We are delighted to welcome our newest franchisee, Rhiannon Perkins, to the YogaBugs family. She is busy setting up classes in Stratford On Avon and the surrounding areas. By profession a primary school teacher, Rhiannon worked as a Foundation/ Key Stage 1 teacher in Stratford On Avon. Her first degree was in English Literature at Warwick University and then she did the PGCE in Primary Teaching and French at Newcastle University.

Speaking about her reasons for joining the YogaBugs team, Rhiannon said:

“It was at a yoga class in 2010 when I first came across YogaBugs and, although I loved my job in school, I knew that YogaBugs would offer a fantastic opportunity for me to combine my love of teaching with my passion for storytelling, music and, of course, yoga. Through my work as a Primary School teacher I have seen just how stressed and anxious even the smallest of children can be. I have also experienced working with children with various behavioural and physical difficulties. Through a combination of music, storytelling, physical activity and relaxation, many of the children I’ve worked with become calmer, more focused, less anxious and increased concentration. I wanted to do something to continue to help a wide variety of children in different settings and YogaBugs seemed the perfect opportunity for me. The rest, as they say is history! I have only been operating since the my training at the start of August but I already feel very much part of the YogaBugs team and the reaction from schools, nurseries and parents in the area has been phenomenal!”

Rhiannon has always been interested in keeping fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When she was younger, Rhiannon was a keen dancer and gymnast. She took up yoga aged 18, and has tried out many different styles. Now she mainly focuses on Ashtanga and Iyengar. Rhiannon says that her  practice of yoga has helped her to become a happier, healthier person.

“When I first started yoga I wrongly assumed it was just a physical practice of the asanas but now, although this physical practice continues to bring me great joy I feel my practice has also benefited my mental and spiritual well-being, affecting many aspects of my daily life.”

Quick off the mark, Rhiannon currently has MiniBugs and MightyBugs classes set up at Caring Kindergartens Nursery in Stratford On Avon, MightyBugs classes at the RSC Nursery in Shottery, an after-school club at Shipston Primary School as well as 3 private classes offering for MiniBugs, MightyBugs and MegaBugs. You’ll find her classes at http://www.yogabugs.com/find_class.php?page_name=find.

If you live in or around the Stratford On Avon area, you can connect with Rhiannon via Facebook and Twitter at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/pages/YogaBugs-Stratford-Upon-Avon/221913974514694 and https://twitter.com/#!/YogabugsSOA.