Candice Morrison

Candice has been practicing yoga since 2002. She completed Corepower Power Teacher Training in Spring 2009, and hasn't looked back. Yoga has become a fundamental tool in centering her when life's waves become too much. Completing a Master's in Geochemistry, Candice has always been logical and methodical about her understanding of the world. She attempts to find direct connections between the use of yoga and its improvements on ones physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. In addition to science and yoga, Candice has a strong love for nature, animals and the environment as a whole. She strives to heal the world around by first healing the world within.
 

Jill Gamer

Jill Gamer is a 22-year old graduate of DePaul University. It was at DePaul's campus rec center where she took her first Ashtanga class and was forever changed. For Jill, yoga was not only therapeutic but completely transformed her body and mind. She finished her degree in Communications, and then journeyed to San Francisco for the summer, where she lived and studied at Bramananda Ashram and got her Ashtanga-Vinyasa 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification. During her time at the Ashram, she learned about all eight limbs of yoga and took specific interest in Asana and Pranayama. After registering with the Yoga Alliance, and upon returning from California, Jill got several instructing positions and has now moved from an strictly Ashtanga-based practice, to a more free-flowing Vinyasa practice. While she feels her roots are in Ashtanga, she likes the fact that vinyasa classes change every time leaving room to explore new poses. Jill's passion for yoga is highly contagious and her classes are challenging, progressive and creatively outlined. Jill will never teach the same class twice.
 

Jim Delapp

I took my first yoga class in 1968 but to my regret I only practiced for a few weeks. It would be thirty-two years before I stood on a yoga mat again.

I'm a former rugby player, runner and competitive cyclist. Because of my athletic pursuits I've had five knee operations, an artificial ligament put in my right shoulder plus countless broken noses and fingers. I developed arthritis in both of my knees and hands. As I aged it became more and more difficult to perform everyday tasks and quality of life was declining.

I was living in San Francisco in 2000 when a friend suggested that I try Bikram yoga to help me regain use of my knees and hands. I ran out of the class in a panic ten minutes after it started but after calming down I returned to finish the class and I was hooked.

After moving from San Francisco to Salt Lake City I developed a six day a week practice. Within a few weeks the arthritis in my hands had disappeared and the pain in my knees had lessened. I was amazed by the profound changes that occurred in my life as the result of practicing yoga. My attitude improved and I developed patience with myself after a lifetime of competitive sports.

In the fall of 2003 at the age of 58 I attended Bikram Teacher Training in Los Angeles. I am committed to continual education in order to expand my knowledge of anatomy and yoga therapy and I have over 550 hours of training. In 2008 I developed neck cancer and my yoga practice helped me get through six weeks of chemo and radiation therapy. It is my desire to show others that they can heal themselves and improve their lives no matter what their age through the regular practice of yoga.

"It's never too late, it's never too bad, you're never too old, you're never too sick to start from scratch once again."
 

Joie Mucha

Joie has integrated mind, body and spirit through her interest in alternative healthcare. She studied Western and Eastern Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and nutrition at the Chicago College of Healing Arts, where she received a certificate in Medicinal Herbalism. During that period, she continued to study the body itself, which led her to the Eight Limbs Yoga Center Hatha Yoga teacher training in 2004 and Global Yoga for Prenatal Yoga teacher training in 2006. Since 1998, Joie has studied various styles including Hatha, Anusara, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Burmese Letha, Prenatal, and Yoga for Children. She draws on her knowledge from these traditions to create a serene environment in which to practice yoga as a moving meditation.
 

Nell Roberts

A Chicago native, Nell discovered the joy of movement at a young age. Growing up dancing, she cultivated a sense of awareness and connection through physical expression. While attending college out in Colorado, she took her first yoga class and immediately clicked with the practice as it combined her interest in philosophy with her love of movement. In the fall of 2007, she completed CorePower's teacher training program in Denver. Now back in Chicago, Nell is excited to be teaching and exploring all the practice has to offer.
 

Shirley Henn Spitzer

From California to New York and now Chicago - Shirley has been practicing yoga since 2002. The mind/body connection of yoga reminded her of her Psychology studies in college and she continues to share and cherish the connection in other aspects of her life. Her Vinyasa teacher training was completed in 2008 in NYC with Joschi Yoga Institute and she was certified for prenatal teaching in 2009.

