$60+hst Standard Rate | $75+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Yoga Foundations is a 4-week course that will introduce you to the unique way that we teach yoga at The Branches. Learn key principles that will apply to every pose and class, and leave the course well-equipped to join our drop-in classes. Classes will build progressively from week to week, and will incorporate mindfulness practices, attention to breath, and restorative poses to release tension and reduce stress. This course includes access to a video portal with resources to support your learning.
Brand-new beginners welcome!
Course Format: This course includes 4 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of this course as in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$110+hst Standard Rate | $125+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Come practice yoga with your baby in a supportive environment and learn exercises to address and heal common core challenges after childbirth. This is a 6-week, pre-registered course for parents/caretakers and their babies. A great way to get out of the house with your little one and enjoy some gentle exercise to take care of your body and connect with your baby and a community of other parents. Beginners welcome!
You are welcome to leave strollers on the porch and bring your baby inside in their carseat.
*This course is intended for babies up to ~9 months. For very mobile babies and toddlers, please check out the Parent & Mini Mover course.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of this course as in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
This is an exploratory class offering gentle movement and mindfulness meditation practice. Each 60-min class will begin with movement and stretches to release tension and bring more awareness of the body. Preparatory movements will be followed by the opportunity for stillness, including both guided and independent meditation. Practice will conclude with a gentle restorative posture where you can relax and continue to explore meditative practices.
Beginners and those with an existing meditation practice are welcome.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of this course as in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
This unique class is for anyone who is on a path to recovering from physical or emotional trauma. The class aims to give participants tools to understand how trauma affects the body, to move through embodied trauma (trauma stored in the body) through movement. Trauma may seem like a loaded word, but it is something that affects many of us through major losses, accidents, violence, or other major life stresses.
Embodiment for Trauma Recovery consists of very gentle movements, simple postures from hatha yoga, and breath awareness. The classes are aimed at building a trauma survivor’s sense of empowerment and cultivating a more positive relationship to one's body. The class focuses on internal sensing and reclaiming choice in your body, and is less about form or technique. Absolutely everything in the class is optional, and the practice is beginner-friendly.
Based on the evidence-based methodology of Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Embodiment for Trauma Recovery is a group movement class. While this class is taught by a Registered Psychotherapist, it is not group therapy. As an adjunctive therapy, it is not intended as a replacement for working with a qualified therapist. Participants are encouraged to seek adjunctive treatment with a therapist to support the process of healing as needed.
Scope of Practice & Insurance: This class is taught by a licensed Registered Psychotherapist and the fees may be eligible for reimbursement by some insurance companies. You can submit a claim to your company as a "therapeutic group yoga class for mental health taught by a Registered Psychotherapist”. Please confirm coverage directly with your insurer. While there may be invitations for reflection or brief sharing, the class is primarily yoga-based methods and not group talk therapy. As an adjunctive therapy, it is not intended as a replacement for working with a qualified therapist. Participants are encouraged to seek adjunctive treatment with a therapist to support the process of healing as needed.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of this course as in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Prenatal yoga will leave you feeling strong, relaxed, and more connected to yourself and your baby. Our classes go beyond simply modifying yoga poses. With an emphasis on strength, breathing, gentle stretches and community connection, this course can help prepare your mind and body for birth and parenting.
Each session will include poses that bring balance and alignment to your pelvis, pelvic floor, and pelvic and uterine ligaments. Through yoga asana, students can safely encounter strong sensations, and alongside that, discover the coping skills that work best for you and can later be applied to moments of physical or mental discomfort, like during labour and early parenthood. This mindful approach to yoga practice will leave you feeling ready for whatever lies ahead in pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
We empower students to continuously learn about pregnancy, the birthing process and early parenthood. Our practice sessions are grounded in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates the value of community as you explore this current chapter of life. This class is exclusively for pregnant people (not a partners class).
