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Articles

Celebrating 20 years – interview with Heather MacNaughton

As Kelowna Yoga House approaches its 20th anniversary we would like to celebrate all of our super volunteers and all those who keep KYH operating, including our students, teachers, board members and all past and present volunteers. A big thank you to Heather MacNaughton for her enthusiasm, support and service to Kelowna Yoga House during the past 20 years!Heather has been a student at Kelowna Yoga House for 20 years with Margaret Lunam, our benefactor and Deborah Lomond as her first teachers. How many of you remember those inaugural days? Heather has also served on the board of directors as secretary and past president. She continues to serve on the marketing and workshop committees.

Heather credits Iyengar yoga for increasing her flexibility, strength and balance to help her in her other loves of mountain biking, skiing, hiking and previously, running and golf. She values Iyengar yoga and the teachers at KYH for helping her to develop and expand body-mind awareness, maintain life balance during the Covid-19 pandemic, recover from injuries acquired while mountain biking and skiing and gracefully move through aging. And we are grateful to Heather and all of you for being with us on this incredible 20 year journey. Stay tuned for more yoga to come as we adapt to current needs.

Lovingly submitted by Melissa Perehudoff

Quotes from BKS Iyengar: Your body lives in the past, your mind lives in the future. They come together in the present when you practise yoga. The yoga student should have clarity, faith, devotion, passion and courage. Work from your heart, not your brain to create harmony. 

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Melissa Perehudoff

Iyengar Yoga Instructor Certified: Level 3

Melissa tried her first yoga class in 1991 to manage stress at work and has been teaching for 25 years. She holds a Level 3 certification. She is grateful to have studied with the Iyengar family at RIMYI in Pune, India on four occasions, as well as with Geeta Iyengar in Vancouver, Penticton and Kootenay Bay, BC. Melissa has used yoga as a daily vitamin pill to increase energy and positive thinking, heal sports related injuries, improve physical imbalance due to scoliosis and maintain stability and clarity through life’s changes. Melissa stands in awe of yoga’s power to help “every body” in the pursuit of physical health and mental well-being. A commitment to a weekly yoga class can change your life! She likes to infuse her classes with fun, self-exploration and self- acceptance. Melissa welcomes new students and gets excited when students discover the many gifts of Iyengar yoga.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Phofi McCullough

Iyengar Yoga Instructor Certified: Level 2

Phofi is a Yoga enthusiast who has practised the teachings of Mr. BKS Iyengar since 1989. She studies with national and international Iyengar teachers, regularly attending workshops and several intensives. She holds a Level 2 Certificate. She has been four times to Pune, India to study under the tutelage of Geeta Iyengar and the Iyengar family, most recently in 2016.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Tracy Forsythe

Iyengar Yoga Instructor Certified: Level 2

Tracy began her journey on the yogic path in 1996 seeking help with a health challenge and through her practice has experienced many of the benefits that yoga offers. Tracy began teaching yoga in 1998, becoming certified with the Yoga Association of Alberta in 2001. In 2005 she commenced to deepen her practice of yoga with the Iyengar method. Tracy finds the intelligence of the Iyengar system to be invaluable in helping her students to progress in a challenging, effective and safe manner. She has studied, and continues to study, with national and international senior Iyengar teachers, including Geeta Iyengar in 2008 and the Iyengar family at RIMYI in Pune, India in 2014.  Tracy is a Level 2 certified Iyengar teacher.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Terry Tustain

Iyengar Yoga Instructor Certified: Level 1

Terry became a student of Iyengar yoga in 1995. She has been one ever since, and has found yoga to be quite challenging, but also remarkably rewarding. She greatly values the instruction she has had from all the teachers at KYH, and has had the privilege of studying with Geeta Iyengar in India in 2007 and 2009 and most recently studied with the Iyengar family in 2014, 2016 and 2019. Terry received her Level 1 certification in October 2016.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Janice Loukras

Iyengar Yoga Instructor Certified: Level 1

Janice began her exploration of yoga in 1998 seeking relief from the physical effects of a desk job and childbirth. The practice brought both physical and mental benefits. Upon moving to Kelowna in 2003, Janice discovered the Kelowna Yoga House and Iyengar yoga and has been a student ever since. Her first workshop experience was at the 2008 Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada’s Annual General Meeting in Penticton where she had the privilege of learning from Geeta Iyengar, and from here was inspired to learn more. In 2016, Janice chose to take her practice and learning deeper by entering the Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training program under the mentorship of Krisna Zawaduk.  She was certified in 2019 and is now a Level 1 teacher.  In addition to the great teachers at KYH, Janice has studied in person and online with national and international senior Iyengar yoga teachers.  She has also resumed teacher training with Krisna towards the next level of certification.  The inspiration continues through teaching and exploring the mysteries and evolution of Iyengar yoga with her students, teachers, and colleagues.  

