OM YOGA is led by a dedicated team of experienced teachers, committed to providing an integrated and holistic approach to yoga. Our teachings follow the classical tradition established by the great masters of yoga, including T. Krishnamacharya, BKS Iyengar and his children Geeta and Prashant Iyengar.
For nearly 30 years, Wendy Samek, the founder and principal teacher of OM Yoga, has carried forward these teachings, influenced by her direct learning experiences in Pune, India, under BKS Iyengar. Her dedication to yoga has inspired a generation of teachers who have spread these teachings around the globe.
Wendy Samek’s journey in yoga spans over decades, having mentored countless yoga teachers and regularly visiting the Ramamani Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune. In this sacred space, she has had the privilege of learning from the late Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, who was recognized as one of the most influential yoga masters of our time. The death of BKS Iyengar a few years ago was a significant loss to the global yoga community, but his teachings continue to guide and inspire.
Our approach at OM Yoga draws upon the wisdom and teachings of Krishnamacharya, who was the guru of BKS Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois and TKV Desikachar. These masters are credited with bringing yoga from its traditional roots in India to the Western world, where the practice has flourished. By 2013, there were an estimated 15 million people practicing yoga in the United States alone, and this number continues to grow.
The core values of OM Yoga are founded on the ongoing study and practice of yoga, with a deep commitment to serving the community and making yoga accessible to as many people as possible. We offer a comprehensive approach, combining the history and philosophy of yoga with the physical practices of asana and breath control. Each class is personalized, with poses adapted to suit the individual’s body type and specific needs, often utilizing props for support and alignment.
Meditation and the cultivation of stillness are central to our practice, recognizing the profound mental and emotional benefits of yoga. With 1 in 5 Australians experiencing depression, we understand the importance of fostering a practice that promotes peace, clarity and healing.
Samantha Baker: OM Yoga’s New Leadership
Samantha Baker, a seasoned yoga practitioner of 22 years, is the new director and principal teacher of OM Yoga. Samantha first completed her teacher training in 2004 with Rebecca Richards and later undertook a second training after having children and caring for her ill husband, who passed away in 2013.
In 2017, Samantha completed her Iyengar teacher training with Darrin McNally of the Kensington School of Yoga and became a certified Iyengar teacher in 2018.
Samantha began teaching at Largs Bay Health and Yoga in 2016 and went on to open YOGA MANDALA in 2019, where she continues as the director and principal teacher.
Samantha is now excited to continue the legacy of OM Yoga, building upon the foundation laid by Wendy Samek and keeping the yogic community vibrant and strong.
At OM Yoga we are committed to offering a space for growth, healing and transformation, where yoga is taught with love, respect and dedication to the classical traditions that have inspired us for generations.
