Testimonials

Melanie Lackner

Semperviva’s 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training started a profound journey for me. I signed up with the desire to find out more about yoga. In those nine weeks I found deep friendship, access to a whole world of healing, strengthening and inner growth, and the gift of being able to share this powerful practice. I experienced so much kindness, inspiration, knowledge and support – it changed my life.

Julia Doty

Being core faculty for Semperviva’s Teacher Training program is the best job I could have ever imagined! Facilitating and watching people take their practice so much deeper – they open up. Their hearts soften. Their eyes brighten. They remember they are human beings instead of human doings – I feel blessed to witness this. The transformative power of work like this is amazing, and I am so passionate about co-creating the space for it to take place.

Angie Howell

I took my 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Semperviva in 2008. LIFE CHANGING experience on so many levels!! I was able to process and heal many parts of my life/self that I had been “avoiding” or “running” away from for years. I deepened the relationship to myself, my heart, my soul, and the truth within. The program was an amazing balance of a variety of yoga styles, history, anatomy, alignment, spirituality, meditation, and self-awareness. It was 2 months of in depth analysis of SELF, “Yoga”, challenges, love, laughter, growth, expansion and clarity. As soon as I finished my training, Gloria threw me in to sub a class for her. This was terrifying, exciting and the start to me teaching Kundalini Yoga. One of the GREATEST GIFTS in my life! I can honestly say that teaching Kundalini is one of my biggest PASSIONS – and I get paid to do it = AWESOME!! Whether you have a desire to teach yoga or not, I feel this program is an amazing opportunity get a better understanding of “Yoga”, and a deeper awareness of SELF.

With much love and gratitude.

Angie Howell

Jill Payne

The Semperviva  Yoga Teacher Training was such an eye opening, fun and exciting time!!! I loved every minute of it; the classes, the teachers, the homework, and the readings. I never wanted it to end. I learned so much about myself, the physical practice of yoga and the philosophy behind it that I felt confident to go out and teach right away! A great experience all around!

Amanda Barnard

My experience with the Teacher training program at Semperviva was an absolute gift, a gift that I had finally given to myself. It has given me so much confidence in what my body and mind are capable of. It is an opportunity to a own a safety manual to your body. It has allowed me to move through life’s obstacles faster then ever. I have felt encouraged from the YTT faultily and I have the courage to share this path with others. Truly a must have in the tool box if you are even the slightest interested in a yoga practice. My only regret is that I didn’t do this program 8 years ago.

Amanda Barnard

Kimberley

It was absolutely amazing! Such a great experience, and an excellent way to spend eleven weeks. The instructors were so knowledgeable and their passion for teaching yoga really shined through. The time they took to make this programme as good as it was, is really appreciated. I admire all the staff involved, and will highly recommend the programme to others looking to do their teacher training.

Thank you!

Julia Doty

The time I spent in the Semperviva 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program was both vastly illuminating and completely life-changing. Not only did I learn how to teach a safe and effective yoga class, I learned innumerable tools and skills that have complemented every other aspect of my life also. The faculty were masterful at balancing the physical aspects of the practice with the more philosophical in a way that felt seamless and made so much sense. The highlight of the program was certainly the opportunity to study with the Master Teachers. They each brought such interesting and differing perspectives, and took my understanding of the practice so much deeper. Over the course of the program, my life changed. My weary body became healthy and strong again, my spirit re-ignited, and my passion for yoga and community grew exponentially. The friendships I made there 8 years ago are still the strongest in my life – our kids even play together now! If you are feeling drawn to teacher training, all I can say is: do it! It is truly an unforgettable experience.

Julia Doty

Danny Chow

Yoga Teacher Training for me was the greatest platform that changed my life. It’s more than just a certification, it was creating a deeper connection with my practice and myself…….reaching for my Higher Self. 

Danny Chow

Tera and Portia

The impact the Semperviva 200HR Yoga Teacher Training has had on me and my life is immeasurable.
It has rooted me as a teacher, liberated me as a practitioner, and filled me with more gratitude than I knew possible.

