Meet our rockstar teacher lineup
Just like normal humans our teachers have their own unique personalities & styles. With a variety of backgrounds & teaching philosophies you’re sure to find a teacher or two you’ll jive with.
The Crew
Brianna Branch
Instructor/Co-Owner
MORNING RITUAL:
Taking it slow with espresso.
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FAVOURITE SONG:
Drops of Jupiter – Train
FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND:
Having time in the kitchen making a meal; whether it be an old favourite or a new recipe.
FAVOURITE YOGA POSE:
Down Dog or Mermaid Pose
ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE HEALTH/WELLNESS/FITNESS INDUSTRY:
Normalizing health and wellness and fitness as part of regular, routine life. It not being something to attain or aspire to, but rather something that already is. In normalizing health/wellness/fitness I’d like to see changes around accessibility to and the costs of “healthy” (real) food.
Heidi Erdle
Instructor/Co-Owner
ON REPEAT:
Never be the same – Camilla Cabelo. (Must be sung along to at the top of one’s lungs.)
Also, the entire Hamilton Soundtrack. (To be mumble rapped along to, with intermittent bursts of confidence.)
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Just a subtle but radical shift of perspective that each of us have the power to make, today. Can you workout/train/do yoga/[insert improvement focused activity] as an act of love towards yourself, rather than an act of punishment?
A RECURRING THOUGHT:
1. What time is it in [enter Eric’s deployment time zone].
2. But, could I deep squat in this? [Wrt what I’m wearing].
EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird to the max. 8p is late in our house!
THE WAY TO MY HEART IS…
courage + authenticity + willingness to be a goof
IF YOU COULD PUT ANYTHING ON A BILLBOARD, WHAT WOULD IT READ?
Memento mori (remember death).
Tatyana Poirier
Retail Manager
FAVOURITE BOOK:
The entire Harry Potter series…it’s like a chapter of my life so I can’t choose one!
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WHAT IS YOUR SIGN? OR SUN, MOON, RISING?
Gabrielle Philip
Instructor
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A COOL FACT:
ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF…
“Enjoy your body, use it every way you can, Don’t be afraid of it or what other people think of it, It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own” – taken from my favourite song!
EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Stina Zealey
Instructor
ADVICE I WOULD GIVE TO MY YOUGER SELF:
“Don’t sell your motorbike!”
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favOURITE book:
To Kill A Mockingbird – I have read it hundreds of times and the lessons in it are still very relevant today, I also somehow learn something or notice something new within the story every time I read it.
SUNRISE OR SUNSET?
I love winter sunrises and summer sunsets, especially from the top of mountains.
GO TO KARAOKE SONG?
Bohemian Rhapsody, because everyone joins in and it is always hilarious.
A RECURRING THOUGHT:
If we all lived by the idea: “Live slow, grow old” (instead of a live fast/die young attitude) would we take better care of ourselves, our communities and our environment?
Martin Malinski
Instructor
FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND:
Meditation, yoga, naps, reading, playing guitar and writing songs.
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MORNING RITUAL:
Mindful breakfast practice, then Kara and I accept the invite from Orion (120 lbs dog) to howl.
RECURRING THOUGHT:
Am I doing enough for climate change?
EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Night owl by nature, but willing to shape my schedule to enjoy the benefits of waking up early.
WHAT IS WORTH SPENDING A LITTLE MORE MONEY ON?
Quality not quantity
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
An inspiring quotation is an invitation, not the final destination.” – Me.
Elke Johnson
Instructor
FAVOURITE TV SERIES:
I am a longtime Survivor fan. I’ve seen every season since the very beginning. I dream of being on the show, but doesn’t every fan of Survivor?
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I am a Sun Capricorn, a Moon Pisces, and a Rising Pisces. I am ambitious, practical, and socially conscious. I have a sweet, friendly, and gentle nature, but can be strong when necessary. I am truly compassionate and operate at a level of service, love, and understanding of mankind. I got all of this from an app and I have to say it’s quite accurate. There might be something to this astrology thing.
FIRST YOGA EXPERIENCE:
I found yoga as a way to navigate my depression, although, at the time, I didn’t know that I was depressed. I knew something was off and I needed resources…fast! I started taking classes at my local community centre and it wasn’t long before I noticed that things began to change within me. Not only was I more flexible, less stressed. and sleeping better, but my thoughts changed, my attitude and perspective on life changed, and plus I felt happier than ever! That was more than 20 years ago. I am truly forever grateful for my teachers and the wisdom I’ve received through this practice and am also equally honoured to share these teachings with you.
THE WAY TO MY HEART IS THOUGH:
Laughter. 100%. Make me laugh and I’ll love you forever.
