Hey! I’m Annie, aka Brave Heart and…
I’m the founder of Brave Heart Movement. I’m a Yoga instructor and kitchen dance party enthusiast from the outskirts of Toronto (with a piece of my heart remaining in Western Canada). I offer an inclusive and heartfelt approach to the practice of Yoga (and life) for anyone interested in exploring self, through movement in a non-judgemental environment.
I have been practicing Yoga since I was a teen and am thankful for how it has helped me with anxiety, self image, mental and physical well being. My Yogic education began in 2013 when I completed a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in the Bahamas. It was a four week intensive residential experience that covered both theory and practice in a traditional style of Yoga.
Although I now guide students through classes I will forever consider myself a student. Continuation of my Yogic education has included studying under various teachers such as Seane Corn, Maty Ezraty, Elena Brower, Alex Mazerolle, Ashley Brodeur and Kyla Pearce. Themes covered in the courses I have completed include teaching Yoga to people with brain injury & concussion, restorative hands on touch and adjustments, Yoga for teen girls and decoding key Yoga poses with proper alignment and reading bodies. Each experience has helped me to create an eclectic and inclusive teaching style.
Although Yoga and dancing are my favourite forms of movement, my love for Yoga extends beyond the physical or “asana” part of the practice. I use mindfulness and breath to movement as pathways for connecting and discovering the essence of what my truth is. My hope is that others feel a sense of community, discovery and calmness when they are on their mats.
I continue to be inspired by the pain, beauty and courage of vulnerability and what it means to be authentically seen. I believe in the healing power of sharing our stories and aim to promote courageous living by showing up as the most authentic version of myself.
When I’m not on my mat you can catch me dreaming of my next travel destination, hiking, tending to my plants, curating playlists, reading romance novels, laughing over a craft beer with my people and bringing awareness to traumatic brain injury and concussions.