Welcome Friends.
The foundation of Sweet Freedom Yoga is inspiration and community. We want our studio to be somewhere our students can come to take refuge, to learn the recipe for joy, to bring their bodies into efficient harmony and health. Somewhere they can meet up with their friends and engage with a practice that makes their lives better.
The Sweet Freedom Team
Jocelyn
I was born & raised in Salmon Arm. I am a member of the Tsilhqo'tin First Nation.
2010 I tried yoga with a friend in Salmon Arm and this is where I met Ali Gray. I had never tried anything like it before. 2015 came around and I had signed up for my first yoga training in Kelowna.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this training. It was such a huge eye opener for me. You may have heard before that it is life changing - well it is! Completely life changing for me. Not only learning the asana ( poses ) but learning things about my self that I never had awareness before. I was shining light on dark, dusty places. I now have life tools that I could use on and off my mat. Since 2015 I have attend 2 more Yoga Teacher Trainings. July 2016 & July 2017.
June 2018 I bought Sweet Freedom Yoga Studio & Boutique. Fall 2018 I took Ali's yoga training through Vibrant One Yoga. I did 100hrs with her.
September 2022 I took Ali's Barre Training.
Certification :
200 hr Yoga Teacher Training - Multistyle Yoga With Hali Love - July 2015
200 hr Yoga Teacher Training - Multistyle Yoga with Ali Gray - July 2016
200 hr Yoga Teacher Training - Vibrant One Yoga with Ali Gray - July 2017
100 hr Yoga Teacher Training - Vibrant One You with Ali Gray - November 2018
10 hr Barre Training - Vibrant One Yoga with Ali Gray - September 2022
Kate
I began my yogic journey in grade 11 when I took Girls in Motion, a visionary PE course (for the time) designed to teach self-care to high schoolers. I knew about yoga from watching Oprah and was interested in the practice, initially learning asanas as a way to exercise alongside aerobics and traditional PE drills. I was always self-conscious and in my head, focused outwards in a group setting, unable to relax or balance, to busy comparing myself to others in the room. I remained interested in yoga, practicing on and off at home and in studios, exploring different styles and practices. In University I was dealing with intense anxiety, food allergies and was stressed out by life. After various pharmaceuticals were tried my doctor wrote meditation onto her prescription pad. At the time I thought she was blowing me off, and in retrospect, Namaste. Eventually debilitating chronic pain lead me to teacher trainings, and mindfulness became the balm that brought me back to my breath and into my body. I love learning about women’s bodies and how they work, and believe that yoga is a holistic pain reliever. I have changed my life from the inside out and love to share the tools that keep me alive!
Karen
Karen was born and raised in Salmon Arm. For more than 20 years she has enjoyed sharing her knowledge and motivational skills as a personal trainer and group fitness leader. Karen has based her training services from Lifetime Fitness. Karen is a certified Medical Exercise Specialist, she facilitates for post rehab clients at the gym, the community center pool or outdoor/home programs designed to meet individual needs.
Continuing education is a priority for Karen; she seeks to expand her knowledge to offer the best options to her clients.Karen teaches Hatha yoga which synchronizes breath with movement. The unique blending of multiple disciplines allows Karen to offer a personal training and yoga experience with maximum benefit.
Certifications: 200 Hours in Vancouver in 2009 & 100 hours with Hali Love in 2016.
Emily
My name is Emily Garrett. I was born in 1991, my family moved to the Shuswap in 1993, and I’ve been a small town/farm girl ever since. I grew up surrounded by animals, climbing trees and playing in the dirt. I’ve always had a profound love of the arts; watching films/television/plays, sketching, painting stones, practicing dance and acting, and making any car I drive my own personal concert venue. I first tried yoga in 2013 and fell in love. I rediscovered my breath and started to trust my body again. I took my first 200 hour training in 2016 and have been guiding classes ever since. I love helping others on their journey to trust the instincts of their bodies and find their own peace within themselves in this wild, unbound world. As always, “It’s Chaos, Be Kind”
Certifications: 200 hours MultiStyle with Ali Gray (2016) 50 hours Yin & Chakras with Reanna Costa (2017) 200 hours Vibrant One with Ali Gray (2017)
Angela
200 HR RYT Heart Yoga Instructor
50 HR RYT KIDS YOGA
I started practicing yoga in my teenage years to get a six pack, a hot yogi bum, and touch my toes to my head of course! As time went on and I continued to attend classes I discovered something so much more than just a good workout. Yoga became, and is still to this day, the way that I handle the stresses of life and its uncertainties. It is the way that I can connect inward and turn to love and kindness and honour myself fully and completely. It is a way to move my body in a way that feels good and healthy, which then directs me to a healthy nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle which maintains my overall well-being. It is such a blessing to be able to share the love for what I do with others and see the positivity ripple into motion.
