Please take a moment to become acquainted with our teachers, manager and studio director. More bios and pictures coming soon!
Teacher, Studio Director
A physical workout and 'some sort of stress reliever' was what motivated Don to investigate yoga in the fall of 2000. He randomly picked the combination of yoga and a heated room and within a few classes, Don realized he had entered into a world much broader than he was expecting. His first ten months involved dedicated personal instruction under the guidance of Natalia Brajak. Noticing his passion for yoga ever deepening, he eventually closed his furniture shop to become an instructor, graduating from the Moksha Yoga Teacher Training Program in August 2004. Don spends most of his time taking Life lessons from his two sons, and is convinced one of the most beneficial asanas is that which is held on a vintage motorcycle traveling across the countryside.
back to top
In 1996, I received my diploma in esthetics. Working in the esthetics industry gave me the opportunity to work hands on with people. I realized that the power of touch could be very healing and wanted to go beyond the surface of the skin. I needed something deeper and more profound. That is when I decided to look into teaching yoga.
After two years at Sheridan College for the Yoga Teachers Program, I became a Fitness Specialist. I attained my certificate from Humber College and my Personal Training Certificate from the Canadian Fitness Professionals (Can-Fit-Pro). I have also attended the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I completed the Moksha Yoga Teacher Training in July of 2008. |
 |
| I have been teaching yoga for 5 years and practicing for over 12 years. Yoga has helped me grow, spiritually, mentally and physically. After reading my favorite book “Happy Yoga” by Steve Ross and Olivia Rosewood, I became inspired to finally become a vegetarian. It’s been over three years now and I feel great! Yoga has kept me young and flexible and also enabled me to regain my strength after the birth of my son Aden, 5 years ago. Yoga is also therapy for the soul; it has provided an intense healing for me. Yoga has helped me become a happier and a more positive person. I am moving toward awareness and truth, to find the essence of our being. The journey has been amazing so far and I am happy to continue my path toward enlightenment and bliss.
back to top |
Teacher
My heroes are people that try to be heard. People that attempt to make any difference in other people's lives. Peaceful resistors. Activists for social change. Siddhartha Gautama. The Dalai Lama. Julia Butterfly Hill. Noah Levine. You. My Mom. Gandhi.
Yoga, for me, is a rebellious and revolutionary path. The inner affecting the outer; personal change inspiring positive external change. Through Yoga, we work on realizing peace, mindfulness, compassion, kindness, non-harming, truth. Everything we need to impact the world around us.
My first yoga memory is of myself at age 12, practicing along with a VHS tape in Northern Ontario. In 2005, I completed the Moksha Yoga Teacher certification. Soon after, I was on a plane heading to Taiwan, committing to a life dedicated to Yoga. Ever the student, I actively seek out opportunities to continue studying - taking further teacher trainings, workshops, intensives, and practicing a variety of yoga styles, including Moksha, Jivamukti, Ashtanga and Anusara.
My classes are meant to teach you to breathe, investigate, smile, and know that the rest will follow.
Thank you to my teachers - past, present and future. Special thanks to Jessica Robertson, Ted Grand, Jeannine Woodall, Vanessa Kennedy, Yumee Chung, Michael Stone, and Hali Schwartz.
back to top
Following more than two decades in varying corporate administrative positions within the winemaking industry, Danny’s growing penchant for wellness and physical conditioning eventually lead him to pursue a career in health and fitness. Shortly before attaining certifications in fitness assessment and personal training, Danny was introduced to yoga while traveling abroad on the island of Kauai. This initial introduction to Hatha yoga piqued Danny’s interest. However, it wasn’t until shortly afterwards, upon his return to Canada, while attending his first Hot Yoga class that Danny experienced a truly cathartic revelation. From the outset, it was clearly evident that the awareness and inter-connectivity that yoga cultivates was an ideal complement to the rigors of conventional fitness. In the summer of 2004, Danny registered and subsequently graduated from the inaugural Moksha Teacher Training certification program consisting of over 800 hours of study. Danny has since studied with many highly accredited teachers including David Life, Paul Grilley, Judith Lasater, Baron Baptiste and John Friend. Danny’s love and passion for yoga grows with every passing day. Danny credits his teachers, students and family for helping him to attain a greater understanding and appreciation of connection, compassion and awareness.
back to top
Barbara attended her first yoga class at the age of 3; she’s been hooked ever since. Taking her first hot yoga class in 2003, she found herself simultaneously
challenged and comforted by the heat, the environmental awareness, and the knowledge and expertise of the teachers that infuses the Moksha Community. This led her to take the teacher training in the summer of 2006.
