We all have the capacity for a vibrant life no matter what our inheritances, fears or, past habits!

My father, a cold water swimmer himself,  taught me to find health and independence in the water and in nature. His most important lesson was nothing can hold me back.

I took this to heart, building my yoga teaching and health coaching career around advocating for living and aging with vigour.   

In 1998, I left my academic career to teach ashtanga yoga, sharing a very traditional lineage. As a close student of the first western practitioners, Nancy Gilgoff and David Williams, I’ve made annual visits to Maui over the past 20 years, studying within the ‘Maui lineage’ of yoga. Additionally, my practice & teaching is very much influenced by Manju Jois - I’ve trained with him regularly taking part in his European workshops as well, hosting him for trainings in Canada over several years. I am one of the first Canadians to be authorized to teach by Manju in the traditional Ashtanga method (three series).

As a practitioner of almost 30 years, I can honestly say I haven’t found anything that matches the efficacy of traditional ashtanga whether looking through a physical, mental or, spiritual lens. I suppose this is why I’m so inspired to continue to practice and teach, sharing this authentic method as I have been taught by my teachers.

My father died early of a stroke, my mother of Alzheimer’s.

For many years, we all believed genetics to be our destiny. We know now that what determines our health outcomes is not so much what we are predisposed to but rather our epigenetics - how are habits, choices, and environment can trigger the strength or, susceptibility within our genes - this matters more. We can actually choose to ‘switch’ on health rather than disease - it’s all about giving the body the right inputs.

I suppose this was my inspiration to continue my training segueing into functional nutrition. I went on to train as a functional nutrition counsellor and health coach.  In this capacity, offering coaching to individuals who wish to learn to use food and lifestyle as tools to prevent disease, minimize symptoms of diagnosed illness and live a long life with health and vitality. My clients: - all people who have taken action and who have rolled up their sleeves for their best life. In various ways, they bring me along as their guide.

I’m all about for staying ahead of the curve,  aging with health and vitality - I can teach you the tools to do the same. 

Never take your fate sitting down.  You have the power to direct your life as you want it to be. So stand to meet whatever comes, as strong as you can be’   ………my dad, summed up!