I can’t recommend Essence of Living’s training enough, in fact I recommend it to any of my students who are looking to go down the teaching path themselves. The training you receive at EOL is comprehensive and truly sets you up to be a successful yoga teacher. You touch on so many different facets of the ancient practice during your weeks at Michelle’s feet - from the ancient scriptures all the way to Michelle’s pragmatic approach to the business of yoga. Although it’s scary, actually teaching yoga classes as a part of my training really pushed me to become the best teacher I could be. I now teach regular classes each week, and with the nerves gone, I enjoy every minute of it! I’m excited to complete further training at The Academy, with Yoga Level 2 on my bucket list. - Yoga Level 1

Kate Smyth

Essence of Living's yoga teacher training not only allowed me to deepen my yoga practice but it changed my life. This course gives you all the tools to become a balanced and confident yoga teacher, yet it also teaches you how to find your flow both on and off the mat. In this day and age we don't find enough time to be present and mindful, this training builds your awareness so that you can find peace wherever you may go. Many of the lessons I learned in this training I still implement in my day to day life. - Yoga Level 1

Kaleb Kennedy

The Essence of Living Yoga Teacher Training course has transformed my life in such an amazing and positive way. The intensive training courses gave me all the tools to become a highly trained teacher. I attended the Yoga Level 1, Pilates and Yin Yoga courses at The Essence of Living Academy. It was an inspiring personal journey for me as I changed my career path after more than two decades in the corporate world. Michelle Cassidy, as director of the course, is an inspiration - articulating and transferring her immense knowledge of Yoga along with a Mind, Body and Spirit learning structure. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who may dream of becoming a yoga and Pilates teacher or simply to deepen their own yoga practice and knowledge. I now teach regular public classes, private classes and host workshops combining yin yoga and essential oils, and am living a life of health and passion for this modality. It was also a dream of mine to travel, and I have now launched Seed of Life Worldwide Yoga Retreats and have hosted three successful retreats in Australia and Bali. - Yoga Level 1 - Pilates Level 1 - Yin

Angy Keates

Essence of Living is a unique studio that offers a diverse amount of classes catering to any person. It is a warm, accepting and encouraging community where one feels inspired to live their life passionately in whatever they do. It was my passion to acquire more skills in the art of teaching yoga and Pilates, and also to give back to others in the same way that the community of Essence had given to me. Finances were not working in my favour at the time I wanted to sign up for the Level 1 Yoga and Pilates Teacher Training, however I had a lot of time to give. I turned up to classes as often as possible and eventually applied for the scholarship at Essence of Living. I feel very fortunate that Michelle selected me and trusted in me to do time for trade. It is not often that studios offer this and is worth doing, not only from a financial standpoint, but also from the skills you naturally acquire with the time you spend working at the studio. You learn the admin side of the business, befriend the staff and students, and also get to be part of a fantastic teacher training that I can’t even begin to explain! The wonderful thing, too, is that you can start to visualise what working at the studio may be like and build rapport with potential students. There are many pros in doing the scholarship. If you were to ask me whether it’s worth applying for I would say, “For sure… do it!” - Yoga Level 1 - Pilates Level 1 - Scholarship

Midori Lotz

To this day, I still think about how lucky I was to have been given the opportunity to do my Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training at Essence of Living with thanks to the scholarship program. Not only was it extremely helpful financially as I studied, but it was especially great for getting to know the EOL team - being able to work in the studio office I was often in contact with all the EOL Angels coming and going, as well as the behind the scenes management team. I learnt so much of the back end management side of running a studio as well as teaching classes which gave me much more confidence in my abilities on all levels. But I have to say the friendships and relationships I have built through this program have had the biggest impact on me. I still, to this day, pinch myself as I contemplate the opportunities that this training and scholarship has given me. It truly is life changing, I couldn't recommend it enough! - Yoga Level 1 - Scholarship

Amy Sinclair

I feel very fortunate to have done my Yin Yoga teacher training at Essence of Living with Michelle. The skills and experience that I have taken away have been life changing. I feel I have been given an opportunity where I can now help people not only physically but mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. By doing my training at Essence it has enabled me to create a holistic fitness studio that combines the mind, body and soul. Michelle facilitates an amazing teaching training course and has so much knowledge and wisdom to share. Every person that does the course not only takes away skill sets for life but is deeply transformed. - Yin

