TESTIMONIALS
by Yoga Teacher Training Graduates & Clientele
My journey towards a more mindful lifestyle began years ago and in 2020 I met Michelle Van Lare and her knowledge and guidance for teaching yoga elevated my practice in ways I never imagined. Her gentleness and kindness towards all living beings continue to help daily, reminding me the importance of being aware on and off my mat. I often hear the voice inside me saying, Michelle would just listen, not react, not judge. She’s the most gifted instructor that is so much more than a yoga teacher.
I started doing yoga for a strong body, to stretch, strengthen, and stand on my head, but the knowledge she has of the history, the anatomy, meditation techniques, and more, she blew my mind with her depth of yoga knowledge she taught. She shared the experiences of her worldly travels that took her places I dream about, and she collects that world knowledge and communicates it in her teachings.
She taught me privately in my home with many distractions, dogs, cats, rabbits, kids, and we all came to love her compassionate, sweet, professional, kind, soul deeply. When she unrolled her mat in my little yoga room and all my animals surrounded her, I was apologetic, but with her soft voice and gentle smile she said, it’s ok I love it; I knew I was blessed with this perfect teacher. I’m fortunate to have Michelle in my life as my friend, and a constant guide.
- Nancy Pickersgill, Canada, 2023
Elegant, delicate, thoughtful, professional, considerate, compassionate, grateful and subtle: these are some of the words which immediately come to mind when I think of you, Michelle. You embody the teacher we would like to encounter in all venues of life. You listen and tailor every yoga workout specifically to our needs, or goals. You are incredibly professional and knowledgeable, and you have the experience to help with wherever we are at in our practice. For me you are the ONE, one of a kind rare yoga instructor. Your attention to movement, the body and spirit is impeccable, and I leave each class with amazing energy and a deep sense of relaxation and peace. I’ve never felt stronger, more in-tuned with my mind and body or as centred. You create lessons that seem unique to us with a mix of strength, flow, deep breathing, and relaxation. Thank you, Michelle for who you are, for being an amazing human being and a highly talented instructor. Your yoga is not only pleasurable and relaxing, but also healing.
- Valerie Roussilhes, UAE, 2022
I can not recommend Michelle more highly. Having practiced yoga with her for 15 months three times a week she has shown patience, kindness and care when taking us from relative beginners to proficient enthusiastic students. Michelle ensures the classes are fun, challenging but above all ensures we conduct our practice in a safe protective and professional environment.
- Julie Irving, UAE, 2022
Michelle and Katera have created a beautifully balanced yoga teacher training to match the beautiful studio space that is Balance Yoga. Michelle and Katera compliment each other perfectly and have captured the true essence of yoga with a beautiful Humanities Module as well as the all important Anatomy piece to this beautiful yoga puzzle in the Anatomy Module.
Using up to date research and vast knowledge acquired through their own travels and continuing education with kindness being the corner stone to this teacher training it has been an amazing experience.
I am truly grateful to be challenged and supported through this part of my Yoga Journey. I look forward to to what’s next.
- Sue Kozar, Canada, 2022
Michelle, thrives to demonstrate ‘Grace and Virtue’, ‘Righteousness and Peace’. She teaches with kindness, from the heart and never holds back. During my teacher's training I got to know her both professionally and personally. We shared precious moments, ones of spiritual growth. She is a rare pearl. To conclude, we began an authentic journey together, one which we continue to share. When I successfully completed the course her final words were:- “Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do.” Rumi I hope you have the opportunity to grow with Michelle, Namaste,
- Colleen Robb, New Zealand 2019
I joined Michelle's 200 Hour YTT in 2018. I was simply blown away. Articulate, supportive, in depth teachings of anatomy, yoga history, asanas and sutras acquired though Michelle's persistent love of researching and life experience . It was a wonderful continuation of my YTT in India . I walked away with a new found respect for this beautiful soul and teacher. If you have the opportunity to practise with or be a part of her YTT, it's a true gift!
- Peggy LeBlanc, Canada, 2018
Michelle is yoga personified. On and off the mat…authentic. Her teachings changed my practise from a manic obsession to exhaust my frantic mind, to listening to my body following my breath. Quiet gratitude. I listened to her stories and teachings…her love, dedication, knowledge and passion in teaching was infectious.
