Yoga in Schools developed the first public school Yoga credit course (Yoga 11) in both Public and First Nations School Boards in North America.
Since then, we have certified over 1,800 educators, in-serviced over 20,000 and continues to reach hundreds of thousands students each day. It has been named one of the top ten YTT’s in Canada by numerous resources.
Founders, Jenny Kierstead and Blair Abbass are National Award-Winning educators who developed the innovative Yoga in Schools movement. Jenny designed the first PSP Yoga Grade 11 with the Nova Scotia Dept. of Education in 2009. The program has since spread into schools across Canada. Blair designed the innovative Mindfulness in Schools Program, which is introduced within the 200hr YTT.
Yoga in Schools has been described by First Nations leaders as the training program that is healing intergenerational trauma in their staff and students.
Here’s what graduates have to say about their experience with Yoga in Schools:
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Janean Marshall, Director of Academic Services, Mi'Kmaw Kinamatnewey
“Yoga in Schools has provided a breath of fresh air into the skills teachers need to heal the past wounds of intergenerational trauma and to create a stronger nation, one breath, one asana at a time. Wela'lioq.”
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Rebecca Scirocco, 500hr Yoga in Schools Graduate and Trauma-sensitive Mindfulness Training Graduate
“I often reflect upon my growth along this journey and this weekend I not only felt it, I knew it. The changes in my body and mind from then to now is astounding. I am thriving now, no longer in survival mode. This is the gift of life beyond trauma.”
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Diane Lewis, Yoga 11 Teacher
“I have been attending your training programs for 10 years. I have seen you face life’s difficulties and use your challenges to teach people how to move forward in their lives. Blessings for all that you do to make the world more loving and positive.”
“I was able to implement one of your strategies and it took the student from trying to self-harm by banging his head on a wall to grounding him in the moment by focusing on 5 things in his surroundings. Then we moved to shaking. The learning center teacher was in awe.”
- Educational Assistant in SSRCE
“Professionally, this program has given me great life skills and techniques to cope with stress and burnout, both of which I am sure to experience as a teacher. On a personal level, my experience with Jenny and Blair has changed my whole outlook on life. I have learned the importance and how to take care of myself, both physically and mentally. I cannot recommend this program enough to future teachers! I am so happy that I have all of these skills to take care of myself and my students right at the start of my career.”
- Bryn Scott, recent Education Graduate and Yoga in Schools Graduate
"Jenny and Blair share their combined knowledge, warmth and expertise in such a way that inspires personal and professional growth."
Kristen Butler
“Thank you so much for the fantastic conference. It was a wonderful 4 days!! I learned a lot and really felt included... from my bedroom in Yellowknife!”
Jamie MacKay, online conference participant
“I so much appreciated being part of the conference online. I felt very much engaged and intrigued by the conference theme and your skillful delivery. Before the conference, I was wondering how you would deliver the workshops and facilitate yoga practice while considering inclusivity for all. You nailed it!!! Excellent job! I am a happy yogi.”
Sharon Morrison, online conference participant from Yellowknife, NT
“Jenny and Blair, your energy and warmth are infectious.
I feel so lucky to be a part of this group and be experiencing this training at this stage of my life. I nearly filled an entire notebook with quotes and teachings I have been trying to process and absorb throughout these past two weeks.
I have been dealing with a lot of unexpected change and uncertainty in my life for the past few months, I feel like I am finally starting to get my grounding in myself again. Thank you for the wisdom, the humor, and guidance!”
KC, Yoga in Schools Graduate
“Each day I find a little more mental and physical real estate that helps me have the space to allow my life to happen instead of trying to make it happen.
Thank you Blair and Jenny for your generosity of spirit, your endless compassion, and your willingness to have fun and not take yourselves or life too seriously.”
Terry, Yoga in Schools Graduate
“You are such strong, incredible people and I love you dearly. The way you have reframed the trauma and tragedy you have endured has helped and inspired so many.”
CM, Yoga in Schools Trauma Conference Graduate
“This has been like a bitter sweet opportunity as I learned valuable tools from both yourself and Jenny, the content of the course was invaluable and being able to do so from the comforts of my own home gave me the flexibility that I require with my current medical diagnosis.”
CA, Yoga in Schools Graduate
“I know that without the teachings from your programs, I would not be in the professional position I am today. You have provided me with the skills to care for myself and helped me to develop the capacity to serve others.”
Trevor M, Vice Principal and Yoga in Schools Graduate
“The only way I can describe this experience is that the last three weeks have filled my cup in a way I didn’t know was possible and has left me wanting more. Until now, I was certain my cup was bottomless as nothing ever seemed to fill it in a lasting way. For the first time, I feel I have found my people and knowing they are out there, and now knowing where they gather, gives me such a feeling of warmth and security.”
KC, Yoga in Schools Graduate
BEST YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM IN CANADA!
Independent reviewers are saying that Yoga in Schools/Breathing Space Yoga Studio is one of the top ten Yoga Training Programs in Canada. To read their evaluations, check out the links below:
Registered with Yoga Alliance
Having been a registered school for over 15 years, Yoga in Schools and Breathing Space Yoga have a long list of evaluations, averaging 94% approval rating from clients. To view the profile, visit: