Annelize’s passion for medicine, food, and teaching were ignited early in her life, influenced by her parents and the diverse cultures she experienced. Her father is a medical doctor who worked in rural India, South Africa, and the U.S.. Her mother taught in township schools in South Africa and inherited her own mother’s remarkable culinary skills and talent for feeding people at a moment’s notice.  Yoga entered her life during annual visits to her birthplace, Mumbai, with her uncle's encouragement. Shortly after high school, she began practicing in search of what it meant “to be at home in the body” and how that might foster a relationship to her new homeland/native land. It was this curiosity that drew her deeper into asana, breath, mantra and more! 

She began teaching Yoga in 2001 and has since developed health and wellness programs in various settings across the U.S. and India, including community centers, schools, studios, and performance-based companies, for students of all ages.  She is trained in Bharatanatyam and Kalaripayat, two of Yoga’s sister arts and was a professional dancer, choreographer and teaching artist for many years. Her experience as an artist and educator have helped shape her work & investigation in the field of Yoga for Classical Indian Dancers, Storytelling through movement, Bharatanatyam as a Healing art form, and similar such topics involving integrative practices and the more subtle tools of Yoga and their sister sciences. Her relationship with Ayurveda began over 25 years ago, driven by a desire to discover the healer within and it has been an incredible journey of learning, evolving and teaching. 

While Yoga & Ayurveda feel like her mother tongue in her therapeutic work,, she is thankful for the education she received while earning her B.A. in Psychology, minor in Film and Womens’ studies. She believes that all paths traveled with an open mind and heart, eventually reveal their connections. 

Currently Annelize is training to be an Ayurvedic Doctor under the guidance of her Gurus at Kerala Ayurveda Academy and is expected to graduate in 2026. 

Based in Austin, Texas, she practices Clinical Ayurveda, Therapeutic Yoga and Massage Therapy at her studio & clinic, Shakti Wellness. She continues to be an active teacher and offers regular group classes for adults and youth. She also leads workshops and gives talks on Ayurveda, Yoga, Kalaripayat and aligned holistic wellness in the community. 

Annelize offers her gratitude to all her teachers, students and colleagues who continue to shape & inspire her learning and growth. She is honored to be part of KV Institute and support others on their path with this beautiful, ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.