coach & Born Leader
Shae is a BCAK-registered kinesiologist and certified personal trainer who brings evidence-based strength training, mobility, rhythm, and mindful mechanics into every class.
Her approach is athletic, intentional, and deeply supportive. She helps students feel strong, capable, and confident in their bodies, no matter where they’re starting.
In Strength + Sweat, Shae guides you through rhythm-based intervals that blend breath, music, resistance training, and conditioning. Her classes are energetic and challenging but always thoughtful, with clear coaching, purposeful progressions, and options to help you move in ways that work for your body.
With a sharp eye for alignment and a genuine care for each person in the room, Shae creates a space where effort feels focused, movement feels empowering, and strength is built safely over time.
Shae's goal is simple: to help you move well, build confidence, and discover just how strong you already are.
Meet Tianna — Kinesiologist, Strength Coach & Movement Educator
Tianna is a kinesiologist, strength coach, and movement educator with 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 has completed extensive continuing education in corrective exercise, nutrition, prenatal and postnatal fitness, and cognitive behavioural coaching.
Tianna’s approach is all about building from the ground up. She helps students understand their bodies, refine their movement patterns, and feel more confident in their strength. Her work blends functional training with mindful awareness, creating classes that feel educational, empowering, and sustainable.
In Form + Function, Tianna brings a grounded, thoughtful presence to the room. Her classes weave together expert cueing, alignment-focused strength work, and a sincere, encouraging coaching style that helps students feel both supported and capable. Questions are welcomed, learning is celebrated, and every body is invited to feel 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 Tianna, you’ll build strength that supports how you move through everyday life!
Our New Home!
#104 - 897 Island Hwy W
Parksville, BC V9P 2L9
This July 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!
Take a little Sanctuary with you...
Sanctuary doesn’t end when class does.
It lives in how you move through your day.
How you hold yourself.
How you take up space.
Our studio merch is made-to-order, intentionally designed, and created for strong backs and soft hearts.
Pick your base.
Choose your words.
Wear what reminds you.
"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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© 2026 Sanctuary | Yoga Strength Sound