Teachers |

Teachers

All of our 30 teachers at Mountaingoat Yoga Centre have completed Yoga Alliance recognized teacher training.

	HEATHER: Cultivating community spirit and getting to know my students is essential to my teaching approach. Knowing my students enables me to recognize their strengths and obstacles so that I may challenge each person individually and invite them to their “edge.” While I value the traditional approach to teaching yoga I choose to follow my inner knowing, to develop classes that combine tradition with innovation creating a powerful blend of postures to enliven every cell of your body. In my class be prepared to step to your edge and remember – ”Doubt is the lock on the door of potentiality”!
	TARA: “Happiness needs to be cultivated and acknowledged on a on-going basis.” When you come onto your yoga mat your are maintaining your mind, body & spirit — realigning, remembering, relaxing. You already have a body, a mind, a spirit, there’s no need to pursue these things. You are already happy - don’t pursue it, just remember & relax…
	DEBBIE: Debbie began practicing yoga over 20 years ago. After years of self-study and participating in workshops she enrolled in yoga teacher training. She completed the 200 hour teacher training under the guidance of Yogi Vishvketu and is a Registered Yoga Teacher certified with Yoga Alliance. She continues to explore many aspects of yoga through workshops, lectures and classes led by such teachers as Wade Imre Morissette, Monica Voss, Sharon Gannon and Michael Stone. Debbie’s power yoga classes are balanced with her genuine nature and compassion for those in the class. She continues to learn from all those she teaches.
	JUSTINE: Teaching hot power at Mountaingoat Yoga since April 2006, Justine’s classes are thematic in nature, touching on various anatomical and philosophical yogic principles and concepts. Students can expect a powerful and fluid vinyasa flow class with plenty of opportunity to explore diverse sequencings of postures. For all those who enjoy an intense workout that challenges both the body and mind…
	BRONWYN: Bronwyn is a graduate of our first Power Yoga teacher training. Power Yoga has become her passion. She enjoys teaching a strong class with an emphasis on the balance of movement and stillness. Bronwyn has her students hold the postures just a little longer knowing the endurance itself creates potent benefits that will take her students to their next level. Her dynamic flows encourage a personal evolution in “effortless effort” essential to the practice of yoga.
	MARY-HEATHER: Stretching, strength and fun are all a part of a class with Mary-Heather. She brings a compassionate and creative energy that transports her students into an empowered, blissful state of mind and body. Mary-Heather is also a Shamanic Reiki Master Practitioner, a Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner and organizes a weekly globalHealing Circle. Warning: In her presence, spontaneous laughter may occur.
	KENDRA: As a fitness instructor for over fifteen years and a yoga instructor since 2003, I recognize the significance of welcoming every individual into my class. My intent during each class is for everyone to feel renewed in health and spirit. It is this harmony within that shines for everyone else to see.
	MELANIE: I remember my first hot power yoga class at Mountain Goat Yoga Centre like it was yesterday. Sweaty, challenging, energizing and empowering. Wow, I was hooked. I practiced at Mountain Goat for 2 years before I moved to a small community outside of Kemptville that made the drive to Barrhaven just a little bit to far. Where was I going to go for my ‘power’ fix now? So, I did my 200hr YTT and started teaching yoga. I found my “power” and love sharing it with my students.In my classes I encourage students to work at their “edge” strengthening, stretching, toning and increasing stamina all the while calming the mind. There isn’t anything more satisfying to me than students leaving class buzzing with power yoga energy.Yoga allows me to balance my many roles in life including being a mom to two young daughters, yoga teacher and gardener. I am very excited to be teaching at Mountain Goat – It feels like coming home.
	JULIE: ”I am blessed with a beautiful family; a loving and supportive husband and three wonderful children. I am also thrilled to be part of the Mountaingoat Yoga family. A centre that is filled with laughter, love and inspiration. My intention is to share the beauty of yoga with my students; to help students discover their physical potential and go beyond their perceived limitations. Come and rediscover that beautiful, powerful individual that you are and walk away with a truly authentic happy smiling face.”
