About Abra Yoga
Our Mission & Value
I'm Abraham Anjarkouchian, the founder of Abra Yoga.
Here's our story. Being an advocate for proactive healthcare and an outdoor/hiking enthusiast, I was eager to find a hiking group in my neighbourhood in Newmarket. Since I couldn't find one, I decided to create one myself. Starting with only seven members, our group grew to over 1000 members within only a few months. Many members expressed interest in group classes such as yoga.
I organized our first round of Sivananda Yoga, which was very successful and led to three full yoga groups. A true sense of community began to grow out of these initiatives, with people getting to know their neighbours and sparking new friendships. Our core value and mission at Abra Yoga is to go beyond a typical yoga studio to create a family and warm community of likeminded people, who will also enjoy each others' company outside the classes.
We provide a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals to explore the physical and mental benefits of yoga. We believe that yoga is for everyone and strive to create a supportive community for all of our members.
Explore Our Yoga Studio
Our Instructors
Laurie Dobson
Laurie Dobson
Laurie Dobson
I took my first yoga class in 1999 to regain mobility in my ankle after an injury. It was love at first mat!!!
Primarily practicing ashtanga yoga in the beginning, I found I enjoyed various styles of yoga and enjoyed complimenting my practice with pilates.
I took my yoga teacher training at Yoga City Ancaster in the fall of 2015 and followed with certification in chair yoga and seniors yoga in 2017 at Breathe Yoga Studio, Toronto. By the summer of 2018 I had my pilates certification through Body Harmonics in Guelph.
As our bodies move through this adventure we call life we must adapt and keep active in our lives. One of the fundamental principles of yoga is that a small action, done repeatedly, can make an enormous difference.
Through motion we may find stillness; both equally important for balance.
Join me on the mat and give yourself the gift of inner peace and strength through mindful movement.
Denyse LeBrun
Laurie Dobson
Laurie Dobson
Denyse LeBrun
500 RYT, B.Ed, B.Sc
Denyse has been practicing yoga for 25 years and teaching for 17 years in the area of Aurora, Newmarket and Richmond Hill.
Her yoga journey has evolved into a healing and spiritual practice that embodies the 8 limbs of yoga.
She find joy and fulfillment from offering a meaningful practice that opens hearts and inspires connection.
She offers yoga retreats locally and in Costa Rica, as she herself enjoys travelling in remote areas to connect and grow.
She is an avid hiker, runner and cyclist who enjoys the simple pleasures of life such as flowers, birds and delicious vegan food.
An experienced musician, you may hear her sing on occasion when she is inspired to share her high vibrations.
She uses singing bowls and chimes to enhance healing and mindfulness.
Denyse is a WYT trained instructor (school in Nepal) who specializes in
- Hatha yoga
- vinyasa yoga
- yin yoga
- restorative yoga
- guided meditation
- power yoga
Tanna Quach
Laurie Dobson
Tanna Quach
With over 25 years of dedicated experience in teaching yoga and fitness, she brings a deep commitment to supporting others on their journey toward healthier, more balanced lives. Her expertise spans across disciplines, blending a passion for fitness with a focus on mindful movement and holistic well-being.
As an outdoor enthusiast, she draws inspiration from nature and engages in a range of activities—running, mountain biking, downhill skiing, beach volleyball, and ocean swimming—all of which ground her and foster a strong connection to her inner spirit.
Her mission is to empower others to cultivate physical resilience, mental clarity, and a greater sense of purpose through movement.
Certifications
- Canfitpro certified (since 1999)
- Downward Dog Yoga Teacher certified
- East to West Pilates certified
- Balanced Body Pilates Reformer certified
- CPR/First Aid certified.
Jenn Kong
Laurie Dobson
Tanna Quach
She is a highly skilled Kinesiologist and Muscle Activation Techniques Specialist, known by her clients as the "muscle detective" for her expertise in identifying and addressing movement issues. With a passion for living at the intersection of movement, breath, and life, she brings a unique approach to health and wellness.
With over 15 years of experience in the health and rehabilitation industry, she has worked with clients of all fitness levels and backgrounds, including those managing conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Lyme disease, stroke, post-surgical recovery, and arthritis.
A certified Pilates instructor as well, she integrates a broad range of techniques to optimize functional movement and improve quality of life for her clients.
In 2020, she was voted Best Personal Trainer by Toronto Star, a testament to her exceptional knowledge and dedication to client health and rehabilitation.
Dana Kueker
Meghan Elizabeth
Meghan Elizabeth
Dana is a meditation and sound healing instructor who brings a grounded, compassionate approach to her classes.
After spending 12 years in Australia working as a Registered Nurse, she recently returned home to be closer to family and now enjoys life here with her husband and young son.
