Ottawa : Ottawa - Westboro
Alumni Ambassador Kim Gibson
Corporate Yoga Teacher
Kim discovered yoga 9 years ago, and like many people, as a way to release and stretch her tight and overworked muscles, which developed over many years of training. Initially, yoga improved and supplemented Kim's training for sports; but soon, she realized that yoga is a means of physical, mental, and spiritual transformation. Kim deepened her own yoga practice -attending classes daily to learn from different teachers and experience a variety of styles. She recognized the profound life changes and benefits inspired by yoga, such as deep relaxation, patience, strength, stamina and overall well being. She is Yoga Alliance Certified with Yogi Vishvketu and has attended various Yoga workshops on postures, pranayama (breath) and meditation to enhance her practice and to share her knowledge... Read the profile >>
* Janice Tokaryk
Adishesha Yoga Zone
To me, Yoga is a journey within.... Looking back, I always loved to move... dance, movement and a true love for the outdoors and nature were always close to my heart. Growing up in Northern Ontario,"outside" was a huge part of my life. In the north that's just what you did, always right outside your doorstep. I started dance by studying primarily ballet and then, through my Ukrainian roots, got into an exploration of character dance, which brought me to teach to children and adults. Later on I switched gears to the fitness world. I travelled extensively around the world presenting at conferences and training individuals on how to become fitness leaders. Always interested in yoga, I started taking Hatha classes and finally realized that it sat right with me. I felt fantastic and... Read the profile >>
* Nadim Laham
Santosha Yoga Center Wesboro
Having practiced yoga for over 6 years, in many different forms, I have realized that my strength as a certified yoga instructor is in Power yoga. I find it exhilarating, empowering and energizing. I also love to motivate and encourage others to get in shape and stay fit. I am always trying to improve my knowledge and experience and love to take on new challenges every day. I look forward to working on the promotion of yoga, and a healthy lifestyle in Ottawa. Read the profile >>
* Natalie Holst
Adishesha Yoga Zone, Rama Lotus Yoga Centre and
I love the recklessness of faith, first you leap, then your wings spread... Natalie Holst, a former couch-potato, first went to yoga class as a means for some light exercise in 2003. She immediately fell in love with the practice, and was impressed by the subtle effects it had on reducing tension in the body, stress from the mind and greater love in the heart. Hari Kartar Kaur, Natalie's destiny name, given to her by the 3H0 Organization, means Princess who is the doer of God, and who lives within God's will. "The name to me", says Natalie "is a reminder to act with grace in all situations and to come from a place of trust, faith, and not fear." In July 2005, she obtained her certificate from the Rama Lotus Yoga Centre, certified KRI Level 1 Kundalini (as taught by Yogi... Read the profile >>
*Becky Picher
Yoga à La Grange studio (Wakefield, Québec) and corporate and private yoga classes in the Outaouais/Ottawa region
Growing up in the beautiful Gatineau Hills of Québec, Becky's introduction to the connection between spirit and nature came early. A former competitive alpine skier, her love of sports and the outdoors led her to complete a B.Sc in Physical Education in 1998. Interested in the human spirit, she started reading about yogic philosophy and practicing asanas at home; ultimately trying all the different types of yoga classes. As she continued to practice, a profound awareness was emerging; she was witnessing the life changes inspired by her yoga practice and teachers, on and off the mat. Continually curious and amazed by the power of this practice to transform, she became a Yoga Alliance certified Hatha/Kripalu teacher in 2006 under the mindful and compassionate guidance of Pierre Bélisle... Read the profile >>
*Nathalie Dupuis-Desormeaux
Cirrus Track and Field and Road Racing Club
"When people hear that I am a running coach, the first thing they want to know is what is the most important race I have won and for which distance. To that I enjoy answering that my most important victory is life itself and the event is my personal journey...but for the record, I have been running and competing for more than 25 years, so yes, I have climbed the podium in Provincial and National meets, at distances from 100m to X-Country 8km. There are so many great reasons why I run and coach. Running is my meditation. Running makes me happy. Running brings me places where I am one with my surroundings. Coaching allows me to voice my enthusiasm for running so that others can experience the same joy. This phenomenon, I call "Positive Displacement" because: - one might, at first,... Read the profile >>