	ANDREW: In my yoga classes, I strive to have participants focus on the present moment while giving them time to move, breathe and stretch. I teach a flowing, yet vigorous Power class, as well as a deep stretch Yin class. These practices may seem different, however the intent is the same: to enable students to get to know themselves and their bodies through a variety of movements and postures. By allowing my students to work towards their own edge, I strive to cultivate both inner and outer strength. My goal as an instructor is for each participant to leave my classes with a sense of calmness as well as a relaxed body and mind.
	SU: With every class, my intention is to create a friendly, safe and positive environment for your practice. Classes are flowing, sometimes playful and challenging, but always accepting and compassionate. Come, let’s yoga!
	BARBARA: I love teaching and sharing yoga experiences with my students. My classes emphasize presence, inner focus, strength, safe alignment and flexibility. I believe that yoga is for everyone no matter what age and ability. I encourage my students to explore and appreciate their uniqueness through individual exploration of yoga postures (asanas) and breath. So take a deep breath and join me in exploring your own yoga journey. The best prop is flexibility of your mind! You will walk away from your yoga class with a smile in your heart!
	SAMANTHA: As a student of yoga for over six years my passion for the practice has continued to grow and has encouraged me to do both the Ana Forest Yoga Teacher Training course inNew York City in 2005 and in 2009 I completed the Power Yoga Teacher Training with MountainGoat Yoga. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to teach with Mountaingoat as it was the studio where my journey first began. I especially enjoy teaching in the community where I grew up and having that extra connection to many of the students. I approach my classes with a joyous enthusiasm that helps bring ease to the sometimes more challenging practice of Power Yoga. My focus is on building confidence, strength, and flexibility and as always in yoga, balance. When I bring strength and challenge into my teaching I do so with confident direction and affirmative encouragement to help my students move forward in their practice….and what a joy that is to see!
	ERIN: There is great joy in sharing yoga and helping students to experience the physical and mental health benefits it provides. Whether it is the very young or the young at heart – I enjoy helping kids, teens, families and adults alike to challenge their bodies and tap into their inner strength. Join me as we improve flexibility, strength, balance and overall health & well-being. Together we will stand stronger, breathe deeper and smile wider!
	ELLEN: Yoga is a respite from a world that can too easily disconnect us from ourselves and distract us from the truly important things in life. My classes offer a place, space and time for students to peel away lifes distractions and connect with their body, breath and mind. Classes are always varied and offer lots of options and challenges, so all students will find something to suit them, regardless of their previous yoga experience. Most importantly, students will be challenged to have fun while becoming stronger, more flexible and more at peace.
	JUDY: Judy began practicing yoga over 10 years ago and became a RYT with the Yoga Alliance in 2009. The intent of her classes is to help others to feel more alive, radiant and revived, from head to toe and from inside-out. She encourages students to approach yoga with an open mind, an open heart, patience, and a sense of humour. She strives to motivate and influence students to find their strength and calm within. Her classes incorporate a power flow with breath with movement, helping to build strength, flexibility and concentration. It is meant to challenge the student, incorporating sequences with an eclectic mix of sun salutations, poses and props.
	TRICIA: Yoga has helped me recover the flexibility of my youth and I want to share that discovery with others. And, the more I learn from yoga, the more I want to share. I understand that yoga can feel intimidating for the new student – I felt that way too! While I started out in a gentle class, I’ve grown into many styles of yoga. I want to support students on their journey. I know what it’s like for the sedentary body the difficulty of getting up and down from the floor that’s why I offer chair yoga practice so that yoga could be available to ANYONE whatever their age, body type or physical limitations. I enjoy taking classes as much as teaching them and learn from my fellow teachers as well as from my students every time I sit on my mat.
	LIA: Health is Wealth. Happiness is Peace of Mind. Yoga shows the way. Life is filled with challenges, joy, sadness, laughter, and much more. To meet the challenges and reap the benefits of life we need laughter, strength, balance, flexibility and relaxation. As a traditionally trained yoga teacher, my intention is to have, in every class, a little bit from the teachings of life. We will breathe, be challenged, laugh, find balance, and leave filled with peace. Come join me in life’s journey!