Beginners to yoga and any stage of pregnancy are welcome.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of this course as in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$50+hst Standard Rate | $65+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Soothe your nervous system and reconnect with your body
Living with chronic pain can be physically and emotionally exhausting — and often isolating. This 2-hour workshop offers a gentle, affirming space to move, rest, and reflect in community. Together, we’ll explore ways to support the nervous system, cultivate self-compassion, and reconnect with your body without pressure or expectation.
We’ll begin with a welcoming reflection, introducing themes like Spoon Theory, the grief of shifting expectations, and how pain can impact our relationships. You’ll be invited to connect through quiet reflection or optional sharing — all at your own comfort level.
Then we’ll move into a toolkit of gentle movement and nervous system supports, including accessible practices like orienting, tapping, and breath-based movement. These techniques are designed to soothe, settle, and offer new ways to move with care.
The second half of the workshop will focus on restorative yoga: long-held, prop-supported poses, breathwork, and guided meditation (such as a reflection on rebuilding trust in your body).
Everything in this workshop is optional. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels right. No yoga experience is needed, and there is no expectation to talk about your pain in order to take part.
Props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks will be provided. This workshop is beginner-friendly and held in a “no shame” space of choice, care, and permission.
This workshop is co-led by Lisa Beraldo and Alissa Firth-Eagland, who bring their own lived experience with chronic pain — including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Post Concussion Syndrome. Their shared journeys deepen their compassionate teaching approach, offering practical tools rooted in understanding and empathy.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Prenatal yoga will leave you feeling strong, relaxed, and more connected to yourself and your baby. Our classes go beyond simply modifying yoga poses. With an emphasis on strength, breathing, gentle stretches and community connection, this course can help prepare your mind and body for birth and parenting.
Each session will include poses that bring balance and alignment to your pelvis, pelvic floor, and pelvic and uterine ligaments. Through yoga asana, students can safely encounter strong sensations, and alongside that, discover the coping skills that work best for you and can later be applied to moments of physical or mental discomfort, like during labour and early parenthood. This mindful approach to yoga practice will leave you feeling ready for whatever lies ahead in pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
We empower students to continuously learn about pregnancy, the birthing process and early parenthood. Our practice sessions are grounded in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates the value of community as you explore this current chapter of life. This class is exclusively for pregnant people (not a partners class).
Beginners to yoga and any stage of pregnancy are welcome.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of this course as in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$130+hst Standard Rate | $150+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Step away from the rush of your week and give yourself the gift of presence, reflection, and restoration. In this 5-hour afternoon retreat, join Wendy & Carol to explore the interplay of gentle movement, deep rest, nervous system care, and intuitive reflection. This retreat is the perfect way to pause after the holiday season, slow down, and set a mindful, grounded tone for your year ahead.
The afternoon will include restorative and mindful movement designed to release tension, regulate your nervous system, and find more ease in your body. We’ll also explore a self-reflective journaling practice using tarot cards to help you connect with your own inner wisdom. A catered snack break will give participants time to nourish their bodies and connect with fellow participants.
Participants will take home tools to extend the retreat into daily life: guided journaling prompts, suggested tarot spreads, and practical strategies for continued nervous system care.
Beginners, tarot-curious, and anyone seeking slow, nourishing space are warmly welcome.
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Prepare for a more connected, grounded, and comfortable pregnancy, labor, and birth in this workshop designed for pregnant people and their birth partners. The presence and active support of a dedicated partner or support person can make a profound difference during labor and delivery. Together, you’ll deepen your trust and awareness of each other while building a toolkit of practical strategies to enhance comfort and confidence throughout the entire birthing process.
In this workshop, you will learn:
This workshop welcomes all couples or birth partners—whether romantic partners, family members, or close friends. The Branches is a 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, anti-racist, and size-inclusive space. Pregnant people at any stage are welcome, and no previous yoga experience is necessary.
Logistics: The in-person workshop takes place in our 3rd-floor studio (no elevator); an online option is available for greater accessibility. Space is limited to 10 pairs—please register early to secure your spot. Workshop registration includes access to the video recording for review and handouts.