*Paula Romkey
As a competitive athlete my whole life, yoga was far down on a list of activities I wanted to do to stay fit. It wasn’t until a friend of mine convinced me to give it a try that my eyes were opened up to the amazing world of hot yoga. Plagued with injuries from years of abusing my body on the basketball court, I was left in chronic pain at the age of 23. Walking into my first Moksha yoga class, I had no idea how therapeutic it would be for me. Yoga gave me the tools to walk away from chronic pain, instead of dealing with it via prescription drugs. I immediately found a home within the Moksha community and knew I had to become a Moksha yoga teacher so I could share this with as many people as possible. I am most passionate about bringing yoga to those who never thought ‘yoga was... Read the profile >>
*Rocky Sharma
Synergy Athletics
Rocky’s passions have always been people, development and growth. He entered the fitness world 12 years ago, and has been changing the face of what “fitness” is ever since. His innovative movement techniques have allowed him to work with everyone from enthusiastic kids, moms, all levels of Hockey teams and even professional athletes. His main goal when training is to move and inspire people to achieve there dreams, however big or small they may be. What sets Rocky apart from other members of the fitness industry is that there is a motivational level that goes beyond just the physical results of a workout, and more into the emotional and mental results as well. As a sports performance specialist, his goal is to push all of his clients to their limits each and every session.... Read the profile >>
*Stephanie Vincec
Drum beats fill the room. Participants smile wide as they move from one Yoga pose to another...to another. Internal temperatures rise. Beads of sweat begin to appear. The energy in the room intensifies. And there, evoking and guiding this Vinyasa flow energy, is Stephanie Vincec, lululemon's newest Ambassador for 2009. Stephanie is the founder and director of Blue Bamboo Yoga. Her mission is to bring yoga and fitness to people right in their communities, making it accessible to those who might not otherwise be inclined to try it. In two short years, she has grown and nurtured Blue Bamboo Yoga into three thriving studios, located in Kanata Lakes, Bridlewood, and Stittsville, and has spread the beauty of yoga to hundreds of people. Stephanie’s passion for fitness began in her... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Adnan Tahirovic
Prior to practicing Yoga, Adnan was invovled in martial arts for twenty years, practicing, teaching (Karate, kickboxing, thai boxing) and competing professionally. Injury to his knees during his final years prevented him from training and running. From that moment he started exploring alternative therapies including Hatha Yoga (physical aspect of practice). Once Adnan moved to Canada he found his path in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and his teacher Marcia Solomon. Under Marcia's guidance he solidified and deepened his practice and understanding of Yoga. Adnan trained on several occasions with Ashtanga Yoga master Richard Freeman, and completed David Swenson's teacher training, as well as further training with several other masters. Adnan is a certified Shiatsu massage... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Andrea Magill
Andrea Magill, Managing Director of Bikram's Yoga College of India, Ottawa Andrea is the studio's master instructor and is dedicated to providing the best Bikram experience possible. She was certified in 2000. She is highly respected within the Bikram community and was chosen to represent Canada, as a judge, in the first North American yoga competition. She regularly attends Bikram workshops and clinics. She is dedicated to her own yoga practice through daily instruction and practice. Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Angela Jackson
School of Dance (modern and ballet teacher)
Angela Jackson Angela’s whole life is about movement and the study of movement. As a graduate in Contemporary Dance from Les ateliers de danse moderne de Montréal and Concordia University, Pilates and yoga have always been a part of her dance training. Angela teaches ballet to children and adults, modern dance to adults and offers Pilates mat classes and private, semi-private and rehabilitation training on specialized Pilates apparatus. Before becoming a mother, Angela performed with Screaming Kettle Dance Productions in Montreal and Toronto. She has done workshops with O Vertigo Danse in Montreal and has worked with several choreographers including Massimo Agostinelli, William Douglas, Linda Rabin and Danielle Tardiff. She was certified in Classic Style Pilates in 1999 at the... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Ann Marie Vanneste
Private Pilates instuctor/Dance Teacher for Ottawa Catholic High School/Track coach
