Teachers

…appeared through my eyes. Without my conscious awareness the quality of union embedded in the roots of yoga began to harmonize my past impressions, trauma laid grief and un-serving beliefs that had been situated under the surface. Every practice became a sanctuary in which I was offered a glimpse of new-found freedom and tools to navigate through what at times is the tumultuous waters of life. It was and is the greatest of gifts. Though, I had no intentions of teaching this practice, and instead tried to pursue other creative outlets, eventually through the grace of Yoga the subtle strands of Dharma shone more brightly and acceptance for what was meant to be grew stronger within myself… and so here I am doing my best to simply trust that which is.

I began the path of teaching in 2004 in the form of mentorship with my original teachers Deb and Lacie Cosgrove, and somehow that led me to puruse other trainings both locally and internationally in various styles and schools of thought ranging from Ashtanga to Akhanda to Kundalini. This helped me form a new perspective with which to observe, witness, see.  The foundation that was laid in that time eventually led me to sincerely study the wisdom held in Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Mantra, Meditation and the traditional philosophies that form the umbrella of Yoga while under the guidance of my dear teacher, Yogi Baba Prem and the lineage of Mahavatar Baba-ji. In 2016 I was more than humbled to receive the traditional title of Yogakovid.

I approach my practice and teaching with an innate intention to support the elevation of consciousness. With every practice emphasizing a balance of effort and ease, the embrace of self and collective compassion, and the importance of the foundational breath. The breath as a catalyst for inner union, of body and mind and a gateway leading us towards the depth of Self and the understanding that we are all enough and we are all one.

I appreciate and always bow in gratitude to the facets of studentship that so many of us share together. The light in me honours the light in you.

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

…the mind, and spirit. Deepening my understanding of the physical body I completed a massage therapy diploma in 2011. My passion for anatomy and functional movement began here. During the remedial exercise component of the program I was introduced to Akhanda yoga. Akhanda yoga opened up the world of pranayama, meditation, and mantra, along side the physical aspect of yoga.

This was the bridge between the physical body and the spirit that I was looking for.

I continued to deepen my practice and completed my 200hr yoga teacher training at Prana in 2017.

Always curious and wanting to dive in deeper, I’m currently working to complete my 300 hr teacher teacher training.

I look forward to sharing and continuing the journey to wholeness with you.

…Amanda’s life both on and off the mat.

Amanda has come to realize that the asana (postures) of the practice only skim the surface of what is available to be learned. Forever a student, Amanda has a thirst to continue learning and is on a lifelong learning journey that encompasses body, mind and soul. Her passions include mindfulness, loving kindness meditations, yin yoga and healing the physical body.

Amanda is an ERYT-500 hour teacher, as well as a RPYT (Prenatal), and YACEP (Continuing Education) and TCTSY-F (Facilitator of Trauma Centre’s Trauma Sensitive Yoga). She teaches a variety of classes and trainings at Prana Yoga Studio. Teaching yoga has inspired her to live a life more full of compassion and love.

Finding the Akhanda experience at Prana opened a whole new world for me. I soon fell in love with how integrational -holistic- the classes are, as well as the sense of care and attention that each teacher has to offer. I’ve found so much inspiration here.

Completing my 200 hrs YTT in 2017 is one of my proudest and most fulfilling life events, and I can only continue to learn, share and deepen my knowledge.

*SKY ABOVE, EARTH BELOW, PEACE WITHIN*

…keeping the physical body in shape. Over the years, Jeanette’s yoga journey has shifted to one of deep inner healing. Her mat has been, and continues to be a safe haven for tapping into suppressed emotion. Insights, healing, and a profound inner peace have surfaced through her explorations on the mat.
During an extended yoga teacher training in India (2009), Jeanette’s knowledge and understanding of yoga was deepened and enriched by her teacher, Yogi Vishvketu. She considers it one of the most transformational experiences of her life, and is deeply grateful for the profound healing received.
The Sanskrit word for contentment is ‘Santosha.’ Given this name by Yogi Vishvketu, through the practice of yoga, Jeanette continues to search, and at times, find contentment in her own life. It is an ongoing journey.

