Steve knew that there was something else he had to do with his life. He is a Judo teacher and just knew that yoga was for him. Even while dealing with the financial pressures of being on "parental leave" from work Steve found himself signing up for Bend's Yoga Teacher Training. Steve is a natural. He is calm and easy going and brings his love of natural movements to his vigorous and gentle classes. Steve is also a Thai yoga Practitioner -- see the massage page for more details.
Joanne Pettit-Myers
joanne@bendyogastudio.ca
Joanne has been practicing yoga for over 20 years, yes... she started when she was 3 :) . In 2005 she did her initial Hatha teacher training in Vancouver at Prana Yoga Teacher College with Shakti Mhi and then travelled to Mysore, India where she trained in the Ashtanga practice and Yoga Therapies. Since opening Bend Yoga in early 2011, Joanne has stayed dedicated not only to the practice and her students, but to her growth as a teacher through attending multiple workshops and trainings. Joanne has been runs Bend's Yoga Alliance Registered 200 Hr. Yoga Teacher Training Program and is so proud of the teachers that have gone through the program. Joanne also became certified in Thai Yoga Massage and in 2016 started teaching Thai Massage Courses through Still Light Centre in Toronto, ON.
Joanne teaches from a very personal place and shares her personal journey with anxiety, illness and loss, and her classes are tailored to each person there so that there is something for everyone.
Joanne still visits North Bay for trainings, but has moved to the Hamilton area now. Feel free to check out the 2nd Bend Location at www.bendyogadundas.ca .
Debbie Prins
Full bio coming soon... for now... this is what I have for Debbie:
Debbie has been a friend and yoga student to Joanne even before the opening of Bend Yoga Studio. While she denied her love of yoga -- she couldn't deny the affects it was having on her body and mind. She was the first one to sign up for Bend's premiere teacher training program and was a shining star during it. She brings wit and charm to her classes and is very focused and committed to bring full, well planned and lots of power to her flows. She hopes to inspire in others, what yoga has inspired in her.
Ruth Madden
Ruth started off her "movement" journey in dance. She went to university for dance and then completed her masters in Movement Therapy. Ruth took Bend's teacher training and the two disciplines work magically to help create safe spaces for people to explore themselves through yoga. When you come into contact with Ruth the word that will come to your mind is "gem"... She is an angel and we are so blessed to have her here at Bend.
Phillipa Arbiter
Philippa comes to us with over 10 years experience instructing in the health and fitness field. With her recent employment working with the military she found that there was a gap in their training with regards to mental health, functional movement and flexibility training. Knowing the huge benefits of yoga training and the implications on mental health that mindful training can have on the members, Philippa pursued a yoga certification. She has now been happily teaching various styles of yoga classes for over 3 years now, with her personal yoga experience going back almost 8 years! Philippa teaches beginners and complex Hatha classes as well as Yin, Power, Nidra, and has dabbled in teaching astanga. With an open sense of humour and inherent humour and opennes with the human body, her classes are dynamic and enjoyable. Philippa is an Exericse Physiologist working with high performance athletes as well as individuals with ongoing chronic injuries. Philippa enjoys life to the fullest, finding herself the most content when exploring outdoors through hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, long runs with her pooches or just by reading a book in the sunlight.
Nancy Frederick
Nancy is an extreme athlete who never thought that yoga would be for her because it was too slow. But Nancy found herself in Bend's classes in 2012 and we can't seem to get rid of her :p . What can we say -- we love Nancy. Nancy brings her love of sport and fitness to yoga and to her massage. She teaches both moderate and vigorous classes and also a yoga-for-runners workshop (learn to run and how yoga can help the recovery process). Nancy is always looking for ways to make yoga more accessible for people like her. Nancy is also a Thai Yoga Practitioner -- see our Thai Yoga Massage Page for more details.
I love you Joanne! You’re the bestest. You are so accessible and approachable and unpretentious. The authenticity you exude makes me feel like I can just BE in your classes. Whether I’m there 5x a week, or haven’t made it in for 5 weeks, it always feels like home. I dare to wear tank tops in your classes (this never happens in the outside world). Your philosophy of ‘no judgement -just love’ seeps into me, and for a while in your class, and often for hours afterwards, I feel like this about mysel…
Robyn Colvin
Joanne, I have to say, despite the pain in my abdominals today, that was an amazing class and you are a special soul; In your actions, in your words, your level of care and in that voice of an angel. And who else could twist you up like a pretzel and still have you thank them for it? I was thoroughly inspired yesterday. Namaste.