Fatima Wheeler

Having been exposed to other training providers and modules and I can easily recommend the Essence of Living Academy, be it, to deepen your own personal practice or to embark on the journey to become a successful yoga teacher Michelle, Clare and the entire team of facilitators are both inspiring and amazing and Essence of Living has, since the very start of my yoga journey, felt inspiring and supportive. If you want to learn and be inspired to become your very best, learn from someone who is vibrating high I recommend EOL. Proudly completing my Level 1 & Level 2 yoga teacher trainings via the Essence of Living Academy was not only highly enjoyable but it also provided me the ability to cement a high platform of training and knowledge from which I can teach from. Leaving the course you are guaranteed to not only feel inspired, meet many new like-minded friends, but also to feel confident to teach, guide and empower your students. - Yoga Level 1 - Yoga Level 2

Taryn Vinson

Michelle and Clare both inspired me to do teacher training from the very first class I took, their way with words and their way of handling a full class is inspiring. During the training they teach you to adjust clients safely and how to take care of your students. Michelle and Clare whole heartedly believe in you, if you're willing to show up and do the work! It certainly is hard work and you will gain so much from Essence Of Living teacher training. I loved the growth I gained and I love Michelle for believing in me to take the journey to open my very own studio. - Yoga Level 1 - Pilates Level 1 - Mentorship

Jessica Kerle

The Essence of Living Teacher Training courses absolutely changed my life. I started teaching Pilates part time as soon as I finished my training, and then went on to complete my yoga Level 1 training which only opened up more opportunities for me. I also completed the Pilates Level 2 training which supercharged my Pilates classes and gave me the skills to teach yet another discipline; Barre. I loved the Thai massage training and this gives my private yoga/Pilates clients a whole different experience. 6 years down the track and I’m still living my passion in a way I never thought possible; owning my own studio in Melbourne and teaching many private and corporate clients every week. I’m so proud to offer the Essence of Living Teacher Training courses at my Melbourne studio in 2017! I also plan on completing the yoga Level 2 training next year with Michelle on the Gold Coast. The EOL teacher trainings gave me so much confidence in my teaching and in myself. I not only love that I can work for myself and chose my own hours, but the community we can create as teachers is truly magic. - Yoga Level 1 - Pilates Level 1 - Barre - Thai Massage

Danielle Klye

I have so far completed three teacher training courses under Michelle and the Essence team. I’m excited to continue my journey with Essence and their ever evolving course offerings. Whenever I’m asked where I trained, or where I’d recommend being trained, without hesitation, I recommend Michelle and the Essence of Living team. Essence of Living’s Academy has been developed through years of passion and experience and is to my knowledge, has the most comprehensive, structured teacher training courses on offer in Australia. More importantly, the teacher training courses offered by Essence of Living offer an experience, an opportunity for personal growth and development, meeting lifelong friends and like minded students, in addition to strengthening one’s own Yoga or Pilates practice. - Pilates Level 1 - Barre - Yin

Sophie Spratt

I am immensely grateful for all of my experiences on Michelle’s teacher trainings at Essence of Living. Her trainings not only gave me the practical skills I needed to teach, they also offered me a platform for personal and spiritual growth. Each training I have done has been very well organised and infused with Michelle’s knowledge, passion and love for what she does. Michelle has a unique ability as a facilitator to hold space for aspiring teachers to learn, grow and come out the other end with the knowledge and skills needed to start their teaching journey. I always look back on my time learning at Essence as a time of great personal transformation and growth!” - Yoga Level 1 - Yoga Level 2 - Pilates Level 1 - Barre

Rose Lamont

I was overwhelmed with just how beneficial the EOL Yoga Teacher Training was for me emotionally. It was so incredible to learn, grow, have hands on practice in the very first class. It left me at the end of the course with an incredible basis for being the best yoga teacher I could be, but it also taught me so much about the person I am. I opened a studio in the northern Gold Coast region and I’m so thrilled when our students develop a deep love for the practice! When their interest in teacher training is clear and I am more than happy to refer them to Michelle! We are so lucky to have a growing teacher base from our very own clientele and they now teach at TFLS! I was fortunate enough to complete Pilates Teacher Training at the Essence of Living Academy too and love the teaching style of Pilates that Essence offers, it’s like no other! If you want to change your life and enhance the lives of others, teacher training at Essence of Living is by far the best teacher training in Australia! Jump in and register now, it will be the best decision you ever made. - Yoga Level 1 - Pilates Level 1

