What Clients Say:
"I had the pleasure of a session with Islena who is superbly well suited for this role and easy to talk to. She approached difficult subject matters compassionately, and within a short time, I learned new insights about how I interpret the world. Through the awareness I now have, I am confident that what used to trip me up will be more comfortably tackled. I recommend anyone wanting to experience transformation and healing to hire Islena to work her magic!"~Paul Krismer, CEO, Happiness Experts.ca
"For as long as I can remember, my cycle of thoughts led me to become depressed and anxiety-ridden. For the past 10 years, I've been to many psychologists and psychiatrists, spending a lot of hours and finances to sort things out, but it continued to get worse. After working with Islena for a month, I noticed a dramatic change in my mindset, outlook on life, and overall feeling of self worth. She helped me see where I was a prisoner to my thoughts because of my perception of past events, and that my beliefs and opinions were not what was necessarily true. She helped me see reality for what it actually is. Since working with her, my anxiety has nearly vanished and my depression is beginning to lift. Islena has given me my life back, and I cannot think of anyone else that I would rather ask to help my mental and emotional well being." ~Dan Krozonouski, Ontario, Canada
"I am so grateful to work with Islena over the past two months. As a person suffering from anxiety on and off throughout my life and had attempted to meet different professionals on many different occasions, I can honestly say she has been the only one that has made a huge difference in my life. The shift in my thinking has been life altering." ~Lori Watts, Vancouver, Canada, Jan. 2019
"Islena has a way of listening compassionately, hearing beyond what is said and giving a gentle nudge to consider another way of seeing things. She is a truly gifted teacher/coach." -Alissa Martin, British Columbia, Canada
"Unbelievably powerful. I can't believe how much lighter I feel after our first session! After shutting down for so many years and having an illness, I'm thankful for Islena's help & guidance to find myself and get my life in balance." -Tonya H, Nebraska
"I was referred to Islena through my health care practitioner as I was struggling to move from past traumas and wanted to free myself from being stuck in views that no longer served me. I scheduled 3 appointments with her. Our first conversation was met with Islena’s profound understanding of just where I was in this process. Her wisdom and ability to hone in on my life experience was immediately impressive. Islena is very skilled in talking through deep issues & she showed me how reframing our perceptions can make a huge difference in our well being. There were many breakthroughs in our meetings and as a result, my life is changed for the better, due to her knowledge, compassion & understanding. I would highly recommend Islena when working through issues." -Dede, New York
"Before working with Islena, I worked with countless other practitioners and healing modalities; desperate to feel better. After two sessions with Islena, we uncovered deep core issues and beliefs that had been controlling my life. I felt a profound internal shift and literally a weight had been lifted. I feel a new clarity & sense of deep peace I've never known before, with strength, confidence, and courage to face my deepest fears, and a newfound hope for a new chapter in my life. I'm so grateful for her work!" ~Mandy McDonald, Colorado, USA
I want to take the time to THANK Islena for guiding me. She embodies the knowledge very well, and has a depth of wisdom, kindness and gentleness to get me through heavily resistant beliefs and identities. I don't know how she does it, but she's able to get to the root of my confusion, fears, and angst within minutes, to then help transform my old thoughts into new and healthy ones. What I love is how safe I feel with her. I know I can trust her to let down my guard and let it all out (and letting out that soft, vulnerable, hurt child is VERY difficult for me.) If you want to do a session, but have a deep dark place you're afraid to go to, I can vouch first hand that Islena is the practitioner for you. Within seconds of being in her presence you will naturally relax and feel at ease. I recently realized I had a lifelong one sided fantasy that I can live a life without pain. This is something I've never wanted to admit, or change, and would fight to the ends of the world to prove wrong, but after working with her, I'm willing and open to actually explore this. I can't tell you how huge this is for me. I have no idea how Islena got me to discover this for myself, but she somehow guided me to these insights. Thank you again, and I look forward to learning more about resiliency, seeing the benefits of my "pain", and learning to embody a greater depth of wisdom." -Tara Akuna, Vancouver, BC
What Teachers Say:
"I had the pleasure of a session with Islena who is superbly well suited for this role and easy to talk to. She approached difficult subject matters compassionately, and within a short time, I learned new insights about how I interpret the world. Through the awareness I now have, I am confident that what used to trip me up will be more comfortably tackled. I recommend anyone wanting to experience transformation and healing to hire Islena to work her magic!"~Paul Krismer, CEO, Happiness Experts.ca
