essence of living Academy - gold coast

where yoga, pilates & soulful teaching begin

Nestled in a lush forest haven on the Gold Coast, surrounded by native birdsong and the gentle rustle of eucalyptus leaves, the Essence of Living Academy is a sanctuary for seekers, movers and heart-led teachers in the making.

Since 2004, we’ve been sharing the power of conscious movement with our local community—welcoming over a million students through our doors. And since 2009, our Academy has lovingly guided thousands of aspiring instructors to step into their highest potential as certified Yoga and Pilates teachers.

Whether you’re here to teach, deepen your practice, or find yourself again—this is your place to land, grow, and rise.

More than a certificate - this is a journey home to self

Here, your training unfolds like a five-star retreat infused with soul. You’ll study beneath the canopy of native trees, breathe in fresh forest air, and be supported by facilitators who see you fully—holding space for your evolution, both as a student and a teacher.

Our training pathways are immersive, holistic, and designed to nurture you on every level: physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual. We honour tradition, embrace science, and teach with grounded integrity.

why essence of living?

🌿 Nature-Rich Learning Environment

Train in a forest-fringed location that supports deep rest, presence, and personal transformation.

🌀 Holistic, Heart-Led Curriculum

We honour all layers of being—teaching not just technique, but the art of holding space, leading with integrity, and living yoga.

🌏 Globally Recognised Certification

All courses are registered with Yoga Alliance and Fitness Australia, equipping you with credentials respected around the world.

🧘 Experienced, Compassionate Teachers

Our facilitators are not just trainers—they are mentors, space-holders, and lifelong students of movement and spirit.

💗 A Loving, Like-Minded Community

When you train with us, you become part of a soulful family that supports you long after graduation.

WHAT OUR STUDENTs SAY

Michelle is an alchemist! 🔮

I walked through the doors of Essence of Living and met Michelle 5 years ago and since then I can honestly say I have changed in the best way. I am honoured to call her a dear friend.

I was immediately hooked by her classes that weaved spiritual teachings into her holistic sequencing. I went from practicing a couple of times a week to almost every day. I knew I had found what I was looking for and everything felt aligned. During my first 200hr teacher training my whole belief system was torn apart and rebuilt from the ground up, with solid foundations, encouraging nudges and lots of love from Michelle. Hard work was now “heart work”, and what scared me now excited me! I enjoyed my YTT so much I decided to continue by enrolling in Pilates teacher training the day it ended.

Immediately after so many opportunities opened up and I began teaching classes through connections made from the studio. I met many of my nearest and dearest friends during the trainings or at Essence. Since then I have gone on to do many other courses with Michelle and my life has enhanced with each and every one!

Michelle’s strength, commitment and discipline is second to none, showing up in her fullest expression each and every day. She is the flame that lights the candles, that are her students, enabling them to glow. They then shine their own light, guiding the way for others. Instead of paving the way for you, she gives you the tools and techniques to pave your own path!

The alchemy begins from the moment you look into her gorgeous, glistening eyes. She sees you, beyond you. She sees your worries and fears and sees your highest self, your fullest potential, the most authentic you.

“This is what we call love. When you are loved, you can do anything in creation. When you are loved, there's no need at all to understand what's happening, because everything happens within you.” -Paulo Coelho

Danny

75hr Yoga Sequencing & Adjusting (Hybrid) Course (Gold Coast)

29th Sept - 3rd Oct 2025

Go deeper into the study of yoga principles, philosophy, asana, pranayama and meditation, but more importantly the study of the ‘self’. We study the awakening of deeper levels of the energetic body as well as the attunement to the subtler messages of the body’s intelligence.

200hr Vinyasa Yoga (Hybrid) Teacher Training (Gold Coast)

27th Sept - 26th Oct 2025 (5 Weekends)

A foundational Yoga Alliance certified course combining in-person and online learning to help you become a confident, authentic yoga teacher. This course runs over 5 weekends Saturdays & Sundays.

50hr Thai Massage + Assisted Yoga Teacher Training (Gold Coast)

3rd - 7th Oct 2025

Pilates Fitness Weekend Teacher Training (Gold Coast)

1st - 30th November 2025

This course is ideal for pilates enthusiasts and those wanting to teach Pilates for fitness. Using the foundations of the classic Pilates method, in this course you will learn how to create fun, modern classes that move to the beat! Our systematic approach teaches our trainers to be capable and dynamic Pilates instructors.

75hr Yin Yoga (Hybrid) Teacher Training (Gold Coast)

27th - 31st October 2025

This course will inspire you to teach a safe and effective Yin Yoga class that will suit all different skeletal variations and health conditions. You will learn different practices to awaken the meridian channels of the body, creating an overall feeling of calmness and contentment for your students.

200hr Yin Yoga (Hybrid) Teacher Training (Gold Coast)

27th - 31st October 2025

online offerings

learning online has never looked so good!!

– Start ANYTIME and go at your own pace!

– 6 months access to work your way through the content

– Combine up to 50 hours of online courses and any of our heart-to-heart in person courses to a total of 300hrs to receive an EOL 300hr Teacher Training Certificate!

patanjali’s yoga sutras

roll & release

the art of science & meditation

yoga history & philosophy

Michelle Cassidy

Academy course creator & head facilitator

Advanced Diploma in Recreational Fitness
Business Degree majoring in Marketing
International Advanced ‘Stott Pilates’ Mat course with Reformer Apparatus Training
‘Body Control Pilates’ Mat Course
‘Yoga Arts’ 200hr intensive Teacher Training in Ubud, Bali,
‘Brahmani Yoga’ 500hr intensive Ashtanga Teacher Training in Goa India
‘Jivamukti Yoga’ 300hr intensive Teacher Training plus 500hr apprenticeship in New York
Trained with Dena Kingsberg for 4 years, completing her one year committed practitioner Ashtanga intensive in Byron Bay
Paul Grilley 100hr yin in Mexico along with 50hr Chakra Theory & Meditation, plus 50hr Patanjali training in California
2x 100hr philosophy courses with Alana Kaivalya & Power Living
Barre training with Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred Devito (Exhale)
3 month intensive ‘International Thai Massage’ Teacher Training in Chiang Mai Thailand
One-year Holistic Health Coaching course with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition
Kinesiology with Ranee Zeller from Bayside Kinesiology
Tony Robbins Date with Destiny in Gold Coast, Business Mastery in Vegas, Life Mastery & Wealth Mastery in Fiji, Ultimate Relationship program in Hawaii
Brendan Burchard Peak Performance training in San Diego
Rod Stryker Vinyasa Krama & Kosha, Kriya, Yoga Master Trainings & Empowering the Heart continuous education
'Forest Therapist' trained by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy.

Join a Global Community of Teachers

Our graduates teach across the globe, lead retreats, and open studios. At Essence of Living, you’ll be supported by a community that encourages lifelong learning, mentorship, and connection.

begin your teacher training journey

If your heart is calling you toward deeper purpose, self-discovery, or sacred service—trust it. Essence of Living Academy will guide you there with love, wisdom, and joy.