Power of Presence Copy Copy Copy

September – December 2021
Power of Presence

200hr Online and In-Studio Teacher Training Program

Power of Presence is a 200-hour training that offers a thorough introduction to yoga as a form of movement medicine, personal empowerment, and mindful presence.

Whether you are wanting to become a yoga teacher or to explore yourself through deep commitment to the practice, this training will give you the tools you need to access your inner guidance system. With a strong emphasis on movement, meditation & breathing practices, this training is a true expression of yin and yang. An intermingling of ancient Eastern tradition and modern Western science, this training is designed to prepare anyone with a keen desire—to teach or practice yoga as an authentic extension of their own unique experience.

We can say with confidence that this program is for ANYONE. We have created a safe container for you to step out of your comfort zone and explore your potential. Whether you are brand new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, you will experience the unifying effect of the practice and lifestyle through this dynamic training.

Your Lead Trainers

Robert Aranyosi

Unlike many, Rob took his first teacher training having only done a handful of yoga classes, for no reason other than he knew yoga made him feel good. Shortly after graduating, he left his full time job as an auto mechanic to pursue a life filled with yoga. Since then, Rob's entire life has revolved around yoga, continuing to practice and learn everyday and share his teachings with those who are interested. He has taken over 1000 hours of trainings, some with internationally recognized teachers such as Dylan Werner and Jason Crandell, all related to yoga and movement and has taught countless hours in the form of studio classes, privates, workshops and trainings over the years. Rob believes that just like us, yoga is an ever-evolving practice and as the practice evolves, so does the movement. In a thorough yet lighthearted way, his teachings are focused on bringing together traditional and non-traditional movements to help students create connection to themselves through the practice of movement.

Robert Aranyosi

Unlike many, Rob took his first teacher training having only done a handful of yoga classes, for no reason other than he knew yoga made him feel good. Shortly after graduating, he left his full time job as an auto mechanic to pursue a life filled with yoga. Since then, Rob's entire life has revolved around yoga, continuing to practice and learn everyday and share his teachings with those who are interested. He has taken over 1000 hours of trainings, some with internationally recognized teachers such as Dylan Werner and Jason Crandell, all related to yoga and movement and has taught countless hours in the form of studio classes, privates, workshops and trainings over the years. Rob believes that just like us, yoga is an ever-evolving practice and as the practice evolves, so does the movement. In a thorough yet lighthearted way, his teachings are focused on bringing together traditional and non-traditional movements to help students create connection to themselves through the practice of movement.

Robert Aranyosi

Jessica Magnan

Inspired by the notion that a teacher’s true mission is to create more teachers rather than to gather students—Jess is eager to share the knowledge, tools, and experience she has gained over nearly a decade of teaching yoga. Jess has studied with and been influenced by Tiffany Cruikshank, Elena Brower, Guru Singh, Kia Miller, Sally Kempton, Joe Dispenza, Marianne Williamson, Gabrielle Bernstein and Rod Stryker. She also has an extensive background in meditation and metaphysical philosophy, a degree in Sociology and is a certified Integral Coach. Jess experienced a healing within her role as a teacher and student of yoga. It is her belief that the physical body is the device by which we come into alignment with our true nature as powerful and creative spiritual beings. Her journey has led her to practice and teach yoga as a form of medicine that can be administered by anyone at any stage in the game. Her approach is deliberate yet gentle and reminds students that there is nothing to conquer or even to learn but rather to remember—we are already enough. Jess has devoted her life to helping others to reclaim their power, vitality, peace, worth and connection.

Jessica Magnan

Inspired by the notion that a teacher’s true mission is to create more teachers rather than to gather students—Jess is eager to share the knowledge, tools, and experience she has gained over nearly a decade of teaching yoga. Jess has studied with and been influenced by Tiffany Cruikshank, Elena Brower, Guru Singh, Kia Miller, Sally Kempton, Joe Dispenza, Marianne Williamson, Gabrielle Bernstein and Rod Stryker. She also has an extensive background in meditation and metaphysical philosophy, a degree in Sociology and is a certified Integral Coach. Jess experienced a healing within her role as a teacher and student of yoga. It is her belief that the physical body is the device by which we come into alignment with our true nature as powerful and creative spiritual beings. Her journey has led her to practice and teach yoga as a form of medicine that can be administered by anyone at any stage in the game. Her approach is deliberate yet gentle and reminds students that there is nothing to conquer or even to learn but rather to remember—we are already enough. Jess has devoted her life to helping others to reclaim their power, vitality, peace, worth and connection.

