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Cristiano Pestana
Certified Ashtanga Yoga Teacher
Cristiano's teachings seamlessly blend his love for movement with a deep understanding of the human body. His Yoga journey commenced in 2010, marked by triumph over hernias and disc issues through dedicated practice. After delving into Ashtanga Yoga and learning from renowned teachers in India, he certified as a Yoga teacher in 2018, where he reignited his exploration of human anatomy - previously acquired during university - through hands-on investigation of musculature and biomechanics. Cristiano's dedication extends to Yoga Therapy, deepened during an immersive experience observing and assisting a Yoga therapist in Goa, aiding those with injuries and illnesses. His approach harmonizes scientific precision with holistic well-being, drawing from a diverse background in sports and martial arts to foster a profound mind-body-spirit connection among his students, unlocking the transformative potential of Ashtanga Yoga.
Matilde Silva
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher in Training
Matilde’s Ashtanga Yoga journey began unexpectedly in April 2023, quickly capturing her heart and leading her to Cristiano Yoga School. Immersing herself fully, she adopted a rigorous early morning practice and advanced her training at Asturias Yoga, where she engaged deeply in study and personal growth. Her path included observing and assisting at Cristiano Yoga School, enriching her understanding of Yoga Therapy and adjustments. Completing her 200-hour YTT at Asturias, she was awarded a scholarship for further advanced training, marking a significant milestone. In just a year of sea churning, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga has transformed Matilde’s life, teaching her to embrace impermanence, cultivate equanimity, and find contentment in every moment.
Through this journey, she has confronted and transcended deep-seated samskaras, the hala hala of her past that surfaced in her physical body. She has learned to embrace both the challenges and the blessings of the practice, understanding that the journey is as important as the destination. The practice has not only been a physical discipline but a profound inner exploration, revealing both light and shadow. Committed to sharing the profound gifts of Ashtanga Yoga, Matilde seeks to spread love, light, and healing within her community and beyond, inspiring others to discover their own paths of transformation.
Silke Schildmeyer
Certified Ashtanga Yoga Teacher
Silke discovered Iyengar yoga 23 years ago during a 3-year stay abroad in Brazil. Upon returning to Germany, she stumbled upon an Ashtanga Yoga studio by chance and immediately embraced the system. Initially practicing irregularly, Silke intensified her dedication during another sojourn on the American east coast in 2011. She underwent a 300-hr Vinyasa Yoga teacher training with Jennifer Kohl in New Jersey, thereafter focusing primarily on Ashtanga. Completing her Ashtanga yoga teacher training with David Swenson, Silke practiced, assisted, and taught in a shala authorised by KPJAYI with Charles Secaullus and Deb Williams at Ashtanga Yoga Montclair, NJ. She had the privilege to practice with renowned figures such as Eddie Stern, Sharath Jois, Tim Miller, Nancy Gilgoff, and Kino McGregor. Returning to Europe in 2015, Silke pursued further training, completing another 300-hour Ashtanga Yoga teacher training with Anna Rossow, a 100-hour Intermediate/2nd Series TT with David Swenson, and a Yin Yoga Teacher Training. Since then, she has been passionately teaching Mysore and Led classes in the traditional style at several Ashtanga Yoga Schools, including Ashtanga Yoga Mitte Köln, Ginger Up, and Santoshayoga Köln. Silke is also a trained Yin Yoga Teacher. Recently, Silke has relocated to Madeira Island, where she began practicing with us in February 2024. Now, May 2024, she is embarking on a new journey by starting to teach Mysore classes, bringing her wealth of experience and dedication to the students of Cristiano Yoga School.