Instructors
Barrie Risman
Guest Instructor
Barrie Risman is a certified Anusara Yoga teacher celebrating over 16 years of practice. She has worked extensively with John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga since 2001, studying under his guidance and assisting him in workshops and trainings. In 1997, Barrie’s dedication to her own spiritual journey brought her to India, where she completed 4 years of intensive study and practice, immersed in all the traditional aspects of yoga. She also has 6 years of study in the Iyengar method, including studying with the Iyengar family. She received her Anusara Yoga certification in 2003. She currently serves on the Anusara Yoga Certification Committee and Therapeutics Panel.
Barrie is known for her approachable, energizing and uplifting presence that welcomes and challenges practitioners of all abilities and backgrounds. Her teaching celebrates the highest, most transformational aspects of yoga practice, reflecting the universal understanding that within each of us resides a core of goodness and wisdom. Based in Montreal, she offers classes, workshops and in-depth training programs nationally and internationally. For more information, visit www.barrierisman.com.
What students are saying about Barrie
“It is with deep gratitude, I thank you for the privilege of being in your remarkable yoga workshop this week end. It feels like I learnt real yoga for the first time… You’re a brilliant, beautiful teacher, and I love the depth you challenge us.”
“Each class and workshop I take with Barrie is so cherished… She is truly an alchemist of a teacher, blending clear, detailed alignment instruction with a deep, personally-lived connection to the One.”
“I can’t wait to attend your next workshop.”
Colin
Yoga Alliance Certified
Professionally an electrician Colin grew concerned by nagging injuries which jeopardized his livelihood. Exhausting many modalities of bodywork Colin could not find a fix for his sore back, knees, neck, feet ... oh the list went on. On advise from many trusted sources Colin found a beginner hatha class. What he found was something more than a way to sooth his achey body when he laid his sticky mat out.
Colin soon found a deeper connection with each breath. Like a radio tuning into a desired station Colin found he could tune into his consciousness. Space in his body translated into space in his mind. Study of various modalities of yoga such as Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Acroyoga as well as the teachings of Tollie, Patanjali, and Iyengar among many others combined with the wisdom ascertained through his own practice lead Colin to embrace life as a yogi.
"To teach yoga is to live yoga for only then does the message truly have meaning. Knowledge alone serves the mind, wisdom serves the soul for it is a companion of the truth. I choose not to follow a path but instead to make my own not blindly but with guidance and love of others who have done the same." Colin
Darren
Kshatriya Teacher Training, Yoga Alliance Certified
It's all about the "Now".
The present moment is the only moment that has ever, and will ever exist.
The past has happened, it is as it is, and cannot be changed. The future will happen, but when it comes… guess what? It will come as the "Now". Yet, for some reason, we spend about 90% of our waking day focused on the events of our past and the possible events of our future… even though the only moment we have any control over is the current one.
The "Now" is your access point to reality. It is only through the present moment, and the present moment alone, that you will ever be able to influence your reality and see the true nature of your limitless self.
I am a "Now" junkie. Whether it be riding up a wall on my skateboard, creating stillness thorough meditation, closing a business deal, or finding that balance of "effortless-effort" while engaged in asana, the only thing that concerns me anymore is allowing myself to exist in the "Now" as much as I possibly can.
Learning how to access the present moment has changed my life completely. It has allowed me to bring out my best in any situation… on cue… every time. I now see, live, and act in a world without limits.
I want to bring you into the "Now" to see what I see.
I want you to access your limitless potential.
David
Peak Pilates Instructor
I started into pilates because my body was tight inside and out, quite the mess really. Over the next year my body changed, opening muscles freeing me of long term pain. My mind cleared as my body healed. And my journey began. Achieving my Peak PIlates level one certification and now studying for my level two, my studies have just begun. I know that I will teaching the rest of my life, doing my best to pass along what I have learned.
Dawn
Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher, ERYT Certified, BA., MA.
If life is truly like "The Matrix" where the external reality is an illusion, then the illusion I have chosen is yoga. Yoga is the movie screen I express through; the venue for my play; the field where the game is.
My exprerience of yoga is as both a teacher and a business owner. As an owner I am challenged by market forces to offer quality inspiring instruction.
As a teacher, my primary goal is to draw from each student there very best effort and encourage seeing the potential, the possibility of each moment.
Be a light unto yourself.
Elissa
Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher, Yoga Works California
I was doing yoga poses even before I knew it was yoga. Sitting on the floor playing with my babies, I would stretch and pose because it felt good. Now I realize I was doing shoulder stand, plow and back bends. With a background in sports and marathon running, yoga soon became the most rewarding experience for my mind and body. It has been said that people come to yoga through the "Asanas" or physical poses. I am finding out that other amazing self-discoveries are learned through the yoga journey.
