BA (Hons), Advanced Yoga Teacher (500hr YTT), Holistic Therapist (MFHT)
Hi! - I’m Donna, and I’m so glad you’re here.
Welcome to Simply Soulful Yoga & Therapies, a space created to help you gently reconnect with your body, your breath and your inner calm.
My journey into yoga, meditation and holistic therapies began many years ago, but my 30th year became a true turning point. During that time, I found myself on a deep path of self-discovery — one that inspired me to change career, reshape my lifestyle and ultimately follow my heart to beautiful Devon.
My passion for wellbeing first blossomed through Reiki, where I experienced the powerful truth that the body holds an innate ability to heal. One course naturally led to another, and before long my path unfolded into yoga teacher training — and from that moment, I knew I had found my calling. Like many people, I once believed I was “too old, too inflexible, too overweight” to become a yoga teacher. When I shared this with a dear friend, she gently reminded me, “You’re never too old to learn — and these are exactly the reasons you’ll be a wonderful teacher.” She was absolutely right.
Today, with over 20 years of experience in the wellbeing field, I feel deeply honoured to support others on their own journey towards balance, strength and calm. My professional training includes extensive study with the Association of Reflexologists (AOR), International Institute of Health & Holistic Therapies (IIHHT), The Nutritional Healing Foundation, School of Natural Health Sciences (SNHS), Friends of Yoga Society International (FRYOG), and the Water Skills Academy (WSA).
I am proud to be a:
Advanced Yoga Teacher (500hr YTT)
Holistic & Complementary Therapist
Usui Reiki Master
Forest Bathing Guide (Shinrin Yoku)
Nutritional Healing Therapist
Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor (BSUPA Level 1)
Whether you practise with me on the beach, in the forest, at Merrifield House or through a one-to-one treatment, you will always be warmly welcomed and gently supported. I truly believe wellbeing should feel accessible, nurturing and deeply human — and I would love to share this journey with you.
Through Simply Soulful Yoga & Therapies, I offer nurturing yoga and meditation classes, events and retreats, alongside forest bathing experiences and holistic treatments in and around Kingsbridge, including Hope Cove and Salcombe. My intention is simple and heartfelt - to help you feel empowered, restored and able to truly “smile on the inside.”
I am deeply passionate about the work I do, the gentle yet powerful benefits of yoga, forest bathing and holistic therapies, the beautiful products I use, and above all, the wonderful people I have the privilege to support. Over time, many clients become dear friends, and every session is enriched by the shared connection, growth and quiet moments of transformation we experience together.
I live in the South Devon countryside, between Aveton Gifford and Churchstow, just outside Kingsbridge and Salcombe, with my husband Marcus. Together we enjoy a life that is both peaceful and joyfully full.
Beyond yoga, meditation and SUP, I love wholesome nourishing food, kombucha, green juices, grassroots travel and the company of dogs. My favourite book is The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker, and my comfort movie is 50 First Dates - a little light-hearted joy always has its place. With gratitude in my heart and a smile never far away, I love weaving yoga into the natural world wherever possible - on the beach, in the woodland, on the water, and along the breath-taking South Devon Coast Path. There is something truly magical about practising with the grass beneath your feet, sand between your toes, gentle waves beneath your board, or under a wide, star-filled sky. I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful corner of the world, surrounded by landscapes that continually inspire me — especially when viewed upside down in a yoga pose!
I remain committed to ongoing post-graduate training in both yoga and holistic therapies, always learning, evolving and embracing the richness of life. Alongside my personal practice, running a yoga business and staying closely connected with family and friends, life continues to feel deeply rewarding. Integrity, mindfulness, compassion, relaxation and vibrant health are values I consciously weave into everything I share.
I very much look forward to welcoming you and sharing some soulful moments together soon... Om Shanti
Currently my qualifications and training experience is as follows:
Training & Qualifications:
Yoga Teacher 500 hr (Advanced level)
Nutritional Healing Therapist
SUP Yoga Teacher
Yin Yoga Teacher
Kids Yoga Teacher
Laughter Yoga Leader
Animal Yoga Teacher
Well Woman Yoga Therapy
Including Menopause, Fertility, Menstrual Health
WSA Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Board Instructor
Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) Leader
Meditation Teacher
Diploma in Reflexology
Including Baby, Palliative, Fertility, Finger-Free
Reiki Master/Teacher (Usui)
Diploma in Aromatherapy Massage
Certificate in Swedish Massage
Diploma in Indian Head Massage
Abdominal-Sacral Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
On-Site Massage
Hopi Ear Candle
Emotional Freedom Technique
Life Coaching
British Sign Language – Stage One
First Aid – Appointed Person
BA (HONS) Leisure Marketing
Continued Professional Development:
Returning to work – Health, safety and Hygiene COVID-19
Supporting Pregnant and Postnatal Yoga Students
Art of Adjusting in Yoga
Hypermobility in Yoga
Iyengar Yoga Intensive CPD
Crystal Healing
Foot Reading
Hands-Free Massage
Stress Management
Zephorium Therapist
Doterra Aromatouch Technique
Training certificates, insurance and client references are available upon request.
I am also a member of The Federation of Holistic Therapists (MFHT), Friends of Yoga Society International (FRYOG), and British Stand Up Paddleboard Association (BSUPA) Stand Up Paddle (SUP)