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Stephanie Mathura

200YYT, RPYT [Prenatal], Yin

Stephanie’s journey with fitness, movement, and mindfulness began back in 1991 when she stepped into her first martial arts class.

Expanding upon the knowledge and experiences she gained in the dojo, she became a certified 200hr instructor of Hatha yoga (from the North American School of Yoga Science), as well as Prenatal, Mom & Baby, and Yin yoga (Yoga & Ayurveda Center). She finds joy in movement and helping others along their journey – whether physical, emotional, or wherever the universe is guiding them.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Barb Reid

Core Connexion

In 1998 Barb started her study of the 5 Rhythms movement practice of Gabrielle Roth.  Barb’s mentor, Eva Vigran has a Masters degree in somatic psychology and Eva was a 5 Rhythms instructor. For more than 20 years Eva has been teaching the Core Connexion movement practise throughout the world.

Barb completed her teacher training in Core Connexion Transformational Arts in 2004.

Barb has been leading weekly Core Connexion sessions ever since.

Music calls me to move my body in order to fully express what I feel inside with movement instead of with words. The practice of expressing myself creatively with movement and dance has healed my life. When I let the music inspire me and move me, I am open to a new experience of myself:  I feel that I am being danced into more aliveness and life.  Dancing and witnessing each other’s expressions creates a sense of connection and community.  I am passionate about sharing this kind of experience with others.  Please refer to www.coreconnexion.ca for more information.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Samantha Richardson

200YTT

Samantha first found her yoga mat in 2010 and it has helped her in so many beautiful ways. She is passionate to share the practice to help others to find the benefits that she has experienced which include: increased and balanced physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health as well as an influx of awareness and gratitude for the body, the breath, and this beautiful world with its abundance of blessings that we get to share and live in everyday. 

Samantha traveled in India in 2016 where she took part in a 200 hour Vinyasa yoga training. She later journeyed to Guatemala in 2018 and dove into the practice of Kundalini yoga achieving a 200 hour training certificate in that modality as well. When not on her mat, you can find Samantha trail running, taking a sweaty hot pilates class, deep in a juicy book, or blissfully dancing until sunrise at a variety of music festivals. 

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Barb Frim

200YTT + Gravity YTT

Barb found yoga in her 50s.  She has been teaching gentle Hatha yoga classes in Kelowna since 2018.

Her passion is introducing newcomers to yoga. She has attended and/or taught at yoga retreats in BC and also in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.  Barb encourages everyone to move their body so they can continue to move their body as they age.  She empowers people to be the best they can be in a safe and supportive environment.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Tyler De Freitas

E-RYT 1000+

I have been focused on the profoundness of the human experience that we call life for over a decade. I’m motivated by the beauty of the moment, always listening and learning and sharing the wisdom of my many Teachers and Mentors. After a profound inner experience at the age of 22, I found my life completely changed in every way. This lead to a release of all that I had worked for and all that I thought I was as a person.

Not long after this profound experience, I attended a Kundalini Yoga class and it was love at first kriya. I bought a 20 punch pass and started regularly attending classes. That lead me to Iyengar Yoga and eventually my first teacher training in Kripalu Yoga. From there I started teaching some crazy amount of classes (12-15) each week.

After that I travelled around, meeting international teachers and experiencing immersive multi-day programs and retreats. All of these experiences have helped me continue to refine my skills in the translation of the experience of union as well as other subjects like chakras, bandhas, tantra yoga, vayus, koshas, kundalini, 8 limbs, the cycles of the cosmos and so much more. I am consistently focused on deepening my studies.