Besides teaching Shirley spends her time seeking out yummy brunch places, defending "Team RamRod's" Trivia title and watching her kitty Whiskey Meowingtons stare at birds from afar.
 

Veronica Rottman

Veronica encountered yoga as a young toddler whilst trying to imitate her mother as she practiced. She soon became a very somatically-conscious person with a strong passion for dance, movement, and connection to rhythm. She danced for several years all the while dabbling in yoga and its various styles. Veronica has practiced all over the city of Chicago, spending most of her yoga hours learning vinyasa, bikram, hatha, yin, and more. After graduating with a degree in Hispanic Linguistics and French, Veronica soon found herself returning to the mat daily. Her passion for language and movement seemed to converge in yoga as well as her perspective regarding the union in everything. Veronica believes that yoga has the power to both center as well as reveal aspects within a person both physically and mindfully. She hopes to provide a grounding experience for students which also challenges them to explore personal boundaries. She utilizes breathe- infused movement for students and encourages a strong yoga community.
 

Charlotte Munn

Charlotte is living proof that yoga can change your life. Like so many others, she came to yoga to combat the aches and pains of being a workout enthusiast and what she found was astounding positive change in all aspects of her life. After a week of regular practice she just didn't feel right unless she went to yoga. Charlotte began attending classes six days a week and saw how it changed her body, strengthened muscles she didn't even know she had, and settled her mind in ways that impacted everything in her life. It was a natural path for her to become a teacher and she completed multiple Yoga Alliance certifications in a variety of different styles. She teaches in yoga studios and wellness centers throughout the Chicago area and enjoys teaching to students of all fitness and experience levels. Her classes encourage students to push their physical edge while learning to love and listen to their bodies with a gentle and accepting mind. Charlotte has found that teaching and practicing yoga aid in her continued quest for ultimate truth and transformation.
 

Kristin Breheim

Kristin has only words of love when it comes to yoga. At heart she is an artist and blends her passion for dancing, language, painting and music into class. Music is an integral part of Kristin's classes. She provides a fun yet physically challenging practice to students. By guiding her students with dynamic breath-cued movements that unite the natural harmony of breath, body, mind, and spirit, students will find a link between their yoga practice on their mat as well as off. Knowing that she could talk forever about yoga, Kristin will simply say, "Just do yoga".

Currently, Kristin is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance. She is certified in Vinyasa, pre-natal, and strength classes. She teaches throughout the Chicagoland area including boot camp and donation classes for the park district. She has studied under many amazing instructors including Darren Main, Jonny Kest, Simon Park, and Janet Stone. "I am a constant student and I know that there is always so much more to learn. Thank you to all of my students, for teaching and inspiring me every day!" Kristin is grateful to be able to share her passion for yoga and asks that we all live life to the fullest.

"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore." - Vincent Van Gogh
 

Kerry Burki

Kerry discovered Iyengar yoga in 1997 while pursuing her degree in Religious Studies in Northern Arizona. She was amazed at how wonderful she felt after taking just one class and knew she had just begun her life long relationship with yoga. She practiced Kundalini Yoga in Tempe, Arizona then moved to Chicago where she began practicing at the Sivananda Yoga Center in Edgewater before becoming certified in both Hatha and Prenatal at Global Yoga and Wellness Center in Wicker Park in 2004.

She really enjoys sharing all of the goodness that yoga has to offer with others. She had a son in March 2008 and practiced yoga throughout her pregnancy. It was an amazing experience to connect with herself, her baby and other moms to be. She currently practices with yoga with her son.

She continues to take workshops and trainings and is constantly inspired by caring teachers. Yoga helps her to express her creativity and explore more ways to make the world a better place.

Nicole Sopko

After completing her first teacher training in 2005, Nicole began teaching yoga in Philadelphia. Shortly after, her practice grew immensely due to the discovery and subsequent influence of her beloved teacher, Sri Dharma Mittra. Recently, Nicole completed her advanced level (500 hour) teacher training in New York with Sri Dharma and feels blessed to have received and to pass on these teachings. Nicole has also had the opportunity through the years to study with a number of other gifted teachers and is grateful for all of the growth that they have inspired.