Extremely grateful to join the Moksha community, she is continually amazed at the power of yoga to transform people's lives. Barbara is also a professional dance artist and has studied alternative dance techniques including Skinner Releasing and Authentic Movement.
back to top
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.” ~Buddha
Kosu has been teaching Moksha Yoga since 2003, and Yin Yoga since 2005. The recipient of the “Quiet Buddha” award from her Moksha training, Kosu integrates the practices of mindfulness and loving kindness into all aspects of her yoga practice. During the week, Kosu also works as a chaplain at a chronic care hospital. In her off hours, she watches documentaries and plays cribbage with her partner, Mel, and daughter, Cleo. She is a breast cancer survivor.
Teaching mentors include: Ted Grand, Jessica Robertson, Erich Shiffman, Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers and Michael Stone.
back to top
Aura was first introduced to Ashtanga yoga in 1996. It was part of her movement class in the theatre and dance program where she received her Bachelor in Fine Arts. Her love for hot yoga started with Bikram, introduced to her in 2002, which then led her to Moksha and she’s been hooked ever since. Aura carries lightheartedness in her teachings but at the same time challenges each individual to go to their edge. Her training in dance and physical theatre supports her teachings by honing in to proper alignment and use of breath. She has an eye and the touch to support a posture whether it’s for an advance student or your very first class!
back to top
Laughing loud, living large, Aaron is an old soul with a big heart. Always ready for a challenge, and loving to discover new things.
Having spent his undergraduate degree studying consumer culture, Aaron really values Moksha's commitment to making responsible environmental choices. In a world so wrapped up with consumption, communities like Moksha provide environments where progressive thinking can flourish. A strong advocate for healthy living and continued education, he believes in asking questions and looking beyond the surface.
Committed to his partner, Aaron also loves to cook, bake, and play scrabble. His other hobbies include being a computer nerd, a science fiction geek, and doing arm balances, headstands, and any other cool move he's attempting to master in the moment. His classes reflect his contagious excitement about sweaty yoga!
back to top
A lifelong athlete, Diane was brought to her first hot 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 certified personal trainer, 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’ and helping her to find her place in this world, helping others to realize their health and wellness potential. Moksha yoga gave Diane the insight and inspiration necessary to leave the corporate world behind, where she worked as a marketing manager in the promotional industry and pursue work that she truly loves, as a personal trainer and yoga instructor.
Diane travelled to Hawaii, where she completed the five week intensive portion of Moksha’s 500 hour teacher certification program. Diane has since continued her exploration with the study of Anusara yoga, under Naime Jezzeny, Sue Elkind and John Friend himself, in Miami Florida. Diane is also certified to teach Restorative Yoga, under the teachings of Judith Lasater in California, and has been continuing her studies of Yoga philosophy under Michael Stone. Diane is an ambassador for Lululemon, as they both recognize and appreciate her heart-centered and joyful teaching style. Diane has a passion for community service and regularly volunteers her time at local soup kitchens and retirement homes. Her passion found affinity with Moksha Yoga, who shares Diane’s commitment to community involvement and environmental integrity. 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 the 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
back to top
Bob took his first yoga class on a bet in 2002 and has never looked back. Five years later, in July 2007, Bob took the Moksha Yoga Teacher Training to help move his practice to a new level. Michael Stone, a teacher at the training, made a comment that stuck "Remember you are always first and foremost a student just at a different level along this yoga path".
Bob loves the north and water and spends much of his time in the woods in and around Bancroft where he has a cabin at the waters edge. He is an artist and loves poetry and music and feels that all of these experiences are an extension of his Yoga Practice.
When I am present I do my best writing my best painting, my best yoga.
And so begins a new phase of the journey!!!!
back to top
Rhyll knows first-hand the transformative effects of following a yogic path… the stamina, focus and positive outlook required to be a professional musician for over thirty years is due entirely to sustenance within the yoga community. She moved to Toronto at 17 to pursue artistic studies at the University of Toronto, continued at The Juilliard School in New York, and has played viola primarily with the Canadian Opera Company since 1977. Her not-so-secret passion during this whole time was alternative medicine for optimal health and healing. A certified reflexologist, and avid student of nutrition, meditation, psychotherapy, Ayurveda, anatomy and Buddhism, she has to admit that her greatest teachers have been her two children, Stefan and Celine. The Chanticleer Pear tree she planted as a twig when they were little, in the middle of her much-loved organic garden, and which is now a stunning landmark on the block, is an apt reflection of her personal growth.
Rhyll has studied yoga with the co-directors of Moksha Yoga, Ted Grand and Jessica Robertson, as well as Michael Stone and Judith Lasater. She wants to share the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual rejuvenation and quest she now enjoys within the amazing Moksha circle, with much gratitude.
back to top
I have always been a Seeker at Heart. I became a "born again" at the age of 12. I saw people "speak in the tongues". It was the feeling I got that attracted me...
