Kathy Parsons
Kathy is a Toronto-based yoga teacher and retreat host who specializes in helping people connect to themselves through movement and breath.
Having led over 35 international wellness retreats over the years, Kathy is a self-proclaimed ‘retreat addict’ (and a type-A in recovery). Kathy left the corporate world in 2014 to provide the ultimate energizing and balanced yoga and retreat experiences for others.
Her vinyasa flow classes incorporate creative movements that strengthen and lengthen the body while staying connected to the breath. She also teaches breath work, mindfulness meditation, stretching and restorative yoga. Classes are tailored to the students and include gentle hands-on adjustments and assists, inspirational music and a scented savasana massage (bliss!).
“My philosophy is to provide the space for each student to connect with their mind, body and soul so they finish class feeling simultaneously lighter and more grounded. I encourage students to push themselves to their personal limits, while not taking themselves too seriously. Smiling and laughter is welcome!”
Kathy received her teaching certification with Vikasa Yoga in Thailand and has over 500 hours of additional training and continuing education in yoga related skills and practices. She is a Certified Stretch and Breath Coach (YogaBody International), a graduate of the MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) program from the Palouse Institute and completed the University of Toronto’s Applied Mindfulness Certificate in 2019.
When Kathy is not leading classes, she is hosting retreats around the world. This Flow & Explore trip will be her 3rd time working with us in Iceland and 35th time leading an amazing destination retreat. If you’d like to learn more about Kathy’s classes, please visit: www.thesantoshalife.ca
The Iceland retreat was an awesome and unforgettable experience. The careful planning, energy, and thoughtfulness that Kathy brought to all of the yoga classes made them inclusive and empowering for all levels. The excursions went way above and beyond your usual group travel experience, and included personalized touches from a wonderful local guide, with deep connection to the spiritual and magical aspects of the land, plus a lot of hidden gems an average tourist would never discover, all in a gorgeous setting. It was a perfect balance of movement, mindfulness, and adventure with a great group. I highly recommend this trip!
– Allison, Toronto, August 2021
I’ve practiced various styles of yoga for about 13 years, but Kathy is the first teacher who ever made yoga personal for me. For the first time, I experienced the connection of mind, body, breath, and spirit, and it changed the way I view yoga forever. Kathy is so much fun, funny, and friendly in class, and at the same time, teaches in a very loving way
– Elizabeth, NYC
“Kathy has a very balanced and well rounded approach to yoga which can benefit anyone regardless of experience or fitness level. Her humour and relaxed approach creates a very comfortable atmosphere while her experience and knowledge of yoga helps each of her students grow and improve.
-Peter, Germany