ABOUT THE MAGIC TREE
The Magic Tree specialises in building emotional awareness and correcting body alignment. Michelle Rodgers, owner and instructor at The Magic Tree, uses yoga to empower children, teens and adults to reconnect with their bodies and their emotions.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: MICHELLE RODGERS
Michelle Rodgers has taught yoga for 20 years, she was accredited through the Fremantle Yoga School in 2001. She was trained by Kale Leaf who trained under BKS Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar Yoga in India. This method has an emphasis on the alignment of posture using breath control and is designed to systematically develop strength ( including core ), flexibility, stability, and body awareness, and can be therapeutic for a range of conditions. It is adaptable for anyone and uses props where needed.
Michelle studied Science (UWA), Human Movement (UWA) and Food Science (Curtin). She completed her Bachelor of Human Movement (Physical Education) in 1991, and is a qualified teacher completing her Bachelor of Education in 1992, at UWA. Since her studies she has worked in the muscular - skeletal field in rehabilitation. She has worked with paraplegic and other patients from Shenton Park Rehabilitation Centre, athletes and different individuals .
She now works with children and has done so since 2009, teaching Yoga and Mindfulness – using breath work and meditation ( age appropriate ), as well as other techniques including; art, colour, sensory attention work, role playing and brain gym to name a few. Teaching children “Emotional Awareness“ is what she is passionate about. This gives children greater self confidence and resilience, helping with anxiety, bullying, depression and stress in general. Children are equipped with the tools to deal with big emotions and feelings, and learn strategies to self soothe, face fears, and to prevent getting entangled in other’s emotions.
Michelle post studies, has run workshops on the Pelvic Floor – Core abdominals, and connecting people to their feelings and emotions. Michelle has worked in Private Schools (Scotch College, St Mary’s AGS, St Hilda’s ASG, Perth College, Newman College, Quintilian School, Moerlina School) and Public Schools (Hamilton SHS, Hilton PS) teaching Yoga, Science, Physical and Outdoor Education, Health and Nutrition.
Michelle’s Yoga teaching focuses on the connection to the breath and the feeling within the body. Her classes are creative and vary. They are tailored to accommodate the participants.
Michelle has gained great insight from all of these teaching /working experiences which has inspired her to do the work she now does – her greatest love (besides her own children) is working with and empowering children. Michelle has a natural affinity with everyone and particularly children.
“By educating and supporting children in emotional wellbeing, we are empowering children to make positive choices, and helping them create happier and more fulfilling lives.“
Michelle’s other relevant work:
“University Camp for Kids“ committee member for 5 years at UWA. Liaising with Psychologists and selecting children to attend 3 x 1week long camps, run annually for under privileged children; 1988 - 1992
Longmore Juvenile Detention Centre – teaching Physical Education and Health;1990 - 1991
UWA Swim School - swim instructor and squad coach;1989 – 1992
Uni gym at UWA – Running Paediatric Exercise programs – out of the School of Human Movement (now School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health.) Assisting children with development of early learning skills; 1991-92
'Interchange’ in Melville working with teenagers and adults who had mental and physical disabilities. Taught life skills, and ran programs including canoeing, art and music; 1992-94
Elite athlete experience:
Michelle trained as an elite level athlete in White Water Kayaking for 10 yrs, representing and competing for Australia overseas. She was chosen as part of the WAIS (West Australian Institute of Sport) squad to train for the 2000 Olympics, but became ill from a severe water caused parasitic infection whilst competing overseas, which halted her Olympic aspirations.
This redirection put Michelle on a path of deep inquiry of healing; body and mind. She saw the effects of the mind – body connection and started applying these practices to her clients. There were transformational shifts in both the children and adults, and in their abilities to move forward positively in life.
Michelle has been using Emotional Wellbeing tools, Rehabilitation and Yoga with adults and children for well over 25 years and continues to do so….
ABOUT OUR PHILOSOPHY: IMPROVING WELLBEING THROUGH YOGA
When we are born we have an innate connection to our hearts and feelings. As we grow up we can start to shut down our hearts to survive, due to our feelings of hurt . This can make us “disconnected” to stop the pain. Coming from a place of “disconnection” can create self-harm and can encourage us to make wrong life choices. A way to rectify this is by reconnecting to ourselves and our feelings again. We can do this safely, allowing us to become more empowered.
YOGA: Using our breath and feeling our body brings us into the present, enabling us to connect to ourselves. We then have the opportunity and space to become conscious of creating our life in a healthy, positive way.
KIDS YOGA: to empower and support children throughout their schooling years, so they have not only the academic skills, but also the social and emotional skills that will equip them for life. They will have a deeper understanding of how to support themselves when facing life’s challenges and be more capable of creating and fulfilling their potential.