My next yoga teacher training was in Kundalini Yoga followed by another at Anuttara Ashram, learning traditional tantra yoga from Guru Bhairav through the Shivoham lineage of Guruji Maharaj. I have just completed a very intense sadhana called chakrapani in India at Shivoham Ashram. I am looking forward to bringing these teachings back into Canada.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Sharon Babcock

Iyengar Yoga Instructor Certified: Level 1

Sharon started practicing Iyengar yoga in 2008, after a referral from her physio.  The Iyengar method focuses on alignment while building strength and stability.  After experiencing the many benefits of this style of practice for several years, Sharon embarked on the teacher training program in the fall of 2021 under the mentorship of Krisna Zawaduk and on Nov 1st, 2025 attained her Level 1 Iyengar Certification.  Sharon is looking forward to sharing the many gifts of Iyengar yoga to anyone who wants to nurture their personal wellbeing.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Diane de Palma

380YTT Hatha & Vinyasa

Diane has been practicing yoga for three decades, with a steadfast commitment to a regular practice over the past 11 years. She earned her Teacher Training Certificate in 2016 and has been sharing her passion for yoga ever since. She might not fit the stereotype of a yoga instructor — She is 61, not a limber young acrobat — but she takes pride in maintaining a healthy body and a joyful spirit, and yes, she can still stand on her head if she chooses!
However, let’s keep it real. The essence of yoga isn’t about mastering headstands or twisting into pretzel shapes. It’s about embarking on a journey within. Through her teaching, she aims to share the transformative power of yoga, helping you to feel whole, loved, filled with self-compassion, and brimming with self-confidence.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Sien Tan

700hr, Kripalu yoga, meditation, pranayama, yoga nidra, NewBack therapy, yin yoga.

Sien discovered yoga in 1996 in Margaret Lunam’s basement, practicing Iyengar yoga for its physical benefits—flexibility, pain relief, and strength. That initial experience planted a seed, sparking a lifelong passion for health, wellness, and the deeper wisdom of yoga.

In 2008 and 2014, driven to deepen her practice, Sien pursued Kripalu yoga teacher trainings. Though initially hesitant to teach, the call grew undeniable, leading her to share her knowledge and inspire others. With 30 years of practice and additional training in meditation, pranayama, yoga nidra, NewBack therapy, yin yoga, advanced asanas and ecstatic dance practices, Sien’s classes blend multiple approaches making each class a unique and accessible experience. You’ll find a nod to Iyengar’s precise alignement and use of props combined with a focus on breath-work, and somatic awareness, all intended to guide students to connect with their heart’s and bodies’ innate wisdom. It is her belief that yoga is for every body and everybody.

Sien believes health thrives on diversity—in yoga and life. “Diverse experiences are the medicine for a vibrant, compassionate, and resilient life,” she says. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, Sien invites you to find space and connection in her classes.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Rina Simoncioni

200YTT and Mindful Rest Yoga Nidra training

Rina started her journey with healing from pain which led to many explorations. When medical attention failed to help much, she started a journey of meditation, qigong, yoga and alternative healing practices. She was fortunate to complete Brenda Foster’s 8-week Stress Reduction Mindfulness program. Rina started to teach meditation at middle school to her students over 15 years ago. Then 10 years ago she did her 280-hour Integrative Yoga and Lifestyle Teacher training followed by a Mindful Rest Yoga Nidra Certification. She truly enjoyed the experience of a yoga retreat in Mexico last year with Tyler De Freitas. Rina looks forward to sharing ways to gently decompress and heal the nervous system, which helps manage pain and restore the body and mind to a calmer more non-reactive state. She is mindful of creating an environment that shares playfulness, safety, warmth and a grounding calmness.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Darcia Fenton

Iyengar Yoga Instructor Certified: Level 2

My love for health and wellness has always been a guiding thread in my life. Living close to nature and choosing a simple, balanced lifestyle naturally led me to yoga, though I didn’t realize at the time just how much it would shape my path. My yoga journey began 27 years ago on a trip to Nevis. One quiet morning, I was walking along the beach when I noticed a yogi moving gracefully through his practice. The sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the stillness in his presence created a moment that stopped me in my tracks. His calm and reflective energy drew me in, and I felt a spark of curiosity that inspired me to look deeper. That moment was the beginning of a lifelong journey.

Since then, yoga has carried me across the world — from the shores of the Caribbean to the bustling streets and sacred spaces of India. I have had the privilege of learning from many wise and inspiring international teachers, each one leaving an imprint on my practice. What I’ve discovered is that yoga is truly endless. It’s not only about the poses, but also about breath, awareness, compassion, and connection. Each time I step on the mat, I am reminded that the learning never ends.

