My education began many years ago by graduating University with a BA in Psychology. All I knew at that time is that I wanted to help people, and that studying human behaviour was really fascinating to me. Not having clarity (and facing the daunting idea of continuing school for a bunch more years to get a PhD., I relunctantly attended Teacher's College, where I graduated a year later with a MSc degree in Primary Education. Over the next 8 years, I worked as an Occasional Teacher within a variety of elementary schools, and also obtained various other certifications within this field, such as Special Education, ESL, Intermediate Science & English and career counseling. While I had much respect for the profession and usually enjoyed my time connecting with students in the classroom setting, I couldn't help feeling unsettled.

When I started having babies, everything changed.

When I had to leave my kid(s) for a day of work, I was deeply miserable, and felt like I was selling my soul. While some Moms loved working outside the home, I absolutely hated it. There was a tugging at my heart, telling me that this just wasn't right - for me.

When my second baby was 2 weeks old, I started lifting weights, and I grew to love early morning workout sessions by myself in my basement. After my first baby, I suffered with a lot of anxiety and depression and I was terrified of feeling that again. So I used fitness as an outlet. I set a lot of goals that year; I ran a half marathon, I participated in a couple obstacle races, and when my baby was 18 months old I stepped on stage for a fitness competition, which was hugely outside my comfort zone! During the entire process of preparing for that moment, I had documented my workouts and meals on Facebook. I had a bunch of followers, and one day, when I was feeling down and really struggling with knowing what to do with my life, I posed the question, "what should I do with my life?" I received a bunch of answers, most of which went something like, "be a personal trainer, I would hire you!"

That idea stuck with me. This was really the first time I felt a stirring in my soul and I couldn't put this to rest. One thing lead to another (mostly the Universe sending me very obvious signs), and I found myself enrolled in a Personal Training program, and soon afterward, taught my very first small group class in the basement of my home. I will never forget that night. It was the first time in my life I felt so........me. A girl in that class who knew me as quiet and reserved messaged me when she got home, saying she had never seen me so happy or full of life. I knew this path was the right one by how it felt. I was alive and I could not settle for anything less than this feeling.

I became certified as a Personal Trainer & Small Group Instructor, and started training women in my home gym. I loved every second of working with women, and opening up their eyes to what could be possible fitness-wise. Soon after, I realized how vital proper nutrition would be to supporting my clients, so I enrolled in a 2 year program and became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. I was able to teach women how to nourish their bodies through food, and eat in a way to support their goals, no matter what they were. I also taught a variety of workshops at a local cancer support center, educating participants on the healing approaches to nutrition.

Shortly after this, I felt pulled to enroll in a 200 hour yoga teacher program because the benefits of mindfulness and strong mental health were clear to me, having used the practice for a couple years to sort through my own emotions, and strengthen the relationship I had with myself. I became certified in Hatha and Vinyasa yoga and at one point was teaching 22 classes a week (hot yoga, yoga tone, baby & Mom yoga, prenatal yoga, yoga with weights, chair yoga to name a few!).

When I craved a deeper understanding of proper body mechanics so that I could be a better trainer to my clients, I also became certified in mat pilates.

In 2019 I went back to school for Massage Therapy. I craved a deeper understanding of anatomy, and when my clients had physical limitations or concerns, I desperately wanted to know what was going on so that I could help them or educate them on what was going on, so they could be free of physical limitations.

I graduated with honours and became a Registered Massage Therapist in 2022. I also took extra training for cupping & sports massage. I am constantly reading, watching videos, and taking courses to further my knowledge. I know that every layer makes me a better practitioner (and human!) in understanding my client's needs from a holistic lens.

Today I run a full time practice from my home. I get to work with incredible people. I get to help them feel better, and function better in their day-to-day life. I get to make a living doing things I am absolutely passionate about, and I am able to be around when my kids need me.

On top of this, I create programs and courses online related to health & self mastery for overwhelmed women, weaving together all my training and education into powerful programs, designed to create big shifts in the health & well-being of my students.

I am incredibly blessed to be where I am, and know that it all began with my willingness to follow where my heart was leading me. I once thought that there was something wrong with being multi-passionate. I thought I was abnormal for feeling unsettled with every single job I had. Now I can see that my soul was nudging me toward creating the life I currently have; a mix of so many passions that all integrate so perfectly together to best serve each client individually.

To be continued.....

xo,

Rachel