Teachers

Vidya Institute is run by Gitta Bechsgaard, Gillian McCann and

Krishan Mantri. All of our general class teachers have been

practicing and studying yoga for at least six years and have completed their foundational training at Vidya Institute.

Additionally, many of them have an academic background in

other relevant areas.

Faculty

Gitta Bechsgaard, M.T.C, R.Y.T.

Gitta is the founder of Vidya Institute, has been practicing Yoga

for twenty years and teaching for the past fifteen. She received

her foundational training in Europe at the Yoga Institute of

Copenhagen (1990-1997), and in 1999 completed a two year

program at the Esther Myers Yoga Studio, Toronto. For the last

eight years she has been studying privately with Krishan Mantri

in the areas of Yoga philosophy, Eastern psychology, Sanskrit,

and related Vedic disciplines.

Gitta holds a degree (B.A.) in psychology from Copenhagen University and a Masters of Therapeutic Counseling from the Open International University Montreal where she also recently completed her Ph.D. She is presently engaged in the formation phase of study at the Center for Training in Psychotherapy Toronto. The focus of her work has been the transformation of consciousness and the healing of mind, body and spirit as seen through a variety of healing paradigms.

Gillian McCann Ph.D.

Gillian holds a doctorate in Religious Studies in the area

of South Asian religious traditions. She has taught in a

variety of academic settings on world religions, women in

religion, health and spirituality and religion and the

environment. Gillian is interested in the dialogue between

East and West and is also a long time student of yoga.

General Class Teachers

Robin Hurlow, E- R.Y.T.

Robin has been studying at Vidya Institute for the past eight years

and teaching Yoga since 2006. She has a strong interest in psychology East and West and is currently completing her Honours Bachelor of Science in psychology at the University of Toronto. Her areas of focus as a teacher of both groups and individuals includes Yoga for seniors and Women’s practice. Together, with Claire Wicks, Robin is studio manager at Vidya.

Claire Wicks, B.Sc. Psychology (Hons.), R.Y.T.

Claire received her foundational training at Vidya Institute

(2007-2009). She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in

Psychology (2008) and has a particular interest in the benefit of

yoga for mental health and chronic conditions. She teaches both alignment based yoga as well as Ayurvedic Yoga practices for students of diverse age groups and health-concerns. Together,

with Robin Hurlow, Claire is studio manager at Vidya.

Linda Swanson, MES, CYT.

Linda completed her 2-year Yoga Teacher training at Vidya (2007) and continues with ongoing study in the Enrichment program. Her Master’s of Environmental Studies (2010) allows her to integrate approaches to health and well-being with a holistic understanding of our environment. Her areas of focus are the benefits of Yoga for new and expectant mothers.

Valerie Grieco

Valerie completed her teacher training at Vidya in 2011 and, along with Rikke Krabbenhoft, teaches the children’s classes at Vidya.

She has had extensive experience working with children including volunteer work with Girl Guides Canada and a one year co-op at the Hospital for Sick Children. She is also currently completing a her Honours Bachelor of Science in psychology at the University of Toronto.

Rikke Krabbenholt, M.F.A.

Rikke has been practicing yoga for more than 7 years both in

Denmark and in Toronto. Along with Valerie Grieco, Rikke is responsible for the Kids Yoga program at Vidya Institute. Her

previous experience with children includes working for the Danish Red Cross, taking care of and creating programs for children of refugees. As a music teacher she has taught music to both adults

and children in many different settings and holds a degree in musicology from University of Copenhagen.

Teachers

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