Suzanne and Erik Vian (directors)

Suzanne and Erik Vian opened Saigon Yoga in early 2003. The studio and community have been a constant source of joy and inspiration since it’s conception and they are grateful to be able to share in the experience that is Yoga in Saigon. Suzanne and Erik moved to Saigon from Orange County, California, 5 years ago. Erik, originally born in Vietnam, is a former banker by trade; Suzanne, a former hairstylist and devoted yogi since 1994. They are the blessed parents of 2 children, both born in Saigon.

Suzanne took her first yoga class in 1994 and fell instantly in love with it. Her practice naturally became her lifestyle, as Suzanne has spent the past 2 decades of her life researching holistic health and spirituality. Introduced to the art form of dance at the age of 2, Suzanne’s lifelong love of movement and fascination with the energy flow of the body (and soul) has led her to study a variety of yogic traditions. As a result, her teaching style is eclectic and draws on many traditions, but is heavily influenced by the strength and spirit of Forrest Yoga, created by Ana Forrest with who Suzanne has studied with formally (Suzanne is a certified Forrest Yoga Teacher) and considers to be one of her main mentors in bringing about healing in her students. Suzanne has studied yoga therapy in dealing with physical and emotional injury and trauma and is a massage therapist having studied natural health and massage therapy at the National Holistic Institute of Northern California. She uses yoga as a direct link to exploring higher states of consciousness and dedicates her life, her practice and her teaching to the highest source of all (divinity).

Annie's first taste of Hatha yoga was in 1970 in her home country of Scotland aged 12. She attended classes throughout high school. Originally from an Army family, Annie has traveled the world widely. Her interest in Massage therapy began in Thailand in 1988 when she studied Traditional Thai massage. She deepened her knowledge of anatomy and physiology and variety of massage techniques, studying and certifying in America.

Annie has explored a variety of yoga traditions over the years, Kripalu, Anusara, Ashtanga, and Iyengar. She has lived and worked in Europe, America, the middle and Far East working at different professions and finally settling into Massage therapy and teaching yoga in 2000.

Annie Certified in 2002 in Kripalu Yoga in Lennox, Massachusetts. USA. She taught at the Bushido studios in Alexandria, Virginia for 4 years. Teaching yoga at night and studying massage therapy during the day. Annie graduated in 2004 from Potomac Massage Training Institute in Washington DC. She worked with her own massage practice in Bangkok Thailand for 4 years when she accompanied her American husband, Eric on an overseas assignment. Annie continued her studies of Thai herbal massage and reflexology in Chiang Mai at TMC. She certified in various massage modalities at Chiva Som Academy in Bangkok. Annie gained a deeper knowledge and understanding in yoga philosophy during her Ashtanga yoga teacher training from Yoga Elements studio, Bangkok, certifying in 2006.

Annie has a passion for anatomy and physiology and studies extensively. Her massage practice blends different massage styles according to the needs of the client. Accordingly she believes strongly that yoga is for absolutely everyone, regardless of age or shape. She believes strongly in the individual and using props where necessary to assist students into deepening their postures. According to their individual abilities and physical structures. I feel a lot of compassion for my students and love watching them grow through their yoga. I believe in providing classes that calm and balance the body and mind. I like to influence the students to maintain a regular and achievable yoga practice if I can. We can develop awareness of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual states that can help us navigate more smoothly through our daily lives.