Yoga for Body, Mind and Spirit
This class includes an equal blend of warm ups, postures, breath technique, meditation and deep relaxation. The focus in the postures will be alignment, encouraging students to completely embody their practice from head to toe in present moment awareness. By integrating the subtle and physical systems of the body, mind and breath, the practice promotes well-being and encourages students to seek balance both on and off the mat.
A long time practicing yogi, Jamie received her 200-RYT certification from the Integrative Yoga Therapy program at Haleybird Yoga and Natural Wellness Studios. While studying, Jamie interned with Yoga Therapist Tina Romenesko, assisting in weekly Yoga Therapy group classes as well as at Washington Park Senior Center. Since completing her first training, Jamie has furthered her studies extensively. She has completed Level 1 certification with Dr. Timothy McCall, Yoga as Medicine; Certified in Aqua Kriya Yoga with Swami Nibhrtananda; trained in Yoga for Osteoporosis with Dr. Loren Fishman; certified as a Cancer Exercise Specialist through the Cancer Exercise Training Institute in Oregon; and most recently completed Level 1, 300 hr training with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy on her way to becoming a certified yoga therapist. Jamie is currently a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and 500-RYT with Yoga Alliance.
Q&A with Jamie Mullen
Q. How long have you been a yoga instructor?
A. I completed my 200-RYT training through Integrative Yoga Therapy at Haleybird Studios in October, 2013.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. My approach to yoga is to integrate all aspects of our being, not just the physical body, but to include our emotional, energetic and spiritual bodies as well. This gentle approach to the practice incorporates movement, meditation, mudras and breathwork.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Wanting to take care of my complete self really brought me to where I am today. Taking time to breathe, move and relax each day has been vital to the well being of my complete, true self.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. Whether the client is an experienced yogi or someone who has never practiced, everyone can expect to feel well taken care of. In my classes, we move mindfully and with care so that we allow ourselves to bring balance and nourishment to our body, mind, and spirit.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. I’m not really a trend follower, but one item of note that I am excited about, is that the use of complimentary and alternative medicine/therapies are being recognized by schools such as Harvard, Stanford and Duke. To have reputable, conventional schools become involved in alternative therapies, such as yoga, is a real advancement for our profession.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Since training and becoming a yoga instructor, I have found that I have not been regularly attending the classes from the teachers that helped me to come to love the practice. So I am taking time to allow myself to attend these classes at least once a week. Though personally I practice each day, I love the feeling of community in a group class.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. That would probably have to be the lakefront. In the summer, I will ride my bike there in the early mornings and practice. It is so peaceful and there is plenty of space. I love being near the water.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I can’t say I really have a favorite as my husband is an amazing cook and I enjoy so many different cuisines, but I guess I would say when I need my island fix, I head over to Ono Kine Grindz in Tosa.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. In order, creating jewelry is my greatest passion next to yoga. Traveling to warm, tropical locales. And I enjoy baking with cookies, scones and biscotti being my specialty.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. I like to sit in meditation and breathe. Often my dog will join me on my mat which also aids in releasing stress.
Good for:
Mind-body awareness
Relaxation
Meditation
Quieting the mind
Classes:
Tuesdays: 12:00pm
Sundays: 9:30am
Gentle Yoga
A gentle yoga class that supports anyone on a healing journey. The class will consist of safe, effective yoga postures, along with basic breathing techniques and an extensive savasana. All are welcome.
Heidi received her Vinyasa Yoga training From Rolf Gates, and her Yoga Therapy Certification from Dr. Indu Arora; both of who have authored multiple books on the topics of yoga and meditation. In a nutshell, they taught her that anyone who can breathe can practice yoga, and that we are all repeatedly re-aligning on and off the mat.
Heidi is also a professional artist. She graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2005 and currently works in the medium of quilts. Follow along with her artistic practice on Instagram: @heidi.parkes or on her website: heidiparkes.com.
Q&A with Heidi Parkes
Q. How long have you been a yoga instructor?
A. I completed my 500-hour Yoga Therapy Certification with Dr. Indu Arora in 2014, and my 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Rolf Gates in 2013. I began teaching yoga a couple years before that. I was a high school art teacher in Naperville, IL and the students begged me to sponsor a yoga club. Turns out, I was the lucky one when I agreed to help!
