Teachers & Wellness Practitioners
Meet Our Team
Yoga- Meditation- Workshops-Special Events- Private Healing Sessions
Leona Planko Finlayson
Yoga & Dance Instructor
Born and raised in Vancouver, Leona’s journey in becoming the Teacher, Dancer, Yogi and Motivational Speaker she is today was one of evolving self-discovery. Her dance journey began at a very young age with Slovenian folkloric dance, before leading into cheer-leading, hip hop and finally Belly Dance.
In combining her talents, experiences, knowledge and passions, Leona has founded AWE (Arts, Wellness and Education) which aims to create connections, foster communities, encourage collaboration, advocate empowerment and promote healing and positivity through virtual and in-person classes, workshops and events.
What she offers isn’t just a class, workshop, or a show—she offers an opportunity to learn, grow, heal and create positive change within.
Yoga Instructor
I have had the pleasure of teaching for the last 13 years. My passion is people, and body movement and breath. The magic happens when you move that body freely, without apprehension, and breathe along the way."
"Yoga came to me back in 2006. I was young and working in mental health and really needed some time for myself to connect to the inside and have some stillness in my mind.
I immediately thought everyone in the yoga studio was crazy for doing such an intense hot practice.
It was so challenging and grueling, I didn’t think I would even make it out of the room…but I did, and I learned that I could do anything!
Fast forward to two years later and I was boarding a plane to go to Acapulco for three months to learn how to instruct.
I have had the pleasure of teaching for the last 13 years. My passion is people, and body movement and breath. The magic happens when you move that body freely, without apprehension and breathe along the way."
Hayley Paynter
Tanya Normandale
Yoga Instructor
We find joy when we do what we are fashioned to do.
Tanya's joy comes from holding space for each person who comes to the mat. She has a background in martial arts and was drawn to the stability and strength you can connect to through the practice of Yoga. Tanya has a beautiful way of meeting her students where they are at and guiding them deeper into the foundation and flow with a focus on alignment and breath.
Rebecca Doll
Yoga Instructor
Growing up Rebecca was very involved in sports and loved to move from a young age! This led to her getting my Degree in Kinesiology at UBC Okanagan, where she was simultaneously saving for her yoga teacher training. She has been teaching yoga for three years now. Rebecca considers yoga as her moving meditation. Every day she is grateful to wake up and share her passion for movement.
Her intention is to provide a grounding practice for others, and to inspire a joyful & empowered life.
Andrea Bertoia
Yoga Instructor & Reiki Master Teacher
Andrea is the owner and lead teacher at Perfect Balance Yoga in West Kelowna.
She has a background in the field of Psychology, supporting children and youth with Autism. Integrating a therapeutic understanding of sensory needs and play with her calming nature.
She has had the opportunity to hold space at Festivals, Siam Reiki Gatherings, retreats, studios, wellness centres and private events across Vietnam and Thailand and the Okanagan. She also created and facilitated Yoga and Mindfulness programs for school readiness and test anxiety at high schools in Vietnam, getting the opportunity to support over 600 children. She is currently working ona 200 Hr Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training (COMING THIS NOVEMBER).
​
Expect breath cues and internal body cues to connect you back to the present moment, and to the sensations in your body. Expect a light-hearted, open atmosphere to try new things, laugh and smile!
​
She is a certified in
Hatha Yoga
Mindfulness Teacher Training
Restorative Yoga
Yin Yoga
Yoga Nidra
She is also the first Siam Reiki Master Teacher in Canada.
She has just started teaching Reiki 1 to students out of her studio in West Kelowna
Expect breath cues and internal body cues to connect you back to the present moment, and to the sensations in your body. Expect a light-hearted, open atmosphere to try new things, laugh and smile!
Parker Loveday
Reiki Master
Parker is the behind the scenes, plant maintanance, crystal charger, and sneaky decorator here at Perfect Balance Yoga in West Kelowna.
He is a Siam Reiki Master also trained in Pendulum Diagnosis.
​