Studio Owner, Director, Moksha, Moksha Level 2, Yin and Powerflow Instructor
Angela has been active her whole life, while always being involved in team sports. Angela grew up on a farm in Ontario, and came to Alberta 11 years ago to continue on with athletics at the University of Alberta. She played on the pandas volleyball team where she enjoyed teammates, travelling, the intense training and the winning history of the pandas. Angela began practicing yoga about 10 years ago, as a supplement to her intense volleyball training. She was introduced to Bikram yoga by her sister, Carol and then later introduced to Moksha. It was the physical challenge and the healing aspects of hot yoga that made Angela want to pursue Moksha Yoga further.
Angela has been successfully trained and gained valuable experience at
a variety of locations around the world. This includes Moksha Yoga in
Thailand and Montreal, then Baron Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, Levels
1 and 2 in New York and Montana, and Moksha Level 2 in Ontario. The
combination of Angela's accomplished athletic background and her
devotion to both mentally and physically challenging training results
in her revered ability to lead a spectrum of exciting, dynamic
classes. Angela's natural exuberance and positive energy flow to each
and every class participant and encourages them to reach their
personal limits.
I have been practicing yoga for 6 years with great joy. For the first 3-4 years my practice was recreational; for the exercise, fun, and stress relief. (Hatha and Ashtanga yoga) My passion for yoga grew deeper and stronger after my (now-husband) and I witnessed the horror of the Asian tsunami on Dec 24, 2004 on a tiny Island in Thailand. Back home I was so traumatized I barely left the house for weeks, not wanting to talk about or think about what I had witnessed. The first thing I left the house for? A yoga class. Just breath and movement. I got to my car and knew it right then.
I became Hatha certified and have been teaching multi-level classes in homes and around the city for 2 years now. Craving challenge my yoga path led me to Bikram which was an instant addiction. Then I found Moksha and after my very first class I was in love and never went back to Bikram again! The Moksha series is strong and beautiful, complex, and complete. I thought this is IT! I feel like I’m coming home when I walk into Angela’s beautiful studio. I am so excited to teach Moksha and spread yoga bliss to all the amazing Moksha yogis at MYE!! I want to help students walk out of the studio strong, centered, and smiling; and most importantly, for them to carry that peace they find into their everyday lives and let it shine!
Moksha Instructor
I love my life; it is truly an amazing experience to feel like you are living your own dream every day. I have been blessed with an amazing wife, Nancy and two incredible young children, Sierra and Spencer. Nancy convinced me to try yoga 6 years ago to de-stress and to help with flexibility and the joint issues that I have dealt with since an early age. Having suffered with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis beginning at the age of three, multiple joint surgeries and osteoarthritis I could not believe the benefits that I experienced from practicing yoga, both physical and mental. I was hooked from my first class and have moved through a variety of styles over the years and enjoyed all of them for different reasons. I began practicing the Moksha series 3 years ago, loved it and eventually decided to take the teacher training.
I will remain, forever, a student and am looking forward to continuing to grow and learn within this amazing Moksha community. I hope that my passion and love for Moksha will enable me to pass on at least a small amount of what I have learned to other students.
Moksha Instructor
I started taking some form of yoga about 3 years ago but did not get fully immersed in it until about 2 years ago. Never being the most coordinated person in the world, team sports were not my forte and going to the gym could never hold my interest. After finding yoga, I realized that not only was this a form of exercise that I could do but that it brought a whole new level of realization to my life. I found an activity that not only challenged me physically but also psychologically and spiritually. After that, I was hooked. Moksha added to both those challenges and I embraced the heat!
Deciding to go to India for teacher training turned out to be one of the best choices of my life. I am loving being back and having the opportunity to share yoga with others. I also love exploring different types of yoga as well as the philosophy that comes along with them. The lessons that we learn on the mat have so much relevance off the mat and trying to incorporate them into daily life is a challenge but such a benefit as well. I hope to bring yoga to you and then let the yoga do its job. Teaching is very much a continued learning experience and I hope to continue learning for many years to come.