Michelle is an extraordinary yoga teacher. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge that she has gathered through her many years of study and practice around the world. She is the most gifted teacher I have ever had the honour to study with. She radiates compassion and an extraordinarily peaceful energy that permeates everything around her. Her gentleness and wisdom guide you through a class that leaves you re-energized and serene. The physical aspects of yoga become almost secondary. The spirituality of yoga becomes paramount, the body follows.
I was very fortunate to not only have taken many of her classes, but also to later have her as my teacher in my 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2018. I am forever grateful for the opportunity I had to learn from the best! Michelle truly lives and breathes yoga every day. She is wise, patient, compassionate and passionate. She sets a wonderful example of what a yoga practitioner and teacher should be both on and off the mat.
I have had the privilege to come to know Michelle outside of class and the life she lives is a testament to the tenets of yoga. She is yoga. Her love and compassion are always there to be given to those in need. I have told Michelle that she is a gift. I truly believe that. She has made my lifelong yoga practice come into a much clearer focus. She has opened my mind and heart to the spirituality of yoga and shown me, through her example, how one can live a life guided by the principles set out in the Sutras. She is my wonderful teacher and my cherished friend.
- Wendy Ross, Canada, 2018
When my local studio announced that Michelle was going to be teaching a 200hr YTT course, I was curious. Was this the opportunity I was looking for to expand my horizons on this brilliant, ancient, eastern practice? I completed my 200hr YTT, and could not have been more pleased with the experience. Michelle designed the course such that it was focused on the philosophy, history, and religion of yoga, as opposed to limiting our training to the physical domain. We were presented with reading materials and held lengthy discussions on topics I had not vet through before, and did not realize I had formed calculated opinions on. These discussions, along with other materials, encouraged participants to become teachers of the full practice, as it was meant to be, encompassing body, mind, and spirit.
It was so refreshing to be taught and mentored by someone who cares about the full practice as much as I do. To understand everything that Michelle has taught me over the course of our friendship has brought a new level of meaning to my practice, and has inspired me to approach the grand design with a new perspective.
Michelle’s calm and caring demeanor is an invaluable addition to any studio or workplace. Her pride in her work, and in her beliefs, radiates in every class she teaches. Michelle is attentive to each of her students, observantly adjusting her class as necessary to ensure that all feel comfortable and safe. I wish it were possible for me to attend Michelle’s classes on a weekly basis, but I understand that she has much to give to the world, and I support her on her journey.
- Felicia Cristofaro, Canada, 2015
I had come to a point in my yoga practice where I began questioning: "Why am I doing this pose? This sequence? This breath work?" Thinking I might get some answers and enhance my practice, I enrolled in a 200-hour RYT course with Michelle Van Lare. And while I expected to learn more about the physical practice of yoga, I didn't anticipate that the 200-plus hours spent with Michelle would change my life.
Michelle has spent more than a decade teaching and studying yoga around the world. Her knowledge of anatomy, the physical practice -- both Eastern and Western -- and the art of adjustment is outstanding. She has a true passion for the history of yoga and its spiritual legacy. It is this passion, along with an insatiable curiosity and a desire to share her knowledge, that makes Michelle a wonderful and unique teacher.
Michelle reignited my love of yoga, as well as my love of life. I hope I can pass on even a fraction of her knowledge and passion to my students.
- Katera Zappacosta, Canada, 2015
I had been a regular yoga practitioner when I first met Michelle in the summer of 2014. I thought I had a good grasp on ‘the yoga thing’, and what it meant to me. I was unknowingly trapped in the physical aspects of yoga, typical of my western mindset. As I became a regular student in Michelle’s classes, I realized there is a whole other world to yoga, a wealth of untapped knowledge that I didn’t know existed, that I didn’t know I could access.
Completing my 200 RYT training with Michelle was a dream come true. Six years ago, I fell in love with the practice of yoga, which I credit to Michelle because of her remarkable ability to gently encourage her students to find their edge in the physical practice, and to find their hearts in the spiritual. Michelle is a well of knowledge on the subject of yoga. Michelle has earned the trust, time and time again, of all of her students.
What is most compelling to me about Michelle’s teachings is that she inspires her students to be better people on and off of their mats. It is clear that Michelle chooses to live everyday by her yoga philosophy. Michelle is bright, peaceful, and patient- three of the most important attributes of a yoga instructor. I could write several paragraphs more, but will end here by saying that Michelle has a profound knowledge of yoga, a wealth of experience, and an ability to transform any space into the perfect yoga space. She is an absolute treasure to aspiring teachers and seasoned practitioners alike. I am so very thankful to have Michelle in my life.
