Ellen Koennecke is a graduate of University of Toronto in the Occupational Therapy Program. Working with the Clark Institute in addictions and at Toronto General Hospital in occupational therapy and art therapy Programs, Ellen was recognized by the U of T for her abilities in therapy design and implementation. As an occupational therapist, Ellen worked with the Workmen's Compensation Board Hospital Toronto and as a physiotherapist, worked at rehab hospitals in Toronto and Kitchener.
In Parry Sound, Ellen worked as a Career Development Facilitator and was a member of the Board of Community Living. She has been a resource consultant for cardiac rehabilitation community Program, Community Mental Health Programs, the MS society and the Near North School Board.
As a yoga teacher/therapist Ellen initiated stress management and relaxation sessions for the Waterloo Wellington "Quit Smoking" Program. Ellen has also provided consulting to a government task force and focus group examining the stressors and concerns of those persons already in or re-entering the workplace.
Ellen has enjoyed a personal formal daily meditation practice for over thirty years. She has taught introductory classes for Georgian College and Conestoga College for two years and currently teaches at her studio in Parry Sound. She has taught meditation with Kevin Smith at the Damar Institute of Spiritual Studies.
Ellen is a Reiki master and teaches children reiki, yoga and meditation. She has designed a children's manual and recorded meditation tapes for adults and children.
In her massage practice, Ellen incorporates the use of crystals, aromatherapy and meditation.
Additional techniques of study include detailed advanced yogic breath, creative visualization, study of colour and imagery, mindfulness, Vipassana meditation and Buddhist techniques, Savasana or Yoga nidra "yoga sleep, Japa or mantra repetition, chanting, use of sound including singing bowls and tuning forks, vision journeys of fasting and sweat lodge with Shawanaga First Nation.
'This practice is the foundation of my spiritual life and my absolute joy!
