Teacher Training Testimonials
Dharma Aguilar-Cardenas 2024 Graduate
"This training truly was life-changing in so many ways.
Before the course, my nervous system had been greatly affected by a traumatic experience. This training returned me to equilibrium. It brought back a sense of feeling grounded in my body and reconnected me to feeling joy again as I used to. I returned to a peaceful and hopeful state of being.
I also noticed that my partner benefited a lot from the training. He saw the changes in me and I started to see those changes reflected in him as well.
My physical health improved too. I feel more fit and I am at a weight that makes me feel more like myself. My perspective of life has changed to a more positive one like it was when I was younger and I understand myself better. I can now be aware of and recognize my ego. Instead of being controlled by it, I know how to observe it.
During the course I was finishing up my undergrad, doing classes and a full-time practicum, at first I was concerned with the time commitment. However, making the time for this training every weekend was the best thing I could do for myself during such a busy and uncertain time in my life.
This course is truly life-giving. I wish all my friends and family could take it."
becca letkeman 2024 Graduate
“I entered the course with a broken foot! I was hesitant to take the training after my injury, thinking I wouldn’t benefit fully. I’m so thankful I went through with it. I learnt so much - some of which I might not have without the injury.
The tools we explored were so helpful and have benefited my relationships with others. The biggest shift I've noticed, is the ability to give greater presence to myself when facing big emotions, troubling thoughts, and self-judgements. I’m learning to be still and watch. Now I know how to listen and not run away or repress these inner experiences. I've also noticed I’m less willing to identify with my thoughts.
I would totally recommend this training. Yoga philosophy was presented so clearly and in a way that was easy to follow. The weeks in between training weekends were perfect practice arenas, with homework that felt challenging but also doable. I thought the 3-month format was great. It was really fun too. Dharma yoga is playful and the community were awesome. We got to sing, make mandalas, and share food and tea together. Sam and the group of trainees were so welcoming and open. Lots of laughs and a desire to grow created a beautiful atmosphere.
I loved our times of breath work, meditation, and chanting. I really enjoyed studying the Bhagavad Gita! I also enjoyed the vulnerability of learning a new skill, teaching, together. It was so helpful to spend time teaching each other and refining our budding skills in the workshop portions of the training.
This is a very excellent program! I felt like I had my investment's worth after the first few weeks! I feel a deeper connection to myself during physical asana, and have deepened my own practice outside of class. It's really helpful to be practicing with a group of committed yogis who are all excited to grow.”
Kelly boulay, 2024 Graduate
“I was worried I wasn’t physically fit enough to participate in this training but left much stronger both physically and mentally.
My life is way less volatile now and I have powerful tools that help me transform negative thoughts, emotions and energy when they arise.
This course offers a safe space to be human and connected me to a powerful community. Having the time and space to focus inward and digest the teachings was very special and changed the way I live for the better.
I absolutely recommend this course. I think it could benefit everyone."
Charlotte Rosewarne, 2023 Graduate
“I didn't know Sam or anyone taking this training when I signed up and was nervous we wouldn't be compatible. I was also worried about giving up so many weekends - that’s a hard decision when you work full time Monday-Friday and have children.
But once we got started I never dreaded going to class and didn't care about giving up my weekends. This unexpected journey in personal growth was such a gift.
Since taking this course, EVERYTHING has changed. I’m now more mindful of the way I speak to myself and have self-compassion for “mistakes” and choices I’ve made. I’d spent so much time and energy clinging to the way people hurt me in the past that I didn't have space for healing and forgiveness. I didn't even realize I was doing this until we started the personal work in the training.
I feel free and positive. I’m letting go of what I thought my life "should" look like and embracing what it is. I have healthier boundaries. I’ve noticed how damaging social media is for me and am now conscious of how much time I spend on it. I’ve also learned to say no without worrying I’ll hurt someone else’s feelings. I’m more mindful of my eating habits and have made changes that have been so impactful - changes I didn't know I wanted to make.
It feels like the grass is a little greener and the sky is a little bluer...like a film over my eyes that I didn't know was there has finally lifted. I went in hoping to improve my asana practice and came out a better version of myself. I feel like I’ve finally connected to the real me!
I wish everyone could take this course and feel the way I do now. I’ll never forget this experience and the impact it's had on my life.”
