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.”

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.

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.

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.