Joanne Astley, Clinical Social Worker, is a graduate of 500 hours of teacher training at Octopus Garden Holistic Yoga Centre in Toronto (2012), as well as advanced trainings in Restorative and Yin yoga. Joanne has additional training in iRest Yoga Nidra, a form of guided meditation in the yogic tradition, which was developed by Richard Miller, clinical psychologist. Joanne has benefited greatly from studying with Toronto teachers, Pat Harada Linfoot, Scott Davis, and Cathy Keenan, as well as from internationally known teachers and authors such as Pema Chodron, Amy Weintraub and Thich Nhat Hanh. In addition to a Master’s in Social Work, Joanne has training in therapeutic modalities with mindfulness components such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), which she uses regularly to assist her clients. All of these trainings and experience have deepened Joanne’s understanding of yoga and mindfulness, as well as how to make her classes more accessible and supportive to all students. Joanne encourages students to adapt their practice according to their own needs, while bringing a sense of self-exploration, playfulness and self-compassion.

Robin studied with Carolyn Weatherson at Maha Pura, Sri Dharma Mittra from Dharma Yoga New York, Mike Chapman at Breathe Into Motion Yoga , and Leslie Kaminoff, author of Yoga Anatomy, among many others.

Katie is an experienced yoga instructor, runner, cyclist and mental health researcher. Her approach to teaching yoga is both an alignment and heart centered one, inviting students to bring mindfulness and playfulness into their practice as a means to more deeply explore their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual experience. Katie primarily focuses on teaching Hatha, Flow, Pre-Natal, Restorative and Myofascial release classes and has over 500 hours of training and various certifications. Combined with her extensive University level education in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics from both University of Guelph and Queen’s University (BSc, MSc and MPH), she is a life long student and continues to learn and grow in her practice and through her teaching. This feeds her work with athletes, designing targeted practices to improve functional movement, range of motion and focus for performance.

Lisa is a one of Living Yoga & Health’s original teachers. She ran and co-directed the studio with Jayelle Lindsay for over 15 years and has helped to make it the warm and vibrant place it is. Lisa brings decades of experience to her teaching. With a background in Early Childhood Education she helps students access their youthfulness and innate sense of movement and breath. Lisa is certified through the Kripalu Centre, Esther Myers Studio and a recent graduate of Chakra teacher training through Sacred Centers in California. A recent sabbatical took her to India where she immersed herself in the traditional teachings of yoga. With depth of wisdom and a lighthearted approach, Lisa’s classes are insightful, playful, and accessible to all ages and abilities.

In June 2022 I closed my therapy practice, having worked as a clinical social worker for 40 years in various mental health settings and in private practice for the latter part of my career. Yoga and meditation have been important practices in my life supporting me in work and in living in this human body. Yoga and Meditation became essential practices during 10 years of supporting and caring for my parents, along with my sisters. I learned to manage compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma in my work, so that I was able to be steady and present for others, and to maintain my own health and well-being. My personal practice, and commitment to attending 2 to 3 retreats each year has become an integral part of life. I have been mentored in the past by Molly Swan, Norman Feldman and currently by Jill Davey. For a number of years, I’ve participated in a Sutta Study group facilitated by Norman Feldman. During the Meditation Teacher training, I appreciated the mentorship of Jill Davey, Dawn Mauricio, Daryl Lynn Ross and Jozen Gibori. I also appreciate the on-going support and mentorship from Jacqueline and Ken! I love offering chair yoga, and gentle flow classes, along with meditation. My teaching is informed by Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training (Kripalu). Yoga and mindfulness practices have proven to be of benefit in building self awareness in body, mind and emotion. These practices may be helpful in regulating and processing emotion. Clients and yoga students will often report a feeling of being more balanced, at ease, and a notable shift toward self acceptance and self compassion.

Jayelle is a certified yoga teacher and registered physiotherapist who brings 45 years of experience in rehabilitation and movement re-education to her students and clients. After graduating, she completed 20 years of full- time work in rehabilitation settings around the world including Switzerland, New Zealand and Canada. While working in Toronto, she began incorporating yoga practices into her treatment programs and as a certified yoga instructor she moved to Guelph in 1995 to open Living Yoga & Health (now Arrive Yoga & Mindfulness). There she combined yoga instruction with a private physiotherapy practice focussed on movement re-education. During that time she offered multiple courses including anatomy instruction, yoga teacher training, the Human Home, Understanding Osteoporosis and many more. After the sale of Living Yoga & Health, Jayelle continues to offer physiotherapy treatment in Guelph on a part-time basis, and movement exploration classes at Arrive Yoga. She continues her studies through Body Mind Centering with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. To find our more about Jayelle’s physiotherapy services or her writing courses, please visit her website: jayellelindsay.com

Robin studied with Carolyn Weatherson at Maha Pura, Sri Dharma Mittra from Dharma Yoga New York, Mike Chapman at Breathe Into Motion Yoga , and Leslie Kaminoff, author of Yoga Anatomy, among many others.

Owen came to yoga for health reasons and decided to stay having realized the benefits of the practice of yoga. Inspired by his teachers he pursued the 200 hr and 300 hr teacher training programs at the prestigious Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, making him a certified 500 hour teacher. In addition Owen completed a 200 hour teacher training in the Anusara tradition. Owen has extensive experience in teaching students of all levels of physical ability. He loves seeing people develop greater strength, balance, flexibility and self-compassion and peace. You will find his classes light-hearted and calming yet strengthening and invigorating. At the heart of his practice is the mantra “The highest form of spiritual practice is compassionate self-observation without judgment.”

Lisa is a one of Living Yoga & Health’s original teachers. She ran and co-directed the studio with Jayelle Lindsay for over 15 years and has helped to make it the warm and vibrant place it is. Lisa brings decades of experience to her teaching. With a background in Early Childhood Education she helps students access their youthfulness and innate sense of movement and breath. Lisa is certified through the Kripalu Centre, Esther Myers Studio and a recent graduate of Chakra teacher training through Sacred Centers in California. A recent sabbatical took her to India where she immersed herself in the traditional teachings of yoga. With depth of wisdom and a lighthearted approach, Lisa’s classes are insightful, playful, and accessible to all ages and abilities.

Jacqueline’s practice and study come from the awareness and compassion teachings from the Buddhist and Yoga traditions. Her yoga training comes from a mix of schools and perspectives that are influenced by Vanda Scaravelli, BKS Iyengar, and the Ashtanga tradition. She has a gentle teaching style that challenges without force or strain. She has been teaching since 2002 and has over 30 years of Vipassana (Buddhist Insight Meditation) practice. Jacqueline’s classes reflect her own intention to find freedom in the body, heart, and mind with wisdom and kindness.

In June 2022 I closed my therapy practice, having worked as a clinical social worker for 40 years in various mental health settings and in private practice for the latter part of my career. Yoga and meditation have been important practices in my life supporting me in work and in living in this human body. Yoga and Meditation became essential practices during 10 years of supporting and caring for my parents, along with my sisters. I learned to manage compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma in my work, so that I was able to be steady and present for others, and to maintain my own health and well-being. My personal practice, and commitment to attending 2 to 3 retreats each year has become an integral part of life. I have been mentored in the past by Molly Swan, Norman Feldman and currently by Jill Davey. For a number of years, I’ve participated in a Sutta Study group facilitated by Norman Feldman. During the Meditation Teacher training, I appreciated the mentorship of Jill Davey, Dawn Mauricio, Daryl Lynn Ross and Jozen Gibori. I also appreciate the on-going support and mentorship from Jacqueline and Ken! I love offering chair yoga, and gentle flow classes, along with meditation. My teaching is informed by Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training (Kripalu). Yoga and mindfulness practices have proven to be of benefit in building self awareness in body, mind and emotion. These practices may be helpful in regulating and processing emotion. Clients and yoga students will often report a feeling of being more balanced, at ease, and a notable shift toward self acceptance and self compassion.

Discovering yoga changed my life. Since becoming a yoga teacher in the early ‘90’s, I’ve been on a journey of learning and sharing. Passionate about keeping myself, my students and my clients strong and vibrant, my teaching is all about understanding the body from a functional perspective. My Pilates’ training in Anatomy & Biomechanics, Diverse Populations: Athletes, Seniors and Pre/Post Rehab are based on the latest research in physiotherapy and osteopathy. I am Level 3 certified in the osteopathic-based method known as ELDOA. An ELDOA class is like the icing on the cake: combining functional Pilates concepts as preparation to ready the body for the challenging, meditative stillness of ELDOA poses. Reminiscent of the ancient yoga practice that first inspired me, I offer a mindful practice from a modern, science-based platform to keep bodies moving well and with ease.

In June 2022 I closed my therapy practice, having worked as a clinical social worker for 40 years in various mental health settings and in private practice for the latter part of my career. Yoga and meditation have been important practices in my life supporting me in work and in living in this human body. Yoga and Meditation became essential practices during 10 years of supporting and caring for my parents, along with my sisters. I learned to manage compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma in my work, so that I was able to be steady and present for others, and to maintain my own health and well-being. My personal practice, and commitment to attending 2 to 3 retreats each year has become an integral part of life. I have been mentored in the past by Molly Swan, Norman Feldman and currently by Jill Davey. For a number of years, I’ve participated in a Sutta Study group facilitated by Norman Feldman. During the Meditation Teacher training, I appreciated the mentorship of Jill Davey, Dawn Mauricio, Daryl Lynn Ross and Jozen Gibori. I also appreciate the on-going support and mentorship from Jacqueline and Ken! I love offering chair yoga, and gentle flow classes, along with meditation. My teaching is informed by Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training (Kripalu). Yoga and mindfulness practices have proven to be of benefit in building self awareness in body, mind and emotion. These practices may be helpful in regulating and processing emotion. Clients and yoga students will often report a feeling of being more balanced, at ease, and a notable shift toward self acceptance and self compassion.

Ken is known by many in the Guelph community as the friendly Buddhist bookseller at the Bookshelf. Sadly after 36 years he is no longer there but happily for him, teaching more! Ken has been leading meditation groups in Guelph since the late 1980s, most prominently on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am and Wednesdays at 7:30 pm, both drop-in and by donation. His meditation practice is rooted in the Gelug Buddhist lineage from Tibet , however his approach is very open source with influences from Western Theravada Buddhism, neuroscience, Jungian psychology, and Stoicism. Ken’s classes are warm and insightful; offering conversation, stories and teachings that show how meditation can help us to suffer less and be more happy. Ken also offers one-on-one Meditative Counselling. To read more about this, please see Meditative Counselling with Ken. Together with his wife, Jacqueline Gilbey, he is co-owner of Arrive Yoga & Mindfulness Director of Mindfulness and Meditation. For more information, please see Ken’s website www.agoodheart.ca.

In June 2022 I closed my therapy practice, having worked as a clinical social worker for 40 years in various mental health settings and in private practice for the latter part of my career. Yoga and meditation have been important practices in my life supporting me in work and in living in this human body. Yoga and Meditation became essential practices during 10 years of supporting and caring for my parents, along with my sisters. I learned to manage compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma in my work, so that I was able to be steady and present for others, and to maintain my own health and well-being. My personal practice, and commitment to attending 2 to 3 retreats each year has become an integral part of life. I have been mentored in the past by Molly Swan, Norman Feldman and currently by Jill Davey. For a number of years, I’ve participated in a Sutta Study group facilitated by Norman Feldman. During the Meditation Teacher training, I appreciated the mentorship of Jill Davey, Dawn Mauricio, Daryl Lynn Ross and Jozen Gibori. I also appreciate the on-going support and mentorship from Jacqueline and Ken! I love offering chair yoga, and gentle flow classes, along with meditation. My teaching is informed by Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training (Kripalu). Yoga and mindfulness practices have proven to be of benefit in building self awareness in body, mind and emotion. These practices may be helpful in regulating and processing emotion. Clients and yoga students will often report a feeling of being more balanced, at ease, and a notable shift toward self acceptance and self compassion.

Discovering yoga changed my life. Since becoming a yoga teacher in the early ‘90’s, I’ve been on a journey of learning and sharing. Passionate about keeping myself, my students and my clients strong and vibrant, my teaching is all about understanding the body from a functional perspective. My Pilates’ training in Anatomy & Biomechanics, Diverse Populations: Athletes, Seniors and Pre/Post Rehab are based on the latest research in physiotherapy and osteopathy. I am Level 3 certified in the osteopathic-based method known as ELDOA. An ELDOA class is like the icing on the cake: combining functional Pilates concepts as preparation to ready the body for the challenging, meditative stillness of ELDOA poses. Reminiscent of the ancient yoga practice that first inspired me, I offer a mindful practice from a modern, science-based platform to keep bodies moving well and with ease.

Kirsten’s view of yoga is not a workout, but a “work-in” – rooted in self-inquiry, contemplation, and self-compassion, with the individual’s inner wisdom serving as the guide. Kirsten’s personal yoga practice and teaching represent an eclectic blend of yoga traditions she has studied in depth over the years (Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, and Restorative yoga disciplines), coupled with features from the functional movement discipline. This multidisciplinary approach provides a rich vocabulary in movement and mindfulness, nourishing the body, mind, and spirit. Sharing the gifts of yoga with her students and supporting them on their journey is a privilege that Kirsten treasures. Since 2008, Kirsten has been practicing yoga almost daily. In 2017, she began the process of becoming a yoga teacher, completing her training at Octopus Garden Holistic Yoga Centre in Toronto. Kirsten’s teacher trainings and certifications include a comprehensive 500-hour program, a 50-hour Restorative yoga program, as well as ongoing workshops, courses, and self-study. Kirsten is grateful to each and every one of her yoga teachers for their inspiration and guidance, particularly Pat Harada Linfoot, John Veiga, YuMee Chung, Nicky Poole, Tracey Currie, Scott Petrie, Ernie Patai, J-P Tamblyn-Sabo, and many other superb teachers. For more information about Kirsten’s background and teaching, please visit her website: https://kirstenbloklandyoga.wixsite.com/website.

Jayelle is a certified yoga teacher and registered physiotherapist who brings 45 years of experience in rehabilitation and movement re-education to her students and clients. After graduating, she completed 20 years of full- time work in rehabilitation settings around the world including Switzerland, New Zealand and Canada. While working in Toronto, she began incorporating yoga practices into her treatment programs and as a certified yoga instructor she moved to Guelph in 1995 to open Living Yoga & Health (now Arrive Yoga & Mindfulness). There she combined yoga instruction with a private physiotherapy practice focussed on movement re-education. During that time she offered multiple courses including anatomy instruction, yoga teacher training, the Human Home, Understanding Osteoporosis and many more. After the sale of Living Yoga & Health, Jayelle continues to offer physiotherapy treatment in Guelph on a part-time basis, and movement exploration classes at Arrive Yoga. She continues her studies through Body Mind Centering with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. To find our more about Jayelle’s physiotherapy services or her writing courses, please visit her website: jayellelindsay.com

Discovering yoga changed my life. Since becoming a yoga teacher in the early ‘90’s, I’ve been on a journey of learning and sharing. Passionate about keeping myself, my students and my clients strong and vibrant, my teaching is all about understanding the body from a functional perspective. My Pilates’ training in Anatomy & Biomechanics, Diverse Populations: Athletes, Seniors and Pre/Post Rehab are based on the latest research in physiotherapy and osteopathy. I am Level 3 certified in the osteopathic-based method known as ELDOA. An ELDOA class is like the icing on the cake: combining functional Pilates concepts as preparation to ready the body for the challenging, meditative stillness of ELDOA poses. Reminiscent of the ancient yoga practice that first inspired me, I offer a mindful practice from a modern, science-based platform to keep bodies moving well and with ease.

Discovering yoga changed my life. Since becoming a yoga teacher in the early ‘90’s, I’ve been on a journey of learning and sharing. Passionate about keeping myself, my students and my clients strong and vibrant, my teaching is all about understanding the body from a functional perspective. My Pilates’ training in Anatomy & Biomechanics, Diverse Populations: Athletes, Seniors and Pre/Post Rehab are based on the latest research in physiotherapy and osteopathy. I am Level 3 certified in the osteopathic-based method known as ELDOA. An ELDOA class is like the icing on the cake: combining functional Pilates concepts as preparation to ready the body for the challenging, meditative stillness of ELDOA poses. Reminiscent of the ancient yoga practice that first inspired me, I offer a mindful practice from a modern, science-based platform to keep bodies moving well and with ease.

Lisa is a one of Living Yoga & Health’s original teachers. She ran and co-directed the studio with Jayelle Lindsay for over 15 years and has helped to make it the warm and vibrant place it is. Lisa brings decades of experience to her teaching. With a background in Early Childhood Education she helps students access their youthfulness and innate sense of movement and breath. Lisa is certified through the Kripalu Centre, Esther Myers Studio and a recent graduate of Chakra teacher training through Sacred Centers in California. A recent sabbatical took her to India where she immersed herself in the traditional teachings of yoga. With depth of wisdom and a lighthearted approach, Lisa’s classes are insightful, playful, and accessible to all ages and abilities.