Our focus is to inspire and encourage students in a lifelong practice through sustainable and innovative classes informed by ancient traditions as well as contemporary research.
Our sustainably developed bricks-and-mortar yoga studio has been home to an inviting and close-knit community of practitioners since 2012. We pride ourselves on our ability to create a joyous and peaceful atmosphere that fosters deeper connection with ourselves, those around us, and the world we live in.
Throughout this rich process of self-exploration, we hope to be a support for all those who wish to bring out the potential in themselves, to live a more meaningful and conscious life. Our deepest intention is fostering peace.
GOOD SPACE
GOOD SPACE
Comes from the Sanskrit word, directly translated as “good space”
su (good) and kha (space)
SUKHA
Meet the Team
Meet the incredible group of humans who make Sukha possible.
GOOD PEOPLE
GOOD PEOPLE
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YOGA TEACHER & CO-DIRECTOR
E-mail: darcy@sukhayoga.ca
Darcy is the owner of Sukha Yoga Thornhill. She has been a yoga studio owner since 2008 and has been teaching yoga since 2005. She has completed a variety of yoga trainings, including Moksha Yoga, Yoga Works Method, Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga and Meditation.
She loves to pair her love of yoga and travel and has been leading yoga retreats in destinations like Costa Rica, Mexico and Italy for the past decade. When she is not immersed in all things yoga and business, she is a Mama to two incredible kids and spends time in the beautiful community in which she lives with her family, the Blue Mountains.
Darcy believes that yoga helps us awaken to our true nature, our beauty and our worth. She believes that the practice helps us peel away layers of built up residue that get in the way of who we truly are. When we shed these layers, there is a remembering or an awakening of our highest self; a plugging into the person we want to be. She is dedicated to helping people learn how to move beyond the frequency of doubt and fear and into the frequency of trust and love in order to gain more power and perspective in their lives.
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YOGA TEACHER & CO-DIRECTOR
E-mail: marisa@sukhayoga.ca
When I opened the door to the world of yoga in my early adult life, it was as if a light turned on for me that I never even knew was there in the first place. Finding an outlet that could so beautifully and naturally marry the nurturing of a healthy mind, body and spirit was a privilege, and became a gift that I have been lucky to share with others for many years now – through teaching and holding space for an ever-evolving community of amazing students and teachers. The exchanges that take place in the Yoga room (and outside) are magic, and I am honoured to be a part of that.
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YOGA TEACHER & DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
E-mail: emilee@sukhayoga.caEmilee is a yoga & Pilates instructor with nearly a decade of experience in the world of movement. With a background in dance and sports, she began her movement journey in 2009 and completed her first yoga teacher training in 2015, later expanding her expertise with advanced teacher trainings.
Emilee’s background in Thai massage and hands-on adjustments allow her to combine intelligent queuing, sequencing, and touch techniques to help students connect more deeply with their movements. Emilee’s belief that movement is a healing power is what drives her to creating a safe and fun space for her students to learn and grow. She remains deeply dedicated to her own movement practice and ongoing professional development.
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YOGA & PILATES TEACHER
Cora began her yoga journey in 2011, as part of a personal quest for self-actualization. She immediately fell in love with the practice and became student to a number of Modo Yoga teachers, who inspired her to delve deeper into the practice and further connect with yoga. Shortly after, Cora became an Energy Exchange team member and immersed herself into the community. After carefully considering the calling to become a teacher, Cora took the leap and applied for Modo’s YTT in Nicaragua, 2017 – one of the most magical experiences of her life. She has since pursued training in Yin Yoga, Flow and has a Personal Training certification through ACE Fitness. Always looking to expand her movement knowledge, Cora is still very much a student on-and-off the mat and could not imagine her life without yoga.
“Only when you have learned to let go of fear, will the universe unfold your true potential.”
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PILATES, YOGA TEACHER, & EDUCATION CO-DIRECTOR
Naomi is a co-founder of Athletix Academy Inc. With over 15 years of experience instructing, education and researching movement training practices, Naomi dedicates her time to understand the intricate connections between the physical, emotional and intellectual systems of human nature. After graduation from Ryerson with her BA in Dance, Naomi continued her studies in Pilates, Yoga, FRC, bodyART, Lagree Fitness, PBT and LABAN/Bartenieff somatic studies. She hopes to share with others her passion for continued learning, personal growth, and our collective human experience.
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YOGA & PILATES TACHER & EDUCATION CO-DIRECTOR
Paria is a co-founder of Athletix Academy Inc. With over a decade of experience in the world of movement her knowledge and passion are rooted in Psychology, Mindfulness, Dance and Yoga. In addition, Paria has completed trainings in multiple movement modalities such as Lagree Fitness, FRC, bodyART, Pilates, PBT and LABAN/Bartenieff somatic studies.
