Meet Julia

Julia Ayearst (she/her) is a certified yoga instructor in the lineage of T. Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, and a Qualifying Yoga Therapist at Yoga Therapy Toronto. She offers individualized private yoga sessions, children's yoga, and small group classes in your home and at Nest in Bloor West Village. Julia currently works as a Program Leader for Wellspring, a non-profit cancer support organization where she teaches yoga classes both online and in person at their Sunnybrook location.

Julia's training has prepared her to work with many illnesses, injuries, and conditions, though she is particularly passionate about postpartum care, cancer support, children’s yoga, and fatigue relief. Julia's dedication to the practice of therapeutic yoga was cemented this past year as she relied on it heavily while going through treatment for breast cancer. A daily yoga practice carried her through diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and continues to support her as she navigates hormone therapy and life after active treatment. 

Julia has been practicing yoga since 2007. Prior to opening her private yoga practice, Julia worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years and holds her sommelier certification. As the manager of a busy restaurant her personal yoga practice helped balance out long days in a demanding environment. At the heart of her dedication to restaurants was a love of hospitality and taking care of people. Transitioning careers has allowed Julia to more directly support the health and wellness of others. 

Avid gardener and home cook, Julia lives in the west end of Toronto with her husband Carl and two kids, Theodore and Jane. 

YOGA THERAPIST (2023) - YOGA THERAPY TORONTO

1000+ hours of training in yoga therapy with certification by the International Association of Yoga Therapy upon graduation. Yoga Therapy training curriculum combines the ancient wisdom of Yoga & Ayurveda with modern science. An intensive training in Individualized Yoga Therapy trained to work on a one-on-one basis with clients through the healing process. This healing paradigm is based on a holistic understanding of the human system and respects the uniqueness, special needs and abilities of each individual.

CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTOR (2020) - YOGA THERAPY TORONTO 

300+ hours of yoga teacher training. Developed a comprehensive knowledge of the theory of Asana, Pranayama and Meditation and how to appropriately apply these tools of Yoga.

RESTORATIVE THERAPY TRAINING (2022) - YOGA THERAPY TORONTO

16 hours of training focused on Restorative Postures, Yin Yoga and Yoga Therapy and how to efficiently and effectively combine the methodologies in a practice session.

CERTIFIED CHILDREN'S YOGA INSTRUCTOR (2022) - YOGARENEW

30hr training exploring the link between movement and child/adolescent health & wellness. Studied multiple types of guided breathing exercises, physical postures, and games using language that makes it accessible and fun for children. Practice in the art of storytelling as a teaching tool.

RED CROSS CERTIFIED EMERGENCY FIRST AID & CPR/AED LEVEL C (valid through 2025)

CERTIFIED SOMMELIER (2016) - COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS 

BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONOURS) (2012) - UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO