Danielle Sanjenko

From a young age I have been involved in sports and fitness. Growing up my family moved a lot because of my dad's career and participation in sport always privided me a comfort zone and a "common language" in a new place. Throughout my highschool years I participated in as many sports as I could, which lead to continuing into University playing soccer. I became increasingly interested in the fitness and health aspects of my soccer training (both physical and mental).

Upon my completion of my first Bachelors Degree in English Literature and Psychology, I went on to pursue certifications in the health and fitness field. I recieved my Yoga Teaching certificate as well as my Fitness leader trainging in Aqua fit.

I took my certifications with me as I travelled south to the Cayman Islands to work for a year in the hospitality industry at the Ritz Carlton. I fell in love with "the beach life" and found the people of the island to be overwhelmingly welcoming and helpful - in every situation. I still, however, felt that my passion of fitness wasn't at the centre of my life.

I moved back to Canada after 13 months on the island. I took on a job ouside lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons thrughout the summer. Through this job I also had the opportunity to teach Aqua Fit. Knowing I would be pursuing further schooling in the fall, I started a fundraising program to bring awareness to Mental Health, using my yoga certificate as the fuel for the program. By the end of summer we had raised a substantial amount to be donated to the Alzheimer Society, in addition to the immense awareness of mental health. 

I am currently completing my prerequsites for medicine and continuing my fitness teaching. I am employed by the YMCA / YWCA as well as the University of Manitoba, where I teach a large variety of Aquafit Classes and various styles of yoga. 

My dream is to continue my education in the area of health and wellness, while continuing my fitness teaching internationally - making fitness accessible to people everywhere!