Meet Catharine
Yoga, Meditation & Breathwork Teacher | Physiotherapist | Holistic Coach & Mentor
I’m passionate about guiding people toward a deeper connection with themselves. Using an embodied psycho-spiritual approach, I help nurture mental, emotional, and spiritual health—supporting a sense of wellness and well-being.
My Journey
My Journey
My journey with yoga began in my 20s while studying psychology at university. Initially, it was just another form of exercise. Over time, I discovered its holistic benefits for mind, body, and spirit.
As a young mom and physiotherapist working in a demanding environment, I experienced burnout. Yoga, meditation, and self-compassion practices helped me reconnect with myself. These experiences led me to enroll in Yoga Teacher Training and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training, which became life-changing decisions.
Finding My Purpose
Finding My Purpose
Through my practice, I discovered my dharma, or life purpose:
To guide others toward becoming the best version of themselves.
Teaching yoga for over 10 years and running women’s wellness retreats for the past 8 years has been deeply fulfilling. Combining my physiotherapy background (21+ years) and a degree in psychology, I offer a science-backed and holistic approach to wellness.
My Approach
My Approach
I integrate:
Breathwork & meditation
Nervous-system regulation
Self-compassion & reflection
Eastern contemplative practices with scientific knowledge
This approach helps manage stress, support healing, and foster holistic well-being.
My Work & Experience
My Work & Experience
Physiotherapist: 21+ years, specializing in neurology and rehabilitation
Yoga & Wellness: 10+ years of teaching; 8 years running retreats in Kawartha Lakes
Mentorship & Coaching: Guiding women in wellness programs and personal growth
These experiences create spaces for healing, connection, and transformation.
“And the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Anais Nin
Education, Trainings
& Certifications
Catharine would like to acknowledge and thank the many teachers who have guided her along her path and the numerous colleagues patients and students she has had the pleasure of working with and learning from.
Honours Bachelor of Science - Psychology - University of Guelph
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy - University of Western Ontario
Registered Physiotherapist since 2003
Align & Shine Yoga teacher training with Mindy Willis, 2014 Thunder Bay - 200 hours
Embodied Awareness - Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher training with Bo Forbes, 2014-2016, Boston - 300 hours
Yoga for First Responders
Introduction to Sound Healing 2022, Thunder Bay Gary Savitzsky
Compassionate Inquiry training with Gabor Mate- 2019-2020
Reiki Level 2 - Japan 1994-1996
Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program and Diverstiy, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Training with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield- 2021-2023
Grief Movement Training with Paul Denniston
Wellness in Bloom is based in Thunder Bay, Ontario on the shores of Lake Superior, Gitchigami, within the boreal forest and respectfully acknowledges that the lands known as ‘Anemeki Wequedong’, on which we live, practice, heal, connect and explore are the traditional lands of the Anishinabek Nation and the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.
In the spirit of reconciliation, it is our intention to share practices that foster awareness of the lens through which we see the people around us, providing insight into our biases and how we chose to act and to cultivate kindness and compassion for all our relations, and the land which nourishes and sustains us and we have the great privilege of residing within.