It was technical, informed, inspired, and most importantly, humble. After 10 years of being called to teach, I couldn’t be more thankful to have chosen Semperviva and their incredible faculty for my teacher training. I am honoured to be a graduate and am looking forward to continuing my education with them

Alyssa Kay

The Semperviva YTT journey is definitely the most gratifying gift you can give yourself. Not only did I learn how to teach correct alignment in an asana practise, but discovered so much more about myself along the way. By studying with the most insightful faculty as well as Master Teachers like Max Strom and Janet Stone, I learned how to fully love my life by starting with myself first. The moments on the mat shared with my fellow students and teachers were always full of laughs, tears, sweat, and the occasional snore during Yoga Nidra. The beautiful connections I made and experienced are some that I will never forget. I can now see that this was exactly what my life was craving.

Deonne P

Ok. I don’t know how to start this but whoever put the group of teachers together was a freaking genius! Each teacher came with their own special skills perfectly offsetting the other. Like Anatomy with Kreg or Chakras with Julia. Listening to Sarah talk and hearing the passion in her voice while she talks about language and how moving she is when she shares little nuggets of mythology. Asana reviews were always fun with Randy and Ben. They perfectly complement each other. Semperviva offered the opportunity to experience other forms of yoga while keeping true to the Hatha practice with Master Teacher Training. It was a treat to meet Gurmukh and experience a Kundalini class/weekend lead by her or to have Chris Chavez do an inversion weekend. The best part of this whole experience for me was the connections I made. It’s so great to be a part of this amazing community. Thank you everyone.

Dana Mills

I looked at many studios before I took my love of yoga into teacher training. I am grateful I made Semperviva and the Semperviva community my home for teacher training. I completed my 200 hour in Vancouver and continued my yoga journey through Semperviva’s 500 hour yoga teacher training.

I have gone on to explore the diverse nature of teachers that Gloria Latham brings into her studios and trainings from around the world. What really stands out for me is the access to many yoga perspectives, styles, teachers and community. I have been teaching yoga with a confidence to be myself, to weave who I am into a practice that inspires others to be who they are. Learning the principles of the practice and building that trust came from the foundation set out at Semperviva. I am thankful every day for this experience. It changed my life. I am so happy to be sharing what I love to people of all ages, and it all started here.

Dana Mills

Derrick Richards

A few years ago now, I took the Semperviva yoga teacher training, and was fortunate enough to take it in Greece. On a tiny little island, in a village smack in the middle of nowhere,  on the shore of the Mediterranean, was where we stayed. Remote, and heart-achingly beautiful.

I came not knowing anything, or hardly anything, of yoga. All I knew was a physical practice, that was bracketed by bits and pieces of philosophy, and that made me feel different. New or awake or aware. If you practice, you know what I’m talking about. It’s kind of indescribable really. I just new I wanted to learn about it, and, well, to feel more of it.

And I guess that’s what Semperviva Yoga Teacher Training is and promotes, exploring the inner self through the philosophy of yoga. These amazing instructors taught me to use compassion and curiosity to become aware of how I move through my life. Wake me up to the potential and the truth of it all.

I still talk a lot about my time in Greece. Years later I can still close my eyes and see that amazing blue of the water.  The people who came with me are still part of my heart. Some of us went on to teach, some of us didn’t, but all of us were changed. We see each other in classes, or in passing, and there’s still that soul-deep connection. Always.

Derrick Richards

Sauna Magowan

The Kundalini teacher training with Semperviva gave me the tools to learn to react positively with challenges that come up in day to day life. Gloria is an encouraging and inspiring teacher who through kundalini teaches how to tap into your inner strength. Whether for personal development or for yoga teachers this course will benefit you and the people in your life. Do it!

Dana Mills

Travelling to Greece to continue with Gloria and Kundalini yoga in 2013 was a scary thing for me, as I had never travelled alone.

What I have learned with this family, is you are never alone. I have met so many loving people who will be in my life and who have changed me for the better. My heart pulled me back this past summer of 2015 and it was just what I needed as a busy mom, wife, and yoga teacher. To reflect, love, share, learn and EAT amazing Greek food! Collecting pebbles, early morning yoga, the sea, the people, the quaint shops on the beautiful island of Kythira, thank you Gloria and family for sharing this yoga journey. No question about it, the island is magical and when you arrive home you will still feel it and the people in your life will notice it too. Can’t wait until we meet again.

