Meet the Team
At Rise Yoga School, our lead trainers are more than instructors, they’re passionate, experienced mentors
dedicated to guiding you on your yoga and wellness journey. With years of practice, deep knowledge and
heartfelt commitment, they bring both inspiration and expertise to every training. Get to know the
dedicated professionals who shape our programs and uplift our vibrant community.
Paul Fricano – Owner/Lead Trainer
With more than 20 years in the fitness and wellness industry, Paul has dedicated his career to helping others improve their health, strength, mobility, and mindfulness. His passion for health and fitness led him to open iFIT Personal Training in 2004, where he supported clients in reaching their goals through personal training and group fitness classes. In 2007, he co-founded a large-scale fitness facility in Mississauga, Ontario, further expanding his impact within the health and wellness community.
Paul’s love for yoga ultimately guided him to earn his E-RYT 500 certification and shift his focus toward teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others through the practice of yoga. Over the years, he has taught yoga and fitness classes, retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings throughout North America and internationally, sharing his passion for movement, mindfulness, and personal growth with diverse communities around the world.
For the past six years, Paul has been leading students through transformational yoga teacher training programs, combining his extensive knowledge of anatomy, alignment, functional movement, and fitness with a trauma-informed, heart-centred approach to teaching.
As the Owner and Lead Trainer of Rise Yoga School, Paul is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering learning environment where students can deepen their practice, discover their authentic voice, and grow into confident, knowledgeable yoga teachers. His unique blend of fitness expertise, yogic wisdom, and real-world teaching experience allows him to bridge modern science with ancient yogic traditions, helping students become the best version of themselves both on and off the mat.
Certifications & Accreditations:
- E-RYT 500 – Advanced Registered Yoga Teacher
- YACEP – Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
- Certified Canfitpro Fitness Instructor Specialist
- 100-Hour Holistic Whole Body Health Certification
- 100-Hour Warriors & Trauma Sensitive Certification
- 100-Hour Athletes Certification
- First & Second Degree Reiki in Usui
Sandi Call – Lead Trainer
With over 20 years of experience in yoga, spin and group fitness, Sandi Call brings extensive expertise in movement, strength, and functional training. Her deep understanding of human anatomy and biomechanics makes her an invaluable part of the Rise Yoga School team, ensuring that students learn safe, effective movement patterns that enhance both strength and flexibility.
Sandi has spent more than two decades not only teaching classes but also training others to become certified yoga teachers themselves through her past work with another yoga school. This experience has shaped her into a knowledgeable and supportive mentor, deeply committed to the professional development of new teachers.
Certifications & Accreditations:
- E-RYT 500 – Advanced Registered Yoga Teacher
- YACEP – Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
- AFAA Functional Strength Conditioning Fit
- Spin Certified
- Anatomy Specialist
Tom Simota – Trainer
With over 20 years of experience in yoga, energy work, and holistic well-being, Tom serves as a Holistic Wellness Guide dedicated to supporting individuals on every level—physical, energetic, emotional, mental, intuitive, and spiritual. Guided by his personal mantra, “I am a Guiding Light, bringing joy to Humanity,” Tom is passionate about helping people cultivate deep self-connection that empowers greater self-regulation and inner harmony.
Tom is especially fascinated by Subtle Body work and brings a deep understanding to those seeking clarity around the how’s and why’s of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. A Reiki Master-Teacher in the Usui tradition since 2002 and an active PSYCH-K® Facilitator, he continues to expand his studies in Esoteric Healing and Flowtrition. Tom holds a Master of Science (MS) in Education, an Honorary Doctor of Divinity (DD), and is also a dedicated Feng Shui enthusiast.
Certifications & Accreditations:
- E-RYT 200/500 – Advanced Registered Yoga Teacher
- YACEP – Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
- 100-Hour Active Adults, Athletes, Brian Health, Holistic Whole Body, Mind Body Recovery Coaching, Studio Fitness, Subtle Body, Warrior Kids, Wellness, Women’s Mind/Body Health Certifications.