"For as long as I can remember, my cycle of thoughts led me to become depressed and anxiety-ridden. For the past 10 years, I've been to many psychologists and psychiatrists, spending a lot of hours and finances to sort things out, but it continued to get worse. After working with Islena for a month, I noticed a dramatic change in my mindset, outlook on life, and overall feeling of self worth. She helped me see where I was a prisoner to my thoughts because of my perception of past events, and that my beliefs and opinions were not what was necessarily true. She helped me see reality for what it actually is. Since working with her, my anxiety has nearly vanished and my depression is beginning to lift. Islena has given me my life back, and I cannot think of anyone else that I would rather ask to help my mental and emotional well being." ~Dan Krozonouski, Ontario, Canada
"I am so grateful to work with Islena over the past two months. As a person suffering from anxiety on and off throughout my life and had attempted to meet different professionals on many different occasions, I can honestly say she has been the only one that has made a huge difference in my life. The shift in my thinking has been life altering." ~Lori Watts, Vancouver, Canada, Jan. 2019
"Islena has a way of listening compassionately, hearing beyond what is said and giving a gentle nudge to consider another way of seeing things. She is a truly gifted teacher/coach." -Alissa Martin, British Columbia, Canada
"Unbelievably powerful. I can't believe how much lighter I feel after our first session! After shutting down for so many years and having an illness, I'm thankful for Islena's help & guidance to find myself and get my life in balance." -Tonya H, Nebraska
"I was referred to Islena through my health care practitioner as I was struggling to move from past traumas and wanted to free myself from being stuck in views that no longer served me. I scheduled 3 appointments with her. Our first conversation was met with Islena’s profound understanding of just where I was in this process. Her wisdom and ability to hone in on my life experience was immediately impressive. Islena is very skilled in talking through deep issues & she showed me how reframing our perceptions can make a huge difference in our well being. There were many breakthroughs in our meetings and as a result, my life is changed for the better, due to her knowledge, compassion & understanding. I would highly recommend Islena when working through issues." -Dede, New York
"Before working with Islena, I worked with countless other practitioners and healing modalities; desperate to feel better. After two sessions with Islena, we uncovered deep core issues and beliefs that had been controlling my life. I felt a profound internal shift and literally a weight had been lifted. I feel a new clarity & sense of deep peace I've never known before, with strength, confidence, and courage to face my deepest fears, and a newfound hope for a new chapter in my life. I'm so grateful for her work!" ~Mandy McDonald, Colorado, USA
I want to take the time to THANK Islena for guiding me. She embodies the knowledge very well, and has a depth of wisdom, kindness and gentleness to get me through heavily resistant beliefs and identities. I don't know how she does it, but she's able to get to the root of my confusion, fears, and angst within minutes, to then help transform my old thoughts into new and healthy ones. What I love is how safe I feel with her. I know I can trust her to let down my guard and let it all out (and letting out that soft, vulnerable, hurt child is VERY difficult for me.) If you want to do a session, but have a deep dark place you're afraid to go to, I can vouch first hand that Islena is the practitioner for you. Within seconds of being in her presence you will naturally relax and feel at ease. I recently realized I had a lifelong one sided fantasy that I can live a life without pain. This is something I've never wanted to admit, or change, and would fight to the ends of the world to prove wrong, but after working with her, I'm willing and open to actually explore this. I can't tell you how huge this is for me. I have no idea how Islena got me to discover this for myself, but she somehow guided me to these insights. Thank you again, and I look forward to learning more about resiliency, seeing the benefits of my "pain", and learning to embody a greater depth of wisdom." -Tara Akuna, Vancouver, BC
What Teachers Say:
"As an experienced bodywork therapist, Islena offers transformational bodywork, offering real change for an individual. Not only a sought-after and skilled bodyworker, she is an adept and skilled yoga teacher who knows the energetic anatomy of the body as only a yoga teacher can."
- Yoga Fusion, California
"Islena's knowledge of Yoga as well as her compassionate heart inform her teaching. Strong, intuitive and fun, I would recommend Islena for any situation where a teacher who loves the art of teaching Yoga is required."
- Yoga Fusion, California
"Islena's yoga class is food for the body and soul. She is attentive, present, mindful, and always there to lend a helping hand and careful explanation, especially with challenging poses that could be harmful to those with spinal joint dysfunctions. As a chiropractor, I'm careful to recommend just any yoga instructor to my patients. Islena's understanding of musculo-skeletal anatomy makes her my number 1 choice for instructors. Her focus on breathing, body awareness and appreciation of self make her class a must for anyone who wishes to live a healthy lifestyle in the mental, physical and spiritual realm."
