I’m a warrior, not a worrier.
Our Story
Ella Bella Yoga was founded in Newbridge, Co Kildare in 2020 (during COVID-19 Pandemic). I believe in living a life full of joy, gratitude, and free of fear & anxiety. These feelings guide core teachings at Ella Bella Yoga, as I focus on helping kids better connect to themselves and their surroundings. Today’s life puts a lot of pressure on kids. They have to deal with stress of keeping their grades at school, doing their best at competitive sports and extracurricular activities. Active sports are always top choise for the parents but there is space for yoga & mindfulness once kids are introduced to it. I believe now more than ever they need time to take a breath and re-connect with their inner selves.
About Jelena
My Yoga Journey
My name is Jelena ( The "J" in "Jelena" Is pronounced as sort of "Y"). I am A Russian native born in Lithuania, living in Ireland for over 20 years.
I took my first yoga class many years ago at the Naas studio owned by Mr Roy Griffin YTCC and since practiced different yoga styles including Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin and tried Bikram & Aerial yoga. I also undertook practice in Pregnancy, Baby and Kids yoga with my daughter Ella. Ella now also enjoys practicing yoga and helps me out with classes.
I was inspired by my dear friend and yoga teacher Mrs Laura Fitzgerald to complete yoga training with Rainbow Kids Yoga in Dublin January 2020. RKY is Registered Children’s Yoga Training with Yoga Alliance Professionals (UK). I was taught by a very talented Mr Benjamin Hart of RKY Paris.
I have a Bachelors Degree of Business in Accounting and work with figures on daily basis but at the weekends I always enjoyed outdoors and felt strong connection to nature. I could not understand why I was so drawn to nature until I started practicing mindfulness. I am now very passionate about yoga and the sense of well being it brings to adult’s and children’s lives. I would like to dedicate my time to teaching yoga.
I completed my training to become an Accredited Creative Mindfulness Kids Practitioner in July 2021. This course is accredited by the IMMA (International Mindfulness and Meditation and Alliance). The course was taught by beautiful Ms Louise Shannagher. Louise Shanagher is a children's therapist, mindfulness teacher and Psychology Lecturer. Louise is the author of Ireland's first series of mindfulness books for children the "Mindfully Me" series, the new "Kindfully Me" series. Her Creative Mindfulness for Kids method is truly unique and has been a treasure for Mindfulness practitioners.
I have recently completed 30 hours of Teen Yoga with Archanta Yoga training and hope to share new asanas specifically for this age group and some techniques for concentrating & reducing stress. I am also back training with Ms Louise Shanagher and hope to add Creative Mindfulness for Teens to my classes.
I have a full Liability Insurance with BGI and also completed 3 days First Aid Responder (FAR) Course and COVID-19 Awareness Course. Garda Form and Childrens First Certificate issued. I will continue to expand my knowledge as I practice.
I have been dealing with anxiety myself over the years and found yoga & mindfulness to be an amazing healing tool. I truly believe regular practice at any age (my own yoga teacher just turned 60 even she looks 50) offers essential help for learning disorders, anxiety, stress and lack of exercise. Yoga practice also reminds us to treat everyone including ourselves with kindness and compassion.
About the classes
I run small group classes in Newbridge, Co Kildare
During the classes, I might have two assistants with me: yogi yorkie dog Laila (who likes to eat feathers) and yogi student Ella (who joins me for the classes and loves meeting new friends).
Class structure varies from week to week, but I try to include a variety of activities including games, breathing exercises, yoga poses, meditation and story reading.
I believe in using props during my classes to help kids engaged and stay focused. I use feathers, glass stones, shells, stones, stickers, scarfs and even Tibetan singing bowl. I also like to use natural props like flowers, leaves, pine cones, branches and stones. Over the last few years kids created beautiful painted stones, flower mandalas, mindfulness jars, breathing buddies, worry monsters and eye pillows for meditation.
If you live in Kildare and have a small group of children interested in trying out Kids yoga, please contact me regarding a trial and availability.
I hope my classes can bring some joy and confidence to children in a warm, friendly and inclusive space.
*NOTE: Please follow updates on my social media regarding Covid 19 Restrictions
Current Classes
Please pm to be added to WhatsApp Group
Sunday 11am
Kids Yoga & Mindfulness (aged 7-12)
limited spaces, please contact for availability
Monday 6:30pm
Teen Yoga & Mindfulness (aged 12-18)
subject to demand, please contact for next available date and follow us on social mediat
'The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.'
Helen Keller
My 5 year old daughter has been attending yoga sessions for several weeks now. She thoroughly enjoys it. Each week there is a different theme and many fun activities. I find it very good for her concentration and it has a calming effect on her also. She looks forward to going every week and talks about the various poses, particularly when we are out on nature walks.
Siobhan Cullen
My 2 girls (8 & 10) have been attending Yoga classes for a few weeks now. They love it and have nothing but good things to say about it. Jelena is professional, open and engaging. Would highly recommend.
Dafydd O'Shea
I would highly recommend Ella Bella Yoga. My 5 year old started classes during the summer and absolutely loved it. Jelena put so much work into the class to make it fun. My daughter loves it and will return for Autumn classes.
Sinead Tanner
My 4 year old joined the Ella Bella yoga class first time last Sunday and loved it! can't wait for the next one, it was great fun in a lovely relaxing atmosphere, highly recommend!
Ewa Jancauskas
My two boys aged 9 and 5 did this class via Zoom today. They loved it and stayed engaged throughout the whole class. The meditation was new for them and they loved it. Would recommend Ella Bella Yoga.
Caitriona Coates
My daughter has just started Ella Bella Yoga. She absolutely loves it, and practices her poses afterwards. Delighted she has started this up, it gives her times out from home-schooling and is a positive addition to our week.
Marie Morrin