- 140-Hour Warrior & Trauma Sensitive Certification
- Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Fundamentals
- Laughter Yoga Leader
- Essential Oil Practitioner
- Yoga Life Coach
Bernadette Feakes – Trainer
Bernadette is an experienced yoga educator with over 700 hours of training and nearly a decade of teaching. Since beginning her instructor journey in 2016, she has been dedicated to accessible movement, trauma-informed care, and inclusive community spaces.
An E-RYT 500, YACEP, Reiki Master, and sound healer, Bernadette blends evidence-informed movement with energetic modalities. She holds certifications in Accessible Yoga and Yoga for Women’s Health, offering practices that welcome students of all shapes, sizes, identities, and abilities.
Beyond the studio, she has raised thousands for animal rescues through yoga fundraisers, reflecting her commitment to compassion and service. As a teacher trainer with Rise Yoga School, Bernadette is honoured to support new teachers and contribute to an environment grounded in inclusivity, integrity, and heart-centred teaching.
Certifications & Accreditations:
- E-RYT 500 – Advanced Registered Yoga Teacher
- YACEP – Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
- 100-Hour Subtle Body and Women’s Mind/Body Health Certifications
- Zumba & Zumba Gold Certified
- Aqua Zumba Certified
- Zumba Core Certified
- Kelani Certified
- Reiki Master
Aimee Marshall – Trainer
With over 40 years in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, Aimee Marshall has dedicated her career to educating, empowering, and inspiring others through movement, mindful living, and whole-body health.
Her passion for teaching has taken her across the globe, including studies in India, authoring multiple yoga teacher training educational manuals, and serving as an Adjunct Professor at Berkshire Community College, where she teaches Introduction to Nutrition. With a Master’s degree in Health and Sports Sciences, Aimee brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to her teaching.
As an E-RYT 500 and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, Aimee has guided countless students through yoga, fitness, and wellness education. Her expertise includes yoga, corrective exercise, personal training, Ayurveda, sound therapy, Tai Chi, Qigong, and specialized movement programming for diverse populations and health conditions.
As a Trainer with Rise Yoga School, Aimee brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and real-world experience, helping future yoga teachers expand their understanding of movement, accessibility, and holistic wellness.
Certifications & Accreditations:
- E-RYT 500 – Advanced Registered Yoga Teacher
- YACEP – Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
- Certified Ayurveda Lifestyle Coach
- Master’s Degree in Health & Sports Sciences
- Certified Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor
- NASM Certifications in Personal Training, Corrective Exercise,
- Performance Exercise & Nutrition Coaching
- Level 3 Instructor – American Tai Chi & Qigong Association
- 200-Hour Certified Sound Therapy Practitioner
- Certified Pilates, TRX, Spinning, Barre, Aqua Fitness, Zumba, Kickboxing & Functional Fitness Instructor
Empowering Your Wellness Journey
At Rise Yoga School, we understand that a yoga journey is more than just mastering poses—it’s a path toward balance, resilience, and inner growth. Rooted in the principles of strength, flexibility, mindfulness, and energy alignment, our teachings are designed to support your evolution both on and off the mat.
Along with our YTT we offer live online classes, on-demand sessions, Reiki, and Thai Energy Healing, we offer a holistic learning environment where you can deepen your practice, reconnect with yourself, and grow at your own pace. Whether you’re just beginning or continuing your path, we’re here to guide and empower your journey toward lasting well-being.
Your Path to a Healthier, Happier Life
Wellness isn’t about restriction or perfection—it’s about finding a sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle that works for you. We help you integrate movement, mindfulness, and nutrition into your daily routine, guiding you toward a balanced life. By focusing on both your physical and mental well-being, we empower you to make choices that nurture your body and mind.
Move with Passion, Live with Purpose
True wellness is about more than just exercise—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that fuels your passions and helps you feel your best. Our yoga programs are designed to enhance your energy, build resilience, and create lasting positive change in all aspects of life, from career and relationships to self-care and creativity. When you prioritize your well-being, you unlock your full potential—allowing you to move, live, and grow with purpose.
Join us today and take the first step toward a stronger, more balanced you!
