At Mandala Life & Yoga, we believe in the power of connection, growth, and self-discovery. Join us as we guide you on meaningful paths that nurture your body, mind, and spirit.

Joelle Akl: ERYT 500- Retreat Creator & Facilitator

Joelle’s journey into yoga began over a decade ago, driven by her deep love for movement and self-discovery. She was captivated by yoga’s ability to quiet the mind and connect to the true self in a profound way.

After completing 500+ hours of Yoga Alliance-certified training in India, Joelle returned to her hometown of Beirut, where she opened one of the city’s earliest yoga studios in 2015. Her vision was simple yet powerful: to create a sanctuary where individuals could grow, heal, and connect through yoga.

With over 3,000 hours of teaching experience and having guided more than 500 students, Joelle’s approach is rooted in fostering self-trust, mindfulness, and inner transformation. In 2017, she established her Yoga Alliance-certified school, empowering aspiring teachers to find their unique voices and approach.

In 2023, Joelle opened Studio Sukun in Montreal, a sanctuary for movement and mindfulness where she co-leads Sukun’s signature Aerial Yoga teacher trainings. She also obtained her BARRE certification in that same year.

Her teaching style is a blend of Yoga, breathing and fitness married in a creative and sometimes challenging flow.

Her philosophy is to approach life with the curiosity of a student, always keeping her cup empty and open to new experiences

Her special interests include nature, cats, neuroscience and psychology.

Dana Saadeh: ERYT 500 - Retreat Creator & Facilitator

Dana’s love for movement began in her early years as a dancer, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for the harmony between body and mind. Her passion for mindful movement eventually led her to yoga, a practice that resonated with her on both a physical and spiritual level.

In 2015, Dana completed her advanced 500-hour Yoga Alliance-certified training in India and returned to Beirut, where she opened her own yoga studio. The studio became a haven for students seeking connection, transformation, and mindful growth. Over the past decade, Dana has taught more than 300 students, sharing her expertise in yoga with compassion and authenticity.

Dana is also a certified Thai yoga massage therapist and has completed complementary trainings in Yin, Aerial, Acro, and Therapy yoga. Her diverse background enables her to offer a multifaceted approach to her teaching, blending strength, flexibility, and mindfulness in every session.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering self-trust and mindful listening to the body. Dana encourages her students to quiet distractions, embrace stillness, and trust their individual paths as they unfold naturally.

As a lead teacher in the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and retreats, Dana brings her nurturing guidance and wealth of experience to every session. She is deeply committed to helping students navigate their own transformative journeys with care, integrity, and a sense of discovery.

Her teaching style is a blend of deep creative flows and long and restorative Yin sessions.

Her philosophy is live and let live, find comfort in the unknown and flow like water.

Her special interests are trees, microbiology and dogs, woof!

  • "I started my yoga journey with Joelle in 2019, beginning with her group classes and later private ones. Her vibrant energy, calming presence, and deep knowledge made every class enjoyable. Before meeting her, I found yoga boring, but she made me fall in love with it from the first session. I later completed my 200-hour teacher training with her, which was incredibly enriching, empowering, and packed with valuable knowledge. Joelle has a deep understanding of yoga philosophy, anatomy, and pranayama, delivering the course in an engaging and accessible way. She continues to support me even to this day. I highly recommend her teacher training course!"

    Lea, F

  • "I was a regular student at Mandala in Beirut, and the courses I took with Dana were truly wholesome. She helped us connect with our bodies in a deep and lasting way, always encouraging us to focus on posture and alignment while offering valuable tips to practice beyond the studio. I have several injuries, and Dana showed great care and compassion, working around my pain and guiding me safely. During the retreats I attended, Dana paid close attention to each participant’s needs, challenging us to push ourselves while ensuring our safety. She fostered an atmosphere of respect and introspection, and we often walked away with more than just improved yoga skills."

    Michelle L.

  • "Great classes and a wonderful experience. The overall atmosphere was both gentle and encouraging, allowing me to go at my own rhythm while learning the basics. Joelle is so patient and understanding, she gives attention to the whole group and guides us in a way that really helps! I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to go back."

    Tracy

  • "An amazing teacher, outstanding every time. Joelle really teaches us to trust ourselves and is very clear with instructions. She is extremely knowledgeable about the effects of every posture on the body. Her classes are by far one of my favorites in Montreal."

    Guilaine

  • "Dana was my first yoga teacher, and Mandala was my first yoga school—they set the bar incredibly high. Their teachings conveyed the true benefits of yoga across various styles, and Mandala became the only space that made me want to be consistent with my practice. I always looked forward to entering the studio, finding my spot, and sharing the experience with other students in such a wholesome environment. Every class left me feeling filled with love, light, and balance. I am so excited to see Mandala back!"

    Anais S.

  • "During my pregnancy, I practiced online yoga with Dana, and it was the best decision I could have made. She helped me in ways I hadn’t imagined—keeping me fit, improving my flexibility, and helping me relax both my body and mind. Dana was always patient, kind, and considerate, adapting every practice to how I felt that day. Her guidance made my pregnancy journey so much easier."

    Karen M.