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 anatomy, patho-physiology, movement rehabilitation, trauma theory, family systems theory, attachment theory and somatic & transpersonal psychology.
As a yoga practitioner I teach and practice in the spirit of Tantra; yoga as an embodied art form, 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 deep self-discovery where I began to comprehend the nature of trauma and addiction, and to embark on my own path of healing. Yoga became a powerful tool in my personal 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’m 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 body, and advocacy for survivors that includes 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 trainings in: Ayurveda, Chair Yoga, iRest Yoga Nidra, Kundalini Yoga, Mindfulness Meditation, Restorative Yoga, Tantric Philosophy, Thai Massage, Vinyasa Krama, Warriors at Ease, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Cancer and Yoga For Parkinsons.
Currently, I operate a private yoga therapy practice, serving individual clients and contracting with organizations in the Gabriola-Nanaimo-Vancouver Island area, and online internationally. I’m also a yoga therapist, guest faculty and teacher 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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