Jessica Magnan

Program Overview

  • Deep dive into different breathing practices & the physiology behind them
  • A versatile and mindful approach to teaching and practicing vinyasa based yoga
  • Understanding and integrating yogic philosophy as a teacher and a modern yogi
  • Understanding and integrating physical and energetic anatomy in fundamental poses
    and movements
  • Exploring modern movement theory and classic alignment principles
  • Embodying presence and sensitivity through breathwork and meditation
  • Exploring themes and principles that bolster a modern yoga class and your life
  • Understanding and using creative intelligent sequencing principles
  • Developing self-awareness and voice to create an authentic and unique experience
  • Exploring the business of yoga, being a yoga teacher and its many avenues
  • Basic understanding of biomechanics and how it applies to the yoga practice and everyday functional movement
  • Development of critical thinking skills that go far beyond the yoga room

What’s Included

  • 200-HR Yoga Teacher Training Certificate (recognized by Yoga Alliance)
  • 180 contact hours with lead trainers and guest instructors
  • 20-Class Bundle for Elevate Yoga ($300 value, class bundles do not expire)
  • Manual, journal and handouts
  • 2 follow-up group meetings after the program to reconnect (optional to attend)
  • Lifetime 25% discount on all class passes and merchandise at Elevate Yoga

Certified Educational Institution

Our program is a Certified Educational Institution by ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada). Students may claim fees paid for the purposes of the tuition, education and tax credits.

Schedule

Friday 6-9PM (First weekend only)
Saturdays 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sundays 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Dates

September 10-12
September 25-26
October 2-3
October 16-17
October 23-24
October 30-31
November 13-14
November 20-21
November 27-28
December 11-12
December 18-19

The Guest Teachers

Lisa Hebert

Lisa Hebert

Lisa Hebert is a Lead Teacher Trainer for Yoga Tune Up®, a former professional dancer and an ever-expanding movement exploration enthusiast. She is a Personal Trainer, Yoga Teacher and co-founder and director of multiple 200-HR YA Yoga Teacher Trainings. Her Yoga teaching experience spans from Pre-natal to Acro, Hatha to Power and Yin Yoga.

As a dancer/ choreographer, Lisa has created and performed in works that took her to theatres and festivals across North America and is now revisiting the on-the-road lifestyle as she brings Tune Up Fitness® trainings across Canada.

Workshops – Anatomy 101 for Yoga Teaching, Principles of Human Movement, Anatomy Expanded, Breath Camp: Anatomy & Mechanics of Breath

These trainings focus on the anatomy, kinesiology and biomechanics of human movement as it relates to various movement practices, learning to embody and understand our own human structures.

Shanèl Dear

Shanèl (She/Her) is a 200 hour certified teacher with further trainings in accessibility, anti-oppression and the Detour Method. She currently teaches in the GTA and frequents Ottawa and Montreal. She is passionate about making wellness accessible to all communities. She teaches from a body positive, trauma informed and anti-colonial lens. Her favorite part about teaching is connecting through breath and sharing a laugh.

Workshop – Creating Brave Spaces in Yoga with Focus on Inclusion and Anti Oppression 

Explore how to create brave spaces for students to show up their most authentic selves and foster an environment of belonging.  Learn to recognize intersections of privilege and oppression within your yoga practice as well as the yoga industry and understand how you  can use your privilege(s) to create more space for inclusivity and accessibility. We will also talk about inclusive cueing and modifications for bigger bodies as well as disabled bodies.

 

Mike Dynie

Michael Dynie

Michael Dynie dedicated his life to teaching yoga on a full-time basis a decade ago and loves working with people from all walks of life. Deeply inspired by studies with Richard Freeman, he has developed a fascination with teaching healthy movement patterns, innovating classical yoga postures (Ashtanga Vinyasa and Iyengar) for more specific purposes. Michael uses breath awareness to draw students into the core of the body – the seat of meditative awareness and postural stability. He invites you to compassionately explore your boundaries in search of the middle-path.

