About Me

Two paths, that of philosophy and dance/movement, intersected on the durie mat for Denise when she met her first yoga teacher. The harmony she experienced that day became a life long passion. As a faculty member, Denise, created innovative yoga, group exercise and physical fitness programming for 16 years at Wilfrid Laurier University in Physical Education and Kinesiology and for 11 years at Conestoga College in vocational fitness (Police, Fire, Paramedics, Corrections). Denise founded the Atlas Yoga Studio and School in 1999 and continues to be the director of education at this holistic and creative school of contemplative arts. She has been featured in Yoga Journal Magazine, writes for yoga publications such as the IAYT and is a sought-after guest speaker in the wellness field, she often champions human and Indigenous rights and traditions. Denise has written a chapter “Yoga for Basic Back Care” in a text book written by a medical doctor. Denise is a past board member of the Federation of Ontario Yoga Teachers and frequently serves the yoga and local community.  

Students looking to heal from physical, mental, emotional and spiritual trauma often find their way to Denise to explore their potential. Denise specializes in training master yoga teachers and therapists and consults on difficult cases within organizations like the Ontario Provincial Police, The Fire Department and with Therapists in the fields of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Social Work.