FAQ’s & Testimonials

What is included in the cost of the Teacher Training?

The cost of the training includes tuition and your Teacher Training Manual as well as the archival fee for Student Records. Tuition costs do not include textbooks, accommodation, or  GST. The approximate cost for the required reading and program textbooks is around $125.00 CDN. You will be asked to purchase the books from the required reading list a minimum of two weeks before the program commences as there will be advanced reading assignments. The required texts are widely available from local booksellers or can be ordered online.

How much yoga experience is needed to be accepted into the program?

I ask that all students have a minimum of one year’s regular study with a Certified or Registered yoga teacher. As this is a Yoga Teacher Training program you will get the most out of it if you are not learning the basics of practice at the same time that you are learning to teach.  It is important that all students have a working knowledge of the foundational yoga poses before commencing the program. As well if you are not used to practicing daily you will want to increase your time on the mat to at least 5-6 days a week. If this is a big jump for you then give yourself a few months to work up to it before you attempt teacher training.

What are the pre-requisites needed for the course?

• One year regular yoga study with a Certified or Registered teacher
• Payment of all fees in full

What is unique about Pacific Elements Yoga Teacher Training Program?

I am committed to running small, intimate training programs with a maximum ratio of 12 students to 1 teacher. Smaller groups means that each student gets personal time and attention with the teacher and allows for more time to actually practice the art of teaching. Oftentimes due to the large group setting of many wonderful teacher training programs there simply isn’t enough time to allow for each student to practice teaching in the training setting. I believe that getting as much time as possible practicing teaching with the support of the teacher and the training group is fundamental in creating a strong foundation for the teacher in training.

I also place a strong emphasis on yoga philosophy and lifestyle and so each course includes a component of study on Ayurvedic lifestyle and in depth study of three major philosophical texts- the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads. As well there will be an introduction to the Tantric philosophy of Kashmir Saivisim which is my primary philosophical lens and which inspires the way that I teach, and live.

What style of yoga is presented in this training?

My 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course focuses on the fundamentals of Hatha Yoga which are key to all styles of yoga, allowing you to bring what you learn to bear on the style you prefer to present. I (Natalie Rousseau ) have trained in Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Pre-Natal, Hot, and Anusara Yoga so all these different influences will be brought together into the training program. The certificate you receive will allow you to teach Hatha/Vinyasa yoga which is a very broad designation and will allow you to find your distinct and personal teaching style.

Will I be eligible to teach yoga when the course is done?

Absolutely. To receive your certificate of completion you must be in attendance for all the required contact hours of the course, complete all homework assignments and projects, receive a 75% or higher grade on the final exam, and teach a full spectrum yoga class to the Director of Training and your peers in the training group. Once you have received your certificate of completion from Pacific Elements Yoga you may also apply to the Yoga Alliance for RYT 200 status which will allow you to be eligible for hire in many yoga studios, gyms, and health clubs. It is recommended that you begin teaching as soon as you complete the course to small groups of friends and neighbors so that you are developing what you have learned in the intensive training.

I’d like to take a Teacher Training program in the next year or so, what  should I do to prepare?

Practice regularly with a skilled teacher you trust and respect, learn how to be a good student. Remember that there is always more to learn.  Start practicing on your own at home so you develop self discipline and strenthen your ability to learn from direct personal experience. Begin a meditation practice and stick to it. Get some books about yoga practice and philosophy and study them. Ask your teacher to recommend some relevant books or email Natalie and she will give you a list of her favorite titles. And probably most important of all start to get clear about why you want to teach yoga and what the key message you’d like to share with your students is. If you’ve done all this already then you are more than ready so don’t wait another minute- sign up now! The world is ready to hear your voice.