Workshop – A Compassionate Touch – Hands-on Assisting through an Educated Lens 

Hands-on assists can have a transformative effect on students’ yoga practices, and simultaneously reshape a teachers perspective on how to best use language to guide students through safer and more inclusive experiences that honour the diversity of the human body.

This workshop on adjustment techniques is open to teachers of yoga (and teachers in training) who are passionate about helping their students develop greater mind-body awareness through a combination of words and touch, informed by anatomical reasoning and evolved alignment theory. Giving the right adjustment has everything to do with context: learning how to teach the student rather than idealizing the pose.

Kilee Mercuur

Kilee Mercuur

Kilee is currently a student of an international certified yoga therapy program right here in Ottawa. She came to yoga as a young and anxious university student looking for ways to cope with the big change of moving continents. At the time she thought it would not be a “big deal,” but it sure was and she felt like she was lost at sea. Each class was an opportunity for her to get closer to herself and acknowledge the grief, sadness and anxiety she was experiencing. Her curiosity strengthened and she felt deeply connected to what yoga was all about.

Yoga Therapy is now where she commits most of her energy these days. For the longest time she couldn’t grasp the difference between yoga and yoga therapy and stumbled many times into contemplating the “point” of its distinction. She is excited to share her learnings and what she’s considered gems along the way. 

As a student yoga therapist she is keen to work with clients who are at pivotal moments in their lives. She has trained to accompany people in their most vulnerable, potential life shattering experiences such as, loss injury, disease and diagnosis.

As a person who has experienced trauma both physically and mentally she used to feel ill equipped, unable to support others because she thought she needed to have it all figured out. Now she see it as her truest strength as kindness and compassion lives there too. 

Alongside her passion for yoga therapy she also tend to other callings. She is always being called to environmental causes, hoarding of house plants and supporting older women in navigating technology.

Workshop – Yoga Therapy: Where Art Meets Science

Kilee will give you a taste of the profession of Yoga Therapy. This immersive workshop will highlight the pieces that differentiate yoga classes from yoga therapy. By acknowledging her scope of practice she will allow each individual to explore for themselves how they might show up in the world as a fresh eyed yoga teacher, who might be interested down the road to specialize. Kilee will let everyone take a deep dive into the new exciting field of Polyvagal Theory and how it relates to working with trauma. She will also let us observe with generosity, a first-time in-take session utilizing the Pañca Maya Kośa assessment.

Mark Wilkinson

Mark Wilkinson

Dr. Mark Wilkinson has led a joyful professional life unhindered by boundaries, combining the best of movement, science, the arts, and leadership into a career as a yoga teacher, actor/opera singer, fervent volunteer, and voice specialist. He has been seen and heard on stages and soundwaves throughout Canada as a baritone soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, voice-over artist, and national anthem singer. He has enjoyed contributing to the Ottawa-Gatineau community with all of the major artistic organizations and professional sports teams. Additionally, he was a busy yoga teacher at Elevate, Rama Lotus, and Upward Dog for many years. He owes a debt of gratitude to Mike Dynie and Mark Laham, his primary yoga mentors, for all of their generosity in their teachings. Dr. Mark received his doctoral degree in vocal health from The Ohio State University.

Workshop – A Primal Sound and the First Human Instrument

A public yoga class is a moving meditation carried on the breath of the students and the voice of the teacher. The gentle guidance of a teacher inspires every inhale, every exhale, and every powerfully soft movement of every individual in the space. Yoga is a humbling,
universal practice and yet even the most experience yogis finds themselves drawn to particular teachers. This connection/resonance is unavoidable.

In this rare workshop, Mark Wilkinson (known to most as “Dr. Mark”) shares his voice with hopeful yoga teachers who are looking to find theirs. Bringing together all the parts that make up the human voice – anatomy, physiology, psychology, emotion, speech, singing, acoustics, physics, communication, and others – Dr. Mark opens yogis’ hearts and minds to a topic too often forgotten in most yoga teacher trainings: the care and maintenance of a yoga teacher’s voice to ensure a long life of happy, healthy yoga-teaching.

