We’ve been so honored to read the amazing feedback from 90 Monkeys alumni in our Facebook groups. This week we chose to profile one of our graduates, Celeste Boran-Fetch, from Canada!
Where do you teach, Celeste? I teach in two art galleries in the Canadian prairies where winter lasts three times longer than summer and the temperature can dip below -40.
How long you’ve been teaching? I have been teaching yoga for two and a half years and practicing for eleven.
What 90 Monkeys courses have you taken? I have taken “Art of the Private Yoga Lesson,” “How to Run Workshops and Retreats,” “How to Launch a Beginner Yoga Series” (twice!) and the juiciest course of all for me, “90 Minutes to Change the World.”
How would you describe your yoga teaching and yoga business before taking your 90 Monkeys courses? Before taking 90 Monkeys courses I was a brand new teacher. My classes were quite small, and at times would only have two to six people attending. On the business end of things I was very unclear. Teacher training did not prepare me for what to expect and how to operate so I was often making things up as I went.
What have you learned through 90 Monkeys courses that you’ve applied to your yoga teaching? And which specific 90 Monkeys courses did you learn this from?
Much of what I have learned through 90 Monkeys has helped me with the business end of being a yoga teacher, which has been invaluable.
In “90 Minutes to Change the World” my biggest take-aways were the binder system to stay organized, how to develop a mission statement to clarify my teachings and offerings, and creative ways to use technology to reach and develop relationships with students. I am continually working on my professional development by returning to my binder and notes in order to improve as a teacher and run a successful business.
After taking the course, I felt more confident and prepared. A fellow teacher noticed that the information I was putting out was more clear and welcoming to students. My attendance increased and my basic classes have run at full attendance ever since! My retention rate has been very good, I have a group of committed students. And beginners are so fun to teach — they are so grateful which makes for a very fulfilling experience.
Anything else you’d like to add? I love the Facebook groups I was invited to join as a result of taking the courses. There are not many other teachers where I live. I love that at the tip of my fingers I can ask a question to a network of smart, professional, and experienced teachers and get feedback. Also, Amy and the 90 Monkey team are very responsive and accessible. I feel supported in what I am doing in my little part of the world!
We hope all of you 90 Monkeys alums out there are having similar successes–and that you’ll reach out and tell us about it! Shoot us an email or let us know how it is going in the comments section below. And if you feel moved – leave some love here for Celeste!