Jonathan Perlman, Founder
I began travelling to India five years ago. During my first trip I studied at the Sivananda ashram in Kerala. Upon my return I began practicing Ashtanga Yoga. I have never been particularly flexible but with time I am beginning to reach deeper muscles and develop a stronger practice. My first few years I went to 2 or 3 classes a week. I would attend a yoga class as a way to calm my mind and body after a long, busy day at work. Since I began practicing daily I realize how Ashtanga yoga can be a life-long practice. The work is never-ending but satisfying and strong.

I am an avid hockey player but Ashtanga yoga is the primary way I stay in shape. The yoga never gets easier but I am slowly getting deeper into poses. In the fall of 2008 I did my teacher training with Ron Reid and Diane Bruni at Downward Dog in Toronto. I opened Fireflow to provide midtown Toronto with a warm, intimate environment to study Ashtanga yoga with the best yoga teachers in the city. We strive to provide a space to give classes which stretch you to your best self and tone your body and mind.

Suz
Suz has been practicing yoga for nine years, as well as studying yoga philosophy, sanskrit and yogic chanting since 2004. She completed Downward Dog ashtanga teacher training in 2006 and continues to study with and be inspired by her teachers Ron Reid, Diane Bruni, Martin Posen, Riki Richter. Suz is also grateful to teachers at Octopus Garden and Jivamukti who encourage her to grow through exploration of the many dimensions of yoga.

Suz is currently studying at Sutherland-Chan to become a registered massage therapist.

Kathleen Henry
Kathleen began to practice yoga after graduating from law school. With her law degree in hand she began studying yoga with Michael Siddall (Ashtanga, Hatha and Anusara Inspired), and later with Ron Reid and Diane Bruni, (Ashtanga). In addition, she has studied with teachers such as Chuck Miller & Maty Ezraty, Matthew Sweeney, Rodney Yee, Ann Greene & Todd Norian, and Shiva Rea. Kathleen also has experience with yoga as a recovery tool for eating disorders and for alcohol/drug addictions and graduated from Jon Kabat-Zinn�s mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) program.

Livia
Livia has been practicing Ashtanga yoga for over 6 years. Her training in dance led her to yoga. She studied for three years at Ashtanga Yoga Montreal. She then returned to Toronto where she continued to study with the inspiring teachers at Downward Dog Yoga Center and Octopus Garden Yoga Center.

Livia received her yoga teacher training certification from Downward Dog Yoga Center. She is also a certified Yoga Ed instructor for teaching yoga to children. She has studied dance for over 20 years, and is a graduate of National Theater School Canada.

Po
Po embraced yoga 5 years ago when she was looking within and searching for a change. She received her Ashtanga teacher training certification from the Downward Dog Yoga Centre and continues to study and take workshops with incredible teachers Ron Reid and Diane Bruni. Through her own self-exploration and devoted practice, her classes are not only fun and invigorating but also cultivate a greater awareness of the body from the connection of physical movements to breath work. She is humbled by the opportunity to give back to the community and to be a guide on a journey whereby participants are able to let go to find a moment of balance and calmness in their hectic day.

"It is our choices that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities." - J.K. Rowling

Elke Schroeder
Elke came to yoga through dance. An accomplished dancer and performer in many disciplines, her 20 year relationship with dance and its consequent body fatigue led her to seek healing. She found the practice of yoga. After experiencing profound positive change in all aspects of her life, Elke felt the desire to share her discovery with others.

Elke continues to explore different teachers and various styles of yoga. She leads a practice that is fluid and strong: a Vinyasa-style class based on Ashtanga sequencing, infused with creative variations. Bringing knowledge from her broad dance and movement training, she is interested in fitting the practice to the individual and making the practice accessible to all who seek to learn.