Yoga was the first time I felt at home in my body. It helped me feel connected. It now provides me an opportunity to support others in this journey.
Nicole (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker, Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Facilitator and Mindfulness Facilitator.
Nicole D’Souza
Nicole has been passionate about mental health since joining youth advisory groups. She is passionate about supporting others, and recognizing the barriers that racialized folks and other marginalized communities may face. Nicole recognized that working on healing looks different for everyone, including herself. Nicole found yoga to be beneficial and felt called to pursue teaching. Nicole loves teaching yoga from a trauma informed perspective. She has seen how it can be beneficial for others in their experience with yoga, as it is more about being present rather than making each form prefect. Nicole enjoys reading books, being in nature and taking care of her houseplants as self-care.
Yoga +Mindfulness
Nicole completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal in 2016 and graduated from the Trauma-Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) 300hr program in March 2020.
Nicole has been teaching yoga for over 3 and a half years to children, youth, families, adults and seniors in various settings such as community centres, high schools, health centres and community groups. Nicole always had an interest in the processing of trauma and the involvement of the body in this process. The TCTSY program was the perfect way for her to bring together her love of yoga and her Social Work background. Nicole has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and was drawn to the connection with her body. Yoga was one place where she was able to feel at home in her body and she enjoys connecting with people through yoga.
Nicole completed a facilitator training with Mindfulness Without Borders to run the Mindfulness Ambassador Program. She also brings mindfulness in therapy and when running wellness programs.
Therapy+ Mental Health
Nicole graduated from the University of Toronto receiving a Masters in Social Work and from the Toronto Metropolitan University receiving a Bachelors of Social Work. She has a focus on working with adolescents and adults through an anti-oppressive and trauma informed lens. She has worked with children, adolescence, and families in the Children and Mental Health field. She has also worked in Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center as a counsellor and now works in Private Practice supporting teens, and adults.
Nicole is the Founder of a grassroots project called Beautiful Minds that provides free wellness workshops with a focus on art-based, mindfulness and yoga activities for youth 13-29 year old. She is also a Peer Support for events that are hosted by Reclaim Your Voice.
Places Nicole Has Facilitated Workshops or Classes
-Specturm Health Care
-Flemingdon Health Centre
-Toronto Public Library
-Reclaim Your Voice
-UTSC Women’s and Trans Centre