Hi, my name is Cheryl Ward and I am the owner of Forward Motion Yoga. I am also a practicing yogi and one of the instructors here at the studio. I came to yoga approximately ten years ago with some pretty serious lower back pain. I knew I was in trouble when I lost all feeling in both of my legs... very frightening to say the least. Medically, probably sciatica, however, a definitive diagnosis was never reached. Thank goodness for my chiropractic and massage therapists! They were able to get me mobile and feeling much better. This was not an isolated incident by the way. Lower back pain immobilized me for years! I set out on a mission to see if I could help myself. I did. YOGA! Although in the beginning there were definitely challenges in my mobility, those challenges quickly dissipated as I discovered how combining the yoga postures with proper breathing eased both my body and mind. ALL of the benefits listed on the this site have happened, are happening and will continue to happen to me as long as yoga is a part of my life. I invite you to come and experience our beautiful, serene studio and feel the yoga experience for yourself.
Namaste,
Cheryl

Kristine Downes began her Yoga Journey 8 years ago in the Cayman Islands. It was there that she fostered her Yoga with an Iyengar style of practice. Her journey led her back home to Canada, where she continued to explore her practice by branching into Hatha and subsequently Ashtanga style yoga. Kristine is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, in Ashtanga~Hatha, as well as a qualified Pre-Natal Yoga instructor. She is also certified as a Level 1 & 2 Reiki healer.  Kristine has been teaching for almost 2 years both privately and with various local studios. We are very excited to have her here at the Forward Motion Yoga Studio.
“It is my belief that everyone should be able to experience Yoga. I look forward to sharing your yoga journey with you here in Markham. “
Namaste,
Kristine

Jane discovered yoga many years ago, as a supplement to a career in dance and movement pedagogy.  She is certified in the Yoga For Health branch of the Kripalu discipline, and has been teaching yoga for 10 years in the GTA.  She is also trained as a teacher of classical ballet and, more recently, the Nia Technique.  Her classes at Forward Motion incorporate watchful insight with personal rapport; she believes that guided yoga practice can be lively and fun, as well as serious and deeply rewarding. Asana, prana- yama, meditation: Jane’s classes offer Hatha Yoga for every age, stage, and body type.

Annetta first welcomed yoga in her early 20's practicing several years with a seasoned teacher who's training rooted from India.   

In her 30’s, a deep desire to learn more about the roots of Yoga - not just the physical aspects - lead to an incredible journey as she joined a Yoga Alliance Teacher Training program with focus on Ashtanga and Hatha Flow. 

It was a beginning with no end. In one year, the emotional, mental and physical re-union within Annetta, offered her an inner peace that was absent for many years. 

Specializing also in Restorative Yoga as a tool to manage physical and emotional stress, Annetta is passionate to help every-ONE ~ every-BODY learn how they too can experience the wonderful gift of INNER and OUTER wellness through the practice and experience of integrating yoga into their daily lives - ON and OFF the mat.