Teacher Biographies

Michelle Canasa-Sammut (Owner/Parivartan Mississauga Instructor)

Michelle was first introduced to yoga in 2006 during her life as a new mother. Initially, Michelle sought out yoga for the physical activity it offered with the various asanas and its flow. Quickly enjoying the differing styles of yoga, she found that it not only assisted in her life physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Yoga allowed Michelle to find a balance in her life through breath, mind stability and just 'letting go.' In early 2007, Michelle was then determined to become a Yoga Instructor.

In April 2007, Michelle completed her Yoga Instructor Certification course through the Parivartan Yoga Studio with Dorothy Guerra. Immediately after receiving her certification, Michelle began her life as a Yoga Instructor at the studio and has even taken her knowledge to instruct her family, friends, and the Mississauga, Toronto and Brampton Communities. In 2009, Michelle also received her certification as an Aquafit Instructor. She was the former Treasurer and Secretary for the Ontario Yoga Association Board, and an Ambassador for Lululemon Square One in 2008. Her training did not stop there! Michelle has attended various workshops to increase her teaching abilities with Sadie Nardini, Maria Guerre, Sean Corne – such amazing people to learn from! In February 2012, Michelle received her Certificate of Teaching for Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga with Sadie Nardini.

Yoga has helped improve Michelle's life dramatically. She found peace and stillness that was long awaited for. With that, she hopes that through her teachings, Michelle's students will find the same balance and happiness she has found in the yogic lifestyle. Michelle would like to thank Ryan, her son Damien, the Parivartan Mississauga staff, friends and cousins for the support they have given her throughout the years.

Michelle is very excited to be the proud new owner of Parivartan Mississauga, and will strive to continue the great yoga family Parivartan has created within the Mississauga community. Michelle always welcomes any feedback, so please feel free to contact .

Dianne Gangerdeen

Dianne was first introduced to yoga in 1989. Dianne was first drawn to the Asanas (yoga poses) but through regular asana practice she learned that yoga is about so much more than the physical movement. Yoga truly combines the body, mind, and spirit as a whole.

The desire to learn more about yoga, the philosophy, proper alignment, and spirituality motivated Dianne to become a Yoga Teacher. In 2005, she completed her Yoga Teacher Certificate and started to teach at that time. Understanding that completing her Teacher Certificate did not mean she stopped learning, Dianne continues to pursue the knowledge of yoga by studying with teachers whom are knowledgeable in the field. She has studied
with Cyndi Lee, Sri Dharma Mittra, Seane Corn, and Rolf Gates.

Dianne enjoys sharing what she has learned with her students as she desires to make others just as passionate about the art of yoga; as she is.

Nida Kartavicius

Nida has been interested in physical health and well-being ever since she can remember. As a child, she studied ballet and folk dance. As a young adult she started “hitting the gym,” working out, running, and learning Pilates. It was only after the birth of her third child that Nida came to Yoga and finally found her perfect fit.

In Yoga Nida finds the balance between physical, mental, and spiritual practice that was missing in her earlier pursuits. Though she came to Yoga to move her body, she stayed with Yoga because it stilled her mind and strengthened her spirit.

Nida completed her Yoga teacher training with Dorothy Guerra at Parivartan in 2009 and loves to help others move their bodies, calm their minds, and feel their connection to the great Universal energy that moves through us all. Keep breathing… Namaste!

Ida Alvarez

A passion for all things positive, Ida was instantly drawn to yoga. A negative experience brought her to try her first hot yoga class and, in that one simple hour, she developed a fresh new perspective on life. At the time, her natural optimism made very little appearance and the racing, negative thoughts seemed to always get the best of her. The sweat of that first hot yoga class carried all her negativity with it and by the end of savasana, Ida opened her eyes to a brighter and more promising world. And so her journey began! Her hunger for physical well-being and cardio
exercise was also fed as she found a perfect fit in the asanas and flow of Power Yoga. Through yoga, she learned how to find balance, peace, and strength that hid deep underneath layers of tension, negativity and self-doubt - all while keeping physically fit and healthy by challenging her body to new strengths and levels.