I went off to University and did a BA in Recreation & Phys Ed. Then unto Graduate School taking Sports Admin. Fascinated by the Human Body, I worked in Health Clubs. I took up running over 30 years ago and have done a bunch of marathons including Boston. It was the feeling that I got that attracted me...
I studied Reflexology, Shiatsu, Thai Massage and Hands on Healing. However, it wasn't until I started practicing yoga that I made the mind / body connection. It felt like my spine got plugged into my brain. It was the feeling that I got that attracted me... Eureka. "Born Again". I went off to Bikram Yoga College in 2000 and transitioned into Moksha in 2003.
My teaching mentors include Bikram, John Friend (Anusara), Jeannine Woodall (Jivamukti), Hali Schwartz (Hatha & Ashtanga), Frank Boccia, Kam Thye Chow (Thai Massage), Nicole McNamara (Moksha- Thanks for all the New Material!), Jerome (The Love of my Life & Dr. Science) and Winston (My Dad) who says "The Bridge to PEI was not Built in a Day" and Jo (My Mom) The Inventor of Reduce, Reuse & Recycle.
One of my favorite sayings: "They could tell you to go Hell and you'd be looking forward to the Journey".
I feel very grateful to be part of the Moksha Yoga Bloor West Community.
back to top
Emma started practicing yoga a decade ago in Toronto to compliment her fitness regime (she was a personal trainer). She was soon hooked to the strong sense of calm that yoga brought to her hectic lifestyle. It helped her take a step back from it all to see life in a new and positive light.
In 2000, Emma moved to Dublin, Ireland where she continued to explore this new lifestyle. After 3 years of solid practice and study she began a 2 year (6 day a week) teacher training which gave her a strong foundation from which to build. From that foundation, Emma has been able to establish her reputation as being a caring, compassionate, yet demanding teacher who asks her students to dig deep into themselves to discover their hidden strengths. That said, Emma's approach is light and fun, enabling students to “let go” of their fears and inhibitions and thus allowing themselves to begin on their yogic path.
For the last 8 years, Emma has travelled all over the world teaching and training, including 3 lengthy stays in Mysore, India to study with her principle teacher, the Director of the KPJAYI, Sharath Rangaswamy.
Emma returns to Toronto after spending 3 years running successful Mysore programs, initially for Space Yoga and then Pure Yoga in Taipei, Taiwan. She was also a pioneer for yoga in Asia, creating and developing teacher practices, workshops, and trainings. Emma practices and teaches the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa system. She also has a passion for yoga therapy and healing.
back to top
Michelle Doyle is an entrepreneur, athlete, world traveller, writer and soul searcher. She uses her experience, both on and off the yoga mat, as a base to teach and guide others on their own yogic journeys.
After travelling to over 20 countries, Michelle completed her education in International Business and Marketing in Budapest, Hungary. A few years later she was the National Manager of Marketing and Branding for a multi-million dollar corporation. Michelle has a solid understanding of the intense pressure that comes with high-level positions and the repercussions that manifest in the body as a result of it. Yoga completely transformed her life physically and professionally and with her firm understanding of the executive lifestyle, she can address the students' needs on their level and on their terms. |
 |
Her transition to becoming a yoga teacher started the day she randomly decided to fulfill a decade long dream of visiting India. With nothing more than a backpack with some bare essentials, 3 blank journals, a few pens and a copy of Lonely Planet's Guide to India, she boarded a plane for New Delhi and thus began the most life-changing month of her life. She studied, practiced and experienced life moment by moment. She learned more in one month than she ever thought possible and there was no way life could ever be the same again. Upon her return to Canada, she made the decision to follow her heart and started on the path to becoming a yoga instructor. |
Michelle takes an enthusiastic, motivational approach to teaching and believes that there's no limit to what you can learn through your yoga practice. She has had the honour of learning from some amazing teachers in India, as well as here in Canada: Amma, Ted Grand, Jessica Robertson, Wade Imre Morissette, Francesco Jaya, Frank Jude Boccio, Michael Stone, Jeanine Woodall and Jennifer Taillefer just to name a few and the list is continuously growing!
"As a teacher, the words of a wise yogi I met in India (who had been teaching for over 50 years) constantly replay in my mind. He said that the minute he stopped being a student, he was no longer qualified to teach. Thus, I am on a continuous journey to learn and experience as much as I can. The more I learn, the more I can share with my students." |
|
Daniel tried his first hot yoga class in 2004 and could not believe how great he felt. Daniel began pushing himself to see how far he could go and learned as much as he could about yoga and most importantly, himself. Becoming a Moksha Yoga Teacher was a natural extension of this process for him.
Daniel teaches as he lives: openly, honestly and willing to change and grow into something more. He takes that same perseverance and enthusiasm into the practice room. He encourages his students to challenge themselves and their perceptions of where they are and where they can be.