Meet Your Instructors:
Lisa Beraldo (she/her) leads The Branches’ pre- and postnatal programming. Lisa discovered the power of yoga during her own pregnancy and holds a BA in Child and Youth Counseling and Family Work. She completed her 250-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2020, Restorative Yoga Teacher Training in 2023, and Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training with the Prenatal Yoga Center in late 2023. When not teaching, Lisa enjoys hiking, camping, canoeing, and spending time with her partner and three children.
Weronika Walker (she/her) is a birth and postpartum doula, outdoor guide, and former paramedic and firefighter. Through Fern & Nettle Doula Services, she offers compassionate, inclusive care to families in the Waterloo Region. She believes that every person should have access to inclusive, full-spectrum reproductive health care and she strives to help her clients have the experiences they desire. Weronika loves witnessing people become parents and she feels grateful every time someone invites her to be a part of their journey. Outside of work, she loves outdoor adventures, reading, and foraging wild plants for food and medicine.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Using simple yoga postures, breath awareness, meditation, and mindfulness, this course aims to help you deepen your mind/body connection. The act of releasing physical tension and moving your body in new ways can help you move through stuck emotions, create new mental patterns, and bring new awareness into your life.
Each week the class will gradually build upon a set of basic yoga postures, appropriate for all levels and abilities. Through the postures, breathing, and meditative exercises, you’ll learn more about your body’s responses to stress. You may discover techniques that help manage mental/emotional patterns and increase groundedness, calmness, and emotional well-being.
Beginners welcome. Bring a notebook and something to write with.
Scope of Practice & Insurance: This class is taught by a licensed Registered Psychotherapist and the fees may be eligible for reimbursement by some insurance companies. You can submit a claim to your company as a "therapeutic group yoga class for mental health taught by a Registered Psychotherapist”. Please confirm coverage directly with your insurer. While there may be invitations for reflection or brief sharing, the class is primarily yoga-based methods and not group talk therapy. As an adjunctive therapy, it is not intended as a replacement for working with a qualified therapist. Participants are encouraged to seek adjunctive treatment with a therapist to support the process of healing as needed.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of this course as in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$60+hst Standard Rate* | $75+hst Community Supporter*
Subsidized Rate*: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
No prior yoga experience necessary, beginners welcome!
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Gentle movement, restorative practices, and community support for living with pain
Living with chronic pain can feel isolating and overwhelming — but movement and connection can offer pathways to ease and self-compassion. Over six weeks, this course provides a safe, nurturing space to explore gentle movement, breath awareness, and restorative yoga, helping to soothe the nervous system and build a more trusting relationship with your body.
Each week includes accessible, adaptable yoga postures paired with breath and mindfulness techniques, alongside optional group discussion to share insights or simply listen. This course honors your pace, your experience, and your boundaries — with no pressure to disclose or perform.
Yoga for Chronic Pain is led by Lisa Beraldo. She brings deep empathy and understanding from her own journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Lisa’s teaching emphasizes choice, agency, and self-compassion in a “no shame” space.
No prior yoga experience is necessary.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of this course as in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
Please see our website for our full COVID policies.
$60+hst Standard Rate | $75+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Yoga Foundations is a 4-week course that will introduce you to the unique way that we teach yoga at The Branches. Learn key principles that will apply to every pose and class, and leave the course well-equipped to join our drop-in classes. Classes will build progressively from week to week, and will incorporate mindfulness practices, attention to breath, and restorative poses to release tension and reduce stress. This course includes access to a video portal with resources to support your learning.
Brand-new beginners welcome!
Course Format: This course includes 4 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of this course as in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
Please note, this class takes place in our 3rd floor studio. After the teacher’s fee, any additional proceeds from the class will be donated to SPECTRUM.
$50+hst Standard Rate | $65+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Squatting isn’t just for athletes—it’s a foundational movement that impacts everyday life, from picking up a heavy box to getting in and out of chairs with ease. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to squat safely and effectively, whether you’re new to strength training or looking to deepen your practice.
