Jennifer Mansell, Studio Owner/Yoga Instructor
MSW, CYT
I combine my training in classical Hatha yoga, several years of experience as a competitive runner and triathlete, and 2 decades of experience in the field of mental health to offer a unique practice to students. Using the breath as a guide, benefits include strengthening and purifying the body and mind, decreasing stress and illness, and increasing our capacity for self-compassion.
Contact: jennifer@nourishwellnesscomox.com
Alivia Veenstra, Yoga Instructor
My experience with yoga is ever changing, as I flow from rigorous and physical vinyasa classes, to deep and patient yin practices, to soft and healing restorative poses. Each practice serves a different need, but the end result is often the same: greater peace, a stronger body, and a stiller mind. As a teacher, I focus on breath as the catalyst for movement and change, paying particular attention to alignment as I guide you through poses meant to strengthen, soften, and calm.
Contact: info@nourishwellnesscomox.com
Megan Tomlinson, Yoga Instructor
Influenced by the Krishnamacharya lineage, I have been teaching yoga since 2005. I have had the opportunity to study with gifted yoga leaders in a range of Hatha yoga practices including restorative yoga, Iyengar, Vijnana, and Viniyoga. I have experience as a nurse and yoga instructor in working with people living with chronic pain, anxiety, depression and addictions. I aim to offer yoga classes that are trauma informed, adaptable and provide a therapeutic experience for the practitioner.
Contact: westsidemeg@telus.net
Sue McGiffin, Yoga Instructor
ECE, SN, IT, RYT 200
In 2013 I started teaching children’s classes here in the Comox Valley and have had the opportunity to witness first hand the physical and emotional benefits of allowing children room to move and explore within their learning through yoga and meditation. My classes interweave asanas through song, story and dance; as well as presenting meditation in a developmentally appropriate way so that children are able to experience and explore yoga in a fun and playful manner.
Contact: sue.mcgiffin@gmail.com
Taylor Cascanette, Yoga Instructor
Taylor is a Registered Yoga Instructor, with a passion for mindful movements combined with breath awareness. She loves to share the teachings of the slower, deeper practices – Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Gentle Hatha. Her experience with Yoga has been transformative, helping her overcome anxiety and develop self-awareness.
Contact: tcascanette@live.ca
Katie Kennedy, Yoga Instructor
I welcome all levels of students into my classes. My hope is that they will enjoy the benefits of both Vinyasa Flow and Yin yoga practices. The combination of these two asana classes offer balance, core strength and alignment with Flow, and deepened flexibility and mobility with Yin. I was initially drawn to the physical benefits of yoga, but quickly grew passionate about the opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
Contact: katietlc@gmail.com
Heather Evans, Yoga/Dance Instructor
My intuitive instruction, comprised of a unique and cohesive hybrid of yoga and life coaching, cuts through your blockages and propels you to the next step with uncanny efficiency and grace. In my classes and workshops – whether we are practising Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Yin, or Restorative – there is always a deep emphasis on transformation, energetics, breath, playfulness, and personal empowerment.
Contact: journeysonthemat@gmail.com
Akiko Shima, Meditation Instructor
I was introduced yoga when I was pregnant with my eldest son, and completed yoga teacher training in 2006. My curiosity led into many hours of meditation, pre/postnatal, restorative, somatics and yoga for cancer training. I truly believe that yoga is for everyone, and welcome all level of practitioners.
Contact: yogaandzen.comox@gmail.com
Karen Squires, Yoga Instructor
The promise of Yoga is unity, wholeness. I offer a variety of classes all to create more balance; within body, mind and in your life. Return to centre, increase strength and flexibility, feel better. A gently powerful blend of poses, relaxation, reflection, simple meditation and symbolism. Exploring the Hidden Language of Hatha Yoga allows the practice to deepen. Classes are open to everyone, of all ages and abilities. Please bring a journal.
Contact: karensquires1@gmail.com
Sydney Fletcher, Yoga Instructor
About 5 years ago I quit my full-time design career in pursuit of a dream to become a life coach and yoga instructor. At that time, one of the things that surfaced for me was how much I valued Connection. I’ve taken this value into my practice as a yoga instructor. My prime objective is to inspire others towards a deeper understanding and therefore connection to themselves, to their bodies and to their world.
Contact: sydney@sydneyfletcher.com
Pamela Tessmann, Yoga Instructor
Namchi Bazar, Pilates Instructor
Namchi developed her unique somatic approach to core wellness over 25 years as a professional dancer, Pilates Instructor, Yamuna® Body Rolling Practitioner and mother of three. She is compassionate, sincere and enthusiastic as she helps people feel their best in their body/mind.
Contact: namchi@namchi.com
Sheron Jutila, Yoga Instructor
I have been sharing my passion of yoga for 16 years, yet I am still in awe of the new things my students and I discover every time we step onto our mats. I love that I will never know everything about this practice. Knowing this keeps me excited, receptive and aware. What might you experience in one of my classes? Presence, trust, growth, peace, freedom, commitment, laughter, rebelliousness, curiosity and acceptance. But… don’t take my word for it – join us and find out for yourself!
Contact: yogasheron@gmail.com
Catherine Reid, Yoga Instructor
Catherine Reid, BA, RYT
My very first Yoga class was one of those aha moments. I felt at home, in body and mind, for maybe the first time ever. This was in 1974, and although it took me 30 years to wind up in Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga always wove itself in and out of my life as a trusted support.
I’m an eager learner and love continuing my study of this lifelong art and science.
Having created and taught many specialized Yoga classes in the past 15 years (Yoga for Gardeners, Yoga for Midlife Women, Yoga for Vision Improvement), my greatest joy comes from seeing people’s smiles when they leave class, or hearing about how their back pain has disappeared.
Contact:organa.yoga@gmail.com
Penny Smith
I believe life is all about love, acceptance, adventure, alignment and growth. As humans we are full of magic & infinite possibility with the power to shift and transform through many dimensions including connection & movement of the body and the mind.. It is my honour to be able to guide others through their journeys on and off the mat.
Contact: wellthypen1111@gmail.com
Michelle Beddome, Yoga/Dance Instructor
Michelle Beddome
I am a massage therapist/body worker, yoga instructor, conscious movement/dance facilitator. I am a mother of 4 children, whom I home birthed and homeschooled in remote, off grid wilderness locations during early family life. I am a strong healer and have devoted myself wholeheartedly to healing for both myself and those around me. I believe strongly in the practices of forgiveness and gratitude as a path to peace. I love to walk in nature with my beloved husky canine companion, as a way to maintain my connection to Source. Self empowerment and community connection are important priorities for me.
Contact: feelthedifferencehealing@gmail.com