2026 Festival Guide at a glance. . .
2026 SESSION FACILITATORS
ADRIENNE KASKIE | IG: @cooldiprecovery | ALL DAY
COLD PLUNGE FACILITATOR: This experience is sure to rejuvenate your entire body, mind and spirit through cold exposure for a full body reset. We Highly recommended after ‘Zen Sessions’. Paired with Hot Sauna Exposure.
AMIR | IG: @justaminmusic | 4:00 PM
ECSTATIC DANCE DJ FACILITATOR: Amin, known as @justaminmusic, is a dynamic DJ and vibe curator who blends soulful beats with high-energy rhythms to create unforgettable experiences on the dance floor. With a passion for connection and movement, his sets invite audiences into a journey of freedom, expression and pure ecstatic energy.
AMANDA CROWELL | IG: @theluckycharms2025 | 1:00 PM
WRITERS ROUND MUSICIAN: Amanda is a Canadian musician and performer known for her expressive vocals and emotionally driven songwriting. She brings an authentic, story-focused presence to her performances, connecting with audiences through honest lyrics and a warm, engaging stage style.
BERNADETTE CONNORS | IG: @bernadetteconnors & @_28music | 1:00 PM
THE CROSSROADS WRITERS' ROUND HOST: Join Bernadette Connors for an immersive Release Your Voice workshop, where you’ll explore the full potential of your vocal expression. Drawing on over 20 years of performance experience, Bernadette guides participants through a series of vocalizations, breathing exercises, stretching, and techniques designed to unlock vocal energy and deepen your connection to your voice.
These days, Bernadette has shifted her focus from performance to facilitation, bringing depth, energy, and clarity into every room. She believes in connecting with yourself fully to express your unique artistic voice—because everyone is their own artist, silence is your canvas, and your voice and breath are your brush.
Come create, connect, and explore your dynamic range of self-expression in a safe, playful, and inspiring environment.
Yours in harmony, Bernadette Connors xo
BRIAN COONES | IG: @briancoones | 12:00 PM
KIRTAN FACILITATOR: Brian Coones is a TEDx Speaker on Emotional Fitness, mindfulness and breathwork facilitator, and founder of Rewire and MINDSHFT. Through keynotes, workshops, retreats, and coaching, Brian helps individuals, leaders, and organizations regulate stress, build resilience, and perform through pressure with greater clarity and connection.
Blending emotional intelligence, mindfulness, breathwork, and nervous system regulation, Brian creates impactful experiences that are both practical and deeply human.
Brian is also a passionate student and facilitator of Kirtan — the ancient practice of call-and-response mantra music — leading immersive Kirtan and sound experiences at festivals and events focused on connection, presence, and transformation.
WEBSITE: www.briancoones.com
DANIEL KRAKAUER | IG: @saunasocials | ALL DAY
HOT SAUNA FACILITATOR: This experience is sure to rejuvenate your entire body, mind and spirit through cold exposure for a full body reset. We Highly recommended after ‘Zen Sessions’. Paired with Cold Exposure.
IVY HENRIKSEN | IG: @lifehappenswithivy | 2:30 PM
Services include - life celebrant services for weddings, funerals, celebrations of life, grief counselling, death doula/end of life care services (wrap around support from sole to soul), guided meditation/energy work.
WEBSITE: www.lifehappenswithivy.com
JOEY DAMIANI | IG: @awakening_owl_wellness | 11:00 AM
BREATH-WORK FACILITATOR: Joey Damiani is a Certified Breathwork Facilitator, Breathwork Coach And CCF Certified Life Coach. CEO of Awakening Owl Wellness Ltd.
The practice of breathwork teaching has heavily impacted Joey's spiritual journey in outstanding ways not only for himself but for thousands of people within Ontario, British Columbia and Costa Rica through ceremonial retreat circles, private corporate events, weekly group breathwork classes and individual one-on-one private sessions.
KRISTA YOUNG | IG: @yourlife_take2 | 2:00 PM
DANCE YOGA FACILITATOR: Krista Young is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Dance Teacher, Author, and Resilience & Transformation Coach who helps people in their 40’s and beyond live with greater vitality, balance and ease so they can create and step into the lives they’ve always wanted.