Marla cousins, 2023 Graduate
“This training was more than I could’ve imagined. So many feelings come up when I reflect on it and I’m thankful for it all. I’ve learned so much and have many new tools in my tool kit.
I loved the pace, and content of this course. I found it all so interesting and I loved listening to Sam speak. It was such a safe space to be vulnerable and do something brand new. I loved stepping outside of my comfort zone in many different ways and having the opportunity to share my voice.
I’m very grateful for the community that was created. I always felt comfortable and welcome exactly as I was. I honestly loved everything about this training and would take a 500 hour if it was offered!
Now I know there are never any problems when you’re in the present moment. I learned about the mind and the issues it can cause with the stories it creates. I can see the beauty of life - that everything is unfolding perfectly according to divine order. I no longer believe in mistakes.
I recommend this course to anyone and everyone! It’s so valuable for anyone on a journey of self- discovery. Even the commitment of time that I gifted myself to take this training feels incredible. I’m so grateful I did it.”
Marielle G., 2022 Graduate
“My mind has been opened to a new way of thinking and a more loving outlook on the world. To protect myself, I’d become hardened and viewed others mostly as adversarial. Now my heart is softening as I view things with love and wonder. I'm able to laugh at encounters that I previously found very challenging.
The teachings in this course are helping me to not take the actions of others personally. I'm working on embodying greater acceptance, forgiveness and understanding of myself so I can bring that to my interactions with others.
While the training is intensive, there’s flexibility to participate in person or virtually or even catch up if it's necessary to miss. Sam is very supportive of everyone’s circumstances. The curriculum is well thought out and planned with a variety of teaching methods that make the time pass quickly and keep everyone's interest. It incorporates a lot of yoga philosophy and connects it to real life situations. We explored many techniques to help bring inner peace and contentment.
This course was during a pivotal moment for me, shortly after the birth of my daughter. It’s helping me embody more compassion which I hope to share with others.”
laura chung, 2023 Graduate
“I was worried about not being able to consistently make the training sessions due to a change in lifestyle, mental fog and an ongoing lower back injury.
But throughout the course, my perspectives on various life events shifted from being burdensome to being as they were. As the weeks progressed, I began feeling more at ease. It felt as though the fog that enveloped my being was slowly lifted after every session.
This course offers an authentic whole body experience and powerful mindset shifts. I highly recommend it.”
glenda rooney, 2022 Graduate
“There’s too much about this course for me to put into words. The biggest gift for me is the sense of community I’ve found. Before this course I didn’t know anyone who thought the way I did. Being in likeminded company has been so comforting.
The training was wonderful. Sam is so caring and compassionate. Ram Dass talks about death feeling like taking off a tight shoe. This training has felt like that for me. It’s given me courage…empowerment. I feel like I’m taking off that tight shoe and am ready to start a new chapter of life. I’m very grateful.”
BARB BOTTLE, 2022 Graduate
“I’ve had a really hard 10 years and I hadn’t felt real joy in almost that long. There was a lot of loss, death, grief and pain - all the things.
But thanks to this course, I feel joy again. Sam is a blessing and an inspiration and taught me that I could do things that I never thought I could do at the age that I’m at.”
KATHERINE SILVER, 2022 Graduate
"This course improved my life in so many ways. I’m calmer, more focused, less anxious, less depressed, less angry and more accepting of life. I feel better and wake up with more energy. I see people differently - with less judgment. And despite a physical set back I’m at optimum health.
My mind is clear and I can speak it freely with love in my heart. I’m more forgiving and have fewer or no expectations of those around me. I no longer feel a need to retaliate. When I’m upset, I’m able to express my feelings or concerns and let them go. I no longer harbour ill will or regret and remunerate. Others close to me have noticed. I finally can handle the loss I’ve endured in my life with strength.
I see the world more clearly and have a better understanding of our very existence.
For anyone interested in this course, don’t hesitate! You’ll thank me later:)”
Julie Fernandes, 2022 GRADUATE
"I wasn’t sure if it was the right time for me to take training. I thought I might need more time and experience under my belt. But it was the EXACT experience I needed to kickstart my journey.
When I started the course I was going through an intense breakup, friendship changes, family changes, everything was changing! I truly believe this course came at the exact time I needed it. It was my therapy.