Not only do I feel physically wonderful, but I am inspired and excited by what the body is capable of. Inside, I feel calmer and more “in the moment”. Yoga has a peaceful affect on the mind as well as the body. The stillness of mind and focus on breathing really brings one into an awareness, away from the distractions of daily life. I love watching my children practice yoga; they are naturally flexible and physical movement is just play. As adults we sit in chairs all day long, rarely sitting on the floor (which opens the hips!).
Practicing Ashtanga in Mysore, India at the Shala with Sharath, Saraswati and Patabhi Jois was a humbling, awe-inspiring experience. As was my Iyengar, Ashtanga and Vinisara teacher training certification “boot camp” in California. Exploring new methodologies and modalities opened my mind and my repertoire for sharing the yoga gift with others.
I call myself an “aesthetic-to-ascetic”, as my career path has been interior design. Yet I have always been more interested in guiding people in cultivating their own “interior design”, through yoga; from the inside, and out.
“Be the beauty that you love” ~Rumi
Elizabeth
Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher
My journey into the world of yoga started as a spiritual journey. After training for many years as a martial artist. I began to receive spiritual messages about the benefits of yoga. “Practice Yoga” became a loud voice in my head. I finally agreed that I would attend yoga classes as soon as I achieved my black belt in Taekwondo. One week after receiving my Black belt, I received a notice in my mail-box about a new centre opening up. I knew this was my sign. I went to the new studio Lion’s Breath, and immediately signed up for a three-month pass without even taking one class first. I loved it from the first class. I became hooked on yoga. Yoga brought me peace of mind and a fresh perspective on my life.
The practice of yoga complements my entire life. As a spiritual teacher, I found that yoga enhanced all my other workshops and worked well with my Chakra Clearing CD giving me additional energy and vibrant health. I decided to pursue my learning to become a certified teacher and pass on the benefits to as many people as possible. The practice of yoga has brought me great peace and radiant health. I know it will enhance your life too!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Heather
Kshatriya Teacher Certified
Once a dedicated hard core runner, I walked into Lion’s Breath looking for relief from a sprained ankle and instantly fell in love with the power, beauty and FUN of yoga. Three years later, I am a dedicated yoga practitioner and certified yoga teacher. I’ve never felt stronger or more grounded, but that’s not the only benefit. I feel the passion, energy and joy that come from doing something you truly love. Come and experience the joy of yoga!
Jana
Yoga Alliance Certified
I feel like I started teaching yoga life times ago. Nothing in my life has flowed so smoothly, like I've simply remembered my passion. I am a soul who is playful, honest and real. I truly want to help the world be happy. I believe people are designed to love, smile and move. The Sanskrit word "Shri" means beauty. I hope to inspire others to 'See the Shri' in everything!
Feb 2008, I broke my back in a snowboarding accident. Life came to a screeching halt. I instantly embraced my new reality. My community quickly came together with full support. The injury created space to reflect on my life's path and really think about where I'm going. To be honest, it was a really cool experience. The past two years have been a huge period of growth and transition for my spirit. I turned to what I know to heal body, mind and soul: Yoga. The first month home, yoga asana didn't look like what I was used to doing, but I knew I needed to move. Two and half months later, I was back in a studio.
I had been practicing yoga for years, but with all this, I had an insatiable hunger to understand how it all works at a deeper level. I took Gaiatri's Yoga Immersion and Teacher Training where I had my first glimpse of Anusara's Universal Principles of Alignment (UPA's) at a deeper level. Through steady, mindful practice applying the UPA's - my back is better than ever! My long time teachers - Ally Bogard and Trevor Yelich, teach from their hearts with full joy and passion. In turn they have helped me brush the dust of my heart and rediscover my passion. I have been studying Anusara Yoga and am working to become an "Anusara Inspired" teacher. With over 250 Anusara training hours, 120+ of those hours are with the founder himself, John Friend. Over my studentship I have practiced Hatha, Ashtanga, Anusara, Vipassana Meditation and whatever style of yoga different teachers have presented to me from their hearts. I hope I can share my heart with you through this beautifully diverse practice of yoga.
If you're interested in reading more check out www.janasyogaspot.blogspot.com.
Janine
Kshatriya Teacher Certified
I had a hard time finding a balance between my inner self and external world until I foundYoga. As a little overweight young girl, I had tried many other exercises paining to keep fit. But the harder I tried, the worse I felt. Yoga surprised me with the peace and satisfaction I felt after my first class. Itwas not only because it burned calories but also I felt released from worrying about my physical imperfections by focusing on the mental practise of each pose. Since then, instead of complaining about my overweight body, I learned to feel my body, to appreciate my body. Day after day of practice, I experienced change in my thinking and it gave me a better life. Keeping fit became a side benefit of yoga my practice. My hope is to help people find that balance.
