Our Instructors
Meet our team of certified, passionate yoga and fitness instructors.
Class Schedule
Schedule as of January 08, 2024.
Chantale Plante
Yoga Instructor
Chantale first discovered yoga in 1996 while attending professional theatre school in Vancouver where she was training to become an actor. After her first sun salutation she was hooked and has been a dedicated practitioner ever since.
She primarily used yoga as a tool to help strengthen the body, to help her lower back pain, as well as a means to warm up the body prior to performing on stage. It was a great way to get connected to the breath and to keep grounded and relaxed while acting. She soon realized that the effects ran much deeper than the physical. She completed her 200YTT studies at Upward Dog Yoga in 2016 and has completed her 300YTT modules with Re-Yoga. She has studied with Rod Stryker of Parayoga and continues more advanced studies with Pandit Rajmani Tigunait and his amazing faculty at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale PA.
Yoga is a rich tradition that has been there at those precarious times in life and has kept her balanced and centred. Chantale’s goal is to bring balance and joy to those that she meets through these holistic hatha practices. She infuses her classes with detailed posture instruction, some juicy philosophical tidbits, breathwork and simple but effective short meditations and the odd bad yoga joke.
When she is not teaching yoga at RSC, you can find her working for the federal government by day, being a Pro-home chef and amateur sommelier or joyfully walking her two spunky Fox terriers about town. And sometimes even Directing theatre productions at the Ottawa Little Theatre, Gladstone Theatre or Orpheus Musical Theatre Society.
Chelsea Passmore
Yoga Instructor
Chelsea was a competitive rhythmic gymnast and is a professional contemporary dance artist who also enjoys yoga and the gym. She is certified in personal training and Hatha Yoga. She is compelled to lift weights or dance daily and can be seen walking around the neighbourhood at a fast pace.
Yoga is her way to slow down and relax the mind and body. Therefore, her yoga classes focus on gentle movement and breathing deeply. She does incorporate some more challenging yoga poses in the middle of the class to facilitate further relaxation at the end of class. She has experienced several minor injuries, some perhaps due to her scoliosis, so she is very focused on good form in her classes and provides modifications.
Chelsea loves teaching at RSC because it’s about having fun. It’s not about being the best yogi but about trying different activities, ways of moving and enjoying fitness and food with friends. Chelsea is tall so she is often asked if she plays basketball or volleyball…the answer is no…she did try modeling as a teenager but was actually considered too tall.
Ed Hum
Yoga Instructor
Ed has been teaching the original 90-minute Bikram Yoga (now known as 26&2) a sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises since December 2001.
Thousands of students have learned from Ed how to practice 26 postures and two breathing exercises in the hottest yoga class in town.
Ed is well known for being consistent, knowledgeable and precise with his instructions, which are delivered in an efficient yet accessible manner. While he has high expectations of his students, he always provides alternative real-world instructions for those students with special challenges.
Ed has decided to study physical therapy on a one-on-one basis. Ed is one of a handful of Canadians who have the highest level of certification in Greg Roskopf’s Muscle Activation Techniques, which helps clients achieve better performance and recover from imbalances by “jumpstarting” or activating muscles.
And if you ask nicely, Ed might even end the 90-minute class chanting a mantra to help you enter a deep and intense state of relaxation at the end of class.
Gabrielle Archer
Yoga Instructor
Heather MacDonald
Yoga Instructor
Heather has been practicing yoga regularly since 2011. She credits yoga for giving her access to the best part of her life, the present moment. She completed over 550 hours of yoga teacher trainings. She is certified in Hatha and Yin with PranaShanti Yoga Centre under the direction of Devinder Kaur in Ontario. She completed her Original Hot Yoga training led by Joseph Encinia in California. She trained in Trauma Sensitive Yoga with the Justice Resource Institute in Massachusetts, and with Parahamansa Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship in California. She is indebted to all the teachers who appear on her path.
Heather’s yoga teaching experience comes from both private instruction and group classes with PranaShanti, Rideau Sports Centre, SunLotus, and corporate events. She also has many years of teaching experience in various disciplines from drama to biology to martial arts. Her formal education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis Xavier Univeristy, and an acting diploma from ARTTS International in England. She has a third degree black belt in TaeKwonDo, and a level 2 Reiki Certification. Her service as a first responder gave her many insights into the complex human condition, and shone a light on people’s incredible resilience.
She is a grateful survivor of PTSD and other health issues which required her to learn a new way of living. She believes post-traumatic growth is possible for everyone, and that that taking care of the physical body is required to master our minds and unite with spirit. She believes that group asana classes are an exceptional tool for transformation.
Heather creates an environment that encourages students to embrace their challenges, and celebrate their progress. She helps students cultivate enormous strength, extraordinary flexibility, and transcendent presence that will serve them and the world far beyond the mat.
