Monica Chiarolanza has long had an interest in Taoism and Tai Chi. Her martial arts journey began with six months of Wu-style Tai Chi before she immigrated to Canada and discovered the Chinese Martial Arts Academy, where she found a welcoming community and continued her training. Monica has been practicing Chen-style Tai Chi since June 2023 and recently Traditional Kung Fu.  

Monica has been coaching Tai Chi for approximately a year and a half. Outside of the gym, she spent eight years as a clinical preceptor, teaching students in the ICU and ER as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. This experience helped develop her patient, supportive, and adaptable approach to teaching. 

Monica enjoys seeing students become more confident and experiencing those moments when a movement or concept finally clicks. She believes in teaching progressively and step by step, allowing each new skill to build upon a strong foundation. 

For Monica, Tai Chi has been personally transformative, both mentally and physically. She hopes to share the benefits she has discovered through Tai Chi with others and help students experience their own positive journey through martial arts.