For me, yoga is both a practice and a way of life — a journey of growth, healing, and joy. I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this passion with others. Teaching allows me to witness people discover their own strength, peace, and light, and there is nothing more rewarding than being part of those moments.

I am also fortunate to work alongside a caring and well-rounded team, where together we create a space that supports and uplifts our community. Building those connections, sharing in laughter, learning from one another, and growing as a community has been a gift — and truly, so much fun.

Qualifications
Certified Iyengar Intermediate Level 2
Integrative Yoga Therapy Certification
Early Child Development (ECE)
BCRPA – Fitness Theory
CPR & First Aid Certification

Favorite Quote
“Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened. Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading. Take down the dulcimer. Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.”― Rumi

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Jolanda Himmelstein

Qi Gong movement classes

Jolanda started her first Taiji (Tai Chi) classes in Taiwan in 1989. During the total of ten years that she lived in Asia (China, Hong Kong, Singapore), she continued training in Taiji and later discovered Nei Gong (inner Qigong). She found her true calling when starting practising Qigong in Canada in 2008. The profoundly relaxed way of breathing, the meditative imagery from nature and the ease with which sinking into the ‘relax and repair’ mode (parasympathetic nervous system) simply unfolded, all felt like ‘coming home’. Training with multiple teachers ensued: Deborah Davis, Hajime (Harold) Naka from Kelowna and the internationally renowned master Sam Masich being the main ones.

Jolanda started teaching Qigong classes for the City of Kelowna in 2011. Her classes have clearly evolved since then, benefitting from all the holistic studies Jolanda embarked on within the past ten years (Sound Therapy, gentle Acupressure in the tradition of Jin Shin Jyustu and Foot Reflexology).

Jolanda is aware that she will perpetually continue her learning and evolving journey on this path called life and is looking forward to sharing Qigong at the Kelowna Yoga House!

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Noushin Mahmoudpour

Ministry of Sport and Youth trained + YMCA Yoga Instructor

Noushin brings over two decades of dedicated yoga practice and a year of teaching experience in Canada. Her journey into yoga was inspired by its profound ability to cultivate calmness, flexibility, and spiritual connection. She received her initial certification from the Ministry of Sport and Youth in Iran and further her training at Kelowna’s H2O (YMCA).

Specializing in dynamic Vinyasa, Power Yoga, and the introspective depths of Yin, Noushin’s classes are known for being both challenging and uniquely inspiring. Students often discover “new positions” and movements, as she seamlessly blends traditional wisdom with her personal, innovative approach. She strives to empower students, helping them find strength, peace, flexibility, and a deeper connection within themselves.
Join Noushin for a transformative practice that is both dynamic and refreshingly original.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Rose Robson

500YTT + Baptiste, Journey into Power Level 1

Rose Robson has been a fully certified Fitness Instuctor and Personal Trainer since 1999.

She decided to add a Yoga Certification to her list of credentials in 2018, after developing her own personal practice since 2010.  She first completed her 200-hour training with Shift Power Yoga in West Kelowna, and one year later added an additional 300-hour training with the same studio.

She is an avid enthusiast of health, wellness, fitness and beauty. 

She has worked in the Beauty Industry as a Hairstylist for the past 30+ years and she is a firm believer that beauty is born in the soul and emanates from there. 

True beauty is felt far before it is seen with the naked eye.

Her goal in sharing the practice of yoga as a Yoga Instructor is to help others feel at ease so that they can come to know themselves more fully and, to inspire others to do the same. 

She is also the author of a series of children’s books.   The series is called “Incredible Ilsa” the first two publications of the series can be found online at any book retailer worldwide.  The first of the series is called “Ilsa and Bear’s Bangs “the second (inspired by, written for and dedicate to all Yogis)  is called “Dog’s Bad Day”   The series is written for children and, any adult that reads them will see that they are written for any age group.  With messages that we all are in this together.  We all are one.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Noushi Fattahi

200YTT

Noushi has been practicing yoga for about 18 years and teaching for 10. Over time, her style has naturally evolved into a slower, more mindful flow that encourages grounding and presence.