Moksha Instructor
I was introduced to yoga 30 some years ago. A local Edmonton public television broadcast, ‘Yoga Fits In’ with Gerda Kreb, brought my instructor into my parent’s living room. I remember rushing home from school to rearrange the living room furniture so I could have room to mimic this yogi on TV. I never dreamed back then how important yoga would become to me. For the next 25 years yoga was a peripheral ‘sport’ that I enjoyed, along with many other sports, but my main focus during those years was my role as a wife and mother. Then in 2005 my husband passed away. Instinctively I turned to my yoga practice to deal with anxiety and stress, slowly brining balance and clarity back to my life. I found Moksha Yoga Edmonton in November of 2007…I attended the opening day. Shortly after that I became Angela’s first energy exchanger and then in March of 2009 I completed the teacher training in India. My yoga practice and this Moksha community have been invaluable in restoring, strengthening and balancing my mind, body and spirit. As a Moksha instructor I hope to facilitate an environment for others to experience the value of a yoga practice.
Moksha Instructor
Brandi has been practicing yoga for 5 years now, and recently completed the Moksha Yoga Teacher Training in India 2009. From the first few yoga classes she did on her own with various yoga videos in her bedroom, to discovering and falling in love with hot yoga here in Edmonton, she has not stopped practicing and living yoga since. Yoga is one of her great passions in life and is truly what she wants to be and do for herself and for others – continuing to learn and grow, to inspire and love. Brandi hopes to be able to bring enthusiasm and balance, and her relentless optimism to her students and community. She has discovered the connection of the physical practice in Moksha and the traditional, and believes anyone and everyone can benefit.
Moksha Instructor
Kylie, originally from Edmonton Alberta, ventured to the west coast to obtain her Physical Education Degree at Vancouver Island University. She discovered her passion for Moksha Yoga during her senior year of varsity volleyball at VIU. Playing volleyball six days a week took a huge toll on her body and while Dr. Avender kept her off the injured list and allowed her body to meet the high physical demands of the sport he suggested that instead of trying to always fix her posture and alignment issues that she should try to prevent it! After practicing, Kylie soon discovered she could function with minimal pain and her alignment issues were replaced with strength, flexibility and balance. Kylie became addicted to yoga and wanted to grow deeper in her practice. She is excited to help others feel that same passion for their practice as she has achieved. Kylie believes the connection you can make with the mind, body and soul is remarkable and through Yoga we can make it happen both on and off the matt. Kylie's passion for the health and wellness of the body makes teaching yoga one of the most rewarding things she has ever done. Kylie is so excited to teach this dynamic series and can't wait to help students connect with their bodies allowing them to leave the studio smiling and full of joy.
Moksha Instructor
Frenny found Moksha by chance in January 2008. A simple internet search for "hot yoga Edmonton" led her to Angela's studio. After Frenny's first class she was hooked! The hot room has now become a sanctuary for Frenny, a place the outside world cannot penetrate and all judgement and stress is left behind. Since she started practicing Moksha Yoga Frenny has experienced several health benefits such as reduced stress levels and increased vitality, and she also has a deeper appreciation for the environment. Frenny completed the Moksha Teacher Training in March 2009 and is proud to be a part of the Edmonton Moksha community!
Yin Yoga, Moksha Yoga and Powerflow Instructor
I have been practicing yoga for 4½ years now: Bikram Yoga for 3 years and then Moksha Yoga. I am drawn to the freedom I felt through practicing various asanas, using my breath to connect with my body and allowing this breath to bring stillness within myself, which was extremely challenging. I loved the way I felt after every class and wanted to explore that inner freedom that brought balance within. What better way than to attend the Moksha Yoga Teacher Training in India, March 2009, and Yin Teacher Training in Vancouver, May/June 2009. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I am looking forward to many new chapters for follow, both as a student and teacher.
Yoga has helped me find that balance with the hectic life I have and has been a great complement to my outdoor lifestyle.
I am grateful to be apart of the Moksha Edmonton community and I am especially grateful to Angela for her unconditional love and for her passion for yoga, which she has imparted to me.
Namaste
Yin Yoga Instructor
Ruth decided to try this "yoga thing" almost 10 years ago for a lark and has not looked back since. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and came out to Alberta just over a year ago to practice as an attorney. Upon moving to Edmonton she discovered Moksha Yoga Edmonton and found in it a second home and wonderful yogic community.
From the moment Ruth took her first yin yoga class she immediately felt a deep connection to the practice. It marries the physical and meditative benefits of yoga perfectly. She has just completed a yin yoga training course at the Sea-to-Sky Retreat Centre in British Columbia lead by Bernie Clark. Ruth is excited about sharing her passion for yin yoga with her fellow yogis at MYE.