Liana Rose
I just wanted to take the opportunity to tell you how much Chris and I enjoyed the heated/vigorous class we went to on Saturday! We both admire and loved your spirit. I got a lot of out of the class that day, I felt it the next day for sure, but mentally felt very clear! Thank you again, we will be back the next time we are in North Bay.
Ashley Stevens
Hi Joanne! I just wanted to say how much I love attending your classes. My mood is always 100% better when I leave. It’s awesome!
Renee Perreault
My back was screaming today but Joanne at Bend Yoga Studio took extra good care of it… thank you SO much for the lunch class… just what my mind, and back, needed! See you again sooner!
Lynne Cotie
It is because of you and your “no judgement”, that I now do yoga – I never liked it before I went to a class with you. Thank you Joanne!
Brooke Cranston
I like beer, no scratch that I LOVE thick malted beer from a draft at a pub; and I love my moose meat with French fries and gravy. I like my sports and target shooting. These are not passions that some people think of when they think of yoga. So when I was pushed into Bend Yoga Studio by loved ones to deal with my pains and stresses from working in a very high stress environment, I was very skeptical. I was not giving up my beer, my meat, and sporting life to sit around in bizarre poses …
William Hodgins
Joanne led a yoga session for us the morning of our wedding day. She personalized the whole session for us, from music to poses and stretches tailored to love and centring our energy. She provided guidance for different skill levels and provided a positive yoga experience for everyone. We couldn’t have started off our wedding day in a more positive, relaxing way.
Jeff and Erin Reyce
My back has not felt this good in at least 2 years. My golf swing is awesome. I can actually follow through and I love you!
Diane Sauve
Hi Joanne – just wanted to let you know how positive my experience has been at Bend Yoga. I joined in Dec as my recovery from cancer treatment was at a snails pace. My strength has much improved and the calm and relaxation I feel at each class can not even be put into words. And what can I say about Ruth Madden – not enough. She truly is a gemstone. Iam sure you are aware of that. Today I had my first Thai massage and it was without a doubt the best I have ever had. Thank you so much for keepi…
Peggy Richardson
You have to be one of the sincerest and sweetest person I have ever met. I’m sad to hear that your shoulder is still causing you issues. I hope you are taking the necessary steps on your road to recovery. As a runner, I know too well how injury can not only affect our performance but also our feelings of self worth. As for the classes, I have loved them! I haven’t been able to attend a class since the day you left for your trip since it didn’t coordinate with my shifts and of course my chil…
Renee xox
I love that you come around and “fix” us, and remember our injuries or special cases to make sure we are okay during class. And class is FUN. Silly enough that we enjoy ourselves, but still serious enough that I feel like I am practicing, and not just “working out.”
Andrea Macedo
Joanne has created a wonderful yoga community where I feel comfortable asking questions, learning new concepts and practicing yoga. The lived experience, resources and openness that Joanne has brought to the teacher training is like nothing I have experienced before. As a teacher myself I understand the power of sharing best practices and I appreciate the knowledge that has been shared openly. Joanne ensures that each person feels comfortable and confident during every stage and she is invest…
Melissa Corrente
I was drawn to yoga to awaken my body and build a healthy mind-body connection. With Joanne as my guide and instructor, I have learned to stretch not only my body, but my peace of mind. With encouragement, support and celebration of an individual’s success, she creates a healthy space that cultivates physical and personal growth through yoga.
Sue Buckle
Can’t believe I have been going for two months and I learn something new about my body every day. Joanne is amazing!
Melissa Macnabb
Joanne, I admire your dedication to expanding the practice of Yoga and your determination to share knowledge with others. As you know already, I am convinced that what you have and continue to create at Bend Yoga is a template for entrepreneurs in that you have created not only a business but a business that is creating community. In today’s transitioning world this I believe is the essence of what business , large and small, need to reach and plan toward. Systems, as we know them are b…
Dr. Karen Pappin - Karen Pappin Communication Resources Mediation
My mistake (coming to the gentle class instead of my regular vigorous practice) turned into a glorious hour of ommm! Thank you :)
Sue Solman
I’m thinking you might need a bigger space soon or a second class, cause I might just move in after taking your yoga for anxiety class tonight. I haven’t felt this good in years — very calm and relaxed and just more at peace… now if you also had a way to melt wrinkles, unwanted fat and stretch marks… :)