Always a student herself, other teachers Jeanette has studied with are: Donna Farhi, TKV Desikachar, Mark Whitwell, Rodney Yee, Shiva Rea, Rameen Peyrow, and David McAmmond.

Jeanette’s awareness of the energetic aspect of the human body has been enhanced through the practice of yoga. She has taken numerous courses in energetic anatomy, is a Reiki Practitioner and has experienced first hand, the power of hands on healing.
In 2014, Jeanette discovered Rosen Method Bodywork. She had been looking for something to offer in conjunction with teaching yoga. After several months of receiving her own personal sessions, she decided to become a practitioner. She is currently working through her internship (yes, clients are needed to work on). Jeanette continues to shift, transform and grow through her yoga practice and Rosen Method Bodywork.

Jeanette is certified through the Yoga Association of Alberta (YAA) and Yoga Alliance, 500HR.

Jeanette is a student with the Rosen Method Institute of Canada.

… their true nature, which is fearless, expansive, joyful, and playful. A yogi at heart, he has studied and practiced Yoga for over 40 years and holds a Ph.D. in Yoga Philosophy. For the last 25 years, he has been sharing this unique blend of practical experience and knowledge of wisdom texts at workshops and conferences internationally. Yogrishi has trained thousands of teachers through his 100-, 200- and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training programs at Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh, India, where he lives half of the year. You may also join him at Akhanda Yoga Online for a full range of classes and wisdom talks you can access anytime, anywhere! Vishva-ji is the author of Yogasana: The Encyclopedia of Yoga Poses and collaborated on The Business Casual Yogi.

Living in community on Maui and traveling, she taught whoever wanted to learn, including the Secoya indigenous people in the Amazon tributaries of Ecuador. During this time, Leala began practicing Vipassana meditation, attending numerous 10 day silent retreats. In 2000, Leala attended an Ashtanga Yoga teachers training course with renowned instructor David Swenson and in 2003 completed her 200 hour training through Trinity Yoga.

After moving to Alberta’s dry climate, intensive physical yoga practices began leaving her deeply fatigued. Leala began seeking a more holistic approach to yoga, one that would synergize her love of meditation, mindfulness, breath and embodied movement. She had a dream where she met and merged with an Indian sage who fused yoga and meditation into heart centered awakening. A few weeks later she met Yogi Vishvketu and began her journey into Akhanda® Yoga.

In 2006 Leala founded Prana Yoga Studio in Edmonton. Along with owning a busy urban yoga studio, Leala has raised a family, guided international yoga retreats, and taught numerous YTT programs in both Canada and India. Leala’s passions include practicing yoga outdoors, hiking, swimming and quality time with her family.

The benefits of yoga are precious and far-reaching. The invitation is to be profoundly open inside while holding vibrant presence for boundriless, limitless growth and evolution.

At age 40 I completed the 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training at Prana Yoga Studio. That month of intense sadhana catapulted me into total yet gentle change on all levels. I watched, from the sidelines, as my body, diet, lifestyle, priorities and relationships shifted. I completed my 500 hr YTT in the fall of 2011 in Rishikesh, India, with Yogi Vishvketu and the World Conscious Yoga Family. I am so grateful for Vishvaji’s example – his humor, softness and integrity. In my practice and in my classes I love to explore variety, spontaneity, rhythm, challenge, grounding, and flow, with a strong emphasis on prana (subtle energy) – spreading it through the body equally, creating a dynamic equilibrium. It’s this beautiful, living equilibrium and the privilege of sharing it with others that keeps me returning to the mat.