Outside of yoga, she loves writing, music, and great storytelling. She also enjoys hilarious cat videos and intelligent comedy. She loves travel, to spend time with loved ones, and delicious meals she doesn’t have to cook. She adores watching plants or people grow. She resides with two zen masters, her cats Henry and Bill
Imad Khaddaj
Yoga & Fitness Instructor
Imad’s methodology is based on what he calls “Grounded Movement”, focusing on teaching “body movement” guided through the breath working closely with the mind.
His goal is to keep working with his students on developing functional movements that help them improve their everyday life. With a great talent comes great offerings from Yoga, Martial arts, and fitness programs. All Imad’s classes are fun, creative, and full of great knowledge that will help you improve your overall health. Youth is a big part of his Journey, and he loves speaking to the new generations about his experience and Methodology in the health and fitness world hoping to leave his mark and make a positive impact.
Imad has many certifications including: Martial arts teacher from American Kick-boxing Academy, 200 hrs Vinyasa Ashtanga RYT, 40 hrs Yin Yoga RYT, Canfitpro Personal Trainer, and Childrens’ fitness coach.
Imad moved to Thailand in 2015 for two years Learning mixed martial arts. Following his dreams was the best decision he made in his life. He loves cooking, reading, running, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. He’s also a Big fan of Naruto and likes to watch Anime.
Marianna Svet
Zumba Instructor
Marianna is a licensed Zumba fitness and Zumba Virtual Pro Instructor.
As the old axiom goes, those whose work coincides with their hobbies are fortunate. In Marianna’s case, it’s teaching and dance, and Zumba allowed her to combine both. Zumba is her true passion, it makes her happy, and her goal is to share this happiness and joy with her students, motivate and make them feel better.
For her, Zumba is perfect not only because it is a complete workout, combining all the elements of fitness: cardio and muscular preparation, balance and flexibility. Zumba is also ideal if you want to dance, improve posture and coordination and learn basic and more advanced moves and steps for many different styles and rhythms. It is also a great way to release tension and reduce stress, get a joyful mind, and boost energy after each session.
Zumba® Fitness classes are often called fun therapy, exercise in disguise, super effective and super fun, and it is true! Every Marianna’s Zumba class is a party; it’s a place to laugh, forget about everything, and enjoy life.
There are no mistakes in Zumba, and everybody can dance at their comfort level.
And if you smile and laugh while working out, you burn even more calories!
Life happens; Zumba helps! Everybody on the dancefloor!
Nina LePage
Yoga & Fitness Instructor
Rebecca Tate
Yoga Instructor
Rebecca Tiessen
Yoga Instructor
Rebecca Tiessen has been training in kickboxing and martial arts for the past 15 years and received her black belt in Mixed Martial Arts in 2013. As a kickboxing instructor, Rebecca encourages team work and collaboration through group exercises and partner-oriented work-outs. Her goal for each kickboxing class is to help participants develop self-defence techniques while also ensuring everyone laughs and smiles as much as possible.
She also works as a professor at the University of Ottawa in the School of International Development and Global Studies with more than 25 years of teaching experience. In 2023 she won the University of Ottawa Excellence in Education award which recognizes her commitment to teaching and student experiential learning.
She has travelled to more than 40 countries and lived in Zimbabwe and Malawi for several years. As an early-riser, she strives to get in 10,000 steps every morning with her Australian Shepherd, Niya, who loves doing agility training. On the evenings and weekends, Rebecca spends a lot of time at the skating rink watching her daughter who is a competitive figure skater.
Kickboxing has been a bit part of her life, giving her confidence, strength, perseverance, and valuable life skills. She strives to impart these skills and qualities through her training and teaching, and through her favourite quote: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you”.
Rena Argiropulos
Yoga & Fitness Instructor
Rena started teaching fitness over 30 years ago obtaining a Group fitness instructors certificate and in more recent years, graduated from Astanga Yoga Ottawa’s Teacher 200 hr Training course.
“I teach because I LOVE IT!”
Rena enjoys Teaching at RSC because of the variety of classes that are offered in one place. “There is so much to do here at RSC! I enjoy being part of a group of talented and friendly Instructors, a really fun environment to work in! I think it is great that we all learn and support each other as a group”
At Rideau Sports Centre, Rena teaches a variety of styles of Yoga and fitness classes, Including, Astanga yoga, Gentle yoga, Vinyasa flow yoga, Hot yoga, Low-impact Fitness, 20-20-20 Fitness, Strength-training and HIIT Cardio
Rena enjoys working at Rideau Sports Centre because she is passionate about helping people reach their fitness goals, regardless of experience. “I have a history of chronic pain which has helped in my approach when teaching, it’s important for me to create an open, fun, safe and supportive environment for my clients. I’m happiest when people leave a class feeling better than when they came in,” she shares. “Although I like to offer a challenging class, I’m also flexible with my approach and prefer to tailor classes to my clients’ needs.”
“Dealing with chronic pain on a regular basis, gives you the ability to be that much more aware of not only how you feel but also the ability to extend that awareness to your clients.” Rena is compassionate in her approach and will take the time to stop and listen to her clients concerns, and will do her best to accommodate each and every one of them.
Rena has a light hearted approach to her teaching , she can be playful at times wanting to always create an atmosphere that helps people feel immediately at ease in her class.
