My Story
Jennifer's journey & philosophy
Healthy living has always been a central part of my life. As an international competitive figure skater, ice dancer, traveling the world, I learned early on how important it was to care for both body and mind. I had the privilege of working with a team of coaches, dance instructors, sport psychologists, physiotherapists, and RMTs, who helped me stay strong and focused. Their support made all the difference. After retiring from skating, I knew I wanted to help others stay healhty and feel that same strength and clarity. I became a National Figure Skating Coach (teaching on and off ice) and a Registered Massage Therapist, ready to share what I had learned.
In 2003, I welcomed my daughter into the world — my greatest joy. She has and always will be my inspiration. A few years after her birth, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, an autoimmune condition that changed everything. Navigating life as a new mom while managing a chronic illness was overwhelming. The medications brought side effects that disrupted my body, mind, and hormones. I longed to feel like myself again, healthy, positive, and strong. .
Healing didn’t happen overnight, yet learning how to manage and reduce stress became the key to my recovery. That desire led me to make gentle shifts. Tuning in with breathwork, mindful movement, and nutrition helped me find balance, naturally restoring my energy and spirit.
As life continued, I faced more change. My marriage ended, and I became a single mom juggling home, work, and healing. Yoga and meditation became lifelines, helping me rebuild my emotional strength, while motivating me to reconnect with my purpose. Thankful for therapy as this also played a vital role, helping rebuild confidence and create clarity. Life still had it's challenges, but I started each day with a positive intention, and that changed everything.
By 2010, I had dove deeper into the wellness world becoming certified in Yoga, Pilates, Meditation and natural Aesthetics. Teaching these practices along with my massage therapy, became a way to help others heal and find joy. I also began exploring the powerful role of personal coaching and how transformative it can be for people facing life’s transitions. When the pandemic hit, knowing it was important to stay in the health and wellness field, I made the leap by stepping away from my busy registered massage therapy and aesthtics practice and into holistic wellness coaching.
I trained with the International Association of Wellness Professionals and became a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, registered with the Health Coach Alliance of Canada. I also embraced the ancient art of Qigong, earning certification as a Qigong Teacher in 2022. This deeply restorative practice has become a cornerstone of my work, gentle, empowering, and accessible to all.
My learnings never stop. In 2023, I became certified as a Women’s Yoga and Hormone Specialist (recognized by the Canadian and American Yoga Alliance) and a Women’s Hormone Balancing Coach (recognized by the Health Coach Alliance). In 2024, I completed a Psychology Diploma specializing in Anxiety and Panic Attacks and certification in Expert Strategies for Working with Anxiety with the NICABM in July 2025 to support clients navigating emotional stress. My Qigong learnings continue as there is always more to receive and share.
Today, our membership offers a dynamic blend of wellness tools and experiences designed for both individuals and organizations — including guided practices, expert-led video sessions, and support for meaningful, sustainable change.
This path has not been without hardship. I’ve faced hormonal shifts, autoimmune conditions, single motherhood, the loss of my father in 2020, am a caregiver for my mother as she has Parkinson’s, and career pivots. Through it all, I’ve learned the power of resilience and that healing begins with taking care of oneself, every single day.
We feel blessed to be a support so clients can find their way to help and heal themselves by making clearer healthier choices. Our mission at Yoga First and Wellness is to help bring love, balance and positivity into your life. Taking time for yourself is key to health and happiness. Follow the path of finding balance within and Your Life Will Change.