Jen
Kshatriya Certified Yoga Teacher
I discovered yoga in 2004 and my life has changed in many positive ways since. I believe that yoga is a gift and I am humbled at the opportunity to continue learning, changing and growing both on and off the mat. I believe we are all students and we are all teachers. I also believe that the more we practice, the easier it becomes to live peacefully and gracefully on this earth and to see the beauty in everything. Namaste.
Jess
Certified Yoga Instructor
Kelsey
Kshatriya Teacher Trained, BCom, CSEP-CPT, AFLCA.
I started my yoga experience in University, ever since then I could not get enough yoga! I loved the way I felt after every class, so balanced, refreshed, and centered. Yoga has helped me learn to breathe and I have found that it is a great complement to my outdoor lifestyle. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I am looking forward to many new chapters to follow, both as a student and teacher.
Korrina Silo, RMT
Full Time Massage Therapist
I was first introduced to the benefits of massage when I sought relief from an injury incurred during a cycling accident. The remarkable effectiveness of this therapy on both my body and mind, not only sold me on the benefits of massage, but was also the spark that ignited my desire to become a massage therapist.
Since completing the 2-year program at the Vicars School of Massage Therapy, I have taken further training in myofascial release, sports massage, and active/passive release movements. Having recently moved to Edmonton, I was seeking a place to practice where I could continue to treat those desiring a balanced and healthy lifestyle. I find the yogic philosophy perfectly complementary to that of massage therapy, and am very pleased to have found a place at Lion’s Breath.
I truly believe in the powerful healing capabilities of massage, and that the benefits go beyond the superficial, and are both physical and emotional. I feel that the physical and emotional are inextricably linked, and that the positive impacts of massage therapy extend into other facets of a person’s life. My main goal with each treatment is to provide specific care tailored to the needs of each individual. I feel it is very important to understand and address areas of chronic tension in the body in order to facilitate the healing process. My massage space is one of trust and openness and I encourage communication to ensure people get exactly what they need and want out of each massage experience.
Laara
Certified Kundalini Instructor
I have been teaching Kundalin Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness for the past 13 years to a myriad of students from absolute beginners to well-seasoned yogis. Kundalini Yoga consists of simple yogic techniques that include breath (pranayam), yoga postures (asanas), sound/chanting (mantra) and meditation. All combined this yoga provides you with an experience of your highest consciousness through raising your Kundalini, your energy of consciousness.
My passion for women’s health and well-being has led me to also teaching Healthy Breast Yoga for breast cancer recovery and prevention. This natural holistic approach to wellness has been very rewarding as it combines information on diet, detox, environmental awareness, the spiritual connection and more.
“You have the right to be Healthy, Happy and Holy. It is your birthright. ” — Yogi Bhajan
Lance
Certified Yoga Instructor, Massage, Kettlebell
Lance has been involved in the field of body work for over sixteen years. He holds a combined physiotherapy and kinesiology degree with additional certification as a massage therapist. He is a uniquely accomplished and cross-trained athlete, martial artist, coach, and yoga enthusiast/instructor.
He has intensely studied yoga from many sources over the past four years, but intuitively feels he has been engaging his practice for a lifetime. Lance avoids the "Classical-Mess" of sectarian ideology, and incorporates ancient wisdom with modern athletic training science. Fusing together his varied backgrounds and penchant for practicality, Lance has fostered an intuitive approach to yoga appropriate for all levels of skill and athletic ability. There are no distinctions between beginner and advanced in his classes: the essence of flow has no barriers or grades in the perfect present moment.
Students are encouraged to intuitively explore each movement, position, transition and breath unencumbered by ego attachment to ability. Ultimately we are all beginners in the vastness of the yogic ocean. Perpetual refinement and ongoing learning coupled with a deep respect for the history, essence and spirit of all yogic interpretations remain the cornerstone of his approach.
Lucille
Kshatriya Teacher Training, Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher
I started practising yoga on recommendation of my chiropractor in 2002 because of a persistent hip and back injury caused by running, a uneven pelvis and having 3 kids.
I was aware of the benefits of yoga long before I actually stepped into a studio. I was worried that since I could not touch my toes or do a back bend, I would not be able to participate. But slow and steady and progress was made. Since then I have developed a passion for the practise. I love the feeling of freedom when my hips release and the tension leaves my lower back. The practise of deep breathing has helped parent 3 kids as well!
