Profits from these workshops support Renova Yoga Therapy Initiative

Training teachers, restoring lives.

Connecting Canada, Poland and Ukraine through Yoga, Education and Human Connection



I launched the Renova Yoga Therapy Initiative in 2025, moved by a desire to respond in a meaningful way to the suffering of Ukrainians living through the devastation of war following Russia's invasion of their country.

As I sat in the comfort and safety of my home in Canada, I felt compelled to do something. With family connections to Ukraine, the suffering was deeply personal. I also felt a desire to acknowledge and support the Polish people, who had opened their homes and communities to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees.

What began with a few emails and phone calls soon became something much bigger. One yogi introduced me to another. Friendships developed, relationships grew, and a shared vision began to take shape. From these connections, Renova was born — an initiative bringing together people from Canada, Poland and Ukraine through a common commitment to healing, education and service.

Since launching Renova, I have travelled to Poland three times, facilitating nine yoga therapy trainings in five cities, with the invaluable support of my remarkable friend and translator, Julia Rossa. Each training has strengthened our network and deepened our sense of purpose.

One particularly meaningful milestone took place in Rzeszów in June, when 30 Ukrainian yoga teachers crossed the border to participate in a training hosted by a generous and dedicated local community of Polish yogis. It was a wonderful example of what can happen when people come together with open hearts and a willingness to help.

And the journey continues. In February 2027, a Ukrainian contingent will travel to Goa, India, to participate in further training with Fr. Joe Pereira, Julia and myself. This next chapter will allow us to deepen our work and continue equipping teachers with therapeutic yoga skills that they can bring back to their own communities.

What is Renova's purpose?

At its heart, Renova is about making yoga therapy education accessible to teachers who can use these skills to support people living with the physical and emotional effects of trauma, stress and displacement. It is also about creating a network of friendship, learning and mutual support across borders.

We believe that meaningful change does not always begin with large organizations or grand plans. Sometimes it begins with one person, one connection, one teacher and one community.

Through yoga, education and human connection, we hope to continue making a difference, one teacher and one community at a time.

There is room for everyone in the Renova family. Whether you are a yoga teacher, a student, a supporter, or simply someone who believes in the healing power of human connection, we would love to hear from you.

If you feel drawn to be part of this growing initiative, please get in touch. Together, we can continue to make a difference.