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M.S.Ed. | E-RYT | Yoga Educator | Special Education Professional | Mental Health Counselor-in-Training

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Kat McMullin is the founder of Mala Sanctuary, an intimate space dedicated to intentional practice, education, and connection. With over 25 years of experience as a yoga practitioner and educator, Kat brings together traditional yoga teachings, trauma-informed approaches, movement education, and mental health perspectives to create practices that support the whole person.

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Since founding Mala Yoga Center in 2016, Kat has been dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive spaces where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can explore yoga. In 2017, she created Madison’s first After School Yoga & Mindfulness program for children, developing curriculum that integrated yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices to support children’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.

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In 2022, Kat was recognized as a Brava Magazine Woman to Watch for her efforts to expand access to yoga and create safer spaces for historically underserved communities. Her community initiatives included establishing the Allyship Fund, a scholarship program supporting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled practitioners; offering weekly complimentary classes for Veterans; and partnering with scholarship foundations for people in recovery.

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Kat began her yoga practice more than two decades ago as a path toward personal healing and transformation. She has studied across multiple yoga traditions, beginning with Satchidananda Hatha Yoga (Advanced Level 1 Training), followed by yoga teacher certification through CorePower Yoga in 2007, a 200 hour Prana Vinyasa training in 2018, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga Training through Connected Warriors in 2019.

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A lifelong student of Ashtanga Yoga, one of Kat’s most formative experiences was traveling to Mysore, India in 2011 to study at the Ashtanga Yoga Institute. During this time, she practiced with both Saraswathi Jois and Sharath Jois, deepening her understanding of the traditional Mysore method and the importance of self-practice, consistency, and individualized guidance.

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Kat later completed a 300-hour advanced Ashtanga Yoga training with Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldmann at Miami Life Center, further expanding her understanding of the practice, teaching methodology, and the evolution of Ashtanga in the modern world.

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Beyond yoga, Kat holds a Master of Science in Education and currently serves as a Special Education Diagnostician, supporting students through assessment, advocacy, and individualized educational planning. She is also completing graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, continuing her exploration of the intersection between yoga, mindfulness, trauma, learning, and emotional well-being.

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Kat’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that yoga is both a practice and a relationship—one that evolves with each person’s body, life experiences, and needs. Her teaching combines traditional teachings, thoughtful instruction, compassion, and individualized guidance to support students in developing a sustainable and lifelong practice.

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Whether working with beginners, experienced practitioners, or individuals navigating personal growth and transition, Kat creates spaces where students are encouraged to explore, build confidence, and develop the wisdom to become their own best teacher.