Meet Our Yoga Teachers

Manisha’s foundation of yoga was laid in India early on in her childhood. The seed was planted by her father when she would see him do meditation everyday, and when they would go to Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh to attend spiritual lectures and satsangs. Later on, when the time was right, Manisha started her own yoga/spiritual journey. She got her education in Pharmacy and MBA, got married and came to Canada in 1991. Manisha is blessed with a loving husband, and two grown up children. Deep inside, she always felt a quest for something more meaningful…till she found the path of yoga.

Manisha got her formal training as a yoga teacher in May 2013 from Sivananda Vedanta Centre in Grass Valley, California. This was a life changing experience and a true calling in every sense. She founded Sun Yoga studio in August 2013, in her hometown Edmonton, Canada. Since then till now, its been an amazing journey of learning and teaching. Manisha opened the studio with a vision to stay true to the authentic yoga teachings, and has kept that vision alive since 11 years!

Manisha has done numerous yoga and ayurvedic courses from Sivananda ashrams in US, Canada, and India. She has been a regular student of Advaita Vedanta since 2014 at Brahma Vidya Gurukulam, Edmonton. Manisha combines her wisdom of pharmacy and yoga, values of India and western world, and different aspects of yoga and spiritual knowledge beautifully. You can feel her passion and love for yoga in every class. Her ability to connect Non dual Philosophy with her yogic knowledge in every class, makes her classes extra special and make you connect with yourself in a way you never did before.

It’s her vision that everyone should experience what it feels like after doing traditional hatha yoga, and fall in love with it!

Currently, Manisha teaches Sivananda Yoga, Yoga Therapy for Back care, Morning Yoga , Hatha Flow, Yoga for Upper Body, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Breath & Meditation, and Traditional Hatha Yoga at the studio.

Jeanette took her first yoga class in 1996 after teaching a fitness class. She continued exploring the practice for several years. It wasn't until she moved to Montreal and hit rock bottom that she truly discovered the power of this ancient practice. Yoga has been incredibly healing and transformational in Jeanette's life. Her enthusiasm and passion to share this with others is evident in each of her classes.

After taking her initial teacher training in 2002 with Joseph LePage of Integrative Yoga Therapy, she has continued her lifelong study of yoga with another 200HR and 500HR YTT with Yogi Vishvketu. Other teachers influencing Jeanette's personal practice and teaching include: Donna Farhi, Mark Whitwell, Rodney Yee, Shiva REa, Rameen Peyrow and David McAmmond..

Jeanette is currently teaching Gentle Yoga pre registered sessions, and conducts Restorative Reset workshops at the studio.

Angela completed her 200 hours yoga training in 2021. She completed 45 hour training in Pain Care Aware.

Angela has been practicing yoga for over 10 years, and has been teaching yoga since 5 years.

She has experience of teaching Hatha Yoga, Flow, Yin, Gentle Yoga to anyone who is passionate about learning yoga. She has had the privilege of teaching Restorative Yoga to athletes to increase their body awareness, and to help increase their flexibility to avoid injuries. She has conducted yoga sessions at her work to increase focus, and to help the employees be more present and mindful.

Angela is passionate about healthy living, and respecting all creatures. She practices yamas & niyamasto guide her thoughts and actions daily.

When not on her mat, Angela loves spending time with her soulmate, and with adult children, and two mini dachshunds!

Angela is currently teaching Hatha Yoga at the studio.

Jasleen K Benipal , is a certified yoga teacher 900 hours Advanced Teacher Training Course from The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, India. She learnt a lot from this intensive training program and Jasleen wishes to share her knowledge with the students at Sun Yoga. She is registered with Yoga Alliance as RYS 500 teacher.

She has taught yoga at local yoga studios and gained experience in teaching different styles including Hatha, Deep stretch & relaxation, Yin Yang and Vinyasa. She also does online yoga sessions for her students in other parts of Canada.

Her soft voice, clear instructions, and strong yet gentle demeanour will take your yoga experience to a deeper level.

Jasleen is currently teaching Morning Yoga, and Yoga for Lower Body at Sun Yoga. She also subs for classes when needed.

Avinash Chandran is certified in the following:

*Advanced Teacher’s Training Course in Yoga, 2014. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Kerala, India

*Teacher’s Training Course in Yoga, 2010. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Kerala, India

*Certificate Course in Yoga Education, 2004. Kerala School of Yoga and Research Centre, Kerala, India

Avinash is a compassionate Yoga Teacher with over 15 years of extensive experience in guiding students toward physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Proficient in various yoga styles adept at tailoring classes to meet the diverse needs and abilities of students. Proven track record of fostering a supportive and inclusiveenvironment, empowering individuals to deepen their practice and achieve personal growth.

Avinash has received training in the following teaching methods :

.Hatha Yoga∙ Sivananda Yoga ∙ Yoga Therapy

∙Prenatal Yoga .Postnatal Yoga

.Yoga Stretch ∙ Yoga Flow ∙ Kids Yoga

. Gentle Yoga ∙ Pranayama & Meditation

Currently, Avinash is teaching Sivananda Yoga, and Yoga for Healthy hips at Sun Yoga.