Sharee Sanderson

I completed my second teacher training with Michelle and this was the one that pushed me over (way over) that line of being a student versus being a teacher. Michelle guided me to find my inner teacher, my voice and gave me the confidence to not only become a successful yoga instructor but to open a beautiful studio in Melbourne. The biggest difference between Michelle’s course and others is that you learn how to teach, not just how to practice Yoga. The dialogue, the adjustments, the business side of things and the mentoring that continues indefinitely. This is an amazing course. - Yoga Level 1

Eveline Young

The hours I spent under the guidance of Michelle undergoing Essence of Living’s yoga teacher training was the best investment I’ve ever made. A deeply humbling and empowering experience, this course provided the perfect balance between the spiritual and practical aspects of teaching authentic yoga by largely expanding my knowledge of yoga philosophy, encouraging me to deepen my own practice and giving me the tools to confidently and competently guide others on this path. I was truly inspired by Michelle and feel blessed to have had her as my teacher. - Yoga Level 1

Naomi Young-Pickrell

In 2013 I quit my 9-5 job and signed up for a 200HR Yoga Teacher Training at Essence of Living. Following that I completed further hours in Yoga, Mat Pilates & Thai massage under the guidance of Michelle. Little did I know how much this series of events would completely change my life. Transformation doesn’t feel like a big enough word for what happened during these courses. As a result, I became a yoga teacher, Pilates instructor and Thai Massage therapist at Essence of Living. I’ve also facilitated retreats and taught yoga in Sri Lanka! I am forever grateful to Michelle and Clare for opening the doors and believing in me. Hand on heart, thank you. - Yoga Level 1 - Yoga Level 2 - Pilates Level 1 - Barre - Thai Massage

Crystal O’Rourke

From the moment I took my first class at EOL I knew I was in the right place. Michelle has created amazing trainings that changed my life. Because of the EOL training I have had the confidence in my teaching ability to open two studios and teach all disciplines - yoga, Pilates, barre and yin. EOL offers trainings that are not only insightful and transforming but also rich in traditional teachings. What I loved about this training is the hands on teaching experience, I felt that this teacher training prepared me enough to be able to go into the industry and start teaching straight away. Not only is Michelle an incredible facilitator that makes ancient teachings accessible and relative in our modern world, she has an incredible team of facilitators that always kept it interesting and inspiring. Michelle’s wealth of knowledge and compassionate nature helped me blossom into a person I didn’t know I was and to reach the potential I never knew I had. I have continued to train with Michelle over the last six years because she is always able to shine the light on the darkness and help me reach new heights. I am forever grateful for my EOL training as I truly believe it has made me the teacher and success I am today.” - Yoga Level 1 - Yoga Level 2 - Yin - Pilates Level 1 - Barre

Cara Louise Gillespie - http://www.livelifewellstudio.com.au/

The Essence of Living teacher training was a well rounded and deeply transformational experience. It’s obvious that Michelle has dedicated years of her life to the study and practice of yoga. She is influenced by many great teachers and her style of teaching is unique, modern and layered with yogic philosophy and tradition. I felt everything was covered from sequencing, to philosophy to survival in today’s competitive Yoga industry. Michelle is also an exceptional businesswoman and is very generous with her knowledge, happy to share all her secrets for running a great business. During the training my confidence as a teacher grew and along with it my confidence in myself and my ability to conquer my wildest dreams. - Yoga Level 1

Tahl Rinsky

I was blown away with the quality of my yoga teacher training at the Essence of Living Academy. Nothing will prepare you more for being a yoga teacher than Michelle's transformational and empowering teaching style. I entered my training not expecting or anticipating that I would ever teach yoga, but came out of the course feeling ready and excited to share yoga with the community (which I now do). This is due to the course's perfect balance of in depth theory and hands on practice - you actually learn how to become a confident teacher which surprisingly isn't too common for a teacher training. I wouldn't for a second hesitate to recommend the EOL academy to anyone who wishes to deepen their love of yoga, in fact I find myself recommending it to my students and friends on a regular basis. - Yoga Level 1