There have been so many changes in my life.… physically I’m feeling good and my neck issues have become less consistent. I feel more fluid and strong in my body as well as in my mind.
My understanding of my experience of life has shifted and broadened. Now there is less anxiety, less panic, less fear and guilt and much more space for compassion.
I loved learning from Sam - listening to her stories and experiences. And I loved connecting energetically and singing together with our beautiful community.
It was such an incredible experience I will cherish forever. I feel ready to put what I’ve learned into practice and am excited to grow.”
Kim, 2022 Graduate
“A year before I took this course my world was rocked with pain that I’ve never felt before. I was looking for someone to fix me - physio, massage, pain killers (which crushed me). But nobody could. I’ve learned the only one who can fix me is me and because of this course I have the tools to do it and a beautiful supportive community.
I was experiencing many difficult emotions and a sense of hopelessness. But now I feel empowered. This course taught me to feel compassionate towards myself and to see myself in others - that’s a big one. I feel less judgemental, less controlling, less weight on my shoulders.
I knew I needed to let go - the theory and work in this course showed me how and my back has been so much happier. This course also helped me sell my house and leave my job, being open to the amazing opportunities ahead.
There is so much I loved about this training - sharing with others, yoga philosophy, anatomy, getting to know like minded community and the instructor!
Sam has an incredible ability to read the room and see what is needed and how to help. I appreciated the repetition of terminology to help us get it, her effort to keep us practicing and her ability to show us how to be compassionate towards ourselves.
What I’ve learned is priceless and I’ll forever be grateful for the divine intervention that brought me to this course and this community. If the world all practiced yoga like this it would be a much more peaceful place.”
Hailey M., 2022 Graduate
"I didn’t know what to expect when I came to teacher training. I thought I’d learn some fun tricks and new postures and instead I learned how to be more compassionate with myself.
I learnt how to see myself in others and became more dedicated to my practice. I’m so happy that I did.
Being part of this group has meant a lot to me - everyone is so wonderful and supportive. I’m so grateful for everything I learned in this course.
I honestly think it’s making the world a better place one human at a time. Thank you... infinitely.”
desiree single, 2021 Graduate
"I was concerned about taking this course because I had a shoulder injury and was worried about the physical practice and the time commitment. Since completing the course my entire life has changed - I feel lighter, free and able to breathe. I have more purpose and a renewed sense of awe with the world.
I would tell anyone who has one small spark of interest in yoga teacher training to jump in. It has truly been a gift and one of the best things I have done in my life. I feel like a new world has opened and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to take this training with such a patient, kind, loving and supportive teacher. I have unlocked so much that was holding me back and have been able to feel true joy and peace."
shanti Aguilar-Cardenas, 2021 Graduate
“I’d recommend this course in a heartbeat! The training is authentic and prepares students to not only physically teach yoga but to also understand its true meaning, and live the practice off the mat. I have taken many yoga classes in my life and I’ve always felt the most connected to Sam's style. Her ability to explain complex yoga teachings while applying them to the modern world we live in always leaves me in awe.
Physically, I am more open and able to hold challenging postures longer. Mentally I feel calmer, more reflective, and compassionate. I've experienced a new kind of joy through teaching yoga to friends and family. Everyone should take this course!”
Michael robertson, 2021 Graduate
"I absolutely recommend this course! I loved that it focused on yoga beyond the asanas and guided us into the philosophy and how to live it. It completely changed my relationship with food and I learned how we can eat mindfully to fuel our bodies. This course taught me how to observe my thoughts and emotions rather than just react to life around me. Sam cares about her students and is always willing to help on or off the mat."
kristen wachniak, 2020 Graduate
“This training provides so much more than a teaching certification. I enrolled to deepen my practice, particularly to study philosophy under a wise, compassionate & enthusiastic person. Sam went above and beyond what I was hoping for.
Sam is incredible at making profound concepts accessible through a slow, steady, and in-depth pace. I appreciated how concepts were woven together through reading spiritual texts, sharing personal stories, journalling, and group discussions.
Since the training, my ability to emotionally regulate has undergone significant transformation. Navigating my inner landscape has become a lot more clear and allows for inner peace within very different conditions. Many yoga concepts are simple on paper, but have profound impact when applied to real life circumstances. My life is still filled with challenges, but the training has provided a remarkable change in ~how~ I approach and work with these aspects of my life. I am able to access a broadened perspective a lot more easily than before.