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. Vinyasa Flow and Yoga Therapy. I have a strong interest in Ayurveda, meditation and in taking the philosophy of yoga off the mat and into the every day.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I began practicing yoga with Dr. Indu Arora in 2008, and her focus on yoga therapy, mudras, meditation, and Ayurveda has stuck with me ever since. In 2012 I had my first yoga therapy consultation with her. I’d struggled for a year with a sensitivity to dairy, and within a month of following her instructions, I was able to balance my body and restore my digestive health. That was a transformative experience for me, and it inspired me to learn more. My current style of practice echoes my favorite quote of hers, “Nothing has the greatest power to heal, but self!”
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect to feel successful. Students are encouraged to notice the effects of each pose in their bodies, and to move at their own pace, doing what feels right for them in that particular moment.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. My teacher Rolf Gates speaks towards these concepts beautifully in both his books: by learning to be skillful on the mat, we can learn to be more skillful in other areas of our lives as well. Yoga then becomes something that we ‘do’ and ‘practice’ all day long.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I’m a yoga instructor, and I’m also a professional artist. I spend many hours hunched over, using my fingers to create. Yoga was invented so that a person could ‘sit in meditation as long as they want,’ but I’m extending that to include ‘quilting as long as I want!’ My personal yoga practice focuses on opening my heart, strengthening for my fingers and eyes, maintaining healthy digestion, and caring for my mind.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. At the lakefront, inside the Milwaukee Art Museum, visiting the “Work Clothes Quilt” made by Rachel Carey George in 1935.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Peter Sciortino’s Bakery. I frequently export their amoretti cookies to my dad in Madison by the pound! Growing up in Illinois, eating their oblong well-seeded rolls was one of my favorite things about visiting family in Milwaukee.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Art, food, and indulging in a good Netflix marathon while quilting.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. A hot bath with a tablespoon of epsom salt, a dash of baking soda, and a sprinkle of just the right essential oil.
Good for:
New to yoga
Relaxation & meditation
Body & breath awareness
Classes:
Thursdays: 12:00 pm
Candlelight Yin Yoga
A nourishing and balancing practice. Class consists of a series of seated Yin Yoga poses with a focus on relaxing the muscles in order to gain deeper access to the joints and connective tissues. Our Yin practice focuses on increasing flexibility and range of motion, strengthening the joints and connective tissues, and decreasing deeply held physical tension. Our focus on the breath helps to promote a calm and meditative state of mind. Yin Yoga is in perfect balance to the busy nature of our society and the more heating and muscular-based forms of yoga and exercise practiced today. It can provide physical and energetic balance to an overly active body and mind, as well as prevent stagnation during times of inactivity by promoting the subtle movement of energy.
Amy Lynn Zwart
RYT 500, TIYT, Reiki Practitioner, (BD) MTM
As a Yoga Therapist, Amy Lynn Zwart is interested in working with students to find more fluidity and bring ease into both their asana practice and their way of living. She encourages a light, playful curiosity in practice while exploring all the limbs yoga has to offer.
Q&A with Amy Zwart
Q. How long have you been a teacher?
A. I became a registered yoga instructor in 2015- 3 years. I have been a practicing yogi since 2001.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. Utilizing all aspects of yoga to really help facilitate connection to self and promote healing within the body and mind.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. The desire to become a Yoga Teacher was spurred by my birth/postpartum work as a Doula.
I never really had the intention of teaching yoga in public settings but then as my studies deepened it was undeniable that that was going to be a big part of my life. After the initial 200-hour training with a dozen world-renowned teachers. I couldn’t get enough, so I immediately began training as a Yoga Therapist with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy.
Now I work with individuals privately addressing functional movement issues, stress management, recovery, chronic pain, mental health issues, grief, cancer, fertility, prenatal/postpartum, and more.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect a safe container in which to explore this practice. There is no judgment, expectation or comparison. Standard practice for me is to guide and support using verbal cues only- no hands-on adjustments. Modifications, rest and exploration are encouraged within my classes.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. In many ways, science is catching up, or noting, what yogis have known for thousands of years. There is lots of new research coming out supporting the benefits of our practices and, as a Yoga Therapist, that is very interesting and exciting information to be able to share in new demographics/environments.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Slowing down and finding joy everywhere are always my two mainstay practices. I address this with my daily sadhana but it’s still all too easy to get wrapped up into the hustle of life- so it will be a forever practice.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Anywhere along Lake Michigan.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Milwaukee Public Market
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Spend time in nature, Travel, Sports (Run, Bike, Hike, Climb, Snowboard, etc.)
