Doe Bay Retreat Team
Sept 24th - 28th, 2026
Kira Seiffert
I came to yoga through curiosity and a deep love of movement—drawn to the same embodied freedom I feel while running, skiing, backpacking, and wandering in the wild. Nature has always been my greatest teacher, and yoga became a way to deepen that connection while reshaping how I experience my body, my life, and the world.
I’ve been a healer for over 20 years, practicing bodywork and energy work and listening deeply—to clients, students, myself, and the natural world. Trained in Baptiste Power Vinyasa at Shakti Vinyasa Yoga and shaped by teachers throughout the PNW and beyond, I’m also a mom to two young adult boys— my constant compass, always pointing me back to true north and reminding me not to take myself too seriously. My work is about creating space for healing and freedom, trusting the wisdom we already carry, and inviting curiosity, laughter, and a little playful magic into the journey.
Kira Seiffert, Founder - Wild Mountain Connection
Melissa Magañas
Melissa welcomes you to a practice where presence matters more than performance. In her slow-flow classes, students of all levels move with intention and breath, cultivating awareness, care, and ease.
Her path to teaching began with a personal healing journey and grew into a desire to share the gift of yoga with others. With years of experience as a massage therapist, she brings a deep understanding of anatomy and body mechanics to every class, guiding students safely while encouraging connection and self-discovery.
Through movement and breathwork, she creates space to tune into your body, honor your experience, and find calm that extends beyond the mat.
Outside of yoga, Melissa enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with friends and family, biking, paddleboarding, and tackling 1,000-piece puzzles.
Melissa Magañas, Owner - De La Tierra Yoga
Wes Erikson
Chef Wes Erikson is a fourth‑generation commercial fisherman and an active member of the Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC) and the North Vancouver Island Chefs Association (NVICA). Having fished nearly every species along the entire British Columbia coastline using all major gear types, he brings a lifetime of firsthand experience with the ocean and its resources.
Growing up on his father’s fishing boat — often finding himself in the galley — Erikson developed an early passion for preparing fresh seafood.
Traveling to South Africa in the fishing offseason, Wes trained for 3 years at the Islander Restaurant, one of the top restaurants in the country at the time. In 1993, he opened Yamato Restaurant in Courtenay, BC alongside Japanese master chef Saturo “Sam” Ogawa. He later launched Sushi‑Mon Bar and Grill in Qualicum Beach in 2005, operating it until 2012, when he relocated to the Seattle area to focus on raising his son.
Erikson has remained active in the culinary community through catering, festival work, and leadership roles. He has served as Vice President of the annual BC Seafood Festival, collaborating with world‑class chefs and industry leaders.
As both chef and fisherman, Erikson continues to bridge the gap between harvesters, chefs, and consumers. He is committed to promoting sustainable seafood practices and responsible stewardship of the oceans.
Melinda & Cruz Flores
Cruz & Meli give behind the scenes support to the WMC Team.
Melinda assists Kira with planning, admin work, and logistics so they can get back out on trails more quickly. During retreats, she helps with set-up, take-down & transport, as well as organization & flow between activities. Meli can usually be found on a PNW trail with her dog Twiggy, or at a yoga class. She loves plants, dogs, family & community.
Cruz supports WMC through promotion and brand outreach. Cruz is most at home in the backcountry — skiing, biking, or hiking whenever possible. In his spare time, when he’s not in the woods or working as a Service Specialist at Transition Bikes, he’s attending classes at WWU.