This is a workshop not to be missed, given by a yoga teacher who happens to be a professional opera singer with a doctorate in vocal health. Yogis will leave feelings the vibrations of their voices and the deep resonance of their intentions as they share them effortlessly into the space on a free, ringing, articulate sound.

Crystale Boisvert

Crystale Boisvert

Crystale is a certified yoga teacher and mindfulness facilitator with over 10 years of teaching experience. She has always loved movement as dance and martial arts were some of her first pillars to movement.

She is a 7th degree Reiki Master, with additional training in Tibetan energy medicine and massage. She has studied different lineages and teachings of Tantra and has infused this wisdom in all that she offers.

Crystale guides her classes through intuitively feeling into what her clients need, making her classes always a brand new experience. She offers a variety of breath practices and emotional intelligence tools in her classes to deepen the experience of mindful movement.

Workshop – Intuitive Teaching

Together we will explore the art of trust, this is the key in teaching a yoga practice that is organically created as you move and flow with each new class.

Mastering trust is a process that invites you to embody the formless in form; Presence.

We will explore how humility and trust leads the way in allowing the flow of the Universe to guide your words and yoga practice. As how could you possibly know what each new client needs as they arrive to your class? The Universe knows and I am here to tell you that It has your back!

Your ability to embody presence, trust and humility opens you up to deep receptivity and curiosity. Just like an adventurer, you may move into your flow with ease and innocence, which allows you to feel your way forward. Your primary 7 senses are your doorway into listening and acting on the nudges of your intuition. We will deepen our connection and awareness of the senses which naturally relaxes the body and mind, to free yourself from over thinking about your next pose in class.

Empathy is both a gift and life skill, one of which is constantly changing and growing with you. The more you live in the moment, rather than mind, the more you feel your environment and relationships. Being empathic is essential for guiding your classes however emotional intelligence will balance, ground and stabilize you into your own core self so you don’t get lost in other people’s inner world experiences. We will utilize practical tools and exercises to emphasize the value and importance of emotional intelligence.

Finally, Einstein said everything is energy, simply vibrating at different frequencies. As you strengthen your relationship with your senses, empathy and emotional intelligence you will become more aware of the subtle flows of energies and the power of the words you express to your audience. Your breath can guide your mind back into the body so you may radiate the frequency of Love and peace that can change and alter the very room you are in. You are more powerful than your mind has let you Think and we will journey together into the heart of the moment so you may have a visceral experience of how deep and expansive you really are.

What our graduates are saying about the program.

“In January 2020, I embarked on a life changing journey. After taking only a handful of yoga classes I followed a persistant nudge pushing me to take Yoga Teacher Training. My online research for opportunities in the city of Ottawa led me to Jess and Rob’s Power of Presence training at Elevate Yoga. From our first class together, I knew I was in a supportive community where I would be free to evolve within all the 8 Limbs of Yoga. The training and guidance I received was far more than I could have ever expected. Jess and Rob are both extremely knowledgeable and professional. They created a place where our entire group was welcomed and supported. The content was broad, the delivery was thought provoking, feedback was positive and timely. The passion they have for what they do is like no other. I will always be so grateful I followed that nudge and took the leap into the unknown especially given it brought me to learn from two extremely inspiring yoga teachers!”

What our graduates are saying about the program.

“In January 2020, I embarked on a life changing journey. After taking only a handful of yoga classes I followed a persistant nudge pushing me to take Yoga Teacher Training. My online research for opportunities in the city of Ottawa led me to Jess and Rob’s Power of Presence training at Elevate Yoga. From our first class together, I knew I was in a supportive community where I would be free to evolve within all the 8 Limbs of Yoga. The training and guidance I received was far more than I could have ever expected. Jess and Rob are both extremely knowledgeable and professional. They created a place where our entire group was welcomed and supported. The content was broad, the delivery was thought provoking, feedback was positive and timely. The passion they have for what they do is like no other. I will always be so grateful I followed that nudge and took the leap into the unknown especially given it brought me to learn from two extremely inspiring yoga teachers!”

