Mark Lerro
Erica Rumpel
Erica Rumpel explores the science of yoga through a foundation of Hatha, Kundalini, and Universal traditions. Studies with Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and Andrey Lappa have given her insight into the limitless boundaries and benefits of a yoga practice. Her training in Psychotherapy has also added depth to her teaching style; creating an integrative mind-body approach from which to work.
Erica's classes emphasize pranayama practice, static and dynamic asanas, and an inward focus to develop an acute sense of observation. "There is a rhythm to live, rhythm to breath, and a rhythm to your practice - all are one." Erica's classes challenge you to find that rhythm, accept that rhythm and explore it in your own sacred space.
Jody Weienmann 
Jody first encountered yoga in 1998 and has been practicing ever since. Starting with classes offered at her college, she progressed to study Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow yoga, and finally completed teacher training at yogaview in Chicago. She was a high school teacher for Chicago Public Schools for five years and has witnessed the power of yoga to transform frustrations, fears, and anxieties into focus, calm and patient persistence. She has taught children and adults from the ages of 3-75 and is always searching for a way to bring the strength and depth of yoga to people of all ages, sizes, and ability levels.
In addition to being an exceptionally powerful tool for those working towards more physical strength and flexibility, the purpose of yoga is to find flexibility and strength in will and spirit. Jody practices and teaches yoga to find peace and bravery in the face of fear and uncertainty. She believes that yoga can help all people achieve a more balanced and contented life. She also blogs a little and likes to bake goodies. You can visit her on the internet at http://yogaisawesome.com
Kathleen Ellis
Christine Krumsee, RYT, first tried yoga in 2005 thanks to a roommate who was an instructor. Thrilled to find that yoga exercised the mind just as much as the body, she began to immerse herself in the practice. Plagued with chronic health problems for several years, yoga proved to be the missing link in her healing process. Christine completed her 200 hour certification in 2009 and has been teaching ever since. With a focus on mindfulness, students are offered a flow in which they can reflect on their own process, whether it be healing a physical ailment or achieving peace of mind. Her classes offer a safe environment where students are encouraged to allow themselves to be where they are, releasing thoughts of where they “should” be. Christine has continued her education through taking courses in shiatsu, reiki, alignment, thai yoga massage, mindfulness meditation, and more. She also has a wealth of knowledge about food and its healing properties and has lead workshops including “No Gluten? No Dairy? No Sugar? No Problem!” and “Whole Living – Yoga for Weight Loss.” Christine has also directed the Arts and Crafts program for Veterans at the North Chicago VA for the past 5 years. Here, she guides patients through the therapeutic uses of art. She is also privileged to teach Yoga and Meditation to a group of Veterans from the day treatment program.
Charlotte Hammond
Charlotte went to a hatha yoga class to regain mobility after a knee injury and discovered a beautiful world of inner and outer flexibility and strength. She responded by training to teach at the Temple of Kriya Yoga and by teaching teenagers in an after school program at a Humboldt Park high school. Both were amazing experiences. In addition to her hatha yoga teaching certification, Charlotte has pursued undergraduate studies in biology and graduate studies in biomedical visualization and, currently, nutrition. She came to yoga out of curiosity, injury, and with a desire to bring balance to her study of martial arts. She found a means with which to balance her entire life. She is truly blessed to be able to share the benefits of asana with others.
Julie Swanson
Growing up deep in the north woods of Michigan, Julie learned to love and appreciate nature and its powerful calming, invigorating, and regenerative affects. She has been blessed to find the yoga path in the heart of the big city, and believes that sharing a regular yoga practice can bring inner harmony, beauty and joy to daily life. Julie got her certification through the Temple of Kriya Yoga and is currently an apprentice at the Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program there. All proceeds from the class go to The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org).
Tania Hughes
GINA FITZPATRI CK received her certification through the Temple of Kriya Yoga. She is owner and operator of Yoga Break Chicago where she teaches lunchtime yoga on sight. She also teaches in public and private high schools all around Chicago. Gina admits that her teaching style changed dramatically after spending time with teenagers. Their willingness to be fearless made her realize the endless possibilities that we all possess. That all that we ever needed we already had.
Cynthia came to yoga years ago while exploring healthy ways toneutralize the inevitable stresses of daily life. She received her
hatha yoga teaching certification from the Temple of Kriya Yoga and is
currently studying to obtain her certification to teach meditation. In
addition to her yoga and meditation studies, she is also currently
pursuing her Ph.D. in human nutrition--specifically in how diet,
exercise, and mindfulness can affect our physiology. She values an
interdisciplinary and holistic approach to health and happiness, and
strives to bring this into her yoga classes. Cynthia integrates asana,
pranayama, and meditation techniques with the goal that her students
can leave feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced.
Khara began her yoga journey over ten years ago while attending DePaul University’s Theatre School. Since then she has been establishing her personal practice at home and at a variety of studios in the city. Recently, her yoga journey brought her to Alternative Health Group in Bucktown where she received her certification in yoga with a focus on the Sivananda and Ashtanga lineages. Khara is dedicated to using yoga as a means of quieting the mind and strengthening the body. Her main goal in teaching is to unify the mind, body, and spirit through proper exercise (asanas), proper breathing (pranayama), proper relaxation (savasana), and positive thinking and meditation (vedanta and dhyana). When you take Khara’s class you will be assured an adequate warm-up by way of sun salutations, a couple of minutes upside down in an inversion, and a couple of back strengthening poses to counteract the Western tendency of being hunched over the computer monitor all day. Classes will always be adapted to meet the need of students in attendance.
Before beginning my yoga practice in 2005, I was working out in the gym, running, and practicing many other Sports. I had my first experience with yoga when I began working at an eco Lodge in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. While I was working as a nature guide, the owner, Lana Wedmore, invited me to practice yoga with her. Since that day I have never stopped practcing and sharing yoga with others. Yoga has allowed me to find balance between my body, mind, and spirit. Working at the eco Lodge, I have had the good fortune to instructors from all over the world and participate in many different yoga retreats. I began teaching yoga four years ago and have dedicated myself to the healing arts as a professional massage therapist. My experience has helped me to see and practice various styles of yoga including Kundalini and Partner yoga, with my wife Bonnie, who is also a yoga instructor. Together we hope to help others by sharing the benefits of a regular yoga practice.