Yoga in Schools

As a visionary in the yoga movement, I was honored to receive the prestigious Women of Excellence Award and the RBC Women of Influence Award for my Yoga in Schools initiative (that was back when yoga wasn't really well known, so that was pretty neat). After teaching Physical Education in Vancouver for 8 years, I traveled to India (a number of times), returned to my maritime roots and designed a Yoga Grade 11 course for the Nova Scotia Department of Education, the first ever PSP yoga program implemented in Canadian public schools.

Through Thompson Publications Inc, I designed yoga posters (with manuals) for both Elementary and Secondary levels, which are used by teachers around the world. Autism Consultant Catherine Rahey and I co-authored a Yoga for Autism Program, and then I created a Yoga for Diverse Learners Program, with the support of Jason Williams at CEC in Truro. Drawing from my profound journey through anorexia and teen trauma, I wrote the revolutionary Girl on Fire Empowerment Program for teen girls. My daughter Sophia and I are soon to launch an affiliate podcast called SPARK: A Mother - Daughter Journey. Speaking of family, my dear husband, Blair Abbass and I designed the evidence-based Mindfulness in Schools Manual, which is changing the way teens and teachers relate to life.

To support these school-based programs, we run a highly reputed, life changing Yoga Teacher Training Program and Annual Summer Conference, which attracts educators and health-care professionals from every pocket of the world.As a dedicated educator, practitioner, and innovator, my teachings are rooted in over 10,000 hours of study with leading authorities such as the legendary Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, Deepak Chopra and Michael Lee.

Beyond inspiring others to walk the path of health, healing and wholeness, I cherish family time with my work and life husband Blair and our two extraordinary daughters. I hope you find on these pages, some guidance or inspiration that contributes positively to your life and those you influence.