With her holistic nutrition background, she has woven principles of nourishment into the yoga classes and wellness workshops she offers, because she believes in the body-mind connection. She taught in yoga studios, gyms, rec centers, and community spaces, but is most drawn to peaceful environments where people can truly unwind, connect inward, and feel cared for. Her goal is always to help students leave class feeling a little lighter and a bit more at ease.

You may have seen her at Natures Fare where she consults on vitamins and supplements.

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Celebrating 20 years – interview with Heather MacNaughton

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Iyengar

Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar who lived from 1918-2014 and whose system of yoga is kept alive by thousands of teachers and practitioners around the world. This method is known for its focus on precision, timings of holding the poses, sequencing of the poses in a class and the use of props such as straps, blocks, bolsters and chairs. Props are not used in every class but can help students to achieve and maintain correct alignment in a pose, go deeper in a pose, stay longer in a relaxing pose or enable you to continue your practice when you have limitations. Each class is sequenced in a safe and structured way to develop strength, endurance, balance and correct body alignment. Some classes develop conscious relaxation to calm the nervous system and deepen the breath. In an Iyengar yoga class you can expect demonstrations from the teacher and detailed instructions to develop your concentration, inner awareness and release of physical and mental tension. As your practice develops your mind becomes focused on the actions of the posture and the movement of the breath. You will be encouraged to work at your own capacity and the teacher can provide modifications or special instructions to help you with conditions or injuries you may be working with. The Iyengar yoga method is based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga taught by the sage Patanjali, and your teacher will have knowledge of the ancient yoga texts and philosophy.

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Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga classes are an exploration of breath through flowing movements.  It is suitable for all levels and modifications are readily available for all levels of participation. 

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Vinyasa

All levels vinyasa classes can expect a juicy and flowing practice.  Postures are sequenced in a way to build strength, endurance and flexibility.  Expect an open and blissful feeling following your practice routine. 

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Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is a meditative practice that invites you to slow down and explore deeper layers of the body. Poses are held for 3–5 minutes (sometimes longer), targeting the connective tissues like fascia, ligaments, and joints, rather than the muscles. With the mindful use of props like bolsters, blocks, and blankets for support, you'll find just the right edge of sensation to create space, increase flexibility, and release long-held tension.

Rooted in Taoist principles and influenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin Yoga also works to stimulate energy flow through the meridians, helping to balance body and mind. This grounding, introspective class is perfect for anyone seeking to improve mobility, reduce stress, cultivate patience, and foster a deeper connection to the present moment. Leave feeling open, calm, and renewed.

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Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga is a deeply nurturing, gentle practice designed to promote complete relaxation and recovery. Using an abundance of supportive props like bolsters, blankets, blocks, and straps, you'll be fully cradled in each pose, allowing the body to surrender without effort. Poses are held for 5–20 minutes, giving the nervous system the time to shift into the parasympathetic "rest and digest" state, where true healing and restoration can occur.

This soothing style focuses on releasing physical and mental tension, improving sleep, easing anxiety, and replenishing energy reserves. Ideal for all levels, especially those recovering from stress, later stage injury, fatigue, or simply needing profound rest, Restorative Yoga offers a safe space to let go completely and emerge feeling deeply restored, peaceful, and balanced.

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Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra, often called "yogic sleep," is a powerful guided meditation practice that takes you into a profound state of conscious deep rest while lying comfortably in Shavasana (corpse pose). No physical movement or effort is required as you’re led through a structured sequence of body awareness, breath awareness, visualization and intention-setting (sankalpa).

This ancient technique allows the body to enter a state between wakefulness and sleep, where the nervous system shifts into deep parasympathetic "rest and digest" mode. You remain gently aware throughout, yet experience rest far more restorative than ordinary sleep, often equivalent to several hours of rejuvenation in just one session.

Yoga Nidra is highly effective for reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, releasing emotional tension, enhancing focus and creativity, balancing the nervous system and supporting overall healing. Perfect for all levels, especially those feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, or seeking mental clarity and inner peace, this effortless practice leaves you feeling deeply calm, refreshed and reconnected to your true self.

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Turiya Yoga

The goal of Turiya Yoga is to help students connect with themselves, cultivate a deep inner awareness, and move towards experiencing a sense of oneness with the universe. Classes incorporate several different ancient practices including kriya, pranayama, asana, meditation, yogic philosophies, dynamic movement and kundalini tantra.

