Already Certified?
Becoming a Certified SpinPoi Instructor will give you the credibility, confidence, and resources you need to work with poi as a therapeutic tool and to facilitate safe and engaging poi sessions for your community/clients. To become certified you can either take a Certification Course or you can complete the components in your own time through the Self-Directed path. Learn more about the two options below.
Two Ways to Get Certified
Upcoming Certification Courses
Registration is open for our October 2023 Course! Click here for details and registration.
This course will be held virtually via Zoom. Space is limited to 12 participants.
Self-Directed
Complete the certification in your own time using the online course study materials. Please read the self-directed application instructions for full details.
Download the Full Course Brochure
Click the link below to download the full SpinPoi Certification Course Brochure which includes information on the course objectives, course content, pricing, and more.
See our Certification Courses in Action
Our Certified Instructors
SpinPoi is run by the community, for the community. Our instructors are improving wellbeing across 5 continents, one orbit at a time.
Jamie-Leigh Timoti
Hamilton, New Zealand
Ko Ngai Tai toku iwi. Neurodivergent supporting the disability community in Aotearoa. Founder of Tou Tīrairaka, passionate about Te Ao Māori and the sensory experience it offers. kiaora@toutirairaka.com
Shaina Pietersz
Westland, Netherlands
Primary school teacher, poi dance teacher and macrame artist with a speciality in interpersonal relationships in the teaching environment. s.s.pietersz@gmail.com
Joanne Paton
Auckland, New Zealand
Rehabilitation assistant at Middlemore Hospital primarily working with patients rehabbing from stroke or other neurological conditions. joanneduval69@gmail.com
Yu Chiu Lun (Ernest)
Hong Kong, China
Occupational therapist in the geriatric field, providing cognitive training and rehabilitation to older people & using SpinPoi to enhance cognition, balance and mental wellbeing.
ernesthkota@yahoo.com.hk
Eunice Te Rangiuaia
Auckland, New Zealand
Ko Ngāti Porou, ko Ngāti Kāhu ōku Iwi. Kaikokiri Ratonga Māori, passionate about working with tamariki, Kuia & Kaumātua.
Anja Lohoff
Haag in Oberbayern, Germany
Carer for disabled people, supporting those with Parkinson’s in a geriatric hospital. anja.lohoff@gmx.de
Simon Tennant
Auckland, New Zealand
Registered Psychotherapist and Counselor with a background in Homeopathy, Kinesiology, and nutrition specializing in working with poi as an integrative tool for self regulation. info@csimon.nz
Natalie Humphris
Melbourne, Australia
Parent of neurodiverse children and the Founder of Nats Nest. Nat started poi to help her kids with their therapy goals, and now wants to share the benefits and fun of poi with other families. atalie@natsnest.com.au
Amelia Rika
Rotorua, New Zealand
Member of Orange Tinana o Ue with a background in Specialist Education – passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of kuia and kaumātua in Te Arawa while having fun.
Julie Rope
Auckland, New Zealand
Neurological Physiotherapist with a special interest in Parkinson’s & building a creative toolbox for neurostimulation and plasticity for people living with neurological conditions. Julie@ropeneurorehab.co.nz
Dr George Thien
New Zealand & Malaysia
Combining his corporate, business, academic & community-service experiences, Dr Thien is motivated to help people achieve personal goals and promote wellbeing. Author of Just Do MORE and enjoys practising Taiji and playing erhu. gtkthien@gmail.com
Julia Kennedy
Tennessee, U.S.
Julia is a retired special education teacher with a love of learning. Poi has become an integral part of her daily life, and she always has extra sets of handmade poi on hand. juliavkennedy@gmail.com
Sarah Poepjes
Tasman, New Zealand
Activity Coordinator for Summerset Richmond Ranges Retirement Village. Bringing the joy of SpinPoi to residents of all ages and abilities, including rest home and memory care. sarah.poepjes@summerset.co.nz
Deb Gully
Wellington, New Zealand
Nutrition Coach and Certified Natural Health Practitioner in Energy Kinesiology specializing in chronic health issues. deb.gully@gmail.com
Sharnie Riley
Katikati, New Zealand
Fitness instructor, mixed media artist and puppy foster carer. I very much enjoy teaching strength & balance classes to older adults of all fitness levels and abilities. sharnie-r@xtra.co.nz
Maria Niedermann
Hätzingen, Switzerland
Physiotherapist specializing in rehabilitation for older adults post surgery or with neurological disease.
