Perri has always had an interest in the study of Philosophy. She graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario with her degree in Philosophy in 1985.
Physical fitness and body work have also been a part of Perri’s life from a very early age. She spent time as a personal fitness trainer and an aerobics instructor, as well as participating in dance and many other forms of body work throughout her life. Yoga naturally blends both of these passions and this is perhaps why Perri is so passionate about sharing its many gifts through her teaching.
Perri began a committed, personal practice over twenty years ago and began her journey into teaching in 1997. The emphasis in her teaching is with body alignment, breath awareness and mental focus; for where the mind goes, energy flows.
Her initial teacher training was with the Yoga Institute of Houston. The foundation of this teaching was heavily influenced by an Iyengar type attention to detailed alignment. Perri still believes that detailed attention to structural alignment is an integral part of every good yoga asana class. However, Perri enjoys the vinyasa style of practice and integrates the two in a unique and creative fashion.
Perri has had the good fortune of also studying with North American Master Yoga teachers from many different backgrounds, such as: Richard Miller, Erich Schiffman, Sharon Gannon and David Life, Baron Baptiste, Judith Lasater, Rodney Yee, Esther Myers, Susi Hatley Aldous, Sean Corne, and many other equally talented instructors over the years.
In September 2007 Perri traveled to the home of her teacher Krishnamacharya. After having followed the teachings of this great master from afar for many years, spending a five day intensive studying breathing (pranayama) with Desikachar, Krishnamacharya’s son, in Montreal, Perri was ready to go to the source. Perri attended a month long intensive in Chennai, India studying at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandarim.
During this program, and together with her previous training, Perri learned the principles of Yoga Therapy (Viniyoga). Perri believes that with the attention to our unique physiology, mental patterns, energy level and personal circumstances; we can release those enduring blockages and limiting patterns to free life force energy to create change and growth in all aspects of our life. This, together with the focus on each and every breath, enables us to experience ourselves in a new way. When we free the body, and release the mind, we allow ourselves to let go of all that no longer serves us.
As a student of philosophy Perri is passionate about educating her students about this wonderful ancient philosophy of life. To think of Yoga as an exercise system for the body alone is grossly underestimating and limiting yoga’s phenomenal potential. Yoga is a practical philosophy that offers tools to assist each one of us on our personal journey through life. As a yoga therapist, Perri believes in a client centered approach. Using the many tools yoga has to offer us, Perri gives each personal attention that is necessary to develop a program of healing and growth , appropriate to that individual’s needs Perri’s personal journey as a yoga practitioner, teacher and therapist will continue to develop and grow for she is committed to her studies and learning alongside her teachers. Her passion and faith in the healing powers of yoga will continue to inspire her to offer the best possible instruction and services to all her students.
Perri hopes to encourage you to explore the truly remarkable benefits of yoga through practicing yoga in the right way for you, each and every day.