Paria deeply believes that movement is a healing force and is dedicated to creating and holding space for her students to unfold breath by breath, to become a conscious witness to the now, to the self, to their growth and potential.
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YOGA TEACHER
My background is in psychology and neuroscience. As an educator and teacher, my style comes from a unique marriage between knowledge of the human body and brain. I focus on guiding students through a conversation with their bodies, while using the breath as an awareness tool to navigate emotions, thoughts and reality.
Over the years, I have completed an array of teacher training in different styles of yoga, including Modo, Modo Flow, Pre and post natal yoga, as well as yin and restorative yoga. I cannot wait to walk alongside you on your mindfulness journey.
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YOGA TEACHER
Jaime started practicing yoga ten years ago when she participated in a community event with our yoga studio! Right away she was drawn into the connection between her mind, body, and soul that yoga supported. Although her practice was not consistent right off the bat, she knew that this beautiful practice was something she wanted to learn more about. Jaime took a deep dive into her yoga practice and our community about five years ago when she joined us as community manager. Although Jaime no longer works for us in that capacity, she loves being a part of our community in a teaching role.
Jaime’s background is in education, expressive arts, and yoga. She is a teacher registered with the Ontario College of Teachers and an Expressive Arts Practitioner registered with the Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association. Jaime’s teaching style focuses on creating a safe space to explore self-awareness, and self-expression, while using movement and breath cues to help create the mind-body-heart connection.
Jaime has completed several different educational, arts, and yoga-based trainings to support her teachings as well as her own explorations into the self. Her focus as a teacher is on creating a safe container where students can freely express themselves and show up as they are.
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YOGA & PILATES TEACHER
Lingson is an enthusiastic yoga practitioner and teacher of Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin and Restorative yoga. With his dedicated and consistent personal practice and comprehensive training programs, including Embodying Vinyasa Sequencing, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga, Teaching Trauma-Informed Yoga, he has committed to continuous learning and growth of his yoga practice and teaching.
200hr Vinyasa Yoga Training by Jodi Fischtein, 889 Community
Lingson strives to offer mindful movement that ensures safety and alignment while encouraging his students with a healthy challenge to explore and be curious in a controlled environment. He also brings his unique personality into the classroom with his cheerful, personable and joyous nature. Lingson’s priority is putting his students at ease and making them comfortable, sharing the joy he receives from yoga with every student he meets.
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YOGA TEACHER
Paymun has been practicing yoga for 14 years and teaching for 10. Over the years Paymun has been studying and practicing under different master teachers across the world. His topics of study and practice are mindfulness, bio-mechanics, somatics, internal arts, psychophysics, martial arts, esoterics, astrology, singing, dance, music, communication and relationships.
He is actively studying under the guidance of his Guru, Maestro Manuel Rufino. He has a committed daily yoga sadhana and is dedicated to embody and walk the path of peace in all facets of life.
His focus for his students is to be able to cultivate more conscious awareness of their relationship with their breath, body, emotions, environment and the attitude they carry through challenging states, providing them the tools to empower self and others. His intention for his students is to leave the practice room with more clarity, conviction and grace so they can weave peace and beauty into their lives for the benefit of all their relations.
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Playing competitive sports his whole life, Jon understands how important exercising and being active are for our overall health.
He discovered his passion for teaching while coaching minor league hockey, and decided to pursue additional ways he could help people improve their quality of life through movement.
Jon took his first class in pilates after being recommended by a friend and hasn’t looked back since. He has completed training in mat and reformer pilates and loves how it allows people to train in a safe and controlled manner in order to get stronger, and to be able to perform daily tasks without restriction or pain.
Jon aims to bring his calm and laid back demeanor into the studio and wants everyone who takes his class to leave feeling fulfilled and with a smile on their face.
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The practice of Yoga had transformed my life, It created deep awareness within that allowed a greater and more genuine connection with myself therefore with my surroundings. The practice continues to open my heart and mind, guides me into balance and provides me with a physical, emotional and spiritual support. For the past 17 years I have been devoted to sharing it with others.
In my teachings I keep my students focused on staying connected to their inner self, emphasising on breath while developing body and mind connection. I believe that the practice of Yoga is adaptable to suit every body and that one can heal when committed to work at all different layers, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual as one. I encourage my students to listen to their bodies and move in a way that feels safe for them. A certified yoga therapist, senior instructor, teacher training faculty member, leading spiritual retreats and various workshops.
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PILATES & BARRE TEACHER
Megan's own mindful movement practice has completely changed her life and she is excited to share this gift with others. She is passionate about helping people build strength and confidence. She finds so much fulfillment in watching her students accomplish things that they never thought possible in their own bodies. With a little consistency and commitment, the benefits are endless and available to everyone!