Ann Marie’s love of fitness began at an early age. She began training in various dance forms and competing in track and field as a hurdler. Upon graduation Ann Marie received a full track and field scholarship to powerhouse Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge. Along with Ann Marie being a former national hurdler, she was also crowned Miss Ottawa 1990. This platform allowed her to become a motivational speaker on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Anne Marie worked for the Tennessee School Athletic Association in student services where she caught the teaching bug. After having her son and missing her large family as she is one of 6 adopted kids, Ann Marie returned home to Canada. Her passion for dance and track and field now extends to her career of... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Arjuna Alfieri
Sivananda Yoga Center - Aylmer Quebec
Formal Yoga Training – Arjuna had the great privilege to study yoga under the direct tutelage of Swami Vishnu Devananda, founder of Sivananda Yoga Centre International. Arjuna graduated from the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’Training Course (TTC) in 1982 and from the Advanced TTC in 1984. More recently, he completed the Sadhana Intensive course at the Yoga Camp in Val Morin, Quebec in 2006. This is a challenging advanced training of intensive practice. Experience - From 1982 to 1986 Arjuna was the director of the Montreal Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Montreal, Quebec. In 1987 he moved to the Ottawa/Outaouais area where he has since maintained his teaching practice. As well as being a senior teacher at Yoga Sivananda, Arjuna teaches both corporate and private classes. A father of... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Basia Going
Aidishesha Yoga Center
As a little girl she browsed through her father's books on yoga. In 1992 she began her formal yoga practice. It was Sivananda yoga that opened her heart to practice and exploration. A few years later she discovered Ashtanga yoga, which soon became her primary practice. Through the years she has studied with several great teachers. Her background in healing arts, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, creates an interesting blend in her practice and teaching. She plays with great strength and softness - in yoga and other disciplines. Karate and Kobujutsu on one hand, stained glass making and painting on the other - all, which in their core, are not that different from each other. Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Bill Juillette
Independent Hip Hop Teacher (Makin' Moves, Canadian School of Dance, Planet Dance)
“People often ask me if I’ve been dancing all my life. The answer is no, but life began for me when I started dancing.” From a small town in Northern Ontario, to the Nation’s capital, Bill’s journey has been equally exciting and unexpected. A dancer at heart, it was the birth of breakdancing in the early 80’s that first inspired him to get busy on the dance floor. It was not until much later in his life, however, that he realized the full potential of his abilities, and discovered even more about himself. He is a self-taught hip hop choreographer and instructor. Bill’s talents were discovered at his first audition call for a Rough Rider dance team in the mid 90’s. That is when he met Stephan Klovan, well known in Ottawa for his keen eye for talent and entertainment.... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Carolina Izaguirre
RA Centre, Florida Fitness (St. Laurent and West Hunt Club), Capital Miss Fit, and The Churchill Community Centre
Born in Caracas, Venezuela; she always enjoyed music and dance. Coming from an immigrant family, she has Peruvian and Colombian roots. Her personality is all over the place, with an extraordinary and vibrating sense of humor, which makes her an exciting and funny person to be with. In her childhood, she participated in all kind of fund-raising social and cultural events in her community. After accomplishing High School, her adventurous and goal getter spirit brought her to Ottawa as to learn English, five years ago, but as soon as she hit the city she fell for it and decided to stay and register at Carleton University, where she soon will be getting a Bachelor degree in Psychology. Her passion for Zumba took place in Florida where she took a class with Alberto ¨Beto¨ Perez and... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Catherine Larrivee
Catherine Larrivee Currie (Rai Kaur) - Yoga Teacher Catherine is a certified Hatha and Kundalini Yoga Teacher and a registered member of Yoga Alliance (200 level multi style), the International Kundalini Yoga Teacher's Association (IKYTA) and a Hatha Yoga Teacher Trainer. Catherine is known for her compassionate, strong, yet graceful style of teaching which includes a deep appreciation for both the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga. She thoroughly enjoys sharing her passion for this very healing practice that changed her life. Catherine teaches Classical Hatha, Hatha Beginner & Intermediate, Yin Yoga, Yin & Yang, Prenatal Yoga, Hot Yoga, Power Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. Catherine Larrivee Currie Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Catherine Lesage