We’ll cover the full squat spectrum, including bodyweight, goblet, and a beginner-friendly barbell variation called the Landmine squat to help you explore new ways to load and strengthen your legs and core. Nicole will help you find greater comfort, depth, and range of motion in your squats, and teach techniques to handle heavier weights safely and confidently.
In this 2-hour workshop, you’ll:
Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your technique, this workshop offers a supportive environment to build confidence, increase strength, and feel stronger in your body.
About Nicole DeNoble:
Nicole is an empowering and down-to-earth instructor known for her practical, light-hearted approach. Combining years of experience in anatomy, yoga, and strength training, she breaks down complex movements into clear, accessible steps for all bodies and learning styles. As the creator of the Strength Essentials program at The Branches, Nicole has helped dozens of beginners move confidently with barbells and build strength they feel in everyday life.
Format:This workshop will take place IN-STUDIO only.
Cost per family: $35+hst Standard Rate | $45+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Come out to practice with your family - big or small - while we explore the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. This practice will be beginner friendly, and will take you on a journey through flowy, fun, and fiery moves. Learn techniques to use at home as a family, including deep breathing and moving our bodies to help express your energy. We'll end with a kid-friendly guided meditation and feel the gentle energy of resting our bodies together so you’ll leave refreshed for the week ahead.
Geared towards kids age 4-11 with their caregiver(s). Cost is per “family”, which can include 1-2 adults plus 1-3 kids.
$60+hst Standard Rate | $75+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Yoga Foundations is a 4-week course that will introduce you to the unique way that we teach yoga at The Branches. Learn key principles that will apply to every pose and class, and leave the course well-equipped to join our drop-in classes. Classes will build progressively from week to week, and will incorporate mindfulness practices, attention to breath, and restorative poses to release tension and reduce stress. This course includes access to a video portal with resources to support your learning.
Brand-new beginners welcome!
Course Format: This course includes 4 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the VIRTUAL option, you will attend all sessions online (via livestream in Zoom). If you prefer to have the option to attend in-person, please register for the IN-STUDIO listing of this course, but be aware that in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$110+hst Standard Rate | $125+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Come practice yoga with your baby in a supportive environment and learn exercises to address and heal common core challenges after childbirth. This is a 6-week, pre-registered course for parents/caretakers and their babies. A great way to enjoy some gentle exercise to take care of your body and connect with your baby and a community of other parents. Beginners welcome!
*This course is intended for babies up to ~9 months. For very mobile babies and toddlers, please check out the Parent & Mini Mover course.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the VIRTUAL option, you will attend all sessions online (via livestream in Zoom). If you prefer to have the option to attend in-person, please register for the IN-STUDIO listing of this course, but be aware that in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
This is an exploratory class offering gentle movement and mindfulness meditation practice. Each 60-min class will begin with movement and stretches to release tension and bring more awareness of the body. Preparatory movements will be followed by the opportunity for stillness, including both guided and independent meditation. Practice will conclude with a gentle restorative posture where you can relax and continue to explore meditative practices.
Beginners and those with an existing meditation practice are welcome.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the VIRTUAL option, you will attend all sessions online (via livestream in Zoom). If you prefer to have the option to attend in-person, please register for the IN-STUDIO listing of this course, but be aware that in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Embodiment for Trauma Recovery consists of very gentle movements, simple postures from hatha yoga, and breath awareness. The classes are aimed at building a trauma survivor’s sense of empowerment and cultivating a more positive relationship to one's body. The class focuses on internal sensing and reclaiming choice in your body, and is less about form or technique. Absolutely everything in the class is optional, and the practice is beginner-friendly.
Based on the evidence-based methodology of Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Embodiment for Trauma Recovery is a group movement class. While this class is taught by a Registered Psychotherapist, it is not group therapy. As an adjunctive therapy, it is not intended as a replacement for working with a qualified therapist. Participants are encouraged to seek adjunctive treatment with a therapist to support the process of healing as needed.
