All about Nathalie
I am a curious and passionate life-long learner, yogini, gardener and nature lover. I am the lucky mother of two wonderful boys. I love to explore the Cowichan Valley with my family, enjoying our beautiful forests and delighting in our rivers, lakes and ocean beaches. I am an avid gardener and homesteader. I am dedicated to promoting love and respect for nature through activities that foster connection with the land and water. I also encourage holistic wellness by adopting healthy eating habits as well as physical, mental and spiritual self-care through physical activity, yoga, breathing and mindfulness practices.
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Background
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Quebec City. French is my first language. I came to Vancouver Island in 2008 to study Permaculture and fell in love with the Cowichan Valley. I have been living in the Cobble Hill-Mill Bay area since then.
Teaching Experience
I have been teaching Grade 4/5 at École Cobble Hill for 3 years and I am teaching Grade 6/7 this year for the first time.
Before that, I taught Kindergarten (2016-2017), Grade 2 (2016-2017) and Learning Assistance (Jan.-June 2016) at École Mount Prevost in Duncan.
I have also taught yoga and dance classes in Mill Bay for both young children (parent and tot) and adults (2014-2015).
Before that, I taught Kindergarten (2016-2017), Grade 2 (2016-2017) and Learning Assistance (Jan.-June 2016) at École Mount Prevost in Duncan.
I have also taught yoga and dance classes in Mill Bay for both young children (parent and tot) and adults (2014-2015).
Qualifications and Experiences
I bring various qualifications into my teaching practice, including:
Bachelor of Education, Vancouver Island University, 2015
Yoga Teacher Certificate- Level 1, Feel Good Yoga and Pilates, 2014
Masters in Environmental Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), 2008
Professional Legal Training Course, Quebec Bar Association, 2003
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), Laval University (Québec), 2001
College Diploma in Social Sciences, Cégep de Sainte-Foy (Québec), 1998
Before coming into teaching, I have worked as an Environmental Lawyer (Quebec Ministry of Environment), a Researcher (Health & Environment) and a Coordinator (Environmental Sciences Institute- UQAM). I have also spent several years as a homemaker and homesteader with my young children. In my youth, I enjoyed working with children as a Summer Camp Counsellor and Swimming Instructor for many years.
Bachelor of Education, Vancouver Island University, 2015
Yoga Teacher Certificate- Level 1, Feel Good Yoga and Pilates, 2014
Masters in Environmental Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), 2008
Professional Legal Training Course, Quebec Bar Association, 2003
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), Laval University (Québec), 2001
College Diploma in Social Sciences, Cégep de Sainte-Foy (Québec), 1998
Before coming into teaching, I have worked as an Environmental Lawyer (Quebec Ministry of Environment), a Researcher (Health & Environment) and a Coordinator (Environmental Sciences Institute- UQAM). I have also spent several years as a homemaker and homesteader with my young children. In my youth, I enjoyed working with children as a Summer Camp Counsellor and Swimming Instructor for many years.
When I am not teaching... My Top 5 favorite activities
1. Learning! Yes, this one of my favorite things in the world! I am passionate about life, especially about nature, holistic wellness, education, gardening, yoga.... I am always researching, reading new information, and experimenting with new ideas.
2. SUP (Stand-up paddle-boarding): I love water and I love paddling! I love that I can grab my board, walk to the beach and get it in the water in a matter of minutes. Paddle-boarding erases all my stress and connects me with the calm and peace of nature. I especially love early morning and evening paddles in Mill Bay.
3. Gardening: gardening gives me the satisfaction of connecting with the earth, the water, the sun and the air in a very deep way. I feel so grateful when I create a meal with food from my garden. A couple of years ago, my class helped design and build École Cobble Hill's new garden and it has been wonderful to share this passion with my students.
4. Yoga: I have been a yogini for about 15 years. I am a certified yoga teacher and I used to teach mom & tots yoga-dance classes when I was at home with my young children. I practice various types of yoga, including hatha yoga, breathing (pranayama), meditation and chanting. One of my favorite places to practice is on my paddle-board. My daily practice helps to tune my body, mind and spirit and brings me peace, clarity and joy.
5. Dancing: I dance to all kinds of music. I dance in my living room, in my kitchen, in my Zumba class, with my students, at concerts, in festivals. Dance is my favorite mean of expression.
2. SUP (Stand-up paddle-boarding): I love water and I love paddling! I love that I can grab my board, walk to the beach and get it in the water in a matter of minutes. Paddle-boarding erases all my stress and connects me with the calm and peace of nature. I especially love early morning and evening paddles in Mill Bay.
3. Gardening: gardening gives me the satisfaction of connecting with the earth, the water, the sun and the air in a very deep way. I feel so grateful when I create a meal with food from my garden. A couple of years ago, my class helped design and build École Cobble Hill's new garden and it has been wonderful to share this passion with my students.
4. Yoga: I have been a yogini for about 15 years. I am a certified yoga teacher and I used to teach mom & tots yoga-dance classes when I was at home with my young children. I practice various types of yoga, including hatha yoga, breathing (pranayama), meditation and chanting. One of my favorite places to practice is on my paddle-board. My daily practice helps to tune my body, mind and spirit and brings me peace, clarity and joy.
5. Dancing: I dance to all kinds of music. I dance in my living room, in my kitchen, in my Zumba class, with my students, at concerts, in festivals. Dance is my favorite mean of expression.