Madeline (Maddie) McDonald is 36 years young (Scorpio!) and (currently*) lives in Barrie, ON. She is a mother to a “clever 5-year-old boy” and the wife of an incredibly supportive partner. Maddie works in administration for the athletics division of a local college, and has aspirations to grow within both the teaching and business realms of yoga and wellness, particularly with Modo Yoga . Maddie is also a foodie who loves to cook and explore new restaurants, is an avid traveler, and a seeker of deeper meaning and purpose, always appreciating the beauty in the synchronicity of life’s unfolding.
I met Maddie while teaching at the Modo Yoga teacher training in Montreal in 2024 and was lucky enough to interview her about her inspiring Modo Yoga story.
Jess: And here you are at the Modo Yoga teacher training! What made you want to become a yoga teacher?
Madeline: I was seeking a passion project that aligned with my current values and interests that could fit into my life without too much major shifting, when a colleague asked me to lead her through some stretches to alleviate stiffness. We went to the fitness studio located at our workplace, and I guided her through some simple postures.
As I led her, I realized I wanted to learn more about teaching yoga; it felt “right.” My colleague and friend expressed gratitude for new awareness and for knowing now that she was able to do yoga despite thinking her body type wasn’t suitable. That lightbulb moment made me realize I wanted to pursue teaching. It felt so fulfilling, even in that small time!
Jess: I love that idea of finding a passion project. Good for you for just going for it! What do you love about great yoga teachers?
Madeline: Their energy makes you feel warm and welcome even without a full conversation. I love how they support you in your practice pursuits. It’s inspiring to know you can achieve your goals in both physical practice and mindfulness. I’ve been fortunate to connect with such genuine souls through Modo, and their teachers stand out for many reasons, truly making a difference in their students’ lives.
Jess: What advice would you give to someone that wants to do yoga but doesn’t think they’ll fit in at a Modo studio?
Madeline: I would let them know that one of Modo Yoga’s founding pillars is accessibility. They will see people of all types, from all walks of life, ages, and body types. I would assure them, and offer how I felt the same based on my experiences, that this is a place they will want to return to.
Jess: What a wonderful and inspiring story. Was there anything that stopped you from starting yoga, and what would you tell someone that is staying away for similar reasons?
Madeline: Absolutely, my social anxiety has shifted significantly with my yoga practice. One of the most important factors in this transformation is the sense of community. When I was bullied at a young age, it was about not fitting the image standard, even at an elementary school level. Those who bullied me probably have no recollection of it, but it stuck with me deeply, likely because of a lack of empathy or support within my smaller, more meaningful circles, like my family.
Everyone goes through challenges, but what keeps us going is the fortitude we gain not only from our personal efforts but also from the support and compassion of those around us. The inclusivity of the Modo community genuinely speaks to this. When I talk to people about yoga, and they say, ‘I could never,’ they believe me when I tell them they can, and I explain why.
The behaviors tied to social anxiety, shyness, and insecurity all contribute to the practice and the community. We can unintentionally empower others by sharing our vulnerabilities, turning what we once saw as weaknesses into strengths. So, to wrap up (as I tend to digress, lol), yes—my anxiety has shifted. What once felt like a fear-based trait has transformed into a platform that allows me to help others feel better about the amazing beings they are.
Jess: These Modo Voices interviews share an intention to acknowledge that although we are all different, we also do share similar experiences. Tell me a bit about what brought you to yoga in the first place and how your story might reach out to someone that believes they don’t belong?
Madeline: Thank you for asking. If there’s one thing I’d want to come from sharing, it’s to help others feel less alone and to show that we can evolve in ways that might not make sense while we’re going through it. Before I became aware of how my childhood experiences shaped me, I didn’t realize how much they influenced my behavior. I found myself leaning towards people-pleasing and navigating life from a place of fear.
It wasn’t until much later, even after I started practicing yoga, that I began to recognize these patterns through the healing process. I think I was initially drawn to yoga because it gave me a space to focus entirely on myself—a rare experience when so much of my life was spent trying to meet the expectations of others. Looking back, I can see that those patterns of avoidance, fear, and people-pleasing were based on a false narrative I carried from my childhood.
Yoga played a significant role in helping me break those patterns. It allowed me to connect with my body and find a sense of self that wasn’t tied to external ideals. I’ll never forget attending my first Modo class, where I felt genuinely supported by the community. When I recall how I felt in my earlier years of stronger, dedicated practice, I felt my most confident. Yoga helped me start appreciating myself, perhaps even seeing myself as others did in real-time.
Jess: What advice would you give someone that wants to teach yoga but thinks they’re not good enough in some way?
Madeline: I would tell them that I also felt hesitant, but my teacher training with Modo instilled inspiration and confidence in me. I was relieved to see people of all types, with various injuries, body types, ages, and experience levels, attending for the same reason. We all have something to offer, and thinking we’re not good enough can actually be a strength in connecting with someone who feels the same about their practice. They could change a student’s outlook based on those factors alone.
Jess: What would you say to someone grappling with social anxiety and feeling like getting to the studio is too overwhelming?
Madeline: My wish for someone in that position is to encourage them to take a leap of faith, even if it feels like the scariest thing ever. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a deep breath and just go for it, even if you tell yourself it’s just this one time. Start by taking a spot in the very back corner of the room, like I did.
As you move through the class, you might realize that it’s easier than you anticipated, even as a socially anxious person. You might find yourself looking at class packages afterward, thinking about getting a new yoga mat, or even considering moving up a row in your next class. The hardest part of feeling ready is often just taking that first step through the door. Over 10 years later, I’m here sharing these words, hoping to inspire a journey that’s just as meaningful for someone else.
Jess Robertson is Modo Yoga’s Co Founder, Senior Advisor, and Community Documentarian. She is also a writer, musician, yoga teacher and Co Founder of the New Leaf Foundation. She lives in Montreal, Canada with her 2 kids.