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Breathe
Good for:
Relaxation
Increasing flexibility & range of motion
Classes:
Mondays: 7:00 pm
Hatha Yoga
Learn the basics of Hatha yoga and safely ease your way into your yoga practice. Develop body and breath awareness and learn the basic poses (asanas) and proper alignment. This class is great for beginners or those looking for a refresher on the basics of Hatha Yoga.
Amy Lynn Zwart
RYT 500, TIYT, Reiki Practitioner, (BD) MTM
As a Yoga Therapist, Amy Lynn Zwart is interested in working with students to find more fluidity and bring ease into both their asana practice and their way of living. She encourages a light, playful curiosity in practice while exploring all the limbs yoga has to offer.
Q&A with Amy Zwart
Q. How long have you been a teacher?
A. I became a registered yoga instructor in 2015- 3 years. I have been a practicing yogi since 2001.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. Utilizing all aspects of yoga to really help facilitate connection to self and promote healing within the body and mind.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. The desire to become a Yoga Teacher was spurred by my birth/postpartum work as a Doula.
I never really had the intention of teaching yoga in public settings but then as my studies deepened it was undeniable that that was going to be a big part of my life. After the initial 200-hour training with a dozen world-renowned teachers. I couldn’t get enough, so I immediately began training as a Yoga Therapist with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy.
Now I work with individuals privately addressing functional movement issues, stress management, recovery, chronic pain, mental health issues, grief, cancer, fertility, prenatal/postpartum, and more.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect a safe container in which to explore this practice. There is no judgment, expectation or comparison. Standard practice for me is to guide and support using verbal cues only- no hands-on adjustments. Modifications, rest and exploration are encouraged within my classes.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. In many ways, science is catching up, or noting, what yogis have known for thousands of years. There is lots of new research coming out supporting the benefits of our practices and, as a Yoga Therapist, that is very interesting and exciting information to be able to share in new demographics/environments.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Slowing down and finding joy everywhere are always my two mainstay practices. I address this with my daily sadhana but it’s still all too easy to get wrapped up into the hustle of life- so it will be a forever practice.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Anywhere along Lake Michigan.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Milwaukee Public Market
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Spend time in nature, Travel, Sports (Run, Bike, Hike, Climb, Snowboard, etc.)
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Breathe
Cynthia Akey
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Director
Living with painful headaches and joint instability, Cynthia began studying yoga and strength training to improve her own well being in 2003. Wanting to share this same sense of freedom and make yoga accessible to as many people as possible, she received her 200-RYT certification from Feel Your Best (FYB) whose philosophy is the “Person not the Pose.” Upon graduating in 2005, she began teaching a gentle, benefits-oriented teaching style that incorporates Iyengar (alignment), Ashtanga (power), Viniyoga (therapeutic) yoga. Over the last 10+ years, she’s lead alignment-based, accessible yoga classes that balance effort with ease. She encourages conversation, individual discovery as well as ways to personalize the yoga practice. Cynthia’s worked with clients of all fitness levels, abilities, and ages.
Ever inquisitive, she continues her yoga education through personal study, workshops and conferences. She’s certified in Chair Yoga with Stacie Dooreck’s SunLight Yoga and certified in Core Functional Fitness with Hope Zvara. As a certified ACE Personal Trainer, she brings functional movements, postural strength, and healthy range of motion to her yoga classes. As a certified NETA Wellness Coach, she shares ways to add healthy habits and reduce stress in everyday life. She’s also a member of Yoga Alliance.
Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Prior to teaching, coaching and consulting full time, she worked in corporate marketing and communication departments in several industries for 23 years.
To give back to the yoga community, for the past 10 years she has donated her service and talents at Yoga Journal Conferences around the USA.
