Ever since I lived in Malawi in my youth, I have had a heart for Africa and its people, and have longed to return and contribute in some way. During the 3000+ hour program of massage therapy at the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy, I had the idea of teaching individuals the skills of massage as a means to create employment. My massage training encompassed extensive study of anatomy and physiology, massage therapy skills, communication, business management, ethics and professionalism. My massage experience includes work with a variety of individuals from the athletic elite (Olympic and professional athletes) to the weekend warrior, as well as individuals of all ages with varying diagnosis.  I am very passionate about African Touch and believe that I have the skills, knowledge, and dedication required to make ongoing massage therapy training in Africa a reality.

My profession and passion is grounded in helping others reach beyond where they are to achieve a better tomorrow. My company, Aligning Potential, is committed to supporting success in people and communities in developing countries by giving time to projects that directly impact the development of skills and knowledge of individual so they can contribute to building a brighter future for themselves and others. The opportunity to support African Touch is both a privilege and a pleasure.

Officially, I am teacher who has taught French Immersion, English as a Second Language, Montessori, and yoga. Unofficially, I am a traveler who has lived in several countries, loves languages and dances as often as possible. Growing up in a cross-cultural household, I know the value of the knowledge exchange and the richness the sharing cultures can bring. In this time of global community I am happy that I can contribute to it by helping to make African Touch a reality.

Lastly, I am an expectant mother excited about the prospect of transformation that a new addition to the family will bring. I feel fortunate enough to be able to provide for our newborn. Like Sandy, I am aware that this is not always the case and feel the need to do what I can to change that.

I was born in Manchester, UK and grew up in West Sussex before moving to British Columbia, Canada.  I have traveled to over 50 countries on several overland trips mostly in Asia. I have now settled back in BC and have worked in the financial industry for the last 8 years.  My passions are keeping active through sport, knowledge through new experiences, philanthropy through volunteering, and environmental awareness through encouraging sustainable lifestyles. I am very excited about my contribution to African Touch and the many lives this will empower.

I am first and foremost a new mother, Curt and I having been blessed with a wonderful healthy baby in Oct 2008. Becoming a mother has heightened my awareness to the unfair fact that there are many children (and adults) who are born into a life of challenge and poverty through no fault of their own.  I believe African Touch can provide a stepping stone to help individuals improve their own lives.

My formal training is as an Occupational Therapist, a client centered rehabilitative profession that is geared towards enabling occupation.  I am passionate about my family, the outdoors, travel and completed a Yoga Teacher training program in 2004.  I am excited to be bringing my skills and experience to the African Touch project.

Yvonne Poulin (Founder of African Touch)

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