- Dan Clement, Director, Open Source Yoga
What Students Say:
"After attending your yoga class, my body felt it'd just had a complete massage therapy session."
- A. Bim, Livermore, CA
"That was honestly one of the best yoga classes I've ever taken. I'm a surfer and your restorative yoga really helped my shoulder injury from surfing."
- A. Bim, Livermore, CA
"That was honestly one of the best yoga classes I've ever taken. I'm a surfer and your restorative yoga really helped my shoulder injury from surfing."
- Steve O, Aspen , CO
"Your knowledge of anatomy and alignment made me feel like I was helping myself to be my own chiropractor and physical therapist because during the class, I felt my body readjusting itself back to what you call "an optimum blueprint for health". I feel great now."
- Beth Leeds, Kelowna , BC
" After a class where you focused on hip openers, my hip that has been out of place for three months popped back into place. It was ecstasy!"
" I'm a Director of Operations for 5 spas in NYC, so I know a good Yoga class when I take one. Yours was truly excellent."
- Heather Hannis, Plus One Health Management, NY , NY
"I'm a martial arts student of Jujitsu, so this class was perfect for releasing the constricted areas in my body. It felt so good."
- J. Ragis, Baltimore , MD
"Islena's yoga classes are one of the highlights of our weekly life. She has a wonderfully serene presence, which combines with an impressive natural energy. The flow is unbroken and the personal attention unparalleled. She provides inspiration at every turn. Highly recommended!"
- Katy and David Tutton, Nosara, CR
"I'm amazed at how deep and dynamic your Resorative Yoga class was. It was well-rounded and had everything. I worked hard but in a relaxing way."
- Marianna K., 100 Mile House, BC
What Program Graduates Say:
“Islena’s dedication to her students is incredible. Her leadership and knowledge of Yoga along with sharing her personal journey and experiences helped me stay open and feel confident and excited about starting my own journey in Yoga. Islena is the type of teacher that I will always remember and follow throughout my journey.”
- Anna Zawada, Teacher Training Graduate, August 2009
“This past month was a life changing experience. This course was so much more than I had expected! Islena’s way of teaching was inspirational. She is very clear in her knowledge of the material and has her heart in her teachings. I was so blessed to have her as my teacher and I am excited to take what I have learned from this course and use it throughout my journey.”
- Cindy Gauthier, Teacher Training Graduate, August 2009“I can’t believe the transformation in myself from taking Islena’s 200 hour teacher training. With her support and encouragement I have overcome my fears of public speaking. After the 30 day intensive training, I am walking away feeling confident I can do anything. Islena puts her heart into teaching and her passion for Yoga is contagious. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to become a Yoga teacher or deepen their own practice. Thank you for an amazing experience!”
- Michelle Joyce, Teacher Training Graduate, August 2009
"I truly loved every minute of my yoga teacher training with Islena. She is a knowledgeable, fun and inspiring teacher. She has a way of making her classes extra special, as well as making them relevant to life. She's very in tune and plays well off her student's personalities to make the training personal. She's also open to questions, discussions and anything extra her students brought into class. I loved her special exercises that bring different "tools" into becoming a teacher besides just the physical aspect of the asanas. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to become a Yoga teacher and would myself love to take more classes and workshops she may put on in the future."
- Alissa Martin, Teacher Training graduate, February 2009
"I have had the great fortune of being taught by Islena Faircrest and I cannot say enough wonderful things about her ability to teach. She has a beautiful way of incorporating 'real life' concepts and ideas into her classes to help cope with the natural stresses we all face day to day. Her passion is contagious and her kind heart inspires anyone who has the desire to cultivate self-awareness, healing, clarity, and an overall lightness to life. I would highly recommend taking any workshops, trainings, or classes with her. We can all learn and benefit from her vast knowledge, experience and wisdom. "
- Shannon Briggs, Teacher Training graduate
"I took Islena’s work-shop "Teaching Prenatal Yoga Safely" and found it very informative. It made me feel very confident to teach a pre-natal class. Islena has a calming aura about her that makes it all more enjoyable, and she also give out lots of helpful hand-outs as well as lesson plans. I would highly recommend Islena’s classes because of her extensive knowledge."
- Shelagh Dabecki
