Teachers

Anne Churchill

I was drawn to Yoga in my 20s and it has been a lifelong journey. I came to Swami Radha’s teachings at a time when I was at a crossroads in my life, and looking for direction. I found direction, as I opened to my own inner wisdom, and I found a supportive community of women and men, who continue to inspire me. I have been a teacher for 15 years, and completed the 3-month Yoga Development Course twice. My commitment to this path is what gives my life meaning and joy.

Marcia Mulholland

I went to my first hatha yoga class at age 12 and it has been a passion of mine for most of my life.  I have wanted to become a teacher for years, but the right opportunity did not present itself until I connected with Yasodhara Ottawa and then went to the ashram.  The practices are so respectful of the body, mind and spirit and gently invite me to explore my inner world in a way that has led me to a deep inner peace.  I made the commitment and did the 3 month Yoga Development course in 2015 and the hatha yoga teacher training.  I have found the learning is very practical and am applying it to my work as a physiotherapist.  I continue to learn and find inspiration from the classes offered here in Ottawa, from reading Swami Radha’s books and from my home practice.   It is a privilege to share what I have learned with others.

Erna Herwig

I took my first yoga classes at the Ottawa Radha Yoga (now Yasodhara Yoga Ottawa) in 1989 – first taking classes and then gradually becoming more involved in helping to take care of the centre as well. I completed the Yoga Development course at the Yasodhara Ashram in 2007, Hidden Language certification in 2010 and now I teach Hatha Yoga, Hidden Language Hatha Yoga, Dream Yoga and Kundalini Yoga.

Joan Gamble

I started doing Yoga when I was in my 20s but things got serious when I was introduced to Swami Radha’s teachings in the late 1970s. From the start her approach felt right because of its down to earth practicality and emphasis on applying insights to daily living. This work has allowed me to deepen my self-awareness, to gain insight into how to deal with issues that block my growth and to discover how to lead a more compassionate life.

Swami Radha’s writings were an inspiration in my work of training teachers at the Université de Moncton. After retiring, time opened up for me to do the Yoga Development Course in 2008. I’ve been a teacher since then, continuing my own learning and ever opening to the Light.

Robin Macdonald

I went to Yasodhara Ashram for the first time as part of the youth program. I had only ever done Hatha Yoga in a church basement before then and had no idea what I was stepping into. After three weeks, I made a commitment to return the following year for the three-month Yoga Development Course. I was inspired by the courage, honesty, wisdom and integrity I experienced in the Ashram community; all qualities I wanted to bring forward in myself. I continue to be inspired by the people I witness growing at the Ashram. It’s the most vibrant community I know. I’ve been a Yasodhara Yoga teacher for 13 years and the teachings continue to open.

Marilyn Allpress

I took my first hatha yoga class in 1978 after the birth of my son. I looked to yoga to mend my back. It did that and much more. I received my Yoga Teachers’ Certification in 2000. This was primarily Kripalu yoga. I have taught prenatal, yin, meridian, yoga nidra and many other types of yoga as well as meditation. I discovered Yasodhara through Ascent Magazine and made my first trip to the ashram in 2013. I followed that by taking the Yoga Development Course in 2015 and completed my teacher certifications in 2016. The level and depth of what is offered through the ashram and the Yasodhara teachings is inestimable and certainly life-altering. I consider this a gift in my life and feel honoured and privileged to be able to teach in this tradition.