About me - Danya
I spent a number of years leading therapeutic recreation programs in various positions, including Activity Worker, Program Supervisor, Sports Director and Active Living Manager.
I've had opportunities to work in a range of setting, day and after school programs, retirement living and neighbourhood houses as well as on cruise ships.
Through my own practice, once I found ways to adapt the practice for my body and ability, I noticed my body felt better, my mind was calmer, and my overall spirit was lighter. I knew that I wanted to share the therapeutic practice of yoga with populations I value working with. People of diverse ages and abilities. Individuals who might not easily have access to yoga.
I started my yoga training and teaching journey in 2016 and continue to focus my studies and teachings to create accessibility through a trauma informed and pain care lens. I became a certified Yoga Therapist in May 2024.
As a Yoga Therapist, I work with individuals towards their specific goals as well as small groups with similar interests, concerns and/or goals through a whole person approach.
Specific areas of interest are supporting with nervous system regulation for mental health, neurological issues, and for chronic pain and other energy limiting conditions as well as illness support and fascia focused practices.
Vision
Supporting individuals 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
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
Yoga for Traumatic Brain Injury
Pre & Post Natal Yoga
Kids Yoga
Yoga for Children with Additional Needs
Psychology & Mind Yoga Workshop
Living the 8 Limbs
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
Yoga Outreach
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
Association of Neighbourhood Houses
PARC Retirement Living
The Nadi Tree
Yogacara
Whistler Adaptive Sports Program
- Hawkes Program (PTSD)
- Kids
- Adults
Vancouver Adaptive Sports Program
Whistler Sports Legacies
The Yoga Buggy
YMCA
Spinal Cord Injury BC
Soldiers On
Mini Shredders
Audain Art Museum
Whistler Multicultural Society
Whistler Community Services Society
Hummingbird Yoga - Owner
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