A St Francis Xavier Graduate, BSC Human Kinetics, I have been in the fitness industry since graduation in 2000, bringing 21 years of experience as a passionate and loving guide. A CANFITPRO certified Fitness Instructor Specialist and Personal Trainer Specialist, I am so excited to share my love and passion with all of you at Pictou County Yoga & Fitness. I took the plunge and took over ownership of the studio in June of 2017 and couldn't be happier. It has been a dream of mine to own a fitness studio for as long as I can remember and it has been an amazing adventure so far. Flow yoga, PiyoLIVE, aerobic training, athletic training, kick boxing, weight lifting, boot camp, Zumba, Aquafit, TRX suspension training, Piloxing, and step are just some of the classes that I have lead during my career as a coach and guide. Find me at the studio leading Step REPs, Strong by Zumba, PiYoLIVE, Yoga Sculpt, BOOTCAMP, Tabata and who knows what's next! I'm always up for new ideas and different ways to move our bodies, cause let's face it, it feels great!
"I believe our quest for health and fitness is a lifelong journey that changes along the way as we change as individuals. Therefore I believe in trying new things and pushing our boundaries to become more well rounded. It truly is my passion to lead and help other people on their health and wellness journeys."

Yoga has been a part of my life for over 15 years. I distinctly remember the first time I took a yoga class. It was 2006 when I was in Thailand working for the summer. When I think back to that day, I recall how nervous I was walking into the studio and how inflexible my body felt as I attempted the poses. The warmest memory of that day is how I felt mentally after the class, which was instant lightness, together with empowerment from what I discovered my body could do.
Since then, my personal practice has helped me navigate the different stages of life, allowing me to feel balance between effort and surrender, and courage and acceptance. A true gift for which I am grateful.
I pursued my passion for yoga, completing 1500 hours of yoga teacher instruction to date. These training certifications and workshops have taken me to Bangkok, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Madurai, India. I'm trained in Hatha, Restorative, Yin, Vinyasa, Pranayama, Sivananda, and Moksha yoga. I am also certified in Reiki 1st and 2nd degree with Nirvana Kendra Usui System of Natural Healing, which I completed after my Sivananda training in India.
Most recently I have completed my training to become a registered child yoga teacher (RCYT) with a trauma-informed focus. 
I have taught yoga in various capacities, ranging from private practice to numerous yoga studios, and as part of a physical education program to a retirement-nursing home setting.
My teaching approach begins with personal guidance, helping students find stillness and comfort in each posture, allowing them to gain greater body awareness, flexibility and alignment. I endeavor to make all my classes accessible for everyone, so individuals at any level can experience the benefits of a personal yoga practice.
Candace

Yoga has been the gift in my life that really continues to give to me in so many ways. It's there for you when you are happy, sad, mad, falling apart at the seams or have it all together. It's got you. I've been exploring yoga for years, but it was after the loss of my first son in 2015 that pushed me to dive deeper and take my own training. I didn't know at the time if I'd ever teach a class, I just wanted to explore more of what yoga was. Since finishing my training, I've been here at Pictou County Yoga & Fitness as well as other studios in the county. My classes are all inclusive and I strive to show modifications as needed so everyone feels safe and welcome. Yoga truly is for everyone and I believe that whole heartedly. You also can't "be good" at yoga, you just have to show up and let the journey begin and see where it takes you. I always invite my students to enjoy their time on their mats, have fun, play and explore! You can find me in the Hot Room Mondays at 530pm. Expect to enter my teaching space and feel welcome to explore the unity of your own breath and body connection. I love to infuse fun and energetic flows into my sequencing, along with a greater understanding and knowledge of how to set your body up to be safe and strong in all poses. I've completed trainings in Yoga Nidra and am currently training in YIN. I love to continue to learn and grow, not only as a teacher, but as a student, so you can often find me kicking around the studio throughout the week attending other classes. Outside the studio, I love to spend time with my family, read, meditate, spend time in nature and connect with friends and others in the community. I very much look forward to seeing you on your mats soon. 
Brianna