Katherine Lim, RYT

Katherine began her yoga journey in 2007. Although she resisted beginning a practice at first, writing it off as the latest trendy exercise fad, she quickly became immersed in the joy and peace of a regular hatha class. Katherine sees yoga as a life-long path of learning about ourselves, our relationships and the world around us. Katherine completed her yoga teacher training at the Rama Lotus Yoga Centre in Ottawa.

Erin Bidlake, RYT

I've been practicing yoga for more than ten years and during this time I've explored many different styles, with a particular emphasis on hatha, ashtanga, yin, and prenatal. Through the years I've studied with teachers in Canada and abroad, finding a home away from home during my travels in yoga centres such as the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in Lonavla, India. I've experienced first-hand the transformative and healing power of yoga, as I arrived at my first yoga class suffering from a debilitating back injury and there discovered relief for the first time in years. Likewise, I credit my extensive prenatal practice with connecting me to the strength and intuition I needed to birth my son naturally in January 2009.

In October 2009 I realized a personal dream when I began the Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at Rama Lotus. I chose to complement this training with the Prenatal Teacher Training immediately after, as I still feel so connected to the experience of pregnancy and I feel a strong pull in this direction. Although the circumstances in my life have changed quite dramatically over the past ten years, what has remained constant is my deeply rooted connection to my yoga practice, which extends beyond public classes to my home practice and the mindfulness I attempt to maintain in my day-to-day life.

Laura Constantinescu, RYT

I came to yoga five years ago and found in the practice a profound stillness and acceptance. Being a student of Zen Buddhism, yoga appealed to me as a form of meditation and of cultivating awareness of the body. A few years later when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, yoga also became an effective way of managing chronic pain. But what I ultimately found in yoga was infinitely more than I could have hoped for. Yoga is a philosophy, as well as a way of life. Yoga accepts you as you are in any given moment - with all your flaws, insecurities and neuroses. On and off the mat, yoga inspires, challenges, supports and uplifts me every day. It is this gift which I would like to share with my students: the ability to find peace, acceptance, joy and freedom in any given moment. So I invite you to step on the mat, breathe, and let go. There is only this moment, and in it, you are perfect.

Margo Hearty, RYT

Physical fitness has always been such an important part of my life, but it was not until I found yoga that I truly understood what it meant to 'feel' my body. More than 7 years ago I attended my first Bikram yoga class with my parents who were long advocates of its benefits, but was not immediately 'hooked'. In my own time, I started to wonder more about what this thing called 'yoga' was. Having moved to Halifax for my post-graduate studies, I thought I would give yoga another try. I discovered Ashtanga yoga at my university campus fitness centre and was hooked! From there I sought out local studios to continue with Ashtanga, but also try other styles of yoga, including Hot, Power, Vinyasa. The way I felt after a class was unlike any other physical exercise I had done. The mental clarity that came with it was outstanding! When I moved back to Ottawa, I continued on with yoga as it was now an integral part of my life. I have enjoyed growing as a student, but realized that I wanted to share the feeling I experience when I practice yoga with others by teaching. In February 2010, I obtained my 200-hour Yoga Teacher certification through Yandara Yoga Institute in Baja Mexico. Surrounded by nature, this experience helped me deepen my physical, mental and spiritual yoga practice. I have since taken prenatal yoga training at Rama Lotus, which was such a rewarding and insightful experience. Yoga has allowed me to undercover so many aspects of my life and I can only imagine the journey of self discovery will continue as I grow as both a student and teacher.

Debi Rosati, RYT

Debi's journey of practicing yoga began in 2005 on a trip to the Caribbean where she joined her sister, Lisa (a yoga fit/pilates) instructor for daily yoga classes on the beach. She was so inspired after that trip that she began taking yoga classes at Mountain goat yoga where she was drawn to Heather's hot power yoga classes and loved the union of the mind, body & soul. Debi began exploring Yin, Hatha and iron yoga classes and on every trip Debi went on she found yoga centres to take various yoga classes. It was Debi's desire to learn more and deepen her practice in 2009 that she registered for the Hatha yoga teacher training program at Rama Lotus and graduated in the spring 2010. She is passionate about sharing her love of yoga with her family, friends and community. Debi's energy and passion for life comes out in her yoga practice of loving- kindness She draws on over twenty- five years of her professional background as a chartered accountant and certified corporate director in diverse leadership roles in business and governance. Along with over 30 years of her own personal interest in health & fitness (trained for 1/2 marathons, spinning classes, weight trained and taught aerobics for 10 years)...she is most grateful for her healthy body, mind and soul. Debi acknowledges the teaching and guidance she's received from her yoga teachers, classmates and students. Through that support, she has discovered that through an open mind you deepen your yoga practice and become a more mindful, joyful and happy being. Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Sarah Leger, RYT

Primarily drawn to the physical nature of the postures, I began practicing power yoga in order to develop a stronger connection to my body. I soon learned that yoga is a practical way to heal both the body and mind. My goal is to share this power with others and I am grateful to have the opportunity to teach yoga within the community. I believe that yoga is for everyone and my classes are fun and down-to-earth. Yoga reminds us not to take anything too seriously because every moment -- good or bad -- will pass and lead to something new.
Sarah completed her teacher training with Ichih Wang and Laurie Howe in June 2011.

Tara Fairhead, RYT

Tara was first introduced to yoga in 1999, when she and her mother took private power yoga classes at a friend’s place. Since then, she has practiced regularly and while living in Whistler B.C. in 2007, delved more deeply into her practice. Her focus through the years has been power yoga and she has also studied meditation and yin yoga. Tara is passionate about wellness and can be found competing in triathlons and coaching triathletes. Her yoga classes emphasize inner focus, strength, flexibility and relaxation while holding gratitude for the bodies we have all been blessed with. She encourages students to acknowledge and appreciate their uniqueness and to not compare oneself with others. She is eager to aid students on their wellness journey, offering a healing and safe space for one's yoga practice.

Virginie Proskurniak, RYT

I have been practising yoga for over 10 years, completed my 200 hour teacher training under the guidance of Yogi Vishvketu and have been teaching since 2004 . Although passionate about teaching yoga I will always be a student of yoga. I continue to explore the many aspects that yoga has to offer through workshops and conferences. My goal is to create balanced classes for all students as well as build on their confidence, strength and flexibility. My message to all students and teachers have fun with your yoga practice, enjoy the present moment and be at peace.