OUR PHILOSOPHY
Ambu means water in the ancient yogic language of Sanskrit, and our name represents the connection between the flow of energy in our surrounding waters and the mind-body-spirit experience of yoga. We believe in the transformational physical and emotional benefits of yoga and allow a deep respect for our natural island setting to inspire all that we do.
Our Team
Founder
Yali
(E-RYT 500) is the founder of Ambu Yoga. Inspired by the beauty of nature and her passion for life, she loves traveling, tasting delicious plant-based food and practicing yoga outdoors on Sanibel and Captiva. Yali has been influenced by many amazing teachers and yoga disciplines and is committed to her continued growth and education. She has trained and studied at Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica, the Foundation of Pathanjala Yoga Kendra in India, and Bala Vinyasa Yoga in Naples, Florida. She is also a certified holistic health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Yali first found yoga and self-inquiry at a very young age through meditation practices with her father in Colombia, and has since developed a life-long passion for practicing and sharing yoga with others.
“With yoga, I discovered a way to balance my emotions, honoring my body with breath, movement, and playfulness. This mind-body connection is what keeps me coming back to the present moment and confronting the challenges that life brings every day.”
Ambu Teacher Alums
Malú
Malú is a Kripalu certified yoga teacher, and a jewelry artist. Her style of teaching mirrors the artful jewelry she creates and her love of nature. She blends traditional yoga poses with creative expressions of movement to help students find what feels natural to them. Students are urged to follow their instincts and move beyond familiar lines of a yoga pose and into a personal variation. In this way, each person finds the practice that fits their needs and awakens creative energy. Malú brings a light, open hearted presence to all of the classes and workshops she leads.
Mandi
(RYT 200) Mandi took her first-ever yoga class 10+ years ago with her mom by her side, and she‘s been hooked ever since. From Heated Vinyasa to Restorative Yoga and everything in between, Mandi’s creative sequences, colorful cues and spiritual spin promise a unique yoga experience every time. With an emphasis on expression and breath-to-movement connection, Mandi always encourages her students to move intuitively throughout practice.
Three words to describe your teaching style: Energetic, Intuitive, Empowering
What do you love about Captiva Island? Captiva is literally a breath of fresh air. I love the beaches, the wildlife and the tree tunnel during the drive in.
What do you do to be kind to the planet? I recycle, pick up litter, limit my plastic use, and educate others about conservation.
Lindsay
Three Jewels NYC x Sarva Yoga Academy- 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Lineage Project- 50 Hour Trauma Informed Yoga Training
Vessel Academy -Vipassana Meditation Training
Three words to describe your teaching style: Mindful, Meditative & Thoughtful
What do you love about Captiva Island? The beautiful natural surroundings and how they are conserved with love!
What do you do to be kind to the planet? I try my best to consume mindfully in order to reduce my footprint. This looks like avoiding plastics, conserving electricity & water, and staying away from harsh chemicals & aerosols.
Cynthia
Cindy has been a teacher and counselor for thirty years, and brings her passion for the process of self-discovery, healing and growth to her workshops, retreats and women’s circles. Beyond her Masters degree in counseling, she has additional trainingin the Hero’s Journey Program, Family Constellation Therapy and Dance Your Bliss. She feels honored to share this path of living life consciously with others.
Fran
(200 E-RYT, 500 E-RYT) Fran found her way to yoga after suffering from back and knee injuries. What started out as a daily physical practice has become her way of life. Fran is inspired by the Iyengar tradition, and her classes focus on alignment. Recognizing that everyone is anatomically different, props are used to help with the alignment process, also giving the student a chance to explore their body in the poses. She lives on Long Island, NY and comes to Captiva for the winter months.
Three words to describe your teaching style: Hatha, alignment, props
What do you love about Captiva Island? I love Captiva because it brings me closer to nature and ignites the inner child in me.
What do you do to be kind to the planet? I do my best to live as sustainably as possible. I plant flowers and vegetables that encourage pollination by bees in an effort to combat colony collapse. I support local farmers as well.
TEAM alums
Mercedes
What do you love about Captiva Island? The birds! How wild it is even though it’s populated. And of course the beach, and all its different moods.
What do you do to be kind to the planet? I recycle everything I can as well as reuse what I can. I’m working on eliminating plastics from my household. Limiting waste as well.
Linda
What do you love about Captiva Island? Captiva Island is so unique from other places in Florida. I love the ability to easily walk from the beach to the bay, and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
What do you do to be kind to the planet? Respect the wild life and beaches so that future generations can enjoy them as much as I have.
Nick
What do you love about Captiva Island? The brilliant blue skies and white puffy clouds. I love seeing the sky filled with stars at night.
What do you do to be kind to the planet? I avoid foods that have a heavy environmental footprint like meat, eggs and dairy. I also try to use single-use plastic of any kind as little as possible.