What People Are Saying
“Karita is a transformative yoga teacher and artist! Her practice integrates, somatic, spiritual, and creative energies. Studying with Karita has completely changed my practice and been a gift in my life”
— Robin Guarino,
Professor of Opera University of Cincinnati College Conservatory Co- Artistic Director Opera Fusion
“Karita has always proved to be calm and amenable, and able to take individuals needs into account without ever making anyone feel uncomfortable or demanding. Not only is her food nutritionally sound, it is always delicious and beautiful too.”
— Sade Adu
“I started attending Karita's community Hatha Class when I retired last year. Despite my apprehensions joining a group including some long term practitioners, Karita immediately made me feel at home. She has expertise and manages to keep things inclusive ensuring the more experienced remain challenged, whilst novices like me can also participate safely. I love the way I leave feeling so energised and relaxed at the same time!”
— Mark Matzopoulos
“Casananda is a haven.The perfect setting to rejuvenate, unwind and connect to yourself. The energy of this unique retreat centre brings an immediate sense of grounding and centeredness. The warmth and care of the owner Karita makes you feel instantly at home and at ease and her plant based food is outstanding; delicate, nutritious and finely prepared from local sources. I have held several retreats here and students immediately fall in love with the beauty of this precious experience. ”
— Emily Lacy
Senior Jivamukti Yoga teacher and retreat facilitator. Love supreme projects London
“Karita’s yoga classes are focused and well paced. Her sequencing and ability to offer individual variations make class appropriate for all levels. ”
— Deborah Nolan
Director / Owner of Tulsi Shop
“Karita is a deeply caring, knowledgeable and insightful yoga teacher.
The environment she has created at Casananda is one of great warmth and generosity. Each meal was a joy, Karita is an exceptional cook who uses seasonal and local produce to prepare food which was always delicious and exquisitely presented. Her knowledge of Salento and long-standing connection to the community added an extra dimension to the retreat. We were led on beautiful coastal walks and Karita shared some of her favourite places to swim in the magical Salento sea.”
— Marina Greenway
I was introduced to Yoga 21 years ago whilst searching for holistic therapies for my late son who had a physical disability. I fortunately came across lovely Jo Manuel (Special Yoga Global) who was teaching Yoga for the Special Child from her home in those days. Encouraged by the effects yoga had on Jack I decided to take it up myself. Intially I was fuelled by the desire to understand how best to help Jack. I soon realised how profoundly beneficial it was for me in aiding my ability to cope as a parent and full time carer.
In 2007 I trained with Jo Manuel ‘Yoga for the Special Child’ she helped me stay positive and strong during the early years. Later with Sonia Sumar ‘Yoga for the Special Child’ both at The Special Yoga Centre where I had begun to access regular mainstream classes as part of my training. My aim was still wanting to facilitate the best daily yoga sessions I could for Jack however eventually this expanded into offering yoga to other children and young adults with complex physical disabilities.
It was at the Special Yoga Centre that I was introduced to Yogi Ashokananda who just happened to materialise at the right moment when I was ready to delve deeper. I started practicing regulary with him from about 2009. So in 2013 when he offered his first Yoga alliance accredited Himalayan Hatha Yoga teacher training I jumped at the chance to enrol. I then attended his Atma Kryia Meditation training in 2018 .
Ashokananda has had a profound influence on me. With him I gained far deeper experiential insight and access into the more subtle elements of Yoga. His ability to edit and deliver the essence of just the right amount of knowledge required in the moment has always and continues to be a huge inspiration. The last 14 years with Yogi has fostered an inner equilibrium helping me navigate my own sometimes rocky path with more strength and awareness. I am deeply grateful for the multitude of hours spent in his incredible classes and workshops experiencing his teaching. Fortunately Zoom allows me to keep up a regular practice with him wherever he is or I am in the world.
My late son Jack is my most beloved teacher of all. We practiced a lot of facilitated Yoga together and through these sessions Jack was the driving force for my yoga journey he also became the foundation of my ability to adapt the practices for individual needs. Jack was pure love. The most compassionate caring patient of beings. At the same time fearless in his battles, a true warrior. I live in gratitude for all the love he bestowed and the abundance of love we experienced together.The kind of love that stays with you forever and is always a part of you.
I have 300 hours of Yoga Alliance accredited UK teacher training, 100 hours of US Yoga Alliance teacher training and 30 hours of restorative teacher training . I have been delivering Yoga for additional needs since 2007 and teaching Himalayan Hatha Yoga since 2014.
I now spend a lot of my time in Southern Puglia where I run a retreat centre. I host teachers and their students on retreats. I also offer yoga lessons and host my own wild swimming, walking and yoga retreats.