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?
Penny Neal
Instructor
COMING SOON
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NYALL HUGHES
Instructor
FAVOURITE YOGA POSE:
It’s a toss up between downward facing dog and one legged downward facing dog.
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favOURITE WAY TO UNWIND:
Slaying dragons in Skyrim.
IF I COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE:
In the swamps with Steve Irwin, feeding marshmallows to crocodiles and learning to love big fuzzy spiders.
A COOL FACT:
1 tsp of neutron star weighs 10 million tons. Which is about the weight of one million elephants.
WHAT IS WORTH SPENDING A LITTLE MORE ON?
Good quality chocolate.
FAVOURITE SONG:
Fortunate Son by CCR
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
FAVOURITE Yoga Pose:
Any and all heart opening back bend postures – wheel, camel, bow, wild thing, fish pose, cobra…
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IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE:
Maya Angelou – she was truely a maestro at her craft of literacy, leadership and the arts. Her courage, creativity and methods of communication continue to impact the world today. It would have been a privilege to sit and have dinner with her.
SUNRISE OR SUNSET:
Sunsets – a beautiful way to reflect on the day and let go to prepare for the next one ahead.
EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL:
Night owl!
ANIMAL I RELATE TO:
Lion (curly haired Leo… It fits haha)
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
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
FAVOURITE Song:
Glycerine by Bush… If you listen closely to some of my yoga playlists you’ll hear it. 🙂
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MORNING RITUAL?
Rise at 5AM, read, meditate, plan my day, workout – preferably outside.
FIRST YOGA EXPERIENCE:
A free class in university. I was hooked from the very beginning. It was well before Google (almost before the internet!) so I went out and bought a yoga book to guide my at home practice.
FAVOURITE BOOK:
This is a tough one because I LOVE books. ONE of my favourites is The Wreckage by Michael Crummey.
ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF:
Every situation in life is temporary. So, when life is good, make sure you enjoy it and receive it fully. And when life is not so good, remember that it will not last forever and better days are on the way.
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“So Hum” or “I am that.” I have it tattooed on my body as a reminder.
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
Duane Allen
Instructor
One thing I would change about the health/wellness/fitness industry if I could:
Make it accessible for everyone.
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IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE:
My dad.
FAVOURITE YOGA POSE:
Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2)
FAVOURITE BOOK:
Yoga Mala: The Original Teachings of Ashtanga Yoga Master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
IF YOU COULD PUT ANYTHING ON A BILLBOARD THAT EVERYONE COULD SEE, WHAT WOULD IT READ?
“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.” – The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“Yoga is not one man’s property. It is ancient wisdom for well-being.” – Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Annie Reid
Instructor
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” – Paulo Coelho
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ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE HEALTH/WELLNESS/FITNESS IF I COULD IS:
There is no quick fix, and no one solution fix all. Everybody is different and therefore require something different, and the importance of listening to your body and it’s needs. If you are tired, don’t take pre-workout, get rest instead.
WHAT IS YOUR SIGN, SUN, MOON, RISING?
Sign : scorpio, rising Gemini and moon Virgo
WHAT IS WORTH SPENDING A LITTLE MORE MONEY ON?
Quality items, I prefer buying less, but buying something I need and will be using for a longtime and enjoy. (I.e. clothing, sporting goods, gear)
THE WAY TO MY HEART IS:
Anything outdoors.
FAVOURITE TV SERIES:
Anything true crime.
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