Testimonials

“Natalie’s teacher training was amazingly instructive on both a physical and spiritual level. She is extremely knowledgeable and conveys her endless knowledge to her students in a clear and passionate way. I was fascinated with her teaching techniques that are both challenging and fun, and transform the student to confident teacher in 3 months.”~ Corinne Payne

“The tools and skills I have taken away from Natalie’s teacher training are beyond words. I feel confident and more clear on my path of teaching. The program was a full spectrum of study, including self care, history, anatomy, practice and mediation. Natalie is a true inspiration to the yoga community and bringing your yoga into your daily life. Thank you for an amazing experience!”~ Jenny Stewart

This program is a rare gem. Like the blossoming of a lotus flower this intensive teacher training course opened up a world so rich, so meaningful, so inspiring my life is forever transformed. Natalie’s wisdom and teaching awoke an ever present but dormant depth within me which her love, support and patience nurtured into bloom. This course provided me with the skills, knowledge and confidence to begin teaching and inspired me to continue deepening my understanding and embodiment of the Yogic teachings and practices. This intimate setting, one and one attention, expertise and passion is not to be missed!!
~Nicole Walford, Sonali BodyWorks

“Pacific Element Yoga School’s yoga teacher training was extensive and thorough — both in helping yoga students prepare for the role of teacher but also in teaching students how to bring yoga fully into their lives. Natalie Rousseau-Horscroft interwove teachings from ayurveda (such as drinking a glass of hot water first thing in the morning) to other tidbits that helped all students adjust to a better routine not just during the course but also for our post-training life. Her teachings came from a place of grace as she shared stories of her own early days as a yoga teacher and student. Natalie emphasized the importance of alignment – not just in a person’s body but also in a person’s mind. The teacher training covered a large amount of information and despite the full days, we always felt like we wanted more. And more we received – from learning how to teach fellow students how to get in and out of different poses to the fine art of sequencing a class and the etiquette of being a teacher and a student. The many years that has brought her to this place but also her great desire to keep learning makes her an incredible mentor and teacher.”~ Carey Rudisill

“I found Natalie’s Yoga Teacher Training to be a very enriching and enlivening experience. As a student of Yoga I already had the boat, and now after Natalie’s program I feel like I have been given sails – a new adventure is beginning! Thanks so much Natalie.” ~Josh Akeroyd

My husband and I did Pacific Elements 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2010 and loved it! Tofino is an amazing setting to immerse yourself in the studies of yoga; plus, Natalie is a fantastic teacher to take you on the journey. The schedule is challenging, but Natalie creates a comfortable and fun learning environment. It was a fantastic experience to share, and it gave us a great foundation for our personal studies. We met lots of wonderful people and look forward to doing the 500 hour training in the future!
~Amber & Ryan Smith

“I knew I was about to learn how to move the body with words. What I didn’t know is I would find parts of myself I had forgotten about or didn’t know I had . Not only do I feel comfortable and confident that I can teach a powerful yoga class but I found a more solid seat in my self and found a community of people who I could relate to. I have never felt so alive, supported and encouraged to be my best self. I feel ready to light the way for others. My deepest gratitude to Nat who is my teacher and a loving friend, I will hold this experience dear to my heart forever.”~Chelsea Clark

Pacific Elements Yoga School is the perfect place to begin the endless study of yoga. With experienced guidance, a well rounded curriculum and endless support you are almost certain to leave with your head spinning and your heart dancing around mythical characters, challenging asanas and ancient wisdoms. Open your heart and mind to yoga through study and 30 days of devotion and you will experience yoga in a new light that will shine through into your daily life. I am forever grateful to Natalie for sharing her knowledge, strength and passion with the yogis and yoginis of the world.
~Julie McLean

The Pacific Elements teacher training program was comprehensive, inspiring, and an all around amazing month. I feel absolutely blessed to have had Natalie as my teacher. She brings her own love and knowledge of yoga into every lesson, and holds the space for her students to step out of their comfort zone in a supportive and encouraging environment. I would highly recommend Pacific Elements to anyone looking to complete their 200 hr certification.
~ Amy Bockner