Moksha Instructor and Powerflow Instructor
Have you ever heard the saying that "yoga finds you"? For me, this phrase holds true. There have been several times in my life when I was going through some major life event that I didn't think I could get through, and there it was - YOGA - staring at me right in the face, just in time to rescue me from my situation or myself. I discoverd yoga when I was about 12-years-old and would follow along to Gerda Krebs on Channel 10. I followed along to yoga videos and would intermittently drop in on classes at gyms, at the YMCA, or at various yoga studios around the city; often times it was only when I was feeling stressed and needed some solace. I didn't start a regular practice until five years ago when my father passed away and I felt like my world was going to crumble down around me. Some really good friends bought me yoga passes to help me destress during this difficult time. Soon, I was hooked and was going to Ashtanga and Bikram classes regularly. Then I moved to Toronto in 2007 and discovered Moksha Yoga. As soon as I walked into the Moksha Yoga North York studio and completed my first class, I knew that I was in love with the practice and the philosophy of Moksha yoga. When I moved back to Edmonton in October 2008, I was thrilled to learn that there was a Moksha studio in town! After two years of practicing Moksha yoga regualrly, I am continuing on my yoga journey as a Moksha Yoga teacher! I am so excited to share my love and passion for yoga with everyone I come in contact it. I hope that I can bring yoga to everyone who needs yoga to find them :) Namaste
Moksha, and Powerflow Instructor
Hey yogis! My name is Kirsten, but I will also respond to Kristen, Kirsty and Kira! I just completed my BA in Psychology with a minor in Fine Arts and followed that up with Moksha teacher training in Toronto in July 2009. I discovered my passion for yoga through a soccer injury. Not only did yoga successfully realign my knees, it helped me balance my life. Since then, I have been addicted! I have furthered my yoga education through travel and I look forward to doing that even more. There is so much to see, learn, and do in this world and yoga is proving to be the perfect companion on my journey!
Moksha Instructor, Thai Yoga Massage Therapist
Francesco is passionate about movement, life, yoga, music production, and being outdoors. He did his Moksha training in India and continues to study other schools of thoughts. His passion inspired him to study classical yoga under the Sivananda lineage, therapeutic yoga, and thai massage therapy. All of which he credits to helping him grow as a student, teacher and human being.
“Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
-Howard Thurman
As a youngster i was always active playing competitive sports, as i grew older and matured my love for being active continued. I enjoy almost any sport, a few of my favourite ones are, mountain biking, rock climbing, golf, working out, baseball to name a few. I have been in the fitness industry for the past 10 years and got certified as a personal trainer 7 yeas ago. I first got introduced to moksha a little over 2 years ago and came mostly for the great workout, and the great atmosphere, about a year ago i started to get deeper into my practice and found that yoga is something i had this amazing passion for, so i took the next step and went to the moksha teacher training in las vegas, 2009. i was always so busy doing a thousand things, and it felt like i was going in circles, yoga made me slow down and actually see the day for what it has to offer. i hope that i can share my experiences, grow with the moksha community, and share my passion and love of yoga with all of you. namaste!!
Moksha instructor
JoAnne graduated from the University of Alberta in with a degree in Physical Education, specializing in Fitness and Health Promotion. Professionally, she has worked in the fitness industry for 21 years, in various capacities including owning a home-based personal fitness training company, working as an assistant manager at a private fitness centre and as military fitness instructor. For the last 10 years, JoAnne has worked as an Exercise Therapist for Worker’s Compensation Board, assisting injured workers recover from injuries and return to work and a healthy active lifestyle.
After many years of teaching mainstream fitness classes, JoAnne gave it to curiosity and popped in to try Moksha Yoga. Since then, she has never looked back! Moksha has taught JoAnne the power of the mind-body connection, the importance of breath and how yoga can positively impact every aspect of your life.
JoAnne completed Moksha Teacher training in Las Vegas in the fall of 2009, and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and energy with you!
