Margaret Willcocks – CEO, Principal Teacher, Trainer and Assessor
When and why I commenced yoga
It was in 1985 that I first discovered Yoga. I had a car accident and my GP recommended that I attend yoga classes to help heal the tensions within my body & mind.
Why I chose to continue to learn about yoga
I continued my practice of Yoga because I fell in love with the effect the gentle postures and breathing techniques had upon me. The benefits I received from the practice of Yoga were also evident to my family.
What made me decide to become a teacher
I had an affinity with the physical side of yoga as I came from being a student and teacher in Callisthenics which led me to being an aerobics and tai chi instructor for many years. I realised that Yoga was a path to healing and wellbeing suitable for all ages and abilities and therefore I wanted to share its teachings with others.
Where I did my training
I commenced my practice and training at the Therevada Buddhist Centre in Nollamara where I was the resident Yoga teacher for 5 years before establishing my own Yoga centre. I studied for my qualification with the International Yoga Teachers’ Association (IYTA) based in Sydney and then went on to practice with many local teachers and attend many workshops and conventions with interstate and overseas teachers.
Why I chose that source of training
I chose to study with IYTA because of its standing in the Yoga community and because it taught a very eclectic style of Yoga where all forms and styles of yoga were introduced to the students. This suited me well as I like to explore different paths before I choose what is right for me and because I like to be creative in teaching and practicing yoga. This allows me to use methods from all different styles to suit individual students as I believe we are all unique and need a practice suited especially to the individual.
Other qualifications
Personally, I am a Registered Training Organisation trading as Greenwood Yoga Centre. This means I am qualified to train people on a national level. Along with this and my Diploma of Yoga teaching from IYTA I have a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training, Senior First Aid Certificate and Mental Health First Aid Certificate. I am also a Level 3 member of the Yoga Teachers’ Association of Australia (YTAA) and a qualified Reiki practitioner. I have been involved on the National committee of YTAA as WA’s State Representative and prior to that was on the local committee of IYTA where I served as WA Secretary, Newsletter Editor and finally President. For a number of years I also acted as the Teacher Training Course Liaison and Assessor in WA for IYTA.
My special interest in yoga
My special interests in yoga are teaching beginners, over 55’s, and restorative and pregnancy classes as it gives me great joy witnessing change in people through yoga after a very short time. It gives me a sense of great satisfaction and real joy to share my interest and understanding with people from all ages and abilities. In particular, the pregnancy class is an opportunity to make a difference for the new generation.
My interests outside of yoga
My outside interests of course include my family. I have three adult children and to this date I have 4 grandchildren who all give my husband and I great happiness and love. I enjoy going for walks, camping, dining with friends, listening to music of all kinds (other than real heavy metal) and watching good movies. I love to cook soups and enjoy making salads!
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Sandy Walker – Assistant to the CEO, Yoga Teacher, Trainer and Assessor
When and why I commenced yoga
I started yoga in 1999 upon recommendation from a massage therapist to counter the early stages of a frozen shoulder. I was also looking for something to help me find some relief from the stresses of my work and personal life.
Why I chose to continue to learn about yoga
From the very first class I knew that this was what I had been looking for and the physical, mental and emotional benefits were immediately evident to me and my husband. I decided to continue and soon built up from attending one class a week to two and sometimes three.
What made me decide to become a teacher
I had got so much from yoga and I wanted to share this with other people. I also wanted to learn more about the history and philosophy of this wonderful science, two areas which are of particular interest for me with respect to many subjects.
Where I did my training
I started my training in a less formal manner as a teaching assistant to Margaret Willcocks who runs Greenwood Yoga Centre (GYC). I wanted to formalise and develop this training and after doing some research settled on studying with the International Yoga Teachers’ Association (IYTA).
Why I chose that source of training
I chose to study with IYTA as despite being based in Sydney, at the time there was strong support for students in WA through the student liaison representative Margaret Willcocks. I had (and still have) enormous respect for Margaret’s knowledge and skills and her generosity in sharing this with the students. I was also drawn to IYTA as they provided students with a good overview of all styles and lineages of yoga as well as its many components.
Other qualifications
Besides my Diploma of Yoga Teaching from IYTA my significant qualifications are a Bachelor of Economics (Hons), Certificate in Basic Counselling Skills, Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, Senior First Aid Certificate and Mental Health First Aid Certificate. I am a Level 2 member of the Yoga Teachers’ Association of Australia (YTAA) and have been involved on the national committee of YTAA as a State Representative. I also helped develop Greenwood Yoga Centre’s Teacher Training Course and to this day continue to teach on it and look after various administrative aspects of the course.