Q&A with Cynthia Akey
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2005 and practicing since 2003. But I found my first yoga book when I was 13 and started practicing some of the asanas. It opened a whole new world.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in alignment-based practice and have experience teaching gentle, therapeutic, restorative, chair, yin, vinyasa, corporate, yoga for runners/athletes and yoga for beginners.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I came from a place of pain – migraines and joint instability. Being hypermobile, I sought structure and strength and was drawn to Iyengar yoga and its use of props to make it accessible. I am fascinated with intentional energy and breathwork incorporating these into each pose. As I age, my practice continues to evolve to better suit my daily needs.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A student can expect to approach each practice with a beginner’s mind and awaken personal “a-ha” moments. I specialize in uncovering the subtleties of asana, pranayama and meditation. In each class, I encourage discussion and offer moments for individual discovery so that each student may make the practice their own. To ensure classes are accessible, we’ll use props – wall, chairs, bolsters, blocks and straps. Mindful modifications and hands-on adjustments will be provided.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. I’ve seen a shift from a practice of personal development and self-reflection to one of action and activism. While yogis are here to inspire health and wellness, we can awaken and transform our hearts, minds and community.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Balancing work and life. Too often we overextend ourselves to do more. Currently, I’m focused on mantra, meditation, pranayama, making time for reflection and some quality sleep.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I spent the last few years living in a land-locked city in northern California. I really missed Bradford Beach and Lake Michigan. I love to watch the waves and walk on the sand. It’s a great place to meditate and renew my spirit. I missed the seasons too – so it’s great watching the trees leaves change colors.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. So much has changed in the past few years while I have been away. It’s been fun to rediscover the Milwaukee area. I really enjoy Blue’s Egg because breakfast is my favorite meal.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I love to travel with my husband, spend time with my cat who behaves like a dog, and learn anything. I also enjoy being creative – with food, jewelry, graphic design, and event planning.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To reduce stress, I visit my “beach” – in person or just visualize it. I like to get some exercise – walking in nature, riding my spin bike, or practicing yoga and pranayama. I’m a fan of old movies and musicals. So a cup of tea and “Hello, Dolly” help me laugh and smile.
My experience with yoga began when I had severe neck and shoulder pain as a result of poor posture and years of competitive swimming. The reduction of stress I experienced set me on the path I am on today. Since that first class in 2009, I have tried many styles of yoga out there and my favorite approach is still Integrative Yoga Therapy. Each session involves the awareness of our full experience which includes body, energy, mind, emotion and spirit which allows for healing on every level. There were times when my practice was predominant body focused yet I found that real transformation occurs when all aspects are integrated which is what I strive for in each class I take and teach.
Q&A with Alison von Brown
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I became a yoga instructor in 2014.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in mind-body awareness and guided meditation.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. My yoga journey began in 2014 with power vinyasa. As my interest grew in the practice, I loved any opportunity to change up the pace either with a slower flow, a Hatha class or yin class. I believe there is a sweet spot in each pose–different for each yogi, of course–designed to challenge and support growth for that individual. That’s one thing I think about when I teach and practice.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. To learn something new, I love including facts, ancient wisdom, and modifications in each class.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. Trauma-informed teaching, kids yoga, and mental health specific classes.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. To maintain a positive mindset regardless of how busy my life may be. To do this, I practice mindfulness daily and strive to adhere to my Naturopathic Doctor’s recommendations seeing food as my medicine. Feeling blue? Eat some cashews! Trouble sleeping? Try some magnesium-rich foods!
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I love the view overlooking the lake next to the North Point Water Tower at the end of North Ave.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. So many great spots but a go-to is the Milwaukee Public Market. I love having options and can get whatever you may be craving in one space!
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Flow arts like hula hoop, playing the Native American flute, spending quality time with family (especially my cat).
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To de-stress, I dance, get an acupuncture treatment, attend floatation therapy, and practice mindful meditation.
Paula Biasi Trusky
MFA, PTA, CYT, CPT
Paula has a great curiosity for movement mechanics and the art of moving. She has pursued this interest on many levels and earned a BA and MFA in Dance. Her interest continued as she became a certified yoga teacher and then a certified Pilates teacher. She has spent two decades teaching dance, yoga, and pilates at the studio, community and university level.
Her interest in anatomy, kinesiology and movement mechanics led her to pursue a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Since 2013 she has worked extensively in outpatient orthopedics and honed strong manual therapy skills.
Whether in the studio or the clinic she hopes to help others to have a better human experience through movement. She is especially interested in efficient movement mechanics to reduce pain and increase the longevity that we have in our daily lives, activities, and sports.