While living an active lifestyle is important to Rena, she also practices meditation and mindfulness , attending classes weekly. I believe we are all students in life and learning is the gift we receive when being open to new experiences. “I am always happiest when I am learning! Maintaining a healthy mindset makes all the difference in my teaching.” I feel much more comfortable in my own skin and feel that much more aware of my surroundings , this has helped me grow as a Teacher, a friend, a mother and wife.
Outside of her work at RSC, Rena loves hiking, cycling, quad roller and ice skating, kayaking, skiing, gardening, photography and is always listening to music! She enjoys spending time with her family and pets. You can find her in the forest every weekend taking photos.
Shauna Daly
Yoga & Fitness Instructor
Meet Shauna, a yoga teacher who loves to slow things down to intentionally connect to the present moment with compassionate curiosity. Shauna brings together her experiences as a yoga teacher, mental health provider, and energy worker, to create holistic offerings in any class you may find her – most often an evening yin class to support you in slowing down for the day.
Valentina Guzman
Yoga & Fitness Instructor
Valentina discovered Yoga through a couple of friends who introduced her to Juan Carlos Linares and Ximena Lopez, two of the pioneers yoga teachers in Caracas, Venezuela (her home country) in 2003. After a couple of years practicing in Yoga Pedregal and Yogashala (Caracas), she moved to Ottawa to complete a Master Degree at Carleton University; while doing her academic activities, Valentina completed the 200 hour Teacher Training at Rama Lotus Yoga Center (2008-2009).
In the summer of 2009, Valentina went back to her home country and participated not only as a Yoga teacher in private studios and companies, but also as an active member of “En los barrios” and “Yoga en la plaza”, two non-governmental organization that promoted the fundamentals of Yoga in low-income areas, public spaces and parks.
“Yoga has become my inspiration not only to quest for truth and spiritual guidance but also for healing and achieve physical and emotional strength. Yoga has been magical path for inner transformation and knowledge
and the great complement of my sports activities and races.”
Alison Melia
Yoga Instructor
Alison is passionate about teaching mindful movement and creating yoga classes that allow for opportunities for physical, mental and emotional growth. Having taught yoga for over ten years, she has expanded her skill set along the way by taking workshops and additional training in sequencing, assists and more. As a social worker who works with victims of domestic abuse, Alison is trauma sensitive in her approach to teaching yoga. She often provides options and modifications and intends to empower her clients on their mat. She enjoys teaching flows set to music and is passionate about the creative aspects of yoga. She has a compassionate and encouraging approach to her teaching style and works to make all feel welcome. She hopes to see you on your mats in one of her classes soon!
Jessica Younes
Yoga Instructor
Jessica has always been about “movement” in all its aspects.
However, during the pandemic she felt the need to change, to ground herself, calm her ongoing thoughts and find serenity in her heart, which all led her to her yoga mat.
She then decided to deepen her practice, completing her 200hrs teacher training certificate in April 2022 back home in “Lebanon” before her big move to Canada in 2023.
Jessica found in yoga everything her body and soul craved to live and embrace life in all its beauty.
From powerful and challenging yoga to gentle and flowy asanas, Jessica gives a variety of classes, focusing on the breath and emphasizing on every yogi’s personal journey on the mat.
“This is your space – show up for yourself and everything will follow.”
Lastly, besides her passion for yoga, Jessica is a full time Legal practitioner and finds her practice on the mat a much needed moving meditation after a long day at work.
Rebecca Coffey
Yoga Instructor
After selection for 26-2 training in 2009 via the Chilliwack BC studio, Rebecca completed her military service and trained to teach under the original seven 26-2 instructors. Teaching 26-2 in studios across Ontario followed by settling in Ottawa with her family on completion of her BHS, Rebecca now works toward her MBA, passionately teaching and contributing to the community at RSC.
Rebecca carries a deep desire to enable the bodies and minds of people through their yoga practice, valuing the standards of practice while finding ways to help people accommodate their barriers, for progression in all senses. ‘It is always an honour to guide you, please ask me or the others on the 26-2 Team, anything at all about your postures or your practice’. When not inside the studio, you may find Rebecca out walking (or running!) her giant, slobbering, well loved dogs.
Kelly Brandys
Yoga Instructor
Kelly is a mom of 3 young adults and is originally from Nova Scotia. Kelly moved to Ottawa in 1990 to work as a high risk labor and delivery nurse at the General Hospital.
Kelly first began practicing yoga over 20 years and absolutely fell in love with so many parts of yoga not just the physical practice . Kelly became a certified Yoga teacher in 2019 after completing her 200YTT at Pure Yoga and also completed her mat Pilates training in spring 2023. Her love of movement , the quiet places within a practice as well as the strength we build in the different poses is obvious with her thoughtful , balanced approach to her classes . The use of music during her classes only enhances the experience .
Outside of yoga Kelly can be found spending time with family & friends , walking in the woods with her adored labradoodles Lily & Carl, travelling, paddle boarding and tennis .
