About Us

A calm room in the middle of the city

Amberleaf began with six mats in a rented hall. Today our Madison studio hosts hundreds of students a week — and every class still starts the same way: by learning your name.

Morning class in the Amberleaf studio

Our History

Tonina, our founder, started teaching in 2012 after a decade at a desk left her with a stiff back and a short fuse. Her first classes were free sessions in a neighbourhood park — mats borrowed, playlist optional.

In 2016 we opened our doors on Cedar Park Avenue with one rule that still hangs above the desk: nobody is "bad at yoga". Beginners get as much attention as the back-row regulars, and every teacher trains in alignment, breathwork and prenatal safety.

Nine years on, Amberleaf runs 28 classes a week, a small shop of honest props, and a scholarship fund that keeps Sunday community classes free for anyone who needs them.

28
Classes weekly

9
Years teaching

5
Resident coaches

How we teach

a.

Small rooms

Never more than fourteen students. The teacher sees you, corrects you gently and knows when to offer the easier variation first.

b.

Breath first

Every session opens with five minutes of guided breathing. Strength and flexibility follow naturally once the nervous system settles.

c.

No performance

No mirrors in the main hall, no advanced-only front row. Come tired, come stiff, come exactly as you are.

Meet Our Coaches

Five resident teachers, one shared philosophy: patient hands, clear cues, zero judgement.

Portrait of coach Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas

Yoga Coach

Portrait of instructor Genny

Genny

Yoga Instructor

Portrait of coach John

John

Yoga Coach

Portrait of manager Ema

Ema

Manager

Portrait of founder Tonina

Tonina

CEO