Tara Crouse, RYT 200, Yoga Therapy 80hrs, BA Dance - Tara is passionate about the moving arts, and has been teaching dance for 35 years and yoga for the past 7 years. She feels that yoga and dance are sacred, in that, each movement and shape have their own vibration, their own language, and a connection to a universal wisdom. Yoga aligns her and brings her back to centre, Tara's aim is to guide those in her classes back to themselves so that they can learn to listen to and hear their own inherent intelligence and truly connect with the amazingly powerful beings they are!
1. The Yoga for chakras & glands class will include a pranayam (breath practice), body tapping (energy points), mudra (hand gestures), mantra (sound) and asana (postures). The workshop is accessible to all levels and will take guests on a journey through their chakras and how these relate to the endocrine glands. The movements, breath work, mudras and sound are used to positively affect overall health and support the endocrine system.
Olya Gor, Master of Medical Qi Gong Upon experiencing the wonders of Oriental and Energetic Medicine, Olga has become fascinated with the wisdom of holistic approach to health in Eastern Teachings and practices. It took her on a journey to study and practice ancient traditions with different teachers and schools. Olya feels blessed with the opportunity to share the acquired knowledge, healing techniques and methods to help people realize the power and skill of self-care and take charge of their own health and wellbeing. She offers individual sessions, QiGong and Reiki classes, holistic health and intuitive art workshops and retreats. Qi Gong, Reiki, acupressure, regression techniques, guided meditation, emotional release, breath work, chakra balancing, spiritual guidance are some of the holistic healing approaches used. Her knowledge of interpersonal and transpersonal psychology, Hakomi therapy, sensitivity and deep spiritual nature allow her to channel the healing energies, which seem being amplified on pure and natural Vancouver Island.
Dr. Jennifer Gratton is a naturopathic doctor in private practice at Coastal Roots Health Centre in Victoria BC, and Sooke BC. She sees men, women, and children of all ages and formulates a unique and comprehensive program that is personalized for each client. Because of this, Dr. Gratton has had great results in treating individuals with thyroid disorders, women’s health conditions (PMS, menopause, painful periods, etc.), infertility, pre-natal and post-partum wellness, child wellness-related concerns, hormone imbalances and immunosuppression. Also, she has extensive experience working with people who have Lyme disease, Celiac disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, skin conditions and digestive disorders (IBS, IBD, food allergies, Candidiasis, etc.) Additionally, all treatments utilize natural and safe modalities when treating acute and chronic conditions. And, if required, full labs services are available for allergy testing, female and male hormone panels, stool analysis, and comprehensive blood work analysis through Life Labs. _____Dr. Gratton, naturopathic doctor has further focus in:
Blood and Genotype Diet Therapy (worked with Dr. Peter D`Adamo, ND)
Craniosacral therapy
Wilson`s Temperature Syndrome (thyroid disorders)
Biotherapeutic drainage (Homeopathic and botanical combinations)
Preganancy and Post-Partum care (experience and education with Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink, ND, RM and Dr. Mary Bove, ND, RM).
Elham Ansari, BFA, CAP, RYT, BCHN Ansari is a teacher and practitioner of Ayurveda and Holistic Nutrition as well as a healer and social entrepreneur. Her passion is empowering people through education and taking the mystery out of health by integrating indigenous wisdom with conventional knowledge. Elham is known for her fun and inspiring approach as a teacher and healer. She teaches Ayurveda and food therapeutics at Pacific Rim College, in Victoria, BC, where she was the former dean of the program. She is also a clinic supervisor in the Holistic Nutrition Student Clinic at the college and maintains a private clinical practice at Awakening Wellness Centre, in Victoria, which she managed and directed for four years. Elham teaches Ayurveda at several institutions including Ajna Yoga College. Elham studied Ayurveda in New Mexico and India at the Ayurvedic Institute with her teacher Dr. Vasant Lad. She has also extensively studied Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Yoga, and has a degree in Art and Design from Emily Carr University. Elham has also received Honorary Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition from the National Association of Nutritionists Practitioners for her work on their Credentialing Board.
Kali Moon, is founder of Medicine NEST, Victoria's home of holistic healing + sacred gathering, and creator of women's gatherings, retreats and uniquely cultivated yoga programs that revolve around the cosmic and natural rhythms. She is an intuitive and holistic healer, who speaks through grounding earth-based modalities that help you reclaim the true healing wisdom that lies within yourself. Kali has over a thousand hours in both study and teaching as a registered E-500 RYT yoga teacher, tea ceremony facilitator, shamanic drum practitioner, energy healing practitioner, and elemental mind-body therapist. Her vision at Medicine Nest is to inspire conscious exploration and self-inquiry in a beautiful, safe and intentional space for our community. Kali offers a movement in alignment with Nature and Soul. Her mission is to inspire and to create opportunities for self-discovery and acceptance. To embrace all parts of the Self by calling in a relationship with our mind, body & spirit. And to align the natural rhythms in our bodies with the world around us for healing and exploration both on and off the mat. She is available for customized programs in personal guidance, energy healing and yoga-meditation therapies, and is passionate about helping women excel and thrive in life while maintaining a deep connection to the feminine wisdom of their cycles.
5. Tea Ceremony is about creating a space of reverence for the plant teacher, plant medicine, and plant spirit of Tea. When we show up for Tea, she shows up for us. As we open ourselves to her magic she begins to heal us on a multitude of levels. She is gentle, warm & inviting as she works with your Chi (energy) and unlocks the wisdom of your heart. Every sit with Tea is an opportunity for deep healing, deep connection and deep presence as she meets you exactly where you are and gives you just what you need.