Our Team
Welcome to our small but 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.
Vicky Heuse
Lead Teacher 200 & 300 hrs TTC's
Vicky comes from Belgium, she discovered Yoga during one of her travels, in Costa Rica.
This experience has been a “life-changing” event.
She started practicing Yoga and went for her first 200 hrs TTC in Hatha Yoga in December 2014 in Thailand.
Her interest for Yoga made her discover Ashtanga Yoga, she went to India to make her second 200 hrs TTC in Mysore in March 2017.
On her way back to Europe she was offered to teach in Tuscany in a place where they were offering different styles of Yoga.
She started teaching Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga beside her job for two years. It is where she discovered she wanted to incorporate Yoga teaching as her profession as she realized how much she was helping people and how this came naturally. To make people feel good, relieved, relaxed or even “being a trigger” of a new awareness for people, gives Vicky the dedication, the commitment into YOGA, not only asana.
She taught in different 200hrs ttc in Cambodia, where she learned about restorative Yoga and shared her knowledge with plenty of students from all over the world.
She also completed her 50 hrs in Pregnancy Yoga, and learned two different massages, Thai massage and Deep tissues massage.
Her interest goes to Reiki and meditation and mindfulness as everything is linked or connected.
Vicky believes now that Yoga in its whole and the different holistic practices or healing practices “must be” used together with the occidental medicine to help a broader range of people to recover, to heal, to unblock, to feel, to hear, to know, to trust or to find back the faith in life for those who has lost it somehow.
In 2021 and 2023 she continued learning and forming herself with two 300hrs ttc in Yoga Therapy, Integrative medicine and Ashtanga & Yin Yoga.
Andrea Santos Richardson
Lead Teacher 200 & 300 Hours TTC's
Andrea, an accomplished ERYT500-certified yoga teacher and holistic wellness expert, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the realm of yoga, Ayurveda, and energy healing. With a diverse skill set and a heart dedicated to helping others unlock their true potential, Andrea is committed to guiding individuals towards self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal transformation.
Yoga Specializations: With mastery in a variety of yoga styles, including Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa, and Prenatal yoga, Andrea tailors her teaching to each student's unique journey. Her intuitive approach and deep understanding of the mind-body connection create a nurturing space for practitioners of all levels to explore and grow.
Holistic Healing Expertise: As a certified Ayurvedic therapist, Reiki master, and Thai massage teacher, Andrea seamlessly blends ancient healing modalities with contemporary practices. Her holistic approach considers each individual's constitution and energy balance, promoting overall well-being and harmony.
Co-owner of Shambhala: A Dream Realized: Co-founder of Shambhala, Andrea's lifelong dream since 2006 has been to create a haven of wellness and self-discovery. Shambhala represents a sanctuary where people can embark on transformative journeys, reconnect with their inner selves, and find solace amidst the chaos of the modern world.
Diverse Background: Andrea's journey has led her through various roles, each contributing to her rich expertise. From massage therapist to yoga teacher, spa manager to yoga retreat organizer, she has gathered insights from different facets of wellness, allowing her to create holistic experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
Empowerment Through Teaching: Andrea's philosophy revolves around empowering individuals to become confident yoga teachers. She believes in nurturing their self-belief, helping them embrace their uniqueness, and acknowledging their inherent value. Her teaching style fosters a stress-free environment, as she understands that the brain learns best when at ease.
A Warm Welcome: Originally from the vibrant landscapes of Tenerife, Andrea's deep connection to her mother island is evident in her approach to guiding others on their paths to wellness. She looks forward to welcoming you to Tenerife, where she will walk alongside you, sharing her wisdom, insights, and heartfelt guidance.
Embark on a transformative journey with Andrea as your guide, and let her expertise in yoga, holistic healing, and self-empowerment inspire you to unlock your true potential and embrace a life of balance, wellness, and self-love.
Ilona Roznicka
Massage Therapist / Yoga Teacher/Gong Practitioner in 200 & 300 Hours TTC's
Ilona comes from Poland but she fell in love with Tenerife and since 2018 she made the island her home.
She is a very experienced massage therapist and kundalini & vinyasa Yoga teacher.
Ilona travelled all the world while working aboard cruise ships and private yachts as a massage therapist. That helped her not only to discover the world but also herself. She started practicing yoga in 2015, and after that she decided to study Thai massage and later on, Traditional Chinese Medicine.
She has 10 years of experience in her field working as a masseuse, Reiki practitioner and she’s still discovering new therapies to learn.
While she’s enjoying the beautiful vibe of the island, she will be happy to share with you her skills to relax you during a massage or give any kind of guidance. Always with love and passion
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.