Children's Yoga Teacher- Littlefeet Yoga
Yoga for Children Founder of Littlefeet Yoga www.littlefeetyoga.com Catherine discovered yoga while hiking in the Canadian Rockies in 1999 and then embarked on a path leading her to a deeper understanding and appreciation of yoga and yoga for children. She is fascinated by human movement and she believes that providing children with the opportunity to explore their world through play and movement will help them become more physically, intellectually and emotionally intelligent. The body is a wonderful machine as well as a great tool to understand yourself and the world around you. Once she discovered yoga, she realized that it brought another dimension to human movement and her teaching of physical education: teaching the body, the mind, and the soul. She is a proud mom of 2... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Damien Sabourin
Damien had already been training in the martial arts for many years, achieving the rank of black belt in traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, when he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) ten years ago. Instantly enamored by the artfulness and uncanny effectiveness of the style, he dedicated himself to it exclusively. Competitive success soon followed, as did the inspiration to teach the art to others. Damien believes that BJJ embodies everything a martial art should be: easy and fun to learn, effective for smaller individuals fighting against larger or stronger opponents, and healthy for mind and body. As such, he finds it perfectly suited for any student, and particularly for women and youth. He has taught self-defense in local high schools and created unique BJJ classes for female... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador David Jewitt
As one of the co-owners of Santosha David wishes to express his gratitude to Marcia and Barry, the founders of Santosha Yoga Centre, for all of their teachings given in their classes and by example in their lives before they moved to Boulder. David comes to the Ashtanga Vinyasa system of Sri K. Pattahbi Jois as taught by Richard Freeman after years of meditation practice and classical hatha and pranayma instruction. David has completed Richard Freeman's Basic and Advanced Teacher Trainings and attends Workshops and Trainings with Richard whenever and wherever they are available. David has also studied Anusara yoga with John Friend and completed numerous workshops and trainings in the Anusara style of Yoga with senior Anusara teachers. Believing that yoga and meditation are meant... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador David Schubert
Santosha Yoga Centers & Rama Lotus
From a very early age David remembers an innate desire to seek out higher purpose and meaning in everyday life. This difficult and confusing journey took many twists and turns before finally landing him at the door of Yoga. Once there, David's path has lead him to explore a variety of systems of Yoga and meditation including Sivananda, Classical Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Anusara, Kripalu and Jiva Mukti. Today he teaches regular classes at two of Ottawas largest yoga centers( www.ottawayoga.com and www.santoshayoga.com). He also teaches private classes and visits high schools regularly for day long yoga seminars. David's teaching style is inspired by a deep respect and intuitive understanding of the practice. He shares this by teaching primarily a "power vinyasa" style of yoga. ... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Derek Kendrick
Derek was born in Coventry England. He began practicing Yoga in 1993 (Sivananda tradition) and has since taught Yoga all around the world, including the Bahamas, Mexico, Europe, USA and Canada. Derek has been certified (IN INDIA) by B.N.S.Iyengar,Sri.V.Sheshadri, Dr.V.Nagaraj,Dr.T.N.Manjunath in USA by Yogi Hari and David Swenson. Derek has also studied with Sri K.Pattabhi Jois,V.Venkatesh, Rod Stryker,Tim Miller, & Yogiraj Jayant,(Ayuveda), Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Donna Davis
Donna Davis founded Movement to Health in 1998 and since then thousands of people have participated in the various running and yoga classes, and most recently her wildly successful Powerful Woman Boot Camp. Her experience and skills attract individuals and corporate clients. Her enthusiasm and personal approach bring them back and empower them to perform to their greatest potential. Donna is a Nationally Certified Group Fitness Trainer, Coach, and Advanced Resist-A-Ball C.O.R.E. Instructor, and Certified Yoga Teacher. Donna was nominated for the Y-Women Of Distinction Award for Active Living, 2002. Donna is passionate about healthy living and passionate about inspiring others to embrace the many benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle. Donna is and avid runner and is dedicated to her... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Dwain Blair
