Kathy Parsons – Wellness
Certified Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Breath Coach, Retreat Specialist, Entrepreneur
About, Career, & Passions:
Kathy is a yoga teacher, meditation and breathwork coach who specializes in helping people connect to themselves through movement and breath.
Having led over 30 international wellness retreats over the years, Kathy is a self-proclaimed ‘retreat addict’ (and a type-A in recovery). Kathy left the corporate world in 2014 to provide the ultimate energizing and balanced yoga and retreat experience for others.
Her vinyasa flow classes incorporate creative movements that strengthen and lengthen the body while staying connected to the breath. She also teaches breathwork, moving meditation, restorative, yin yoga and the science of stretching.
Classes are tailored to the students and include (optional) gentle hands-on adjustments, inspirational music, and an aromatherapy savasana massage.
As a highly skilled teacher with extensive experience teaching in all settings and to all levels (from corporate leadership retreats, CrossFit gyms, traditional yoga studios, private clients of all ages and physical backgrounds, mindfulness retreats and public events) Kathy can adapt her class to provide a positive experience for each student.
“My philosophy is to provide the space for each student to connect with their mind, body and soul so they finish class feeling simultaneously lighter and more grounded. I encourage students to push themselves to their personal limits, while not taking themselves too seriously. Smiling and laughter is welcome!”
After a successful career as an executive in the not-for-profit sector, Kathy understands what it’s like to crave stillness and connection in a world that overvalues busyness. She’s combined her love of business and wellness together with her company
The Santosha Life: Cultivating Contentment through Yoga • Breathwork • Meditation • Retreats
Education & Training
• Certified Yoga Teacher – RYT-200, Vikasa Yoga, Koh Samui, Thailand – 2014
• Foundations of Applied Mindfulness Meditation Certificate – University of Toronto – 2019
• Certified Breathing Coach – Yoga Body (Yoga Alliance Certified Program) – 2020
• Certified Science of Stretching Coach – Yoga Body (Yoga Alliance Certified Program) – 2022
• Hundreds of hours of Continuing Education courses and workshops – 2014-2022
• Post Graduate Journalism Certificate with Honours, Humber College, Toronto, ON
• Bachelor of Arts with Honours, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON
Testimonials
“Come together in Mountain Pose takes on a new meaning when surrounded by the majesty of the Canadian Rockies. The mountain’s strength, resiliency, endurance and Lake Louise’s tranquility are the ideal backdrop for an invigorating and restoring yoga retreat under Kathy’s masterful guidance. Add in good food, great company and Kathy’s signature dash of laughter and joy and it’s perfect.” – Sandra, October 2021, Lake Louise
“*5 STARS*! This was a very well-coordinated and balanced retreat in a gorgeous setting. It will leave you feeling refreshed and energized at the same time. Kathy did a great job of accommodating the yoga practice to the energy of the room. I really appreciated her teaching style and sense of humour! Also, the team did a very good job of accommodating the Covid restrictions and making people feel safe. I can’t wait to attend another of Kathy’s retreats!” – Erin, October 2020, Lake Louise
“Kathy’s retreat was an experience which exceeded my expectations on every level. A skilled teacher and motivator, Kathy tunes into each participants’ ability and coaches them to find and challenge their individual edge; along with Kathy’s mindfulness meditation workshop and practice, I came away feeling stronger physically and mentally prepared to incorporate mindfulness into the whirl of everyday madness. Accompanied by the stunning backdrop of Lake Louise, exceptional accommodation and meals at Chateau Lake Louise, hiking the Rockies, and a great group dynamic – Kathy is authentic, dynamic and fun, and worked hard in creating a memorable journey for all. My best yoga & meditation experience yet – I highly recommend Kathy’s retreats.” – Judy, October 2020, Lake Louise
