Archives: Team Members

Sue's yoga and meditation journey began about 30 years ago in graduate school. Much of her early training was in the Iyengar tradition, and living and travelling in many countries gave her the opportunity to explore different yoga styles and integrate these into her own practice. After years of yoga practice on the side of a busy international development career, Sue had the opportunity to switch the balance and put yoga at the centre. She was drawn to teaching as the pathway to engaging more deeply in yoga, in part because of her experience in other contexts, including university and martial arts teaching, and she completed her 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at PranaShanti in 2022. Sue's focus is grounded in a more classic hatha practice, bringing emphasis to connecting the body and breath through mindful movement and developing a greater awareness of our own physical and mental alignment. With a strong belief in life-long learning, Sue is continuing her yoga journey...

Johanna was introduced to yoga as a teenager and quickly fell in love with it. She deepened her commitment to yoga by completing a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with PranaShanti in 2010. Since then, she has explored various yoga and meditation practices for personal growth, finding the mind-body connection to be a powerful tool for self-awareness. While living in the Arctic and teaching yoga in Iqaluit, Johanna developed an interest in Trauma-Informed approaches, particularly Sensory-Enhanced Yoga for self-regulation and healing. Trained in Restorative, Hatha, Meditation, and Mindfulness practices, and she holds a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Ottawa. Johanna appreciates the adaptability of yoga, recognizing its ability to cater to different needs at various stages of life. Her diverse training has taught her the understanding that each person has unique needs in yoga; there is no one-size-fits-all approach. For over a decade, Johanna has integrated yoga and meditation into her career as an occupational therapist and finance coordinator....

Katherine was first drawn to yoga by the desire to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace. She believes that yoga is a holistic healer for the body, mind, and soul. She has been practicing for over 12 years and has relied on her regular practice to ease her anxieties, fears, balance her emotions and improve her overall well being. Katherine received her 200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Certification at PranaShanti in 2022 and teaches various styles, rooted in Hatha, and will lead you through a series of poses that guide you into a state of relaxation. For Katherine, creating a safe space for everything is crucial. She wants everyone to feel welcomed and teaches classes that cater to all practitioner levels....

Bren’s mission is to help you advance your yoga practice, live in tune with the seasons, and experience the benefits of meditation (even if you don’t like to sit still!). In her classes you will find clear, directive language, and respect for your individual anatomy and experience. She specializes in the connection between Yin Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine and creative sequencing in both strengthening and gentle Flow styles. Bren is passionate about helping practitioners realize they are the observer of their experience and to share in a practice of intentional choices that help bring one to present moment awareness. Bren is a long-time yoga practitioner, and has used traditional yoga practices as well as modern mindfulness and psychology to greatly improve her sleep, become less reactive, and to find some peace in both stillness and movement. She holds RYT500 designation and has taken additional trainings in Yin, Mindfulness, Yoga for Chronic Pain, and is a Trauma Informed Facilitator. When not teaching or practicing...

Randy is a registered yoga teacher completing his 200 Hr YTT in 2018 and since then certified in Yin, Restorative, Meditation and Yoga Nidra. A daily practice of meditation,  breath-work, vulnerability and gratitude are the foundation of his practice. Randy's background has always included regular fitness activities having completed multiple Ironman races, marathons, 100 km fundraising runs, endurance ski events, lake swimming, self guided biking vacations and anything outdoors. As co-founder of 24 Hr Yogapalooza, an annual fundraiser for cancer research at CHEO, Randy has a special connection with the Ottawa Gatineau yoga community and is always recruiting volunteers. This event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for research. Randy specializes in Hatha, Power, Yin, Meditation and Nidra.  When you attend his class you will soon discover his compassionate, authentic caring and soulful nature. Vulnerability is welcomed, and judgement not so much.  Randy brings a lifetime of experience, and known for story telling.  You will be invited/challenged to explore and accept your edges, focusing on how...

Born with a naturally busy mind, Venus was always on the go, constantly in motion and unable to slow down. The mere thought of trying yoga and sitting still was daunting, as she believed high-intensity exercises were the only ways to release built up energy. Initially hesitant to trying yoga due to her busy mind and fast-paced lifestyle, Venus soon found that yoga brought a sense of calmness, improved sleep and helped her build stronger relationships with others and herself. Always eager to explore new ways of relaxation, she discovered sound healing and completed a course in the practice. Now, she incorporates gongs, crystal bowls, and other percussive instruments into her yoga practice, offering a unique approach to relaxation and a deeply restorative experience. Having practiced yoga for over ten years, Venus continues to share her love of yoga and sound healing with others to guide them towards a greater sense of calmness and inner peace. Her journey proves that even the...

Alexis’ interest in yoga began in childhood through her parents. She began practicing regularly in university and completed her first 200 hour teacher training in 2010. Since then, Alexis has continued to take trainings and workshops. She has achieved her 500 hour designation for Hatha yoga and, most recently, completed her level 1 Kundalini teacher training. Alexis teaches Hatha, flow, hot, Yin and Kundalini styles of yoga. Her personal practice reflects these styles but she has really enjoyed delving deeper into meditation and mantra through her Kundalini practice.  Having a regular practice brings a sense of calm and comfort into your life. Alexis has found that yoga makes being in her own skin more comfortable, both physically and mentally. A regular practice also brings deeper compassion for other beings and provides more balance to her busy lifestyle of being a high school teacher and mother. Pranayama and meditation are excellent stress management tools and the sense of spirituality and community that...