Dana Mills

Chelsea Jackson

I recently completed my 200hr Teacher Training and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I thought that I had an idea of what yoga was before I began this course. After completing it, I now realize, yoga is way bigger than I ever thought. Semperviva helped enlighten me to what yoga truly encompasses, and it is massive. If you love yoga, or have ever entertained the idea of becoming a yoga teacher, just do it. You will not regret it. You will also want to continue to grow and expand your knowledge after completing this course. I cannot begin to express how wonderful all of the teachers are who you get to work with. There is something very powerful about being in a room with people who are vastly different, but also all connected through one common thread, yoga.

Ashley Pincott

Completing the 200 hour YTT program at Semperviva was an amazing experience.  I entered the program not prepared for the inner changes and incredible growth I would leave with.  The setting, curriculum, teachers, instruction, and staff far exceeded my expectations; not only did I get what I was looking for, I left with more knowledge, love, and inner peace.  I really can’t say enough about how great the teachers were and the effort that clearly goes into their program.  Whether you are eager to teach, or want to deepen your practice and knowledge of yoga, this program will provide the tools necessary to help you achieve what you are looking for. It truly was a life-changing journey that is now continuing in my daily life.

Chloe Ahearne

I didn’t go into my 200 hour Teacher Training with the expectation to be 100% a yoga teacher I’d taken the journey to simply come home to me, a personal journey. Sarah who runs the YTT program was phenomenal, the heaviest aspects of learning such as the asanas and the anatomy/ pose breakdowns were woven in with her authenticity of both yogic philosophy, esoteric elements and her personal studies of mantra and use of Sanskrit to bring in lightness. Sarah has this way of making yoga accessible for everyone… The course structure requires you to really show up, but ultimately showing up for yourself no one else…By the end of my 200 hours, I had taught around 4 – 5 different classes to the other group members… We finished our training by teaching a solo full 60-minute class which at the beginning felt so daunting but by the end of 200 hours, you felt fully prepared and comfortable to step into that arena… Individualized feedback was given to empower you to really lift you up.

Nadia El-Gabalawy

The Semperviva Yoga Teacher Training program in Greece was definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s such a beautiful, authentic place to immerse completely in yoga, meditation and exploring some of the most amazing beaches in the world. When I returned from teacher training, I felt completely prepared to teach a yoga class. I had gained so much experience and knowledge in such a short period of time.   The program was structured so well and was so thorough that it gave me a solid, comprehensive foundation and many possibilities for the future. Everyone I met in Greece has inspired me to continue learning and studying (as a student and a teacher). The highlight was probably the big fat greek wedding that we attended.  

Holly Dunham

I just wanted to say that I am someone who totally struggles with self doubt and I am really good at talking myself out of doing things that push me out of my comfort zone. In saying that I am SO glad I didn’t listen to those thoughts and that I followed through with doing my teacher training in Greece this past summer. I learned so much about myself and about my personal yoga practice.  There was so much positive energy and support in this training and I wish I could go back again this summer! I am so grateful to Semperviva for providing me with such a wonderful experience. Thank you again! 

Holly Dunham

Chrissa Anagnostopoulos

I signed up for the 200 hour yoga teacher training for personal development but after having such a humbling experience, I felt it was selfish of me not to share. I have been teaching yoga for two years now and I am grateful for the well-rounded 200 hour course I took at Semperviva because it has taught me to teach all aspects of yoga from a place of authenticity; the philosophy, asana, breath work, meditation, etc and not just the physical components of yoga. 

Ashley Jestin

I have finished 540 hours of Teacher Training, and countless workshops at Semperviva’s Teacher Training College, and I wholeheartedly recommend them. The number one quality that sets Semperviva apart from other colleges is the outstanding faculty. They have more Master Teachers than any other studio. Not only is it an incredible honour to train with the World’s Best, it sets me apart as a Yoga Instructor in a City that seems to be full of them.

Ashley Jestin

Martha Sarantis

Kithira, Magic!

I have no words to describe it, only experience will tell.

The sophisticated Kundalini Yoga retreat that takes place in the picturesque village of Avlemonas, has been running for more than 15 years with the legendary yoga teacher, Gloria.

Going back to July 2014, my decision to attend Semperviva’s 200 hour teacher training was a true inspiration!

Every single minute of this course has given me the power to dive into the secrets of yoga enlightenment and unlock my true potential.

Trainings and retreats with Gloria in the magical place of Kithira is a life time experience, so powerful that it’s always alive in my heart!!

From 2014 onward, I kept going back every summer attending all of Gloria’s Kundalini Yoga trainings and retreats.