This felt like a very special edition of teacher training, as the majority of it took place over quarantine through COVID-19. Many sessions were held via Zoom. One of the valuable lessons this provided was undergoing in-depth training (mentally, emotionally, and physically) in the space where I live. Rather than clear distinctions between house-commute-studio, I think practicing in this way actually set me up for more organic integration of the teachings into my everyday life. In case the training is conducted online again, I would still highly recommend it.
Jocelyne prefontaine, 2020 Graduate
“This course is one of the best things I've done in my life. I think anyone would benefit from the philosophy and practices taught. The world would be a better (less harmful / more compassionate) place if more people followed these practices.
Sam is a particular joy to be around and each student brought new perspectives and a sense of exploration to the course. Everyone was very open and extremely supportive.
This course brought new awareness into my life. I still have moments of doubt/fear, unhelpful attachments, dark moments, bright moments, grateful moments, etc. but I am much more aware of all of them for what they are. This awareness is helping me be more balanced in my life and more patient with the people in it and others out there in the broader world.
Alyssa Lambkin-Anderson, 2019 Graduate
“I am a single parent and was worried about taking the weekend training, balancing my day job and the homework for the course but Sam is true to her word when she tells us not to suffer. She was so understanding and made the course manageable even for me.
I am incredibly thankful I took this course no matter if I become a teacher or not. I have been searching for a remedy for suffering all of my years on this earth. I feel like I’m getting closer. I’ve experienced increased positivity, less worry and less stress. I’ve been able to identify and let go of some negative nonsense that’s been on loop in my head and have constructive responses to my neurotic worries. My body has a method of expression that I was lacking before and I’m treating it with more respect.
The sense of community in this course touched me deeply. Sam created a safe space where I was able to bring to light some questions I’ve been turning over in my mind for many years. Using my voice in a group setting and being heard without being judged meant so much to me.”
carly van ryssel, 2019 graduate
“I would recommend this training to anyone interested in digging deep in self-reflection. It’s a safe space to discover who you truly are, and express yourself. It’s a life changing process. It’s powerful. Its hard and it’s worth it!
During the course I experienced a crisis in my personal life. The topics discussed, exercises and community were extremely helpful during this time.
Sam is a true example of living the yogi life 24/7. Simply being in her presence is uplifting. Her passion for this practice and way of life is extremely evident. It was an absolute privilege to be able to learn and grow with her. Wherever you are in your journey, Sam will meet you there, and walk beside you. I’m so grateful for this experience.”
JACQUIE FONTAINE, 2020 Graduate
“My first yoga teacher training in India was like an appetizer and this training brought me into the main course. It was more spiritual than I anticipated which was awesome!
Sam was very sensitive to what needed to be taught and when. Explanations were given with enthusiasm and conviction but understanding that not everyone may resonate with a particular teaching.
I loved that the heart of this course was recognition of the Divine and Self Realization. I loved the study of the Yamas and Niyamas and the importance of them. I loved reading the Gita out loud.
Sam's passion and commitment to a yogic life is truly inspiring. I really could go on and on. I am truly blessed and thankful to have the text book to continue to study. When I follow the Yamas and Niyamas life is more peaceful and calm, my health is more enjoyable and my energy is stable and consistent.
Since taking this course, my mind is less congested with judgments, negativity and unreal thoughts.
I definitely recommend this teacher training. I learnt things that will make me a better teacher but more importantly, I learnt how to become a better yogi.”
laura Kolisnyk, 2019 graduate
“I was hesitant to take this training because I wasn’t confident that my asana practice would be strong enough. I had a foot injury that held me back from doing things I loved.
There have been so many positive changes in my life from this training. I finally had the courage to have surgery on my foot, my choices about what I put into my body have been much better. I became more peaceful, positive, loving and whole.
The content of this course was a real awakening of wisdom I have deep in my soul but hadn’t focussed on for the last six years while raising my young son. I love the daily practice and seeing how much it benefits my heart and soul.
Sam was always giving and compassionate to each person in the course. I looked forward to the times we were together and the homework that was assigned. Everyone felt supported and safe to learn and grow and become their best selves.
