Our instructors…
Abby Cornelson recently moved back to Altona after working in Winnipeg for a few years.
Living in Winnipeg offered many opportunities to try out different fitness classes. From boxing, rowing, TRX, Pilates, Yoga, Hot Barre, Bootcamp, and spin classes, Abby became hooked on the feeling she got right after a really good workout. That’s when she discovered a newfound motivation to reignite her own fitness journey through teaching.
Abby is a certified Spin Instructor, Personal Trainer, and is interested in pursuing Yoga Teacher Training. She is currently apprenticing with Susie! Abby is passionate about movement and fitness. Abby regularly teaches Chair Yoga, Vinyasa Flow I, and Yogalates.
Connect with Abby at abby@altonayoga.ca.
Over 30 years ago, Theresa Figurski began an individual yoga practice to help manage debilitating, chronic low back pain. She attended her first in person yoga class with an instructor about 7 years ago. The effect of that practice was instantly transformative, both mentally and physically. Eventually the classes began to transform her spirit. This transformation piqued her curiosity and she became a certified yoga teacher (200 hour CYA). Yoga philosophy appeals to her because of its common sense. Theresa enjoys participating in all type of asana practice, but gravitates toward leading classes that are at the gentle end of the continuum and accessible to all regardless of experience or physicality. For Theresa, asana practice has evolved into a mental/spiritual practice that happens to be good for one’s body rather than the other way around. Others may be attracted to yoga classes for the physical aspect; this is why she loves yoga; it really does have something for everyone and any time. She hopes people will feel comfortable in her classes and leave feeling rejuvenated, accomplished and peaceful.
Theresa regularly teaches Chair Yoga, Yin Yoga, Intro to Yoga, and Rest + Reset.
Theresa retired after 29 +years from the federal public service. She is part of a wonderful family that includes two adult children. She and her life’s love enjoy an active, adventurous (some say reckless☺) retirement. Community is important and she volunteers with several organizations that provide valuable service and work in and for the community.
Connect with Theresa at theresa@altonayoga.ca.
Susie Fisher has been teaching yoga in the Altona area since 2014. She is a certified yoga instructor with the Canadian Yoga Alliance, and has completed over 500 hours of teacher training. Susie has a wide range of experience in various styles of yoga, such as: Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Hatha Yoga. She also has continuing education in Qigong and Prenatal Yoga.
Susie has a gentle yet creative approach to the practice, and encourages students to listen carefully to what their bodies are telling them. At the same time, she invites students to step outside of their comfort zones and explore new ways of breathing and being that facilitate growth and openness in the body and mind.
As the owner of Altona Yoga, Susie generates a greater awareness and appreciation of community and she works hard to create opportunities for education and learning via the studio. She is interested in exploring further training in Counselling and Yoga Therapy.
In addition to her yoga certification, Susie holds an M.A in Religion and Social Sciences from McMaster University and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Manitoba. She volunteers her time with numerous community organisations, such as the Neubergthal Heritage Foundation, the Mennonite Historic Arts Committee, Gallery in the Park, Steps Toward Reconciliation Committee, and more. Susie is an avid reader, a gardener, and finds joy in curating calming spaces.
Though she is currently on maternity leave, feel free to connect with Susie at hello@altonayoga.ca.
Stephanie Wiebe holds a degree in Physical Activity and Sports Studies and Psychology from the University of Winnipeg, and is a certified Group Fitness and Yoga Fitness instructor with Manitoba Fitness Council. She has specialized experience with pre/postnatal women, seniors, and athletes.
Stephanie fell in love with Vinyasa Flow Yoga many years ago and it is her first style-of-choice because of how it ties breath to movement and offers endless creative possibilities. Recently, Yin Yoga has also become a favourite because of how it allows for a deeper connection between body and mind and calms the spirit. Stephanie believes Yoga is helpful for anybody and everybody and has personally experienced how beneficial it is for the everyday athlete.
You'll often find Stephanie in the great outdoors biking the trails, running, or doing yard work. Tea and dark chocolate are her staples.
Stephanie regularly teaches Vinyasa Flow I and II, as well as Yin Yoga and Chair Yoga.
You can connect with Stephanie at stephanie@altonayoga.ca.
Kim Hildebrand was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is a graduate of The School of Contemporary Dancers where she received a BA Honours in dance from the University of Winnipeg (2014). Kim is currently a company member with NAfro Dance Productions and has been dancing with them for the last 10 years. Her whole life she has been intertwined with dance; from teaching since she was 17, choreographing on students and professionals, to running a dance studio in Winnipeg. Dance these days involve kitchen dance parties with her two little kids at home. Kim is a strong believer that movement is for everyone, and that dance is the language that connects us all and is able to tell our stories.
