Hamford McDonald

Professional Objective To initiate the Yogic-process of self-inquiry through inspiring students to explore the boundless potential of this movement modality as a form of holistic health, conscious breathing, and mindfulness developing whole-body balance, and an increased sense of well-being. Through years of practice and study, I've developed a cross-disciplinary approach to teaching yoga, as both a mindful movement practice, and as a strength-and-flexibility training regimen. At the crux of my teaching methodology is the aim to improve whole-body functionality, and kinaesthetic awareness, providing practitioners a blueprint for optimal movement on and off the yoga mat. My vinyasa-based classes are a dynamic exploration of flowing sequences, with an emphasis on Embodied Awareness and core-support, to enhance breath-movement integration in the Asana practice. All classes are accessible to Beginner, and Intermediate-level practitioners with individual attention afforded to each students’ personal anatomy, assisting with alignment modifications, and/or hands-on adjustments.

Yoga & Movement-Based Education
Vinyasa Yoga Teacher 200-hr Certification Teachers: Joschi Swartz & Monika WernerJoschi Yoga Institute New York 2010
Core Yoga Teacher 50-hr Certification Teacher: Heather Agnew
Yoga Trinity Canberra 2012
Applied Anatomy & Physiology of Yoga Teachers: Simon Borg-Olivier & Bianca MachlissYoga Synergy Sydney 2015
Yin Yoga Teacher Training 10-hr Certification Teacher: Jennifer Crescenzo
Grassroots Yoga Melbourne 2013
Barre Attack Teacher Training 12-hr Certification Teacher: Renee Scott of Body Maestro
Energize and Recharge Pilates Melbourne 2014
Functional Anatomy of Yoga 20-hr Certification Teacher: Jean Campbell
Melbourne Yoga Shala 2014
Pilates Matwork Certification 24-hr 15 CCE’s Teacher: Wendy Powell
Studio Pilates International 2015
Jivamutki Yoga CET 30-hr Intensive Teacher: Will Lau of Pure Yoga Hong KongFlying Masters Melbourne 2015
KX Adjusting 8-Week Course Teacher: Joey Sbarro
KX Yoga Melbourne 2015
Art of Sequencing 6-hr
Teacher: Ella Cojocaru of Ellavate YogaKX Yoga Melbourne 2015
6-Week Mindfulness Meditation Course Teacher: Emily Toner

Happy Melon Studios Melbourne

Origins of Alignment 5-Day Intensive 25-hr Teacher: Donna Fahri
Inspire Mind Body Melbourne 2016

Inner Core Support 3-Day Intensive 18-hr Teacher: Lisa Pederson
Inspire Mind Body Melbourne 2016

Effective Communication & Advanced Asana Immersion 50-hr Teacher: Marysia Do Weiss of Pure Yoga Singapore
Rise Yoga Melbourne 2016

The Art of Sequencing: The Yoga of Krama Teacher: Noah Maze
Online Course 2017

Advanced Asana Teacher Training 25-hr Teacher: Joan Hyman (USA)
Humble Warrior Studio 2018

Fundamentals of Ashtanga Yoga: Primary Series & Led Classes 18-hr Teacher: David Swenson
Ashtanga Yoga Centre Melbourne 2018

Prior to undertaking a full-time yoga teaching profession, I worked in retail for seven years as assistant store manager of Lucky Brand, and sales assistant at Saks 5th as a denim expert, and Up Against the Wall in Washington D.C..

Self-motivated, driven, well-developed customer service acumen, highly adaptable, savvy communicator and a quick study. Incredibly passionate, and enjoy working in a team-building environment.