Douvris Martial Arts
I was born in North York, Ontario and moved to London when I was 6 yrs old. I started karate at the age of 12 because my father wouldn’t let me take boxing. I started training under Michael Bernardo in London Ontario and started teaching at the age of 14. When I went away to York University to get my BA in Sociology, I trained under Jim Flood and taught karate to Olympic Gold Medal hurdler Mark McKoy (who had an interest in learning karate) to stay in shape and in the sport. I have been on the Canadian National Karate team for 11 years, winning 5 Canadian Championships. I represented Canada across the world in 8 World Championships and have won 3 bronze medals, 3 silver medals and 3 Gold Medals. Recently, I moved to Ottawa and train with and teach for Douvris Martial Arts (while... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Erin Dube
Born in New Jersey and raised on Staten Island, New York, Erin Dube trained with the Clive Thompson Dance Studio. She then continued her dance education in both ballet and jazz at the University of Maine. Erin studied jazz and hip hop in both Calgary and Toronto including the unique jazz styles of both George Randolf and Sean Boltier. She was both the lead dancer and choreographer of the PM Production musical of Job and the Snake, presented at the Betty Oliphant Theatre. She has also choreographed for, and performed as a guest with the independent production of singer Terry Quesnelle. Erin studied, taught and performed with Le Jazz Hot Dance Company and the Vanessa Plettell School of Dance since 1992 when she first moved to Ottawa, enjoying classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop and stage.... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Heather Ireland
Iron (Wo)Man Competitor
Heather started training and competing in triathlons in 2002 after years of recreational running on her own. She had always loved running but hadn’t trained seriously until she started training with Rick Hellard a professional coach with Zone3Sports. She was truly amazed at was achievable with proper coaching,a game plan,and a network of friends to help her through those long training days! In 2003 she completed her first Ironman, “Ironman USA” in Lake Placid,New York, an ironman consists of a 3.8.km swim a 180km bike and a 42.2km run.She was hooked on the sport. By 2006 she was at the top of her field and won her age category at Lake Placid,qualifying her for The World Championships in Kona,Hawaii.She has also continued to compete in many local triathlons,half marathons and... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Heather Moore
Yoga teacher and Owner of MountainGoat Yoga Studio Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Heather Pugh
Flow Pilates Studio
Heather Pugh is a certified Pilates Teacher. The founder of Flow Pilates Studio and Fitness in Ottawa, Heather brings her passion, skills and pragmatic teaching style to both classroom and private settings. Heather has practiced and taught over the past ten years and has studied with renowned teachers. She is continuing her education and studying of the Pilates method with Dianne Miller of Vancouver, BC. She has also studied anatomy and human movement through the University of Ottawa, and cardiac pre-habilitation and rehabilitation at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Among her many accomplishments, Heather is certified in Pilates for Golf, and a member of the PMA (Pilates Method Alliance). Heather has advanced her knowledge of musculoskeletal injury and... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Heather Ross McManus
Competitive Team Coach, Spring Action Trampoline Heather Ross McManus Represented Canada at the Athens 2004 Olympics Trampolinist of the Decade Heather is a dynamic, graceful jumper with a repertoire of skills that is the envy of trampolinists the world over! Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Holiday Little
Leading Edge Martial Arts & Fitness
Holiday Little Leading Edge Martial Arts & Fitness www.havetheedge.com As a reward for losing the majority of my post baby “Lincoln Spencer Sheaff” weight, I hit the Westboro Lululemon store like a tornado. It was while pregnant that my studio’s Trim n’ Tone members began appearing in class in these amazing work-out clothes. When I asked who the clothes were made by and was unaware of the Lulu phenomenon there was a gasp. My co-partner laughed. I can’t believe YOU don’t know Lululemon. I am sorry ? I do now and I am proud to have been selected as a Westboro ambassador. I love Lulu. Allow me to introduce myself: Holiday Little. Along with my super business partner Arthur Smolarkiewicz, I co-own Leading Edge Martial Arts & Fitness in Kanata. As the... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Jacqueline Richards