- Victoria Faraci, Canada, 2015
by Yoga Teacher Training Graduates & Clientele
My journey towards a more mindful lifestyle began years ago and in 2020 I met Michelle Van Lare and her knowledge and guidance for teaching yoga elevated my practice in ways I never imagined. Her gentleness and kindness towards all living beings continue to help daily, reminding me the importance of being aware on and off my mat. I often hear the voice inside me saying, Michelle would just listen, not react, not judge. She’s the most gifted instructor that is so much more than a yoga teacher.
I started doing yoga for a strong body, to stretch, strengthen, and stand on my head, but the knowledge she has of the history, the anatomy, meditation techniques, and more, she blew my mind with her depth of yoga knowledge she taught. She shared the experiences of her worldly travels that took her places I dream about, and she collects that world knowledge and communicates it in her teachings.
She taught me privately in my home with many distractions, dogs, cats, rabbits, kids, and we all came to love her compassionate, sweet, professional, kind, soul deeply. When she unrolled her mat in my little yoga room and all my animals surrounded her, I was apologetic, but with her soft voice and gentle smile she said, it’s ok I love it; I knew I was blessed with this perfect teacher. I’m fortunate to have Michelle in my life as my friend, and a constant guide.
- Nancy Pickersgill, Canada, 2023
Elegant, delicate, thoughtful, professional, considerate, compassionate, grateful and subtle: these are some of the words which immediately come to mind when I think of you, Michelle. You embody the teacher we would like to encounter in all venues of life. You listen and tailor every yoga workout specifically to our needs, or goals. You are incredibly professional and knowledgeable, and you have the experience to help with wherever we are at in our practice. For me you are the ONE, one of a kind rare yoga instructor. Your attention to movement, the body and spirit is impeccable, and I leave each class with amazing energy and a deep sense of relaxation and peace. I’ve never felt stronger, more in-tuned with my mind and body or as centred. You create lessons that seem unique to us with a mix of strength, flow, deep breathing, and relaxation. Thank you, Michelle for who you are, for being an amazing human being and a highly talented instructor. Your yoga is not only pleasurable and relaxing, but also healing.
- Valerie Roussilhes, UAE, 2022
I can not recommend Michelle more highly. Having practiced yoga with her for 15 months three times a week she has shown patience, kindness and care when taking us from relative beginners to proficient enthusiastic students. Michelle ensures the classes are fun, challenging but above all ensures we conduct our practice in a safe protective and professional environment.
- Julie Irving, UAE, 2022
Michelle and Katera have created a beautifully balanced yoga teacher training to match the beautiful studio space that is Balance Yoga. Michelle and Katera compliment each other perfectly and have captured the true essence of yoga with a beautiful Humanities Module as well as the all important Anatomy piece to this beautiful yoga puzzle in the Anatomy Module.
Using up to date research and vast knowledge acquired through their own travels and continuing education with kindness being the corner stone to this teacher training it has been an amazing experience.
I am truly grateful to be challenged and supported through this part of my Yoga Journey. I look forward to to what’s next.
- Sue Kozar, Canada, 2022
Michelle, thrives to demonstrate ‘Grace and Virtue’, ‘Righteousness and Peace’. She teaches with kindness, from the heart and never holds back. During my teacher's training I got to know her both professionally and personally. We shared precious moments, ones of spiritual growth. She is a rare pearl. To conclude, we began an authentic journey together, one which we continue to share. When I successfully completed the course her final words were:- “Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do.” Rumi I hope you have the opportunity to grow with Michelle, Namaste,
- Colleen Robb, New Zealand 2019
I joined Michelle's 200 Hour YTT in 2018. I was simply blown away. Articulate, supportive, in depth teachings of anatomy, yoga history, asanas and sutras acquired though Michelle's persistent love of researching and life experience . It was a wonderful continuation of my YTT in India . I walked away with a new found respect for this beautiful soul and teacher. If you have the opportunity to practise with or be a part of her YTT, it's a true gift!
- Peggy LeBlanc, Canada, 2018
Michelle is yoga personified. On and off the mat…authentic. Her teachings changed my practise from a manic obsession to exhaust my frantic mind, to listening to my body following my breath. Quiet gratitude. I listened to her stories and teachings…her love, dedication, knowledge and passion in teaching was infectious.
Michelle is an extraordinary yoga teacher. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge that she has gathered through her many years of study and practice around the world. She is the most gifted teacher I have ever had the honour to study with. She radiates compassion and an extraordinarily peaceful energy that permeates everything around her. Her gentleness and wisdom guide you through a class that leaves you re-energized and serene. The physical aspects of yoga become almost secondary. The spirituality of yoga becomes paramount, the body follows.