Scope of Practice & Insurance: This class is taught by a licensed Registered Psychotherapist and the fees may be eligible for reimbursement by some insurance companies. You can submit a claim to your company as a "therapeutic group yoga class for mental health taught by a Registered Psychotherapist”. Please confirm coverage directly with your insurer. While there may be invitations for reflection or brief sharing, the class is primarily yoga-based methods and not group talk therapy. As an adjunctive therapy, it is not intended as a replacement for working with a qualified therapist. Participants are encouraged to seek adjunctive treatment with a therapist to support the process of healing as needed.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the VIRTUAL option, you will attend all sessions online (via livestream in Zoom). If you prefer to have the option to attend in-person, please register for the IN-STUDIO listing of this course, but be aware that in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Prenatal yoga will leave you feeling strong, relaxed, and more connected to yourself and your baby. Our classes go beyond simply modifying yoga poses. With an emphasis on strength, breathing, gentle stretches and community connection, this course can help prepare your mind and body for birth and parenting.
Each session will include poses that bring balance and alignment to your pelvis, pelvic floor, and pelvic and uterine ligaments. Through yoga asana, students can safely encounter strong sensations, and alongside that, discover the coping skills that work best for you and can later be applied to moments of physical or mental discomfort, like during labour and early parenthood. This mindful approach to yoga practice will leave you feeling ready for whatever lies ahead in pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
We empower students to continuously learn about pregnancy, the birthing process and early parenthood. Our practice sessions are grounded in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates the value of community as you explore this current chapter of life. This class is exclusively for pregnant people (not a partners’ class).
Beginners to yoga and any stage of pregnancy are welcome.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the VIRTUAL option, you will attend all sessions online (via livestream in Zoom). If you prefer to have the option to attend in-person, please register for the IN-STUDIO listing of this course, but be aware that in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$50+hst Standard Rate | $65+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Soothe your nervous system and reconnect with your body
Living with chronic pain can be physically and emotionally exhausting — and often isolating. This 2-hour workshop offers a gentle, affirming space to move, rest, and reflect in community. Together, we’ll explore ways to support the nervous system, cultivate self-compassion, and reconnect with your body without pressure or expectation.
We’ll begin with a welcoming reflection, introducing themes like Spoon Theory, the grief of shifting expectations, and how pain can impact our relationships. You’ll be invited to connect through quiet reflection or optional sharing — all at your own comfort level.
Then we’ll move into a toolkit of gentle movement and nervous system supports, including accessible practices like orienting, tapping, and breath-based movement. These techniques are designed to soothe, settle, and offer new ways to move with care.
The second half of the workshop will focus on restorative yoga: long-held, prop-supported poses, breathwork, and guided meditation (such as a reflection on rebuilding trust in your body).
Everything in this workshop is optional. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels right. No yoga experience is needed, and there is no expectation to talk about your pain in order to take part.
Props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks will be provided. This workshop is beginner-friendly and held in a “no shame” space of choice, care, and permission.
This workshop is co-led by Lisa Beraldo and Alissa Firth-Eagland, who bring their own lived experience with chronic pain — including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Post Concussion Syndrome. Their shared journeys deepen their compassionate teaching approach, offering practical tools rooted in understanding and empathy.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Prenatal yoga will leave you feeling strong, relaxed, and more connected to yourself and your baby. Our classes go beyond simply modifying yoga poses. With an emphasis on strength, breathing, gentle stretches and community connection, this course can help prepare your mind and body for birth and parenting.
Each session will include poses that bring balance and alignment to your pelvis, pelvic floor, and pelvic and uterine ligaments. Through yoga asana, students can safely encounter strong sensations, and alongside that, discover the coping skills that work best for you and can later be applied to moments of physical or mental discomfort, like during labour and early parenthood. This mindful approach to yoga practice will leave you feeling ready for whatever lies ahead in pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
We empower students to continuously learn about pregnancy, the birthing process and early parenthood. Our practice sessions are grounded in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates the value of community as you explore this current chapter of life. This class is exclusively for pregnant people (not a partners’ class).