200 Hours of Yoga Teacher Training - Bodhi School of Yoga, India.

50 Hours of Aerial yoga Teacher Training - Aulayaa Yoga Studio, India..

My journey with yoga began in 2015, initially sparked by a desire for physical fitness. Little did I know, it would evolve into such a heartfelt transformation, touching every aspect of my life.

I found a profound passion for Hatha and Ashtanga yoga. After dedicated practice and exploration for years, completing 200 hours TTC marked a significant milestone in my yoga journey. Since then, I have been teaching with joy and enthusiasm, eager to share the gifts of yoga with others.  Yoga transformed me into the happiest version of myself,  and I'm passionate about sharing the same with society.

Along with physical postures, my classes emphasise breath awareness, meditation, relaxation and self-reflection—inviting students to explore their inner landscape and cultivate a sense of balance and harmony in their lives. I am on a mission to create a welcoming space where students of all levels can explore and grow, both on and off the mat. Whether you're seeking strength, flexibility, or simply a moment of stillness, I’m all excited to support and guide you on your journey to holistic well-being at SUN YOGA Edmonton!!

-Dharani S.

Currently, Dharani is teaching Karma Yoga, and Traditional Hatha Yoga classes at Sun Yoga.

Anukesh Karanjia has been a student of yoga for over 10 years and teaching yoga for just over 5 years. Yoga has supported her mental, emotional, and physical health in many ways and she considers it an honor and privilege to guide and support students in cultivating a deeper connection with their bodies and minds while respecting the roots and traditions of the practice. For the past 5 years Anukesh has also been a student and practitioner of Ayurveda which she incorporates into her yoga classes seamlessly. 

500 Hr. RYT

Prenatal (85 hrs)

Trauma Informed

Yin

Chair

Restorative

Ayurvedic Practitioner

Currently, Anukesh is a subbing for yoga classes (except the Sivananda Yoga class) at Sun Yoga.

Holistic Yoga Teacher & Consultant

Rupali Salunke is a globally recognized Holistic Yoga Teacher and Wellness Consultant, known for seamlessly integrating yogic wisdom into modern lifestyles. With over 16 years of experience in yoga, wellness, and holistic healing, her journey is rooted in deep spiritual grounding and a lifelong commitment to compassionate living.

Raised in a traditional family, Rupali’s spiritual path began early, nurtured by her parents and shaped by vivid inner experiences. At 17, she was introduced to competitive yoga under the mentorship of Prof. Lokhande, who inspired her with the principle “Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam”—Yoga is excellence in action. This guiding philosophy led her to become a multiple award-winning yoga champion at state, national, and international levels between 2004 and 2009.
Her achievements include prestigious titles like ‘Miss Yoga’ and ‘Champion of Champions’ as well. Rupali’s spiritual depth was further cultivated through Vipassana meditation at Dhammagiri, Igatpuri, where her potential was affirmed by her teacher. She pursued academic and therapeutic training in yoga with a Diploma from Mumbai University and a specialized certification in Yoga for Special Needs from Kaivalyadham, Lonavala.
Her foundational yoga training was under Rishi Dharmajyoti at Yoga Vidya Gurukul. In addition to yoga, she studied Ayurveda Panchakarma, and became a certified Reiki Master, EFT practitioner, and Karuna Ki healer.
Her versatile teaching spans Traditional Hatha, Sivananda, Ashtanga, Restorative, Aerial Yoga, Aqua Yoga, Power Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and Yoga Therapy for various physical and mental health conditions. She also conducts specialized sessions for children, seniors, and individuals with specific needs.

Rupali’s professional journey is equally inspiring. She has worked with luxury resorts and international wellness centers including COMO Maalifushi (Maldives), Anantara Resorts (Saudi Arabia), Aman-i-Khas (India), Oberoi’s Wildflower Hall, and international clients in (Italy) and (Germany), including dignitaries like Mr. Orlando Ferrai (Ferrari International President) and members of the Reliance Industries family. She has also completed an MBA in Operations Management, reflecting her vision of integrating wellness with business leadership.

Her accolades include the recognition for her contributions to women’s empowerment in wellness, and invitations as a Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at educational and community events. Rupali continues to serve as a true ambassador of yoga and holistic living, offering transformative experiences through yogic nutrition, lifestyle coaching, emotional healing, and personal journey guidance. Her life’s mission remains centered on empowering individuals to live with purpose, balance, and inner harmony—guided by the timeless wisdom of yoga.

Rupali is currently teaching live stream online classes only. She teaches Yoga Nidra and Breath & Meditation classes.

She is presently living in Osoyoos, B.C. with her husband, Vishwa, who was a teacher at SY before moving to B.C.

Whitney Ann first discovered yoga in 2006. She felt a deep sense of connection which profoundly resonated with her. She is a 500 Hour Certified Yoga teacher.

-October 2020 Yin Yoga teachers training - Prana Yoga studio

-2023 200 Hour YTT in Akhanda Yoga designed by Yogi Vishvketu - Prana Yoga studio

-2024 300 Hour YTT - Prana Yoga studio

She has been teaching at Prana since 2022.

Whitney’s trainings over the years have opened her eyes to the limitless potential of yoga. Her aspiration is to continue to grow on her yoga journey, and offer an inclusive and accessible experience to her students.

Currently, Whitney is teaching Hatha Flow at Sun Yoga.

If you have any questions about our yoga teachers, please contact us. We would love to hear from you.