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Colin Matthews is the Owner and Director of Yoga Oakville, and is one of the instructors at the studio. Born in Toronto, Colin has always had a deep passion for life, learning and education. He graduated from Dalhousie University with a degree in Education as well as Physical Education. He worked for several years in Toronto as a Public School Teacher, focusing mainly on Kindergarten, while also teaching Physical Education and Drama. He believes that his work with young people gave him the perfect start into understanding people and the human condition. "Life is a joyous challenge. What makes us great is how we decide to engage in that challenge."

Colin has a deep love of adventure and physical pursuits. He has been a high level rock climber for over 13 years. In fact, it was climbing that originally got Colin into Yoga. At the age of 4, Colin suffered a fall and a subsequent spinal injury that left his body misaligned and in pain. He spent years in physical discomfort which cumulated in chronic shoulder injuries as a climber. That is when he took his first ever yoga class and for the first time in his life, Colin experienced relief. Since then, he has not looked back. Besides being free from constant pain, Colin has also noticed a massive increase in his ability to focus and read. Colin is no stranger to physical challenges, and he teaches students of all levels with an open and supportive heart.

Colin originally got his instructor's certification with Bikram Choudhury, and has since studied with Judith Lasater, Nateshvar Ken Scott (contact yoga certification), David Life, Hart Lazer, Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty. He has more recently done a teacher training in Anusara Yoga with Naime Jezzeny, Sue Elkind, Douglas Brooks, Sianna Sherman, and Mitchel Bleier. He is currently studying with John Friend, the creator of Anusara Yoga. Colin teaches both Hot and regular temperature yoga, as well as Partner Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and occasionally holds self empowerment yoga retreats for Women. Colin is the director/creator of the teacher training program at Yoga Oakville.

Colin is also a self taught woodworker and is responsible for most of the furniture and wood structures around the studio.

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Joanne has been an instructor at Yoga Oakville for the past two years. Joanne also works part time at her husband's ski and bike store as the ski-clothing buyer. She enjoys all types of cycling and spending her winter weekends with her family skiing in Ellicottville NY.

Joanne started taking Ashtanga yoga once a week in a local church basement. After hearing about a new hot yoga studio that had opened in Toronto she decided to give this a try. After the first week of hot yoga she realized this was a style of yoga she wanted to pursue. She went on to complete the first Moksha Yoga teacher training, and has been teaching in Toronto and Oakville ever since. Joanne has continued to develop her understanding of Yoga through studying the principles of Anusara yoga.

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Kelly has always had a personal love for movement with a background in figure skating, dance and a passion for sport as a result she was naturally drawn to pursue a career in movement studies. Kelly graduated from York University with her specialized honors degree in Kinesiology and Health Science and has been working in the fitness and wellness field for 10 years. She is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Oases -certified Fitness Consultant, Registered Yoga Instructor-RYT-200, NFLAC-Certified Fitness Instructor, and has her NCCP Level 3 Coaching Theory. Kelly is an ambassador for lululemon at Sherway Gardens and is currently working towards her 500 hour yoga teacher training and continues to pursue her Kinesiology studies with the C.H.E.K. Institute.

Kelly's knowledge of the body and her passion for helping others makes her job one that she finds tremendously rewarding. As a Personal Trainer and Yoga Instructor Kelly has played an instrumental role in assisting others in achieving their own personal wellness goals of which she takes great pride in.

Kelly's personal yoga practice began in 1998, at this time she became a frequent gym enthusiast working as a fitness consultant, a fitness instructor along with teaching box fit and spinning classes. She enjoyed all her activities but something was missing... and then she found the 'yoga mat'. Her first yoga experiences were in hatha style classes. As well Kelly exposed herself to many different styles of yoga. She found herself drawn to the Ashtanga Series and Flow classes. When Kelly was dedicated to a regular basis she noticed improved mental focus and clarity at school, more energy for her own training as well a deeper understanding of the importance of a balanced training routine and was able to assist her clients in their fitness programs. Through pranayama and meditation she experienced the importance of breath and the connection between the physical, emotional and spiritual energies within her own body! The struggles that she first experienced with being too focused on the physical performance of each pose faded and she was able to access her breath and found freedom in stillness.

Kelly loves to work with and teach a variety of different populations and believes that all students must honour and embrace their own bodies throughout each practice. She works with National level Synchronized Swimmers from a variety of International Countries. She also works very closely with many young amateur athletes within the community. She enjoys teaching yoga classes and healthy body image courses at local high schools. Promoting a healthy body image for you women and female athletes is extremely important to her.

