Meet the Team
Our experienced teachers are the heart of our community, bringing diverse backgrounds that make each class at Little Mandarin a unique and enriching journey.
Together we will help you realise your potential and celebrate every step of your progress.
Jowing Zhang (English/普通话)
My yoga journey began as a quest for greater flexibility and a sanctuary from the stresses of my graphic design career. What started as a physical pursuit quickly deepened, drawing me into the meditative and spiritual essence of yoga.
As a dreamer, I envisioned a life intertwined with yoga, and with a leap of faith, I transitioned from graphic design to yoga instruction. Over the past 15 years, my dream has flourished in Melbourne, a city that captivates me with its vibrant culture and charm.
My biggest dream, however, was to create a sanctuary not just for myself but for a global community—a place where individuals from diverse backgrounds could gather, learn, and grow together. This vision came to life with the birth of Little Mandarin.
I invite you to join our welcoming, multicultural family. Experience the unique energy of Little Mandarin, discover your hidden strengths, and connect with a world of new friends and possibilities!
Nurşah Katkak (Physiotherapist, English/Turkish)
For me, Reformer Pilates is where strength meets play, and it’s a way of moving that feels good for both the body and the mind.
Before moving to Melbourne in 2022, I ran my own physiotherapy clinic in Turkey for almost four years. Since then, I’ve completed my Master of Physiotherapy here in Australia and fallen even more in love with how movement can heal and empower.
I believe Reformer Pilates, when practised with intention, can be profoundly therapeutic. My passion lies in helping those with pain reconnect with their bodies.
You’ll always be welcomed into a warm, encouraging space where you can move at your own pace.
Emma Cartwright (English)
I am a yoga/aerial/yin teacher and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist. My passion for health and well-being is constantly growing and evolving. I began in remedial massage and aromatherapy amongst many other modalities.
As a therapist, I dived into yoga to keep my body and mind balanced and grounded. I am now very excited to be spreading my wings further with Little Mandarin! I love connecting with like minded souls creating a vibrant community.
I encourage students to listen to their bodies and forget about what the pose is ‘supposed’ to look like. I aim to inspire yogis into moving, feeling and adapting into the shape to serve their individual anatomy. I love to incorporate massage skills in adjustments to facilitate a deep experience. My love of pranayama and the subtle yet powerful aspect of energetics are intuitively woven into my classes, leaving students feeling connected and whole. See you on the mat :)
Suellen Zhang (English/普通话/Français)
A friend's invitation to yoga opened a new world for me, where I quickly fell in love with the practice. Yoga has not only sculpted my body but also enriched my soul, guiding me toward a happier, more authentic self.
My journey took me around the world until Melbourne became my cherished home, where I live my dream as a Yoga teacher. In teaching, I celebrate joy and togetherness, inviting everyone to join in this collective exploration of life.
My practice blends the strength and alignment of Vinyasa with the introspective calm of Yin, embodying the perfect balance between power and peace. I invite you to join me in class to find your harmony in mind, body, and spirit.
Charlotte Li (English/粤语/普通话)
As a Doctor of Physiotherapy student and sports trainer, I am passionate about creating a safe and supportive space for self-discovery. Before moving to Melbourne to obtain my degree, I spent several years teaching at Pure Yoga Hong Kong, where I led workshops on chair yoga and functional anatomy. Beyond yoga, I enjoy callisthenics, gymnastics, and occasionally playing lacrosse.
I discovered yoga in 2015 as a way to heal from sports injuries, and it has remained a grounding force throughout my studies. Inspired by my teachers Patrick Creelman, Jason Crandell, Hiro Landazuri, and Irene Pappas, my teaching style is strength and alignment-focused, blending stability with mindful movement.
With a background in neuroscience and biomechanics, I incorporate evidence-based principles into my classes to help students build strength, mobility, and sustainable practice. I aim to create an educational and explorative environment, where students can deepen their understanding of their body and mind through precise alignment cues and intelligent sequencing.
Ellen Lee (English/한국어/普通话）
After completing my masters in both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I practised as a kidney specialist in Shanghai. After relocating to Australia, I have been practising TCM for over ten years and have a clinic in Camberwell.
As I became a mother of two girls and witnessed the musculoskeletal and mental health illnesses of my patients, I wanted to discover a way to help connect body and mind.
I felt positive energy to help connect the body and mind through my Pilates practice and now I have found an effective way to achieve a holistic mind-body-lifestyle.
My group sessions include alignment and sculpting, like Yin-and Yang, focusing on toning the body, correcting posture to reduce pain and balancing mind and body to ENJOY life more.