I would highly recommend this teacher training. Sam is a Yogi who is devoted to her practice. She is knowledgable, skilled, compassionate, fun and an all around wonderful teacher and human being.”
jessi mcintosh, 2023 Graduate
“I had very little yoga experience and was worried I wouldn’t be good enough. I thought I’d be ‘behind’ in the postures which turned out not to matter one bit.
Cost was also a hesitation for me. Putting money towards something I had little experience in was scary. It was worth every single penny.
I was also worried about being emotional in front of others but it turned out to be a VERY safe space to allow my emotions to flow. Now if I’m having a moment of wanting to cry, I allow it to happen instead of suppressing it. I have new tools to process and let go of challenging thoughts.
This course helped me become a better person - both towards myself and towards others. I beat myself up a lot less and learned to manage my thoughts in a productive way. I was able to process and shift perspective on a significant trauma I’d experienced years earlier.
I’ve started to see the beauty in life again. It’s really nice to notice the positives. This course led me out of a very dark place.
I also look at my body differently. It’s amazing to feel stronger after feeling physically and mentally broken for so long. This course helped me appreciate the body that I have and taught me to be kinder to it.
I loved the mental health aspects of this course. It was the part I was most terrified of and probably what I needed the most.
The practice teaching was fun! Getting to do that with other people in the class was great. We were all in the same boat and got to know each other better. I truly felt that there were no judgments….ever… on any topic we explored.
I think anyone who takes this course will get more out of it than they anticipate. I walked out of the course physically and mentally stronger with new friends for life.
You’ll learn asanas, you’ll learn to teach, you’ll learn philosophy, and you’ll learn so much more that will help you in your day to day life.
This course is beautiful. It’s hard at times. It’s hard being open with yourself but it certainly helps when you’re surrounded by supportive people. Having Sam as a teacher was amazing and I’ll forever be grateful.”
tammie richmond, 2023 Graduate
“I decided to take teacher training the week before it started and was VERY nervous and filled with hesitations. I was worried I wouldn’t have the time to commit, that my age would be an obstacle and that financially it would be a bad time to invest in the course. I imagined the rest of the group would be Instagram yogis and I’d be the only one who couldn’t touch her toes.
Those worries quickly dissipated.
Everyone was so warm and loving and made this terrifying journey an amazing experience. I thought the course would be mostly physical - maybe I’d learn to do crow or something (I did). But that was such a small part. I’m physically stronger now for sure, but more importantly I’ve conquered old fears and become mentally and emotionally strong as well. There was so much support around me when I needed it and it was neat to have my daughters cheer me on verses me cheering them on.
I see the world differently now. It’s a gift that was already within me, I just didn’t know how to find it before. I’m forever grateful for the guidance, kindness and community I found. Exploring the philosophy and sharing openly with like minded people changed me. There is a calmness I feel and an incredible energy to live a “better me” and contribute to a better world.
I’d recommend this course in a heart beat. Everyone should know how beautiful they really are.”
Joëlle Paillé, 2023 Graduate
“This course brought so many positive changes!
Physically, I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and my posture has improved a lot. In my day to day life, I now have healthy boundaries. My self-worth has improved and I’m more confident to remove myself from situations that don’t serve me. I’m more present and have tools to continue my daily practice.
Before training, I was worried about being too busy and burning myself out. I was also worried about spending money on the training instead of something more “responsible” like my house. I was afraid people would think it was selfish of me.
This course really led me in the right direction. I was doing yoga and meditation in my own time before, but wasn’t sure how to progress without guidance. I processed so many emotions I didn’t know I had locked up inside and am grateful for the compassion and love I felt as I went through this.
This training taught me to trust life and my own inner guidance. My favourite part was learning the philosophy and moving outside of my comfort zone to benefit my physical and personal growth. I think anyone would benefit from this training!”
kailey melna, 2022 Graduate
“I had no idea what to expect coming into this training. I was scared to do it, yet I knew it was right for me. It was almost as if my antennae was up, searching for a yoga program and led me to the perfect one.
I wanted to enroll in a teacher training for quite some time, but I always worried I wasn’t flexible enough. I had also only been practicing yoga for about 2 years and practiced only beginner poses, so I wasn't sure if I was experienced enough to take a teacher training. I compared myself to others ALL the time. However, during the training, I experienced many poses I never thought I’d do - it was truly amazing! It made me reflect on previous limiting beliefs I've had about myself and shifted my mindset to be more open and playful.