Q&A with Paula Biasi Trusky
Q. How long have you been a physical therapist assistant?
A. 5 years.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. Manual therapy complemented by the use of yoga, pilates and other somatic practices as therapeutic exercise.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. As a Physical Therapist Assistant, Pilates teacher and Yoga teacher, I like to combine my deep background in movement and my knowledge of anatomy with an interest in injury prevention and rehabilitation. My treatments emphasize manual therapy, teaching self-care techniques, efficient mechanics, and functional movement patterns.
Q. What can a new patient expect?
A. My patients can expect to feel comfortable and at ease in my care. I aim to treat the whole person and not just the affected body part. I think that people have a right and obligation to be educated about their bodies. Patients can expect to learn about their anatomy and habits and learn how to manage their injuries or areas of pain in their daily lives.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. I am very interested in natural movement fitness. I think we need to train our bodies for what we expect them to do on a daily basis and also use our bodies for tasks that they have evolved to perform, which is not sitting at a desk all day!
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I am focusing on eating and moving for wellbeing. For me that means eating a diet based around real whole foods, with room for chocolate of course! I’m moving my body with the aim of being strong, mobile and as agile and pain free as I can be. There are high standards for women in our society to look a certain way. My wellness goals revolve around letting my body find its natural stasis point when I move and eat to feel good and healthy.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Only three?! Move my body (yes that’s vague, but I love to move in all sorts of ways), hang with my pooch Roxy and cook delicious food.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. The east and west river trails just north of Invivo.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. For pizza I like Tranfer Pizzeria (best crust ever) and for Thai food I love EE-sane, they do spice right!
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. My hobbies help me to relax. Taking my dog for a nice long walk, practicing yoga, and enjoying a glass of wine.
Good for:
New to yoga
Learning alignment
Body & breath awareness
Classes:
Mondays: 5:30 pm
Tuesdays: 5:30 pm
Wednesdays Noon
Saturdays: 10:00 am
Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa flow links breath and movement promoting mindful harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Classes will focus on the dynamic sequence of flowing yoga postures built around the Sun Salutations, with continued attention to technique and alignment. Energize, strengthen and build heat as you work to refine postures and deepen your connection to your body. This mindful combination is taught from the heart and offers rhythm and precision. Prior yoga experience is recommended for Level 2 as more in-depth exploration of inversions, backbends and balances will be explored.
Rae is an eclectic yoga teacher that is truly grateful she gets to share her ever evolving practice with students everyday. She has been growing in her personal yoga practice since 2003 when she was 16. Rae became a certified teacher at Yandara Yoga Institute in Bali, Indonesia and has been a teaching nearly daily since 2015. She follows the 8-limb path on and off the mat, and is thrilled to be a member of the Invivo team leading pranayama, asana and meditation. Rae is also a performer in dance, music, and acting as well as a visual artist of unlimited mediums.
Q&A with Rae Buth, CYT
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been practicing yoga since 2003 and teaching since 2014. I am currently a CYT-200 from Yandara Yoga Institute in Bali, Indonesia and will soon become an E-RYT 200. I have over 1000 teaching hours, and significantly greater number of hours of practice and study.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. A “Namastrae” class is an eclectic blend of yoga philosophy, based particularly around the 8-limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga), the chakra energy centers, and mindfulness meditation practices from various disciplines combined with pranayama, mudra, asana, and mantra and delivered in fun and creative vinyasa & yin classes. My positive experiences in travel, dance, music, and art and my less savory experiences with depression and anxiety and physical injury all inform my yoga teaching.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I’ve been growing in my yoga practice since I was a teen in 2003 and have seen vast and immense benefits in my quality of being as a whole, from mindfulness meditation and continuous evolution and absorption of the asanas.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect a calming atmosphere, thorough instruction and a space to feel safe – to laugh, to cry and to discover a deeper sense of their inherent being in an accessible but challenging way.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. I appreciate the growing trend of being in the practice of yoga off the mat; through breathing, thoughts, words, and actions. This allows a greater population to not just view yoga as asana postures but as a way of life to carry along with them.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. My personal wellness goals are to continue to live a balanced and creative life. I do this through observing my thought patterns and breathing through daily meditation and writing, study and application of yogic practices and lifestyle, dance, art and travel. Regarding the asanas, I am specifically working to advance my arm balancing, handstanding and backbending transitions in my physical practice.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I am a Visual Artist and a Performer. I have a BFA in Visual Art with a minor in Dance so I write songs, choreograph dances, and act in shows as the inspiration occurs. I also have a personal sustainable fashion brand called “Redish,” where I upcycle/re-purpose vintage fabrics into more modern wearables as well as make crystal necklaces and paintings. These are both hobbies and my alternative source of sustaining myself. Last but not least, I adore traveling and learning languages. I’ve been to almost all 50 states, and about 17 countries…and counting!