Join my journey together to balance mind, body and LIFE.
Yan Zhong (English/粤语/普通话)
I have shown an interest in yoga at a young age. Yoga makes me feel calm and healthy. Guiding me through dark periods.
I believe yoga is not only an exercise, art or philosophy but a way of life. It’s my life’s journey.
I studied anatomy, functional holistic rehabilitation, and dietetics in China, and completed reformer Pilates and mat Pilates courses in Australia.
I’m a qualified Yoga and Pilates instructor specialising in
- Alignment Hatha Yoga
- Flow Yoga (Slow Flow & Vinyasa)
- Yin Yoga
- Reformer and Mat Pilates.
My journey is my client’s journey to better health.
Nicole Yuen (English/粤语/普通话)
My yoga journey began when I was living in Hong Kong and working as a finance professional in the corporate world with a hectic work schedule. Initially, I practised yoga to alleviate my work stress and chronic pain. However, it wasn't until I moved to Melbourne in 2020 that my yoga path expanded to a broader and deeper level. That's when I started practising Iyengar yoga and Ariel Yoga, and eventually completed the Ariel Yoga Teacher Training in October 2022.
As I dedicated myself more to yoga, I further realised yoga is a philosophy and a way of life that unifies our body, mind, and soul, bringing about balance and centeredness. The essence of alignment is not just about perfecting physical forms of poses (Asana), but rather directing awareness and consciousness towards our body movement, breath control, and concentration of our mind.
I cherish the sense of peace and bliss that yoga has brought to my life, and I'm still learning and growing every day on this journey. I have also explored other forms of meditation and mindfulness practices. I find that these practices complement my yoga practice and help me to stay grounded and present in my daily life. Whether you are new to yoga or a regular looking to achieve physical and mental liberation or to restore and rejuvenate your well-being, I am happy to listen and share my joy and experiences with all of you. Namaste.
Yihan Hu (English/华语）
With nearly a decade of yoga practice and teaching experience in Asia, I have personally witnessed and embraced the profound benefits of yoga for both myself and my students. Yoga embodies a way of life, and my true calling lies in sharing this holistic practice with a wider audience. My firm belief in the unique advantages of all yoga forms drives my classes, which focus on harmonizing the yin and yang aspects of physical and mental practice. Whether gentle, strong, or intense, my ultimate goal is for the students to find joy in their yoga journey, always emphasizing safety and enjoyment. A blissful savasana at the end provides a serene oasis of calm and grounding.
The selflessness and generosity of my own teachers continue to inspire and motivate me as a dedicated teacher today. Additionally, I express immense gratitude to my students, who have given me the privilege of humbly sharing their passion.
Lyda Chan (English/粤语）
I delved into the fitness world after moving to Melbourne from Hong Kong, and I realised that yoga is an important part of my wellness journey. Through practising yoga poses and mindful breathing, I find that yoga provides stillness when I desire calm; it is a place of energy when I want to be uplifted. As my passion for yoga grew, I decided to undertake my teacher training in 2017 to understand yoga more deeply.
I am not only a yoga instructor, but also a Pilates instructor, an Australian qualified personal trainer, and a fitness professional. I like to incorporate my knowledge of anatomy and human body movement into my yoga classes, with dynamic sequences and the Sanskrit names of poses. I will also explain how the poses affect the body, and make adjustments for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
With a passion for yoga, I want my students to find strength in their bodies and calmness in their minds.
Elva Wei (English/普通话)
After completing my Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne, I started working as a solicitor. Three years into this desk-bound job, my chronic back pain became unbearable. I then began practicing aerial yoga as a sort of physical exercise relief for my back pain. I cherished the physical aspect of yoga and the way a vigorous, sweaty practice made me feel. It didn't take me long to commit to a daily practice, which not only soothed my back pain but also gifted resilience and serenity to my mind.
Yoga has humbled and inspired me in ways I never anticipated, and it sparked a desire that led me to finish an aerial yoga teacher training program. Now I am ready to share my love and joy of practicing yoga with anyone who is willing to step on the mat and take a hold of the silk.
Lela Jamil (English/华话）
With a family history of chronic back pain, I made a promise to myself to be the one to break the cycle. Like most people, my perception of yoga is that it was a slow and gentle form of exercise until I attended one power yoga class. From then on I was hooked. Yoga now is more than an asana practice; it’s my form of moving meditation, it clears my mind, brings peace, and reminds me to be present. 8 years after my ruptured disc in my spine, I strongly believe that because of yoga I am not in any form of pain.