Independent Yoga Teacher
Jacqueline Richards, Senior Mortgage Consultant is complemented with twenty years of customer service and project management. Combining this career choice with her Group Fitness and Hatha Yoga instruction, Jacqueline published “Yoga for Your Personal Finances”. She felt that the book is representative of the stories and experiences that her clients and 4 generations of family work manage. With Yogic practice, financial solutions, and spiritual support, it is possible to find balance. Though she’s been teaching group fitness for over 7 years, her daughter and husband occasionally participate in her Hatha Yoga or Group fitness classes she regularly teaches in the Ottawa community. For over five years, Jacqueline has provided mortgage consultation in the Ottawa... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Jill Perry
Beaver Boxing Club
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jill came to Ottawa in 1991, where she later join the Ottawa Beaver Boxing Club in 1998. Some of her achievements include: 2004 Boxing Ontarion Co-Female Athlete of the Year, Best Female Boxer Eastern Region 2003, 3-time Brampton Cup Champion, Bronze Medalist in the 2003 Canadian Championships. Jill is a level one boxing coach and is presently working on becoming a level two coach. Her goal is to promote the sport of Female Boxing, to continue to push herslef in training and to see how far she can go. Jill loves to see the reaction of people when she tells them that she is a boxer. She graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Commerce from Carleton University and is presently employed by Semiconductor Insights. She is a driving force at the boxing club,... Read the profile >>
Alumni ambassador Lucy Castell
Upward Dog Yoga, Santosha Yoga
Lucy discovered Hatha yoga several years ago, and was drawn to: its discipline, multitude of health benefits, and the simple enjoyment she felt in and around her practice. She completed her first intensive teacher training, studying Hatha yoga, in Ottawa (2001-2002). She completed a second intensive teacher training program studying Ashtanga yoga with Richard Freeman, in Colorado (2006). She continues to learn from renowned yoga teachers and lineages, and most importantly, from her own practice. “Having a regular yoga asana practice will give you an enormous amount of tools and awareness to take into each day. The benefits are incomparable to anything I have ever experienced”. As Lucy’s own level of ability in asana became more advanced, she... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Marie-Helene Fortin
Independent Modern Dance Teacher
Marie-Helene Fortin was born in Quebec City where her first entrance in the world of dance was at the age of 9 years old. She needed to improve the artistic side of her gymnastics & fell in love with all that had to do with dancing. She graduated from the professional Modern Dance program at L’Ecole de Danse de Quebec in 1999. She is now a dancer, choreographer, teacher, director, stage manager, fitness instructor & coach. She was the resident Choreographer for the pre-professional Dance Company “Les Petits Ballets” situated in Ottawa for 5 years. With “Les Petits Ballets” she choreographed for a cast of 80 pre-professional dance students as well as for two to three professional guest dancers in an annual production. Providing artistic guidance in the design of sets,... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Mark Laham
RamaLotus Yoga Centre, Private practitioner, Workshop leader
Favorite lulu piece: Chief Shorts What do you love about lulu: I love how lululemon influences people to stay active, they are very supportive and have a great staff! Mark Laham was introduced to yoga and bodywork on his journey towards better understanding himself and his relationships with others. Through the knowledge and wisdom passed down to him by many great teachers, he has drawn from different yoga traditions and spiritual teachings such as Classical Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, and Iyengar Yoga. He continues improving his skills by taking part in teacher training programs and workshops to ensure he can bring his class a comprehensive and balanced yoga teaching. Mark also studied Computer Math at Carleton University and worked for many years as a Software developer for both... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Megan Campbell
