meet
the team
Get to know our team of passionate and experienced instructors
At Light On Yoga we take our practice seriously, but we don't take ourselves too seriously.
All teachers are fluent in English and most are able to lead classes in "Spanglish" (a mix of English of Spanish). Each teacher's language is indicated next to their name (ENG = English, ESP = Spanish).
Meet Our Founder
Kat Meadows
Founder & Lead Instructor (ENG)
As an expat of more than 14 years, a seasoned yoga teacher, Lululemon legacy ambassador and mom of three, Kat has seen it all, and truly believes that embracing yoga can give you the tools to face life’s challenges with style and grace. Kat is passionate about sharing the benefits of yoga, making it accessible for all and loves building a supportive community of like-minded souls. Energetic and outgoing with a collaborative spirit, Kat connects with students to inspire them to live their best lives.
When Kat arrived in Mexico City in 2020, she began to search for. a yoga studio she could call home. Many many classes (and one global pandemic) later, and she was still searching for that perfect fit.
She opened Light On Yoga to fill that gap. Her vision for Light On Yoga is to grow a diverse and inclusive community of interesting people who want to move in joyful intelligent ways and experience all of the magic life has to offer.
Meet the dream team
Hannah McGrath
Yoga Instructor (ENG)
Born and raised in Seattle, Hannah moved to Mexico City from LA in 2022. After spending many years as a Producer in the world of documentary film production, she made the brave choice to shift away from a career that was no longer serving her wellbeing and lean more deeply into cultivating a new path through yoga, mental health and Somatic therapy.
To Hannah, yoga is so much more than a physical practice; it’s a spiritual philosophy that can reframe the way we treat ourselves and engage with the world around us. She loves sharing these wisdoms in class and encouraging students to take their practice off the mat and into their lives. As Studio Manager, Hannah will work to nurture our thriving community, supporting the health and happiness of each person who walks through our doors as we continue to gather and grow together.
Sarah Kanady
Yoga Instructor (ENG)
Sarah moved from New York City to Mexico City in 2020 and has been a teacher at Light On Yoga since our opening day.
As a teacher, Sarah loves sharing tools that have brought more joy and a sense of empowerment into her own life. These tools have also enabled her to exist more comfortably in her body, and her classes aim to help her students feel this way too.
Sarah is the only certified Katonah Yoga teacher in Mexico City! She is very excited to share this very special practice with the students at Light On Yoga. Leading a class through a Katonah inspired flow allows her to be creative with her sequencing, but still underpinned by a theoretical practice.
Ivy Rieger
Yoga Instructor (ENG/ESP)
Originally from Florida, Ivy is our resident Ashtanga teacher. She arrived in Mexico nine years ago to further her work as a cultural anthropologist.
Ivy has practiced yoga off and on for over 20 years, and has been teaching Ashtanga since 2020. She teaches intuitively - observing and responding to students particular needs and providing detailed guidance to achieve each pose. Her purposefully designed Ashtanga classes are perfect for all levels of experience, inspiring students to challenge themselves but never pushing beyond their limits.
Ivy enjoys energetic, challenging classes, where students can grow their practice while also deepening their mental and physical awareness. She always encourages students to have fun with their practice - because it's only yoga after all!
Dhyana Ortega
Yoga Instructor (ENG/ESP)
Dhyana is a seasoned yoga teacher whose journey into the realm of spirituality began over 15 years ago. Guided by a deep inner calling, Dhyana embarked on a path of self-discovery and transformation, finding solace and purpose in the practice of yoga and meditation.
Dhyana's profound connection with the body started at a young age, as she immersed herself in various disciplines such as ballet and fitness. This early foundation laid the groundwork for her journey into yoga, where she found a harmonious blend of physical discipline and spiritual awakening.
Her training in Ashtanga yoga has been under the tutelage of the esteemed teacher Michael Gannon, a renowned figure in the world of yoga. Dhyana not only studied under Gannon but also served as his student for many years, soaking in his wisdom and guidance. As an assistant to Gannon on multiple occasions, she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the Ashtanga tradition.
Ale Paredes
Yoga Instructor (ENG/ESP)
Ale is a dedicated practitioner and teacher of yoga, specializing in yoga therapy and trauma-informed classes. With extensive training from Three and a Half Acres Yoga and Prison Yoga Project Mexico, Alethia is well-equipped to provide healing through her teachings. She is particularly passionate about women's health and has a specialization in prenatal yoga.