Dori Maloney
Texas, U.S.
Dedicated flow artist, relentless problem solver, and empathetic advocate for poi as a fun and therapeutic tool in the wellness journey. dori.maloney+spinpoi@gmail.com
Jocelyn Watkin
Auckland, New Zealand
Qualified instructor for mind/body flow arts of qigong and tai chi with specialist skills in teaching people who are blind/have low vision. kiaorataichi@gmail.com
David Bulger
Florida, U.S.
Licensed Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher with experience in fitness, personal training, and flow arts. dbulge90.db@gmail.com
Rissi Shantel
Illinois, U.S.
Rissi is a certified Breathe for Change yogi, preschool teacher, mindful movement guide and performing artist. With her SpinPoi Certification, she aspires to be a ripple of kindness and healing for her community through flow meditation. rshanti29@gmail.com
Jesse Moran
Victoria, Australia
Disability Support Worker specialising in children and adults on the Autism Spectrum with a background in Outdoor Leadership. jesse.moran91@gmail.com
Juliana Flaxman-Hendriks
Auckland, New Zealand
Tai Chi specialist offering a fun and unique fusion of Tai Chi and SpinPoi that is focused on boosting fitness, strength, balance and well-being. arohataichi@gmail.com
Michelle Stassen
Auckland, New Zealand
Wellness partner at Aria Gardens caring for residents of the Dementia ward and the Rest home in a holistic way. Encouraging independence and assisting with quality of life.
Karanjot Kaur
California, U.S.
Flow artist and research assistant at the Comparative Cognition Lab and Cognitive Science Department at UC San Diego. karanjot.kaur30@gmail.com
Heidi Madeira de Carvalho Che
Macau, China
Poi & Arts Workshop Facilitator for children and seniors since 2007, Kintsugi Artist. Love nature, hiking, meditation and playing with children from 0-99.
kintsugiarts@gmail.com
Jodi Woolf
Melbourne, Australia
In the process of becoming a social worker, and hoping to integrate the art of play and flow arts into her work. Jodi has a passion and love for people, learning and aims to leave a bit of shimmer everywhere she goes. jodilaurenwoolf@hotmail.com
Janine Warne
NSW, Australia
Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator with 38 years experience working in aged care facilities, 6 of those specializing in disability. janine@spinpoi.com
Kay Spinner
Vancouver, Canada
Circus School Object Manipulation Coach, lifelong poi spinner, and poi performer. spinnerkay0@gmail.com
Matthew Brummett
Missouri, U.S.
With over a decade of poi practice, Matt loves sharing this passion with the world. whatsthepoi@gmail.com
Latasha Emery
Feilding, New Zealand
Mum of two young adults, Latasha has a soft spot for the elderly and is passionate about interacting with them to create magic moments.
Candace Mok
Hong Kong, China
Veteran educator of different levels. Anything in life can be our learning materials. Stay curious and open. cwfmok@gmail.com
Annemarie Bruin
Southland, New Zealand
Qualified yoga teacher offering Hatha yoga and yoga infused Strength and Balance classes. I am passionate about challenging people and adding fun to my classes
Karma Buckland
NSW, Australia
Flow artist, performer, mental health and disability support worker. Passion for movement, fun and challenges to be found in poi as movement therapy and performance art. karmaflows@outlook.com
Lien Chang Hsu
Taipei, Taiwan
Circus performer, poi teacher, elders counseling therapist, whole brain development rhythm workshop, and writer & international tour guide. firelien@hotmail.com
Bronwyn Johnson
Auckland, New Zealand
Wellness partner in charge of outings and special events at Aria Gardens Rest-Home. Life moto “Have a go, you never know you might end up loving it “
Dani Fortune
Belfast, Ireland
Dani is a silver circus & social circus tutor as well as aerial circus performer and tutor based in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. missyfortuneaerial@gmail.com
Shanana Rain Golden-Bear
Arizona, U.S.
