Diana is the owner and founder of Satori.  As the visionary, she brings forth a diverse array of experience  which adds a uniqueness that really separates Satori from other wellness studios.   With certifications as a:  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (AGBJJ/USFBJJ) Black Belt Professor, Yoga Teacher (Children's & Yin Yoga), Ginastica Natural Instructor, Meditation Teacher, Birth Doula CD(DONA), and Shiatsu Therapist (MRU), she remains highly qualified with her credentials - but more importantly - with her experience.  As you might notice - she has an insatiable hunger to learn and share.  Feeling blessed to be able to live and work in so many passions, she truly feels that each "hat" she wears compliments the other, and feels honored to be able to share her passions with the community.  Not only will you find her behind the scenes, but you'll also find her on the mats, in the classes, working with the kids, and out in the community.  Connecting with and building resilient communities is one of her main pillars as not only a social entrepreneur, but also as a human being!  She is an active member of the community and donates much of her time to give back through volunteerism and collaborations with like-minded organizations and individuals.

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A breakkdown of Diana's "why" when it comes to the types of modalities, programs, and offerings she's chosen for Satori:

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As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Professor, Diana loves empowering others - especially women and children.  As one of the first female pioneers of the martial art in Western Canada, and as an advocate for mental health, self defense, child abuse preventation, and trauma healing,  Diana brings true life experience that matches that of her resume (read her full BJJ Bio here). For her, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is so much more than a self defense practice - it is lifestyle - and a community.  It is also confidence, friendship, discipline, self-care, self-importance, self -empowerment, and  - of course - physical and mental wellness.

As a Yoga & Meditation Teacher, she loves sharing mindfulness practices with children and families and chooses teachers for Satori who feel passionate about the same.  Mindfulness is an integral part of Satori's children's yoga classes, but it's also the premise for workshops for parents & caregivers as well.  She believes in yoga as not only a practice of stretching and postures, but also a practice of breathwork, meditation, self-expression and self-love - all which balance the body, mind and spirit.  By instilling this practice in children while young, it allows those fundamental skills to become engrained into their lifestyle, giving them tools and outlets for self-discovery, growth, and healthy practices.  In workshops with parents & caregivers, she encourages practices which cultivate self-awareness & growth, positive approaches to parenting, and coping strategies for the stresses of everyday life. 

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As a Ginastica Natural Instructor (the only Certified GN Instructor in Western Canada), she believes teaching the value of movement and breath to enhance not only performance and conditioning, but to enhance everyday life.  Being more attune with one's body, knowing one's abilities, challenges, and potential are the key to success - and in creating attainable goals for betterment of self.  As a BJJ Black Belt and Yoga Teacher as well, Diana sees this as a perfect blend of two arts; whether the purpose is to enhance another art form, or, to practice on it's own for better health, strength, movement, agility, and flexibility.  

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Diana's approach in Shiatsu is a holistic one, as she believes all environments have an influence on our health (internal and external).  The premise of Shiatsu is to restore and maintain balance in the whole body - mentally, emotionally, as well as physically.  Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shiatsu is a non-invasive, intuitive, effective, relieving, and relaxing.

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As a Doula, she believes strongly in women's voice and choice when it comes to childbirth.  She advocates for the continuous care model and believes strongly in the mind-body connection.  In addition to this, she believes heart-centered, mindful and intuitive informed choices are the foundation to positive experiences regardless of where (or how) a woman choses to birth.    

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In her free time, Diana loves to spend time with her beautiful boys, family and friends.  Trips to the mountains, camping, biking, fishing, and just being out in nature - at the source! As a jiu jiteira under the highest ranked BJJ Black belt in Alberta, Anderson Goncalves, Diana also continues to compete and train outside of the classes she teaches (see Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Bio here).  She is also the first and only female black belt at her academy.