About Melissa

My Story (continued)

I began to practice daily, exposing myself to a variety of approaches, and becoming familiar with the forms of Iyengar, Kundalini, Power and Ashtanga yoga. I jumped at the opportunity to deepen my practice and become a certified teacher in an intensive one-month retreat with the amazing Shakti Mhi. My emergence from this period of concentrated yoga, meditation, anatomy, theory and teaching coincided with the explosion of yoga studios in Vancouver. Although the practice had not yet become mainstream, more and more people were realizing its profound benefits.

I feel fortunate to have begun teaching at that time. When I started taking classes myself, the only options were pre-registered courses in small, modest studios, sometimes cancelled due to lack of attendance. As my own teaching opportunities encompassed bustling gyms, noisy offices, people's living rooms and huge, spotless studios, I was humbled by the magnitude of what I saw unfolding.

A decade later, my students are as diverse as their reasons for embracing yoga, and sharing the practice with them has become my consuming passion. To spread the teachings of yoga is truly a gift.

Namaste!