Total Body Yoga Teachers
Ellen Winick
Ellen’s first pregnancy and the birth of her child in 1996 changed her forever. “It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I developed a confidence and calm about what I could produce in my life out of that experience. And, I decided that from then on, I wanted to help others achieve the dreams they have for their births.”
Since making a career change from computer consultant to childbirth educator, Ellen, who holds a Masters in Education, 2 coaching certifications, and much coursework in birthing and labor support, has taught over 200 couples about childbirth. Her goal, always, is to inspire moms and their partners to be conscious and active participants in their births, communicate effectively with their healthcare providers and embrace the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual challenges of birth.
Ellen speaks freely about the births of her own 2 children (now 7 and 11) who were both delivered in water, one at home and one with a midwife in a hospital. Ellen’s clients report that she is a great listener and that she gently helps them learn and grow in their understanding of birth so that they feel prepared and relaxed as they approach this wonderful event in their lives.
In addition to teaching childbirth classes, Ellen has provided pregnancy massage and infant massage instruction to over 500 clients. She knows that caring for a woman’s body and spirit are essential to a healthy pregnancy, birth and beginning motherhood.
What brought you to yoga?
My mom took me to my first yoga class when I was 15. We met in the basement of a friend of hers who was a yoga teacher. I remember that it was one of the first times I consciously relaxed and went inward. I loved it then and continued to practice sporadically until after college primarily as a meditative practice. Now it is, for me, meditative, spiritually grounding and physically healing and invigorating.
What element, quality, or technique of yoga do you find most fascinating and why?
The ability to go into a place of complete peace, appreciation and acceptance for all that is. This is fascinating because it is so easeful when I am in class, but difficult sometimes when I am outside the yoga studio.
What is your favorite pose and why?
Triangle. I love the way I feel in that pose, relaxed and stretched at the same time.
What other hobbies do you have aside from yoga practice?
I am a tri-athlete, mother of 2 and a new mom to a puppy Welsh Terrier. I have studied personal coaching and love to help others as they create what they want in their lives.
What is the title of a book that you have read recently that you could strongly recommend?
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. It is a rather tragic tale of a family but told in the most beautiful, magical way. The father has healing powers which he uses to create powerful change in others. I also enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love.
What is one of your all-time favorite movies?
When Harry Met Sally. I especially love the line at the end when Harry says "when you finally realize who you want to spend the rest of your life with, you want the rest of your life to begin right away.”
What is one of your all-time favorite "comfort" foods?
I'm a fan of a good bowl of tom yum soup. And, I love chocolate! Anything, chocolate!
What is your favorite color?
Purple. My massage room is painted a dusty purple/blue color.
What is one place that you would like to visit in the world? Why?
Italy --because I love good food and art.