One of the eight limbs of yoga that resonate with me, sthira-sukham asanam, strength and ease, which I am constantly working on during my practice and that I take with me off my mat.
My practice has evolved, I have also included reformer pilates and aerial yoga to complement my mat practice.
I am forever grateful to yoga for not only my physical health but my mental health. I love sharing my love for yoga and reformer with you, hoping that you will find the same joy I do and how it changes life for the better.
JoJo Wu (English/普通话）
Being a dedicated yoga and Pilates instructor, I embody the essence of breath, control, and awareness. With a profound journey that began in 2009, my yoga path was forever altered when I encountered Jowing, who emphasized to me the need for a yoga practice. Inspired by her in 2012, I made the decision to leave my banking career and embark on a transformative training journey.
As a mother of three and having experienced an injury which took 11 months to heal, I understand the unique and diverse nature of every individual's physical body. I recognize that each person’s needs and abilities are distinct, and thus, my approach is tailored to focus on the finest details during practice.
Together with the practice of Yoga and Pilates, I discovered more sense in balance and inner strength with flexibility. This newfound equilibrium has not only enriched my personal journey but also informs my teachings, ensuring a comprehensive experience for all participants.
Come and join me to discover the transformative power of these practices as you embark on your own journey towards physical and mental well-being.
Carman Ng (English/粤语/普通话）
Before I practised yoga, I was someone who focused on work and neglected rest, which eventually affected my physical health. When a friend invited me to a yoga class, I initially thought yoga was just a form of exercise, aiming to sweat and lose weight. However, as I continued practising, I realised that yoga not only brought physical changes but also a sense of inner calm.
I enjoy teaching and I had the chance to teach students with different backgrounds. My teaching philosophy is everyone can practice yoga. Because yoga is not a competitive sport, it’s about the development of students’ mind, body and spirit.
Now I am in Melbourne, I am excited to share the beautiful philosophy of yoga with everyone. Hope can see you on the mat. Namaste!
Jas Kaur (English/华语/Bahasa）
I began my journey in Pilates and Wellness in 2021 when I moved to Melbourne. I work professionally in the financial services industry and I realised I needed something energising and therapeutic to add to my work-life balance. Pilates was my answer and I became an instructor because I love interacting with people and helping them improve their fitness.
I have worked in Pilates studios teaching reformer and also personalised one-on-one mat work with individual clients.
As an instructor, I enjoy being vocal and encouraging. I place an emphasis on technique and enjoyment so clients can get the most out of my classes and have fun doing it.
I’ve met so many lovely people through Pilates who have become friends of mine. I’m looking forward to meeting even more people through Little Mandarin and I can’t wait to say hello and have a chat.
Mia Romani (English/Croatian)
I’m a 500-hour certified yoga teacher with the experienced teaching students of all levels. My classes are grounded in clarity, calm, and purposeful movement, with a strong focus on alignment, breath awareness, and the connection between strength and flexibility.
I aim to create a space where students feel supported, focused, and encouraged to move with intention. Each class is thoughtfully sequenced to help you deepen your practice in a safe and accessible way—whether you're building physical strength or seeking stillness and balance.
Yoga has had a deeply positive impact on my own life, and I’m grateful to share this practice with others. I look forward to guiding you through practices that help you feel steady, strong, and connected—both on and off the mat.
Jane Zhan Shen (普通话/English)
I was an aerobics teacher in China. I found that practicing yoga was really helpful in relieving my pressure both physically and mentally from my teaching job. I enjoyed how yoga helped me to improve my body alignment and mental stress in a more static way rather than an intense activity.
With such thoughts in mind, after moving to Melbourne with my family, I began practicing aerial yoga regularly at Little Mandarin. During my practice, I had a new cognition of aerial yoga that it is not just those hard poses and fancy moves. It taught me that we can look at things from different angles.
I was pregnant during covid lockdown. It was a very difficult time for many of us. Yoga became my spiritual support. Although we couldn’t attend face-to-face lessons, I still persisted in mat yoga on Zoom. After the birth, I could regain low silk alignment which not just eased the stress from my upper back but also corrected lots of physical changes caused by my pregnancy. Meanwhile, I completed a small goal that I always wanted to achieve “aerial yoga training”. Thanks to Little Mandarin for giving me this opportunity to communicate and learn with others.
Namaste🙏
Esslie Lim (English/华语/粤语/Malay)
After experiencing the transformative benefits of Pilates during my postpartum recovery and throughout my pole dancing journey, I completed 500 hours of training with BASI and became a certified Pilates instructor. Movement has always played a vital role in my life—it heals me from the inside out.
