RYA LETHAM
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s of Human Kinetics (BHKin)
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Bachelor’s of Education (BEd)
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Certified by The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning
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Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500)
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Certified Nutrition and Detox Coach
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Core Confidence Specialist
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Original Strength Certified Professional Coach
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Reiki Method of Natural Healing Level 1
Meet Rya Letham, a passionate advocate for the healing power of movement and nutrition. With nearly 30 years of experience in health education, Rya has dedicated her life to empowering clients through Pilates and yoga. Having lived part-time in Huatulco for over four years, she finds it to be one of the most rejuvenating places on Earth.
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Rya holds a Bachelor’s of Human Kinetics degree in Exercise Science from U.B.C. and a Bachelor’s of Education degree from S.F.U. She completed her first yoga teacher training at Yandara Yoga Institute in 2009 and advanced training in Rishikesh, India, in 2010, specializing in Akhanda yoga, meditation, and restorative training.
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Her diverse background includes working with children, adolescents, seniors, prenatal and postpartum mothers, and English as a second language students. Her deep understanding of the body and her love for learning shine through in her practice.
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As an Original Strength Certified Professional Coach, Rya integrates Posture Rest exercises to calm the nervous system, develop reflexive stability, and enhance communication between the brain's hemispheres. These exercises help clients move more freely, relieve anxiety, and live in wholeness and bliss.
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Rya's personal journey as a mother of two has given her immense gratitude for the Pilates system, which helped her regain strength and agility postpartum. She completed her Classical Pilates apprenticeship at Whistler Pilates in 2016 and is also certified in the Core Confidence program, which focuses on retraining the core postpartum.
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In 2021, Rya transitioned her Pilates Integrated studio in Pemberton, BC, to an online platform. She now teaches Pilates and yoga both online and in person at Local Motion Therapy, Pemberton Community Centre, Village Yoga, and through online sessions.
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Her classes leave participants feeling empowered and enlightened about the connection between their body, mind, and spirit. Many continue with regular weekly practice, drawn by her insightful teachings and supportive approach.
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Rya is also the co-founder and a lead teacher for Anandastar Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance. Motivated by the infinite nature of existence, Rya finds inspiration in the true nature of being and the beauty of the natural world.
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Join Rya on a transformative journey of self-discovery and holistic wellness through the mindful practices of Pilates and yoga.
STEPHANIE WHITFORD
Qualifications:
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Ayurvedic Counselor
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Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200)
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Nutrition Coach
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Personal Trainer & Corrective Exercise Specialist
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Neuro & Mental Health Coach
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Advanced Breathwork Facilitator
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International Master Addictions Recovery Coach
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Sound Healer
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International Retreat Leader
Meet Stephanie Whitford, a certified Ayurvedic health counselor, yoga instructor and personal trainer, breath worker, sound healer and wellness adventurer. She has accumulated 1,000s hours of training from a variety of schools, styles, and methodologies around the world including: Ayurveda, Nutrition Therapy for Addiction & Mental Health, Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Kundalini, Breathwork for Self-Healing, Rebirthing, Spiritual Breathing, Yogic Philosophy, Yoga for PTSD and Yoga of Recovery. She has studied with the founder of the Ayurvedic Institute, founding teachers from the California College of Ayurveda, internationally recognized yoga leaders and Ayurvedic practitioners, self-development leasers, US Navy Seals, and world-renowned pioneers and masters in the field of breathwork and nutritional therapies for addiction, mood-disorders, weight management and hormones. Additionally, her greatest mentors are her Dr.'s and friends in the wellness industry who continually support her growth, service and self-remembrance. And above all else is her guiding connection with God.
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Stephanie is also certified personal trainer, corrective exercise and nutrition specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is also a certified yoga and barre instructor.
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Stephanie has guided hundreds of people to new realizations of self-healing, personal awakenings, inner peace and clarity. Stephanie and continues to work with mentors to broaden her skillset and embodied wisdom. This has enabled her to craft a unique style of wellness offerings, integrating valuable pieces from her continuous studies and life evolution.
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Stephanie brings wealth of practical, life changing knowledge and experience thanks to the many inspiring awakenings she has had with her teachers. Yet, the greatest gifts and realizations came thanks to her own personal journey, which isn’t always easy. She has had opportunities to move through times of deep personal struggle, anxiety and burnout, where she learned the power of self-love, a lifestyle of holistic health and ease, and the importance of spiritual connection, living one’s dreams and caring for one's whole being. It is with great reverence and loving devotion that Stephanie shares the healing modalities that profoundly changed her life in amazing ways.
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Stephanie is an avid world traveler, learning and embodying an array of cultural healing modalities along the way.