Three Winds Academy - Yanumoja Yoga * Thai Massage * Ayurveda

~ About Nikki ~

Nikki began a meditation practice at 17 years old, and studying yoga and other healing arts in her early twenties. She has been teaching classes, workshops and retreats and facilitating individual healing sessions since 1994. In 1998, she founded Yanumoja Yoga, a practice of self-exploration through movement, breath, meditation and community.

After 24 years of practices, studies and running businesses in Ottawa region, she moved to Victoria, BC in October 2008. She is currently deepening her practice through on-going studies in energy healing, yoga and meditation, and Marmatherapy. She is also teaching Canada's First College Accredited Yogatherapy and Thai Massage programs at Pacific Rim College as Director of Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork program. She provides Yoga Classes and individual Healing Sessions at The Sanctuary.

She is an EYRT500 with the Yoga Alliance, and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).

Her Credentials include:

- Certified Yoga Teacher (500 hrs)
- Traditional (Northern) Thai Massage Teacher Training (300 hrs)
- Traditional (Northern) Thai Massage advanced practitioner training
- Lotus Palm Thai Yoga Massage Levels 1 & 2
- Ayurvedic Medical Practitioner and Educator (300 hrs)
- Advanced Ayurvedic Marmatherapy (120 hrs)
- B.Sc. Honours in Integrated Sciences
- Reiki Level 3
- The Reconnection Energy Healing
- Crystal Healing
- Courses in Sexuality Issues for Bodywork Therapists
- Commitment to her own continuing healing and spiritual journey

Work History

2009-Present
Pacific Rim College: Director of Eastern Therapeutics and Bodywork Program, Teacher

2008-2009
Metta Massage and Yoga Clinic, Ottawa: Development and Supervisor of Yogatherapy program
Metta Massage and Yoga Clinic has been developing programs and its vision for over 5 years now. Nikki was hired in early 2008 and re-develop the yogatherapy program, and act as supervisor and mentor to staff. Through collaboration with staff and the owner, a 3-tiered program was developed to work with people living with mild to severe physical health issues, disabilities and limited mobility. This is an exciting and growing project with a unique approach to yoga and meditation, mindful and compassionate living, and health and healing.

1994-Present
Private Therapeutic Practice
Nikki works in the watery realm of blended modalities. When addressing deep healing, she often works with combinations of dialogue, movement, energy, massage, sound, breath, silence… Many times she will offer material for clients to work with on their own between sessions to help support their healing journey. Main modalities include Thai massage, Ayurveda, yogatherapy, energy healing, and guidance through dialogue.

2005-present
Three Winds Academy: Director, Teacher, Teacher-Trainer
Three Winds has three branches of training: Thai Massage, Yanumoja Yoga and Ayurvedic Marmatherapy. Underlying principles that form the foundation for each practice are explored through training and coursework. The school is dedicated to teaching that begins with a strong groundwork in these fundamental principles.

1998-2004
Yanumoja Yoga Association (YYA): Founder, Director, Teacher, Teacher-Trainer
Yanumoja Yoga was founded by Nikki in 1998, and in 1999, YYA officially incorporated as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing yoga without restriction to ensure harmonious, healthy and balanced living for individuals, communities and the environment. There were ten certified YYA teachers who worked collectively through the organization toward these goals.

Nikki’s personal teaching work through YYA included:
- Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre, Staff (1998-2004)
- Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre, Clients (2001-2004; development of a two-stage healing program)
- Wabano Aboriginal Healing Centre, Diabetic Elders(1999-2004)
- Royal Ottawa Hospital, staff (2000-2001)
- Quail House (residential home for people living with disabilities), Clients (2001-2004)
- Various public classes, workshops, retreats

1994-1998
Rama Lotus Yoga and Wellness Centre: Co-founder, Teacher