The Team

Sheridan Hammond (Director) - Yoga Instructor

Sheridan is West Australian and a lover of this special part of the world that we live in. In 1996, leg and back injuries forced him to search for a path to restore balance and equilibrium. While searching for an alternative to surgery, he found teachings about the inherent power of the breath and how to cultivate internal strength.

The chance to attend a class of Astanga Yoga provided the mental, physical and emotional gains that he required to avoid surgery. Evolving his learning to find what it means to develop a self practice he has traveled since 1999 around the world studying with various advanced yoga teachers.   His subsequent return to the South West of OZ in 2004 inspired and fuelled his passion for the Samudra way of life. Sheridan's warmth, devotion to the practice, and his love of teaching that practice combine to make the classroom a stimulating and supportive world.

Philosophy - "Astanga yoga restored balance in my life and helped me achieve freedom from pain. It gave me a sense of truth, wellbeing and emotional harmony. A candle was lit and it has never been extinguished. Quality time is connecting with Samudra team and family to make all our experiences extra-ordinary.  Continually aiming to stay on the cutting edge for all areas in Samudra world to share how we can all live to our fullest potential. I thank my teachers and their teachers for the learning.

It is my ambition now to impart this harmonic way of life to others.."

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Lisa Archer - All things Samudra

An ocean creature by nature, Lisa loves being creative and sharing her passions for surfing and yoga. Her background in gymnastics preceded her obsession with surfing and formal studies in landscape architecture. Now with 2 years of Astanga Yoga under her belt and 13 years of surfing, her new role as mum-to-be will no doubt ensure she remains the 'all-rounder' for Samudra. Creative, energetic and motivating, Lisa will have you on the mat or in the water riding waves with her in no time. As a qualified surf coach and the 2006 state women's champ, she sees an amazing congruence between yoga and surfing. She continues to practice yoga daily, inspired by teacher Robert Lucas who helped her overcome a string of injuries. Now yoga is very much part of her life - and life just got brighter!

Philosophy - I hope to inspire and surround myself with people living a positive, balanced, healthy life centered around the ocean.

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Lucy Gage - Graphic Design

Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Lucy has never lived far from the ocean and doesn't like being away from it. She studied for a degree in Graphic Design in Bristol, England and worked in a number of post production houses there before heading off to travel South America, taking photographs and gaining art & design inspiration along the way. She loves all things beach, scuba diving and surfing which drew her to the South West and Samudra.

Philosophy - "Never let your fears stand in the way of your dreams"

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Jane Huxley - Accounts & Office Manager

Jane the star office administrator!!  Born and raised in Perth, Jane has been working in an office environment since the age of 15!  Taking time out for several years to raise two children and go to UWA (studying arts).  The move to Dunsborough a few years ago has proved fruitful and finding the team at Samudra has led Jane to enjoy the enormous benefits that yoga and raw food offer to the uninitiated.  She is also finally learning to Surf!!

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Cara Ratajczak - Organic Threads Production Manager

Born and bred by the West Aussie sun and fresh air Cara feels at home in the beautiful South West surrounded by big trees and a clean abundant ocean. After spending 4 years studying Arts/ textiles Cara's search for beautiful textiles has taken her on numerous adventures around the globe. From the deserts of India, the mountains of Pakistan, the tropics of Sri Lanka and Indonesia, Cara loves finding beautiful fabric to work with. In her role designing and producing the latest Samudra clothing, she is excited about using her knowledge of textiles to source enviro-friendly fabrics and make ethical decisions when coming up with the latest creations.

"i'm excited to be a part of the Samudra family... It is an inspiring place to work as there is always something to learn. From growing your own sprouts, learning about Reishi mushrooms, superfood smoothies, how to organically get rid of little pesties in your vegie garden, to calming the chaos of everyday life with a regular yoga practice, it is hard to get bored... i am constantly learning and therefore i'm constantly growing... i look out of my office window to a vege garden abundant with fresh produce and it makes me smile everyday."

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Sonja Eberhard - Food Production, Research & Development

Passionate about food, health, sustainable life and environment, has played a big part in Sonja's life for as long as she could see, smell, walk and chew.

When Samudra was opening it's doors, she had a vision that she would be involved some way or the other and since then she has never looked back. From starting in the kitchen as Assistant Head Chef, she landed in the production kitchen, creating, researching and developing new and exciting raw food delights.

Sonja is always on the lookout for something new in her challenge.

Philosophy: " The one contains the many, the many contains the one"

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Bree Adams - Purchasing & Stock Control

Hitching a trailer to her car filled with all her belongings, Bree drove from Melbourne to Adelaide and loaded up the Indian Pacific for a ride to Perth, and legged it down to sunny Samudra almost 2 years ago.

With 12 months under her belt as defacto Cafe Manager (yes that's where some will recognise Bree from), she somehow managed to slip back of house into Samudra's administration team.

Bree brings over 10 years experience and a vast knowledge of hospitality industry and a yearn to learn more.

"I still class myself as a yoga beginner albeit who is taking a break, I love swimming and surprise surprise I don't drink coffee!"

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Sayuri Tanaka - Samudra Retreats Chef

I am a vegan/raw-living food/macrobiotic chef. I love yoga and food and I do catering for Samudra's retreats and teacher training.

My classes are about making the easiest, yet yummiest and healthiest food around and I would like to share all my knowledge and favourite dishes to everyone.

I am blessed to have been given this opportunity to cook for people in the harmonious way with nature, people and the planet. It is an absolute joy and privilege for me.

Philosophy - "Have fun and enjoy cooking! Make yourself happy, Make people around you happy and full. Make the world better! Make our future beautiful!! As yoga transforms you, I guarantee good food will too... and the world as well"

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