Her journey with meditation began as a personal exploration, leading to a certification in both meditation and sound healing. She quickly fell in love with meditation and sound healing, seeing firsthand how these techniques create harmony between mind and body. Now she shares this passion with her students, guiding them to connect deeply with themselves in a peaceful, supportive space.
When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her scuba diving, traveling, graphic designing, and spending quality time with family. Each class with Dana is a unique blend of warmth and expertise, where students can experience the restorative power of sound and meditation.
Meghan Elizabeth
Meghan Elizabeth
Meghan Elizabeth
Meghan grew up in Caledon, where she fell in love with dance as a young girl. While studying at Queen’s University, she discovered yoga and was enchanted by its parallels to dance - sequencing, flexibility, flow, and grace.
Now an educator with the YCDSB and the author of the YA novel The Garden, Meghan combines her love of teaching and writing to inspire mindful movement through her yoga classes, which blend hatha and yin styles.
Passionate about holistic health, Meghan creates a safe, inclusive space that fosters kindness, calm, and community. Her approach promotes relaxation and empowers students to feel grounded, balanced, and connected in both mind and body.
During her summer breaks, Meghan often attends yoga retreats—most recently in Costa Rica—to further enrich her practice and share newfound insights with her students.
Sida Ajavan
Meghan Elizabeth
Maha Kali Jaya
Sida is a yoga instructor with 7 years of experience, holding a Level 3 Yoga Coaching Card from Iran.
Her specialties are Ashtanga Yoga and Power Yoga, but she also has experience teaching Hatha Yoga and beginner yoga.
Sida completed an Ashtanga course and a breathing course in India. She is interested in Ayurveda and is currently studying it.
Additionally, she has attended workshops in Iran related to corrective movements and is familiar with anatomy, having successfully completed these courses.
Sida is happy to share her experiences and wishes for joyful and energetic moments for all.
Maha Kali Jaya
Meghan Elizabeth
Maha Kali Jaya
Maha Kali Jaya, is a 200 and 300-hour teacher in Kali Natha Yoga certified by Yoga Alliance.
With more than 4 years, as a Kali Natha Yogini, and 10+ years of disciplined and devoted personal transformative practices and on-going training.
Through, Maha Kali Jaya's initation as a Kali Natha Yoga Teacher, service and volunteerism is an integral path of social activism and selfless service, while creating a foundation for community.
Maha Kali Jaya's path of service to the Divine Feminine which honors Mother Earth, ignites intuition and highlights caring for humanity.
As a High Priestess (lineage of Kali Ma & Magdalena), energetic (Reiki) + Ascension master practitioner, Aromatherapist/herbalist formulator, The Sophia Code (circle leader) now shares these
handed down, profound lineage teachings and practices rooted in the ancient and the new. Her passion is contributing to community seeking to cultivate awareness and inner growth on the path of the Mother.
Maha Kali Jaya embodies living life from an open heart and engaging deeply into the Self, as the teachings of The Beauty Way of the Rose. All are welcome here. She welcomes and celebrates people from every race, gender expression, sexual orientation, color, religion, and creed. And firmly believes that all paths, followed with a sincere heart, lead to one’s own God within. Her mission is to embrace one heart at a time and share pathways to an awakened life as inspired by Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati (Guru).
Maha Kali Jaya's vision is to contribute to a world transformed by unconditional love and seeks to embody the words of Neem Karoli Baba (Paramaguru) – “Love everyone, serve everyone, feed everyone.”
Our Classes
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga is one of the most respected and well-known styles of yoga, developed by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 20th century. This style is distinguished by its emphasis on detail, precision, and body alignment during yoga poses.
Main Features of Iyengar Yoga:
1. Body Alignment: Iyengar Yoga focuses on the importance of proper body alignment in each pose. Correct alignment helps prevent injuries and enhances the physical and mental benefits of yoga.
2. Use of Props: Iyengar Yoga uses props such as yoga blocks, belts, blankets, and chairs to assist in performing poses correctly and without undue strain. These props help individuals who lack flexibility or strength to perform the poses accurately and safely.
3. Focus on Stability: Iyengar Yoga emphasizes holding poses (asanas) for longer periods, allowing the practitioner to fully engage in the pose and reap its benefits. This focus on stability and holding poses helps strengthen both the body and mind.
4. Sequencing of Poses: In Iyengar Yoga, the sequence of poses is carefully planned to achieve specific physical and mental effects on the body. These sequences are usually designed to improve the flow of energy in the body and prepare it for more advanced stages.
5. Attention to Detail: This style places special emphasis on teaching the precise details of each pose and how to perform it correctly. This precision helps improve the practitioner’s awareness of their body and its connection to the mind.
6. Gradual Teaching: Iyengar Yoga is typically taught in a gradual manner, with simpler poses leading to more complex and advanced ones over time.