I have been instructing yoga for over 4 years now in the amazing community of Salmon Arm and surrounding Shuswap areas. I hold the connections made through the yoga community closely to my heart.
Om Shani Hum,
-A.
Lisa Marie
Hello, I am Lisa Marie and, I am excited to teach classes and become a regular face in the Yoga community here at Sweet Freedom Yoga Studio! ❤️
A few things about me... I have been practicing yoga for the past 15 yrs. I immediately fell in love with yoga and continue to appreciate the positive mind-body connection, health, wellness and relaxation benefits yoga provides.
As a trauma-informed clinical counsellor, I also offer yoga to clients experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD, Grief, loss, stress, anxiety and chronic pain. I am skilled at providing psycho-ed regarding working with the Vagus-Nerve and benefits of using Breathwork and Mindfulness-Based techniques to reduce negative mental and physical symptoms.
Yoga is everywhere I go.
✨️ I am grateful for the opportunity to have traveled and practiced in various parts of the world, including Mexico, Croatia, Italy, and the US. My friends, family, and colleagues would tell you I am happiest when sharing my passion for yoga.
I love the endless ways yoga makes my body, mind, and spirit feel calm and how it prepares me physically, mentally, and physiologically for everyday challenges life brings.I am happiest when traveling, teaching, training, or studying the yoga sutras, principles, and practicing the asanas. ♥️
After completing my 200 hr teacher certification last year, I was inspired to complete additional training in both Yin and Restorative Yoga. My passion is teaching gentle yoga, Hatha/Yin Fusion , and sharing ways to use yoga to release tension stored both in the mind and body. In addition, I offer 1:1, private, and corporate wellness yoga session packages.
If interested in anymore information or if you would like a free 15 minute consultation please email me directly at yogatherapywithlisamarie@gmail.com .
I look forward to meeting and practicing with you!
Namaste 🙏
Corine
Corine Gjelaj grew up as the eldest of 6 girls, homeschooling and fully immersed in all types of dance. Attending her first Ashram in the Kootneys at the age of 15, she fell in love with the mindfulness of movement and breath. Practicing for years in Vancouver while attending post secondary education, it wasn’t until the fall of 2023 that she decided to jump 2 feet into yoga, becoming a 200 hr yoga teacher through Vibrant 1 yoga, with Ali Gray and Brooklyn Brown. Since graduating in January of 2024, Corine has embraced her love of teaching yoga by facilitating her own Mother/Daughter yoga retreat, as well as Harp/restorative classes out in nature. She has recently attended a 5 day retreat where she received 30 hours of supplemental training for Hands on Assist and Ladder Flows. Corine also has her Level 1/2 reiki, which she incorporates in her 1:1 private training facilitating healing and activations, remembering who you really are and what your soul mission is on this earth. Her Facebook page Grounded Serenity yoga and Reiki has more information.
Kathy
I first discovered yoga in 2011, thanks to a friend who invited me to a class—and I am beyond grateful she did! What began as curiosity quickly became a lifelong practice. My love of yoga comes from the mind–body connection I haven’t found in any other form of movement. For me, yoga is more than exercise: it’s a pathway to presence, kindness, and balance. When I practice consistently, I’m a better me in all aspects of life - mother, wife, friend - and most importantly, I’m more connected to myself.
Living with combination ADHD, I’ve always found meditation extremely difficult. Through yoga, I’ve learned how to sit in stillness and truly enjoy quiet moments, alongside the asanas. After years of dreaming about it, I finally took the leap last fall to begin my teacher training—and I absolutely love teaching!
I strive to be a down-to-earth teacher who welcomes giggles, questions, and curiosity. When I’m teaching, I’m there for my students and want them to get the most out of their practice. I’m also a Level 4 Reiki practitioner and like to use my intuition in my classes. As part of the Mystic Moon Room, I also offer Reiki sessions, one-on-one yoga, or a blend of both. Check out www.mysticmoonsisters.online to learn more.
