About Studio W.I.S.E
Betty Cushnaghan (Owner/Instructor)
Betty was first introduced to yoga in 2005 during a time in her life that she sought to find an escape from personal and professional stress. Almost immediately Betty began to feel the positive results of her practice both emotionally and physically. Yoga offered Betty the release and reconnect she needed and continues to benefit throughout life's challenges. What yoga has given her she wanted to assist other students to experience and enjoy. This inspired her to complete her teacher training program with Dorothy Guerra, creator of Parivartan Yoga in Mississauga. Betty has taught at a yoga studio, fitness centers, a wellness center and a high school. She has taught students of various levels and ages.
Dreams do come true. Most recently Betty had her most precious dream come true; she became a new mother to her beautiful daughter. The truly indescribable experience of becoming a mother and sharing this experience with other new mothers and babies has taught Betty the importance and need for community connection and interaction, especially for new moms. Betty is thrilled to be offering classes unique to Studio W.I.S.E for new mothers and babies to enjoy together.
After spending 13 years working in the corporate political business world Betty is excited and ready to make a change and follow another dream of hers; opening Studio W.I.S.E in Barrie. She is going to strive to create an inviting and calming space for people to come together and feel what yoga can do for them.
Teacher Biographies
Angela Toccalino
Angela Toccalino has been practicing yoga for almost 20 years. Guided by a passion for health, well being and healing she received certification through Yoga Therapy Toronto under the direction of Ante and Felicia Pavlovic. Additionally, she has an Honours BASc from the University of Guelph and has taken courses in Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Akashic Records, Nerve Touch Therapy and Nutrition. Her therapeutic experience gives her a sound knowledge of the physical body and a proficiency for hands on adjustments. She has had a variety of influences throughout her journey however the most resonant teachings she has found come from the Yoga Therapy lineage and tradition of T. Krishnamacharya and Kausthub Desikachar. Angela's class styles vary from yin and restorative to powerfully flowing vinyasa, always emphasizing breath, alignment, sounding and meditation. Her classes are intuitive in nature, giving special attention to the needs of each individual participant in conjunction with the harmony of the group. What Angela loves most about her work is facilitating personal growth, development, and healing.
Tracy
Yoga found me in 2005 when a friend brought me to her yoga class. Though hot and challenging, the class left me feeling calm, relaxed and replenished. There was an instant connection with both the physical and mental side of practicing yoga. However, as my busy schedule commenced I left little time to think about beginning a yoga routine. It wasn’t until 2008 when yoga and I crossed paths again. Through an inspiring conversation and a reconnection with my past yoga experience, I was ready to give it another try. My journey began the same as many-it started with the desire to challenge my body and get into shape, but it wasn’t only the physical benefits that had me coming back to the mat. It was the act of taking the time to quietly “check in” and centre myself in a peaceful, self-accepting way that had me hooked. I knew immediately that I wanted to continue down this path and share it with others. I took a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in 2008 at Yandara Yoga Institute in Todos Santos, Baja Mexico . My experience was nothing shy of enlightening and invigorating. I learned from insightful, inspiring teachers who were whole-heartedly invested in living and sharing the keys to a yogic lifestyle. Yoga has brought to light peace, balance and harmony for me. For this, and for the many inspirational people I’ve been impacted by on this journey, I aspire to share yoga with others.
Dawn Balfour
Certified Yoga Instructor
Dawn has had more than 12 years experience of practicing yoga which has helped her to deal with Chronic illness, bereavement and has helped her on her own Fertility journey. It too has allowed her to see and be grateful for the blessings she has in her life, especially through the challenging times.
Her main focus is on the healing, positive power of yoga; she teaches Intermediate, Beginner, Restorative, Prenatal, Postnatal and Fertility Yoga. Dawn also organises Yoga events to raise money for charities like SickKids and the Canadian Red Cross.
Dawn is very excited to be joining the Studio W.I.S.E. team and looks forward to being a part of your Yoga Journey. Namaste.
Kim Westenbrink
Kim Westenbrink has recently completed her yoga teachers training with Dorothy Guerra, creator of Parivartan Yoga in Mississauga. Kim is the mother of two girls, Neely 14 and Camryn 11 who both share in her love of yoga. Kim has a BA degree from the University of Guelph and works full time as a Sales Representative for Nestle Professional Vitality in the Health Care field.
Nicole Bach
I first discovered Yoga in Highschool and have been taking classes since. I was encouraged to take Yoga due to an injury. I found that the benefits of taking class on a regular basis were wonderful. My body feels good, my injuries are better, and I love giving myself permission to relax and focus on my personal well being and health. I graduated from the "Shine OM Yoga Teacher Training Program". Through loving encouragement and guidance Shine OM opened up a whole new chapter to my life. I want to continue making Yoga a part of my every day routine. I hope that I can encourage everyone to do the same! Thank you Betty for welcoming me into the Studio WISE family. Spread the LOVE of Yoga!
