Meet Your Teachers
Sarah Ham
Owner & Founder
500HR RYT
Hello, I’m Sarah. Yoga first entered my life around 2011, after having my second child, and becoming involved in long distance running. I found the balance of doing yoga very complementary to the toll running was taking on my body. Initially, yoga was all about the physical practice for me, but over time, I began to find myself more and more drawn to the emotional, energetic, and spiritual aspects of the practice.
After losing my mom to cancer in 2019, I felt the need to deepen my practice, and signed up for Mocean Yoga teacher training, which I competed in August 2020. I began teaching friends and coworkers over Zoom through COVID, and then eventually in my backyard, and even our old dingy garage. They kept coming back and encouraging me to do more. In the fall of 2021 Hens Den Yoga studio was born.
In June 2024, I completed my 500 hour advanced yoga teacher training with Hali Love through Playa Negra studio in Costa Rica, as well as Multi Barre training in July 2024.
I never knew how much I would love this work. Not only is it a way to connect community, but also help people reconnect with themselves. I feel my background in health sciences has given me a strong foundation in anatomy, which also benefits my yoga teachings. I am an advocate for inclusion, and offer a variety of classes that are for all ages, and all abilities.
Hope to see you on your mat and in the studio soon!
Suzanne Slattery
Suzanne has taught Barre around the Comox Valley since 2017. She’s worked as a graphic designer, photographer and fine artist. Her many years as a curious mom, an enthused yoga student, a lover of food, adventure and nature give her inspiration in all she does.
Suzanne keeps you smiling and sweating with energy and efficiency. She brings an upbeat spin to developing confidence and strength from the inside out. Her physio and ballet inspired Barre class uses challenging isometric movements to help create long, lean muscle and build a strong core. Awareness of posture and alignment are highlighted to make the journey safe and empowering. All abilities are encouraged to join in!
Mary Lee
Mary is a Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist and has led fitness classes for close to 30 years, turning a passion for athleticism into a career side-hustle and then a full time career.
It wasn’t until a pregnancy and exploring a prenatal yoga class, that Mary began to appreciate the gentler side of fitness and wellness. Thereafter, Mary certified as a Hot HIIT instructor in 2017 and completed her Barre (Bar Method) certification in 2019. Feeling like there was more to achieve, Mary completed her RYT 200 through Evolation Yoga in 2020, followed by 50Hr Buti®️ Yoga in two certifications. Her most recent certifications are in Restorative Yoga and Yoga for Brain Injury through the Love Your Brain Foundation, which includes teachings in breath work, meditation and Yoga Nidra.
Mary believes full-heartedly that the body is its own healing vessel that can harness the power of energy hidden deep within to unleash a personal transformative experience.
FAE RAVEN
Currently on summer hiatus. Check back this fall for Fae’s class schedule.
With more than twenty years of classical mat Pilates experience, Fae brings together rigorous technical training and the refined movement vocabulary of her BFA in Dance. Her teaching is grounded in traditional Pilates principles and supported by an extensive background in functional movement and somatic practices.
Fae designs classes that are precise, progressive, and responsive to the needs of each group. Her approach prioritizes mindful embodiment, encouraging students to cultivate awareness, release tension, alleviate pain, and build strength through disciplined and uplifting movement.
Naomi Chester
Naomi’s yoga journey began in 2008 when she was introduced to the practice as part of her own physical and mental rehabilitation. Experiencing the many benefits of yoga inspired her to pursue teacher training and share those benefits with others.
A 500-hour certified yoga teacher with more than 5,000 hours of teaching experience since 2014, Naomi specializes in Ayurveda and rehabilitation, including physical rehabilitation, mental health, and addiction recovery.
Her intention is to provide an experience of deep relaxation while guiding students to heal, strengthen, and revitalize. Naomi loves helping others rediscover their own natural wisdom through yoga and is passionate about supporting each student’s unique journey toward health and wellness.
Outside of teaching, gardening and spending time with her three dogs are some of her greatest joys.
Our Core Values
We believe in the following principles:
Mindful Practice
We encourage mindful practice to cultivate presence and self-awareness during yoga sessions.
Inclusivity
We embrace diversity and create a safe space where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or experience level.
Community Spirit
We foster a sense of community by organizing events and workshops that bring people together in a supportive and caring environment.