Suzanne Blackwell

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Suzanne is a YA ERYT- a YAA- Yoga Assoc of Alberta and is a C-IAYT Certified with International Assoc of Yoga Therapists to work with persons wanting individualized programming for wellness She has been training in yoga since and is the Lead Teacher for YA Teacher Training for her own company New Leaf Training & Life Pursuits She was the former Director of Teacher Training for the YA RYT- hr Certification program at The Breathing Room in Red Deer AB Canada She also teaches certification courses for Mind-Body Instructors with the AFLCA Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association Suzanne has been teaching yoga full-time since at local studios fitness centres public & alternative schools hospitals addictions recovery centres & seniors facilities Styles taught include Hatha Yin Restorative Flow Power Ashtanga Budokon & Mindfulness/ Meditation Her IAYT & supplementary course work includes specialized modules in Ayurveda Yoga Nidra & Sleep Brain Injuries & Conditions Stress Cancer Trauma & specific Mental Health Challenges Anxiety Anger Depression Schizophrenia Bipolar Disorder Chronic Pain Eating Disorders She is a champion for applying yoga to improve everyday health concerns eg Back Pain Common Injuries etc Her weekly schedule often includes teaching youth at her local hospitals mental health unit working with adults at the addictions recovery centre leading classes for marginalized youth indigenous populations & children/youth with developmental disabilities in schools and inspiring older-adults with functional fitness at local facilities  Suzanne has an extensive background teaching groups with specialized wellness interests such as those: - persons living with cancer - people with mental health concerns such as anxiety  - athletes with multiple concussions - people experiencing sleep difficulties - elite athletes cross-training for sport performance She offers unique workshops often as mountain retreats! She also offers private restorative sessions for individuals in order to assist their return to better health  Suzanne was an instructor in the Kinesiology Department at Red Deer College for many years including credit courses in Yoga Flexibility & Relaxation Outdoor Education Fitness Wellness & Lifestyle Management & Metabolic Conditioning  She has an extensive sports coaching fitness and martial arts background She is an active rd degree black belt + years of practice in karate and jujitsu with + years of practice and has taught the Budokon Yoga primary series - a demanding martial-arts inspired practice She is also a former pro-elite mountain bike athlete and very experienced Coach for College & Provincial Teams in cycling paddling & X-C skiing   In addition to yoga Suzanne also teaches other fitness spin self defense and martial arts classes in her local area  If you take a class with Suzanne youll find that her diversity of life experience has given her a broad perspective on yoga as it applies to real life off the mat Her spectrum of practice ranges from super-gentle to exceptionally vigorous/ demanding She is interested as much in the mental emotional and energetic dimensions of practice as she is in the tangible physical movements / postures and the science / anatomy behind it Her sense of adventure fun & humor provides a relaxing backdrop to even the most vigorous of classes In her restorative classes she has a reputation as someone whose voice and approach allows students to access their inner serenity and deep self-healing potential  Some of Suzannes main teachers and mentors include Swami Veda Bharati & Maya Margo Balog Himalayan Doug Swenson & David Swenson YA- Sadhana Yoga-Chi & Ashtanga Ann Waschuk Paula Carnegie-Fehr & other YAA Senior Teachers Hatha and all the amazing instructors at Ajna Yoga in Victoria BC IAYT Certification She has also appreciated taking specialized workshops & certifications from the likes of   - Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanda IAYT & medical doctor - Nayaswami Gyandev McCord PhD Ananda Yoga - Doug Keller Anatomy - Sara & Ty Powers & Michael Taylor Yin - Judith Hanson-Lasater Ayurveda & Mental Health - Susi Hately-Aldous Injury & Anatomy - Cameron Shayne Budokon - Tim Miller Rameen Peyrow & Troy Lucero Ashtanga - Swami Ritavan Bharati & Pandit Dabral Himalayan - Rod Stryker ParaYoga - Dr Nicole Culos-Reed & Tyla Arnason Yogathrive for Cancer - Yogi Amandeep Singh Guru Prem Singh Simran Kaur Khalsa & Dena Simran Kaur Fairell Kundalini - David Wilson Breath & Voice - Eionn Finn Blissology  - Trevor Yelich & Acroyoga Montreal Acroyoga plus Wade Morissette Mackenzie Miller Erin Evans and so many more!.