Yoga School Faculty
We believe wholeheartedly that community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism are inherent to trauma-informed care.
A Note from Dr. Melissa Jay
As the program director and lead faculty member, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work closely with our wonderful team, whom I have the gift of knowing well. My Anishnabee colleague, Randy White, shared with me something his uncle said: “I don’t know anything; I can only share what I have learned.” This is our guiding principle in acknowledging the privilege we have as faculty members, to share what we have learned along the way. Each faculty member brings their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences to our collective learning journey.
Our faculty is committed to co-creating shared spaces within each cohort, understanding that when we gather, we come together in what I have named a circle of squares. I have learned that when we gather in a circle, no one is above or below another, and instead, our hearts are at the same level. We are all learning alongside each other, in relationship with each other, valuing each learner who brings their own wisdom and lived experiences to our shared space.
After each workshop, I connect with our faculty to intentionally and lovingly pass the baton. This ensures that integration between sessions is thoughtfully supported and that each learner benefits from multiple perspectives and practices. We do not aim to be experts because we believe we are always learning and are grateful to work intentionally to integrate feedback we receive, in relationship with learners.
Thank you for being here and taking the time to learn more about our amazing team!
With goodness,
Melissa
Our faculty is committed to co-creating shared spaces within each cohort, understanding that when we gather, we come together in what I have named a circle of squares. I have learned that when we gather in a circle, no one is above or below another, and instead, our hearts are at the same level. We are all learning alongside each other, in relationship with each other, valuing each learner who brings their own wisdom and lived experiences to our shared space.
After each workshop, I connect with our faculty to intentionally and lovingly pass the baton. This ensures that integration between sessions is thoughtfully supported and that each learner benefits from multiple perspectives and practices. We do not aim to be experts because we believe we are always learning and are grateful to work intentionally to integrate feedback we receive, in relationship with learners.
Thank you for being here and taking the time to learn more about our amazing team!
With goodness,
Melissa
Meet Your Faculty
*please click on our photos, to read our bios*
Dr. Melissa Jay is an Indigenous, nehiyaw-Métis member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. The primary location of Canmore Counselling and Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School is located in Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi (translated from Îyârhe Nakoda as “shooting at the willows”), colonially known as Canmore. We are grateful to be located on Treaty 7 territory and the current and ancestral lands of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda), which includes of the Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, and Goodstoney First Nation, as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Siksika First Nation, Piikani First Nation, and Kainai First Nation. This is also the home to the Rocky View Métis District 4 within the Battle River Territory. We recognize all Nations who continue to nurture these lands, and we are dedicated to uplifting Truth, language, and culture as essential to right relations. As an act of reconciliation and commitment to decolonization, we are committed to the TRC's Calls to Action.
At Canmore Counselling, we are also privileged to be yoga students, practitioners, and guides. Our offerings centre on the root of yoga as Indigenous to South Asia, and we are grateful to learn from and amplify the South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities.
We believe wholeheartedly that trauma-informed care requires commitment to community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Thank you for being here :)
At Canmore Counselling, we are also privileged to be yoga students, practitioners, and guides. Our offerings centre on the root of yoga as Indigenous to South Asia, and we are grateful to learn from and amplify the South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities.
We believe wholeheartedly that trauma-informed care requires commitment to community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Thank you for being here :)