Moksha Instructor
Sandy took her first hot yoga class in 2008 and was amazed at how calm and peaceful she felt at the end of the class even though she was overdressed, drenched in sweat and probably beet red. She had this weird idea right then and there that this was something she wanted to share with others. Sandy has seen so many physical, mental and emotional benefits since starting to practice hot yoga. Her chronic neck and upper-back pain, from years of working at a desk, are gone, and she sees the benefits continuing to unfold month by month. As a recovering type A personality, Sandy wasn’t surprised that determination and hard work could create results, but her favourite part of practicing Moksha yoga has been seeing that yielding and patience and faith also bring results, some of them that sneak up on you!!
Sandy is very interested in the wide range of benefits hot yoga brings, especially the long-term health benefits. She is honoured to be part of the diverse and welcoming Moksha community, and hopes to bring to her students a little of the calm, peace and perspective that she feels after practicing hot yoga herself.
Moksha Instructor
Yoga intrigues me. I was actually looking for some way of working out that was different to anything I’ve done before and what started with curiosity, ended up with the practice of yoga. I was pleasantly surprised of its simplicity; focus on breath to calm the mind, feeling sensation without judgement, practicing without ego. I was attracted to yoga’s down-to-earth universal discipline and its shear challenge for the mind and body.
I completed the Moksha Yoga Teacher Training in India, March 2009. I love the heat and humidity to practice in and even though yoga is an individual practice, I love feeling the energy created by all in the hot room. Equally as important, Moksha Yoga has brought awareness to the way I perceive my diet, the environment and the greater world community. Namaste.
Moksha Instructor
Growing up as a dancer, my love of movement led me into the group fitness studios at the University of Alberta where I sweat away the stresses of obtaining my Bachelor of Education.
I began my fitness career in Edmonton in 1999 teaching everything from kickboxing and step to bootcamp and weight-training. While leading high-energy and high-impact fitness classes, I escaped to the yoga studio to find balance in my own physical life. I discovered so much more and finally had to share it!
“Moksha” can be loosely translated as freedom. I hope for my students to experience a sense of freedom from the stresses of their day. I invite my students to listen to their bodies and discover what it is they need in that moment. With that freedom comes the boundless holistic benefits of yoga: overall health and wellness through the development of self-confidence, physical awareness, improved strength and flexibility and stress reduction.
"peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." (unknown)
Moksha Yoga, Yin Yoga and Moksha Level 2 Yoga Instructor
Pierina was brought to her first hatha yoga class 10 years ago (initially for lower back pain, as a result of standing for many long hours in the hair industry). It wasn't until she took her first hot Moksha yoga class a few years later, that she realized the many benefits that it provided the mind, body and spirit connection. Pierina was hooked ever since! At that point she realised that her life path was leading her to to become a yoga teacher.
Pierina completed a Bachelors of Education in 1994. She never felt 'quite right' with what the education system provided students and felt that there was something missing in the curriculum that did not encourage the mind, body and spirit connection. Her passion for philosophy and spirituality lead her to write a thesis called Education For Connection; Beyond Linear Learning and she earned a Masters Degree from McGill university in 2003.
Graduating from the Moksha Yoga Teacher Training program in 2004, Pierina has since studied with a few highly accredited teachers including John Friend, Judith Lasater, David Life, Michael Stone, and Frank Boccio. With her passion for learning and teaching, Pierina went on to complete Moksha Yoga Teacher Training Level 2 in 2008, where she was trained in yin yoga and deepened her own practice. Pierina loves teaching hot yoga and feels truly honoured to guide students in their own yoga practice and path.
Moksha Instructor
Yoga has been a treasure in my life. All my experiences and the memorable journeys I have gone through have brought me to a place where I am able to share the joy and spread the love of yoga.
I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to India with an incredible group of individuals where I got to be immersed in a magical culture, live yoga, and encounter a journey of self-discovery.
The Moksha series is beautiful, energizing, and therapeutic. With every breath and every movement I feel strong, rejuvenated, and inspired to discover more.
Being part of the Moksha community and being able to teach is a blessing. As I step into the Studio I know that’s where I am meant to be. I love life and I love to teach and through that I hope I can add a little sunshine to your day!
Moksha Instructor, MYE studio manager
I feel so fortunate to be able to join the MYE teaching staff. When I started practicing at Moksha 2 years ago, I simply came out of curiosity. When I left that first time, I felt not only that I had been physically challenged, but also that I had found a tool to help me manage my stress and lead a better life. Then Moksha literally changed my whole life. I started with the Energy Exchange program, became a part time office manager and now I manage MYE full time. You may have even seen me at the front desk - it’s my usual hang out! Given the positive changes that yoga has made in my life, it only seemed natural for me to take the next step and become a teacher. I completed my Moksha training in Kerala, India in March 2010 and I’m excited to share what I have learned and continue to grow as a student and teacher.
