My Profile

Originally educated to teach Mathematics and Science to High Schoolers, Bernadette became a Yoga Instructor while living in US in the mid 2000's. Through teaching Yoga she realized she had found her calling and uncovered a way to connect with the hearts as well as the minds of others.

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Bernadette was fortunate to train with leading fitness and yoga instructors Saara Kooperman JD CEO SCW Fitness, DeDe Daniels E-RYT Co-founder flow Yoga and Mac Mchugh Principal and owner Niyama Yoga. She has also been inspired by International teachers Steve Ross, Vinnie Marino, Desiree Rumbaugh, Ray Long MD FRCSC and Dharma Mittra.

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In 2006, while working as an apprentice at Niyama Yoga, Bernadette started practising yoga with Anusara inspired instructor Deorey Silverman. The alignment enabled Bernadette access to poses not previously available. However it was the celebratory feeling within the room and the awareness that anything was possible, that encouraged Bernadette to pursue this style of Yoga. In 2008 she met john friend (Founder of Anusara Yoga) and realized she had been irrevocably drawn to the Anusara path, accepting that certification was attained over years of practice and study.

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Intrigued by the concept of Laughter Yoga, Bernadette attended a session with Dr. Kataria in 2008. Since humour was always a natural part of her Yoga classes, Bernadette pursued training with Kathy Popplewell, becoming a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader in 2009. In 2010, Bernadette studied directly with Dr. kataria and became a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher.

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In the US, Bernadette taught yoga at a number of Gyms, Yoga studios and Companies including life time fitness, Niyama Yoga and the Silken Tent Spa (Now Aphora day Spa). Since returning to Australia in december in 2007 Bernadette instructs at fitness first, Willoughby Leisure center, Mantra Yoga and Energy and More Yoga, Bernadette also works with private students and in corporate settings._x000D_ Yoga styles taught include Heart-opening Hatha (in the Anusara tradition), Vinyasa, and Laughter Yoga. Her students vary in age from 10 to 82 and she teaches beginners to advanced.

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In 2006 and 2007, Bernadette demonstrated Yoga at the SCW fitness MANIA conventions in the US. In 2009, she demonstrated yoga at FILEX, the National Austarilan Fitness convention.

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In 2010, Bernadette presented Yoga and Laughter  Yoga at inter state workshops in Australia and at AFEEX, a fitness conference in Beijing. She will present Yoga at Filex in 2011.

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In 2006 and 2007, Bernadette appeared in a number of instructor DVDs with Sara Kooperman. Amongst these, was 3600 yoga: Turn the pose around. She is Currently creating Yoga DVD's and CD's.

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One of Bernadette's strengths is her ability to warmly connect with class participants. She creates a safe environment so that the group members feel confident and willing to take physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual risks.  This enables them to explore the possibilities within, learn more about themselves and grow.  Bernadette also focuses on creating a fun and humourous environment where she uses laughter to relax and connect people, inspiring them to live life from the heart.