'With God’s help today, I do not require the attention and approval of others, in order to be at peace with myself.”
|
|
| Karina discovered yoga at the age of 16, when a physiotherapist suggested the practice to help mend a hamstring injury. While she started yoga to promote physical healing, she soon discovered that yoga also provided intense body/breath awareness and a newfound sense of spirituality. Karina came to Moksha Yoga in the fall of 2004, after a friend recommended she try a new type of hot yoga at a studio near her apartment in Toronto. Even though she ran out of her first class crying, there was something about the sweat and the heat that drew her back for more! Karina received her certification in Hawaii in April 2007 and has since been teaching everything from large classes to small groups to private, one on one sessions. Since her original certification in Moksha Yoga, Karina has gone on to receive certifications in Mindfulness Yoga and Yin Yoga. |
 |
As a classically trained opera singer and multi-instrumentalist, Karina likes to emphasize breath control and movement throughout the postures, providing stability for the physical body, voice, and emotions.
Karina has a bachelor's degree in social work, which taught her the meaning of being a true bhakti karma yogini - being completely devoted to the service of others. Karina's biggest passions are yoga, music, and helping others, and feels very blessed that she can combine all three in her daily life. She is grateful to her teachers: Jess for teaching her how to sing from her heart, Ted for helping her find her fullest expression, and Frank teaching her how to breathe. In her free time, Karina likes to sing, play piano and French horn, cook, and cheer on the Chicago Cubs to a World Series win... sometime over the span of her life |
back to top
After attending her first hot yoga class in 2003, Gabriela immediately fell in love! An avid fitness buff, she was initially attracted to the practice for the intense workout, but quickly came to realize that it was the mental release that kept her coming back. Gabriela credits Moksha yoga to helping her win the battle against an eating disorder and forever changing her life. Over the years, yoga has and continues to have a profound effect on every aspect of Gabriela’s life that she decided to take the plunge and become a certified Moksha instructor. Having completed her teacher training in India, March 2009, Gabriela feels honoured to be able to share yoga with others and positively affect change in their lives. |
 |
back to top
After 10 years in the private and public sectors working in Human Resources/Labour Relations, the 24-7 mentality was not making sense to me anymore. I wanted more from life than going to work for 10 hours/day and then coming home and feeling too tired to participate in anything meaningful. I decided to leave my job to pursue my jazz studies, but also in part to get a grip on what my life was about.
During this time of self-exploration, Moksha Yoga Bloor West opened up in my neighbourhood and a friend suggested I try it. I had been studying Tai Chi for several years and I believed yoga shared many similarities. On January 12, 2008, I took my first Moksha class.
That first class was so hard. I had never experienced such a full body "assault". I was so tired when it was over. When I walked outside into the January cold, I got a splitting headache because I still suffered from a repetitive strain injury developed at my 24-7 job. Despite the headache, I felt fantastic! I felt so much peace and relaxation. I felt happy. |
 |
I came back two more times that first week and by the third class my headaches had already lessened in severity. I started coming four times/ week. Each day I was continually struck by how much peace I felt at the end of a sweaty session.
After my first 30-day challenge that Spring, I won a six-month unlimited pass; in my view, a nod from the universe that I should continue along my yogic path. I was accepted into The Energy Exchange Program in early 2009 and was encouraged to consider the Moksha Yoga Teacher Training. I completed my teacher training in July 2009 and I am so grateful to be a part of the Moksha Yoga Community. I am so thrilled to continue my exploration and sharing of yoga! |
back to top
Peter was first motivated to come to yoga by spandex and lycra. As his practice developed, he realized that while spandex and lycra are great gifts, there was more life changing potential that he could find in yoga.
Peter completed the Moksha Teacher Training in Toronto. As a long time Toronto resident, he is overjoyed to be sharing this hot practice almost everyday in the role of instructor.
His classes are void of pomp and inaccessibility. Peter lives and teaches close to the earth, welcoming every student in with accepting arms. His open heart and lack of judgment are expressed through every class he instructs.
Peter credits his consistent yoga practice with saving his life and is deeply grateful to all his teachers and the Moksha community for their encouragement and support. It is with the most enthusiasm that he shares the transformational power of yoga.
For me Yoga is about deepening our capacity to Love. On the mat we meet ourselves more and more honestly and in that authenticity we build connection and community. I aspire to offer classes that are safe, challenging and fun, in which we are more free, to be our fullest selves and laugh or cry and touch JOY, touch the truest part of ourselves. I completed my Moksha training in 2006. I continue to study delving into Anusara Yoga, Kids Yoga and Pre and Postnatal Yoga. I offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all my teachers; especially Behnje Masson, Michael Siddall, John Friend and each of my students who give me gifts of insight and humor every day! Off the mat days are full of playing opportunity: music, dancing, reading and enjoying
life's yumminess--including hubby Aaron Slade.
|
 |
back to top |
|
 |
