Brenda McMorrow, RYT

Canadian Devotional Chant artist Brenda McMorrow is on faculty at DevaTree School of Yoga and director of the 50-hour Kirtan Academy: Bhakti HeartFire training. Brenda travels worldwide sharing her special approach to the joyous, ancient practice of Kirtan. She has a diverse musical career (folk, jazz, bluegrass) spanning 20 years and a deep devotion to the unveiling and celebration of our true beings through the power of sound. Brenda is a featured artist on the White Swan Records roster, a Colorado label well known for it's high-profile yoga inspired artists like Deva Premal. She has been invited to accompany the likes of Grammy award winning cellist David Darling and esteemed Kirtan musicians Jai Uttal, Wah!, David Newman, Girish and Dave Stringer and has been invited to Bhakti Yoga festivals and events across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia and South America as part of her most recent tour schedule. When not on the Bhakti road, Brenda calls beautiful Guelph, Ontario home.

 

Candice Lapointe, Program Coordinator, RYT 500

Candice is your first point of contact at DevaTree. She’s our in-house Blissologist because she specializes in adding a touch of sunshine to your day! Candice is a yoga teacher with her advanced level 500-hr designation. She’s also a potter, gardener, nature-lover, and country girl at heart. She’s the proud Mama of sweet baby girl Rheya. An Online Literacy Practitioner in her former life, Candice brings an abundance of energy, knowledge, and compassion to her role at DevaTree. Her positive, playful, and creative energy will support you to reach your goals—she can’t wait to meet you!

 

Catherine Satya Stilo, E-RYT 200, RYT 1000, PDC

Catherine directs DevaTree's Spring/Summer 200-hr YTT in Mulmur, Ontario. 

Drawing on over 20 years of personal study and practice, and 1000 hours of advanced level training, Satya is a creative teacher blending yoga with a love of food, the art of story and deep connection with the natural world.

Several years ago, she embarked on an adventure, leaving a long and successful career in packaged goods marketing, to follow her heart.  That journey led to some amazing places:  New Mexico to build rammed-earth houses (called Earthships) with visionary architect Michael Reynolds; Vermont to complete a certificate in Permaculture (PDC) with Ben Falk at Whole Systems Design and The Big Island for Hawaii Yoga Festival. 

Along that journey, she completed her first 200-hr certification with YogaFit® Canada and her Advanced Yoga Teacher Training (RYT-500) with DevaTree. She later pursued a second 200-hr Cross-Disciplinary Yoga™ certification, this time with DevaTree, and went on to complete 1000-hours of certification—all because opening one door led to countless more doors.

Residing in Horning's Mills, ON, Satya offers weekly group yoga classes and workshops and leads & assists 200-hour teacher trainings. With her partner, John, she actively pursues her passions for the permaculture, sustainability and natural mystery and works to shift paradigms through inner work. Together they created Terra Kula, a space for people to grow together and live more authentic and connected lives. 

When not teaching or training, you'll find her barefoot in the grass, connecting with the rhythms of the natural world and flowing with the peaceful, alive, and off-grid vibes.
 

Catherine Tansley, RYT

Catherine teaches in DevaTree’s HeartRise Children’s Yoga Teacher Training. She loves the opportunity to work with others who believe in the magic and power of children—and to tap into her own inner child through play! Also a huge supporter of adults finding greater health and wellness, Catherine gratefully assists in a variety of DevaTree teacher training programs. 

Catherine completed her first 200-hour yoga teacher training with the Lotus Centre in 2008, and went on to complete her second 200-hr with DevaTree in 2014. 

Catherine is a graduate of DevaTree’s HeartRise Children’s Yoga Teacher Training, Restorative Yoga, Advanced Asana, Integrative Anatomy and Therapeutics, and the Subtle Energy Body. She also has a Children’s Yoga certificate from The Children’s Garden, and her first degree reiki.

Catherine has taught in various studios in London, as well as within the schools. Her yoga education has supported her teaching both adults and children, and added a new level of awareness and presence to her own personal practice. 

Catherine’s passion for teaching and learning began as a child and blossomed into a career as an elementary school teacher in 2002. Currently a Kindergarten teacher in outdoor education, she has a deep love for working with young children, being in nature, and bringing the benefits of yoga and mindfulness to her students. Whether working with children or adults, she brings a sense of joy, enthusiasm, and curiosity to the classroom. Her gentle, kind presence creates a supportive environment that encourages students to trust and love themselves where they’re at, in this moment.

