Maya Lindvall
Lead Teacher 50, 200 & 300 hrs TTC's
(E-RYT500)
Growing up in Sweden, Maya was first introduced to yoga and qigong by her mother. These early experiences planted a seed that would later blossom into a lifelong passion.
In 2019, she rediscovered yoga and felt a deep sense of belonging. Her journey as a teacher began in 2021, when she completed her 200-hour Yoga TTC with us. Since then, Maya has been fully immersed in the world of yoga, teaching a wide variety of classes—including vinyasa and yin yoga in gyms and studios, as well as chair yoga for seniors with dementia and sessions for teenagers with disabilities.
In 2022, Maya deepened her studies by completing a trauma-informed yoga training. This knowledge became central to her teaching. Her interest in using yoga as a healing tool continues to shape her teaching style and philosophy.
In 2023, she supported us as a volunteer assistant and gradually stepped into a co-teacher role in the 200 and 300 hour TTCs. She is known for her grounded, inclusive approach and her commitment to creating safe, respectful spaces where students feel truly seen.
In 2023, Maya completed her 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training in Ashtanga and Yin Yoga, officially becoming an ERYT-500. During this time, she also expanded her knowledge of Bhakti Yoga, learning to hold space through sound, devotion, and mantra.
Today, Maya brings together the discipline of Ashtanga, the softness of Yin, and the depth of trauma-aware practice in a way that is both approachable and empowering. She has experience guiding Ashtanga classes with presence and care, making the practice accessible while honoring its roots.
Sylvi Kühn
Lead Teacher 200 hrs TTC's
(RYT500)
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In 2019, she rolled out her mat for the very first time and instantly knew: yoga would always be part of her life. What started as fascination quickly grew into a deep passion. That's why she traveled to the birthplace of yoga – India – to complete her first 200-hour Teacher Training.
During that journey, she realized that yoga is so much more than she had ever imagined. It’s a community where everyone is welcome – in all their uniqueness – because yoga itself is so diverse. All of this helped her find more balance in life, and it’s this love and connection that she now tries to give back through her teaching.
In 2024, she found her place at Shambhala – first as a Karma Yogi, where she had the chance to continue learning and growing, including completing the 300-hour TTC. And now, she is proud to be part of the teaching team.
In her classes, it’s especially important to her that yoga is fun, helps students feel safe trying new things, and allows them to connect more deeply with themselves along the way. She loves guiding different styles – whether strong, gentle, or grounding.
Yoga is with her every single day. It also supports her in her second heartfelt profession – social work – helping her stay centered and present. Her students know this line of hers well: “It’s all about the balance between tension and release.” And this search for balance is something we all share in our own way – which makes it even more beautiful to live and explore together at Shambhala.
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Tiana Prince
Lead Teacher 50 Hours Bhakti Yoga/Kirtan TTC &
Somatic Movement & Meditative Arts TTC
(E-RYT500)
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Tiana is a lifelong lover of creative movement, mythology, magic, and devotional expression. She draws from her background in yoga, dance, theatre, and education to offer unique, heart-centered classes that weave together somatics and storytelling, movement and music, philosophy and poetry.
Since 2018, Tiana has been teaching yoga internationally, facilitating teacher trainings and retreats in India, Peru, Europe, and her hometown in Canada. She specializes in Bhakti, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga, infused with bardic inspiration and creative embodiment.
Tiana completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Yandara Yoga Institute in Mexico, where she fell in love with kirtan. A deep calling to explore the path of devotion led Tiana to complete her 300-hour Bhakti Yoga Teacher Training with Audrey Sarquilla, and to spend time living, studying, and volunteering at Bhakti Yoga ashrams around the world.
Before discovering yoga, Tiana was a competitive dancer and dance teacher, experiences that shaped her asana practice and continue to inspire her study of somatics and embodiment, including training in SacredDance and Shake the Dust.
A certified arts and language educator (Bachelor of Education: Artist in Community Education from Queen’s University), Tiana is very passionate about teaching and learning. In her classes and courses, expect dynamic, immersive explorations that are both playful and profound.
Tiana is deeply grateful and very excited to sing, dance, practice, and create magic with you at Shambhala!
