Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Byard & Beyond different from a traditional yoga class?
Every person is different, so every practice should be too.
Unlike a traditional group yoga class that follows a general sequence, my sessions begin with understanding you- your goals, abilities, health history, lifestyle, and what matters most to you. From there, I create a personalized, evidence-informed, yoga-based practice that may include movement, breathwork, relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and education.
The intention is to provide practical, sustainable tools that support your daily life, helping you move with greater confidence, resilience, and ease.
Who do you work with?
I work with adults of all ages who are looking for a personalized approach to health and well-being.
Many of my clients are older adults or individuals navigating chronic health conditions, mobility challenges, recovery from illness or injury, or the natural changes that come with aging. I also work with people who simply want a more individualized yoga practice that supports their overall health, mobility, and quality of life.
Services are also available for caregivers, community organizations, healthcare settings, and wellness programs seeking accessible yoga-based offerings for the people they support.
What is the difference between yoga and yoga therapy?
Traditional yoga classes are generally designed for groups and follow a shared sequence or theme.
Yoga therapy applies the principles and practices of yoga in a highly individualized way, adapting movement, breathing practices, relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness to support a person's unique needs, goals, abilities, and health circumstances.
My work is informed by this individualized approach. While I am not yet a Certified Yoga Therapist, my advanced training continues to deepen my ability to thoughtfully adapt evidence-informed, yoga-based practices within my scope as a Registered Yoga Teacher.
How can you offer personalized yoga-based support while completing yoga therapy training?
My yoga therapy education includes advanced training in individualized and group programming, therapeutic adaptation, clinical reasoning, and working with diverse populations.
Throughout my training, I am supported by experienced Certified Yoga Therapists who provide mentorship, supervision, and ongoing review of my clinical learning and program development. This ensures my work continues to develop within established professional standards while remaining fully within my scope of practice as a Registered Yoga Teacher.
I believe transparency is essential. My clients deserve to understand both my qualifications and my commitment to ongoing professional development.
Why is your approach different?
My approach is built around the understanding that every person is unique.
Rather than focusing solely on physical movement, I consider the many factors that influence well-being, including how we breathe, move, rest, respond to stress, and experience our daily lives.
Drawing on evidence-informed yoga practices, sessions may include adapted movement, breathwork, relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and education, helping you develop greater awareness and practical skills that support resilience, confidence, and long-term self-management.
Do I need to be flexible or have previous yoga experience?
Not at all. Your practice begins where you are- not where you think you should be.
Whether you are completely new to yoga, returning after time away, recovering from an injury, or living with physical limitations, practices are adapted to your current abilities and comfort level.
Do I need a referral from my healthcare provider?
No. You are welcome to contact me directly to discuss your goals and determine whether my services are the right fit for you.
Healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community organizations are also welcome to connect to discuss referrals, collaborative care, or program opportunities.
Will you work with my healthcare team?
Yes, when appropriate and with your permission.
I value collaborative care and welcome communication with physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, chiropractors, massage therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
Yoga-based support is designed to complement-not replace-the care provided by your healthcare team.
How do you ensure sessions are safe?
Safety is at the heart of every session.
Practices are individualized and adapted according to your abilities, health history, goals, and comfort level. I remain committed to ongoing professional education and apply current knowledge to create accessible and appropriate practices for each individual.
When appropriate, I also encourage collaboration with your healthcare professionals to help ensure your yoga practice supports your overall plan of care.
What happens during my first session?
Our first session is an opportunity to get to know one another.
We'll talk about your goals, health history, movement experience, lifestyle, and any concerns you may have. Together, we'll explore appropriate yoga-based practices and begin creating a personalized plan that feels supportive, achievable, and sustainable.
There is no expectation to perform or keep up with anyone else- this is your practice, designed around you.