Jenna Galloway

Founder + Owner

Jenna was born in Perth, Western Australia where she grew up + then moved to Canada when she was 12 years old. When the concept of what Wymbin would become was created, she wanted to ensure that she was able to honor her heritage- and so the name "Wymbin", which is an Australian Aboriginal word, was an important acknowledgement to the place where her journey started.

Click here to learn more about what

"Wymbin" means! 

An E-RYT 200, RCYT and Specialized Yin Yoga Teacher, Jenna has poured her heart into creating Wymbin + cultivating a philosophy that extends beyond the walls of our Inglewood studio in Calgary.

Founder of Wymbin and BEAM Foundation, Jenna's main focus is to provide opportunities for youth to thrive by building their capacity through meaningful connection.

Jenna has had the opportunity to travel with Wanderlust Yoga Festival to lead their family yoga programming across North America, create + teach yoga programming at the Alberta Children's Hospital and has big dreams to share the Wymbin

philosophy across the world. 

Brenna Valde

Lead Preschool & Kindergarten Educator

​Hello! My name is Brenna. I am a Mount Royal University Bachelor of Education graduate with my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Certification. I am a gentle, grounded, nature-loving yogi and I am passionate about mental + physical health. Through my various K-6 practicum placements in my Program, along with my nannying background, I feel that I have developed a strong connection with children and students of all ages! My exposure to these different learning experiences + various environments has allowed me to shape my own teaching philosophy which reflects my personality, passions + beliefs. 

The way I see students as learners are as valuable, creative individuals with a powerful voice. I feel that young children are so in tune with their inner selves, creativity + imaginations that they have a lot to bring to conversations, explorations + learning experiences. When I teach, I hope to honour this by facilitating authentic, meaningful moments that students will be able to guide the direction of. To me, taking the time to build relationships with students + establish personal care + emotional foundations also results in stronger student voice + student response.

I believe that practicing mindfulness, kindness + movement inside the walls of the classroom + outside with Mother Nature encourages the student-teacher connection, as well as allows students to become even more in touch with their inner-selves. I wish to continue the open and child-friendly discussion around ‘taking care of our minds the same way we need to take care of our bodies,’ consciously exposing students to have the strategies, skills + confidence to be able to take care of their own well-being from a young age!

Nuri Sung

Lead Preschool & Kindergarten Educator

Hello, my name is Nuri!

I have a BA in Psychology and a BFA in Visual Studies specializing in Developmental Art Education from the University of Calgary. I have worked with children and youth in community and classroom settings through various organizations, as well as respite and community support for individual families. I am passionate and a strong advocate for mental health, connecting with the land and with community.

I believe that children are powerful agents who can advocate for themselves when given the opportunity within a safe space. As such, I hope to honour this belief by building strong connections with a focus on reciprocity, as they have just as much to offer. While learning through play, exploration, the arts, movement and modelling, I hope to provide a safe and loving environment where they can make mistakes and get messy while also providing healthy boundaries.

Aja Bezzeg

Assistant Preschool Educator

Hello, my name is Aja. I am currently finishing my Diploma at Bow Valley for Early Learning Childcare. I have decided to finish my practicum here at Wymbin as an Assistant Preschool Teacher + I am loving the opportunity to connect with + support all the kiddos!

My hobbies include hanging out with my dog, cooking + painting! I love swimming + teach swim lessons + competitive swimming.

I am really looking forward to learning more about Early Learning Childcare, Reggio Emilia style approaches + overall creating an impact on children. Preschool is where children should explore + create freely while expanding their knowledge. Wymbin is a magical place where creativity is encouraged, through nature, art, body + soul.

Aja Bezzeg

Heidi Vanbeselaere

Hi! My name is Heidi!

I am an expansive creator. Pulling from a background in positive psychology, emotional intelligence, outdoor education, youth yoga teacher training (with Wymbin) and mental health I bring a unique perspective and a whole lotta life experience to the mat.

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I get what it's like to struggle as a young person. So when you land on your mat with me you'll find support to ease the struggle. We talk about the tough stuff, about emotions and challenges. We move our bodies, dance, shake, get silly, laugh, work hard (sometimes) and REST. We slow down, reflect and take a pause to notice where we are at, to celebrate how far we've come and get stoked about where we are going. I aim to create safe spaces for youth to connect and build capacity that empowers them in riding the waves that growing up in this day and age brings. 

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Mind & Move Team, Educator

Olivia Raposo

Hello, I am Olivia! I completed my Bachelor of Interior Design from Mount Royal University. I am currently taking my Master of Architecture through Dalhousie University, remotely. My love of kids comes from the many swim + volleyball lessons I taught and coached over the years while studying at MRU. This fueled my passion for education and desire to teach others.  

