Our Team

Ellen Reesor She/Her

E-RYT, Founder, YTT Lead Instructor

Ellen is a yoga studio owner, and mindfulness facilitator by trade, but her true calling lies in helping students discover what makes them come alive. Ellen helps students unearth a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their day to day lives, ultimately driving them to to take their practice off of their mats and into the world. Her first yoga class was at age 14, when she realized that up until that first savasana, she had never felt truly relaxed. Ellen fell in love with the way it made her feel and was instantly hooked. In exchange for free yoga, she volunteered as a teen at a local studio which eventually lead her to follow her curiosity and complete a: 200hr Hatha Teacher Training 500hr Modo Teacher Training 100hr Modo Flow Training 10 month Teacher Training and Mentorship program through Spirit Loft Movement Center focusing on an Interdisciplinary Approach to Movement & Mindfulness Education 10 Day silent Vipassana Meditation Course 9 month meditation/precepts course studying with Poep Sa Frank Jude Completed ACSM Personal training course through Cuesta College Four year ambassadorship program with Lululemon Completed the Yoga Detour Method Training - Combining yoga with modern movement and mobility Currently studying mindfulness/meditation under Poep Sa Frank Jude Boccio In 2020, I distilled the knowledge I accumulated over the years into a 250hr nature based YTT, in the hopes that what was generously shared with me would enrich and bring joy to the lives of others. I spend my days rock climbing, mountaineering, playing guitar/singing and reading/learning. I consider myself an eternal student and am constantly attending workshops and trainings to learn and grow. I’d love to get to know you at a class soon!

Dione Clarke-Adams

E-RYT Instructor

Dione's love for yoga dates back to 2007 when she accompanied  a friend to their first yoga class. As an avid fitness enthusiast, Dione immediately fell in love with the physical practice of yoga. However it would be the mental and emotional healing benefits that would see her through a challenging lost and propel her  on a path to deepening her practice in hopes of sharing its benefits and empowering others.  In 2014 Dione embarked on a journey to gain her first certification by attending the Moksha Level 1 training in Montreal.  Since then Dione has combined her love for learning with her passion for yoga. This has led her to acquire her certification in Trauma Informed Yoga and Mindfulness Practices for Youth, Moksha Flow and Yin. Dione has also studied Vipassana Meditation and is currently working on a 250 hour certification in Functional Yoga.  In addition to being a dedicated yoga teacher and student, Dione is a proud mother of three and holds a B.A. in Psychology  and Justice Studies Diploma. “Our yoga practice can be seen as a metaphor for life. Every time we step on our mats we cultivate the peace, mindfulness and fortitude needed to maneuver our way. I encourage my students to take their practice with them each time they leave their mats by utilizing their most powerful tool, their breath.”

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Brianna McIntosh

E-RYT Instructor

Brianna is a very active individual who spent many years playing various sports. She came across yoga with a few friends, all of whom were in search of a new activity. After trying her first class she never looked back. She quickly realized the positive effect yoga was having on her whole being. She started to work as an energy exchange for a few years and really got to know more about the community. Brianna's curiosity about yoga led her to her first 500 hour teacher training in 2014 through Moksha Yoga in Montreal. When not in the hot room Brianna worked in the hospitality industry for years. Being able to teach yoga has allowed her to offer a service to those around her in a different capacity. She continued her studies by taking the 100 hour Moksha Flow training in 2016, in California to expand her knowledge. She recently completed her Restorative YTT in 2018. Brianna’s experience as a Thai Massage Practitioner also compliments her comprehensive yoga instruction offerings.

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Marg Drudge

Assistant Manager

I believe that the way we move matters... That our bodies benefit tremendously from the mindful shapes they are encouraged to take in a yoga practice. I also know that we love to be challenged - even encouraged - to do a little more - perhaps even a little faster - both on and off the yoga mat. My invitation is to come to your mat and do less.  Slow down. Connect with your body and your breath. Since starting my yoga journey in 2008 I have explored many styles and teachings of yoga. My mat keeps bringing me back to asana (postures) that nourish and heal.  That allow for mindful movement and profound respect for these bodies that we do life in. Recently I completed a certification program in Yoga for Healthy Aging with a medical doctor from California.  This intensive training affirmed in many ways the practice that I have been allowed to guide at KIND Yoga by Heart. SO - whether you are 18 or 88 - somewhere in between or beyond - you are invited to come to the greenhouse Mondays at 9:30am, to your mat and move in ways that matter and nourish your body and soul.