The programs give me tremendous strength and discipline to continue improving my self and to be more creative than I’ve ever been. Not to mention that I keep working with Gloria’s online workshops during winter time.

I am so grateful to meet Gloria in one of the most magic places in the world. The combination is UNIQUE.

Thank you Gloria, you are a real inspiration and I always remember your words YOU ARE MUCH STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW – REACH HIGH AND NEVER STOP REACHING – BREAKTHROUGH DON’T BREAK DOWN !!!

Can’t wait till next Summer ….

Daniel Garfinkel

The community at Semperviva is filled with the most encouraging, positive and supportive people.
Do this for you. You deserve it. You’re awesome.

Eriko Hiraiwa

I have immense gratitude for spending a wonderful time with great teachers and lovely friends. The experience taught me a balance of strengthening and relaxing my mind. And, I learned to access my inner wisdom and finding answers inside myself. This has made my life more so exiting both on the mat and off the mat. Thank you everything!

Claire Anne Lalonde

The teacher training in Greece this past summer was an amazing experience for me. The highlight would have to be the sense of community that was created amongst the teachers and the students over the 20 days that we spent on the Island of Kithira. What a great setting for learning and practicing yoga and meditation. The wealth of knowledge from Gloria, Sarah and Cameron is something that you can carry into your teachings and daily life. Do not hesitate to think about taking the teacher training in Greece. Just do it and sign up. You will thank yourself.

Helen Camisa

When I started this program, I was so nervous. I didn’t feel like teaching was in my future, but I really wanted to gain a deeper understanding of this practice. Not only did I get this, I also learned how to modify the practice specifically for my body and this opened up a whole new world for me. I also met some amazing friends along the way and really began to enjoy sharing yoga with the people in my life. Three years later, I have completed my 500 Hour training with Semperviva and am teaching multiple classes per week. I am so grateful that I stepped outside my comfort zone and signed up for the 200 Hour program.

Chrissa Anagnostopoulos

Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training  on the island of Kithira was a vacation, a life learning and course learning experience all in one. It was exactly what I needed to relax physically and mentally while simultaneously learning the inner works of the Kundalini practice. The best parts of the experience were the friends that I made and the fact that we enjoyed our Kundalini practice in the midst of the island’s unique nature, which, of course, included the beautiful beaches.

Sam Barber

Yoga teacher training at Semperviva not only taught me about yoga poses but it also taught me things outside of my mat as well. It taught me kindness and humbleness towards others and this earth. After this training, I made life long relationships with my YTT peers and a new profound relationship with myself. I am so grateful that I took the risk of slowing down my school work and trusting that my work schedule would allow it. Not only did I find the time, I found that YTT helped me to focus in school and discover how to create balance in my life. It is now second nature to find that space to take care of myself, which I’ve found to benefit those around me too. Semperviva offers some of the best teachers in the world, a fantastic YTT staff and so much wisdom! Yoga teacher trainer is worth the time to learn about yourself, to breathe and have fun!!

Sam Barber

Rose Rizzuto

I went into Semperviva Yoga Teacher Training thinking I’d learn more about yoga and that was all! I never expected to ever teach nor had I ever wished I’d get much more from it than that. Wow was I wrong, I got SO much more; things I didn’t even expect! 

It was the most in depth look at my life and revealed exactly what I stood for…and I was that girl who was searching. I had previously completed three personal development courses, nothing was the same as this! It’s not like you sit and discuss your life and your issues, it’s the practice of doing yoga daily and the self discovery and acceptance that happens…the things that make you take a closer look at YOU. 

After training I quit my “real job”, ended my not so healthy relationship, and traveled for a bit…I did things I always wanted to do but I was always too scared to try. Now I’m living the life of my dreams and I know it’s because of my yoga practice…which truly started during teacher training.

Melanie Lackner

It’s not easy to find words that describe the amazing experience I had at Semperviva’s Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training with Gloria Latham on Kithira Island in Greece. Everything is so full of soul – the breathtakingly beautiful island, the deeply energizing practice, the warm and comfortable space, the cordial and authentic presence of Gloria and her family. Above and beyond all the practical teaching tools I have gained from the program, it dearly touched my heart. It recharged my entire being. It helped me to slow down and put things in perspective – a joyful perspective. A week of bliss. What more can I say? 

Melanie Lackner