Ida began her Yoga Teacher Certification with Dorothy Guerra in 2009 and felt an instant connection to its values and principles. Although she may not be able to do a perfect headstand (yet!), she has a strong heart and eager determination to spread her positivity with others. Her message is simple: See everything that happens to you as an opportunity to grow and be better. And always remember that life wants you to win…so get out of your
own way!

Her journey has just begun and she looks forward to learning and growing with her fellow teachers and students. Gandhi said it best: ‘We must be the change we wish to see in the world’ and this is her doing just that.

Kelly Cameron

Biography to come...

Lavinia Goodger

I discovered yoga in April 2007 after suffering an extremely painful episode of arthritis in my right knee. I tried gyms and workout studios and came to the conclusion that they were not for me, in fact, they only made the condition worse.

After a year of practice at Parivartan Yoga, I decided I wanted to start my training and become a yoga teacher. I completed my training in 2009. The physical flexibility I have attained from my practice has been life altering, not to mention the measure of the calmness, peace and tranquility that has become part of my life. The most important thing I wish to impart to anyone who enters my class is that life is a journey, a voyage of self discovery and exploration, just like a yoga practice, and should be enjoyed.

Elaine Chua

All my life, I have always been an active person, playing various sports and working out at the gym. One birthday, I was given a one month gift certificate for yoga lessons. During that month, I noticed that even though I had good stamina I lacked flexibility and strength in certain muscles that were under utilized. From that moment on, I realized that I wanted yoga to be part of my daily work out routine.

What I enjoy most about yoga is that the postures and breathing exercises help to improve concentration, create a sense of calmness, and improve muscle flexibility and strength. In 2009, I was introduced to the Teachers Training Program. In this program I learned that yoga is not just about physical movements, the muscle flexibility, and the strength, it also involves the union with the Inner Self and with the universe. For me yoga is a process of transformation and is a positive force in my life journey.

Laura Cook

Introduced to yoga in her early teens, both the activity and the belief system that surround it, were always a fascination of hers. It wasn't until 2008 she tried her first Hot Power Yoga class at Parivartan and was instantaneously captivated. Not only did it provide the outlet for cardio exercise she had been searching for, but it was the ultimate culmination of bringing together the body, the breath and the mind. Feelings of self-consciousness, stress and negativity, were reduced significantly, leaving her feeling rejuvenated after every class. From then on, she snowballed into yoga heaven.

In 2009 she began her certification with Dorothy Guerra, founder of Parivartan and was more intrigued with yoga's virtues, ideals and practice. She hopes to use yoga as a vehicle for continuous self improvement and growth, sharing her knowledge with others along the way.

Through the practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation, yoga improves health in body, mind and spirit, allowing you to tune in, chill out and shape up. Laura looks forward to teaching others the profound effect that yoga can have on one's lifestyle in both practice and everyday living.

"Remember it's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not" –unknown

Think it, dream it, and you will live it!

Eva Bruni

Eva first became exposed to yoga in 2002 when in university she felt consumed with lab work, studying and volunteering. She desperately sought stillness while still getting a challenging workout. It was in 2005 that Eva began to practice yoga regularly and became interested in meditation.

In 2009, Eva travelled for over 6 months and returned incredibly inspired from hiking the Himalayans in Nepal and experiencing yoga and the daily life of India. Upon a joyful return, Eva decided to do her 200hr yoga teacher training. Feeling inspired and hungry for change, she set out to guide others on the yoga path of truth, love and overall wellness. She completed her training at Power Yoga Canada feeling transformed and empowered!

Eva is also a high school science teacher and runs a Yoga Club for her students and staff there, encouraging them to strive for balance and physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Eva believes strongly in the power of prana, the breath and life force within us, and embraces the opportunity yoga offers to connect to something bigger. Yoga has encouraged Eva to push boundaries, to grow, to rediscover her true self and most of all, to take the lessons learned from the mat out into the world!