I’ve really never had such an amazing, inspiring teacher who cares so much about her students and who embodies everything that she teaches like Sam does. Her emphasis on the philosophy portion of yoga has changed my life as well and continues to do so! I feel so lucky to have her as a role model and as a life long teacher. I also didn’t expect the beautiful community I’d find during this course. They will forever remain in my life and have become some of my greatest cheerleaders as well as sources of inspiration. I really can't thank you enough Sam for everything! You are such a bright light in my life.”
Heather schiller, 2022 Graduate
"Sometimes unfortunate events in your life lead you towards something great that changes you. This course changed me. It changed my perspective towards pain, my perspective towards disappointment, and my perspective towards self love.
My favorite part was the philosophy - learning the truth of who I truly am and understanding what causes me suffering. It offered me hope, joy, and inspiration to keep exploring and traveling this path.
I’m now able to offer myself compassion and soothe the fears of my emotional patterns. I used to feel a sense of worthlessness if I wasn’t able to accomplish certain things each day and now I feel worthy and loveable exactly as I am and am learning to let go of that guilt.
This course also helped me become more compassionate with others. Instead of getting annoyed when someone is complaining and wanting them to have a different perspective on life (which actually ends up creating more separation between us), I’m now able to stay present. I allow them to voice their complaints without taking them on personally. I can love them and accept them alongside our differences.
I’m so grateful this course is in Winnipeg. I feel very comfortable with Sam. I’m always inspired by her and her dedication to live this practice daily, so I knew it would be the perfect fit. I loved that I could participate at a pace that worked well with the rest of my life and that I could take the teachings out into my life each week and apply them. I also love that it connected me to an inspiring new community.
I absolutely, 100% recommend this course. It changed my life perspective in such a positive way. I would want that for anyone!”
stephanie klassen, 2022 Graduate
“I had been wanting to take a teacher training for years but always told myself I couldn’t afford it. I was paying off student debt for a degree I didn’t graduate from which was very disheartening. I felt like it was impossible. But something in Sam made it feel possible. Something about Sam makes everything feel possible.
One night it became very clear to me that this is what I needed to do - to stop worrying about how it would happen and trust instead. I saved extra money, I found out about a grant program I could apply for and I got it no problem - it was seamless.
Fear and self sabotage were so strong in me before this course. There really is a before and an after for me. My irritable bowel symptoms are gone! I feel content with life exactly as it is and am making wiser decisions every day when it comes to what I consume. I’ve been rewired and am excited for the future now.
This course taught me how to navigate some challenging relationships in my life. I have more compassion and understanding and am able to interact from a deeper place beyond my judgments.
I’m so excited to have this new community - I feel like we’re sisters on the path. Sam is a very intuitive, wise and compassionate teacher. This program is changing lives. I feel so blessed to have taken it.”
mindy eng, 2021 Graduate
"I’ve always been a very Type-A person, and grew up in an environment that rewarded these tendencies. But I was burning out. With a lot of therapy and learning about yogic philosophy, I realized I don’t need to hold onto these behaviors.
It’s tough unlearning decades of what I used to find completely normal, but taking this training helped me create beautiful new habits, reprogram old ones, and meet the inevitable criticism I give myself along the way with more and more self-compassion.
This course was offered both in-person and on Zoom. I wasn’t sure what to expect participating virtually, but Sam was such a pro at Zoom-tech that I never felt excluded by not being in person.
For anyone hesitating about doing this course online, I say GO FOR IT! There is no better time than now to learn these skills. Sam is so attentive and considerate of her students both virtually and in person. You won’t regret it one bit!”
Jenessa Clark, 2021 Graduate
"I highly recommend this training! It will strengthen your asanas (postures), but more importantly it will strengthen your understanding of yoga from meditation to philosophy. I took the first part of the course in person and the second part online. I was worried about internet connection and my technology skills but it was all perfect.
