Born and raised in Cape Town, Helen Calligeris’s life has been shaped by devotion—to her family, to God, and to the healing power of movement. Now living in Ottawa, Canada with her husband and two children, Helen is a psychotherapist, creative thinker, and lifelong student. Yoga first entered her life in childhood when her mother brought her to a class, but it wasn’t until her dance teacher, Marlena, reintroduced her to the practice that she truly fell in love. For Helen, yoga was more than movement—it was a return to self, a way to feel whole again. Creativity is one of her core values, allowing her to view the world from fresh perspectives. Living in gratitude and faith, Helen believes yoga is not just a practice, but a spiritual anchor in uncertain times.

Building a Life Through Yoga and Change

From dancing and teaching yoga in South Africa to creating her own aerial movement brand, Helen poured her energy into the work she loved. But when the pandemic hit, everything shifted. Her studio closed, and she relocated to Canada to pursue her master's in Education—eventually becoming a psychotherapist. Starting over was not easy. Teaching had been her lifeline, and moving to a new country meant rebuilding from scratch.

In those uncertain days, her yoga mat became her sanctuary. It wasn’t just physical healing—yoga helped her connect to her faith and build the inner strength needed to face life’s upheavals. Today, Helen freelances at two Ottawa-based studios and is building her online platform to support others through yoga and mindset work. She continues to teach from a place of groundedness, community, and clarity—empowering others to find peace and strength in their own lives.

Lessons I’ve Learned

Healing isn’t always linear—it often takes the form of movement, stillness, and the quiet moments in between. Starting again has taught me that letting go of what you’ve built can make space for something more aligned. And through it all, I’ve learned that honoring my creativity not only helps me grow but opens doors I never expected.

My Message to Founders

"Root yourself in what gives you energy and helps you clarify your vision and grow from there. Give relentlessly, whilst keeping up with your own self-healing and growth. Some days may be slow, and you might feel like giving up. Other days you might feel that you are unstoppable ...Embrace it all and most importantly... Keep going. It's all part of the journey."

I know what it means to start from zero—to dig deep and swim in the deep end to survive. My mission is to help others facing life’s demands and inner struggles by offering an empowering practice that builds strength, clarity, and resilience. Through movement, I help people shift their mindset and reconnect with themselves.

Business Takeaways from Yoga Founders Magazine

Grounded Beginnings

Start from what fuels your energy and purpose. Let that be your anchor.

Creative Thinking

Lean into your creative process—it often holds the key to your next breakthrough.

Resilience Training

The mat is more than a workout—it's training for how you meet the world outside it.

Rebuild with Purpose

When life forces you to start over, build with deeper intention the second time around.