OUR FOUNDER

I’m Janelle: small town girl, outdoor adventurer, mom, wife, teacher and motivator. Growing up in small town Cereal AB gave me the foundation of community participation and sports involvement that has supported me through life. On school days I played every sport available, and on weekends I hit the road with my dad, heading west for mountain adventures that involved snowmobiles, quads, and motorcycles. In 2008 I graduated from the U of A with a Bachelor of Education and spent a few years substitute teaching and backpacking the world. When I returned in 2010, my love of the outdoors led me to a position with ATCO Electric as a Vegetation Consultant for eight years. During this time, I got married, had two active kiddos, and continued substitute teaching, coaching various sports, and participating in many outdoor endeavors. We live on an acreage West of Caroline where we continue to gratefully embrace living a full life surrounded by the outdoors, friends, family, and adventures.

 

In 2018 my life changed forever when my dad died unexpectedly from health issues at the age of 62. Dad had always been my best friend and hero, giving me the life of adventure that I sought, as well as teaching me the importance of lifelong learning and working for what I want. I took a leave of absence to handle his affairs and re-focus my priorities, knowing that I wanted to be intentional with the time I had left on this earth. This time of healing and reflection led me back to my true passion of fitness, wellness, and community. I took my Exercise and Theory of Fitness Training through AFLCA so I could offer group fitness options to our small rural community. During this time, I also discovered the many healing aspects of yoga, both mental and physical. I used yoga to heal physical pain in my body, to calm my mind, meditate, and use my breath as a grounding force. A teacher at heart, I wanted to share what I was learning with my community so in 2019 I completed my yoga teacher training. At the same time, my dear friend Denelle also voiced her interest in providing exercise opportunities in our community. Denelle (a mother, wife, and RN) has often seen the results of living an inactive and unhealthy lifestyle, especially as we age. She shared my excitement about changing those outcomes within our community by teaching and motivating people to feel their best through regular exercise and lifestyle changes, and Ellement was founded in 2019.

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Credentials: 

Bachelor of Education 

200 hr Registered Yoga Teacher

AFLCA Group Exercise Instructor

Arthritis & Exercise Certification

Older Adults & Exercise Certification

National Coaching Certification Level 1/2 Theory and Technical