The Hummingbird Academy has been a life long dream that was given a chance to grow. The dream unfolded in 2003, as a modest dance studio in Peterborough, Ontario.
With a strong background in dance from The Ontario School of Ballet , studying the Royal Academy of Dance Repertoire, I launched out to give children an opportunity to express themselves and learn in a safe, enriching environment. A Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education helped in providing a well rounded teaching style that enabled me to connect with the children in a very positive way.
My experience teaching children of all ages, takes me way back to my roots in Toronto, Ontario where I was born and raised. I began teaching Ballet & Jazz in 1985. In addition to my love for Dance, I was a dedicated music student, studying piano, flute and cello at The Royal Conservatory of Music and began teaching music in 1982. In 1993, I took a pause in the arts as I launched into the responsibilities of marriage and family.
The opportunity to open the doors to teach dance again soon began to snowball into something wonderful. This led me to create a very specialized class for the curious dance moms who wanted the opportunity to strengthen and stretch their bodies. So along came a program I simply called "Stretch."
Wanting to provide the best possible experience for all of my students, I received my Yoga Teacher's Certificate. A few years earlier, my fascination with the human body and it's ability to heal naturally began to intrigue me and I explored that passion as a Certified Foot Reflexologist and in recent years, as a Craniosacral Therapist. I have been inspired to continue my journey through my training as a Manual Osteopath.
During my journey, I had the honour of exploring the world of dance and I was rewarded with the gift of working as a Choreographer and Performer for The King Street Players & Shaer Productions, in two productions..."A Christmas Carol" & "I've Heard That Song Before".
My passion to continue to expand my teaching, knowledge & skills has grown and I am grateful for the many teachers and mentors I have been blessed with along my journey. Each milestone gives me the ability to give the best that I can give to each and every class and to each and every student and client that walks through my studio doors.
My continuous ability to learn and grow would not be possible without the encouragement and support of my family...and I am forever grateful!
The ability for the body to respond by simply becoming aware and alive is such a powerful tool. I receive such a joy in helping my students & clients achieve their goals. It is gratifying to help someone find... Peace & Balance!
Namaste, Rachele
~Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education (1995), Ryerson University
~Certified Foot Reflexologist (2006), The Ontario College of Reflexology
~Yoga Teacher's Certificate ,500 hours (2008), Still Point Yoga Centre
~Personal Training Certification (2012), Basic Theory, Level I & Level II Individual Conditioning, YMCA
~Healthy Breast Educator (2012), The Healthy Breast Program
~Bonefit & Basic Trained Exercise Professional (2012), Osteoporosis Canada
~Certified Belly Fit Instructor (2013),Belly Fit International
~Certified Craniosacral Therapist (2016), Fundamentals of Craniosacral Therapy, Level 1 & Craniosacral Therapy & Visceral Manipulation, Advanced Certification, Stillpoint Therapies
~Yoga fo Pelvic Health (2018), The Connected Yoga Teacher Training
~Certified Canine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapist (2021), Angel's Animals Holistic Animal Studies
~Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, DOMP, National Academy of Osteopathy (March 2021-August 2021), Canadian College of Osteopathy (September 2018-July 2020), Southern Ontario College of Osteopathy (2016 and 2017)