Kelly's experience in teaching ranges from challenging Ashtanga and Flow classes for athletes and advanced students, restorative and gentle Hatha based classes to aid students who are battling through disease, anxiety and sports injuries, and she also finds joy in teaching dynamic partnered yoga classes. Kelly believes that anyone can benefit from regular yoga practice - 'We all posses a wonderful inner beauty, we must embrace it!'

Kelly's most recent challenge was giving birth!! She feels her regular pre natal asana and pranayama practice gave her the strength to experience a natural birth. This has motivated her to share her knowledge through pre and post natal classes. The love that she has discovered with the birth of her daughter Maya is intoxicating!

Kelly would like to thank all of her own personal teachers and mentors and to all of my students who continue to teach me everyday! Thanks to Husband Jeff and Maya who inspire me daily and whose love keeps my spirit floating and my feet grounded!

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Graduating from McMaster University in 2001 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering & Management Adam started his first career working as a Project Engineer in the Environmental/Water Industry. He has always had a love of sport and competition, racing on the Canadian National Sailing Team both as a youth and while going through university and later turning to triathlon under the advice of a family friend in 2002. After falling for the sport and the accompanying lifestyle, he set his sights on an Ironman, completing his first Ironman in 2003 at Ironman Canada. Since then he has completed 4 Ironmans including qualifying for and completing IM Hawaii in 2005.

It was in the middle of his first triathlon season that he first tried yoga. The company he worked for promoted employee health and wellness, and it was here where he first tried Yoga taking an Ashtanga class with Nanci Thacker, of Burlington. The challenge and the physical benefits of the Asana were felt and recognized right away. In the fall of 2004 he took his first Yoga Oakville Class (with Colin Matthews). The challenge of the heat and postures, the positive atmosphere and values of the studio, as well as the awesome variety and nature of the people are what continued to draw him back time and time again. Yoga on the whole provided him with a great cross-training tool and complementary activity to triathlon.

Combining Yoga and Sport have helped Adam realize the importance and benefits of wellness. With his mind wandering further and further from his career and more and more towards health and wellness, Adam left his position as an Engineer in 2006 to start his journey towards being a health and wellness promoter and practitioner. In September of 2006 he started a 4 year course at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. He started leading yoga classes this August after completing the Moksha Yoga Teacher Training in July of 2006 in Toronto.

Adam hopes to use the combination of yoga and chiropractic to promote a self directed way of maintaining and achieving health and wellness.

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Sofie Jambor
teacher

Sofia was born in Budapest, Hungary. By the time she was 9, she had lived in three different countries and spoke three different languages. Her fascination with culture, travel and people has grown throughout her life.

Sofia's love and passion for animals carried her into an undergrad program in vertebrate biology and physiology, and work as a veterinary assistant. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science and hoped to one day study veterinary medicine. But life presented other options and challenges to her after the culmination of a romantic relationship ending, the divorce of her parents and a failed attempt at entry into veterinary college. She spent the next several years feeling disillusioned, stagnant, frustrated and lost. Having swum competitively throughout her school years, she turned to sports as an outlet, competing in triathlons, and diving into flying trapeze and rock climbing. She began working as a private trainer to assist others to achieve their personal and physical goals.

A chance encounter with Colin Matthews and the persistence of a friend brought her to Yoga Oakville in August 2005. She approached yoga with a determined mindset, seeing it as nothing more than another physical challenge to overcome and master. She did not trust herself to explore any deeper, but sensed that her practice was important. Applying to, and being accepted into a teacher training program in Thailand, March 2006, brought out the feelings of self-judgment, inadequacy, distrust and anxiety that she had been unable to process. Colin was crucial in helping her to work through these challenging emotions, which prevented her from moving forward in most avenues of her life. Completing the training and traveling on her own gave her a major sense of accomplishment and changed her perspective.

Since then, she has studied restorative yoga under Judith Lasater and now teaches with all of her personal experiences in mind. She believes that yoga is a personal journey; an opportunity to develop the courage it takes to become more honest, kind, tolerant, and accepting of yourself and the world around you.

“If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.” ~ John C. Maxwell

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One of Becky's childhood dreams was to be a dancer. As a teenager, she danced throughout her high school years. It was during this time that she was introduced to Hatha Yoga, which was practiced in her dance class.

Rediscovering Yoga as an adult, Becky feels she has finally "come home". It was definitely love at first sight with her first Ashtanga class which to her, felt much like an elegant dance. She was especially captivated by the strength, flexibility and gracefulness of Ashtanga Yoga. She knew she was hooked, even though she ached for days after her first class. Aside from the physical benefits that yoga offers, Becky has also learned, while on her mat, that she is truly blessed and has more than enough in her life.

Becky has an M.B.A. from York University and is a bean counter by day. Though she often challenges her students to step out of their comfort zones, her classes are filled with a sense of lightness and humor. She is thrilled to be part of the Yoga Oakville community.