Benefits of Iyengar Yoga:
• Increased Flexibility and Strength: This style helps improve flexibility, strength, and body balance.
• Stress Reduction: The focus on breathing and body alignment can help reduce stress and promote mental relaxation.
• Enhanced Body Awareness: Attention to the details of poses and the use of props helps improve the practitioner’s awareness of their body and its capabilities.
• Suitable for All Levels: Due to the use of props and emphasis on precision, Iyengar Yoga is suitable for people of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Iyengar Yoga is renowned for its focus on detail and the use of props, making it one of the best styles of yoga for improving alignment and body awareness, with numerous positive effects on both physical and mental health.
Yin Yoga
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga
Yin yoga is a gentle and introspective style of yoga that focuses on holding passive poses for longer. Unlike more active forms of yoga, Yin yoga involves holding passive poses for an extended period, typically ranging from 3 to 5 minutes or even longer.
Yin yoga is characterized by its meditative approach, encouraging practitioners to cultivate mindfulness and presence while holding the poses longer. It promotes flexibility, joint mobility, and a sense of calm by releasing tension and stress from both the body and mind. Yin yoga is an excellent complement to more dynamic yoga styles and is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking relaxation, improved flexibility, and a deeper connection to their inner selves. It's suitable for all levels of practitioners, making it accessible to those with varying levels of yoga experience.
We often incorporate variations of poses and we encourage our yogist to bring their own rolled blankets to support students in finding their edge and maintaining comfort during prolonged holds.
Practitioners are guided to cultivate awareness of their breath, sensations, and thoughts during the practice. This mindfulness helps deepen the physical and mental benefits of the practice.
Pilates
Iyengar Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Pilates is a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Its original name was Contrology. It focuses on improving balance, stability, muscular endurance, strength, and overall body awareness. Pilates exercises typically involve controlled and precise movements that target the core muscles, which support the spine and help maintain proper posture.
Key features of Pilates include:
- Core Strength: Pilates places a strong emphasis on building a solid core by engaging the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. This core strength helps stabilize the body and promotes better posture.
- Whole-Body Workout: While core strength is central to Pilates, it is also a full-body workout. Pilates exercises engage various muscle groups, helping to improve overall strength, mobility, and balance.
- Mind-Body Connection: Pilates encourages a mind-body connection through focused and controlled movements. Practitioners are taught to be mindful of their breathing, alignment, and the sensations in their body during each exercise.
- Low-Impact: Pilates exercises are generally low-impact, making them suitable for people of different fitness levels and ages. They can be adapted for individuals with varying physical abilities.
Pilates is known for its ability to improve posture, strengthen the core, and promote overall physical well-being. It is often used in rehabilitation and is popular among gymnasts, dancers, and those seeking a balanced and functional fitness routine.
Hatha Yoga
Iyengar Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is a traditional form of yoga that focuses on the physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama) to achieve a balance between the body and mind. It aims to create a state of equilibrium and harmony by practicing various poses and breathing techniques.
Hatha Yoga is often seen as a foundational practice that prepares the body for deeper spiritual practices and meditation. It emphasizes physical alignment, strength, flexibility, and the cultivation of inner awareness.
Hatha Yoga, unchanged for thousands of years, aims to balance the body and mind by joining the energies represented by the sun ('Ha') and the moon ('Tha'). In a Hatha Yoga class, physical postures and breathing techniques are practiced slowly with static holds. Originally, Hatha Yoga was the yoga of force, encompassing various practices such as asanas, pranayama, mantra, mudra, and cleansing techniques.
Despite the mystery surrounding its origins, Hatha Yoga practices, are acknowledged for creating positive changes, affecting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Over time, Hatha Yoga practices spread to the West, incorporating influences from gymnastics, contortionism, and bodybuilding. Using yoga to enhance connection, vitality, and engagement with the world, even for those who cannot embrace asceticism.
Vinyasa Yoga
Kali Natha Yoga
Kali Natha Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is a practice that is based on a fluid combination of poses in sequences that accentuates linking breath with movement. Usually in a Vinyasa practice, there is a constant flow of motion at a good, fast pace.
It combines physical activity, breath work, mindfulness and meditation into one practice. Vinyasa does as much for the mind as the body. The benefits of this style of yoga is that it is a functional form of health, which means it is a movement-based practice that can be applied to enhance activities of daily life through improved muscle tone, increased range of motion, balance & core strength; all while achieving emotional calmness, focus and harmony.
This movement flow can also be done at a gentler pace in a ‘slow flow’ that builds body awareness with an emphasis on alignment, refining the musculoskeletal system and expanding lung capacity.
The essence of Vinyasa is a flow of asanas & transitions, connecting the body harmoniously through strength, flexibility & balance.
