8th Element's Team
We proudly have a spectrum of teachers with varying experience and backgrounds to offer different styles to suit every body at every level.
Our Team
Kim Sevilla
RMT, E-RYT200, Owner
Kim has been studying the body, through movement and clinical education, for over 20 years. She has been a Registered Massage Therapist since 2014, a Registered Yoga Teacher since 2018 and also has been teaching RMT students since 2019.
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She was awarded first place by the Massage Therapy Association of BC (MTABC) for her graduating case study research report on the effects of massage therapy for plantar fasciitis in 2014.
From her own rehabilitation experience from a traumatic car accident, Yoga had been a vital piece in getting her physical body healed and reconnect her mind and spirit with the physical body. This experience granted her the gift of knowing how powerful a yoga practice could be as a tool for maintaining an overall sense of well-being and function. This was her inspiration to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) to pay it forward.
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Currently, Kim teaches both Yoga and RMT students while maintaining her private massage therapy practice in Steveston, BC. Kim loves empowering people to understand their bodies and find ways to help them heal or reach personal health and wellness goals while providing a safe and nurturing environment.
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Personally, Kim and her husband, Mark, keep busy raising their big, beautiful, blended family of 6. You might find Kim out in nature hiking or tending to her garden, painting, walking around her community in Steveston and catching sun rays whenever possible!
Cheryl Landrigan
Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) & Educator (YACEP)
Advanced Yoga Teacher, RYT500 | E-RYT200
Administrative Support, 8th Element Yoga
Cheryl is the only certified yoga therapist registered in Richmond with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).
Yoga Therapy is an evidence/research based approach to yoga that takes ancient yoga techniques and applies them to help address specific health concerns.
Cheryl's therapeutic training and experience offers a compassionate, relaxed and practical client-centered approach. Her focus is to teach and empower clients with information and resources to help address their specific health concerns and improve strength, stability and flexibility in body and mind.
As a runner and business executive for over 35 years Cheryl knows the benefits of yoga for recovery and prevention of a range of health issues. Her anatomy-informed teaching provides modifications for every body. Cheryl believes “motion is lotion” and that self-regulating our nervous system plays a key role in health and wellness.
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You may also connect with Cheryl by email or phone when you contact our studio as she assists in administrative support on various areas of operation.
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Cheryl lives in Steveston with her husband Brian. She also teaches various registered yoga classes at Southarm and Steveston Community Centres for clients with common goals to progress together. She also offers private sessions in collaboration with clinical health providers to address individual health goals; and has led taylored sessions for clinical staff at Richmond Hospital.
Leah de Torres
Yin Certified teacher
Leah was immediately hooked on yoga since 2006 and found herself at yoga conferences, workshops, ashrams and retreats all around the world. During this discovery her practice evolved off the mat, developing the skills to navigate life with intention.
In 2014, Leah completed her 200HR teacher certification to help others find time and space for grounding, healing and a sense of community through movement and mind body connection. She has also completed her 100HR Yin and Guided Meditation certificate and will complete her 300HR advanced training next year.
Tiagra Desrochers
250HR, BCRPA CPT, PPSC
Pain-free Performance Specialist
With years of teaching experience, Tiagra has curated a teaching style that integrates a nourishing blend of Yin and Yang. When you practice with her you can expect an alignment-based class that emphasizes moving within your body's boundaries. Tiagra blends her knowledge of personal training, and anatomy within her sequences to improve flexibility through strength and awareness, while creating a stronger connection to both body and mind.
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Tiagra lives in Richmond with her furbaby and also teaches at YYoga in Richmond.
Vickie Petrescu
500HR+ teacher
Vickie is a Yogini – practitioner, student and teacher and is passionate about the magic and mystery yoga offers. She began her yoga journey 27 years ago and has been teaching in the Steveston community for 12 years.
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She is a 500hr teacher and has studied locally as well as overseas and taken numerous workshops and retreats to stay inspired. Vickie hosts private retreats and provides semi-private and private sessions in addition to her drop-in classes. She will hold space for you to step out of your comfort zone - with compassion and love and teaches for the heart.