and my mother lead a 200 hour yoga teacher training. This experience inspired my own dive into a 200 hour training, which solidified my connection to the practice and integration of yogic wisdom into daily life. My love for the umbrella of conscious movement and mindful practices that includes asana blossomed over 9 months of backpacking solo across Asia. On this journey I first began to teach yoga classes and explore complimentary practices of honing the mind, heart and body, including vipassana meditation, ecstatic dance, ceremonies, and fire spinning. Following this trip I began my psychology degree at MacEwan university which continues to expand my understanding of human consciousness and refine my love for communicating it. With the completion of my 300 hour program and regular teaching experience at Prana, I continue discovering new depths of nourishment in my own practice and in sharing yoga with others

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regular practice on the mat, I found myself emerging from a blurred dream into clarity. Not only has yoga been healing and grounding for myself it has been a great affirmation of self acceptance. My practice has supported me through years of life’s endeavours and has nourished me back to my core rooted values. I’m passionate about creating an inclusive environment for all and bringing forth mindfulness into movement. I enjoy many houses and styles of yoga so in my dynamic classes I enjoy guiding through the foundations with the invitation for further exploration. I completed my 200 hour teacher training in Akhanda Yoga at Prana Yoga Studio in 2022 along with my 50 hour Yin certification and my Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher training. I truly believe that if you embrace the possibility that we are all here to learn and to experience continuous growth, you will begin to find balance. Taking the step towards a regular practice in any form will unravel introspective skills towards yourself and gain a greater understanding of how to live a life in bliss.

in all walks of life including recovering addicts with AADAC,

professional athletes and bodybuilders, teens at risk, as well as developing an ongoing initiative with the Dystonia Foundation of Canada.

Through practice and teaching she has come to an intimate understanding of the nature of the impersonal mind and the ways in which we create suffering. Jaya is a dharma poet, graduated Holistic Health Practitioner, Reiki Master, dedicated meditator and a teacher under Yogrishi Vishvketu’s  smiling guidance. By Grace she is also the mother of four. Parenting and partnering are her fundamental practices as she follows the Bhava Marga (Path of Spontaneous Devotion) and offers strong practices to the public rooted in Ghandi’s thought “we are none liberated until we are All liberated” Om Tat Sat

She is very proud to hold the designation of a Certified YogaKids International Facilitator.

Sara’s days are primarily spend teaching yoga to children but she can still be found teaching many classes to adults. Sara brings over 10 years of teaching experience and fills her classes with knowledge, laughter and joy.

… practice of yoga both on and off the mat to students of ALL levels.

“Even after all this time The sun never says to the earth, “You owe Me.” Look what happens with A love like that, It lights the Whole World.” Rumi

… strengths and weaknesses alike. To be living within the opportunity to develop precision and discrimination as this reflection is observed is an opportunity Kevin intends to make the most of. This opportunity is one that Kevin feels all should have equal potential to put to practice, and is at the root of what drives him to share this inspiration with all who seek.

There, I completed my 200hr Akhanda yoga teacher training. It was the most rewarding experience I have ever had.I am passionate about the human body and movement, the beauty inside of each one of us and creating peace and harmony in our lives. I love that yoga is accessible to everybody, there are so many styles, class types and teachers to choose from. Yoga has been a gift that I will forever treasure and I look forward to sharing that with you.

the art of surrendering. I have since taken additional trainings in yoga therapy, yin yoga, and am in the process of completing my 500 hr YTT in Trauma Informed Yoga and Psychology.  Outside of the studio, I have an education in Psychology and Anthropology and am devoted to supporting those impacted by trauma. I am so grateful for the privilege that has allowed me to learn and to share my love of yoga, as it has constantly and loving brought me a contentment and wholeness that is second to none. In my classes I hope to cultivate a safe environment that allows all my students to flourish and find their unique love for the practice.

passionate about change. She brings this enthusiasm, along with compassion and sensitivity, to her work as a Yoga Teacher. With gentle guidance and encouragement, she leads students to a deeper understanding of themselves and their capacity for healing and change from within. She loves the inclusivity of yoga and believes that yoga is for everyone and every “body”. Colleen has a special interest in therapeutic yoga, Chair Yoga and working with people with physical and mental limitations. She also offers private sessions. She has received many gifts from her yoga teachers over the years and is humbled and honoured to share these benefits with others. Come and heal your mind and body by learning how to breathe and move with awareness.