When she’s not teaching or on her mat, Catherine loves to spend her time with her two children, hiking, dancing, cooking, reading and gardening. 

 

Cindy Akasha deJong, E-RYT 200, RYT 1000

Cindy is on Faculty at DevaTree School of Yoga and an integral part of both the 200-hr teaching team and the advanced track teams. She has assisted and taught in multiple teacher trainings including Restorative Yoga, Yoga Anatomy Essentials, The Subtle Energy Body, Meditation in the Modern Age, Hands on Assists, and more. 

Cindy has been studying the body/mind/spirit connection since 1999 and offering support through her private and group work. She is a Reiki/Master Teacher trainer who has studied and apprenticed in shamanism and oracle card work. 

Cindy brings an inspiring, down-to-earth, and loving energy to her classes—and she is famous for her infectious laugh. When she isn’t teaching yoga or guiding her clients, you'll find her walking the trails on her property, spending time with her family, swimming, or simply breathing in the beauty of nature. 
 

Gabrielle Ananda Rickman, E-RYT 500, RYT 1000

Gabrielle is Senior Faculty and Director of DevaTree’s 200-hr certification on Treasure Beach in Jamaica. She is core faculty and anatomy instructor at DevaTree School of Yoga. With 1000 hours of advanced level training, she specializes in anatomy and alignment, specifically flexibility, longevity, injury recovery, and strength-building. She is the director of DevaTree's 50-hr Yoga Anatomy Essentials, 50-hr Hands On Assists,and 50-hr Beyond the Basics: Advanced Asana teacher trainings. 

When she’s not training or supporting the DevaTree community, she offers private and semi-private yoga classes. Also a Health and Wellness Coach certified through NYC’s Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she offers private health and wellness coaching. Clients of all ages and backgrounds love having Gabrielle on their healing team, as she lovingly offers a balance of practical tools and energetic support.

Gabrielle’s compassionate heart fills a room with smiles, playfulness, and laughter. She embraces her ongoing role as a student of life with a joyfulness that is hard to resist.
 

Jillian Thistle, Registrar

Jillian is the Registrar for DevaTree. She worked behind the scenes with Carolyn and Tamika for many years before coming into this role. The positive and supportive vibe the DevaTree Family provides is something she works to include in all aspects of her life.

Jillian practices daily mindfulness and meditation. Yoga has become integrated into her life through her children and is something they look forward to practicing together as much as possible. Jillian is drawn towards embracing the little things in life. She enjoys being in nature, quietly observing its beauty.

Kristi Corlett, RYT 500

Kristi Corlett, B.A., M.A., B.Ed., RYT, is a certified Yoga Instructor, Shamanic Practitioner, Author and Reiki Practitioner. She is the director of the DevaTree 100-hour training Whispered Wisdom: Walking Between the Worlds of Yoga and Shamanism. Her formal studies in history and eastern mysticism have led her on a journey that forever spirals back to yoga. Kristi has a passion for yogic philosophy and the delicious stories of the gods and goddesses who make up the Hindu Pantheon. Truly gifted in the art of story-telling, Kristi takes the complexity of these glorious beings of light, and brings a fascinating clarity to their role in our lives today. Inspired by the interconnected dance of yoga and shamanism in her own heart and soul, she brings forth a whispered wisdom that simply must be shared.

Kristi Corlett is a deep listener, a dedicated scholar, a dazzling entertainer, and humble advocate of mother earth. There is no one more qualified to guide this journey into the depths of yoga & shamanism! -Tamika

Lisa Santosha Mosher, E-RYT 200, RYT 1000

Santosha’s yoga journey has led her to study and teach many models and traditions of yoga, including receiving two different 200-hr certifications. Committed to her practice and the profound self-discovery that goes with it, Santosha received her first certification with Nosara Yoga Institute, and later her Cross-Disciplinary Yoga certification with DevaTree.

A compassionate, creative teacher of yoga and movement with a commitment to nourishing mind, body and spirit, Santosha has been sought after to support, assist, and teach in numerous professional yoga programs including Kirtan Academy, Down Dogs & Doshas, Integrative Anatomy, Advanced Asana, Hands-On Assists, HeartRise Yoga for Children, as well as multiple 200-hr certifications.

Certified with both Yoga Alliance (International) and Canadian Yoga Alliance, Santosha was one of the first advanced-level graduates at DevaTree School of Yoga. Her specializations include Ayurveda, Children's Yoga, Integrative Anatomy, Hands-On Assists, Advanced Asana, Kirtan Chant, Subtle Energy Body, Restorative Yoga, and Expressive Arts.