	IVY: Yoga has been Ivy’s life since 1996 in China. Her first teacher Sri Teri Tan, who had over 70 years experience with yoga, gave Ivy a grounded understanding of Yoga: Yoga is a life style. Yoga is more than stretch and strength; more than having a relaxed body and calm mind, it’s life itself. Through in class and daily life practice, Yoga gives balance to body, mind and spirit. Yoga also guides Ivy to learn to surrender to the Divine, which leads her to enjoy life from within. Ivy likes to express her Yoga practice experiences in her class. She received her first Training Certificate in China from the Patanjali Yoga Academy, which is associated with Swami Sivananda’s teachings in India. She began teaching yoga in 2000 in China and has been teaching in Canada since she immigrated in 2006. She has finished a 200 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training with Guy Tardif in Ottawa, and has finished a one month online Anatomy, Kinesiology & Biomechanics course with Susi Hately. In her class, Ivy focuses on breathing and inner awareness, improved postural alignment and overall structural integration. This will help to improve digestion, respiration, circulation, and reduce stress. Be present. Enjoy the now.
	TERRI: My classes include a blend of Hatha, Iyenagar, Somatics and myofascial release. Themes change weekly from posture focus to overall core integration to offer a full-body experience of length and strength. I like to give students personal attention even in a group setting, helping you to realize the cause of your limitations and giving ways to help you relieve your pain, improve your mobility and develop your ability to relax and become more connected to your body and your breathing. My teaching experience and certifications also include gentle yoga for seniors, chair yoga, family yoga, teen yoga, children’s and therapeutic yoga. I am also an individual fitness consultant and certified in older adult fitness.
	KYMBERLI: Yoga, the practice of Breath. As a Yoga practitioner, I explore breath each and every time I step onto my mat. In my classes, students will learn that breath is most important and everything else is second. I love to challenge my students, allowing them to play with their breath to find their edge. For me, Yoga is a lifelong and daily practice of breath, asanas and meditation. I offer the same to my students. Be inspired by how your practice can evolve and where your breath can take you.
	KATHERINE: Katherine sees yoga as a life-long path of learning about ourselves, our relationships and the world around us.
	JENNIFER: Teaching for 9 years in many traditions of yoga, Jennifer guides her classes with knowledge, compassion, humor and strength encouraging you to get the most out of your practice and be inspired to keep coming back! Whether a Gentle Yoga class, a Power Yoga class or something in between, she is very grateful to be able to support people to learn more about yoga, natural self care and overall well being.
	KSENIA: profile and pic to come
	TRACEY: Tracey has been teaching and working in the fitness industry for over 7 years as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Appreciating yoga’s meditative and restorative aspects, Tracey teaches yoga with the focus of bringing tone, flexibility, balance and awareness to one’s body. Tracey’s classes are challenging, safe, fun, and full of variety. She believes anyone, regardless of age, experience or physical ability can reap the benefits of what yoga has to offer.
	OLGA: Preparing you physically and mentally for inversions and turning your world upside down! Join Olga in the Headstand Journey and leave her class with a rising feeling of power, clarity, and happiness in your heart. Developing body awareness and finding balance on the mat will help you find a joyful state of being at work and home. Olga is overjoyed to share yoga with all her students at Mountaingoat Yoga.
	CHANTAL: I teach creative, theme-based yoga sequences and enjoy teaching yoga poses that students can learn and build upon as they progress in their yoga practice. My classes are safe, supportive, fun and accessible to students of all levels. I provide clear instructions and offer modifications and variations throughout the class.
	SANDRA: As a swimmer and triathlete, I began to practice yoga as a way to incorporate strength and flexibility into my training. Through yoga, I have learned to listen to my body rather than abuse it. I have begun a conversation with myself, found my “inner warrior” and never looked back. My objective is to challenge my students through knowledge and humour. Their job is to show up on their mats; my job is to ensure that they leave the practice feeling empowered, reenergized and nurtured. We will laugh. We will sweat. We will learn about ourselves.
	VERONICA: From the first day of walking into a Yoga studio I was hooked. As time passed, I realized the stiffness in the morning had left me. I felt limber and relaxed on a daily basis. No matter what age, size or physical condition, I truly believe Yoga can benefit everyone and everyone should have the opportunity to do so. Having always been into health and physical activity, it was an easy decision to become a Yoga Instructor. Teaching Yoga using props and giving various modifications in my classes, gives my students a chance to be comfortable in the poses and be able to work at the level their body is at on that particular day. My classes are challenging with options.