Directors and Advisors

DIRECTORS

Frank Jude Boccio,
Yoga Teacher, Interfaith Minister, Zen Buddhist Dharma Teacher, Author
Frank Jude Boccio’s book, Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath, Body and Mind is the only fully integrated, comprehensive full-length treatment applying mindfulness teachings and practices to the postures and movements of hatha-yoga.

He travels the world lecturing and offering workshops and various programs on mindfulness practice in a variety of settings, from yoga schools and Buddhist monasteries to universities, health centers and prisons.

Having experienced and seen in others the liberating power of mindfulness practice, he is firmly committed and delighted to help bring mindfulness to all. www.mindfulnessyoga.net


Jessica Robertson,
Co-founder and Director of Moksha Yoga, Yoga Teacher, Studio Director
Jessica Robertson is co-founder and director of Moksha Yoga, a community of environmentally designed and ethically inspired yoga studios. She has been involved in leadership positions in the not-for-profit sector for over a decade, working primarily to implement and safeguard international human rights legislation and to promote environmentally conscious living.

Jessica has studied yoga with Baba Hari Das, Jai Uttal, Gurumukh, Bikram Choudhary, Sri Navasana, Judith Lasater and many other yoga luminaries. Jessica also deepens her studies through teaching and through a commitment to daily practice.


Felicia Ross,
Yoga Teacher, Studio Director
Felicia is a full time mother as well as a yoga teacher and studio director. She has a 9 year old son and a baby on the way. She and her husband have been actively involved with the Children's Aid Society of Toronto, hoping to also adopt and or be foster parents to children that have not been given a fair start in life.

She strongly believes that following periods of crisis, children and teens are resilient and have the capacity to experience healthy development with the commitment and care from others.

Before yoga, Felicia was a figure skating coach for 11 years, and working with teens proved to be the most rewarding for her. Felicia also brings experience from being a volunteer with the Junior League of Toronto for 4 years assisting and implementing various programs with underprivileged youth in the city.


Elisa Schwarz,
Yoga Teacher, Educational Television Host, Writer
Elisa Schwarz went to her first yoga class while in theatre school 11 years ago and has not looked back since. She has spent the last decade practicing various styles and has completed teacher trainings in Anusara and Moksha yoga.

After teaching yoga at an inner city school in Montreal, Elisa became passionate about sharing yoga with youth at risk and is thrilled to be on the New Leaf board of directors.

Apart from teaching yoga, Elisa works in educational television for children where she has worked as an on-air host, a writer and as a researcher.

Elisa is deeply grateful to all of her teachers, especially her 10-month old son, who has taught her the importance of surrendering to the moment and the true beauty of an open-mind.


ADVISORS

Michael Stone
Psychotherapist, Yoga Teacher, Author
Michael Stone, M.A., is a psychotherapist in private practice, yoga teacher and author. He co-leads the Centre of Gravity sangha, a community of yoga and Buddhist practitioners in Toronto, and he also teaches widely in academic, studio and clinical settings internationally.

He has two forthcoming books, "The Inner Tradition of Yoga" and "Yoga Engaged," and his main focus is the integration of committed practice, study and social action. Michael is also a leading lecturer in the intersection of Yoga, Buddhism and Psychotherapy.

He lives with his partner and son in Toronto.


Kosu Boudreau
Yoga Teacher, Multi-faith Chaplain
Kosu Boudreau is a yoga teacher, Buddhist practitioner and a multi-faith chaplain currently working at a chronic care hospital in Toronto. She has developed and facilitated reintegration programs for adult ex-offenders leaving jails and prisons.

She feels passionately that everyone deserves a second (third, fourth) chance and that each life holds meaning and value. She lives with her partner and daughter in Toronto, and loves to eat homemade cookies and watch documentaries.


Adam Segal
Psychotherapist
Adam Segal, M.A., is a Toronto-based psychotherapist working in private practice. He has experience working with adults of all ages and specifically with young adults, members of Toronto's LGBT communities and persons facing illness.

Adam's interests in mindfulness and Buddhism greatly inform his life and work with clients.

Jodi L. Kovitz, H.B.A., LL.B.
Yoga Student, Family Law Lawyer, Professor
Jodi holds a BA (Honors) from the Richard Ivey School of Business, and an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School. She also studied at the Bocconi University School of Management in Milan, Italy. She is an associate in the Family Law department at the law firm Torkin Manes LLP, and is a part-time Professor at the University of Toronto. Jodi is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Ontario Bar Association. She is also on the executive committee of the Young Lawyer’s Division of the Ontario Bar Association and a volunteer with both the Lawyers Feed the Hungry Program and Lilah’s Fund.

Apart from her law career, Jodi is an advid student of yoga and life. She strongly believes in the power of healing, growth and finding forgiveness through the practice of yoga.