My special interests in yoga
My special interests in yoga include bringing the holistic experience of yoga to people who may not otherwise try it – that is, teaching in fitness centres and for corporate sessions. With respect to the latter, having spent more than a decade working in the corporate world as an Economist and with my own consultancy business and restaurant, I well understand the mental and physical tensions that these environments can create. It is wonderful to see people grow with the realisation that yoga is not just about physical stretching but can benefit them in all aspects of their being and lives. I also have an ongoing interest in researching, understanding and applying yoga history, philosophy and physiology.
My interests outside of yoga
My outside interests include touch rugby which I have played for nearly two decades, travelling, especially through Asia, walking my two dogs, reading fiction and autobiographies, sharing inspiring meals with good friends and enjoying the company of my husband on those occasions when our busy timetables allow.
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Lynda Cooper – Yoga Teacher, Trainer
When and why I commenced yoga
I started when I was 20. I had seen yoga on TV and was interested to see what it was like. My boyfriend at the time was going to a yoga class so I went with him.
Why I chose to continue to learn about yoga
I got interested in the whole aspect of health, spirituality and meditation from my yoga experience. At the time it was seen as counter productive to practice the physical aspects of yoga as well as the meditation techniques I was given as a path to self knowledge. However, I enjoyed the physical side of yoga, especially the Iyengar style which kept me physically fit and grounded in comparison to meditation. I started the teacher training course not so much to become a teacher but to help me understand all aspects of yoga (philosophy/physiology) and how it linked to the other spiritual practises.
What made me decide to become a teacher
After the course I still didn’t feel I understood what yoga was about and didn’t feel like a yoga teacher. I continued my own practice and started to teach a small group of friends. I was interested to see how other people enjoyed their practice and I learnt a lot from my students.
Where I did my training
I did my training in Cornwall, England through the Iyengar Association. There was a large Iyengar following there as Mr Iyengar had visited this comparatively out of the way place. We also had other prominent Iyengar teachers visit regularly. It took 2 years to complete the course which comprised mostly practical asana classes.
Why I chose that source of training
I chose the Iyengar course without really understanding the differences in teaching styles and it was the only teacher training course available to me at the time. It had been my first experience of yoga and I liked the specifics and detail of the asanas, although at times it drove me to frustration to think that a slight difference in the position of a foot could make a whole lot of difference overall. However, it gave me structure and focus and grounding which I needed at the time.
Other qualifications
Shiatsu Massage, Senior First Aid, Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
My special interest in yoga
Strength and flexibility in body and mind. Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breath practices).
My interests outside of yoga
Scuba diving and snorkelling (more snorkelling now), canoeing, walking (the Stirling Ranges is my favourite place for this in WA thus far - I like hills!) Reading non – fiction books (philosophy and psychology and how the mind works). Walking my two dogs and eating good food in the company of friends.
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Joanna Hoskins – Yoga Teacher
When and why I commenced yoga
I have always had Yoga in my life. My mother practiced Yoga all through my childhood and I was lucky enough to be taught Yoga at high school, but I didn’t start practicing Yoga consistently until after the birth of my second child. I had a very difficult pregnancy and was hoping to increase my physical strength and fitness. I am not a very athletic person and don’t enjoy team sports, but I remembered how comfortable I had felt doing Yoga at school and wondered if Yoga would help me regain my pre pregnancy vitality. It certainly did! As soon as I started Yoga classes in 1999 I knew that I would never be without Yoga again.
Why I chose to continue to learn about yoga
As my body became stronger with my Yoga practice I started to become interested in the other aspects of Yoga. I was getting a taste of the other limbs of Yoga in class, and I was curious to learn more. I felt that there was a vast wealth of knowledge in the teachings of Yoga that could perhaps enhance my every day life. I was asking my teacher so many questions about Yoga at the end of each class that she suggested I do a Yoga Teacher Training Course!
What made me decide to become a teacher
My reason for doing teacher training was to learn more about Yoga. I didn’t envisage myself as a teacher, more as a student on a quest for knowledge. Of course, as I met more Yoga teachers during my studies, I realised that we are all students and that no one gets to the point where they stop learning, regardless of how long they have been teaching. Teaching my first class was very humbling. Since then I have taught many classes and each has been a wonderful experience. I never stop learning, and I hope that I can open up that sense of wonder and learning for my students.