Megan has always loved physical activity/exercise. She was introduced to the world of Pilates in 2009 and completed the STOTT Pilates Comprehensive instructor training program that same year. She got hooked on how long and strong Pilates made her feel. She believes that it teaches us to move in an all-around more efficient way and that it is the most functional form of physical exercise.
Megan completed her yoga teacher training through Modo Yoga. There is nothing better for the physical body than Pilates and nothing better for the mind and spirit than Yoga. The two practices are the perfect complement to one another.
Megan is extremely grateful for her teachers and mentors in the yoga/pilates community and feels blessed to be a part of such a supportive Shanga.
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Jodi Fischtein is a certified yoga instructor in Toronto and has been practicing yoga since 2000. Jodi began to consider yoga teaching training in 2007, and then began the slow journey to share what she has come to love. She received fundamental training (250 hrs) in Vinyasa and Hatha at The Yoga Sanctuary in Toronto in 2007-08 followed by PreNatal Yoga training. In 2010, she began her second training in Venice Beach, California to study the core modules of Prana Flow. She remains deeply grateful to studying with the founder of Prana Flow, Shiva Rea. In understanding Prana Flow methods, one can express the sequencing as kramas (stages) that lead to one’s full expression in asana. That year Jodi went to Kerala, India with Shiva Rea to understand local Ayurvedic customs, as well as Kalarippayattu, an ancient South Indian martial art tradition. As Jodi nears the completion of 500 hours in Prana Flow Yoga, she continues to serve both her personal practice and her students.
In March 2014 Jodi immersed herself in the Mysore tradition for Primary Series at Purple Valley Yoga in Goa, India under the guidance of Petri Räisänen. This discipline also had an effect on her strength and agility. Today she humbly practices Ashtanga 4-5 times per week.
Jodi also believes deeply in the cumulative benefits of Yin yoga. She began studying the concepts of TCM and Yin yoga with Tracy Soghrati in Toronto in 2011 and she has completed Phase 1 of Thai Yoga massage as she feels it brings a healing touch for hands-on adjustments for students in her Yin and Vinyasa classes.
Jodi received her B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing at New York University and she is currently completing certification in Applied Specialization in Mindfulness Meditation at the University of Toronto.
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Sadaf is a passionate, Stott Certified Pilates instructor, with additional certification in Core Method. With expertise in Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, and Mat Pilates, she integrates mindful movement and coordination challenges into her classes to strengthen the mind-body connection.
She takes a personalized approach with each client, prioritizing posture improvement and strength building. Her thoughtfully designed classes aim to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance while cultivating a deeper awareness of the body and mind.
She feels grateful have a career that allows her to make a positive impact on others’ lives through movement.
She look forward to guiding you on your pilates journey!
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In the summer of 2012 Kyle found the teacher that would inspire him to become a dedicated yoga practitioner. The depth of self, kindness and strength that she exuded had Kyle feel that he had much to learn from her beyond the boundaries of asana. Kyle hopes to inspire students in the same light as his teacher inspired him.
Kyle received his 280hr Teacher Training Certificate in August of 2013. He has continued to evolve as a teacher and practitioner through taking a 40hr Yin/Restorative training, Cranial sacral therapy training, multiple natural movement workshops, has guided multiple groups of Yoga Teacher Training students on breath and is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.
When attending one of Kyle's classes expect detailed explanations and a hardy encouragement to practice with self love.
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Brandie is a 22 year veteran in the corporate world and was introduced to Yoga in 2011. She completed her 200HR-YTT in 2012 and continued to practice, learn and train. After another decade in business, Brandie “retired” in 2022 and continued education in YIN, Anatomy and immersed herself in the discipline of Pilates. It wasn’t long after that she completed her MAT certification and was certified with Balanced Body as a Pilates reformer instructor.
Completely inspired by Pilates exercises, its benefits and discipline, she knew this is exactly where she was meant to be. Always working on new sequences and exercises to keep a class engaged, playful and challenging - with just as much effort and passion into building strength and endurance for more advanced Classical exercises.
Someone said to me many years ago, “Do what you love” - I finally did.
In March 2014 Jodi immersed herself in the Mysore tradition for Primary Series at Purple Valley Yoga in Goa, India under the guidance of Petri Räisänen. This discipline also had an effect on her strength and agility. Today she humbly practices Ashtanga 4-5 times per week.
Jodi also believes deeply in the cumulative benefits of Yin yoga. She began studying the concepts of TCM and Yin yoga with Tracy Soghrati in Toronto in 2011 and she has completed Phase 1 of Thai Yoga massage as she feels it brings a healing touch for hands-on adjustments for students in her Yin and Vinyasa classes.
Jodi received her B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing at New York University and she is currently completing certification in Applied Specialization in Mindfulness Meditation at the University of Toronto.