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. My favorite beautiful place to be in Milwaukee is in my backyard with my partner Aytan, and my kitties Azealia & Phinny soaking in the sun, or singing around the campfire on any given day. Away from home, I love the water. Anytime I am at the beach or by the river, among the trees, I feel blissful. Atwater Beach is queen!
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I simply adore the decor, small kitchen and deliciously clean cuisine of Riverwest’s original Cafe Corazon. Try it!
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To destress I practice pranayama & asana, ride my bicycle with my partner, sing & play piano or guitar, draw/paint and sew. My kitties also are great teachers and sources of comfort.
Good for:
Challenging your practice
Building strength
Generating heat
Classes:
Mondays (All Levels): 5:30 pm
Sundays (All Levels): 11:00 am
Yin & Yoga Nidra
A quietly powerful practice for deep release of physical and mental tensions. Class begins with a series of seated Yin Yoga poses with a focus on relaxing the muscles in order to gain deeper access to the joints and connective tissues. Our Yin practice focuses on increasing flexibility and range of motion, strengthening the joints and connective tissues, and decreasing deeply held physical tension. We close with the practice of Yoga Nidra, a systematic process of deeply relaxing the mind. Benefits of Yoga Nidra can include reduced stress, improved sleep, and overall sense of well-being.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Director
Living with painful headaches and joint instability, Cynthia began studying yoga and strength training to improve her own well being in 2003. Wanting to share this same sense of freedom and make yoga accessible to as many people as possible, she received her 200-RYT certification from Feel Your Best (FYB) whose philosophy is the “Person not the Pose.” Upon graduating in 2005, she began teaching a gentle, benefits-oriented teaching style that incorporates Iyengar (alignment), Ashtanga (power), Viniyoga (therapeutic) yoga. Over the last 10+ years, she’s lead alignment-based, accessible yoga classes that balance effort with ease. She encourages conversation, individual discovery as well as ways to personalize the yoga practice. Cynthia’s worked with clients of all fitness levels, abilities, and ages.
Ever inquisitive, she continues her yoga education through personal study, workshops and conferences. She’s certified in Chair Yoga with Stacie Dooreck’s SunLight Yoga and certified in Core Functional Fitness with Hope Zvara. As a certified ACE Personal Trainer, she brings functional movements, postural strength, and healthy range of motion to her yoga classes. As a certified NETA Wellness Coach, she shares ways to add healthy habits and reduce stress in everyday life. She’s also a member of Yoga Alliance.
Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Prior to teaching, coaching and consulting full time, she worked in corporate marketing and communication departments in several industries for 23 years.
To give back to the yoga community, for the past 10 years she has donated her service and talents at Yoga Journal Conferences around the USA.
Q&A with Cynthia Akey
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2005 and practicing since 2003. But I found my first yoga book when I was 13 and started practicing some of the asanas. It opened a whole new world.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in alignment-based practice and have experience teaching gentle, therapeutic, restorative, chair, yin, vinyasa, corporate, yoga for runners/athletes and yoga for beginners.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I came from a place of pain – migraines and joint instability. Being hypermobile, I sought structure and strength and was drawn to Iyengar yoga and its use of props to make it accessible. I am fascinated with intentional energy and breathwork incorporating these into each pose. As I age, my practice continues to evolve to better suit my daily needs.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A student can expect to approach each practice with a beginner’s mind and awaken personal “a-ha” moments. I specialize in uncovering the subtleties of asana, pranayama and meditation. In each class, I encourage discussion and offer moments for individual discovery so that each student may make the practice their own. To ensure classes are accessible, we’ll use props – wall, chairs, bolsters, blocks and straps. Mindful modifications and hands-on adjustments will be provided.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. I’ve seen a shift from a practice of personal development and self-reflection to one of action and activism. While yogis are here to inspire health and wellness, we can awaken and transform our hearts, minds and community.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Balancing work and life. Too often we overextend ourselves to do more. Currently, I’m focused on mantra, meditation, pranayama, making time for reflection and some quality sleep.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I spent the last few years living in a land-locked city in northern California. I really missed Bradford Beach and Lake Michigan. I love to watch the waves and walk on the sand. It’s a great place to meditate and renew my spirit. I missed the seasons too – so it’s great watching the trees leaves change colors.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. So much has changed in the past few years while I have been away. It’s been fun to rediscover the Milwaukee area. I really enjoy Blue’s Egg because breakfast is my favorite meal.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I love to travel with my husband, spend time with my cat who behaves like a dog, and learn anything. I also enjoy being creative – with food, jewelry, graphic design, and event planning.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To reduce stress, I visit my “beach” – in person or just visualize it. I like to get some exercise – walking in nature, riding my spin bike, or practicing yoga and pranayama. I’m a fan of old movies and musicals. So a cup of tea and “Hello, Dolly” help me laugh and smile.