Through a blend of yoga, dance and music, she will help you connect with your body, mind and spirit, shift your physiology, and get your energy flowing.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/KristaYoungLifeCoach
MICHELLE RICHARDS-CLERMONT | IG: @michellerichardsclermont | 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
ISLAND GROVE ART STUDIO
CREATIVE FLOW FACILITATOR: Art for the Soul is back! This is Michelle's 3rd annual workshop at Free Spirit Fest you will not want to miss. We are silkscreening and painting custom angel wings onto T-Shirts! Bring your own black tee or grab one at the festival to create your own wearable art. See you there!
NISHA of SHANTI YOGA | @nishashantiyoga | 10:30 AM
MEDITATION & FLOW FACILITATOR: Nisha Shanti is a dedicated yoga teacher, pranayama and meditation guide, reiki healer, and soundscape artist. Raised in yogic culture, she brings 30 years of practice and over a decade of teaching experience with her. Her heart-centred approach weaves mindfulness, gratitude, and creativity into all her teachings.
NEIL CHAPMAN | IG: @neilgitman | 12:00 PM
WRITERS ROUND MUSICIAN: Neil is a seasoned Canadian musician and songwriter known for his dynamic live performances and collaborative spirit within the music industry.
PAT JAMES | IG: patjamesandthewholetruth | 12:00 PM
WRITERS ROUND MUSICIAN: Pat is a versatile musician recognized for his strong stage presence and ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt, roots inspired performances. He has built a reputation as a collaborative artist, contributing his musical talent to a variety of live events and creative projects within the Canadian music scene.
SARA of CHAKANA RETREAT | @chakana_retreat | 3:00 PM
SOUND HEALING FACILITATOR: Sara of Chakana Retreats is a heart centered facilitator who creates deeply restorative spaces through sound healing, mindfulness and intentional retreat experiences. Her work gently guides participants back into balance, connection and inner harmony.
SHILPI BANERJEE | shilpi@moreu.ca | 9:00 AM & 12:45 PM
GROUNDING FACILITATOR: Meet Shilpi, a certified yoga and a mindfulness instructor. Shilpi discovered yoga during challenging events in her life and found that it not only helped her physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. She is passionate about helping others in their life journey towards balance, inner peace & wellness.
TERRI of RHYTHMIC BY NATURE |IG: @rhythmicbynature | 8:30 AM
DRUMMING CIRCLE FACILITATOR: Rhythmic by Nature is a wellness and expressive arts organization that uses interactive drumming, rhythm, and creative expression to inspire connection, mindfulness, and community. Led by expressive arts therapist and facilitator Terri Segal, their uplifting programs bring people together through music, movement, and shared creative experiences.
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER
ABSANE IBRAHIM - Dare to Rise | IG: @DaretoRiseFoundation | 12:45 PM
Dare to Rise Foundation is a women-led, community-driven organization supporting single mothers and families through crisis, stability, and long-term empowerment. Built from lived experience, we are committed to creating real pathways to healing, opportunity, and lasting change because it truly takes a village. Absane (Abbie) Ibrahim is the Founder of Dare to Rise Foundation and CEO of JamaFaceBeauty, with over 25 years of experience in beauty, empowerment, and community leadership. A speaker, mentor, and advocate, she transforms lived experience into impact helping others rebuild, rise, and step into their power. aibrahim@daretorisefoundation.org https://daretorisefoundation.org
MARCIA AGUIS | IG: @kindness.circle.community | 10:00 AM
Marcia Agius is a HumanKIND Influencer and founder of The Kindness Circle, a community-driven movement inspiring people to lead with compassion, connection, and purpose. Guided by four core pillars: kindness to self, kindness to others, giving back, and making kindness fun. Her work focuses on creating meaningful moments that bring people together.
With a belief that we are better together, Marcia is on a mission to make kindness visible, celebrated, and contagious. She is empowering others to create ripple effects of good in their everyday lives.
FESTIVAL MC | DANIEL GAUTHIER | IG: @twinbytesinc
Many Thanks to Daniel for accepting the role of master of ceremonies for the 2025 Free Spirit Festival.
Daniel went from going through police college to serve and protect to finding his calling with computers where he now serves and protects people from cyber criminals with managed IT services and computer repair. He finds balance in his spiritual practice doing daily meditation, gratitude and practicing Reiki on the side. Increasing his involvement with the community living up here for just over a year, including now serving on the board of directors with the Georgina Chamber of commerce.
https://www.facebook.com/Twinbytesinc
https://www.instagram.com/twinbytesinc/
https://www.youtube.com/twinbytesinc
LinkedIn Company profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/410883
LinkedIn Personal profile: www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gauthier-6b5629
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.