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YOGA TEACHER
I began practicing yoga more than 20 years ago a time when a corporate career was the centre of my life. Yoga became a reprieve from the pressure and stress I was experiencing and allowed me little glimpses of my true inner self. I found a peace and ease in the beauty of this moving mediation which transformed my life and led to a path of teaching in 2016. Modo 500hr teachers training, Modo Flow. Pilates Mat training, and more recently Vinyasa Training and many others courses with Jason Crandell. My intention is for students to be strong in their bodies and soft in their hearts, to experience how Yoga can transform their lives.
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YOGA TEACHER
Tracey is a highly skilled teacher who embodies the sacred teachings of yoga and mindfulness. She is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), registered nurse (BSc.N) and psychotherapist (MA) with a 20+ year clinical practice. She is also a mom, a wife, and a lover of life in all its complexity.
Tracey maintains a reputation of integrity in training yoga teachers both locally and internationally. Her most beloved program is the Yin Yoga Teacher Training (established in 2009). Her education/training includes: yoga (jivamukti, vinyasa, yin, restorative, prenatal, yoga therapy, iRest yoga nidra), mindfulness (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy), Thai massage, Swedish massage, molecular biology, nursing/critical care, and counseling psychology. Her wealth of education and experience fuels the ability to share vast concepts in a practical and accessible way.
Tracey’s signature Yang Yin class combines her lifelong knowledge of anatomy and movement with psychological tools for self-reflection and healing. She is thrilled to be a part of the Sukha Community.
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My yoga journey began in 2021, initially attracted by certain yoga poses. I found myself immersed when practicing alone. Through continuous practice, I discovered a connection with my inner self, which strengthened my confidence. This experience changed me and sparked my desire to become a yoga teacher.I hope to share with others that yoga is not only a beautiful posture or exercise. It’s about building up our concentration and creating a deep connection and awareness of ourselves. My teaching goal is to cultivate inner concentration and mindfulness through the practice of yoga postures with breathing, and achieve changes from the inside out.
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Barre, Inferno Hot Pilates, Reformer Pilates & Yoga Instructor
Following her battle with cancer in 2005, Angelique became very passionate about fitness and health and believes in living a positive and active lifestyle, brings internal happiness, contributing to overall wellness. As a Barre, Inferno Hot Pilates, Reformer Pilates and Yoga Instructor, she gets to encourage and share this mindset.
Facing multiple knee injuries from long-distance running, she turned to hot yoga and barre to lengthen and strengthen muscles to properly support the knee. This love for movement led her on the path to deepen her knowledge of Barre, Pilates & Yoga practices, then sharing her passion for movement.
“Each modality I teach encompasses all the elements of a practice I love, including strength and stability. Each class I share are empowering, challenging in their own way, yet suitable for all ages and fitness levels, improves posture, while increasing stamina alongside some great playlists to move to.”
When not teaching or practicing at the studios, you can find her engaged in other forms of movement, hula dancing and paddle boarding. She loves to travel! Her annual travel plans typically include a few weeks on the island of O’ahu, Hawaii.
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YOGA, PILATES & BARRE TEACHER
Amanda is a master teacher who has been teaching Yoga for over 11 years across the GTA, she has over 10000 teaching hours sharing her passion with others. She is recognized for her inspirational classes that focus on the physical and mystical aspects of yoga. She is a versatile teacher who completed her first teacher training certification in 2010.
Amanda has continued her education while obtaining many additional certifications in such styles as Yin, Restorative, Barre, Mat Pilates, Pilates Reformer, Arial and Acro Yoga. Amanda has facilitated teacher-training programs and been a guest teacher for the Toronto Yoga Conference as well as many other workshops where she showcases her love for
Yoga and movement. Her playful and creative teaching style, which includes light-hearted analogies and rhythmic transitions from posture to posture, will leave students feeling both inspired and lighter after class. Amanda’s students are quick to acknowledge how safe they feel when exploring intricate postures and navigating the possibilities of their body and mind in her classes. She creates an atmosphere where students are encouraged to celebrate their own body and mind within each moment.
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YOGA TEACHER
Anna first discovered yoga in 2015 as a member of the Energy Exchange program at Moksha North York. She has been an avid practitioner since and completed her 200-hr YTT in 2020. She joined the Sukha team in 2023. Anna is passionate about community building and creating opportunities for yoga practice where it is less accessible. She believes in the healing power of yoga and seeks to spread the joy, peace, stillness and calm of this practice.
Off the mat Anna works in public policy, promoting reproductive health and gender equity. She has a background in creative and performance art, specializing in theatre, movement arts, and film.
Join the sukha community
In our quest to make yoga available for everyone we have developed an Energy Exchange Program. Students can exchange their time and energy by helping us in the studio for 3 hours a week and in exchange, take unlimited classes.
