instructors

Jill Gamer found yoga as a college student and was immediately drawn to the way it made her challenge herself and realize what her body was capable of. She also found it helped her to focus on being healthy and mindful on and off of her yoga mat. Jill knew yoga was her passion after taking her first Ashtanga class with Cara Jepsen. After graduating from DePaul in 2005, she went off to San Fransisco for one month to recieve her 200-hr (Ashtanga-Vinyasa) Yoga Teacher Certification with Clayton Horton of Greenpath Yoga. During her stay in the Bramanada Ashram, Jill learned that yoga was more than just an vigorous discipline but also a spiritual journey that she was just beginning. Since coming back from San Fransico, Jill has recieved her Level 2 (300-hr) Teacher Training from Yogaview Chicago where she studied with teachers Geri Blier, Claire Mark, Quinn Kearny and Tom Quinn. She has completed Shanna Linn's "Anatomy for Yogis" course and Moksha Yoga and continues to learn through taking other teacher's classes. Jill's classes are physically challenging but also accommodating to many different levels as Jill provides alternatives and modifications. Her classes are different and innovative with just the right amount of spirituality.

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.

Rich G. first began practicing yoga at home in 2000. He soon outgrew his yoga videotapes and sought a class setting in the gym. Two classes a week soon became four, five, and then he was arranging his schedule around yoga classes. He left the gym and found the studios: yogaview, Yoga Circle, and Moksha. By 2006, he had completed yogaview's first Self Practice Intensive/Teacher Training and turned his passion into a calling. Rich is also an avid student, practicing daily with master and senior teachers like Geri, Quinn, Tom and Claire. He's grateful to be a part of the living community of yoga.

Molly was introduced to yoga in 1993 in Tucson, Arizona while on a journey to keep herself healthy as a dancer. Although coming from a dance and movement background she connected immediately with the asana practice, Molly found herself intensely inspired to learn more about yogic philosophy. Molly's interest in Taoism and Buddhist philosophy have shaped many of her endeavors, including her pursuit of learning Traditional Chinese Medicine which she now practices both privately as well as in several hospitals. The concept of fluidity is pervasive in Molly's approach to teaching, whether it be in dance, Chinese Medicine or yoga. When we exhibit fluidity, we have the opportunity to ebb and flow, choose stillness or excitation, connect with joy and experience clarity. Using this base of fluidity, Molly's teaching is a unique blend of fluid movement and strong athleticism. Molly endeavors to facilitate in each person that she teaches, the start of or continuation of a journey of wonder and discovery.

A certified personal trainer and yoga instructor, Joanna grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. Between school, work, and play she has spent the past 6 years nearly all around the county, but she is so thrilled to back in Chicago! Joanna grew up intensely training in competitive gymnastics. Once she reached her teenage years, she then went on the coach gymnastics while beginning to study dance and performing. She attended Syracuse University where she received her BFA in Musical Theatre. Directly following college, she began traveling internationally with the National Tour of the Broadway musical CATS, singing and dancing around the world. She then moved to New York City where she began regularly practicing yoga and studying various types of fitness. She later went on the receive her personal training certification from The National Academy of Sports Medicine and her 200-Hour RYT yoga certification through her beloved yoga studio Prana Power Yoga NYC. Joanna has taught at large gym facilities and small boutique studios all around New York City. She most recently received her CARDIOLATES® certification at Sixpax Chicago through The Pilates Center of New York.

In a search to deepen, improve, and fully embrace all life experiences Terri found and fell in love with the practice of yoga. Yoga has since become her empowerment and daily inspiration. The deeply rooted connection between the physical body and the emotional body fuels her yoga practice, as well as the lens in which she heals through her career of being a Juvenile Forensic Trauma Therapist, where she works with juveniles sentenced to the Illinois Youth Centers. In her continued exploration of utilizing the practice of yoga to heal those facing adversities and survivors of trauma, Terri recently became a Street Yoga Trained Teacher. Terri completed the 200hr Teacher Training program at Yogaview Chicago under the inspiring mentorship of Tom Quinn, Geri Bleier, Claire Mark and Quinn Kearney. Terri teaches a vinyasa flow style class with emphasis on alignment and connecting movement with breath - while mindfully honoring where each student is on their individual yoga journey. Terri is looking forward to sharing the love and joy that is the practice of yoga on the mat and beyond. Feelings come and go like clouds in the sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor - Thich Nhat Hanh

Tyra is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) who completed her Hatha yoga instructor certification at Global Yoga and Wellness Center. She began practicing yoga in 2000 at a local Health Club and her teacher was so gifted and creative she wanted to continue to explore and discover the ancient practice. She has practiced Anusara, Vinyasa and Kundalini methods and has taken Workshops with Anna Forrest, Rita Knorr, Wade Morissette and Rich Logan. She believes that it is important to pay close attention to alignment and safety, trying to make sure that her students, whether new or experienced can be challenged in the class by making modifications. Tyra has been a 'jogger' for many years and in 2009 completed her first (and only?) Chicago Marathon. She enjoys the philosophy of yoga and includes a bit in each class so the focus is on the mind as well as the body. 'Every time we practice it will be a new experience - we should embrace, enjoy and take something from each one. Some days the poses come easily while others may be more challenging. Yoga is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy and appreciate just being on the mat.'