Peace to everyone, everywhere.

Her passion is to teach Yoga and Meditation as a tool for mental, physical and spiritual health (in both children and adults). After travelling the world and getting her Bachelor of Education, Dawn met Mandy Trap in 2008, founder and creator of Lifestyle Meditation. Mandy introduced Dawn to Yoga and Meditation to help her cope with the stress of caring for a child with special needs. In 2009, after Mandy connected Dawn with Leala Enfield, Dawn began to teach at children at Prana Yoga Studio. She teaches Kids Yoga Classes, Kids Camps, ”Dance Around The World” Classes, and Meditation Classes, at Prana Yoga Studio.

Dawn is also one of the Co-Founders of The Goddess Network (a community created to Support, Nurture and Inspire women in Edmonton), along with Life Coach and Meditation Teacher Sara Hiebert. She is also a Mental Health Advocate and Public Speaker. Dawn is the wife of a local Edmonton Fire Fighter, inspiring her to empower First Responders with the gifts of Meditation and Yoga, to help them deal with stress and PTSD.

Dawn became a Certified Lifestyle Meditation Teacher and Facilitator in 2013. She also completed her 200 YTT Certification at Prana Yoga Studio in June 2015.

…  spread to her family motivating her to take additional training through “Little Wonders Yoga” Mindfulness & Movement program. A Mom of two, Samantha loves to incorporate mindfulness and good intentions in all aspects of her life. Her kids yoga classes are aimed at helping children focus on breathwork, body movement and overall awareness as tools to help cope with BIG feelings. Her classes combined also with storytelling, music and imagination allowing even the youngest of yogis to blossom & grow.

Sheila has spent the last 30 years cultivating the tools to live an authentic life. For the past 8 years Sheila was the owner of Yoga Central.  This is where she spent many days immersed in teaching and running the studio.

Recently she has discovered her potential to live more peacefully and with an open heart.  She has an understanding that we all are meant to live with this deep passion.  Her greatest joy is to share this wisdom with others.  She is not at the end of this journey but on a never ending path to unravel the miracles of life.

… of any practice or structure including the yogic traditions. We are all able to find great ease or stillness in an instant. We are able to listen to higher minds and make different choices. We able able to enjoy, nourish and love being in our bodies as we explore their limits in movement and stillness.

With a dance of meeting structured tradition and the ever unfolding unknown, my practice and classes are living. I believe we are holding many great polarities in balance and my classes reflect such expressions. Effort and Ease. Action & Stillness. Depth & Playfulness. Known & Unknown.

I began practicing Yoga in 2004 with Ashtanga Yoga. In 2012, I fell in Love with Prana Yoga Studio and began formal training there. I have studied with several other schools and traditions and am formally educated in Akhanda Yoga, Gayatri Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Katonah Yoga, Bihar Yoga and others.

In 2015, I again, unexpectedly fell in love with Yoga Nidra. I began teaching and learning as much as I could and spent hundreds of hours studying under my Teacher Tanis Fishman.

I have run several 200hr Yoga Teacher Trainings under my School Anahata Rising as well as 50hr Yoga Nidra Training which I continue to run annually.

  …residual emotional pain he was carrying. Brian completed his 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in June of 2015. He has taught yoga publicly since then – primarily with the youth he works with in schools as a Success Coach. Brian’s background in psychology has helped him utilize yogic teachings for self-regulation, self-care, and inner inquiry for himself and his students.

In June of 2022, he completed the core modules of Prana Yoga Studio’s 300 hour yoga teacher training program which deepened his love for the Sanskrit language, chanting Sanskrit mantras and refining his yogic practice. The connections made within that group is one he holds so dearly in his heart which helped him move through self-limiting beliefs and honouring his creativity.