Even though my studies are all about design, I am constantly searching to expand my knowledge. I love to see the expressions on kids faces when they explore new ideas and when they realize that they can do anything if they try. 

I spread my arms in many directions at Wymbin. I am mainly behind the scenes as a Creative Designer for Social Media Content. I will often film fun educational material and activities for Wymbin online. You will also find me in the classroom or in summer camps exploring along with the kids the many aspects of our natural world. I am an advocate for the whole child always looking for ways to create mindful experiences and believing that “the world needs every child to be who they were meant to be.” (J. Gaines)

Creative Designer & Assistant Educator

Creighton Thicke-Ramsay

I have a BA in Political Science from Huron University, BA in Music from Western University, and currently working towards a Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management. I have worked with youth since the age of 15 by being a volunteer-instructor of hockey and swimming. I have practiced yoga for over 10 years and it has enabled me to compete at the International level in swimming. I have been a guest speaker for numerous mental health events, as well. I believe that the connection between mind, body, and soul is very important and is a strong factor in one’s personal success. It is my goal to help create an engaging and positive space for children to unleash their potential.

Marketing

Gwynn Amethyst

Hi! My name is Gwynn!

Teaching children is work that is very close to my heart. I am passionate about equipping each child with the tools to help them reach their highest potential. I want each child to feel they are accepted and loved being authentically themselves.

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Mind & Move Team, Educator

Cassidy Couture

Hi there! My name is Cassidy and I am finishing up my Physical Literacy degree at Mount Royal University. I love reading, pizza, astrology, yoga, and being outside (especially when the sun is out). I was born and raised in Calgary and am so happy to have found the Wymbin community! I am honoured to be a part of a community that values not only yoga, but also nature, mindfulness, and play... all things that are so important to a child's life!

Educator & Practicum Student

Sarah Graham

Assistant Preschool & Kindergarten Educator

Hello! My name is Sarah! I am originally from Calgary but in 2014 I moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia where I studied at Dalhousie University. At Dal I completed a Double Major in Environment, Sustainability, and Society and International Development Studies (a mouthful, I know!). While I enjoyed my time living by the ocean I really missed the mountains, so when I’m away from work you can find me skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. If I’m not there then I’m likely on the spin bike, in the kitchen experimenting, or with my nose buried in a good book. 

As a former ski coach and child-care worker, I am beyond excited to explore early childhood education and complete my Early Childhood Educator Certificate. Here at Wymbin I will be learning from the best and assisting our fantastic Lead Instructor. 

I am a believer in the importance of core values and practicing them daily. I think our values are what help build a sense of community and a safe place to learn, grow, and express ourselves. A few of mine include kindness, empathy, honesty, and positivity. I am really looking forward to getting started at Wymbin and to helping create an environment that supports your kidlets harness and explore their creativity and self-expression. 

Hello! My name is Sarah! I am originally from Calgary but in 2014 I moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia where I studied at Dalhousie University. At Dal I completed a Double Major in Environment, Sustainability, and Society and International Development Studies (a mouthful, I know!). While I enjoyed my time living by the ocean I really missed the mountains, so when I’m away from work you can find me skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. If I’m not there then I’m likely on the spin bike, in the kitchen experimenting, or with my nose buried in a good book. 

As a former ski coach and child-care worker, I am beyond excited to explore early childhood education and complete my Early Childhood Educator Certificate. Here at Wymbin I will be learning from the best and assisting our fantastic Lead Instructor. 

I am a believer in the importance of core values and practicing them daily. I think our values are what help build a sense of community and a safe place to learn, grow, and express ourselves. A few of mine include kindness, empathy, honesty, and positivity. I am really looking forward to getting started at Wymbin and to helping create an environment that supports your kidlets harness and explore their creativity and self-expression. 

Marle Mae Boltiador

Assistant

Hi everyone! Marle Mae here. 

I am from the Philippines, 21 years young, and currently working as an assistant to Jenna.

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I am fond of doing calligraphy and watercolor painting in my free time. Also, I am part of the Celestial Choir at our church where we do weekend services. I love music and it's my hobby to dance every now and then.

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It's always been my dream to become part of a community where women are empowered and take up space - just like in Wymbin!

I'm blessed to be a part of the family and be of service anytime. 

