About our Teachers

Susan Sandlin, L.Ac., RYT 500, has practiced a variety of yoga forms since 1987 and has been teaching since 1992. During this time, she has the opportunity to study with many wonderful well-respected teachers. Her most recent inspirations include the teachings of Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers, Shiva Rea and Seane Corn.

In 2006, Susan was honored to lead a yoga retreat in Tulum, Mexico at Maya Tulum Yoga Retreat. Held at the time of the Autumnal Equinox, in a powerful land whose Mayan culture honors the sacredness of the Equinox, the retreat was entitled “Essence of the Equinox: A Journey Back to Self”.

Since the early 90’s, she has studied numerous indigenous cultures and specifically, how people in these cultures create sacred space. Her unique yogic voice speaks the poetry of sacred space, gratitude and grace. Susan infuses her classes with a deep respect for the ever changing rhythms of the sun, the moon and the seasons. Her teaching challenges students to simultaneously explore the vibration of the moment and the nature of impermanence.

A practitioner of Chinese Medicine and an energy healer, Susan practices acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Tuina Chinese clinical massage as well as nutritional and lifestyle consultation, at her Richmond clinic, West End Eastern Medicine. 

Toni Halstead, RYT 500, has been teaching yoga for over nine years, and has been a student of yoga on and off the mat for over 25 years. Her formal training began in 2000 at The White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA. Since then, Toni has been influenced by many gifted yoga instructors that have helped shape her, both as a teacher and a student. Toni has received advanced certifications in Prenatal yoga from Leslie Lytle, the Joint Freeing Series from Mukunda Stiles, and Restorative yoga from both Judith Lasater and Roger Cole. She has been a Relax & Renew teacher since 2003, and more recently, has completed Judith Lasater’s Advanced Restorative Teacher Training.

Toni shares with her students the strength, peace, and centering that yoga brings to stress-filled lives. She has a particular compassion for those with restrictions and impairments, and Toni is sensitive to each student’s individual needs.

“Tension is who you think you should be, relaxation is who you are” Chinese Proverb