I was very fortunate to not only have taken many of her classes, but also to later have her as my teacher in my 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2018. I am forever grateful for the opportunity I had to learn from the best! Michelle truly lives and breathes yoga every day. She is wise, patient, compassionate and passionate. She sets a wonderful example of what a yoga practitioner and teacher should be both on and off the mat.
I have had the privilege to come to know Michelle outside of class and the life she lives is a testament to the tenets of yoga. She is yoga. Her love and compassion are always there to be given to those in need. I have told Michelle that she is a gift. I truly believe that. She has made my lifelong yoga practice come into a much clearer focus. She has opened my mind and heart to the spirituality of yoga and shown me, through her example, how one can live a life guided by the principles set out in the Sutras. She is my wonderful teacher and my cherished friend.
- Wendy Ross, Canada, 2018
When my local studio announced that Michelle was going to be teaching a 200hr YTT course, I was curious. Was this the opportunity I was looking for to expand my horizons on this brilliant, ancient, eastern practice? I completed my 200hr YTT, and could not have been more pleased with the experience. Michelle designed the course such that it was focused on the philosophy, history, and religion of yoga, as opposed to limiting our training to the physical domain. We were presented with reading materials and held lengthy discussions on topics I had not vet through before, and did not realize I had formed calculated opinions on. These discussions, along with other materials, encouraged participants to become teachers of the full practice, as it was meant to be, encompassing body, mind, and spirit.
It was so refreshing to be taught and mentored by someone who cares about the full practice as much as I do. To understand everything that Michelle has taught me over the course of our friendship has brought a new level of meaning to my practice, and has inspired me to approach the grand design with a new perspective.
Michelle’s calm and caring demeanor is an invaluable addition to any studio or workplace. Her pride in her work, and in her beliefs, radiates in every class she teaches. Michelle is attentive to each of her students, observantly adjusting her class as necessary to ensure that all feel comfortable and safe. I wish it were possible for me to attend Michelle’s classes on a weekly basis, but I understand that she has much to give to the world, and I support her on her journey.
- Felicia Cristofaro, Canada, 2015
I had come to a point in my yoga practice where I began questioning: "Why am I doing this pose? This sequence? This breath work?" Thinking I might get some answers and enhance my practice, I enrolled in a 200-hour RYT course with Michelle Van Lare. And while I expected to learn more about the physical practice of yoga, I didn't anticipate that the 200-plus hours spent with Michelle would change my life.
Michelle has spent more than a decade teaching and studying yoga around the world. Her knowledge of anatomy, the physical practice -- both Eastern and Western -- and the art of adjustment is outstanding. She has a true passion for the history of yoga and its spiritual legacy. It is this passion, along with an insatiable curiosity and a desire to share her knowledge, that makes Michelle a wonderful and unique teacher.
Michelle reignited my love of yoga, as well as my love of life. I hope I can pass on even a fraction of her knowledge and passion to my students.
- Katera Zappacosta, Canada, 2015
I had been a regular yoga practitioner when I first met Michelle in the summer of 2014. I thought I had a good grasp on ‘the yoga thing’, and what it meant to me. I was unknowingly trapped in the physical aspects of yoga, typical of my western mindset. As I became a regular student in Michelle’s classes, I realized there is a whole other world to yoga, a wealth of untapped knowledge that I didn’t know existed, that I didn’t know I could access.
Completing my 200 RYT training with Michelle was a dream come true. Six years ago, I fell in love with the practice of yoga, which I credit to Michelle because of her remarkable ability to gently encourage her students to find their edge in the physical practice, and to find their hearts in the spiritual. Michelle is a well of knowledge on the subject of yoga. Michelle has earned the trust, time and time again, of all of her students.
What is most compelling to me about Michelle’s teachings is that she inspires her students to be better people on and off of their mats. It is clear that Michelle chooses to live everyday by her yoga philosophy. Michelle is bright, peaceful, and patient- three of the most important attributes of a yoga instructor. I could write several paragraphs more, but will end here by saying that Michelle has a profound knowledge of yoga, a wealth of experience, and an ability to transform any space into the perfect yoga space. She is an absolute treasure to aspiring teachers and seasoned practitioners alike. I am so very thankful to have Michelle in my life.
- Victoria Faraci, Canada, 2015
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