Meet the Team

Ayla Wilde
Owner/Yoga Teacher/Breath Coach

I’m 28, I’ve been practicing yoga since I was 15 & teaching it since I was 21. 

I never wanted to work for myself (ironic, right?) but have always felt a strong pull to help others – and what better a way to do that than running retreats, sharing what I’ve learned and grown through over the years. I’ve done a lot of self development work over the years, through my yoga journey and the incredible Dru team in North Wales, and whenever I’m asked what my mission statement is, it’s simply “to make a difference in the world.” For people’s lives to be better because of the interaction we’ve made, and to make a positive ripple of light that spreads far and wide.

Over the last 7 years I’ve taught: power, gentle, seniors, mens, mums + bubs, kids, teens, and hot yoga in studios, at charity events, for a wine label, on retreats, for sporting clubs, for an online studio, zoom, at gyms and home visits for 1:1.

I’ve currently traded the warm tropical oasis of Airlie Beach, for the stunning, rugged coastline of Margaret River in Western Australia, where I’m teaching at Gnarabup Yoga Studio. And LOVING it. WA feels very much like home.

There’s lots on this website about me, my teaching and my story, so if you want to know more click here.

Danielle Keast
Photographer/Videographer

Dani + I have been best friends since we first met on our first day of boarding school in year 11.

She’s one of the best people you’ll ever meet (in my non-biased opinion).

She’s there on my retreats, capturing the whole experience in a very non-invasive way, so you can have memories of the experience and not feel like you need to spend much time on your phone (if that’s what you want). Besides taking photos though, she’s extremely kind, generous, and knowledgable about sailing, life and everything in between. She loves travelling, helping others, and is one of the most genuine and beautiful people you’ll ever meet (wait – did I say that already?).

She’s also an absolute cacao, essential oils, and crystal lover, and is currently learning to practice the singing bowls. I am so grateful to be able to share this experience with her.

Frani Wilde
Physiotherapist/Yoga Teacher/Ayurvedic Practitioner/Breath Coach

Physiotherapist of 35+ years, a yoga teacher, meditation teacher, yoga therapist, yoga tutor + mentor, yoga teacher trainer, soon to be Ayurveda health coach & does one on one personal coaching (among many other wonderful things).

Growing up in the country and then moving to Adelaide, I remember mums country patients would travel 5 hours return in a day just to see her. I remember her calling me one day and her response to me asking how she was finding her physio in Airlie going, she said “Great, but I keep fixing people and then they don’t come back!” She’s that kind of person. She knows and understands the body in a way that strikes awe, and each retreat people pull me aside to comment on how wise, kind and knowledgable she is.

She is incredibly inspiring, passionate, insightful, kind, knowledgeable, empathetic, bubbly & motivated, and the kind of person you want around you and in your life. When she’s not doing physio or teaching yoga, she’s on a hike with her besties, or probably building a house or planting a forest with my brother. Bit of a jack of all trades if you will. Another comment from people on the retreat? “Gee wiz, I hope I can look like your mum in my 60s.” Yeah, you and me both!

I feel so proud & lucky to be able to share my career with her as my mentor, my colleague and my mum.

Maddy Smith
Occupational Therapist/Yoga Teacher/Breath Coach

Maddy’s yoga journey started at a young age, shadowing her beautiful Mum who is also a (Dru) yoga teacher. Growing up in the yoga community where the principals of yoga were infused into her daily life, helped her to develop a love for the practice.

In 2018 Maddy completed her teacher training with Dru Yoga Australasia, initially to compliment her work as an OT. After experiencing burnout, the practice of yoga became a fundamental tool to help re-centre her body, mind and spirit. This personal journey with yoga has since developed into a passion for teaching and sharing the practice with others.

Outside the world of yoga, Maddy works as an OT providing Telehealth services to individuals of all ages across Australia. This allows her the freedom to her the other things in life she loves – including travelling, hiking, surfing and experiencing life to its fullest. Recently, she had the amazing experiences of teaching yoga at a surf and yoga retreat in Sri Lanka (while also learning to surf!), walking El Camino across Spain, and hiking the Overland Track in Tassie.

Maddy’s passions are for using yoga and breathwork in an inclusive way to help regulate the body and mind to find balance, stillness and to help people do the things they love.

She’s also has a smile and personality that is contagious, and shares my love of adventure, travel and wellness. I feel very fortunate that Maddy has joined the AWL team.