Chris
Christina (Chris ) Johnson, B.S.W., R.S.W, Rehab Prac. II, E-500 RYT, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach is the proud mom of two amazing children, one dog, and 2 cats. Chris has dedicated her life to helping people and communities heal. This has been done through holding space for one-to-one growth and through broad community and organizational change initiatives. Her career was first spent working with people who were differently abled then moving into the field of Social Work specializing in helping people heal through clinical interventions, community development, trauma-informed practices, innovative program design that just makes sense, and sexual trauma. Chris has worked specifically in the area of trauma as a Social Worker for over 15 years. She started practicing yoga 20 years ago and instantly fell in love.
You see, Chris is a self-identified recovering perfectionist and therefore a high performer. Yoga allowed Chris to slow down, quiet the mind, dig into where the over achieving originated- trauma, and turn within setting the stage for balance in a very hectic life.
When Chris went back to school to complete her Social Work degree, she studied mindfulness from a clinical perspective. Knowing the research as well as from her own experiencing of healing on her mat, Chris set the intention of becoming a yoga teacher so that she could hold this space for others. Chris decided to further her training focusing on Ayurveda, Polyvagal based Yoga, Body Yantra (form of body-based trauma treatment) and Tantra. Chris offers what she has experienced through her many teachings, the space for healing, self-nurturing, and self-love through a gentle exploration of one’s self. She invites her students to create balance through alignment, embracing their own personal strength, releasing what no longer serves you, curating self-love, opening the door for authentic connection.
While Chris may be humble about her accomplishments, the studio is exceptionally proud of the work she does within our community. In 2017 Chris received the Inspiration Award from the Government of Alberta for her work as part of the advisory group that created Alberta’s Sexual Violence Action Plan. She was also the recipient of the 2018 Medicine Hat’s Inspire Award from the Women in Business due to her visionary leadership and significant achievements. And in 2022, Chris received the honourary Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for preventing domestic and sexual violence in Alberta!