It is a beautiful thing to be in Sam’s presence. Whether it is in person or online, she has the ability to bring the best out of you. The practices in this course and reflection helped me to trust life and understand everything is unfolding perfectly. I live now with a greater sense ease and am more able to stay in the present moment."
sherry m, 2021 Graduate
"This course taught me how to take better care of myself and to stop worrying so much about what other people think. I am more relaxed and when I do feel stressed I have tools to relax and calm myself down. I especially enjoyed learning about the philosophy of yoga and practicing pranayama (breathing exercises). Sam is an excellent teacher who is always available to answer questions or concerns. She was great at explaining yogic concepts and how to use them in everyday life."
sara anderson, 2020 Graduate
“This course changed my life and the way I am living. The way I see things is a lot clearer, there aren't as many blurred lines or grey areas in my life anymore. I have become confident within myself and trust my inner guide. I am now able to see from many points of view without judgement which has improved my ability to go beyond listening to understanding.
I was worried I wasn't flexible enough or advanced enough in the practice to be able to learn and teach yoga but can now do many postures I didn't think were accessible. I’m learning to apply yoga philosophy into day to day life and learning to love myself and the world around me. This course teaches both yoga on the mat and how to take it off the mat into your life. Sam is a bundle of joy and truly radiates love, kindness and peace.
The course helped me become more conscious of my health and body. I can feel when I haven't been eating right and notice the way certain foods affect me and my physical practice. When I am fully aware and offering the poses, I receive intuition on things to let go of, or areas I’m meant to put more attention/energy towards.
I really appreciated the community that was created. Everyone was so welcoming and loving towards each other. Being in such an open and honest environment with no judgment was a breath of fresh air. I absolutely recommend it!
renee bertrand teo, 2021 Graduate
“This has been a transformative experience! I feel grounded in self-compassion and my mental wellbeing has improved. I’m less concerned with people pleasing and now create healthy boundaries in relationships. I'm calmer, more patient and spend less time worrying about EVERYTHING!
The meditation and pranayama added a layer of mental clarity and focus I didn't have before. I really enjoyed the community and felt safe to participate fully and open up. The covid pandemic brought so much fear and uncertainty - this training helped bring peace and calm to my life.
Sam is a wonderful person and teacher. She inspires me to deepen my yoga practice - on and off the mat! She is attentive, supportive and extremely knowledgeable.
I highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to expand their asana practice and spiritual development.”
WENDY GRAHAM, 2021 Graduate
“I loved everything about this course, especially expanding my yoga knowledge and the asanas. My physical and mental health have improved, I am calmer, more positive and I know it’s okay to not have all the answers or a plan. I really enjoy the breathing and meditation practices and have incorporated them into my daily life. I enjoyed the whole package!!
Sam is a very inspiring teacher and person to be around. I would definitely recommend this training to anyone, it offers incredible life skills.”
rosanne ritchot, 2020 Graduate
“I really appreciated the yoga philosophy and spiritual aspects of this course. I feel that those are parts of the world of yoga that I may never have gotten from simply going to a lot of yoga classes.
Sam is a beautiful & gentle soul who has devoted her life to the study and constant practice of yoga. It is inspiring to witness and to share in that energy. It was a course imbued with love and openness, while at the same time challenging students to push beyond their perceived limits.
This course led to a shift in my views of the world and of how the Universe works. It is not overnight that you can change a lifetime's worth of ideas of God and the Universe, but change in perspective that come with exploring these new possibilities are inspiring to ponder. It has changed how I experience my relationship with myself, with others and how I view events happening in my life and around me.
tara patrick, 2019 Graduate
“Due to my limited yoga knowledge I didn’t think I would be accepted into this training, and if I was I thought it would be too difficult for me to learn, understand and keep up. I was also worried that my injuries or lack of flexibility would make the training too difficult. Anytime I doubted myself or my abilities, Sam would have the wisest and most helpful advice and was kind, supportive and incredibly encouraging. She created a safe, positive learning environment and was extremely accommodating to the needs of her students.
This program was life changing for me. My mind is less scattered and when I do find myself with a cluttered mind, I can recognize it, accept it, and begin to declutter. I’m practicing yoga daily, my flexibility is improving, and I’m feeling more positive than I have in a long time.
If you are looking to do a yoga teacher training for the purpose of teaching or improving the quality of your life, I highly recommend this course. You will have an amazing experience with an incredible teacher.”
