Title: Toxic, Controlling, and Emotionally Abusive Management – Teachers Beware
Pros
Teaching yoga and helping students
Cons
Yoga teachers, please proceed with caution. This studio may appear serene and community-oriented on the surface, but behind the scenes, the work environment is anything but peaceful. The owner is extremely controlling and exhibits toxic, emotionally abusive behavior toward staff. She frequently micromanages every aspect of teaching—down to class structure, tone of voice, and personal interactions with students. There is no room for creative or authentic teaching. If you don’t conform exactly to her rigid expectations, you will be reprimanded, humiliated, or pushed out. Worse, she actively threatens and intimidates anyone she cannot control. This includes spreading false narratives, sabotaging reputations, and creating a climate of fear and paranoia among instructors. Constructive dialogue is not welcomed—criticism is harsh, personal, and delivered in a way that feels emotionally manipulative. This environment is the complete opposite of what yoga represents. It took a toll on my mental health, and I would not recommend this studio to any teacher who values integrity, respect, or emotional safety. Trust your instincts—this is not a healthy place to work.