Megan has always had a keen interest in Yoga, Buddhism, philosophy, and spirituality, and decided to pursue these interests more deeply by taking a Hatha Yoga Teacher training course, which she completed in April 2006. After teaching her first Sun Salutations to her class, she knew that teaching was a path she was meant to pursue. The training also allowed Megan to deepen her understanding of yoga and spirituality, and she is passionate about sharing this interest and understanding with others. Megan started her practice with Power yoga, but has become a practitioner of many different styles including Jivamukti, Yin, Hatha, and Kundalini; thus making her teaching style very ecclectic and fun. Megan believes that your practice should be a journey and, as on any journey, there can be... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Ray Zahab
Adventure Racer; to learn more visit; www.ecofitadventures.com
Personal Trainer (9 yrs) Adventure Guide (7 yrs) Equestrian Coach/ Trainer (15 yrs) Certifications: YMCA/YWCA of Canada Personal Trainer Individual Conditioning Consultant Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR Affiliations: Peak Centre for Human Performance Core-Relation Wholistics Life-Fit Canada YMCA/YWCA Mad Dog Spinningâ„¢ American Quarter Horse Association Additional Skills: Workshop Instructor-Technique, Strength, Power Core, stability specialist Core/Strength Consultant for several athletes Co-owner of ECOFIT OUTDOOR FITNESS CONSULTING Passions: Ice/Rock Climbing Trekking Mountaineering Mountain/Road cycling Horseback riding Fitness training Outdoor lifestyle Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Sarah Zahab
Strength Tek Trainer and Fitness co-ordinator,
Sarah Zahab is a Fitness Coordinator for Strength Tek Fitness and Wellness Consultants. She has worked full time in the fitness industry for 6 years and absolutely loves it. Certifications: Group Fitness with Can-Fit-Pro and the YMCA, Certified Fitness Consultant (CFC) with OASES, Certified Personal Trainer with the YMCA. Competitive History: Ms Fitness World in Las Vegas, 19th place (September 2004) Ms Fitness Canada, Ottawa, 2nd place (August 2004) Neutron Sports Ms Fitness Canada North Eastern, 1st Place (April 2004) Neutron Sports Fitness Canada Pageant, Toronto, 14th Place (May 2004) WNSO Ms Fitness World in Las Vegas, NV, 20th Place (September 2003) Ms Fitness Canada, Toronto, 3rd Place (August 2003) INBA Fitness Canada Pageant, Toronto, 12th Place (July 2002)... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Shelley Harrison
Dove Heart Healing, Santosha Westboro, and The Chelsea Community Centre,
After dabbling in various forms of yoga over the years, Shelley decided she wanted a more committed daily practice. A prayer to the 'powers-that-be' to find her practice delivered her to an Ashtanga yoga teacher training with David Swenson in Florida in November 1999. She fell in love with the practice and keeps returning to it as her primary discipline. Students all over Ottawa and Chelsea know Shelley from her years of teaching at Rama Lotus Yoga Center, Santosha Yoga, Corps Esprit in Hull, La Grange in Wakefield, corporate classes, community centres, schools, and even in her home! As an energy healer in private practice, she brings a special awareness of how to create and hold sacred space in her classes. Shelley also spent a Winter in Costa Rica teaching yoga and offering healing... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Sophie Deschamps
Independent Yoga Teacher, Cross country G4 challenge racer
“The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble.” Blaise Pascal While visiting parts of Asia, South America, Africa, Europe & Canada, Sophie was exposed to various cultures, ideas & perspectives that have shaped her approach to life. These travels combined activities such as rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, sea kayaking & dog sledding and provided opportunities to explore such practices as yoga, Thai Massage & Ayurveda. For Sophie, yoga became this essential connection with nature, the expression of our true nature, inspired by the limitless, serene & grounded energy from the earth, water, air & fire elements. Through the practice & teaching of yoga, Sophie has deepened her understanding of human... Read the profile >>
Alumni Ambassador Sylvie Gouin
As a Student and Teacher of Yoga, as a Mother, Business Owner and Registered Holistic Nutritionist with an active lifestyle, Sylvie is dedicated to the practice of yoga on and off the mat. In 2001 with Brian Oxborough, Sylvie founded Core-Elation Yoga and Massage. The name was chosen to emphasize the importance of corelating different modalities to allow for growth and elation from the core-out. Sylvie's unique teaching style, based one her ability to corelate valuable "on and off the mat" yogic philosophy to an accessible yet challenging asana routine is what allows students to leave feeling open, strong, flexible, intellectually stimulated and completely refreshed. Sylvie is greatful to the many Teachers who have enhanced her life over the years through a... Read the profile >>