Instructor Biographies

We are pleased to publish profiles of our talented instructors. You will be impressed with the credentials each of our instructors has. They are hardworking and dedicated to their specific areas of expertise and it gives us great pleasure to share their biographies with visitors to our website.

JAKE EVANS - HIP HOP DANCING

Jake hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia and began practicing the art of urban dance late in 1998 but with little urban culture to draw from on the east coast of Canada, found his passion was a definite struggle. Finally in the summer of 2001, he was able to attend proper classes in L. A. The intensive was hosted by the Guzman-Sanchez brothers who were showcased in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video. This changed every for Jake as he had now been given a foundation that was correct in relation to the origins of urban styles. Being the only urban dancer on the east coast to actually travel and train, Jake quickly made a reputation performing, instructing and tirelessly promoting Popping, Locking and Breaking in the Atlantic Provinces. Almost all of the dance crews and events in the east can be traced back to this enthusiastic ambassador. Jake has years of dance instruction experience in the Okanagan Valley through various Schools of Dance, Community Centres and private classes. His infectious energy and positive attitude adds to much to his classes and keeps students coming back for more. Based in Penticton, Jack still passionately travels coast to coast every year instructing and attending classes in the art of urban dance.

CLAIRE DENNEY - LINE DANCING

Claire started "line dancing" in Victoria in 1991 and has never looked back. She went on to teach and choreograph for team competitions for various dance events. She has attended many National dance events and met great dancers and instructors who share the love of dance and music. You will learn routines to rock and roll music, old and new country, cha cha, rumba and show tunes.

JUDY NICHOLAS - YOGA

Judy has lived in the Okanagan Valley for many years. She grew up in New Westminster and Langley and she worked for 20 years in her profession as a Medical Lab Technologist at South Okanagan General Hospital.

Judy first taught Yoga for Okanagan College in the latter part of the 1970's and was a member of the Hatha Yoga Teachers Association of BC. More recently, Judy has completed a 2 years certification program with the South Okanagan Yoga Academy. She is also certified with the American Yoga Alliance which is the main  American Yoga Association. Judy has attended many workshops and has taught Yoga for Oliver Parks and Recreation for the past 10 years. Over the years Judy has continued to upgrade her skills and knowledge as a highly competent instructor whose classes are a fusion of Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Pilates Yoga.

JORG MARDIAN - FITNESS AND NUTRITION

Jorg has a combined 26 years of experience in competitive power lifting, martial arts, amateur wresting and boxing. At Parks and Recreation, he instructs many fitness classes including boot camps and circuit training, hosting nutrition seminars, holistic workshops and provides one-on-one counselling. Jorg is a registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner with the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist through the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.

He's qualified as a Certified Fitness Therapist (FT) with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA); Certified Kinesiology Specialist (CKS) - International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA); Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) - National Endurance and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA).

These specialties allow Jorg to design fitness treatment protocols which correct muscle imbalances and muscle recruitment patterns to effectively regain motion and reduce pain levels. Jorg also undertakes one-on-one training with clients for fat loss, weight reduction, increased range of motion, strength and better overall health.

To receive Jorg's healthy tips and lifestyle newsletter email him at health.motion@gmail.com.

ROBERTA MEAKIN - BALLET

Ms. Roberta was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S.  Ms. Roberta has studied ballet, jazz, fitness for dancers and Hawaiian dance.  As a ballet instructor, she has had intensive study with her husband, Michael Meakin, a Master teacher. With her love of young children, she brings creativity and imagination into all her classes.  Ms. Roberta has been teaching the art of ballet for 10 years in a variety of venues in both Canada and the U.S.
 

DANICA POOLE - JAZZ, MODERN, CREATIVE DANCE, BALLROOM

Danica graduated with a diploma from the Teacher Training Program at Canada's National Ballet School in Toronto. She hold her Cecchetti Associate qualifications from the Cecchetti Society of Canada and National Dance Associate teaching qualifications through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Prior to training at the National Ballet School Teacher Training Program, Danica graduated from Simon Fraser University receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in dance. Trained in ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, national dance, hip hop, ballroom and conditioning, Danica love all types of dance expression. She provides a challenging class in a warm and enthusiastic manner.

HAYLEY STOPA - YOGA

Hayley has always enjoyed an active lifestyle and discovered yoga ten years ago while living in Vancouver. Since then, she has been exposed to a range of styles including Power Flow, Ashtanga, Hot/Bikram's, Hatha and Yin Yoga. Having recently completed her yoga teacher training with Teresa Maurer, E-RYT from ReFlexions Yoga School in Penticton, she is eager to begin sharing her passion with the people of Oliver. Come and see for yourself why her clients find her to be fun, energetic and informative!

MARK CICCONE - GUITAR

Mark has been teaching guitar and voice for more than 20 years. He is an active musician in the South Okanagan who enjoys playing a wide variety of music styles.