Brian strives to hold an inclusive space for every body to practice yoga. He loves hearing about personal revelations and inspirations students experience while practicing. He has a deep respect for the “why?” that keeps students coming back to practice – as he recognizes it is highly individualized – and loves the collective sharing of energy that takes place when we gather together to practice yoga.

…and a new family to grow with. I have always loved participating and teaching power classes, but recently having dealt with a few injuries, I have found a new desire for the softer, more restorative side of yoga.

I started teaching yoga in 2012. I completed my 500-hr training 3 years later, and have done countless other trainings in a wide variety of styles and with many teachers.  Now, when I am not doing yoga I am with my family. My two young boys, Kai and Luka have quickly become my newest teachers.

… stability into my life. I changed my career, humbled myself to the practice, and along with therapy began to create a life that was more aligned with my beliefs and values.

From there my journey continued, one of the most transformative times for me came when I found out I was pregnant. Prenatal yoga carried me through the most beautiful and challenging times during my pregnancy and well into motherhood. After giving birth, I enrolled in my YTT200 hr training and continue to learn, grow, and evolve within my own practice.

I recently completed my 300hr teacher training and Prenatal/Postnatal certification. During the pandemic I started exploring Ayurveda as a practitioner (specifically with body work). I have so much gratitude in my heart for all of the teachers, peers, family, and friends who have supported this journey and I hope to share the unfolding experiences, knowledge, and truth I receive through these various sources with those seeking the benefits of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Meditation.

…a decade ago. It began as an hour every day to invite stillness to her mind & focus on fitness. As she continued deepening, the journey slowly became more than that. Her practice became her Peace. She has a naturally busy mind and this time on her mat allowed for a drawing inwards that fully enveloped her.In 2017, looking for a fresh start, she decided to take off to the Jungles of Costa Rica to complete her 200 hour YTT in an intensive immersion. This opened her up in ways she did not expect or even realize at the time.

Upon returning to her home in Edmonton, AB, she couldn’t help but dive into an eclectic mix of teachings to increase her connection and awareness to her body. She is passionate about weaving her learnings of Yoga, Cacao, Holistic Nutrition, Sacred Dance & Traditional Shamanic Initiations into her offerings. She is honoured to bring her love of self-reflection into the world as she believes that through heightened states of awareness and trust in ourselves, is where we can find an authentic embodiment of our truth.

…often touching on Yoga philosophy teachings and how we can both better understand and honour this ancient wisdom from a place of embodied peace. Yoga is the path to help us arrive in this experience, this place of knowing.  Yoga is the path that reminds us of who and what we truly are.

Her hope is to remind you that our practice does not end within the four walls of a space, or the walls of your physical body- this is only the beginning.  She teaches with the wish to inspire you to live from a place of connection- connection to body, to nature, to your community, to your higher purpose, to your spirit.

She loves supporting expecting parents in pregnancy, birth and beyond. She is passionate about supporting those on a journey to mindfulness through personal empowerment.

Isabelle prides her classes in being accessible and her mission is to offer an inclusive space for all to explore mind, body and breath. Her offerings are inspired and guided by the ancient tradition of yoga and supported by modern science.

I have practiced consistently since, eventually being called to take a Yin training at Prana in October 2020. Up to that point I had not experienced the holistic realm of yoga that Prana had to offer. This time yoga opened my eyes to the limitless potential and healing this ancient practice could support. From that point onwards a seed of curiosity was planted.

I began teaching Yin in late 2022, and I found myself back at Prana in early 2023 taking my 200 Hour YTT. I realized throughout the course of the 200 Hour Training, and with the support of my family, that nursing was not feeding my soul, and it was time to let it go. After committing 13+ years to my career as a Registered Nurse, I have now fully transitioned to teaching yoga.

My aspiration is to continue to grow within my yoga journey, and offer an inclusive and accessible experience as I teach and share this beautiful practice.