About me - Danya
With a rich background in therapeutic recreation, I have spent years designing and leading programs that promote wellbeing across diverse communities. My roles have included Activity Worker, Program Supervisor, Sports Director, and Active Living Manager — in settings as varied as day and after-school programs, retirement living, neighbourhood houses, and even cruise ships.
My personal journey into yoga began when I discovered how to adapt the practice to suit my own body and needs. The transformation was profound: my body felt better, my mind calmer, and my spirit lighter. This experience sparked a deep desire to share yoga’s therapeutic benefits with others — particularly individuals who might not typically have access to traditional yoga spaces, including people of diverse ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Since beginning my yoga teaching journey in 2016, I have remained committed to deepening my knowledge and refining my approach through the lenses of trauma-informed care and pain science. In May 2024, I became a Certified Yoga Therapist at Hummingbird Studio, further expanding my ability to support others through a whole-person approach.
As a Yoga Therapist, I work both one-on-one and in small group settings to help clients move toward their unique goals. My specific areas of interest include nervous system regulation for mental health, neurological conditions, chronic pain, energy-limiting conditions, illness recovery, and fascia-focused practices.
My aim is to create inclusive, accessible spaces at Hummingbird Yoga where individuals can connect with themselves and explore healing through therapeutic movement and mindfulness.
Vision
At Hummingbird Yoga, my work as a Yoga Therapist focuses on supporting individuals to find comfort and ease in their body and mind through breathwork, gentle movement, and mindfulness.
Yoga Therapy
Training
C-IAYT - International Association of Yoga Therapists
800hr Diploma of Yoga Therapy through Ajna Yoga at Hummingbird Studio
500hr Advanced Teacher of Yoga
200hr Yoga Teacher Training
80hr Therapeutic Yoga for Pain Management
Trauma Informed
Accessible Yoga
Yoga for Spoonies (chronic illness)
Yoga Across the Cancer Care Continuum
Yoga in Healthcare
Level 1 Yoga Tensegrity and Fascia
Tensegrity Level 2
Chair Yoga
Restorative
Yin
Reiki - level 1
Yoga for Traumatic Brain Injury
Pre & Post Natal Yoga
Kids Yoga
Yoga for Children with Additional Needs
Psychology & Mind Yoga Workshop
Foundations of Yoga for Mental Health
SteadyFeet Balance & Mobility Instructor - VCH
Mental Illness & Developmental Disabilities Training Program - Fraser Health
Recreation Leadership Certificate - Langara College
Event Marketing Associate Certificate - BCIT
Mental Health First Aid
First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
Teaching Experience
Teaching Experience
Throughout my teaching journey, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a wide range of organizations that serve diverse communities and promote holistic well-being. My work is rooted in inclusive, trauma-informed, and accessible approaches that meet students where they are.
- Association of Neighbourhood Houses – Facilitated accessible yoga programs for older adults in day programs, many of whom experience physical and/or cognitive challenges. This work has deepened my commitment to compassionate and adaptive teaching.
- PARC Retirement Living – Offered classes that promote mobility, connection, and overall wellness for older adults, supporting independence and enhancing quality of life.
- The Nadi Tree & Yogacara – Collaborated on mindfulness-based yoga and movement programs that foster resilience, physical health, and personal growth for students of all levels and backgrounds.
- Whistler Adaptive Sports Program – Supported adaptive yoga and movement sessions for children and adults, including participants in the Hawkes Program, a specialized initiative for individuals living with PTSD. Also partnered with the Vancouver Adaptive Sports Program and Whistler Sports Legacies to broaden access to movement for people of all abilities.
- Youth & Family Programs – Through The Yoga Buggy, Mini Shredders, and the YMCA, facilitated movement and mindfulness practices designed to nurture healthy habits, emotional regulation, and family connection.
- Support-Focused Initiatives – Partnered with the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, Spinal Cord Injury BC, and Soldiers On to provide adaptive yoga experiences tailored to individual needs and abilities.
- Arts & Culture-Based Community Outreach – Supported community outreach initiatives in collaboration with the Audain Art Museum, Whistler Multicultural Society, and Whistler Community Services Society, emphasizing the healing potential of creativity and movement.
- Trauma & Recovery Settings – Facilitated trauma-informed practices through Yoga Outreach and at the Paradise Valley Healing Centre, a space dedicated to mental health support and addiction recovery.
- InspireHealth – Provided supportive yoga as part of integrative cancer care programs that enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Testimonials from Yoga Therapy clients
“I was fortunate to take a wonderful yoga therapy series with Danya to assist with my circulation issues and to help alleviate stress/anxiety. I can't say enough positive things about Danya as a yoga therapy instructor. She is knowledgeable, she is kind, and she always met me where I was at for each session, listening to my needs. Her voice is extremely calming and she provided a very soothing presence, always allowing various options for movements/poses to align with how my body was feeling. Each class was different, yet effective, and I came out of each one feeling lighter and more relaxed than I started. The visualization and breathing techniques in addition to the stretches/poses I learned from Danya were extremely helpful. I highly recommend Danya to anyone seeking yoga therapy instruction.” - MB
“Danya reminded me of the benefits of foot rolling to ease tension in other parts of the body and offered stretches that can be done while working or relaxing at home, which makes it easier to integrate the practice into daily routine.
I would recommend yoga therapy sessions to anyone who has specific areas of the body to target, who wants to increase mobility &/or support their mental well-being.
I thank Danya for her ease, and genuine interest in supporting me both in mind and body. I felt mentally and physically restored after our practice.” - HM
“I chose to do yoga therapy with Danya because I was recovering from breast cancer surgery and treatment and I felt I needed a practice to heal my body and my spirit. Through our one-on-one sessions, Danya was able the address the lingering aches and kinks while calming my mind. Even though I had been doing some group yoga sessions, I learned that a guided approach was what I needed at the time. Danya made me realise that a few select yoga poses could benefit me more than a yoga class.” - JT