Beginners to yoga and any stage of pregnancy are welcome.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the VIRTUAL option, you will attend all sessions online (via livestream in Zoom). If you prefer to have the option to attend in-person, please register for the IN-STUDIO listing of this course, but be aware that in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Prepare for a more connected, grounded, and comfortable pregnancy, labor, and birth in this workshop designed for pregnant people and their birth partners. The presence and active support of a dedicated partner or support person can make a profound difference during labor and delivery. Together, you’ll deepen your trust and awareness of each other while building a toolkit of practical strategies to enhance comfort and confidence throughout the entire birthing process.
In this workshop, you will learn:
This workshop welcomes all couples or birth partners—whether romantic partners, family members, or close friends. The Branches is a 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, anti-racist, and size-inclusive space. Pregnant people at any stage are welcome, and no previous yoga experience is necessary.
Logistics: The in-person workshop takes place in our 3rd-floor studio (no elevator); an online option is available for greater accessibility. Space is limited to 10 pairs—please register early to secure your spot. Workshop registration includes access to the video recording for review and handouts.
Meet Your Instructors:
Lisa Beraldo (she/her) leads The Branches’ pre- and postnatal programming. Lisa discovered the power of yoga during her own pregnancy and holds a BA in Child and Youth Counseling and Family Work. She completed her 250-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2020, Restorative Yoga Teacher Training in 2023, and Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training with the Prenatal Yoga Center in late 2023. When not teaching, Lisa enjoys hiking, camping, canoeing, and spending time with her partner and three children.
Weronika Walker (she/her) is a birth and postpartum doula, outdoor guide, and former paramedic and firefighter. Through Fern & Nettle Doula Services, she offers compassionate, inclusive care to families in the Waterloo Region. She believes that every person should have access to inclusive, full-spectrum reproductive health care and she strives to help her clients have the experiences they desire. Weronika loves witnessing people become parents and she feels grateful every time someone invites her to be a part of their journey. Outside of work, she loves outdoor adventures, reading, and foraging wild plants for food and medicine.
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Using simple yoga postures, breath awareness, meditation, and mindfulness, this course aims to help you deepen your mind/body connection. The act of releasing physical tension and moving your body in new ways can help you move through stuck emotions, create new mental patterns, and bring new awareness into your life.
Each week the class will gradually build upon a set of basic yoga postures, appropriate for all levels and abilities. Through the postures, breathing, and meditative exercises, you’ll learn more about your body’s responses to stress. You may discover techniques that help manage mental/emotional patterns and increase groundedness, calmness, and emotional well-being.
Beginners welcome. Bring a notebook and something to write with.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the VIRTUAL option, you will attend all sessions online (via livestream in Zoom). If you prefer to have the option to attend in-person, please register for the IN-STUDIO listing of this course, but be aware that in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$60+hst Standard Rate* | $75+hst Community Supporter*
Subsidized Rate*: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
No prior yoga experience necessary, beginners welcome!
$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Gentle movement, restorative practices, and community support for living with pain
Living with chronic pain can feel isolating and overwhelming — but movement and connection can offer pathways to ease and self-compassion. Over six weeks, this course provides a safe, nurturing space to explore gentle movement, breath awareness, and restorative yoga, helping to soothe the nervous system and build a more trusting relationship with your body.
Each week includes accessible, adaptable yoga postures paired with breath and mindfulness techniques, alongside optional group discussion to share insights or simply listen. This course honors your pace, your experience, and your boundaries — with no pressure to disclose or perform.
Yoga for Chronic Pain is led by Lisa Beraldo. She brings deep empathy and understanding from her own journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Lisa’s teaching emphasizes choice, agency, and self-compassion in a “no shame” space.
No prior yoga experience is necessary.
Course Format: This course includes 6 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the VIRTUAL option, you will attend all sessions online (via livestream in Zoom). If you prefer to have the option to attend in-person, please register for the IN-STUDIO listing of this course, but be aware that in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
$60+hst Standard Rate | $75+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Yoga Foundations is a 4-week course that will introduce you to the unique way that we teach yoga at The Branches. Learn key principles that will apply to every pose and class, and leave the course well-equipped to join our drop-in classes. Classes will build progressively from week to week, and will incorporate mindfulness practices, attention to breath, and restorative poses to release tension and reduce stress. This course includes access to a video portal with resources to support your learning.