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“Yesterday I was clever and I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” by Rumi. This is the journey, isn’t it? The real pathway to ultimate change is through the learning and wisdom of the Self. It’s all we can do.
Kara Foley
Instructor
ANIMAL I RELATE TO:
Deer – they are a reminder to show ourselves the same compassion that we show others, to retreat to nature to recharge, and to move through life with grace.
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ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE HEALTH/WELLNESS/FITNESS INDUSTRY:
The focus on aesthetics – when we focus on an external/aesthetic goal we detach ourselves from how we feel. We stop doing the practices and workouts we actually love and we begin to focus on what will get us “the result”. And then the result tends to never be enough and we end up in a perpetual cycle of not-enoughness. When we focus on what movements light us up and bring us joy and vitality AND begin to foster an appreciation for what our bodies can do, we naturally come into balance and begin to create habits that allow us to come to our peak health because they FEEL good. (I could rant about this for hours as I’ve been in the industry for 20+years so if you want to dive deeper find me! haha)
WHAT IS YOUR SIGN? OR SUN, MOON, RISING?
Gemini Sun, Aries Moon (hello my power peeps), and Taurus Rising
MORNING RITUAL:
I cherish my silent mornings, I feed my dog then snuggle with him for about an hour while I drink a tea/latte and have breakfast (it takes me FOREVER to eat in the morning), magazine or developmental non-fiction time, meditation, instagram – Basically I need 1-2hrs to myself before showing up for others and I take it very seriously.
THE WAY TO MY HEART IS…
Acts of Service & Quality Time- and if that includes delicious food I will love you forever.
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“And I said to my body, softly, ‘I want to be your friend’. It took a long breath and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.'” – Nayyirah Wahee
Nicole Mione
Instructor
COMING SOON
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Coming soon!
Courtney Sinclair
Instructor
FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND:
Sunset on the water, a bath with music or a podcast, forest walks, dog cuddles, reading.
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FAVOURITE YOGA POSE:
Standing forward fold – I use this pose almost daily to help decompress my spine and relieve tension in the low back. I also really love supported fish.
A COOL FACT:
I have medalled at the provincial level in 3 athletic pursuits – rugby, discus, and ultra distance paddle racing.
FAVOURITE BOOK:
A few! Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – J.K. Rowling, Bravey – Alexi Pappas, Stargirl – Jerry Spinelli, The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
THE WAY TO MY HEART IS…
Connecting through adventures or challenges – growing and learning together. Shared experiences where nothing needs to be said. Laughter.
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“As we are, we are becoming.”
Britt Lamont
Instructor
FAVOURITE SONG:
Take me home country roads – John Denver
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DINNER WITH ANYONE:
My Grampa B, I just miss him so much.
RECURRING THOUGHT:
How can I get uncomfortable today, and what am I making for dinner?
EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird
ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF:
Don’t worry so much about other peoples opinions, just have fun, keep firm boundaries, and be your quirky self unapologetically!
THE WAY TO MY HEART IS:
Doing something fun, and being a little extra about it. (I’m a Libra-being a little bougie is in my dna).
Janique LaChance
Instructor
ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF:
Always trust your gut. It knows what your head hasn’t yet figured out.
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WHAT IS YOUR SIGN, SUN, MOON, AND RISING?
Sagittarius, the half human and half horse, the learned healer whose higher intelligence forms a bridge between Earth and Heaven.
FAVOURITE YOGA POSE:
Childs pose
ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF:
Always trust your gut. It knows what your head hasn’t yet figured out.
EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird.
ANIMAL I MOST RELATE TO:
Squirrel (Of course)…
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“We rise by lifting others” – Robert Ingersoll
Charlene Chubbs
Instructor
COMING SOON
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Coming soon!
Jessica Merten
Instructor
FAVOURITE YOGA POSE:
Wild thing, half circle, and standing splits.
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FAVOURITE TV SERIES:
Shitt’s Creek & The Office
FAVOURITE WAY TO UNWIND:
Evening paddle at sunset in the summer, read or do a puzzle in the winter.
FAVOURITE LOCAL BUSINESS:
Foodie over here… I love that Petawawa/Pembroke area has gotten more restaurants & food trucks.
A COOL FACT:
Growing up in a military family, I’ve moved roughly 15 times, but consider Petawawa “home” and have spent 16 years here (on and off).
GO TO KARAOKE SONG:
Too many to choose! Criminal – Fiona Apple, Zombie – Cranberries
Penny Neal
Instructor
COMING SOON
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We are always looking for great teachers to join our team. Email us with your quals and availability if you are interested in joining us. Heidi & Bri are eagerly awaiting your email.
team@peakhotyoga.com