1) I teach subjects that have captivated my mind and heart for a lifetime:  Mindful Yoga, rooted in its well-proven techniques (Mindfulness, Poses, Breathing Control Exercises, and Meditation); kid-friendly Art History classes; Linguistic Explorations intended to cultivate multiculturalism and a sense of self-expansion and empowerment; as well as classes designed to cultivate logic and kindness.  All of my classes are inclusive and serve neurodiverse children.  Upon request, all of my classes can also be adapted to different age groups, and they are available in Spanish, too. 
2) My professional background includes a B.A. in Psychology (summa cum laude), Fine Arts, an M.A. in Liberal Studies, a Yoga Educator certification through Yoga Alliance with their highest qualifications (Experienced 500 Hrs., Yoga Alliance Continued Education Provider, aka as YACEP, and a Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer); I am also a Yoga & Meditation Professor, both as a humanities and P.E. and Health Science course; certified by Yale University in The Science of Happiness; and continue to conduct Independent Studies in these fields since the early 1980;  I am also certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists as a registered Yoga Therapist, and certified by Dr. Loren Fishman to teach his method of Yoga for Bone Health, Knee Health and  Relationship Yoga; I worked ten years at the Maitland Counseling Center with Pre-K - HS children and adults with varied diagnoses, including ASD, Down Syndrome, ADD, Depression, Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Multiple Sclerosis, Addictions, among others; and volunteer as a Grief Facilitator.  My official teaching experience began in 2007, and I teach Yoga, Meditation and Humanities at Valencia College and at my on-line studio for adults (www.pamelaocana.net). 
 I have witnessed the healing and transformative power of the yogic techniques when applied with a professional expertise. To share these fascinating teachings that support personal and social wellbeing is my  vocation.  I feel it is important to pass on the gifts of these wisdom traditions and of multiculturalism that are so relevant to our post-modern world. 
3) To me, the mentor & disciple relationship is sacred, based on mutual respect, connection, compassion and kindness.  My classes are private in order to honor these principles.  For these reasons and for gauging Learner's interest level and to be able to adjust accordingly, I require open mics and video in my classes so there is a sense of mutual engagement with the material.  
My approach to teaching is inclusive, based on considering the whole person through connection, understanding, subtle assessing, and respecting each student's personality, including if/when they are ready to participate in the class. Participation is gently encouraged, and the child is honored in his own timing.   To me, education (from the Latin root, 'educare', meaning "to nourish, to bring up") is at its best when all involved feel a positive symbiotic relationship that creates an engaging dialectic where the student may realize the infinite potentials waiting to be cultivated to bring out the best version of themselves. I also believe in bringing to their awareness the marvelous interconnections that exist in the many areas of human pursuits. To me, teaching & learning are an inclusive experience, with each child being recognized, valued and encouraged for their innate qualities, talent, and type of intelligence.  In this learning journey, I believe the family plays a vital role as in the "Zone of Proximal Development", supporting the student's thought process to make deeper, more meaningful connections so that their education experience is a fascinating and engaging discovery.  I welcome parents being nearby during class in case they can help the learner with any support needed, technical or otherwise.
4) Something fun and personal about me is that I grew up in Japan where I learned English in a catholic, Canadian school, and was always chosen to play Mother Mary! Apart from that, my formal education unfolded across East and West, in three school systems and three languages, English, Spanish and German.  I also speak French at the intermediate level, and can get myself in trouble in a few others!    In our spare time, my family and I love to immerse ourselves in awe-inspiring  natural parks.