Stroke survivor passionate about sharing the benefits and fun of poi spinning with fellow seniors in Quartzsite, Arizona. desertmessenger7@gmail.com
Alexa Mamet
Cap Malheureux, Mauritius
As a self proclaimed dopamine distributor, I’ve always taken it upon myself to help others find happiness. When poi entered my life in 1999, I knew instantly that I found a treasure, and now it’s time to share that treasure with my community. a.mamet@play-poi.com
Maureen Mong Ying Sim
New Zealand & Malaysia
An experienced social worker and a keen cook who enjoys promoting and helping people to eat healthy food for better well-being, and specialises in co-facilitating of poi sessions with her husband. gtkthien@gmail.com
Nastja Fekonja
Radenci, Slovenia
A geographer, pedagogue, and circus person who prefers spin poi. Nastja’s personal mission is to spread the knowledge of poi in her area in Slovenia. fekonja.nastja@gmail.com
Daria Pejic
London, UK
Aerobic instructor, flow artist, dancer, performer and fashion designer sharing poi with older adults and those with cognitive disabilities. stiklings@gmail.com
Caitlin Westney
Victoria, Australia
A not-for-profit worker with a passion for flow, play, the grounding benefits of mindful movement, and sharing SpinPoi & other mindful movement practices with her local community in Dandenong Ranges, Victoria.
caitlin.westney@gmail.com
Jacqui Esber
Melbourne, Australia
Lover of nature, animals, crystals and now poi! A qualified horticulturalist with a background in management, Jacqui runs her own metaphysical supply shop/event space where she combines her passions and brings people together. i.am.flora333@gmail.com
Honora Jenkins
NSW, Australia
Creative Play Specialist, Community Artist and Disability Support Worker, using circus as a tool to engage and educate people of all ages and abilities. honorajenkins@gmail.com
Lesley Morrison
Rotorua, New Zealand
Kaiawhina with Dementia Lakes, Rotorua.
Juee Bhide
Auckland, New Zealand
Neurological Physiotherapist working with people with Parkinson’s, passionate about adding fun and challenge to therapy! juee@ropeneurorehab.co.nz
Kirsten Wolf
NSW, Australia
Director of ifritah, fire and flow dancer & creative spirit. Using circus and poi as a way to engage people in creative play and movement for better health outcomes for humans of all kinds and abilities. wolf@ifritah.com.au
Rebecca Frechtling
Taranaki, New Zealand
Diversional therapist working in aged care with a mix of Resthome, Hospital & Dementia level residents. rebeccaf_753@hotmail.com
Izabela Nurkowska
Dublin, Ireland
Owner of Flow Studio, fitness instructor, flow artist, and martial artist specializing in Shaolin Kung Fu.
Hilary Williams
Mapua, New Zealand
Fitness instructor at Move Good Now specializing in the physical and neurological benefits of movement and exercise in a group environment. movegoodnow@gmail.com
Bruno Rubini
Auckland, New Zealand
Tai Chi instructor specializing in mindful movement with additional qualifications in massage therapy and nutrition. wushubruno@gmail.com
Jamie Moore
London, UK
Social arts facilitator specializing in circus and intellectual disability with additional qualifications in community theatre. stiklings@gmail.com
Patricia Tinoco
Panama & Venezuela
Certified yoga teacher FIYI200 and QiGong for yoga teachers. pachyt@gmail.com
Tara Stratton
Saskatchewan, Canada
Inspires and promotes overall wellness through prescribing poi; a coach and educator of life skillz in circus flow art culture with the goal of ‘poi mastery’. stratton.spinja@gmail.com
Kate Riegle van West
Auckland, New Zealand
Founder of SpinPoi, with a PhD in the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function for older adults. kate@spinpoi.com
SpinPoi Lead Instructor Team
We have a team of Lead Instructors that are here to help you through the certification process. Once you begin the course (either self directed or through a live class) we will connect you with the team and you can arrange to meet one-on-one to get any extra support you might need.
