Melissa Anne Belkin is a certified 200-hour Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Teacher registered with the Yoga Alliance, a Royal Conservatory of Music trained piano teacher and holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Guelph University.  In addition to her 200-hour RYT, Melissa has completed Inclusivity Training for Yoga and is Level 1 Yoga Shred™-Trained.  Melissa committed to daily practice in 2014 when pregnant with her son and was focused on the physical benefits yoga would help her achieve in preparing for labour and delivery.  After reaping the physical benefits of a consistent practice, Melissa has discovered that including a practice of mindfulness produces the strength, patience and love required to keep her cup full and care for her tribe.  Melissa's favourite pose is Gomukhasana/Cow Face Pose due to the tremendous release of tension and stress from the hips and shoulders~this pose provides her instant calm and a sense of grounding.  When attending one of Melissa's classes you can expect serenity, playfulness and gentle stretches that provide deep and lasting impact.  Her main goal in teaching is to ensure inclusivity and to maintain control of the breath.  When Melissa is not teaching, she enjoys getting outside and exploring the South Shore with her husband, toddler boy, baby girl, and two jack russell terriers (they moved from Montreal, Quebec in autumn 2016 to Liverpool, Nova Scotia), rock climbing, running, reading or working on home renovations.