My Pilates journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m constantly learning and refining my skills to offer thoughtful, effective guidance to my students.
To me, Pilates is more than just a workout—it’s a practice that integrates mental focus, physical strength, and a sense of inner balance. With consistent, mindful movement, you’ll begin to notice real improvements in your overall quality of life.
I’m truly excited to share my passion and knowledge with you in a space that’s safe, supportive, and welcoming.
Chloe Wong (English/粤语/普通话)
Being curious about how Pilates benefits our health, I began my Pilates journey when I was a fourth-year physiotherapy student. After two years of practice, I started to teach private and group Pilates in Macau.
As a physiotherapist, my speciality is movement analysis, and I am confident in providing clinical assessment as well as prescribing tailored exercise in a safe environment.
Pilates has been my one and only exercise for the past four years. I realize my own strengths and limitations by practicing Pilates therefore I am very keen to share this amazing art with people.
In my class, I encourage the integration of breathing, mind and body which allows my students to listen to and control themselves. It is always rewarding to see the progression of my students, and this is why I love teaching Pilates. Come to join our community and glow up together!
Vika Nguyen (English/Russian/Vietnamese)
My wellness journey began with a passion for helping people achieve their best health through diet and nutrition. After completing my dietetics degree and working as a dietitian, I saw firsthand how eating a healthy, balanced diet can change lives. Witnessing these positive transformations was incredibly rewarding, but I wanted to do more – to help people move, feel, and live better. Recognising the powerful connection between nutrition and physical well-being, I decided to expand my expertise by becoming a Pilates instructor.
My clients are the reason I do what I do. Your progress, strength, and dedication inspire and fuel my passion every single day. Whether you aim to build strength, improve flexibility, or find balance in your busy life, I am here to support you and excited to be part of your wellness journey.
PohPoh Chin (English/华语/粤语/日本語)
My journey in aerial yoga began about 9 years ago when I discovered with the help of the silk as a prop and the inversion poses, I found relief from my natural body stiffness, enhanced by my desk job environment.
Over time, I found improvement in my mobility and flexibility through regular practice. I am grateful to be part of the Little Mandarin community and I aim to gift the benefits and joy of aerial yoga back to this community.
As I continue along with my yoga journey, I am humbled to share the positive energy of aerial yoga with you.
Wai Li Leong (English/Malay/粤语/华语)
I was introduced to yoga a couple of years ago but took a short break from it until I discovered Aerial Yoga.
Through Aerial Yoga, I cultivated greater body awareness which enriched my overall yoga experience.
Since embracing this journey of discovery and learning, I have gained lots of knowledge and am eager to share my practice with all of you.
As a strong believer in inclusivity in yoga practice, I am passionate about creating a supportive space for individuals of all levels and abilities where everyone can experience the joy and benefits of Aerial Yoga.
Come join me on the mat to explore the transformative power of yoga and embrace the physical and mental harmony yoga offers.
Ying Ying Ng (English/粤语/普通话/한국어）
I discovered Pilates five years ago, and it was love at first move! It quickly became my favourite way to stay active and connect with my body. One day during a class, I found myself naturally guiding a classmate's posture, and that moment sparked my passion for becoming an instructor.
My classes are fun, dynamic, and welcoming to all levels, ensuring that everyone can engage, grow, and enjoy the experience together. I emphasize alignment and posture so you can get the most out of every session and feel your progress. I look forward to seeing you in class and building strength together!
Summer Liu (English/普通话)
I began practising yoga as a university student to maintain my figure, but over time, especially after becoming a mother and working as a nurse, I discovered its profound impact on achieving balance in life. Aerial Yoga, which I started three years ago, has particularly rejuvenated me, boosting my confidence and improving my posture.
Dreaming of becoming a Yoga teacher, I finally pursued Aerial Yoga training. Reflecting on each practice, I aim to share the beauty and strength I've found in yoga with others, focusing on the holistic enhancement of physical and mental health. My classes are an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery, understanding the world, and living a better life by aligning with the universe's principles. I look forward to welcoming you to experience this journey together.
Jia Li (English/普通话)
My Pilates journey began with a passion for understanding how movement can enhance well-being. Throughout my pregnancy and postpartum recovery, I practised Pilates consistently and experienced its profound benefits firsthand. Pilates played a vital role in strengthening my pelvic floor and aiding my recovery from diastasis recti, which further fueled my dedication to this practice.
