Since 2003, Cecily has been a student of the Ashtanga vinyasa yoga tradition, refining a dedicated practice with guidance from senior teachers. Her introduction to yoga came from weekly classes at the Halifax YMCA. Immediately drawn to the physical practice, she later uncovered the deeper benefits - both spiritually and emotionally. After a year of practicing in Halifax, Cecily spent a summer in Sydney, Australia. Here, she discovered Yoga Moves, the Australian branch of AYRI (Ashtanga Yoga Reseach Institute), and attended her first Mysore-style class. After learning the primary series in this traditional manner, Cecily knew that yoga would always be part of her life. She returned to Ashtanga Yoga Halifax and cultivated a daily practice while completing her Master of Arts in Social Anthropology.

In 2007, Cecily came home to Toronto and Downward Dog Yoga Centre, where she received her instructors certification and continued to deepen her asana practice. Currently she teaches at several GTA studios while operating Lake of Bays Yoga in Muskoka during the summer months.

In both her group classes and private lessons, Cecily approaches yoga from a holistic perspective, acknowledging that the pursuit of strength, balance and flexibility--both in yoga and in everyday life--is unique to each individual. Her yoga experience is complemented with a background in ballet and an academic career focused on health and well-being. As both student and instructor, Cecily is most at home on her yoga mat, where mindfulness, creativity and compassion thrive. www.theyogaelement.com