Power of Presence

“Power of Presence did far more than shape my yoga practice, it helped shape my spiritual and personal journey. Rob and Jess bring many years of experience, expertise and genuine connection and kindness to each one of their students. Their experience is VAST and compliments so well that any new aspiring teacher can find something to connect to. They provide incredible tools and concepts to give space for unique and authentic aspiring teachers to grow. I have never felt so excited and prepared to be a yoga teacher and a student of life.”

“The Power of Presence Yoga Teacher Training is a valuable experience that I highly recommend. Jess & Rob make the perfect team. They complement each other so well and create a safe space to learn and grow throughout the program.” 

“Power of Presence did far more than shape my yoga practice, it helped shape my spiritual and personal journey. Rob and Jess bring many years of experience, expertise and genuine connection and kindness to each one of their students. Their experience is VAST and compliments so well that any new aspiring teacher can find something to connect to. They provide incredible tools and concepts to give space for unique and authentic aspiring teachers to grow. I have never felt so excited and prepared to be a yoga teacher and a student of life.”

“The Power of Presence is much more than a training program to become a certified yoga teacher, as it is an open space which encourages personal growth, group learning and meaningful thought processes, throughout. Rob and Jess have a way of guiding students which is entirely collaborative, enriching and open. As individuals and as teachers, they truly complement each other and provide an enriching platform from which students are able to learn and begin to understand what yoga could mean to them.”

Apply Now

Early Bird – Save $300!
$2,899 +HST (by July 1st, 2021)
$3,199 +HST (after July 1st, 2021)

Payment plans available upon request. $500 +HST deposit required to secure Early Bird price.
Refunds available minus $500 +HST administration fee before August 1st, 2021.
No refunds will be given beyond this date.

Scholarship Opportunity

As an act of Seva (service),  we would like to extend an offer of $1,500 credit to participate in our winter yoga teacher training.  We will only be selecting one student and for this reason, we ask that submissions be made by individuals who meet the following criteria:

  1. It would be impossible for you to afford the total cost of this program. We know it’s a significant amount of money, but we ask that you really ask yourself if you fit in this category—we want to make sure this scholarship goes to someone truly in need.
  2. You are dedicated to your practice (yoga or another movement practice).
  3. You are devoted to self-healing.
  4. You are prepared to write us a short essay that speaks to why you feel we should choose you for this scholarship. Please share more detail regarding the above 3 points.

Kindly send your submissions to hello@elevateyoga.ca. Submission deadline July 15, 2021.

FAQ

  • What are the requirements to take this teacher training? How experienced do I have to be with yoga?

    The only requirement is that you are willing to show up and commit this time to yourself. Although having a yoga practice prior to the program may give you a slight advantage, no experience at all is required. Still worried? Don’t be, Rob took his first teacher training program after only a few yoga classes and here he is.

  • Is this program only for people who want to teach?

    No, this program is for anyone who is curious about deepening their understanding and practice of yoga.

  • What style of yoga will I learn to teach?

    This is a vinyasa flow based training program with emphasis on functional creative movement, meditation, pranayama and yoga philosophy. You will be well equipped to teach studio classes, corporate classes and private sessions.

  • Do successful graduates have an opportunity to be instructors at Elevate? What criteria do you use for hiring them?

    We are always open to interviewing graduates for teaching opportunities at Elevate. To help our graduates get started with their teaching experience, they will have the opportunity to teach Community Classes at Elevate.

  • Do I have to attend all the dates?

    Although attending all dates is highly recommended, we can accomodate missing up to 20 hours.

    Missing over 20 hours may unfortunately make you ineligible to receive the program completion certificate due to the Yoga Alliance Standards.

  • How much homework will there be?

    Outside of the weekends we have the teacher training, there will be a few hours a week at most, of homework that is assigned. There will be recommended readings and tasks for those who want to put more into this, but the mandatory homework workload will be low to accommodate those with busy schedules and not as much time.

  • Do you offer free yoga class for trainees during the weekday?

    Each trainee receives a 20-Class Bundle for Elevate—giving full access to classes on our schedule. Trainees are free to use the classes as they please. In addition, trainees receive a lifetime 25% discount on their purchase of class passes and bundles.