Meet our Team and Teachers

Our Core Team
our teachers

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Team

  • Shahed Naji

    Shahed Naji

    Co-founder & Teacher

    Born in Lebanon and based in Berlin, Sha is a multi-disciplinary artist and yoga teacher whose journey began with Kyokushin Kai, a traditional Japanese martial art that sparked his interest in meditation and Eastern philosophies. With certifications in Jivamukti, Kundalini, and Ashtanga, his powerful teaching style blends arm balances, inversions, and deep backbends with carefully curated music playlists. His classes offer a dynamic, transformative practice that builds both strength and flexibility. Beyond the mat, Sha's passion for music and continuous learning shapes each session into a holistic experience.

    Instagram

  • A young woman with long brown hair, wearing a blue sweater and beige pants, smiling with her hands in her pockets, standing by a body of water with buildings in the background on a clear day.

    Joana Reicherts

    Co-Founder

    As co-founder of SHA-LA Studios, Joana is the heart behind the scenes, bringing her tech background to ensure smooth operations while fostering a welcoming environment for the team and community. Though not a teacher herself, she is a dedicated yogini deeply immersed in yoga's practice and philosophy. Her passion for the SHA-LA vision shines through in creating a space where people can practice, feel good, grow, and connect. Joana's support and care make the studio more than just a place to practice—it's a community.

  • A woman with blonde hair, wearing a cream-colored tank top and brown pants, sitting on a black floor against a brick wall with her left arm resting on her knee and her right arm on the floor.

    Matthäa Mollenhauer

    SHA-LA Manager & Academy Lead

    Matthäa is a dedicated yoga teacher at SHA-LA Studios and the guiding force behind studio communications and educational programs. As SHA-LA Manager, she ensures the vision is communicated with clarity and heart across all channels. As Academy Lead, she oversees teacher training development with structure, insight, and deep yogic understanding, supporting both the teaching team and aspiring instructors.

    For inquiries, reach her at hello@shalastudios.com.

  • A woman with short hair, glasses, and earrings sitting on a vintage brown sofa in front of a window with brick buildings outside, wearing a black spaghetti strap top and black pants.

    Verena Warnke

    Finances & Accounting

    Verena is the Booking and Finance Manager at SHA-LA Studios. She is a trained fashion designer, experienced project and event manager, and social entrepreneur with a strong foundation in organizing creative and community-driven initiatives. With a keen eye for structure and flow, she supports the smooth running of the studio behind the scenes. Alongside her managerial work, Verena is an aspiring movement trainer, exploring the intersection of creativity, body awareness, and conscious living.

    For finance and admin matters, reach her at management@shalastudios.com.

  • A woman with long wavy brown hair stands in front of a body of water with city buildings and a bridge in the background. She is wearing a long sleeve brown top and a black skirt, with her hands pressed together in a prayer position. The sun reflects off the water, creating a bright glare behind her.

    Dariia Boiko

    Social Media & Booking Manager

    Dariia oversees studio bookings, social media, and back-office operations at SHA-LA Studios, ensuring a smooth experience both online and behind the scenes. A SHA-LA graduate who completed both teacher training and the apprenticeship program, she evolved from student to teacher, bringing dedication and firsthand experience to the community. With a keen eye for detail and passion for storytelling, she helps bring the SHA-LA vision to life on and off the mat.

    For inquiries, reach her via communication@shalastudios.com.

  • Lisa Marie Thiel

    Operations Manager

    With a background in five-star hospitality as a Spa Therapist, I’ve always valued genuine hospitality, attention to detail, and making people feel welcome.

    As Studio Operations Manager, I look after the day-to-day operations and events, helping create a warm, welcoming space where our community can connect and feel at ease. For me, it’s the little things that make all the difference.

    You can reach me at operations@shalastudios.com.

OUR TEACHERS

Teachers