Brand-new beginners welcome!
Course Format: This course includes 4 interactive, weekly sessions offered in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. By registering for the VIRTUAL option, you will attend all sessions online (via livestream in Zoom). If you prefer to have the option to attend in-person, please register for the IN-STUDIO listing of this course, but be aware that in-person spots are limited.
Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes recordings of the weekly sessions, and a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.
After the teacher’s fee, any additional proceeds from the class will be donated to SPECTRUM.
Deepen your yoga practice with dedicated learning opportunities. Whether you are seeking an approach to yoga that works for your body, or you want to focus on a specific area like postures and breathing, yoga philosophy, yoga ayurveda or self-care, we’ve got a teacher who wants to dive deep with you! Our staff are passionate life-long learners who love to share approachable practices with their students.
Drop-in passes and memberships do not apply to courses and workshops. Each course or workshop must be registered for separately
Courses: Our courses inlcude 4-6 interactive, weekly sessions. This approach allows for a progressive experience and/or a deeper exploration of topics. In addition, course participants receive access to a virtual course portal that includes recordings of any live-streamed classes, and a set of on-demand video practices and other learning materials specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the course portal for 90 days. All participants will recieve an email a day or two before the course begins with information on studio policies, how to join a class virtually, and how to access the course portal.
Hybrid Courses - Many of our courses have the option to join in-studio or virtually, so be sure to read the course title & description carefully when you sign up. By registering for the IN-STUDIO option of a hybrid course, you may choose to attend each session in-person or online. If you prefer to attend all the sessions online, please register for the VIRTUAL listing of the course as in-person spots are limited.
In-Studio Courses - Courses with only an IN-STUDIO listing will not include a virtual participation option, and class sessions will not be recorded.
Workshops: Our workshops are single modules that either introduce a concept that supports your regular practice, or dives deep into a special topic to stoke your curiosity. Workshops come with additional take-home handouts and video replay access to solidify your learning.
**In the event of a mandated shut down due to COVID, workshops courses will pivot to virtual livestream classes or will be postponed, depending on the nature of the practice. Registration fees will not be refunded.
COURSES
Prenatal Yoga
Yoga for Round Bodies
Meditation for Resilient Living
Beyond Flexibility: Mobility for Yoga & Athletics
Yoga for Trauma Recovery
WORKSHOPS
Free Your Feet
Strength & Fun with Resistance Bands
Building A Home Practice
Peace In, Peace Out: Pranayama and Breath
Downward Dog in Depth
These policies apply to courses and workshops that are valued at $150 or less (before taxes).
Fees will be returned as follows:
With notice of 7 days or longer: 100% studio credit -or- a refund less a $15 fee.
With notice of 6 days to 24 hours: 50% studio credit
No refunds of any kind will be given for no-shows or for less than 24 hours notice.
If you contact us in advance to make arrangements to have a friend take your spot, we may be able to adjust which type of refund you are eligible for. Except in extenuating circumstances, no refunds of any kind will be granted if notice is given once the course or workshop has begun.
These policies apply to retreats, workshops, or intensives which are 5 hours or longer and/or valued at $150 or higher (before taxes). Does not apply to YTT.
Fees will be returned as follows:
With notice of 30 days or longer: 100% studio credit -or- 75% refund of the total value of the program which has been paid or is due.
With notice of 29 days to 7 days in advance: 75% studio credit -or- 50% refund of the total value of the program which has been paid or is due.
No credit or refunds will be given for no-shows or for less than 7 days notice.
Contact us in advance to make arrangements to have a friend take your spot, and we may be able to adjust which type of refund you are eligible for. Except for extenuating circumstances, no refunds of any kind will be granted if notice is given once the retreat, long workshop, or intensive has begun.