Jane Bernstein
Jane started practicing yoga years ago as a New Year’s Resolution to reduce stress and anxiety. Within weeks of that first class, her mind became calmer, her body stronger, and she felt more centered overall. She’s grateful for the opportunity to share the gift of yoga with others.
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Nichole Hester
Nichole's journey into yoga was one of fits and starts, of putting off trying, of dragging her feet, and ultimately one of transformation. Her classes are steady, grounding, and easeful (which is not always the same thing as easy). Nichole's greatest hope is that her students will leave her classes with a better understanding of who they are as well as the authentic person who exists inside, and develop a pathway between the two. Off the mat, Nichole enjoys spending time at the dog park with her two pups, Tonks and Bjorn, and watching college basketball.
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Coco Kinzley
Coco dove into the yoga world during a trip to India. Ever since that first session, yoga has been a big part of her life. Coco has a deep respect for the human body and she loves passing on that incredible gift to her students.
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Peggy Moore
Peggy is trained in many styles of yoga and is a gifted musician. Her classes combine yoga with flute, cello, and other instruments. She holds a B.S. and MSSW in Mental Health from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Peggy is co-owner of a yoga studio with her daughter in Chicago. She encourages students to use anything in the room, including a chair or the wall as a prop and says that yoga is for everyone.
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Rachel Porat
Rachel's journey with yoga started while she was going through a very challenging time in her life, after moving to a new country and leaving behind everything and everyone she knew and loved. Without having a support system like family and friends, she was starting to feel completely drained. She remembers attending her first yoga class, feeling for the first time in a very long time so calm and relaxed, and at the same time so energized and revived! Rachel is honored to be able to spread this amazing gift to others.
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Lauren Powell
Lauren found yoga when the pressures of work left her searching for tools in health and wellness. She has used her knowledge in these practices to train teachers in mindfulness, meditation and yoga. Lauren has seen first-hand the power of self-care; and wishes to help others learn to balance the pressures of life with the joy of connecting to our own bodies, minds and souls.
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Marilyn Troyan
Marilyn discovered Kundalini Yoga one winter when the snow was flying. It was the time of year when things can get stale and monotonous, and she was looking for something new. After trying a few classes, she discovered that Kundalini Yoga was the one for her! The combination of movement, breath work, mantra, meditation, and the sound of the gong became an important part of her life and in time, the community of people she connected with through Kundalini Yoga became her family. What she loves best about teaching is hearing students leave class saying they feel better, and knowing that everyone can take home techniques to practice on their own!
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Dar Vander Hoop
Dar is a master yoga instructor with 35+ years of teaching classes, workshops, and leader training in a variety of yoga styles. Before beginning her yoga journey, Dar's background was in modern dance and Movement Therapy.
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Lauren van Ommeren
Lauren is an alignment-based yoga instructor who found yoga by accident and was immediately drawn to its medicinal effects on her mind and body. She uses her passion for communication to help others find their personal expression of each posture so everyone can experience the peace that yoga brings. She is also a Nutrition Coach, loves cooking, dancing, and hiking with her partner, Jack, and their world-traveling dog, Suki.
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Mary Wallin
Mary enjoys sharing her yoga knowledge and experience through teaching and has extensive experience teaching kids yoga. She also maintains the Well Rounded Guru wellness blog along with the help of her husband, Jourdan Hines. In her free time, Mary enjoys performing in local theater and occasionally joins Jourdan, singing in his live shows.
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Melanie Wulfekuhle
Melanie is dedicated to holding a safe and welcoming space for ALL bodies. Her enthusiasm for sharing yoga is fueled by personal experiences with grief and physical injury, as well as an aspiration to center our human capacity for kindness and connection. Off the mat, if she’s not in her kayak or on the curling ice, you can usually find Melanie enjoying a cup of tea or a long walk.
Pronouns: she / her / hers