Why Choose Us?

The Northwinds Difference

As you’ll see from our ‘Founder’s story’ and qualifications/certifications, we bring a unique combination of cutting-edge neuroscience, ancient wisdom traditions and lived experience to our Mindfulness and Meditation offerings.

What else makes us stand out?

Agency and Choice
Our offerings are invitations, not expectations.  We do our best to create a brave space, one that is as safe as possible.  You are in control of your journey. You always have choice, there is no judgement here. After all, this is about YOU finding YOUR path, we’re just here to offer guidance to help you along the way.
Flexibility and Adaptability

There is no “one size fits all” mindfulness program. While students are encouraged to keep an open mind (beginners mind) and try out a variety of different methods and techniques, ultimately any sustainable practice requires flexibility. You need to be able to adapt mindfulness techniques to your life. Just as you are in a state of constant change, your practice must be able to change over time too, to adapt to your reality.

Trauma Sensitive/Trauma Informed

All our offerings are trauma sensitive/trauma informed.  At Northwinds, these concepts are ‘baked’ into every program.  We like to think it’s part of our DNA.  And this DNA was born out of a combination of extensive study and practice as well as lived experience.

Fun

Chronic pain, stress and trauma and, uh, fun?  It may seem counterintuitive, but mindfulness can, and should, have elements of curiosity, lightness and fun.  There’s also some truth in the adage “laughter is the best medicine”. 

We certainly don’t take ourselves too seriously. 

We take YOU seriously, and the epidemic levels of stress, pain and trauma in society seriously, but that doesn’t mean every moment of mindfulness has to be “heavy”.  The joy of discovery and connection, wonder, lightness, awe, laughter and tears.  It’s all part of the journey.

My Qualifications/Certifications:
  • Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) – 2 year teaching certification program through Spirit Rock
  • Mindfulness Informed End of Life Care (MIEOL) – teacher certification, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
  • Applied Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management™ Facilitation, and Certificate in Applied MBCPM™ awarded by the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies and NeuroNova Centre
  • Foundations of Applied Mindfulness Meditation, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
  • Trauma-Sensitive Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Facilitation Course, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
  • Somatofulness Advanced Training Program – CYA-MT 50, (Canadian Yoga Alliance Registered Meditation School) – CYA-RMS
  • Meditation Facilitator Training, Naturality Canada (Canadian Yoga Alliance Registered Meditation School) – CYA-RMS 200

Additional Courses/Trainings:

Delivered by, or in partnership with the Mindful Society Global Institute (MSGI):

  • Managing Cravings and Addictions (urge surfing)
  • Managing ADHD with Mindfulness
  • Healing Trauma with Integrative Approaches
  • Managing Chronic Pain with Mindfulness
  • Neurodiversity-Informed Mindfulness
  • Mindful Parenting for Resilience and Wellbeing 
  • Training The Mind Using Contemplative Visual Practices
  • Applying Mindfulness at Work
  • Creating a Practice That Lasts
  • Mindfulness-based Sustainable Transformation (Inner Green Deal)
  • Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT™)


Spirit Rock:

  • A year to live program
  • Buddhist Psychology


Humber College:

  • Humber College Teaching Effectiveness Certificate
Founder's Story