ANTON FRIESEN, 2020 Graduate
“This course gave me the freedom to express my honest curiosity and dialogue sensitive topics. I learnt how to deepen my own practice from so many new directions and feel much more confident and prepared to meet life’s challenges.
Sam has a genuine interest in deepening her practice and sharing what she has learnt with others. I feel an incredible appreciation for the effort invested to gain and share such a wide spectrum of coherent energy and am inspired to become a better vessel for it.”
simon hon, 2020 graduate
"This training made me a little softer...in a good way...less rajasic...more aware of the ego…more calm and a little more sore in the hips ;-)
It is very nice to sit together, breath, and meditate. Learning the yoga philosophies was also great!
I recommend this training on infinite repeat! I learned more in this course than from my university degrees. Sam has so much knowledge and wisdom in the philosophies, it's amazing! Learning the yamas, niyamas, koshas, causes of suffering, etc. are all so important. I'm so grateful for the time we shared together. My need for a more in depth yoga practice was met precisely.”
Corie carpenter, 2019 graduate
“I am so grateful for this life changing course. I was hesitant about taking it because I didn’t know how I would fit it into my life. I don’t have a lot of extra time.
I went into the course loving the asana practice but didn’t take any time to breathe or meditate. I learned to take time for this and feel more calm, grounded and patient when I do. Learning yoga philosophy was life changing. I find myself to be more understanding of other people and a lot kinder to myself. I loved how comfortable the course was and how it quickly felt like a community coming together and bonding over an interest we all shared.
I left this course feeling like I learned a lot. I have the confidence to teach a class and a much better understanding of what yoga truly is.”
Allison Curtaz, 2019 Graduate
“As soon as I took my first class with Sam I knew I wanted to spend as much time with her and learn as much as possible from her. Signing up for her teacher training was an easy decision.
Once the course began, I began to encounter a lot of difficulty in my life and it made this experience much more profound and real for me. I found the weekend format to be quite challenging with balancing the rest of my life, but very effective in bringing the yoga off of the mat. The meditation and yogic philosophy discourse in this teacher training is the mental and emotional equivalent of going through all of your belongings, all of your dirty laundry, all of the hidden things in closets you wished/thought you’d forgotten about and choosing what is important, what serves you and what does not.
The tools taught in this course helped me immensely in connecting with my Self and I continue to do the pranayama and meditation techniques to this day. Sam is the real deal, her teacher training is challenging and deeply nourishing, and it brought more ecstatic joy to my life and to my yoga practice.
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have participated in this course and highly recommend it for anyone looking to strengthen the body. This is the kind of work that breaks you open to allow for more light to shine through.”
whitley schamber, 2019 graduate
“If you want a life changing course that you can immediately incorporate into your daily life...this is the one! The course offers a beautiful flow of learning and practice.
Working around my work schedule and finding time to do the homework was my biggest hesitation but the homework was manageable, full of surprises and life changing. My mind feels more light and calm, my body is in the best health it’s been in and I no longer require caffeine to function through the day.
Sam is a beautiful soul who is devoted to inspire and assist others on their yoga path. She made the classes easy to understand and created an energy that was electric, happy and empowering. She is a great example of the teaching and really prepared us to live our yoga and continue constant practice throughout the day and year. The weekly quizzes and daily homework helped me stay focussed and learn the content and the manual Sam created was easy to understand and has been a fantastic resource since the training.
If you have a little seed to do this training, do it! Whether you are aspiring to be a yoga teacher or wanting to deepen your practice and better your life. This course is life changing.”
Rachna M., 2019 graduate
“I was hesitant about being an "advanced enough" yoga practitioner when applying. I was not confident my physical practice was at the level needed to complete a yoga teacher training. This program came into my life at just the time I needed it.
My favorite part of the course was the focus on yoga philosophy and guidance for incorporating yoga into a lifestyle practice rather than just a physical asana practice. The teachings have made it much easier to navigate daily trials and larger problems in my life. When I do get caught up in the stresses of life, I am able to recall the teachings which allow me to experience them with much less attachment.
I would highly recommend this training to anyone who is even just interested in learning more about the practice of yoga. It helped deepen my understanding of yoga in a way that I will be able to carry for the rest of my life. I feel confident that I have the knowledge to modify these practices to suit my capabilities and continue to transform during different phases of my life.”