With a solid foundation in Reformer Pilates and specialized certification in prenatal and postnatal Pilates, I am committed to supporting mothers through their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. My approach emphasizes connecting the mind and body through precise movements and mindful breathing.
In my classes, I strive to create a nurturing environment where students can progress at their own pace. Pilates is more than just exercise; it’s a journey of self-discovery and potential. I look forward to sharing this path with you. Join me in class, and together, we’ll work towards your fitness goals!
Claire Liu (English/普通话）
Since university, I have maintained a consistent habit of exercising. I started with half-marathons, then pursued systematic training in yoga instruction and Victoria’s Secret fitness programs after graduation, and now I’ve developed a deep passion for Pilates. These practices not only help me look younger than my peers but also relieve muscle tension and ease emotional anxiety.
I am truly grateful for my dedication to fitness over the years, as it has gradually become an integral part of my life. I hope we can all discover a better version of ourselves through movement and rekindle our passion for life!
Rachelle Sarzona (English/Tagalog/Italian)
Hi, I’m Rachelle — a Pilates instructor and pastry chef with a lifelong love for movement and creativity. I’ve always been drawn to ways of moving that feel strong, expressive, and fun. Over the years, I’ve explored dance, pole, aerial hoop, and slow resistance training. I discovered Pilates while rehabbing a shoulder injury, and it completely changed the way I moved and connected with my body. What started as a tool for recovery quickly became a passion, leading me to get certified so I could help others move better, feel stronger, and build confidence in their own bodies. When I’m not teaching, you’ll usually find me in the kitchen baking pastries or chasing down a good coffee. Whether it’s through mindful movement or creating something beautiful to eat, I love helping people reconnect with themselves and find balance in both strength and joy.
Jessica Hou(English/普通话/日本語)
I fell in love with Pilates the moment I stepped onto the reformer. What started as a simple workout soon became a life-changing practice for me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Before discovering Pilates, I struggled with poor posture, chronic back pain, and a lack of body awareness. Through consistent practice, I gradually built a stronger core, improved my flexibility, and learned how to move with better alignment and control.
This journey inspired me to become a certified instructor, so I could share the incredible benefits of Pilates with others. Every time I teach, I’m reminded of how powerful mindful movement can be—not just for building strength, but for restoring balance, confidence, and calm in everyday life.
Whether you’re recovering from injury, seeking to improve posture, building functional strength, or simply finding space to breathe and reconnect with your body, Pilates offers a safe and powerful path forward and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s move, breathe, and grow stronger together!
Rachel Honner
Hi, I'm Rachel. I've been part of the Little Mandarin family since 2019, mostly teaching Reformer Pilates — a practice I love for its precision, challenge, and ability to build deep strength. My classes are dynamic and alignment-focused, and I’m always here to offer a gentle push that helps you move beyond your comfort zone. While Pilates is my main teaching passion, I also absolutely love aerial yoga — there’s something so playful and freeing about being in the hammock. Whether you’re joining me for Pilates or seeing me swing upside down in a silks class, I bring the same bubbly energy, attention to detail, and belief that movement should feel empowering. I can’t wait to move with you.
Lexi Yee
I recently moved from New Zealand, where I spent most of my life immersed in dance. Upon relocating to Melbourne, I discovered Reformer Pilates and quickly fell in love with it. I was captivated by how it integrates elements of dance while also offering a full-body strengthening workout in every session. With a strong commitment to my practice, I decided to pursue formal training to share my passion with others. What I find most rewarding about Pilates is its accessibility—anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience, can benefit from it. My goal is to create classes that are not only effective but also enjoyable, leaving you feeling the burn in the best way possible. I’m excited to meet you and help you achieve your fitness goals!
Joyce Zhou (English/普通话)
I was introduced to Pilates due to a knee injury, and it played a crucial role in my recovery. After giving birth, I resumed postpartum Pilates training, which made me fall deeply in love with this form of exercise. Through consistent practice, not only has my body improved, but I’ve also developed a greater passion for life. Pilates has allowed me to release both physical and mental stress. I will continue to practice and grow on this journey, and I hope to become better together with others who share the same love for Pilates.
Sanaz Sakkakian
I'm a certified Pilates instructor with over a decade of personal experience practising reformer Pilates. My deep connection to the method inspired me to turn my passion into a profession, and I strive to create a welcoming studio environment where clients of all levels feel empowered and supported. With a focus on mindful movement, core strength, and alignment, I'm dedicated to helping others discover the transformative benefits of Pilates.
Together We Grow
Please submit your cover letter and CV to hello@littlemandarin.melbourne if you’d like to join our growing team.