Whenever she stands in front of her class, she reflects on what one of her teachers said to her "it is the people who come to your class that will be teaching you". So with that, her gratitude goes out to those who come to practice with her; to those who have constantly showed her the meaning of love; and to her teachers for their mentorship, encouragement and for showing her that it's kind of fun to attempt the impossible.

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As a fitness professional in the wellness industry for over 10 years my success has been a direct relation to my focus and ability to inspire and motivate. I have primarily been a personal trainer, nutritional and wellness coach and club manager working with children and recreational camps. I have a business and Kinesiology background, with a passion for balance and the holistic approach.

My yoga journey began three years ago with a desire for discipline. Yoga has offered me the gift of balance, strength and clarity. I thrive on the beauty of flow and vinyasa and the need for stillness through meditation and breath awareness. I was certified through 'East to West Yoga' with Susie Diaz with whom I strive to model with presence and dedication. Teaching has empowered me with a curiosity to learn more and a desire to challenge myself. I look forward to my continued growth with the Leewi Yoga studio and to share with you my energy and enthusiasm for the practice.

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My yoga journey began with a 6:30 am hot yoga class. I was hooked from the beginning and proceeded to take 500 classes over the next two years! I was fortunate to take part in the inaugural Moksha Yoga teacher training in Toronto and have been teaching full time ever since. I try to teach every class like a class that I would like to take. I have since completed a 200 hour Anusara teacher training at Yogaphoria in New Hope, Pennsylvania. I studied extensively with Naime Jezzeny and Sue Elkind.

Before I started teaching I was a pool player/actor/stand-in. I was standing in on the movie Cinderella man and three months into the movie (with one month left to shoot) I walked up to the director, Ron Howard, and told him I was leaving the show the next week to start a yoga teacher training course. He told me he thought I was doing the right thing - his wife told him that yoga is great, and here I am!

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Christi-an has lived in the rainforest, biked across Mediterranean Europe and the Canadian Prairies, taught English in Korea, worked as a computer programmer in Australia, taught high school mathematics in Halton, completed her bachelor degrees in Waterloo and Toronto and lived with 33 young people in Stratford as a Katimavik project leader. Wherever she is she always finds home on her mat. The time she spends practicing yoga every day blesses her with energy, peace, strength, flexibility, humility, compassion, acceptance, patience and love.

In August of 2006, Christi-an completed her Anusara Yoga Level 1 Teacher Training. As a teacher she is honoured to share the lessons she has gained from her practice and the wisdom passed on from her teachers. In her fusion classes she seeks to cultivate a playful and supportive environment where her students can come to stretch, strengthen, restore, heal, open their hearts, listen to some good music and realize that they are pure potential.

She is forever grateful to her teachers Sue Elkind, Naime Jezzeny, Colin Matthews, Michael Siddall and John Friend for helping to transform her practice and heal her body through their inspired expressions of Anusara Yoga. She is also thankful to the very funky Mikey Viktor who taught her to always stand with grace and to have way too much fun on her mat. Her love of yoga will keep her a forever student with an ever expanding ability to guide you through your yoga journey.

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Melissa is a school teacher, yoga teacher, and a long time resident of Oakville. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts Psychology and York University with a Bachelor of Education.

Melissa was a dancer for many years and it was during this time at a young age she was introduced to her first yoga class. It was later on in her late teens she reconnected with yoga when faced with physical illness. This change in Melissa's life caused her to reevaluate it: "live in her truth" (i.e. being even more committed to her healthy lifestyle of yoga, meditation, pilates, and a vegetarian diet).

With a healthy and holistic lifestyle (body, mind, and spirit) as a passion, Melissa realized the importance of educating children and teens in this manner.

Today, Melissa has found her calling to teach both in and out of the classroom: yoga to kids and teenagers in the schools (i.e. private and public), yoga studios, and child care centres where she shares "yogic" philosophies, values, and lifestyle in a child friendly and enjoyable way.

With Melissa's studies and training in dance, meditation, and yoga she incorporates this knowledge of body awareness, alignment, movement, stillness, and intuition into classes. Her gentle approach, sensitivity, and fun personality provide students with a holistic experience.

She thanks so many teachers for their guidance, support, and inspiritation: Steven Cope, Sudhir Jonathen Foust, Rebekka Kronalage, Sudha Carolyn Lundeen, Colin Matthews, Ernesto Ponce, all the children that have crossed her path, and of course her loving and loyal dog Toby!