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Kundalini
Challenge your mind, body and focus with this unique practice. Kundalini yoga draws upon the practices of pranayama (breathing techniques), kriyas (exercise sets), chanting and meditation to challenge ourselves to understand who we are and what we are capable of.
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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Ruth Rochlin

President

Ruth was sent to do yoga with Margaret Lunam, our benefactor, “for the rest of your life” by a local physical medicine physician in 1994.  The learning was slow and steady, the mind/body connection established over time.  She has tried other types of yoga, but the expertise of the Iyengar teachers is a strong draw back.  The Kelowna Yoga House is a centre of excellence and comfort in her life.   She joined the Board at the 2022 AGM after volunteering in different roles over the years.  

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Carola Jaspers

Vice-President

Carola discovered KYH in 2012 after exploring several yoga studios and quickly found her home in its welcoming community. Within a year, she began volunteering on the marketing committee and soon took on the daily management of the MindBody booking software. Encouraged to deepen her involvement, she joined the board in 2016 and has served ever since—aside from a brief one-year hiatus—contributing to several subcommittees over the years. In March 2024, Carola also assumed responsibility for the society’s bookkeeping. She continues to dedicate her time and skills to KYH as a way of giving back to the community that has supported and inspired her.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Barb Adams

Secretary

Barb was introduced to the Yoga House by a co-worker and attended her first class with Melissa in November 2009. The depth of knowledge of the teachers has kept her coming back since then.  A Board Member since 2011, Barb has served on the Finance Committee and as President & Vice-President and now as Secretary.

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Karen Smith

200YTT + Level 1 Instructor Kundalini

I first came to yoga with the simple desire to relieve the pains and stiffness that were present in my body. What I discovered was a window in to the amazing world of myself. I discovered a place where I could slow down, breath and actually feel what was happening in my body, mind and spirit.

A number of years later I trained in Hatha Yoga and from there, my desire to learn continued to grow. I participated and trained in many workshops, yoga events and trained in different styles of yoga. I utilized these practices to dive deeply into the essence of life; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I learned many beautiful and sometimes challenging lessons.

I then I stumbled upon Kundalini yoga, where I found the culmination of all that I held to be true in my heart. I loved the practice as it challenged my mind, my body and my beliefs of what I was capable of doing. Through the use of my voice, the strengthening of my nervous system and using my presence to serve others, I had found my home. The community of Kundalini practitioners have created a magic space here in Kelowna.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Janet Kendrick

200YTT + TCTSY Foundational Training

Janet found her home on the mat in her early twenties.  Deeply immersed in healing work from that time, Janet cares deeply about creating a safe environment for all individuals.

With roots in hatha yoga, trauma-informed lens, inspirational speaker, coach, and author, Janet is thrilled to grow roots in the beautiful Okanagan with her cocker spaniel Leo and Cat Love. As a new member of KYH, she feels it was true soul alignment and is honoured to be a Teacher and a Client Experience Associate.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Stephanie Kiesling

Board Member

Stephanie was introduced to Iyengar yoga in 2001 by a fitness trainer/hypnotherapist and found the mind-body connection helpful for staying grounded in daily life and managing spinal conditions.

Yoga continues to be part of her daily life and the depth of knowledge of the teachers continues to inspire her own learning.

She is a current member of the Finance committee and Board of Directors since 2024 and has served on the board for several years in the past, also as Treasurer.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Eliseo Santillan

Board Member

Eliseo was introduced to the Kelowna Yoga House community in 2025. In August of that year, he collaborated on and facilitated a music and movement workshop, which inspired him to reconnect with his yoga and movement practice.

He strongly believes in the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga and movement. Eliseo joined the Kelowna Yoga House Society Board of Directors in November 2025 and serves on the communications committee.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Amanda (AJ) Cooper

200YTT

Amanda Cooper is a devoted yogic educator, guide, and practitioner with over 20 years on the path and 9 years of teaching experience. She completed her 200 hour YTT through the Sivananda Yoga Centre in 2016 and has since guided others into a deeper relationship with their body, breath, and inner world. Rooted in a practice of grounded presence, her approach weaves together yoga, mindfulness, and lived wisdom.
Her teaching invites students to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with their own inner intelligence. Through mindful movement and embodied awareness, she supports others in cultivating inner peace, resilience, and self mastery, learning to live in alignment with their truth rather than external pressure.