Eva hopes that through yoga her students become transformed to lead healthy, meaningful lives and to tap into the power and light from within.

Beth Spilchuk

Beth first started practicing yoga while working at a remote Provincial Park in Northwestern Ontario, and was inspired by the connections that nature brought to mind, body, and spirit. After completing university, she continued her path of learning at Parivartan. Beth started her Teacher Training with Dorothy in 2009, and having never participated in a hot yoga class before, Beth was amazed after her first experience. Leaving Parivartan feeling refreshed (and a little sweaty!) and ready to take on any challenge, Beth knew that she had made the right decision.

Beth enjoys the sense of awareness that is experienced while practicing yoga, and is inspired at how different and personal everyone's practice can be. She always encourages those around her to try yoga, especially after seeing the positive benefits that it has brought to her own life. Encouraging relaxation, control, awareness, and helping people lead healthier lives gives Beth so much happiness, that while teaching yoga it's hard for her not to smile!

Michelle Taylor

About me: I am influenced by life's many teachers and most recently I became inspired by my teachers at Power Yoga Canada- they keep it REAL.

I believe the way you are on your mat is the way you are in your life and I am continually inspired by people creating change in their own lives. I found yoga at a time in my life where everything just fell apart, and I am excited to teach from my own experiences and learn lots more through yoga. I encourage students to open up and practice self-compassion and gratitude every day.

I Like: Dancing, watching episodes of Californication again and again, rain, a gorgeous sunset, Southern Italian food, Lululemon, vintage stores, reading, running, house music, Bob Marley, NINA SIMONE, rock music, alternative music, jazz, indie music, pop music, horses, trees, lotus flowers, interior design, travelling, baby's feet, ocean waves, the beach I could go on and ON.

Aryanna Louise

Was drawn to the beauty of movement at an early age and followed this passion through dance and fitness. Discovered yoga in 1999 and it was a great physical therapy. After years of practice it became a spiritual and physical journey that continues to grow. Also a personal trainer and a certified pilate instructor.

As a dynamic instructor with broad training she provides an experience that is tailored to each student. Classes are lead with compassion and determination to provide a challenging and enjoyable environment while cultivating strength, flexibility and well-being.

Julie

Julie's journey into yoga began in 2006. After a few years of a daily practice, she decided to get her teaching and Fertility Yoga Therapy certification, which she obtained from Dorothy Guerra. She currently teaches all over the GTA. Julie's classes focus on the mind/body connection, with special contemplation to spirituality and encouragement. Her goal is to provide her students with the feeling of calm, oneness with the universe and the spiritual freedom that one feels while practicing yoga. Yoga is not just physical movement; yoga is a way of life.

Om Shanti Om

Ashley

Ashley Deland is a Certified Yoga Instructor who is passionate about teaching yoga, travelling the world, eating whole foods and living life to its fullest with joy and laughter!

She dedicates her life, time and energy to the art of yoga and teaching its transformational ways and inspires her students to awaken to their true potential by cultivating inner balance, focus and strength. Committed to continually supporting her students, Ashley will help you bring forth positive change to your body and mind, on and off your mat.

Erin Dickson

Erin first started practicing yoga in 2004 as a part of theatre school training at Ryerson University. Spiritually aware but without a domain to ground her beliefs, yoga became the perfect harmony of mind, body, spirit and stillness. The philosophy, history and the magic of the practice are equal parts exciting, liberating and peaceful. Yoga is a part of Erin’s existence as she tries to slow down, live through each moment and appreciate the NOW.

Many situations and events draw us to our mat, but it’s the commitment to the practice that allows us to let go and connect to what’s important. Erin is so happy to join the family at Parivartan Mississauga Yoga after completing the training course with Dorothy Guerra in Fall 2011.

Erin wants all students to dive into the practice and appreciate their time on the mat; being easy with the body and mind in order to open up to an off-times forgotten appreciation of the Self. So you think, so you are, and you’re amazing.