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Vanessa Paglione

Educator

Vanessa Paglione holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology, with a minor in Dance from the University of Calgary. She is currently working towards a Master's degree furthering her education in this field. She has a passion for getting kids moving and active. Vanessa has provided physical activity programming for children for over 10 years. She has completed her UPAKARMA Wymbin Youth Yoga teaching certification, and is also a dance instructor! Vanessa’s goal is to help kids fall in love with movement and to bring joy, energy and inspiration to each of the students that she teaches!

Bonnie Bridges

Preschool & Kindergarten

Educator

Hi, I'm Bonnie!  I'm a teacher of students of all ages, from pre-K to adult.  I teach yoga, movement and mindfulness as an experienced yoga and teacher (E-RYT 200) for various organizations in the Calgary area and am an Alberta government certificated multi-disciplinary teacher (M.Ed., 2015) and Child Development Supervisor.

My favourite style of yoga class to teach is a freestyle flow that feels juicy.  Classes that involve flowing movement and a good, deep stretch are my jam.

I have an approachable and natural teaching manner and deliver safe, high quality classes.  I use intelligent sequencing that produces an enjoyably dynamic flavour of flow.  I endeavour to educate and inform those who attend my classes, but most importantly, I want them to walk away feeling good so that they can go on and enjoy their lives in a more mindful way.

In 2021, I completed an advanced yoga teacher training (RYT 500).  I was first certified to teach vinyasa in 2016; yin, yoga nidra, philosophy and meditation, and youth yoga teacher trainings followed.  Prior to yoga and school teaching, I was certified to lead group fitness, teaching cardio kickbox and step aerobics from 2007. 

Naina Rishiraj

Preschool Volunteer + Marketing

Hello! I’m Miss Naina (pron: Nay-na). I assist Miss Nuri’s Saplings every Thursday as well as contributing to Wymbin’s marketing and communication strategies. I’ll be starting my post graduate BEd in September at the University of Calgary in 2021, while completing my Early Childhood Education Level 1 with Wymbin as I evolve into the educator I aspire to be. 

Originally from London, UK, I previously worked as a news anchor/reporter for commercial/BBC radio and Global News. After my 15-month backpacking adventure in SE Asia and Australia, I moved to Canada and have been working in global communications with lululemon.

I am a qualified Youth Mentor (Mentor Canada), currently working with PREM (Punjabi Resiliency and Empowerment in Mental health) via Big Brother and Big Sisters. 

As an educator, I hope to create a space for every child to embrace their differences and be proud of what makes them, them! I want my future class to be welcoming, inclusive, and uplifting, where daunting obstacles can be overcome together as a team, where no question is a silly question, and students live through curiosity. I look forward to educating, nurturing and inspiring mini humans for many years to come.

Naina Rishiraj

Preschool Volunteer + Marketing

Hello! I’m Miss Naina (pron: Nay-na). I assist Miss Nuri’s Saplings every Thursday as well as contributing to Wymbin’s marketing and communication strategies. I’ll be starting my post graduate BEd in September at the University of Calgary in 2021, while completing my Early Childhood Education Level 1 with Wymbin as I evolve into the educator I aspire to be. 

Originally from London, UK, I previously worked as a news anchor/reporter for commercial/BBC radio and Global News. After my 15-month backpacking adventure in SE Asia and Australia, I moved to Canada and have been working in global communications with lululemon.

I am a qualified Youth Mentor (Mentor Canada), currently working with PREM (Punjabi Resiliency and Empowerment in Mental health) via Big Brother and Big Sisters. 

As an educator, I hope to create a space for every child to embrace their differences and be proud of what makes them, them! I want my future class to be welcoming, inclusive, and uplifting, where daunting obstacles can be overcome together as a team, where no question is a silly question, and students live through curiosity. I look forward to educating, nurturing and inspiring mini humans for many years to come.

Lindsay Lavigne

Camp Leader

Hello! My name is Lindsay Lavigne, and I have been part of the Wymbin team since 2019 as a youth yoga instructor. You will find me teaching at the studio during the summer months primarily, as I also work as a full-time elementary school teacher the rest of the year. I began my yoga teaching journey in 2018 when I completed Wymbin's UPAKARMA Teacher Training, followed by completing their VRDDHI Teacher Training in 2019.

What drives my passion for teaching yoga and mindfulness to children is guiding and supporting them in developing the skills to be positive leaders who embody joy in their everyday life and love, both for themselves and their community. As a result, my overarching goal for my teaching practice is to equip children with tools and strategies that they can use to build the foundation for living a healthy life by focusing on the whole self - mind and body.

During my free time, I enjoy being active by getting out hiking in the mountains, participating in yoga and barre classes, walking and playing with my sweet little dog, Teddy, reading a good book, painting, and spending quality time with friends and family.