Children doing yoga
about us

Positivity and Movement for Busy Minds

Little Yogis is a mobile Yoga & Mindfulness program for kids aged 2 - 13 years with the goal of improving physical, mental, and emotional health through our curriculum.

Little Yogis partners with schools, childcare centres, non-profit, and for-profit organizations to improve the health and wellness of our communities.

Toronto Star Readers' Choice 2023 Diamond Winner for Little Yogis Academy
meet the owner

Melissa Heikkila

Hello!  I'm Melissa – let's get to know each other! I have been an accredited Montessori educator for over 12 years and live in Ottawa with my busy family. We love exploring our Capital city and the natural beauty of our region. I've truly dedicated my life and career to educating young minds.  I was inspired to work with children from an early age, starting with several years of babysitting and summer camp years as a counsellor, director and coordinator.  After finishing my Bachelor's Degree, I expanded my experience by teaching English overseas, allowing me to explore other educational frameworks and unique cultures.  My passion for education continued to grow within my heart, and in 2011 I completed my CASA Montessori Teacher Training in Toronto. Throughout my years of teaching and following Maria Montessori's philosophies, I became more aware of my students' psychological and emotional needs.  I am highly motivated to provide additional wellness and mindfulness resources into our children's curriculums across Ottawa and its surrounding communities.

“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” -Maria Montessori

Melissa Heikkila

Amy

My name is Amy Parsons. Mother to three kiddos, family based photographer, Islander, and yoga teacher! 

I completed my first yoga training with Modo Yoga in Montreal in the fall of 2010 and went on to do my Modo Flow training in Halifax a few years later. I taught full time for several years before changing directions and operating a successful photography business here on the Island. I am a people person and feel as though my background of teaching yoga, and photographing families with young children will serve me well in this new adventure. I've been told that I make my clients/students feel comfortable and I can't wait to bring that skill with me to Little Yogis. 

While I absolutely LOVE photographing all of the beautiful babies and families on PEI (and will continue to do so), I look forward to getting back to my roots in the yoga community. The mental health crisis is real, and I see symptoms within my own family which has led me here! Children need to learn to move their bodies, self regulate, and be mindful of their thoughts/actions. I strongly believe that our children model OUR behaviour and I want to be the change within my own family. I can't wait to help Island kiddos develop healthier habits and mindfulness with the incredible Little Yogis/Busy Minds program.

A mother holding two children

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