From Curious Student to Faculty: Natasha Papachristoforou on Anatomy, Education, and Growth

At Modo Yoga International (MYI), our faculty brings a wealth of experience in anatomy, movement science, and teaching. Natasha (“Tash”) is one of those teachers—a lifelong learner whose journey from yoga student to physiotherapist to teacher training faculty reflects the depth and evolution of our program. We sat down with Tash to learn more about her path, her perspective on anatomy in yoga, and why she believes education is the key to empowering yoga teachers and students alike.

Tash: I was living in London, Ontario while completing my undergraduate degree and happened to be renting an apartment right around the corner from what was then Moksha Yoga London. I literally walked by the window, saw the sign, and thought, “Hmm, looks interesting.” When I finally took my first class, I can’t remember the exact details (it was 20 years ago!), but I’ll never forget the feeling of leaving both calmed and energized. It was like, “How is that even possible? What just happened in there?” All I knew was that I needed to keep going.

Tash: After finishing my Master’s in Physical Therapy at Dalhousie, I wanted to do something for myself and my soul. The training had been on my mind for years, and I felt an undeniable pull to immerse myself in the philosophy and history of yoga, and to learn how to share a practice that had given me so much. So I hopped on a plane to Montreal and never looked back.

Natasha took her Modo Yoga Foundational Teacher Training in Montreal in 2012.

Tash: I’ve always been curious—equally drawn to science and the arts. I grew up playing sports, loved health and movement, and eventually found my way to physiotherapy in a very non-linear way.

That background informs how I teach today: I approach yoga and anatomy from an embodied, therapeutic lens, rooted in functional movement and exercise science. My training showed me just how resilient the human body and mind can be, and I want that sense of possibility to come through when I teach.

Tash: Yoga gave me clarity and confidence at a pivotal time. After undergrad, I took a year off—skiing, working in a coffee shop, and volunteering at a physio clinic in Nelson, BC. I shadowed an incredible physiotherapist who became a mentor, and it clicked: physiotherapy could deepen my understanding of yoga asana and help me support people through movement. The two paths have always felt deeply connected.

Tash: Movement is how we engage with the world—whether it’s through breath, gaze, or physical activity. I’m fascinated by the bridge between our own biology and the external environment. Understanding how we can move better, and for longer, is endlessly exciting to me.

Tash: It’s come a long way since 2012! The curriculum has evolved to reflect current science and research, and the feedback process ensures content stays relevant and rigorous. Anatomy and posture workshops are led by experienced professionals with backgrounds in physiology and movement education, so students are always getting high-quality, research-informed training.

Natasha leads the anatomy lectures at the Modo Yoga foundational teacher training.

Tash: I often say, we know more about our phones than our bodies. Anatomy is empowering—when you understand how your body works, you’re more likely and better able to care for it.

For yoga specifically, anatomy gives students and teachers the tools to move with more awareness, adapt poses for their unique bodies, and guide others safely. Time and again, students tell us anatomy was the missing link that “unlocked” their practice.

Tash: This isn’t a one-size-fits-all training. We focus on principles and fundamentals, not dogma. Anatomy shows us both our universal similarities and our individual differences. We give students space to experiment with adaptations and alignment, and that exploration makes the practice more inclusive and empowering.

Tash: Nature is my biggest recharge—trail running, mountain biking, snowboarding. I also love creative outlets like pottery, writing, and cooking. And of course, time with my partner and our dog.

Tash: With yoga becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry, it’s more important than ever to learn from trusted, credible sources. The pace of information sharing means misinformation spreads quickly. At Modo, we value scientific rigor, humility, and depth of understanding. Great teachers don’t claim to have all the answers—they stay curious and open.

Tash: This isn’t your typical anatomy class! We make it accessible, engaging, and relevant to yoga. Students come in with different levels of exposure, but there’s always something for everyone. Learning about your body in this way is a gift—and you deserve it.

Tash: My hope is that each student leaves with more awareness, gratitude, and purpose. Teacher training is a rich and rewarding journey—it’s not always easy, but it’s deeply transformative. Ultimately, it’s about nurturing qualities within ourselves that we can then share with others, for the benefit of all.


Explore Modo Yoga Teacher Training and learn from faculty like Tash who bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and experience to every training.

📞 Book a call with our teacher training team to ask questions and see if it’s the right fit—no pressure.
📚 Learn more about our upcoming teacher trainings

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