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June Bradley has practiced and loved yoga since 1970. She trained to receive her Yoga Instructor's certification in 1977 and 1978 and then went on for further Yoga Instructor's certification in l987, l988 and l989. June has taught yoga part-time for many years. She is a registered member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

June currently is a social worker who has run an innovative private practice since 1995. Prior to establishing her own practice, June worked as a medical social worker, corporate management trainer and yoga instructor. Her focus is with the integration of mind, body and spirit to promote a holistic experience of healing. Her own history of overcoming many years of severe migraine pain has influenced her approach to counselling.

June blends yoga therapy with body centred psychotherapy and medical intuition. This enhances the client's understanding of where they have been, where they are now and where they are going.

At Leewi Yoga June offers a group class for Gentle Awareness Yoga, as well as one on one Yoga Therapy for mental and emotional areas of distress. www.junebradley.com

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Grant Hutchinson began practicing yoga in 2001. Drawn to the meditative dynamism of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and amazed at the serenity and focus it brought to him, he became committed to the practice. He spent 10 months during 2004-5 studying ashtanga yoga and meditation with different teachers in Mysore, India and the Gulf Islands of Thailand. During this time, he completed the Yoga Thailand teacher training course. Grant encourages his students to explore the stillness within the energetic practice in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. He has also been the force behind bringing Yin Yoga to our studio.

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Shannon Holmes
teacher

A Certified Yoga Instructor, Shannon Holmes has studied yoga for more than seven years. Specializing in Hatha yoga, she shows her students that Yoga stretches well beyond simply the physical benefits, with far-reaching mental and emotional benefits as well. Her classes range from smooth flowing sequences to strong holding postures - both allow students to turn inwards and allow the pose to advance gently.

Extending her mind as well as her body, Shannon is also a Certified Meditation Facilitator, having studied world mystic religions such as Buddhism, Christian mysticism and Hinduism, as well as various other paths of spirituality. She encourages her students to use her knowledge and experience to further pursue their own paths toward physical and spiritual well-being.

Shannon has used yoga to heal her own body from the impacts of modern trauma and ailments and works within her own limitations toward flexibility and strength. From overcoming these personal obstacles comes an awareness that helps her embrace each student's individual constraints, encouraging acceptance while challenging them in their practice.

Moving from the mat to the ring, Shannon also has extensive experience in boxing, as well as Pilates, tai chi and was an amateur belly dancer, all of which have contributed to her unique outlook on yoga. Her vast spectrum of experiences culminates into classes that are challenging, unique and fun.

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Christine has been involved in fitness all her life and has a passion for any fitness-oriented challenge that comes her way. She has a conviction to try anything at least once! And at least twice if it's fun.

She has participated and competed in a variety of sports from synchronized swimming to track and field. Christine has enjoyed the last twenty years as a fitness professional and personal trainer. She creates and leads personalized fitness programs, spinning sessions, as well as an assortment of aerobics classes including step, strength training and muscle conditioning for all levels of fitness. She has recently completed her yoga teacher training program within the standards of the Yoga Alliance and is enjoying incorporating the art of alignment and focus into not only her own life but the lives of others.

Christine believes that making fitness, nutrition, and the mindful practice of yoga part of one's life and in turn this leads to a better quality of living. Having a harmonious balance between muscular strength, cardiovascular conditioning and flexibility as well as mental focus is the key to her approach to a healthy body and mind.

Christine is also constantly passing on knowledge to her participants from the many workshops and conferences she attends. She is well known for her contagious energy, enthusiasm and wealth of creativity.

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A lifelong athlete, Diane was brought to her first yoga class in order to rehabilitate a knee injury. It only took one class for her to realize the multiplicity of benefits to the mind, body and spirit provided by the practice of Asana. As a personal trainer and former fitness competitor, Diane advocates the complimentary effects of a regular yoga practice to athletes from all disciplines, and recommends its incorporation to her clients.

Diane's journey towards the yogic path was by no means a straight one. Never feeling 'quite right' in the corporate world, Diane spent most of her 20's studying. She holds a B.A. in International Politics, a Diploma in Business-Marketing and minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies. Diane credits the commencement of her yoga practice with helping her to get in touch with her most 'authentic self', granting her the insight and inspiration necessary to leave the corporate world behind, where she worked as a marketing manager in the promotional industry and pursue a work that she truly loves, as a personal trainer and yoga instructor. Diane's first yoga training took place in Hawaii, where she completed the five week intensive portion of a 500 hour certification. Her exploration has since continued with the study of Anusara yoga with John Friend, Naime Jezzeny and Sue Elkind.

Having made yoga her life's work, Diane really feels as though she has finally come home after years of searching. As yoga combines her two lifelong loves of physical fitness and ongoing study of philosophy and spirituality.

'Our lives begin to end the day that we become silent about the things that matter.' - Rev. Martin Luther King

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