ABOUT

My name is Hela Kalicharran and welcome to HEAL.

I was born in Toronto, Canada and am now based in New York City. I was introduced to movement through dance, teaching me the importance of having a connection to the body. Dance was a form of moving meditation that made me feel more like myself but I did not continue as I went on to pursue other things, leaving me feeling lost and without a creative or devotional practice. As a university student I struggled with depression, anxiety, and burnout and turned to yoga in attempts to stay physically healthy during a challenging time. Being able to physically hold up my own body weight when starting my yoga practice made me feel strong and capable of supporting myself in the face of doubt. I graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts focusing in Buddhism, Psychology, Mental Health, and Indigenous Studies.

Yoga became more than a physical practice. It has taught me what it means to show up for myself. Giving myself permission to release all expectations and take sanctuary on the mat has allowed me to move forward with a new lightness. Since completing my Yoga Teacher Training in 2021, I have continued to become more present and strengthen the connection between mind, body, and spirit, through my practice every single day. I graduated with a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology and have gone on to pursue further studies in a PhD program both at Columbia University. Continuing to study the relationships between education, creativity, embodiment, well-being, health, and spirituality.

I founded HEAL because I believe that helping others connect to themselves and their faith in any capacity can be a healing process. Unlearning these limiting beliefs that have convinced us that we are incapable or unworthy of living a life full of meaning, is a great gift I wish to share with others. I encourage students to enter classes with an open-mind and heart, entering in a safe space where they can connect and support each other in purposeful living.