Team Members Archive - Page 3 of 7

Catherine

Catherine is a Full Professor of Philosophy at the University of Ottawa. She received her PhD at the University of La Sorbonne in Paris (France). She specializes in Ancient Greek philosophy and Buddhist philosophy, and teaches meditation. She is co-founder of the Contemplative Studies Programme at the University of Ottawa, and a member of the University’s Academy of Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies. She has published numerous books and articles on Homer, the Presocratics, Plato, Aristotle, and Plotinus. Her current research focuses on Buddhist philosophy, especially on metaphysics and consciousness, as the foundation for an original conception of philosophy, which she calls ‘contemplative philosophy’, based on contemplative practices including meditation and yoga. She has practiced meditation and yoga for more than a decade and has participated in various short- and long-term meditation retreats....

Randy

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...

Venus

Venus has always had a naturally busy mind—brimming with energy, constantly in motion, and always eager for the next challenge. Slowing down was never easy for her. For years, she believed that only high-intensity workouts could keep up with her pace and help release the stress accumulated each day. When she first tried yoga, it was a challenge. Yoga asked her to slow down without physical exhaustion, which felt unfamiliar and difficult. But over time, she discovered that yoga isn’t about slowing down—it’s about tuning in. It brought a sense of calm she hadn’t been able to access through any other practice. . Through yoga, her sleep improved, her focus increased, and her connection with herself and others deepened. Now, with over 16 years of dedicated practice, Venus is completing her 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training at PranaShanti, where she is deepening her spiritual connection to the practice and learning how to offer more inclusive and accessible classes for all bodies and backgrounds. Alongside...

Alexis

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...

Lindsay

Lindsay is a certified yoga and barre teacher who is dedicated to meeting people wherever they are on their wellness journey. Lindsay’s mission is to help folks feel grounded in their bodies and minds, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. Lindsay grew up as a dancer and came to yoga in her teens as a way of taking care of her body. She had no idea the benefits of yoga extended so far beyond the mat! She is grateful to have trained with teachers she admired in Toronto in 2017 and 2018, and to be settling into the yoga community in her hometown of Ottawa. Lindsay loves a good slow flow or a juicy Hatha class, and she looks forward to helping create a nurturing and supportive environment where folks can realize their inner strength and recognize that they are capable of more than they believe....

Camila

Born in Mexico City, I started doing yoga when I was 14 years old after my mom introduced me to it. I recently completed the 200 Hours Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at PranaShanti Yoga Centre. Yoga has been a life changer on me. It plays a big role in my daily life and I love it so much that sharing it with other people makes my heart burst with happiness. Additionally, I also enjoy biking, crocheting, and travelling....

Amelia, RMT

As an experienced and compassionate massage therapist, I bring a decade of expertise and a profound interest in the art and diverse traditions of massage to my practice. Graduating with honors and the Award for Excellence in Clinical Technique from the International Academy of Massage in 2014, I'm committed to providing highly customized treatments. My passion lies in specialized modalities that offer unique benefits. I hold specialized training in Thai Yoga Massage and Ayurvedic Massage from the Sivananda Yoga Ashram, integrating their ancient wisdom into my sessions. My focus is on providing a service that's not only highly effective but also deeply rooted in the rich heritage of therapeutic touch, focusing on profound relaxation, enhanced well-being, and gentle relief from everyday tension....

Eric

Eric's wellness journey began at a young age, when at his first Karate classes he learned about the benefits of meditation and physical exercise. This later led him to explore the practice of Yoga and in 2005 he completed his first Yoga Teacher Training. In 2009, he graduated with distinction from La Cite Collegiale as a Physical and Occupational Therapy Assistant and began to explore how Yoga and Mindfulness might be used in Rehabilitation. He travelled to India and has been classically trained in Rishikesh, the world capital of Yoga, under the tutelage of his present-day Guru. He went on to complete further levels of training, including two 500-hour Yoga Master Programs and received the title of Yoga Acharya, Master of Yoga, M.Y. from the International Sivanada Yoga Vedanta Centre. He has taught and travelled extensively abroad from India to Thailand, the Maldives, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Vancouver and Hong Kong, leading numerous yoga teacher trainings, workshops, and retreats. During his travels he...

Max

Max Strom, renowned speaker, author, and breathwork teacher, has spent over 30 years teaching emotional healing and transformation through his Breathe to Heal method. This approach alleviates anxiety and sleep issues, fostering profound personal and relational changes. His four TEDx Talks, including the viral Breathe to Heal talk, have captivated global audiences, while his books, including "There is No App for Happiness" and "A Life Worth Breathing" continue to inspire worldwide. With a third book coming soon, Max’s work extends beyond the page through in-person courses, livestream workshops, and online content. Explore Max’s teachings at www.maxstrom.com to embark on a transformative journey towards a life of meaning and purpose. “I spent a lot of time exploring various meditative and movement practices. However, it wasn’t until I found Max’s Inner Axis approach that I was able to finally recover from decades of battling depression and anxiety. I can’t express how grateful I am for what Max has created – it is simple and yet also deeply...

Saba

Professor Saba Alvi is an award-winning professor and anti-racism educator. Her courses explore issues around anti-racism and anti-oppression pedagogy, marginalized youth and BIPOC youth subcultures. She also serves as an Anti-Racism Consultant for schools with large BIPOC student populations. She completed her PhD in Education at the University of Ottawa. Her doctoral research explored how Muslim youth subcultures perform identity through clothing, such as the hijab. 5+ years of experience in teaching and research at the post-secondary level. Areas of interest include: Anti-racism, Cultural Studies, Youth Subcultures, Society and Schooling, Women/Gender studies, Public Pedagogy and Identity/Subjectivity...