Adam Duke
Lead Teacher 50 Hours Somatic Movement & Meditative Arts TTC
(E-RYT500)
Adam is a friendly yogic character, ever-evolving his teachings and learning from a space of playful spiritual seeking. As a yoga teacher and artist, with countless visual art pieces and murals displayed around the world, he brings his unique creative expression into all of his classes.
After experiencing an intense spiritual awakening on a farm in Mexico, Adam traveled to India to complete both his 200 hr and 300 hr YTTs in traditional Hatha Yoga at a riverside-ashram in South India called AyurYoga Eco-Ashram. In a beautiful and adventurous evolution of events, Adam now spends his winters in India as the lead E-RYT 500 asana, pranayama and kriya teacher at AyurYoga. Adam has taught YTTs, retreats, classes, and workshops around the world. He specializes in Hatha, meditation, artistic expression, kids yoga and inversions.
Before finding yoga, Adam was an amateur skateboarder, music producer and DJ (with releases through Universal Music) in Canada. He is a registered recreational gymnastics coach with over 10 years of experience teaching kids of all ages.
Adam approaches his classes with playful discipline and a smile on his face. He blends asana, somatics, devotional yoga (Bhakti), stories, and is constantly learning from students’ feedback and shares, to teach from a place of trauma-informed accessibility, balanced with a good dose of fun.
You can catch Adam singing to cows, eating lots of watermelon, painting bright contemporary pieces, skateboarding, and spending time in nature. He is honored and humbled to teach at Shambhala and is beyond excited to learn and grow with you all!
Andrea Santos Richardson
Co-Founder & Lead Teacher 50, 200 & 300 Hours TTC's
(E-RYT500)
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Meet Andrea, the vibrant heart and soul of Shambhala Yoga School! Known for her warmth and kindness, Andrea brings a genuine passion for holistic living to our community. As co-owner and co-teacher, she wears many hats, ensuring that every student feels welcome and supported.
Andrea is the course director behind all our courses, serving as the friendly voice you hear when you reach out. Originally from Tenerife, this beautiful island serves as both her home and inspiration, allowing her to share its natural wonders with those who visit.
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After a transformative trip to Thailand in 2008, Andrea became a Thai massage teacher and started her first Teacher Training Course in Hatha Yoga. Since then, she has expanded her knowledge through various yoga styles and healing practices. Her journey has taken her around the globe, immersing herself in Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Somatic Yoga, Trauma Informed Yoga, Yin, Prenatal and Ashtanga Yoga, as well as Ayurveda, sound healing and Bhakti Yoga.
In her courses, Andrea focuses on the Asana Lab, teaching methodology, and facilitating all her experience to the students. Her mission is to empower students to transform their lives and cultivate positivity. With years of experience leading Teacher Training Courses worldwide, she’s here to guide you on your journey to becoming a yoga teacher, ready to share her knowledge and passion with you at Shambhala.
Ronny Starke
Co-Founder & School's Keeper
Meet Ronny, originally from the East part of Germany but now proudly calling Tenerife home since 2004. Embracing the Canarian lifestyle as his own, Ronny is more than just a founder of Shambhala; he brings all his peace to this community.
With a background in Engineering Ronny brings precision and dedication to everything he does. His list of hobbies is as diverse as his skills, including hiking, mountain biking, swimming, windsurfing, gardening and reading.
In 2020 Ronny's dream since 2006 came to life when he, together with Andrea, founded Shambhala. These days he wears many hats, taking care of our students' every need. Whether it's refilling the kitchen, baking fresh German bread every morning, ensuring that any needed repairs are promptly handled or tending to our orchard for fresh fruits and vegetables, Ronny's commitment is unwavering. He's the guardian of Shambhala's daily operations, ensuring that our haven remains a place of comfort, warmth and connection.
Our Team
Welcome to our dedicated team at Shambhala! We take pride in being a small school because it allows us to give you the full attention you deserve for effective learning. We don't think of Shambhala as a business; we think of it as a community, like a family. Our focus extends beyond just teaching yoga poses; it's about incorporating yoga philosophy into everyday life, living with respect and making these ideas a part of your daily routine. At Shambhala, we've made a place where you can feel noticed, supported and respected as you learn to be a yoga teacher and discover more about yourself.