about me

 my story 

​

I consider myself an adventurer – a seeker of knowledge and understanding. In my life I have always gone about things in an abstract way, which for me means not conforming to any particular way of being, studying, or learning but rather by following my intuition and instincts. You could say that I dance to my own theme song, and follow my heart.

 

I have always been very curious about the human body, it’s movements, the energy within it and surrounding it, and in various forms of alternative modes of healing.

 

I tapped into the power of intention at an early stage in my life and immediately noticed that through my intention to heal myself, I was also helping others overcome a multiple of barriers such as self imposed limitations, compounded effects of trauma, physical and emotional pain, and different forms of suffering.

 

I operate by the belief that Your Highest Good and Intention is the driving force behind the success and remarkable ability to not only heal yourself, but to reach others and help them heal. I work under the understanding that you can not start the process of healing unless you are truly ready and open to receive. For some of us staying in pain can be more comforting than embarking on a journey to heal because of the unknown - the process can be just as traumatic as the trauma itself.

 

You might wonder how I came to this work.

 

In 1998 I had this deep magnetic pull, this feeling, this idea that there was something waiting for me beyond my scope of understanding. It was as though I was being physically propelled forward by a force - I was about to embark on a journey. A series of events led me to my next destination. Let me tell you – the GPS was invented because of people like me – always getting lost or misdirected. Yet, there I was on my way through the maze of Toronto to a meeting with a woman who was going to change my life. 

 

I did not get lost once. 

 

I got to my destination on time and in one piece. And when I parallel parked my car in a tight “sardine can” like fashion, I did it flawlessly - parallel parking was not my forte.

 

I was meeting Artcha Mati – a Medicine Woman, Spiritual Healer, Yogi, and Guru, a Teacher in every sense of the word. I was a storm at that point in my life, off course, and in need of healing and direction. She took me in, believed in me, and saw my true potential even though I could not. All I knew was that I was finally there. I wanted it. I needed it. And finally, I thought I could do it. Ta da!!

 

Over the next two years of my life, I signed up for a two-year program to become a Yoga Teacher and a Structural Yoga Therapist at her centre The Sahaj Yoga Centre – Yoga For Life in the heart of Toronto. Wow. It was happening.

 

Artcha took in no more than six Yoga Teachers in training for the duration of the course. Out of the six of us only two made it to the finish line on time – my friend Jen and I. We worked our butts off, it was five days a week, six to eight hours a day of studying, yoga-ing, cramming, learning, unlearning, cleansing, and meditating. We immersed ourselves in private yoga and meditation lessons (where I wanted to die) to eventually teaching, and then we hatched into little young Yoga chicks (lol). 

 

That was back in the good old days. Today you can get a certificate in one month! I know, because every year I further my learning through applying myself to different retreats and centers where I earn certifications at end of these monthly or weekly courses. We live in a drive through society of immediate gratification now a-days and within that system we have managed to create shortcuts to pretty much everything.

 

“True learning comes from knowledge being passed on from generations of accumulated wisdom, and it happens not just through physical studies but through Energetic absorption on a Spiritual level – a right of passage passed on to the seeker of truth.”

 

 

Over the next years to follow I sought out a Guru in Thai Yoga Massage named Kam Thye Chow.  

 

Yoga and Thai Yoga massage are an incredible way to bring the body into bliss, releasing toxins and stress. It’s difficult to imagine unless you have experienced IT. It really was the perfect addition to all that I have learned in previous years. Imagine your body being moved in twists, bends, elevated off the ground, stretched, lengthened and YOU get to just lay there on this plush yoga massage mat wrapped in comfort and pleasure. It is all about pressure points, trigger points, and activating them as you are flying. Who doesn’t want to fly in these transformative ways?

 

Before I share the last piece of my puzzle, I’d like to explain something. Ever since I was little I could feel energy around me, from both people and my surroundings. I believe that it’s the reason that I was so open to Yoga and body work. Since I can remember, I have had this sense that I can feel through my hands and in turn, heal with them. I was always very aware of energy around me, I could decipher people’s feelings and emotions and tune into them to the point of “feeling” their thoughts.

 

I have experienced a lot of trauma in my life, physically, emotionally and mentally – maybe I will disclose all of that in my book (that would be something I would have never imagined — me writing a book). I have survived physical, emotional and mental abuse since I was a young child from the one person who is supposed to love you the most. I have pushed through eating battles (that’s what I called them – battles – I declared war on myself, my body, and my spirit – Self Hatred and Sabotage were my best friends). When you are faced with a lack of love and acceptance you can become truly damaged, but it doesn’t have to remain that way. One of the reasons I truly believe that being kind, loving, and sweet to others is so important is because we are all going through something every day. Next time you see a grumpy person ask yourself if it’s lack of love and compassion and see if there is something you can do to help them. They need this empathy and you will feel amazing – regardless if they are open to receiving it or not. In the end, you reached out with love and did your part. 

 

Moving on – I truly believe that my desire to heal was greater than my demons. My journey to self distraction did not have a chance. The wondrous thing about feeling energy is that NO ONE can take it away. YOU have been gifted by God, Universal Energy, the forces that are unseen, whatever you believe in and it is up to YOU to grow it, nurture it, and cultivate the power that’s specifically designed for YOU!! That is my definition of true talent - and bringing it into the world, sharing that gift is of most importance.

 

Enter John F. Barnes. That was a soulful experience. Talk about imposter syndrome rearing its ugly head. I had to do exactly the opposite of what my brain was telling me to do – so I opted to stay when I wanted to run in the opposite direction. I allowed myself to fully immerse in that which felt like home. I immersed myself in studying Myofascial Release Therapy. Okay, this was unlike anything I have ever embarked on – I came undone. I surrendered. I revisited my demons, my pain, my ancient wounds – and I came up from the process of drowning and took my first breath. Literally. You will not understand what I’m saying until you fully experience surrendering so completely that you feel like your pain melts away. I know now that we are truly the holders of our pain until we are ready to shed it and that readiness does not come a minute too early.

 

After four years of dedication, going to seminars and studying to apply my newfound skills I was ready. It’s very simple. I wanted to take care of people and help them feel better. And for the first time I understood the feeling I had been experiencing in my hands when I worked on people – I was sensitive to fascial movement!! My gift became stronger the more I learned and practiced. I suppose if I had a super power it would be sensitivity to fascial rhythm. It’s very exciting to feel energy underneath the skin – I never understood what was happening until I was exposed to the fascial world.

 

As I wrap up, I would like for you to take away the following: we all have super powers, we all have our own way to express care, love, and compassion to one another, and we all have our own love language. I learned my love language – caring for people. I LOVE to take care of people!

 

I hope my story inspires you to begin your own journey of self discovery and healing! It’s never to late to make the changes necessary to live your best life.

 

All the best,