Alongside her yogic path, she is a dedicated Buddhist practitioner, bringing a depth of presence, compassion, and conscious awareness into all that she offers. She also works one on one with individuals navigating life transitions, supporting conscious rewiring, emotional integration, and a return to purposeful, heart led living.
Her work is an invitation to come home to yourself, to live with intention, deepen connection to self and others, and walk a path rooted in presence, compassion, and inner guidance.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Frank Morisson

200YTT + meditation 50YTT

Frank started practising yoga in 2016. He was doing it to supplement practising judo and running. He quickly fell in love with flow classes. He started planning his training in 2017 and started training in yoga fit in 2018. In 2020 Frank went to Rishikesh, India. He studied a 50 hour meditation teacher training course and a 200 hour yoga teacher training course. Franks practice and classes are based more on ashtanga and flow classes. He trained in Ashtanga and Hatha yoga at Pyramid Yoga Shala, and meditation training at Vendansha Moksha Ashram.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Sharon Babcock

Treasurer & Yoga Teacher

Iyengar yoga and Kelowna Yoga House was recommended to Sharon in 2008 by her physio to help build strength and stability. She has never looked back as not only did yoga provide the physical benefits, it was a great stress relief at the end of a busy work day. Sharon volunteers on the KYHS finance committee, and joined the KYHS board of directors as Secretary in November 2022 and as a President in December 2023.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Janice Loukras

Board Member & Yoga Teacher

Janice has been a student of Iyengar Yoga at the Kelowna Yoga House since 2003 and a certified teacher since 2019. The devotion of teachers, volunteers, and members to the practice of yoga and the Kelowna Yoga House community inspired both her pursuit of certification to become an Iyengar Yoga teacher and her volunteer involvement with the society. She has been on the board as a student member from 2008-2014 and as a teaching member since 2020. She has participated on various committees over the years and currently serves on the Finance, Recruitment and Communications Committees as well as the Board President for the 2024-2025 term.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Tyler De Freitas

Board Member & Yoga Teacher

Tyler De Freitas is the founder of Turiya Academy, where he leads transformational yoga and consciousness-based training programs. With over a decade of study and practice, Tyler is a devoted teacher of both Kundalini and Traditional Tantra Yoga, having completed extensive training across North America and India. His work emphasizes yoga as a holistic path that integrates physical practice with breathwork, meditation, mantra, and inner inquiry. Guided by a strong commitment to service and community, Tyler brings depth, integrity, and a heart-centered vision to every aspect of life, supporting the Society’s mission to make yoga accessible as a tool for wellbeing, self-awareness, and collective growth.

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Kelowna Yoga Instructors
Darcia Fenton

Board Member & Yoga Teacher

Darcia has always had a passion for health and wellness. Discovering yoga in her 20s, yoga has been a blessing for both her physical and mental health. In 1999, Darcia moved to Kelowna where she met our founder Margaret Lunam & Iyengar Yoga. Margaret asked Darcia one day, “How about being an instructor?” and since then Darcia has not looked back. Darcia is a Certified Iyengar Instructor Level 2. Darcia has sat on the board of directors in the past as a teacher and as the treasurer. On the business side, Darcia has owned and managed many businesses. Presently Darcia manages a fitness facility and looks forward to bringing her skills and creativity to the yoga house.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Ruth Rochlin

President

Ruth was sent to do yoga with Margaret Lunam, our benefactor, “for the rest of your life” by a local physical medicine physician in 1994. The learning was slow and steady, the mind/body connection established over time. She has tried other types of yoga, but the expertise of the Iyengar teachers is a strong draw back. The Kelowna Yoga House is a centre of excellence and comfort in her life. She joined the Board at the 2022 AGM after volunteering in different roles over the years.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Carola Jaspers

Vice-President

Carola discovered KYH in 2012 after exploring several yoga studios and quickly found her home in its welcoming community. Within a year, she began volunteering on the marketing committee and soon took on the daily management of the MindBody booking software. Encouraged to deepen her involvement, she joined the board in 2016 and has served ever since—aside from a brief one-year hiatus—contributing to several subcommittees over the years. In March 2024, Carola also assumed responsibility for the society’s bookkeeping. She continues to dedicate her time and skills to KYH as a way of giving back to the community that has supported and inspired her.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Barb Adams

