Jenn Epp

Jenn began practicing yoga in 2005. She is a Certified Yoga Instructor and is currently completing her PhD in Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario. She is a sessional instructor in Philosophy at UWO and enjoys bringing her teaching experience out of the classroom and onto the mat.

“In my academic research I ask how we can speak and listen with each other ethically and how we come to know through telling and listening. In my practice I am learning to listen to the wisdom of heart, body and spirit. In yoga classes I offer students a space to begin this journey of pausing to listen for themselves, with mindfulness and joy.

I believe, deeply, that Yoga is the practice of well-being. I am thankful for the dance of finding and letting go, the dance of presence bubbling in all Yoga, and I love the yogic ethics found in the Yamas and Niyamas. Time on the mat is an offering to yourself, an act of caring and a commitment to the value of your own life. By moving inward through asana, pranayama and meditation we can begin to unwrap ourselves and from that place to move into the world with an open heart, with trust, compassion and delight.

I am honored to share this practice with others and I would love to tell you all the wonderful things yoga has done for me; but then I would only be listing things for you! Instead I invite you to come and find out for yourself.

My heartfelt thanks to my teacher, Mary Jane Fardella, for sharing this practice and for her beauty, wisdom, compassionate generosity, and support.”

Catherine Heighway

My first experiences with yoga were in the early 1980’s at Yasodhara Ashram, B.C., in the Sivananda tradition. In 1990, I completed my Yoga Teacher Training at the ashram. A few years later, I ended my affiliation with the ashram and went on to study with numerous teachers in various traditions.

In May 2006, I found Anusara Yoga and that discovery significantly changed my teaching and my life. Anusara is a Sanskrit word that means to step into the flow of grace or follow your heart. One of the things that I love about the practice of Anusara is that it is rooted in a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness. The basic philosophy that life is good creates a spiritually uplifting experience in class and has wonderful practical applications to life off the mat.

I also resonate with how Anusara beautifully integrates universal principals of alignment and balanced energetic action of asana with a celebration of the heart. I enjoy weaving the themes throughout the class from the centering practice at the beginning through to the end relaxation. I take great pleasure in helping my students find their unique expression of the postures, always adapting and adjusting to suit their individual needs.

During the past three years, I have pursued an in-depth study of Anusara Yoga, primarily with renowned teachers Todd Norian and Ann Greene. I have also been influenced by Anusara founder John Friend and other Anusara teachers including Shraddha Schaner, Martin and Jordan Kirk, Betsey Downing, Amy Ippoliti and Desiree Rumbaugh.

In May, 2008 I completed the Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher training in the Anusara method with Todd Norian and Ann Greene in Massachusetts. I have been designated as an Anusara-inspired ™ teacher and I am working towards certification in this system. I continue to study with Todd and Ann as well as assist at their workshops and trainings.

My fascination with the mythology and symbolism of yoga is influenced by my 17 years as a student of East Indian Classical Dance. In 2008, I graduated from the first level of training with the Natya Raji School of Dance in London.

Over the years, I have taught at many different locations in London. In addition, I bring my knowledge of relaxation and stress reduction to clients in my part time counselling practice at Family Service Thames Valley – Employee Assistance Program.

On calm summer days, when not in the studio or my garden, I can be found sailing aboard “Ananda” out of Goderich with my family. In the off season, I chauffeur our teenage daughter around town in between teaching, counselling and traveling for training. I have deep gratitude for the loving support of my kula or community of friends and family. Life is good. Please join me in celebrating through the practice of Anusara Yoga!

Colleen Tiltman

Colleen is a certified yoga instructor and certified yoga therapist who has been practising and studying yoga since 1995. Her interest in yoga began as a personal healing journey. Through attending weekly yoga classes, she was able to find relief from a condition of chronic pain. As her yoga practice deepened, she experienced a greater sense of health and wellness.

Colleen completed a one-month intensive yoga teacher-training course at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in Paradise Island, Bahamas. She has been teaching yoga classes in the London, Ontario area since March 2000.

In June 2002, Colleen finished her internship in yoga therapy through Integrative Yoga Therapy. Colleen incorporates the principles of yoga therapy into her yoga classes.