I am a graduate of the Kshatriya Teacher training program and Yoga alliance certified.
Marcus
Sound Practitioner
Marti
Cerified Physical Fitness Specialist, Peak Pilates, Boulder Colorado
Marti discovered the Pilates Method of Movement after years of exercising in the fields of dance, gymnastics, running, and weightlifting. "My body was so tight, that I couldn't move properly." She fell in love with the movements and began her certification process after 2 years of practicing. "My body opened up and the healing process began for me. I was able to move more efficiently and gracefully through space." Her passion has led her into 2 full certifications, as well as into the role of leading a clinical based program for pain management with physicians, and as the Clinical Director of Pilates in a physiotherapy clinic in Victoria, Texas. "I love the fact that this method is suitable and can be modified for anyone with an injury. It can be beneficial for all ability levels." After teaching for twelve years, Marti has been selected to become an international Teacher Trainer for Peak Pilates of Boulder, Colorado. "Pilates keeps me in the moment, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with this new community."
Nand
Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher
The path of Yoga is a wonderful journey into the potential of a human being. I have maintained a keen interest in Yoga throughout my years as a Professional Manager and University Teacher in Alberta and the Caribbean. A personal practice is quite effective in stress management.
Coming from an Eastern philosophical background, I grew up with the Yoga Sutras, Indian music and classical yoga postures.To a large extent, it was an on and off relationship during university work and graduate school, but the seeds were germinating. My western training in Yoga offered a refreshing and dynamic approach to the yogic lifestyle. This has created a wonderful perspective of East and West traditions which I offer to students in each class.
In a fast and competitive world, Yoga gives us a vehicle to travel within and cultivate a peaceful, healthy and balanced perspective of Life. It is the best gift that you can give to yourself.
Shanti Om
Nand
Sandy B
Kshatriya Certified Yoga Teacher, Prenatal Certified
I love Yoga... I love doing Yoga... I love living Yoga... and gosh darn it I love sharing Yoga! The moment my feet hit the mat, I am a student and yoga is whatever I decide it is going to be. Whether challenging or restful, it flows creatively from my heart. And even when I leave my mat, I always decide to take yoga with me. As an instructor, I hope to inspire imagination and creativity in the practice of others through music, movement and hopefully a little (or a lot) of laughter. :)
Life is short... Do Yoga!
Sherie
Kshatriya Certified Yoga Teacher
Sherie began practicing yoga here at Lion's Breath in 2005, and has continued a dedicated study and practice ever since. She completely fell in love with the way her body was responding to the practice, and in 2007 she dove in and received her 200-hour certification through the Kshatriya Teacher Training Program with the intention to deepen her practice. As it turns out, she was a pretty fantastic teacher! Sherie now teaches yoga full-time and dedicates her days and vacations to learning and deepening more into the full-bodied realm of yoga.
She is currently studying Anusara Yoga and has studied over 40 hours with Anusara founder John Friend, and is currently on the path of becoming an Anusara Inspired teacher. She has traveled North America continuously to learn from the best of the best, from Toronto, to Vancouver, to Ohio, to San Francisco and back. In 2009 Sherie traveled to Rishikesh, India to complete her 500-hour advanced teacher training under the guidance and love of her teacher Yogi Vishvketu (Vishva), where she learned Classical Kundalini, Akanada, Hatha-Raja, Prenatal and advanced Pranayama, cleansing and meditation techniques. She then stayed for an additional 5 weeks to absorb the teachings and live as an ashramite, reading and meditating the days away. She feels blessed to have been given the name 'Amrita' from Vishva, which literally means 'nectar of sweetness' and as a name is given to 'one with an open heart, who is able to inspire the same out of others'.
Sherie teaches from her heart, and her classes are greatly influenced by her extensive training in Anusara Yoga as well as her love and passion for Ashtanga Yoga. Her classes are a reflection of the experiments she conducts on her mat as she is constantly exploring and innovating her personal practice. Her classes are light-hearted, heart-centered and have an emphasis on FUN, movement, breath, and meditation.
Twyla
R.Ac. TCM and Dance Facilitator
Twyla is passion and love embodied. Deeply connected with Nature, Twyla understands the natural world is energy based. Her gifts are in exploring ways in how to influence energy — the gross physical to the more subtle — in experiencing an inspired, vital and loving life. Thirteen years of ongoing practice and study, through principles of Taoist, Chinese and Ayurveda medicines and spiritual traditions, through dance and as a mother, Twyla can assist you in finding the root of disharmony you experience to uncover your true radiant, vibrant and vital Self! Address and unlock physical obstruction, limitation or disharmony; mind and emotional related stress or depression; as well as a deepening knowing of self and spirit.