Santosha’s philosophy, beliefs, and personal practice of self-study are closely aligned with DevaTree. She was invited into the specialized 1000-hr leadership track at DevaTree, and is Directing the first Cross-Disciplinary Satellite program in Owen Sound, Ontario.

Santosha invites playfulness through movement, music, and voice, while providing a safe place for students of all ages and ability to explore, relax and have fun together. Her intention is to inspire, support and encourage you to become the true guru of your own practice. 

When she’s not traveling or exploring, she can be found teaching yoga on the shores of Lake Huron in Southampton, Ontario.

 

Lotus Why, RYT-500, ERYT-200

Lotus directs DevaTree’s 50-Hour Elective course, Yoga for Longevity

Lotus’ yoga journey began in 1993 when she was gifted a series of yoga classes. After completing the series she declared, “I’ve done my yoga.” A quarter of a century later, she recognizes yoga as a constancy in her life. From being a goal, it has become a journey without a known destination.

Lotus was an ambassador, administrator, teacher trainer, yoga instructor, and Outreach Coordinator at one of London’s first thriving yoga studios, The Lotus Centre for Yoga and Health. She completed her first 200-hr training at the Lotus Centre in 2002 and has since studied with many teachers, enjoying a diversity of styles, approaches, and techniques.

Lotus trained in the Anusara method with Todd Norian for over 3 years, assisting teacher trainings from 2011 to 2012. She received her 500-hr Advanced Training from DevaTree School of Yoga and has assisted and taught in several 200-hr and advanced-level DevaTree programs.

In addition to her all-levels classes, she has a passion for teaching students with limited mobility or those recovering from illness and injury. She teaches cancer patients and their families at Wellspring. Lotus is adored by her retired and senior clientele. She also specializes in working with developmentally challenged and brain injured students. Her expertise in anatomy, therapeutics, pranayama, meditation, and the mysteries of the brain, assist her in supporting a diverse and changing population.  

Lotus’ classes are gentle, thoughtful, and brimming with experience and wisdom. Her greatest teacher has been and continues to be, life itself.

 

Srivani Shelagh McIntosh, RYT 500

Srivani is senior faculty at DevaTree School of Yoga. She has studied and practiced yoga and meditation since 1995 and brings a wealth of knowledge from various schools of yoga. She completed her first 200-hour yoga teacher training at The Lotus Center in London, Ontario, where she was a student and instructor. She continued her studies with DevaTree School of Yoga, as well as the Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica. Srivani has assisted Yoga Teacher Trainings both in Canada and Costa Rica, including DevaTree's HeartRise® Children’s Yoga Teacher Training and The Art of Assisting Yoga Postures program. She is also on staff with the Toronto Yoga Show. She passionately combines her sense of humor and compassion with her knowledge of yoga to create fun, invigorating, and challenging classes.

 

Wendy Varana Brown, E-RYT 200, RYT 1000

One of DevaTree’s first 1000-hr grads, Wendy is DevaTree’s Project Assistant and longtime Ambassador. Supporting programs behind the scenes, Wendy ensures every student and Director have the materials and supplies they need for their particular program. 

Wendy has assisted and taught in DevaTree’s HeartRise Childrens’s Teacher Training Program since 2013, delighting all with her contagious laugh, playful spirit, and love of music. She has assisted DevaTree’s Whispered Wisdom: Walking Between the Worlds of Yoga & Shamanism, and Down Dogs & Dosha’s: An Integrated Approach to Ayurveda & Yoga. 

A community yoga instructor since 2012, Wendy founded Amazing Kidz Yoga, specializing in Children’s Yoga, as well as Trauma Informed Yoga, Yoga for Recovery, Addiction and Mental Health & Wellness, and Meditation & Mindfulness. 

Wendy is a Reiki practitioner and Compassionate Inquiry practitioner. Her passion for bringing yoga to underserved/marginalized students has brought her into diverse settings including public and private elementary schools. She’s also taught at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, Anago, London Withdrawal Management Centre, Turning Point Recovery Home for Women, Anova, and London and Middlesex Children’s Aid Society. 

When she’s not teaching, assisting, or supporting people in recovery, Wendy is “Grammie” to 4 incredible little souls, and they cherish their time together in nature, horseback riding, and at the ice rink.  Wendy also spends her free time on the open road on her motorbike, or sharing her love of music with family, friends, and students. 

Wendy’s authenticity, down-to-earth wisdom, loving support, and free spirit make her a delight to be with, both on and off the mat.