About Kelly
Yoga Therapist | Trauma Specialist | Educator
About Kelly
Yoga Therapist | Trauma Specialist | Educator
C-IAYT | TCTSY-F | ERYT | YA-CEP | BMA
I gratefully acknowledge the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and recognize that I live, work and create on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish people.
As a trauma-informed, Certified Yoga Therapist { C-IAYT } my approach unites advanced training in the therapeutic, technical and spiritual applications of yoga, with an in-depth knowledge of trauma theory, family systems theory, somatic and transpersonal psychology..
As a yoga practitioner, I teach and practice in the spirit of Tantra; yoga as a holistic, ever-evolving practice for living, and a powerful, therapeutic tool for deepening our embodied self-awareness and achieving greater alignment on all levels.
I was first introduced to yoga during my seven years of working in youth care, and residential treatment { Urban Native Youth Association } and as a street outreach worker { Carnegie Community Centre } in Vancouver’s downtown east-side community. This was a period of profound self-discovery where I began to comprehend the nature of trauma and addiction and embark on my own healing path. Yoga became a powerful tool in my recovery, and I became a curious and passionate practitioner of yoga for addiction and mental health.
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” – Brene Brown
In 2013 I graduated with a diploma of yoga therapy { DYT } and an advanced yoga teacher training certificate from Pacific Rim College. I became a Certified Yoga Therapist { C-IAYT } through the The International Association of Yoga Therapists and a Registered Yoga Teacher { ERYT } through The Yoga Alliance.
In January 2017 I became a certified Yoga of 12 Step Recovery { Y12SR } Leader, a holistic model that combines the somatic approach of yoga with the cognitive approach of 12-step recovery, in order to address the physical, mental and spiritual dis-ease of addiction.
In 2018 I became a certified Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator { TCTSY-F } through The Center For Trauma & Embodiment at The Justice Resource Institute in Brookline, Massachusetts. This international cohort is dedicated to ongoing research and training in effective, trauma-informed practices that help survivors safely re-connect to their bodies and advocacy for survivors, including an understanding of trauma within a larger social justice framework.
“Without inner change there can be no outer change. Without collective change, no change matters.” ― a
I also have advanced training in Ayurveda, Mindfulness Meditation, Restorative Yoga, Tantric Philosophy, Thai Massage, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Anxiety, Yoga for Cancer, Yoga for Chronic Pain, Yoga for Depression, Yoga for Parkinson’s and Yoga for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I currently operate a private yoga therapy practice, serving individual clients and contracting with organizations in the Gabriola-Nanaimo-Vancouver Island area. I’m also currently a yoga therapist and faculty member at The Haven, a personal and professional development centre on Gabriola Island, in BC.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emily Carr University.
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