Over the past decade, Alethia has gained vast experience teaching yoga across different countries including the United States, Japan, and Mexico. She has studied under esteemed teachers such as Paramaguru Sharath Jois and completed her 300-hour training with the renowned Himalayan Institute.
Dedicated to advancing her knowledge and skills, Alethia is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Yoga Studies with concentration on Yoga Therapy from Loyola Marymount University, set for completion in 2024. With her combination of expertise, experience, and commitment to making an impact through yoga, Alethia is truly transforming lives one pose at a time.
Sonia Seger
Yoga & Sound Instructor (ENG/ESP)
Originally from the South of France, Sonia's journey to becoming a yoga teacher started while she was traveling the world.
An experienced yoga teacher with certifications in both yin and vinyasa, Sonia's unique perspective embraces the beauty of duality. She thrives in the dynamic, creative world of vinyasa, weaving in the graceful movements she's cultivated through her passion for dance. Simultaneously, she finds solace in the slow, grounding practice of yin yoga, harnessing its power to sharpen mental focus and calm the mind's fluctuations.
For Sonia, yoga is so much more than just the physical. She encourages students to carry the essence of their practice into their everyday lives, enhancing their well-being and enriching their journey.
Whitney Tucker
Yoga Instructor (ENG/ESP)
Inspired by her roles as a mother and a compassionate advocate, Whitney's journey beautifully embodies her expertise in holistic wellness and personal transformation.
With a background in yoga, Pilates, professional dance, coaching/nutrition and athletic training, Whitney is a a true powerhouse in the world of movement and wellness.
She is the visionary behind Embodied Potential® and Sync To Thrive®, pioneering programs focused on women's hormonal literacy. Whitney's commitment to knowledge is evident through continual education, cadaver dissections and published articles on training methodologies and movement therapy.
Amy Yates
Yoga Instructor/
Front Desk Staff (ENG)
Originally from the Yorkshire, England, Amy's background is rooted in sport and exercise. From her early days as an incredibly physical individual, the profound stillness and rich philosophy of yoga sparked a transformative shift in her life.
With a total of 800 hours in yoga trainings spanning Vinyasa, Hatha, Advanced Yin, and Trauma-Informed Yoga, each hour of training became a sacred pilgrimage of self-discovery, healing, and wisdom. Amy is grateful for the sanctuary that yoga provides—a safe space to pause, find stillness, and embrace the art of being with oneself.
Now, as a passionate yoga teacher, Amy aspires to extend this sanctuary to others. Her classes are a harmonious blend of dynamic movement and tranquil stillness. In Amy's space, you will always be encouraged to honor your body, moving from a place of profound self-love. Join her on the mat for an exploration of both movement and stillness—a journey towards self-discovery, healing, and the blissful embrace of one's own company.
Itzel Castellanos
Yoga Instructor (ENG/ESP)
Originally from Mexico City, Itzel brings a warm and compassionate approach to her role as a yoga teacher. For her, teaching yoga is a celebration of the journey within, an invitation to embrace patience, and a reminder that every practitioner is inherently perfect.
Itzel finds profound joy in witnessing the subtle progress of her students, reflected not only in the physical postures but also in the happiness and relaxation that radiate from their faces. Her love for helping others stems from the deep belief that being of service is a meaningful way to connect with the community.
Specializing in soft vinyasa and restorative yoga, Itzel creates a space where practitioners can delve into the intricacies of alignment and tune into their internal sensations. Her classes are a fusion of patience, introspection, and a touch of humor, creating an environment where students can explore the depths of their practice at a comfortable pace.
Joakim Herlovsen
Yoga Instructor/
Front Desk Staff (ENG)
A grounded yet spirited instructor, Joakim embarked on a transformative journey from the serene landscapes of Norway to the vibrant tapestry of Mexico, all in the name of love.
Joakim's personal affinity for activity and pushing boundaries led him to explore many different types of movement, ranging from powerlifting to ultra-running. However, it was the dynamic practices of power vinyasa and ashtanga yoga that truly resonated with him. As his yoga journey evolved, Joakim discovered the importance of balancing these vigorous practices with softness. In his classes, he strives to impart this delicate equilibrium of yin and yang, encouraging his students to find their own harmony.
For Joakim, yoga is not merely a physical practice but a journey inward, a quest to reconnect with one's true self. Rooted in the philosophy of deep introspection, his teachings emphasize the art of quieting the mind so you can truly listen to the body and soul.