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Jackie Jelinek Before completing her yoga certification, Jackie's destiny to open a charitable, not-for-profit studio was already in the works. By coincidence, a fellow student was unable to continue teaching a class designed for people living with multiple sclerosis. How could this be asked of this unexperienced yogini? The gentle type of yoga that already suited her own physical needs, soon became the inspiration for special needs classes to different facilities around the GTA. Meeting with other teachers focusing in this area helped in further education and certification for Special Needs. The only thing that was really missing was a space for people with limited mobility to access, not in the really busy, traffic ingested parts of the city. After a lengthy renovation, much paperwork and continued workshops with some of today's greatest yoga teachers, the arrival of Power of Yoga Foundation was announced in 2000! We feel we are only beginning in the possibilities. The umbrella of Jackie’s students include such handicaps as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, overweight issues, seniors with mobility concerns, hospice’s and their bereavement councillors, stroke victims and her great love; one-on-one, private classes in people’s homes who cannot travel to receive the benefits of a weekly yoga practice. With love, compassion and patience we can reclaim back some of the memories our bodies lose, create alignment and a sense of regaining some control. All these good physical feelings make you happy, empowered, better to deal with the challenges. Imagine what it feels like when you and I have a yoga class. Now
imagine what it would feel like doing poses with limited physical
ability. The joy! Now you're getting the picture! |
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Melissa Campagnolo Melissa Campagnolo joined the Power of Yoga Foundation in 2006. An Austin, Texas native, Melissa made her initial connection with the Power of Yoga Studio after a meeting with the MS Society, Toronto chapter, who already had a working relationship with the Foundation. Melissa's yoga teacher training and foundation in Viniyoga, was what ultimately fueled her curiosity as to how yoga can be beneficial for individuals with special needs. The meeting between Jackie Jelinek and Melissa was stretch at first sight! Both teachers co-program classes at the Studio in addition to their respective private practice. Melissa teaches at the University of Toronto Athletic Centre and the Annette Street Public Library where she has set-up a satellite location offering special needs yoga in the Junction in West Toronto. Ask Melissa what amazes her about life in The Great White North, and it's, you guessed it, snow! "It melts when it's in your home. It's wet everywhere! And when there is a huge storm, you acually run out of places to put it when you shovel." She loves having actual seasons here as well. Another observation, Melissa notes, "People here seem to have a good balance between life and work. Small shops are closed in the evenings, are closed or work reasonable hours on weekends, and may close for two weeks at any time for vacation. They try and make their business work for their life. You don't often see that in the South." (Who knows. Maybe our cold winters provide the right amount of hibernation for personal reflection!) Well Melissa, although moving to Toronto may have been a stretch away from the Texas sun, the Foundation is really happy that you've brought your warmth, light and sunny nature into our homes and hearts! You're the best! For more information about Melissa, classes, schedule and private practice, visit her website, here. |
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