Where I did my training
I enrolled in the International Yoga Teachers’ Association’s (IYTA) teacher training course on the recommendation of my then Yoga teacher, and at the same time began attending classes at the Greenwood Yoga Centre where I met Margaret, the CEO, and the other IYTA students. She was extremely generous in taking me under her wing and mentoring me. She was exceptionally helpful and encouraging and gave up much of her spare time to help the teacher training students. The IYTA course is very well respected and, with Margaret’s practical help, I enjoyed every minute of my studies.
Why I chose that source of training
I chose the IYTA course because of its long tradition of turning out well rounded Yoga teachers. It was important to me to choose a course that fully incorporated all the eight limbs of Yoga.
Other qualifications
My work background is retail sales management and travel consultancy. My undergraduate honours degree is in Psychology and Literature and I am currently studying part time at Murdoch University for a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling. When I graduate I hope to complement my Yoga teaching with a counselling practice.
My special interests in yoga
There is so much I enjoy about Yoga that it is hard to narrow it down. I would say I particularly enjoy teaching beginners and seeing their amazement as their body and mind opens up to Yoga. I also enjoyed teaching my son’s under twelve football team during the last football season.
My interests outside of yoga
I have two sons- one in primary school and one in high school and therefore family life is very busy. My greatest enjoyment outside of Yoga is to travel with my sons and husband- whether short trips within the state or longer trips overseas. I also enjoy good food, immersing myself in a good book, movies, and catching up with friends over a coffee.
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Jim Goulias – Yoga Teacher
When and why I commenced yoga
At the suggestion of my wife I commenced my Yoga journey in December 1995 by attending a term course at Craigie Leisure Centre. I had just returned from 12 years of living and working in the north west of Western Australia and we considered Yoga would be able to help relieve the mental and physical stresses that had accumulated over this period. The physical stress resulted from many years of jogging, swimming, cycling and playing squash. My body had become quite stiff and inflexible as a result of what I now understand was an unbalanced regime of exercise. Mental stress resulted from working in managerial positions in Local Government and dealing with my perceptions of the materialism of the modern world.
Why I chose to continue to learn about yoga
This first yoga class was the beginning of a life changing experience that continues today. The classes moved to my teacher’s home back patio in subsequent terms and continued through all seasons no matter the weather conditions. It was the start of a student-teacher relationship with a teacher who was completely dedicated to yoga. Over a six year period I received instruction in many aspects of yogic physical practice, philosophy and meditation.
Wishing to expand my experience in yoga I discovered Greenwood Yoga Centre, and began as a student in January 2002, enrolling in classes with Margaret and Lynda. Here I found a holistic approach embracing all traditions and lineages. This holistic approach provides a balance of ancient traditional practice relevant to fundamental morals and social values that continues to be desirable in today’s society. I have come to believe that the essence of goodness is within us and if we keep the ego in check and do not indulge the senses excessively, a balance in life will happen.
What made me decide to become a teacher
In February 2003 Margaret offered me the experience of leading a 7.30 am Saturday beginner class on a regular basis. I realised that I wished to explore yoga further and felt that by communicating yoga to others I would achieve a more profound understanding of yogic principles and practices.
Where I did my training and why I chose that source of training
GYC had been evolving as a true centre for Yoga accepting all traditions based on the 8 limbs of Yoga, with recognition of family values as fundamental to a healthy community. This evolution resulted in GYC becoming a registered training centre and offering a Holistic Teacher Training Course of 18 months duration. I felt privileged to be one of the inaugural students commencing the 18 month course in July 2004 and completed the course in December 2005.
Other qualifications
- Meditation Teacher Training Course, Perth Meditation Centre, Completed April 2007.
- Current Senior First Aid Certificate, St Johns, June 2006.
- Mental Health First Aid Certificate, February 2008.
- Reiki First and Second Degree of the Usui system of Natural Healing, May and November 2003.
- Diploma in Local Government (Treasurer), Department of Employment, Vocational Education and Training. Completed in 1993.
- Municipal Treasurers Certificate, Local Government Qualifications Committee. Granted April 1993.
- Certificate in Computer Programming, Mount Lawley Technical College, Granted February 1983.
- Level 2 Yoga Teacher Member of Yoga Teachers Association of Australia.
- Member of Local Government Managers Association of Australia.
My special interest in Yoga
- Integration and exploration of all meditation practices and the 8 limbs of Yoga to assist individuals in daily life in a continually changing moral and social environment.
- Development of suitable Asana and Pranayama practices to suit each individual’s unique body conditions to be healthy and vital through all stages of life.
