Welcome to Charlie Yoga Devon

I’m Charlie – yoga teacher, Special Yoga practitioner, retreat host, and lifelong student of this transformative practice. This space is where you’ll find everything you need to know about my weekly classes, yoga retreats, and my work with children and families through Special Yoga.

My Yoga Journey

My journey with yoga began in childhood, practicing Sun Salutations in the garden with my Mum. She taught me my first headstand and introduced me to a lifelong connection with yoga. As a child, I joined classes led by a lovely teacher named Pauline, alongside my Mum, Nanny, and a group of joyful older ladies. It was there I first saw the power of yoga to nurture vitality—both physical and emotional—at any age.

During university, while training as a midwife and later raising two boys, yoga became my anchor. Even a short morning Sun Salutation before an early hospital shift helped bring calm and clarity before a day of births, challenges, and miracles.

In 2012, our youngest son was born after a difficult pregnancy. At just five weeks old, he became seriously unwell, sustaining significant brain injury. He was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, cerebral visual impairment, and global developmental delay. His strength and spirit continue to inspire me every day.

Caring for him required not only physical resilience, but emotional and spiritual strength. I turned to yoga not just for movement, but for balance, self-care, and deep connection.

The dream of becoming a yoga teacher had long been in the background—something I thought about wistfully but dismissed. Then one day, I decided to stop doubting and start doing. My husband said, “If you’re going to do it, go to India and do it properly.” So, I did.

In 2017, I trained with Himalaya Yoga Valley in Goa, immersing myself in philosophy, anatomy, Ayurveda, and the 8 limbs of yoga. That time away gave me space to grieve the loss of my Mum, rediscover myself, and reconnect with a vibrant global yoga community.

I began teaching soon after, offering classes in Lympstone with a focus on welcoming beginners. These sessions often ended with a cup of herbal tea and a friendly chat after Shavasana. At home, I created a small yoga shala for personal practice, small group sessions, private lessons, and massage treatments.

Teaching and Learning

Since 2017, my practice and teaching have continued to evolve. I’ve trained in Yin Yoga and Self-Enquiry (80hrs) and completed Advanced Hatha and Pranayama training (80hrs) with Akasha Yoga Academy. I’m particularly drawn to practices that restore balance in our often overstimulated lives.

My work with Special Yoga—supporting children with special needs—has become a deeply meaningful part of my path. Under the guidance of Jyoti Manuel, a pioneer in the field, I’ve trained to become a senior practitioner. I now teach in both mainstream and special schools, sharing yoga as a therapeutic, empowering, and joyful experience.

Let’s Practice Together

Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, whether you’re seeking movement, stillness, connection or calm—I’d love to welcome you. My offerings include:

• Weekly classes in Devon

• Special Yoga sessions in schools and one-to-one

• Retreats that bring community and practice together in beautiful settings

Come as you are. There’s a place for you here.

With love,
Charlie