Steve Fazzari    (Shankara Deva) 

 

Professional Experience

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Karma Teachers 200hr Teacher Training: Lead Instructor - Sept 2017 - present

• Develop and deliver course material to prepare students to have a dedicated Yoga practice, as well as aid in their ability to themselves deliver the teachings of Yoga to others

• Create and manage training schedules, making a meticulously crafted arc that considers the flow and trajectory of the day, the week, and the entire training

• Book and schedule guest teachers to give students a varied view of the practices

• Provide continued support to students who require guidance through-out and after the process of the training

• Provide continual feedback to ensure a strong understanding of the material is not only maintained but also support others in their ability to translate that understanding to others

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Dharma Yoga: Yoga Instructor - Vancouver, BC May 2011 – present

• Teach from a classical yoga linage at studios around the Lower Mainland, including being a founding teacher in the first ever Dharma Yoga specific school in Canada

• Assist and teach in various levels of teacher and student training

• Involved in teaching at risk youth, contributing to the stability and growth of youth in the Vancouver community

• Develop and maintain individual relationships with students, allowing for mutual growth over long periods of time

• Recognize and interpret non-verbal cues from students to gain insight into particular individual needs, demonstrating the ability to identify when guidance or assistance is needed

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University of British Columbia: Co-Instructor; FNH 455 (Applied International Nutrition) - Vancouver, BC January-April 2017

• Assisted in the scheduling of guest lecturers; managed systems for virtual lecture delivery from professionals in the field of international nutrition located around the world

• Developed lecture material and presented it as required course material

• Developed lab material and managed class participation and discussion

• Provided students feedback and guidance with course material

• Collaborated with university employees to record data related to having global experts  deliver virtual lectures for course material; this was a brand new realm of course delivery for UBC

• Marked course material and finalized student grades with the institution

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JumpStart UBC: Workshop Leader – Vancouver, BC August 2014

• Program leader for a UBC-run orientation program for first year international students

• Developed a culturally-inclusive nutrition related workshop specific to overcoming a variety of challenges presented to first year students

• Integrated theoretical knowledge with specific examples and hands-on experiences to solidify concepts 

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The Shining Hearts: Owner – Vancouver, BC July 2013 – Dec 2015

• Created a unique hand-made product that has generated demand across Canada

• Frequently connect with and develop relationships with local businesses, securing contracts to sell product at their locations

• Organize and maintain detailed and meticulous financial reports

• Recognize needs of clients, working with their visions to create something custom for them

 

lululemon: Community/Educator - Vancouver, BC Jan 2011 – Aug 2012

• Founded the community program within my store, hosting and running in store events ranging from Goal Setting workshops, yoga classes, as well as larger scale productions with other stores in the region

• Demonstrated the culture held within the company, including attitude of fun, respect, support, empowerment, encouragement, and passion

• Treated all customers, co-workers, and managers with respect and dignity

• Frequently recognized by management as the day’s top performer

 

3R Demolition: Computer Tech/Health & Safety – Burnaby, BC July 2009 – Feb 2010

• Implemented systems to speed up the transfer of information and improve office efficiency

• Re-wrote the Safety Manual to update current safety policies for all employees

 

Symposium Lounge: Head Server/Cook - London, ON Jan – Dec 2008

• Worked with management to develop new menu items and daily specials, which focused on healthy eating and meals for those with dietary restrictions

• Demonstrated the ability to function in a fast-paced environment with frequent distractions

• Displayed exceptional leadership and teaching skills when training new staff

• As Head Server, was able to gain support of and have the ability to lead others

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Education-Related Experience

 

Nutrition within the Aboriginal Community in the DTES - Vancouver, BC Jan - Apr 2014

• With a group of peers, recognized a gap in Vancouver's social policy in regards to food security within the Aboriginal population in the Downtown Eastside

• Wrote a detailed report on a three phase, five year plan to create food security within an underrepresented and marginalized subsection of the Vancouver community

• Considered complex community dynamics, incorporating culturally sensitive solutions

• Presented our findings to a panel of reviewers

 

Think&EatGreen@Schools: Sprouts - Vancouver, BC Sept - Nov 2013

• Used my experience interacting with and teaching a culturally diverse elementary-aged students with Food For Thought to support and develop group members

• Used previously gained experience to effectively deliver an interesting and informative workshop

• Applied group dynamic principals to ensure preparations were organized, on task, and effectively motivated

• Functioned effectively in a group setting, applying information from academic subject areas

 

Special Olympics BC: Nutrition Workshop – Vancouver, BC Sept - Nov 2012

• Worked to meet the needs of the community partner, designing a workshop to reinforce and solidify concepts of healthy food and nutrition for athletes

• Taught conceptual knowledge received from academic studies, and solidified knowledge with hands-on food preparation of healthy snacks

• Received excellent feedback from athletes, their helpers, and the BC Special Olympics staff

• Prepared a newsletter article with workshop highlights to share with all BC Special Olympics participants

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Volunteer Experience

 

Food For Thought: Founder/Coordinator - Vancouver, BC May 2012 – April 2017

• Developed, coordinated and implemented nutrition based workshops, targeting elementary-aged children within the Vancouver School Board

• Repeatedly enroll and continue to manage a team of UBC students, developing individuals into leaders within the organization

• Developed educational resources for use in the classroom

• Lead youth, as well as maintain structure and organization of team members

• Learned how to run a successful organization quickly and independently

• In collaboration with the volunteer team, continually developed and delivered programs since it’s inception, including successful summer programs in the Downtown Eastside and Kerrisdale

 

Land & Food Systems Community Based Experiential Learning - Vancouver, BC

January 2013 – April 2017

• Volunteer speaking to students and classes about opportunities with student involvement in Community Based Education placements

• Incorporated as a classroom CBEL placement for students in a second year Food, Nutrition and Health class (FNH 250) with Food For Thought

• Meeting with major donors to the UBC Community Learning Initiative department to promote distinguished achievements within the program

 

One Yoga for the People: Karma Yogi - Vancouver, BC Oct 2011 – Feb 2014

• Develop strong connections with individuals attending the studio, as well as instructors and management

• Work front desk responsibilities, including management of member registration and enrollment

• Train new volunteers on how to be successful in the position

 

Share Food Banks - Port Moody, BC Dec 2008 – Apr 2009

• Helped receive, unpack, and organize incoming shipments

• Developed relationships and rapport with visitors, facilitating a warm and friendly environment while assisting with the Food Bank’s contributions to their lives

• Recognized for my service and contribution by Share Family & Community Services

 

Wilfrid Laurier University: Orientation Leader - Waterloo, ON 2004 – 2007

• Managed and developed a relationship and rapport with a large group of first year students during one of Canada’s highest rated Orientation Weeks, representing the University according to its policies

• Treated each individual with respect and dignity

• Functioned as part of a larger team of Orientation Leaders, as well as demonstrated leadership within my own group of students

• Maintained close, mentor-like relationships with individuals within my first-year groups, providing support and guidance throughout their university careers