Founder, Director
Val took her first yoga class in Edmonton in 1975 with Friedel Khattab, which led her to study with Swami Radha at the Yasodhara Ashram in Kootenay Bay, B.C. This is also where she experienced her first Iyengar-style class with Norman Hodge. Val liked the intensity of the style and trekked to India to study with BKS Iyengar personally in 1983. A tough task master, he exacted a rigorous discipline and commitment from her that translated to valuable life skills.
After founding several successful businesses, Val eventually founded the Yoga Studio of Calgary in 1996 along with David McCammond. This in turn, created the Yoga Studio College of Canada, which met the need of certifying yoga teachers.
The Yoga Studio College soon became a trailblazer in a rapidly emerging yoga scene in Alberta by hosting global senior teachers who contributed to its growth and maturity. It established an in-depth curriculum of Yoga that has proliferated today.
The landscape of health and wellness in Canada has been enriched by over 1260 alumni who have launched creative and successful programs in community and fitness centers, hospitals, hospices, schools and studios. From the early AIDs epidemic to today’s PTSD programs, Yoga Studio College graduates have been at the forefront.
Val actively mentors teachers in such diverse areas as drafting curriculum, practicing authentically, negotiating leases and drafting successful business plans.
Her message;
“be fearless and tap into your unique gifts. Trust your value and dare to follow your own path. Strive for excellence when teaching and commit to a daily practice. This will yield a deep dimension of self-fulfillment, confidence and prosperity. I encourage teachers to teach at every opportunity, no matter how small, to add value to family and community and add peace to the world”
Certifications: BKS Iyengar, Khattab School, South Mysore School of Yoga, Psychosynthesis. Himalayan Tradition Initiate
