Teacher Feature: Danya Nonis

Having the felt sense that the practice of breath work, movement, meditation, mantra, sound, learning and applying philosophy concepts has truly brought positive benefits to my body, mind, and soul. 

-Danya Nonis

We are incredibly lucky to have Danya in our corner.   

Danya is a talented kids yoga teacher, and has an impressive educational profile ranging from recreation therapy to a fascinating array of yoga trainings.  

She is also famous for three things around here:  1. Her relentlessly positive attitude.  2. Her curiosity & persistence to learn and grow in the yoga field.   3. The gentle sound of her voice when she is leading meditation takes your mind to the best place.   You have to hear it for yourself! 

Danya grew up in the Kootenays but now calls Whistler home. Danya and our Amanda, make up our Yoga Buggy Whistler team.   In 2022 they received a grant from the municipality to teach a series of outdoor classes in Whistler and are hoping to be able to do even more in 2023. Danya stepped up to be an integral part of our Operations team when we really needed her. She is now focusing her time on her continuing Yoga Therapy studies.  We were happy to sit down with her and find out how things are going.

TYB: Danya, please tell us about your journey to teaching kids' yoga.

DN:  I took my first kids yoga training soon after I completed my 200hr as I was excited to have the skills to offer the practice of yoga to kids. I’ve had opportunities to teach preschool age and school age kids in a yoga studio, in afterschool programs, camps, outdoors, in person and online. I’ve had great opportunities to teach yoga to kids with diverse abilities.

TYB: You hold a lot of yoga certifications!  Our teachers often ask which programs we recommend.  Which training(s) would you recommend and why?

DN:  My first kids yoga training was through YogaKids which has a great curriculum to build yoga programs. I’ve also completed a variety of training through Kidding Around Yoga. I like the resources they provide and the spectrum of trainings (trauma informed, accessible, anatomy, philosophy…) plus the music is fun and engaging! I’m currently working through online training with Rainbow Yoga for Kids with Additional Needs which I also find interesting and builds knowledge.

TYB: Recently you have taken the path to be a yoga therapist.  Please tell us about your motivations and your journey.