The Ohana Story
Founded in 1997, Ohana began its journey on Lansdowne Street in Callander, where the area food bank is currently located.
The heart of Ohana’s foundation is love—a journey ignited when Nicky faced multiple health challenges, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and anxiety that made daily life and work nearly impossible. At just 32 years old, she found herself at a crossroads, struggling to balance her professional life as a corporate brand specialist in government communications with her identity as a new mother.
Despite her background, Nicky found herself frustrated navigating the conventional healthcare system, prompting her to explore alternative, Eastern approaches to health. A pivotal moment came when a friend suggested trying yoga to understand her body and mind better. Taking this advice to heart, Nicky attended a restorative yoga class at Downward Dog in Toronto, where she experienced a profound shift that filled her with lightness and desire. It marked the beginning of her healing journey.
As Nicky navigated her own path, Darren Renaud, her late partner, complemented this journey with years of martial arts training and a keen interest in holistic health. Educating himself in various disciplines—Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Myofascial Release—he aimed to support Nicky in her healing. Darren’s relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to become a lead training facilitator with Walth Fitz, a recognized expert in myofascial release. His passion was not just personal; it extended to the community, seeking to help others grow stronger and more vibrant.
Nicky traveled the world studying yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda, becoming an instructor and teacher trainer. With direct lineage to the teachings of Krishnamacharya, she studied extensively in India and became a Thai Yoga Massage practitioner while delivering workshops and retreats globally. Over the years, Nicky evolved into a Wellness Educator, with a focus on Mindfulness Practices, PTSD, MELT, Neuro-Yoga, and trauma response, the list goes on…
As demand grew, the original Lansdowne studio became too small. Nicky, Darren, pooled their resources to create a larger, dedicated space for holistic health. Ohana flourished, offering various body, mind, and spirit classes, information, and support services, all while nurturing a strong community foundation. Proudly, Ohana became the longest-established holistic, community-based facility in the area. Even through challenging times, including the loss of a founding member and the pandemic, the community remained resilient which Nicky is thankful and those who shared in its vision, mission and held on to what once was, assisting in creating new offerings & services.
Now, as a new chapter unfolds, Nicky is grateful to partner with Aaron. An MD with a holistic health focus, Aaron has transitioned from traditional medical roles to integrate healing modalities like psychotherapy and mindfulness into his practice. His experience allows him to facilitate transformative group sessions that help individuals reconnect with their inner selves through breath, movement, and honest dialogue.
Together, Nicky and Aaron are expanding Ohana beyond a healing centre into a vibrant hub for community wellness. They continue to weave together mind, body, and spirit through various offerings, including holistic therapies, traditional and non-traditional yoga classes, meditation, and workshops.
“Ohana” means family—not just biological but chosen. This space embodies connection, healing, and community as medicine.
We are OHANA – a health, wellness and learning centre focused on building a vibrant community!
Whether you’re a returning visitor or new to Ohana, we welcome you to join us on this journey of growth and transformation. Let’s grow together.