Kay Spinner
Poi Movement Trainer: Kay assists students in learning the poi movements, ensuring they have the confidence and practical skills in poi proficiency.
Deb Gully
Live Lesson Demonstrator
Deb provides an opportunity for students to sit in on a live SpinPoi class, to see how it all comes together and better prepare for their own teaching.
Jamie-Leigh Timoti
Kaitohutohu Māori: Jamie assists students who have questions about working with poi in a culturally responsive and sensitive way.
Jocelyn Watkin
Coursework Counselor
Jocelyn assists students in putting their coursework together, the kaupapa/guiding principles of teaching, and promoting their classes.
See What Our Instructors Are Up To
Poi for stroke recovery with Rain
Certified Instructor Rain is interviewed on RVerTV about her SpinPoi class at the Quartzsite Senior Center in Arizona.
Poi for seniors with Karanjot
Certified Instructor Karanjot leads poi classes for seniors in the park in her hometown of Chandigarh, India.
Zero waste poi with Jocelyn
Certified Instructor Jocelyn teams up with the Re-Creators to host a zero waste poi making workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You will need to do a bit of practicing, but anyone can learn the poi movements necessary in order to fulfill the certification requirements. The SpinPoi Beginner Pack or our Facilitator Training are great resource for learning everything you’ll need to pass the certification.
Yes! Both the self-directed certification and our certification courses cover how to work with poi as a therapeutic tool for all ages and abilities. If you are doing the self-directed course and wondering which study materials to purchase (young learners or seniors), simply pick the resources that most closely relate to the population you’d like to work with. If you don’t have any experience working with a certain population thats ok, as you will gain this during your teaching practicum in which you will need to teach a session to the population of your choice. To organize this try reaching out to your local community – this could be retirement villages/aged care facilities, schools, or even your neighbors. Explain that you are working toward your certification and would like to teach a poi class. They will likely be excited to try a new activity, and you will gain the experience needed.
The self directed certification costs $185 USD. The virtual course costs $349 USD. If cost is a barrier, you can always fill out the resource subsidy form.
Your certification is valid for 1 year. Before your certification is due to expire, you will receive an email with instructions on how to renew. This process will include a brief refresher course and questions regarding your work as a poi instructor over the past year. The fee for renewal is $50 USD but a sliding scale is offered for those facing financial hardship.
Yes you are welcome to submit your teaching video, your letter of recommendation, and your lesson plans in your native language. Please note the written exam and the study materials are in English, so a certain level of English comprehension is necessary in order to pass this part of the certification.
Yes, the whole self-directed certification process is completed online. If you would like to book an in-person training course, please email info@spinpoi.com to inquire about bookings.
The time it takes heavily depends on your personal learning speed and if you have any previous experience with poi which may help accelerate the process. On average, we suggest allowing for 20 hours of work.
The police check and letter of recommendation are hard requirements, so unfortunately you will not be eligible to apply for the certification.
The written exam can be taken as many times as you like with no additional fee. Each time you take the exam you will receive immediate feedback on which questions you got wrong and where the correct answer can be found.
The poi proficiency exam exam can be resubmitted as many times as needed. If you do not pass the poi proficiency exam you will receive feedback on what parts needs improvement.
The review process typically takes 1 week. If you do not hear back within this time frame, please feel free to get in touch with Kate at kate@spinpoi.com to enquire about the progress of your application review.
As a certified instructor you will gain access to additional resources to support you on your journey such as poi routines, documents to help you run your classes smoothly (consent forms, invoices, etc.) and you will gain access to the SpinPoi certified instructors forum. You will also receive a certificate and be listed on spinpoi.com, and be promoted as a certified instructor across SpinPoi’s social media.
Feel free to get in touch with Dr. Kate Riegle van West at kate@spinpoi.com with any additional queries.
Schedule a Course for your Group/Community
If you have a group of 6 or more people and would like to schedule a certification course for your group, please email kate@spinpoi.com to discuss the details and find a time. Alternatively, let us know your preferences for a future certification course and we will email you when a course in your time zone has been scheduled.