Kali Natha Yoga
Kali Natha Yoga
Kali Natha Yoga
Kali Natha Yoga is prayer in motion and movement with awareness. You can practice this yoga at any age, in any physical condition. A deeply healing practice of Divine Feminine, Kali Natha Yoga is a series of Kundalini and tantric yoga movements and breathing techniques. Together these practices enhance your stamina and calm your nervous system. At the end of the practice, you enjoy inner quiet and profound refreshment in body, mind and spirit.
This is a yoga of intent — focusing your passion for life and desire to embody love — you feel the mind, body and soul align. The practice fills you with joy, connects you to Mother Earth, opens your creativity, and imbues you with resiliency, simplicity, and intention. You embody this essence and carry it with you, on and off the mat
Benefits:
• Activate your creativity
• Be calm when faced with challenging circumstances
• Feel strong and flexible in your body
• Expand your capacity for joy
• Cultivate balance, calm the nervous system, enhance intuition, and achieve deep relaxation.
Sound Bathing
Kali Natha Yoga
Sound Bathing
This gentle flow enhances flexibility and promotes relaxation, helping you unwind and reconnect with your body.
After yoga, sink into a peaceful meditation and sound bath featuring crystal bowls, chimes, gongs and more. Let the calming sounds and vibrations wash over you, bringing deep relaxation that melts away tension and restores balance.
Ideal for all levels, this class offers a chance to nurture your well-being and experience the transformative power of mindful movement and sound.
Yoga Bliss Reviews
Deb Rogers
Michelle Hiltz
Michelle Hiltz
★★★★★
"I have been enjoying Sivananda yoga for the last 3 months and currently doing Pilates.
Totally different style classes but each challenges your mind and your body!
Both instructors are great reminding you to breath,relax and listen to your body while encouraging you to "just try" a little more!
Nice to tune out the rest of the world for an hour and enjoy some self care!"
Michelle Hiltz
Michelle Hiltz
Michelle Hiltz
★★★★★
"I have never taken a Yoga class before, so this was a new thing for me. I love that the Sivansnda Yoga instructor is not only knowledgeable but because it is a beginner and a small class size I get one on one attention when I need it. It’s the perfect class to begin with because I got to learn the voice commands very easily and it’s easy to keep up with. That being said the relaxation and benefits my body feels after every class is great. I feel less tense and it’s easier to fall asleep and rest.
I also have never taken a Pilates class before. When this class was offered I thought it would be similar to Yoga which it is in the way the commands work. However I worked out muscles I hadn’t worked out in years and I could feel every part of my abs and legs burning after the class. It was a good kind of pain without any weights. I don’t know that was possible the instructor is very clear and helpful. It definitely has been eye opening to try this class and all the ways my muscles can work just by using my own body weight. I highly recomen it for someone looking for an intense weight free workout."
Kyle Dacey
Michelle Hiltz
Tanya Gamble
★★★★★
"It was nice to have a chance to reconnect with yoga with this group, as it’s something I hadn’t practiced in a quite a few years."
Tanya Gamble
Michelle Hiltz
Tanya Gamble
★★★★★
“Maintaining strength and balance has been a journey. The addition of yoga to my routine is helping me reach my goals. The small class size and friendly atmosphere keep me motivated. The emphasis on listening to your body, and it being ok to take steps backwards is the healthy attitude that I need to meet my long term goals.”
Yota Pipilis
Robert Eddington
Robert Eddington
★★★★★
"I chose Sivananda Yoga because I wanted to add a calm aspect to my life. I have benefited so much as I have more confidence in the power of my body and better breathing.
I would definitely recommend this course to everyone."
Robert Eddington
Robert Eddington
Robert Eddington
★★★★★
"I tried Abrayoga for the first time with my wife. It was a great experience, the instructor was very knowledgeable and patient with us, the atmosphere was great. I highly recommend this for anyone male or female that wants to work on maintaining an overall healthy body and mind. We felt great afterward."
Irene Shelton
Robert Eddington
Lillian Benrubi
★★★★★
"My first time trying yoga and it has been a wonderful experience. Rita is a master and teaches the class in a calming and relaxing atmosphere. My mind and body are completely relaxed and rejuvenated after each session. I am very grateful to be a part of every class."
Lillian Benrubi
Robert Eddington
Lillian Benrubi
★★★★★
"Yin Yoga and Pilates have been a wonderful experience, she provides a calm, well paced and soothing program for both Pilates and yoga. I leave each session rejuvenated and relaxed."
Anna Costa
Anna Costa
Anna Costa
★★★★★
"It’s a great experience, I really like Pilates classes.After every class I feel better and energized! Thank u."
Carol
Anna Costa
Anna Costa
★★★★★
“I have attended Yin & Sivananda Yoga classes and love them! The Instructors are knowledgeable experienced and very caring. The classes are smaller which is lovely. Both classes leave me relaxed and refreshed. I highly recommend them!”