I'm inspired by the practice of yoga, and the great privilege of witnessing you move and feel better. Sharing movement as an invaluable tool for physical and emotional freedom for people of all abilities and inclinations has been Melissa Montilla's life work and passion. She has been the owner and director of Sanctuary Yoga in Gainesville, FL since 2003, and began practicing yoga in 1990 with the beautifully talented Elaine Grey.
Melissa has enjoyed the privilege of working with many wonderful teachers in the states and India. Practicing Ashtanga yoga for many years opened her up to the possibilities of yoga as a process for health and wellness.
Melissa has enjoyed the privilege of working with many wonderful teachers in the states and India. Practicing Ashtanga yoga for many years opened her up to the possibilities of yoga as a process for health and wellness.
Services
Sanctuary Yoga is a Yoga Alliance accredited school offering a 200 hour foundational yoga teacher training and a 300 hour advanced yoga teacher training in addition to offering continuing education for yoga teachers and other movement and body work professionals. We strive to teach and connect with the body, mind, and heart of people across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience.
With great love and respect, Sanctuary Yoga Teacher Training offers a modern and holistic approach to the teaching and practice of yoga. This program is accredited by Yoga Alliance Standards. Upon graduation, certification qualifies each participant to register as an RYT 200 with Yoga Alliance. Small training groups allow for a stronger connection, and allow you to flourish by creating space and time for you to build your practice.
Teaching Yoga requires competency, compassion, and a persistent desire for knowledge and practice in order to facilitate the experience of yoga for the human body, heart, and mind. The Sanctuary Yoga Advanced Teacher Training is based in that understanding and is designed to cultivate each participant's teaching practice as well as support and expand their personal experience.
There is nothing weak about the human body, but we could all work on becoming more integrated. I've long banned the word, weakness, ' from my teaching, because your body is inherently strong. There is nothing weak about your tissues! Sometimes they need to be reminded of how amazing they are. I often refer to the "core" as being everything from the ankles to the armpits!
Yoga Therapy is an approach that considers the vital connection of mind, body, and spirit to heal the whole person. Our bodies are composed of a connected series of systems that are completely integrated and responsive to each other. Melissa Montilla uses an array of movement, healing, and yoga techniques to create and maintain a foundation for optimal health customized for each client based on the understanding of that integration.
Reviews (13)
Becca Mckee
May 29, 2021
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Jason B.
Feb 01, 2017
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Yajaira Varillas
Jan 23, 2017
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Melissa is one of the most intelligent, influential yoga teachers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. This yoga studio and the people who work here are some of the sweetest and loveliest people I have met anywhere. I recommend her and all of her yoga teachers that teach at this studio. I did my 200 hour YTT with her and a wonderful group of women. I highly recommend this studio to anyone looking to do yoga, no matter the level.
Amanda Culp
Jan 17, 2017
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This is the home for yoga in Gainesville! Beautiful and comfortable space. Located in the heart of the community. An array of knowledgeable and welcoming teachers. Care for the mental and spiritual body as well as the physical. I have practiced with Sanctuary Yoga ever since I moved here in 2004. I have seen it shift and grow and blossom into fullness. I no longer live in gainesville full-time, but Sanctuary Yoga is often my first and last place I go while I am in town. It truly is a sanctuary. Whether you are new to yoga or have an existing practice, this is the place I recommend. Come find your
Susan Perko
Dec 12, 2016
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Teaching at the Sanctuary was a joy and an opportunity for which I will always look back on with fondness and gratitude. The students that attended the Sanctuary seemed genuine and eager to learn yoga. Not only did they achieve balance and ease in their poses outwardly, they also were determined to take what they practiced into their daily lives.
Gainesville has such a gem in the Sanctuary Studio and in Melissa Montilla. This spring, I was lucky enough to take class with Melissa, while I was back visiting. To this day, her teaching speaks to me with its simple clarity like no other teacher. She
Gainesville has such a gem in the Sanctuary Studio and in Melissa Montilla. This spring, I was lucky enough to take class with Melissa, while I was back visiting. To this day, her teaching speaks to me with its simple clarity like no other teacher. She
Tiffany Cowen-Dyson
Dec 03, 2016
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I've been going to Sanctuary Yoga for nearly 10 years. Melissa, the owner, has always been one of my favorite teachers. As a physical therapist, I really appreciate and am very impressed by her anatomy knowledge. She has truly mastered the art of teaching a safe, engaging, and physically challenging class. I've been so impressed by her that I've decided to attend her 200 hour yoga teacher training course to further my knowledge. Highly recommended Sanctuary! :)
Teonia Burton
Nov 22, 2016
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Melissa Montilla is a gifted and very skilled yoga instructor and therapist! She has an intuitive ability to modify poses to strengthen and increase expansiveness in your body without over-straining your muscles. She is very patient and you can truly see that she loves creating an environment to make yoga for everyone!! Go visit Sanctuary!! Warning!! Yoga can be pleasantly addictive! :-)
Sarah Michalko
Sep 11, 2016
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Mindy Rohrbacher
Aug 08, 2016
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I've been a student at Sanctuary yoga since 2004. It's my yoga home-away-from-home. Melissa is a passionate, knowledgable teacher who actually teaches! She has a current understanding of healthy biomechanics, and wants her students to move well in their lives. I've gotten stronger, smarter and more confident as a direct result of her teaching. Classes are offered for every level of ability and experience, and new comers are welcomed with open arms. Thank you Melissa for offering Gainesville your dynamic and intelligent teachings.
Susan N.
Dec 29, 2015
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I have been taking regular classes at Sanctuary for over four years. I also travel a lot for business and have been to many yoga studios all over the southeast. Sanctuary is as good as it gets anywhere. The instructors are fantastic and the space is beautiful, peaceful and welcoming.
Classes are varied to encompass different styles and experience levels. The schedule is refreshed a few times a year to address new topics, methods and disciplines. Regular workshops are well conceived, well instructed and valuable to advancing my yoga practice. One of the best aspects about the classes I take at
Classes are varied to encompass different styles and experience levels. The schedule is refreshed a few times a year to address new topics, methods and disciplines. Regular workshops are well conceived, well instructed and valuable to advancing my yoga practice. One of the best aspects about the classes I take at
Sarah M.
Sep 29, 2015
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Very impressed with this Yoga Studio. I have been to several different classes and have found each of the teachers very good! Which I think is impressive. I feel like I am really learning at this studio, not just about the positions but about how the positions are helping my body. Great space! A true sanctuary to release the stress of life!
Raina V.
Jun 13, 2011
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Enigmajic O.
Aug 22, 2006
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A great yoga studio with a down-to-earth community feel. You walk into one of their practice studios and you feel like you're in an oasis of relaxation and meditation. Their studios are themed, where one room is the wind room complete with blue walls and sheer white drapes and hardwood floors while the earth room has green walls and bamboo decor. The instructors are knowledgeable and helpful in deepening your yoga experience.