A believer in the power of yoga as a lifestyle, Nicole feels that a playful yoga practice enables a person to approach the more mundane aspects of life with a lighter heart and a more accepting attitude. Her yogic journey has played a big role in her life and she feels lucky to have the opportunity to share that journey with others.

Nicole lives with her family of rescued cats and pit bull dogs. She is a fan of the fruit market, pet rescue, The Bhagavad Gita, and vegan cookies.

David Duerkop

David was drawn to yoga and meditation studies as an antidote to his hectic days at the Chicago Board of Trade. He found that meditation and yoga calmed his mind and softened his heart. David leads meditation services at the Midwest Buddhist Temple and brings over a decade of meditation practice to his yoga teaching style. He is fascinated by the depth of yoga and humbled by the valuable lessons his practice regularly provides. The power and alignment of the postures have helped him connect with his true self, and challenged him to go deeper. David is a Baptiste Associate Instructor and has also completed Yogaview's Teacher Training program led by Quinn Kearney and Claire Mark. He feels fortunate to now teach and share the beauty of yoga with others. David lives in Chicago with his longterm partner and favorite yogini Rachel, and their dog Libby.
 

Betsy Seligman

Betsy brings her high energy, passion, and creativity to each and every class. Years of professional training and certification with renowned yoga teachers, a Masters degree in Social Work and a strong spiritual foundation anchor the holistic mind/body perspective she embodies. Focused direction, professionally trained observation skills and her innate ability to personally connect to each and every student, ads a true personal touch.

Physical injuries after years of athletic competitiveness is what originally brought Betsy to the practice of yoga. As a result, she is a conscientious observer of form and function, so you can expect precision corrections that challenge your limits, but never sacrifice your safety. Most importantly, her classes are fun, creative and invigorating…they have to be, anyone who knows Betsy, knows she would be bored with anything less.

After years of being asked by her students, "when are you going to make a video we can do at home". Betsy finally decided to create an amazing DVD, which is like none other out there. A true hardcore power vinyasa class. Will be out this spring. Stay tuned.
 

Robert Pelaski

With over 15 years as an AFAA certified group fitness instructor and living in New York, Robert discovered yoga through a friend who invited him to the Jivamukti Yoga School to take class. The invitation would change his life forever. Experiencing the classic and invigorating styles of the teachers whos insight, intelect, and seamless sequencing ultimately opened a path to his daily practice.

He is grateful to the "Jiva-Devas" who essentially taught him the relationship of breath, movement and mind.

He has since cerfitied at the 500 hour level under the study of D'ana Baptiste at Centered City Yoga in Salt Lake City, Utah. D'ana through her authentic humor,realism, and open heart, ultimately taught him that "To find your breath is to find your practice, in which we ultimately find ourselves". Teaching from the heart is the greatest reward to share with his students today. "Breath easy... breath deep... life is precious".
 

Brandy LaChapelle

Brandy is a 236-hour trained and certified Vinyasa and Yoga Sculpt instructor. Growing up a navy-brat, Brandy's father instilled in her a deep reverence for strength of mind, character, and body and as a result Brandy has done her fair share of push-ups. Brandy's Mom is a chiropractor and acupuncturist, dedicated to holistic healing and preventative health. Growing up with these values has shaped Brandy's life and ultimately led her to find a passionate commitment to her yoga practice.

Brandy is also an artist and creative writer with a master's degree specializing in hand papermaking and artist books. Her journey deeper into yoga and teaching began as a spiritual imperative during her challenging and deeply personal thesis work. Though she had always loved yoga and had the sense that she needed more, it was not until she discovered Vinyasa and began a moving meditation, that her spiritual bond with yoga began. On her first Vinyasa class; Brandy says she was hooked, "As we all flowed, breath and movement in harmony, I was astonished at how clearly I could connect with the conviction… that we are all one."

As a teacher Brandy strives to bring her background as an artist to each class, seeking and acknowledging the beauty in all things. Having worked in a healing sanctuary that applies principles of ayurvedic science she continues to further her knowledge of healing practices, energy lines, nutrition and philosophy so that she may share this with her students.