Larrissa Cunningham

Since completing Michelle's teacher trainings in 2012 I've met a lot of people who also want to do a training and automatically think to go to Bali or somewhere else exotic to become a yoga teacher. I always say, “Yes, you could do that and I'm sure it will be good, but if you want to be a great teacher then you should go to Essence of Living on the Gold Coast!”. And the same goes for Pilates. Michelle’s courses deliver everything you need to become a successful and confident teacher. Philosophy, adjustments, sequencing, Sanskrit, support and business skills to name just a few. You will be guided and taught by an incredible team in an environment where you will blossom as a beautiful teacher. Michelle will share all the wisdom & teachings she has learned on her own journey. - Yoga Level 1 - Pilates Level 1 - Thai Massaga

Colleen Brown

I highly regard the time I spent studying Yoga and Pilates at Essence of Living. Michelle is very strong, wise and insightful teacher. In the period of time I spent studying with Michelle and her team I learnt much about Yoga and Pilates. The courses are very Intense, practical and informative. While I discovered much about the theory, philosophies and practice of Yoga and Pilates, I also gained a deeper understanding about myself and the impact I wish to create in this world. Michelle is a joy to work with, she teaches and informs with the essence of love, joy and pure compassion. She is truly an inspiration and she and her team continue to motivate and inspire me everyday even from afar. My time studying and learning at Essence of Living was the beginning of my yoga journey and it was truly a blessing. Since then I have taught both Pilates and Yoga at the Brisbane Feel Good Program for groups of up to 250 people with Pure Health Clubs and also worked overseas as the Yoga and Pilates Instructor on board P & O Cruises where I had the opportunity to do what I love while travelling all of the world. Both of these experiences have been a dream come true, and far beyond what I’d ever anticipated for myself. Whatever your intention is to gain or receive from this course, Michelle will make sure you achieve that - and so much more. I am deeply grateful. - Yoga Level 1 - Pilates Level 1

Mish Turner

The Essence of Living Academy gave me the opportunity to become a confident Pilates instructor in a studio that promotes community, health, and general wellbeing for all who enter the space. I completed both Pilates Level 1 and Barre courses in 2012, allowing me to teach all forms of mat, props and barre pilates, and have been teaching regular classes ever since! Even after years of classes, I am still challenged by new sequences and still enjoy the practice daily because of its truly diverse range of movement. I highly recommend taking the steps to learn the ins and outs of the practice in such a wonderful and supportive space as the Academy. The course is holistic in nature, and allowed me to expand my knowledge on not only the beneficial movements within Pilates, but also health, nutrition and wellbeing in general - something always worth investing in! - Pilates Level 1 - Barre

Tara Coggan

The mentorship I completed with Essence of Living was exactly what I needed at a time when I was between careers and needed some guidance and connection in my life. It not only took my teaching to the next level, but I was more confident and creative in my delivery of classes and use of adjustments. I highly recommend this to anyone how wants to reconnect to their teaching and to see the course with fresh eyes and a new perspective. I absolutely loved it! - Yoga Level 1 - Mentorship

Kristy-Lee Williams

The teachings of Michelle and of her Academy go far beyond the period of your course dates. Michelle has guided me through my whole journey from day one to even now. Through Essence of Living and the Academy I found love and light through Yoga Level 1 and Yin. I found strength and empowerment through Pilates Level 1 and Barre and learnt how to nurture from another space with Thai Massage Level 1and 2. The teachings of Essence are truly a blessing and are the best of any yoga school. Michelle has created a community and a family on and off the mat and with oceans of love. Her knowledge and her impact continue to spread throughout the world through all of the teachers she has shared her journey with. The level of passion given and the abundance of knowledge is everything a teacher training should consist of. The team at Essence (and of course Michelle herself) will give you unlimited keys to unlock the greatest you. "The keys to the next chapter of your journey are there. It's up to you when you are ready to use them." - Yoga Level 1 - Yin - Pilates Level 1 - Barre - Thai Massage Level 1 and 2

Tristan St Leon

Since I started the teacher training at Essence of Living, not a day goes by where I don’t appreciate how lucky I am. It is a full on training program where I am discovering the best part of me thanks to the dedication and persistence required.. Sharing experiences, knowledge and sometimes a few tears makes every day is unique and special. The course gives strength and self confidence to everyone so you are able to start the daily journey as a teacher or as a human being. I recommend the Academy to anyone wanting to deepen their practice as a yogi or Pilates lover. You will learn so much from all the amazing and wise teachers at Essence of Living. I am so glad to be the scholarship student this year, it is a such an act of kindness to give this opportunity to people like me (overseas student) who can’t afford it on their own. Yoga Level 1 - Scholarship

Ines Cerboni