My interests outside of yoga
- Playing Golf
- Walking
- Nutritional Health
- Family
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Ethel Drummond – Yoga Teacher
When and why I commenced yoga
I commenced practicing Yoga in 1971 after reading a book about Yoga. Finding it difficult to read and practice at the same time (especially in a twist) I decided to find a class. My first experience was as a student of the Satyananda style of Yoga
Why I chose to continue to learn about yoga
I have continued learning about Yoga, as I consider it to be an integral part of my life. The physical, mental and spiritual benefits of Yoga have helped me through the various challenges of life
What made me decide to become a teacher
In 1976 I moved to Nigeria, to an area where there were no Yoga teachers. Before I left I heeded the advice of my Yoga teacher and did a short course with The British Wheel of Yoga, which prepared me for the rewarding experience of sharing the gift of Yoga as a teacher
Where I did my training
After immigrating to Australia in 1988, I commenced teaching at various community centres in the northern suburbs. My recent training was with I.Y.T.A. under the supervision of Margaret Willcocks (who was the student liaison officer and assessor for IYTA at the time) at Greenwood Yoga Centre. I became a full teaching member of IYTA in 2003.
Why I chose that source of training
I chose that source of training as the support network at GYC was excellent and the environment positive and encouraging. It also caters for a variety of Yoga styles and lineages
Other qualifications
YTAA Senior Yoga Member; current Resuscitation Certificate; Mental Health First Aid Certificate; Associate of The British Display Society
Special interests in yoga
Restorative Yoga; Relaxation Techniques
Interests outside of yoga
Snorkelling, Art and Design
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Chandrika Gibson N.D. – Yoga Teacher, Naturopath, Trainer
When and why I commenced yoga
I was first introduced to yoga through a little book my elder brother had when we were children. We experimented with scraping our tongues, drinking lemon water and imitating the illustrated asanas. At the time I was a competitive gymnast and found most of the postures attainable but some were mind boggling and I was intrigued. At the age of twenty I attended my first yoga classes in Port Douglas, Queensland. I was very aware of how different I felt after the classes and as I was already interested in exploring consciousness and eastern philosophies, it quickly became more than a weekly experience.
Why I chose to continue to learn about yoga
Over the years there have been periods of intense physical practice and other stages where illness, pregnancy and stress forced yoga into the background. However, my interest never wavered and the accumulated understanding gleaned from reading, attending classes, satsangs and practicing on my own took me deeper into yoga. A few years later as a student of natural therapies I found that yoga was becoming the foundation for my lifestyle. With the wise guidance of some wonderful teachers I integrated yogic practices into all areas of my life, from my diet, asana practice, ethics and morals, through to chanting and meditation.
What made me decide to become a teacher
After travelling through India in my mid twenties I knew that I would someday want to pass on all that I had learnt.
Where I did my training
By the time I was 30 I was studying and enjoying Greenwood Yoga Centre’s Holistic Yoga Teacher Training Course. As part of the inaugural class I graduated in 2005.
Why I chose that source of training
I chose the course at GYC after looking into a few of the options available in Perth. External courses did not interest me. I felt that it was important to have as much contact as possible with the senior teachers as yoga is traditionally handed down from the oral teachings of a master to a student. I had a young child (and another on the way) so the weekend class times also suited my family life well. I would have gladly travelled for the right training but I was thrilled to find a comprehensive course located in the northern suburbs, within half an hour’s drive from my home. The course was demanding but a fascinating consolidation of my previous experiences.
Other qualifications
My other qualifications include an Advanced Diploma of Applied Science in Naturopathy, an Advanced Diploma of Flower Essence Therapy incorporating Holistic Counselling and Mind-Body Medicine, a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, Senior First Aid Certificate and Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
My special interests in yoga
I have a passion for yoga in all its forms, however in recent years I have become interested in using yoga as a therapeutic tool. I feel that a safe, meditative asana practice can be the foundation for personal growth and a deepening sense of meaning in every individual’s life. There is always a suitable beneficial practice no matter what age, state of mind or health condition. It is my great joy to make yoga accessible without losing any of the spiritual wisdom from which the practices arose. As a teacher and therapist I feel honoured to expand upon the ideas of yoga and walk with people on their chosen path.
My interests outside of yoga
There is no area of my life not influenced by yoga, however my interests include sustainable architecture, permaculture, education, literature, social justice, animal welfare and ethical nutrition. I am excited by breakthroughs in medicine and science that bring our society closer to a collective understanding of holistic health and wellbeing. My family and friends bring me great joy and I am privileged to be the mother of two little boys. Their enthusiasm for life and learning inspires me. My beloved partner Satyam fills my life with music. He is my constant support and fellow traveler on the path of yoga.
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