 

Jennifer Miner

Studio Manager

Jennifer began her yoga journey at KIND in 2018 and very quickly fell in love with the practice and mindfulness of yoga. Yoga is exactly what her soul needed at the time and she continues to enjoy the mindful elements in her day-to-day life as an evolving yogi. She completed her 250-hour yoga teacher training at KIND’s inaugural YTT in 2021. Jennifer’s classes are inspired by both Hatha and Vinyasa Flow, often incorporating all four sides of the yoga mat. She enjoys a spicy yoga flow as well as a gentle restorative yoga practice. Jennifer strives to create a space where her students feel safe and present, and encourages students to honor and respect their bodies through movement and mindfulness. When she is off her mat, you will find Jennifer as an elementary school teacher and avid adventure seeker. Jennifer is excited to share her love for yoga with KIND’s sangha (community) of yogis.

Mariana Paz-Soldan

Instructor

When we move together in community, magical things happen. Mariana has been a yoga student for the past 10 years of her life. As a young person, Mariana found yoga to be exactly what her soul was looking for: a place to mindfully move and connect to the present moment. Mariana is so excited that as a teacher, she can now offer space for other folks on their yoga journeys. Mariana is a proud and grateful graduate from Kind's Inaugural Nature-Based Yoga Teacher Training (250 Hours). As a constant and curious student of life, Mariana seeks out opportunities to continue to joyfully grow her yoga and meditation practice. Mariana is also a Registered Social Worker in Ontario, where her clinical practise inspires her to focus on weaving the importance of mental health into her classes. Mariana invites you to come as you are because who you are is always enough. Can't wait to meet you on the mat.

Maureen "Mo" Patterson

Instructor

We are all distinct, and in that individuality, we are all glorious. Maureen (please, feel free to call her Mo!) firmly believes that yoga can be safe and accessible for all body types, all levels of ability, and all levels of experience. Laughter and fun are key components of her classes, and she strives to create classes around themes designed to support “real life” outside the studio. When she first discovered yoga, the idea of movement directed by breath resonated instantly and deeply; it tied directly into her many years of study in dance, anatomy, and psychology. She said, “I found myself thinking about yoga all the time. I loved learning and practicing, and I had to find out as much as I could about it.” After several years of regular practice, she completed her 300-hour Yogayama Teacher Training with JP Tamblyn-Sabo at Ahimsa Yoga. She has also earned her 50-hour CYA Yin Yoga Certification with Dianne Harris. She enjoys teaching a variety of yoga styles, including Hatha Flow, Restorative, Vinyasa Flow, Yin, and Chair Yoga. Everyone has goals. Whether your ”yoga goals” are physical, mental, or spiritual, Mo believes that a regular yoga practice can help move you toward those goals, improving strength and flexibility, reducing stress, and teaching us more about ourselves. “My mission as a yoga teacher is to guide others toward finding more ease in their daily lives, by leading intelligently-designed classes, shared with joy.”

Tina Addorisio

Instructor

Tina's love for yoga began as an adult. She grew up dancing competitively and as a young adult, she wasn't able to find a form of exercise that gave her the mind-body-soul connection that dance once did. That's of course until she attended her first yoga class. She unknowingly was approaching "rock bottom" and had she not had her yoga practice, she wouldn't have been able to navigate the 2 big changes that were approaching; quitting the job that drained her and leaving a long-term relationship. During all the change and transitions, she took her first YTT at Yoga Source and then her second YTT in Vancouver at Prana Yoga College. These immersions changed her and she connected to a newfound desire to help others on their life path. She went on to study meditation, metaphysics, and then became a coach. Tina guides individuals to find their voice, speak their truth, become confidently self-expressed and she believes this is her life's purpose. She's lit up by the work she does and the people she gets to work with. She's the co-founder of The Studio Press, a self-publishing agency that helps entrepreneurs write and publish their stories. She's also one of the co-founders of Aligned Duo where she offers Human Design readings, personal and relationship coaching.  Tina's always been multi-passionate, growth oriented and driven by her purpose to serve. When you attend her classes, expect to feel deeply connected to the essence of you who're here to be.

