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.
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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.
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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."
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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".
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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.
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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
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~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)