About Denise

I became interested in yoga in the late 1990s. At that time, there were a few studios in the city that were only offering Hatha Yoga, so, that’s where I started. An introductory course to Power Yoga was what really brought out my passion for yoga and I continued for years with a home practice. A seed to teach was planted way back then, and it grew. Along the line, I was introduced to the concept of tweaking my poses and so I took the plunge into the Hot Yoga scene and joined Power Yoga Canada’s St. Catharines studio. I received my 200 hour teaching certification in 2016 and have continued to learn and grow, completing an additional 300 hour yoga teacher training in 2021. With the physical practice of yoga being only one aspect (one of the 8 limbs), there’s so much more on the horizon, and so I continue to learn.

I have enrolled in online classes with Subtle Yoga Inc and have incorporated learnings from this gentle practice into many of my teachings.

As for my interest in Therapeutic Recreation, my life has always been in transition. I was looking for purpose in 2003. I registered for the Recreation and Leisure Services program at Niagara College, I was in for a surprise – and my life did transition! I was exposed to a world of people with disabilities, dementia and working with senior populations. I worked in a Long Term Care home in the Niagara Region for 16 years and blossomed working with people who displayed cognitive decline. Thinking there may be a way to help families and people affected directly with memory concerns and/or behavioural issues, the wheels of my mind began to turn and Niagara Mountainside Therapeutic Services was born.

I feel strongly that all of us are capable of continued learning throughout our lives, no matter what our physical or cognitive state may be. If the usual way does not work, modify, modify and modify until a way is found! This applies as much to the yoga classes I present as it does to working in Recreation Therapy. This mindset also sparks creativity and it challenges me to find ways to connect with clientele, helping to engage in life, and encourage others to learn and explore!

Currently, Mind Matters ~A Cognitive Stimulation Program~ and “The Chat Room” ~ a place to gather and share memories and viewpoints ~ are presented as a call in telephone program through the City of St Catharines. A few YouTube videos are also available for Mind Matters as well.

Niagara Mountainside Therapeutic Services is my creative expansion to being of service. Much Love, Denise.

Where I am now…

Niagara Mountainside Therapeutic Services is currently located near a different mountain as of January 2022… Rigaud Mountain! Rigaud is in the province of Quebec, close to the village where I am located, Ste-Anne-de-Prescott, ON! I continue to present yoga classes online, and recently added in person classes. Therapeutic Recreation sessions (Mind Matters and The Chat Room) are offered through the City of St. Catharines’ Without Walls programming for seniors. Please connect if you are interested in any of the services I offer!

Niagara Mountainside Therapeutic Services is available on YouTube. For a taste of my offerings please search it out online! With Gratitude for where I am, Namasté.