Secretary

Barb was introduced to the Yoga House by a co-worker and attended her first class with Melissa in November 2009. The depth of knowledge of the teachers has kept her coming back since then. A Board Member since 2011, Barb has served on the Finance Committee and as President & Vice-President and now as Secretary.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Stephanie Kiesling

Board Member

Stephanie was introduced to Iyengar yoga in 2001 by a fitness trainer/hypnotherapist and found the mind-body connection helpful for staying grounded in daily life and managing spinal conditions. Yoga continues to be part of her daily life and the depth of knowledge of the teachers continues to inspire her own learning. She is a current member of the Finance committee and Board of Directors since 2024 and has served on the board for several years in the past, also as Treasurer.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Karen Smith

Board Member & Yoga Teacher

Karen Smith has been following the yogic teachings for many years. She first started practicing Hatha yoga in 1991 and since then has followed many different Teachers and traditions. Her main practice at the moment is Kundalini yoga and mediation. Karen loves yoga for the connection to her body, the sense of stillness that it brings to her mind and the ability to show up in her community as her best self. Karen has been teaching Kundalini Yoga at KYH since 2023 and this is her first year on the board. She hopes to help build the vision of the future KYH, growing and connecting a bigger community to this beautiful studio.

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Kelowna Yoga House Society
Eliseo Santillan

Board Member

Eliseo was introduced to the Kelowna Yoga House community in 2025. In August of that year, he collaborated on and facilitated a music and movement workshop, which inspired him to reconnect with his yoga and movement practice. He strongly believes in the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga and movement. Eliseo joined the Kelowna Yoga House Society Board of Directors in November 2025 and serves on the communications committee.

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Ryder McCool

200YTT

Ryder McCool, hailing from the Hawai’ian Islands, enjoys the simple things in life, and one of those things is Yoga. Practising Yoga for several years now, Ryder holds his 200hr Teacher Training, and enjoys utilizing Yoga every day, but is always excited to learn more about Yoga and life in general! Playing guitar, writing, checking out cafes, and spending time in nature is one of his many pastimes, and he is excited to be teaching Yoga for Kelowna Yoga Hub!

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Cassaundra Ruzsa

200YTT

Cassaundra’s intuition guided her toward a yoga practice, years before she understood what yoga was.

It wasn’t until she came into a pretty stressful and anxious time in my life that she turned to a yoga studio for support. Once she felt the benefits of not only creating space in my body, but stillness in her mind, she knew I would one day have to share that experience with others. In 2023, with a passion to learn more, and dive deeper into her personal practice, she completed her Yoga Teacher Training. Now, she’s excited and grateful to expand her journey and to have the ability to hold space for others on their journey towards finding release and peace within their own body and soul both on and off the mat.

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Emily Zallas

200YYT

I completed my 200-hour YTT with SOYA and remain forever grateful for the deep foundations it gave my practice. Always eager to learn and grow, I am in the final stages of completing my 300-hour yoga training with Clara Roberts-Oss.

The wisdom of the human body continually inspires me. Beyond yoga, I practice as a Registered Massage Therapist and owner of Mountain Cove Massage. Both paths reflect my passion for therapeutic movement, nervous system regulation, and supporting the body’s innate ability to heal. 

My yoga practice is deeply influenced by nature. When I’m not on the mat, you will find me outdoors, often skiing, trail running, or exploring the mountains with my rescue pups. For me, nature is a teacher, and weaving its rhythms into my practice helps me stay rooted and inspired.

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Shalanne Wilkison

500YTT

Born and raised in Kelowna, Shalanne is a dedicated yoga teacher with over a decade of experience guiding students both locally and online. Her teaching journey has taken her as far as Costa Rica, where she spent three months offering classes at a retreat center, deepening her connection to both practice and community.

Now stepping into a new chapter of motherhood, Shalanne finds herself returning to the mat with a renewed intention—creating space to reconnect, restore, and come home to herself. This lived experience informs her teaching, bringing a sense of authenticity, compassion, and grounded presence to each class.

Shalanne’s approach emphasizes mindful movement, breath awareness, and tuning into the body’s sensations. She offers clear, supportive guidance to help students feel safe, present, and empowered in their own practice, whether they are seeking relaxation, gentle challenge, or a deeper mind-body connection.