Our Yoga Teachers

Meet the team

“Let our friendly, expert teachers welcome and guide you towards your goals of physical wellness, mental clarity, and heart-core happiness.”

The Loft Studio director

Lani Baddeley

My journey into the world of yoga began while attending classes and working at The Loft. The positive impact it had on teachers and students fueled my curiosity. The more I delved into it, the clearer the benefits of this practice became.

With a background in sports, I was particularly excited about how yoga contributes to injury prevention and enhances the longevity of sporting careers. The belief in our bodies' incredible capabilities has fascinated me, and I am committed to helping others, as well as myself, tap into newfound energy through yoga.

In 2019, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Melbourne. Since then, my passion for yoga has only increased, and I'm eager to share the joy it brings with our community.

Join me on this journey at Loft Yoga Studio, where we embrace wellness, strength, and the joy of living fully.

Lani

director / Yoga Instructor

Yoga Instructor

Marie Fernau

Originally from Germany, Marie fell in love with New Zealand's beauty. A lifelong athlete, she discovered yoga while competing in vaulting (gymnastics on a horse) to improve strength and mobility.

During her sports science studies, yoga became essential in managing stress.

Now, as an exercise physiologist, she emphasizes the importance of mindful movement for overall well-being.

In 2020, Marie completed her yoga teacher training with Yoga KOH in New Zealand.

When she's not at the studio, you’ll likely find her surfing or spending time with horses.

Marie

Yoga Instructor

MARTIN PITOUT

My yoga journey began 15 years ago, inspired by a challenge from my wife, Rouve', to touch my toes. Despite years of dedicated training in aikido, cycling, and gym workouts, I barely reached my knees—a humbling start.

In 2018, we moved to New Zealand and discovered The Loft Studio, which soon became a significant part of my life. Wanting to expand my practice, I completed a 200-hour YTT at Sattva Yoga Academy in Rishikesh in December 2022 and have been teaching since. I see myself not as a teacher but a guide, encouraging students to listen to their bodies as the true teacher.

As BKS Iyengar said, “Yoga does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.”

MARTIN

Yoga Instructor

INGRID KAPTEIN need to put photo to the left plz

I’m a passionate yogi who grew up in Northland.

I’ve been involved with yoga for many years and come with a depth of knowledge about anatomy, as I have been a practising chiropractor for many years.

Through this perspective, I’m able to bring together east and west to help create total body wellness.

INGRID

Yoga Instructor

Kelena (Len-na) Roughan

Kia ora! Lovely to see you, I’m Kelena – you can call me Lena (said ‘Len-na’). The name Kelena comes from the Niuean language, where my family is from..

In my classes we'll use yoga to enhance the natural flow of the body, allowing free movement through asana, to find meditation & stillness throughout your practice. I encourage the use of yoga to improve all dimensions of wellbeing, in class you'll notice I often use essential oils and sound to stimulate the senses and keep you present throughout.

I look forward to seeing you in the Studio soon!

Kelena (Len-na)

Yoga Instructor

Lesa Sheppard

After years of practicing yoga, I began my teacher training in 2021 to deepen my under