I come from a dance background, mostly ballet and Scottish dancing so the stretching and flowing of yoga feels very natural to me. I love to stretch it out! I am originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2007 with a BA in Linguistics. I speak French and Spanish and I love travel, photography and fashion!
More importantly, I have to say that I love sweaty, steamy, packed Moksha classes! The energy is awesome! That is one of the main reasons why Moksha is my practice of choice. Although we may come to yoga for different reasons, we are all sharing a common experience. When we breathe together, our individual movements become unified. When we give ourselves over to the practice of yoga, leaving the ego at the door and truly connecting with ourselves and the experience, we break down the barriers of the individual and build the bonds of community. We are able to better recognize that we are all the same, all sharing in the human condition. I think this is the most important lesson we can take off the mat.
Moksha Instructor
Hey Yogis and Yoginis...
Here are some fun facts about Andrew
Misle. I grew up in Chile as the son of a Chilean entertainer...so I was naturally to the stage. I came to Canada at the 13 years old and because of my language barrier I found refuge in multiple disciplines. At 18 I became a certified Kung Fu instructor. I've also starred in sitcoms and have been featured in a number of films. As a singer I toured alongside major acts and recorded 3 albums with my former band, and in university I was a member of the Bears wrestling team.
I've had a blast thus far but the pursuit and achievement of my personal goals came at a price. I found the pursuit of my ambitions created a combination of stress and spiritual emptiness. I found myself living my dreams without ever being present during my quest...something had to change, so I stepped off the stage in search of deeper fulfillment and meaning.
It's hard to tell whether I picked yoga or it picked me, and how I ended up in India studying it remains a mystery, but I do remember falling in love with Yoga after my first
Moksha class. I dabbled in yoga, tried to like hot yoga through some Bikram sessions but they seemed to feed the competitive nature that I was trying to remove myself from. The things Moksha stands for both inside and outside of the heated room are both humbling and inspirational, I feel incredibly blessed to be embraced by such a caring community.
I'm grateful to yoga, I'm grateful to the great masters that came before me, I'm grateful to my teachers, I'm grateful to life. I look forward to continuing to travel this path and passing on whatever jewels I gather along the way.
Moksha Yoga Instructor
Yoga is not a class I teach but is an extension of who I am, who I want to be and what I want to spread to the world and share with students. I want to spread joy, peace and love to others by sharing the gift of yoga. Fitness has always been a large part of my life either in the form of competitive sports or individual fitness activities such as running or swimming. My passion for fitness led to my accreditation as a Fitness Instructor, Personal trainer and Nutrition Specialist. I tried yoga several years ago and did not like it. 2 years I went to yoga with a scowl on my face. I thought I “sucked” at yoga as I was inflexible and my mind would not slow down enough for the peace and breath to settle in, I missed the whole point.
I went to yoga because I “should” go in order to gain flexibility and has a way of balancing out my other physical activities. In 2006 life threw some difficult times at me and in 2007 I went on a backpacking trip through South East Asia where I gained a more peaceful state of mind. When I returned home I thought I would give yoga another try and considered a different form of yoga. My now best friend introduced me to hot yoga where I was instantly hooked and sweated it out on the mat most days of the week. I loved the intensity of the class and that there was a balance between strength and flexibility. Once I committed to the practice I saw improvements in my postures and most of all I saw a shift occur in my mind, I finally got the connection between breathe and movement. It was my “ah ha” moment. There was more stillness and a deeper sense of connection that I never felt with other forms of exercise. Now I practiced yoga because I wanted to, not because I “should”, and because it was healing for me in so many ways. I learned that you always have your breath and that is a powerful energy.
My yoga journey led me to Moksha where I fell in love with the challenging series but loved the softness and grace of the postures as well. I wanted to share this gift of yoga with others. Next step was to get trained so I spread this great thing I found! In 2010 I went to Moksha teacher training in India where I deepened my knowledge and my appreciation of this practice. I look forward to guiding you along your yoga journey on and off the mat.
Moksha Yoga Instructor
bio soon to come!
Moksha Yoga Instructor
bio soon to come!
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