Teacher feature: Judy
Judy Lam, Children’s Yoga Teacher: A Journey of Love and Transformation
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Judy, a children’s yoga teacher who has turned her passion for working with kids and practicing yoga into a thriving career. Her journey is an inspiring blend of following her heart and staying true to her values, and today, she shares how she found her way to teaching yoga for kids, the impact it’s had on her life, and her thoughts for aspiring teachers.
YB: Judy, please share your journey to kids yoga.
Judy: I started teaching Sunday School when I was a teenager, and I fell in love with spending time with kids. As I got older, I began practicing yoga to de-stress, and I fell in love with that, too. After I left my full-time job, I decided to merge my two loves into a career. So, I started teaching kids yoga at community centers and schools, and I haven’t looked back since.
YB: You used to live and work in Hong Kong. What brought you back to Canada? Could you share any details about your experience?
Judy: I’ve always been passionate about art and fashion. After school, I left Vancouver to pursue a career as a fashion buyer for corporate clients in Hong Kong. It was definitely a high-pressure environment, full of numbers and forecasts, but it was enlightening. After my husband and I got married, we decided to move back to Vancouver to be closer to our families. Both our families are here, and family always comes first. Being close to them has been incredibly grounding.
YB: Have you had the opportunity to teach yoga in Cantonese or Mandarin? If so, is it easier or harder to translate yoga into English?
Judy: That’s an interesting question! To be honest, I’ve never thought of or tried teaching yoga in Mandarin. I can communicate in Mandarin in daily life, but maybe not for teaching. Although I’m fluent in Cantonese, I did my yoga teacher training in English, and I’ve never taught yoga in Cantonese before. So, I’m not 100% confident in the proper terms and cues. But I’d be happy to give it a shot if the opportunity comes up in the future. At the moment, though, teaching yoga in English feels most comfortable for me.
YB: What yoga training(s) have you taken that you would recommend? Could you share any specific takeaways?
Judy: I completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, a 95-hour Kids Yoga Teacher Training, and a few specialized yoga workshops. The biggest takeaway from these trainings is that I’ve learned more about myself, both physically and mentally. Every training session helps me dig deeper into my inner self. It’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.
YB: What would you like to share with new or aspiring kids' yoga teachers?
Judy: I truly believe that “all kids are good kids.” I try my best to stay positive in all circumstances, no matter how challenging the situation or the kids may be. Patience and positivity go a long way in creating a nurturing environment where kids feel safe and open to learning.
YB: How can people reach you if they’d like to learn more about your work?
Judy: People can connect with me on Instagram at @judylyoga604. I’m always happy to chat about yoga and share my journey with others.