 
 
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Susie Santacroe

Instructor

Susie’s yoga practice is influenced by her background in Recreation Therapy helping people of all abilities to increase their well-being through engagement in meaningful activities, teaching mindfulness and her passion for nature and movement. She has been practicing yoga for over 15years and has a love for both the fire of Vinyasa and the healing of Restorative classes. She completed her 250-hour yoga teacher training in 2016 and has been in love with teaching ever since. She works full time as a Recreation Therapist and Yoga Teacher at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in an intensive Chronic Pain Program for Adolescents.  In 2018 she completed training in Mindfulness Based Self Compassion weaving these concepts into her teachings and practice on and off of the mat. When she’s not on the mat, you’ll find Susie at the lake, playing her guitar or spending time with friends and family.

Phylicia Gonsalves

Instructor

Phylicia first found yoga when she was recovering from a traumatic brain injury that had brought her everyday life to a complete halt. While she initially yearned for physical healing, she ended up getting that and so much more – learning that this beautiful practice was her access to peace and the best lifestyle change that she could have been gifted. A former ballet dancer, being able to flow on her mat coupled with breath brought her back to an exciting place – one where she could express herself freely and connect with the ballerina that is always dancing in her heart on and off of the mat. While Phylicia enjoys all styles of yoga, her absolute favourite is Vinyasa. At home she is known to throw on her favourite playlist and improvise a creative yoga flow to the rhythm of music. She hopes to awaken the soul of her students with mindful, flowing movements and have them walk away from their mats feeling joyful, peaceful, and alive. After completing a 250-hour Yoga Teacher Training at her home studio KIND Yoga, Phylicia is dedicated to continuing her journey as an eternal student. She is currently taking a Mindfulness Yoga course and enjoys self-development and self-healing of the body and mind. She strives to weave her learnings into her yoga sequences and ultimately hopes her students can feel that they are in a safe place to be their authentic self.

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Sarah Comper

Instructor

Sarah has been practicing yoga for the past 10 years. She loves sharing her passion for yoga and guiding students through their practice with a "feel good" approach for all levels. In 2012 Sarah completed a 300 hour YTT.  Additionally, Sarah completed a prenatal yoga teacher training to guide expectant mothers through their pregnancy journey to prepare for labour and birth, and most recently became certified in JOGA, a movement system made up of the benefits of yoga combined with the biomechanics of sport, created specifically for an athletes body. Sarah hopes students leave her class feeling connected to mind, body and soul - a practice they can take off their mat and into their daily lives.

Ashley Gyarmati

Instructor

Ashley has been involved in various forms of movement for her entire life, starting as a competitive rhythmic gymnast, nationally certified coach, and then turned her passion into her degree by completing her BFA in dance. Experiencing movement in such a competitive and performative way for the majority of her life, when Ashley stepped into her first yoga class in her adulthood, she felt like she was coming up for air. Yoga became Ashley's way of finding peace and grounding for both the body and the mind by exploring movement in a different way and has been hooked ever since. In Ashley's classes you will find a balance of strengthening, stretching and core work with a focus on anatomical alignment while moving to the rhythm of your breath.

By day, Ashley is a high school teacher and her passion for sharing and exploring the process of the learning journey inspired her to embark on her Foundational Modo (Hatha) Teacher training, followed by various other styles including, Vinyasa Yin, Restorative. In a world where our attention is pulled in so many directions with demands and responsibilities, the goal in any of her classes is that when you are on your mat, connect with your breath in the present moment (a lot easier said than done, based on our hectic lifestyles!) and honour your body to move exactly how it feels and needs to in that present moment. Ashley is aware of her positionality as a Yoga teacher in the West and tries to amplify, versus appropriating the voices, practice and teachings of the deeper roots of Yoga.

When she's not on the mat, or with her students at school, Ashley is continuing her own journey as a lifelong learner working on her PhD in Indigenous Studies for settler educators and spending time with her puppies.

Looking forward to seeing you on the mat!