Good for:
Stress reduction
Improved sleep
Deep release of physical and mental tensions
Classes:
Thursdays: 6:45pm
Yoga for Stiff Bodies
Are you a runner, weekend warrior, cyclist, or someone who struggles to touch your toes? Join us for an accessible yoga class that is dedicated to movements and postures that target hips, quads, hamstrings, back, and shoulders.
Using the wall, floor, and multiple props, we will open and stretch tight muscles. Discover how to rejuvenate your joints, reduce the aches and pains of daily life, and explore self-care recovery skills.
All are welcome. This is a great class for first-time yoga students. No previous yoga experience or flexibility is required. Come with an open mind and discover a new you.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Director
Living with painful headaches and joint instability, Cynthia began studying yoga and strength training to improve her own well being in 2003. Wanting to share this same sense of freedom and make yoga accessible to as many people as possible, she received her 200-RYT certification from Feel Your Best (FYB) whose philosophy is the “Person not the Pose.” Upon graduating in 2005, she began teaching a gentle, benefits-oriented teaching style that incorporates Iyengar (alignment), Ashtanga (power), Viniyoga (therapeutic) yoga. Over the last 10+ years, she’s lead alignment-based, accessible yoga classes that balance effort with ease. She encourages conversation, individual discovery as well as ways to personalize the yoga practice. Cynthia’s worked with clients of all fitness levels, abilities, and ages.
Ever inquisitive, she continues her yoga education through personal study, workshops and conferences. She’s certified in Chair Yoga with Stacie Dooreck’s SunLight Yoga and certified in Core Functional Fitness with Hope Zvara. As a certified ACE Personal Trainer, she brings functional movements, postural strength, and healthy range of motion to her yoga classes. As a certified NETA Wellness Coach, she shares ways to add healthy habits and reduce stress in everyday life. She’s also a member of Yoga Alliance.
Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Prior to teaching, coaching and consulting full time, she worked in corporate marketing and communication departments in several industries for 23 years.
To give back to the yoga community, for the past 10 years she has donated her service and talents at Yoga Journal Conferences around the USA.
Q&A with Cynthia Akey
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2005 and practicing since 2003. But I found my first yoga book when I was 13 and started practicing some of the asanas. It opened a whole new world.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in alignment-based practice and have experience teaching gentle, therapeutic, restorative, chair, yin, vinyasa, corporate, yoga for runners/athletes and yoga for beginners.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I came from a place of pain – migraines and joint instability. Being hypermobile, I sought structure and strength and was drawn to Iyengar yoga and its use of props to make it accessible. I am fascinated with intentional energy and breathwork incorporating these into each pose. As I age, my practice continues to evolve to better suit my daily needs.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A student can expect to approach each practice with a beginner’s mind and awaken personal “a-ha” moments. I specialize in uncovering the subtleties of asana, pranayama and meditation. In each class, I encourage discussion and offer moments for individual discovery so that each student may make the practice their own. To ensure classes are accessible, we’ll use props – wall, chairs, bolsters, blocks and straps. Mindful modifications and hands-on adjustments will be provided.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. I’ve seen a shift from a practice of personal development and self-reflection to one of action and activism. While yogis are here to inspire health and wellness, we can awaken and transform our hearts, minds and community.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Balancing work and life. Too often we overextend ourselves to do more. Currently, I’m focused on mantra, meditation, pranayama, making time for reflection and some quality sleep.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I spent the last few years living in a land-locked city in northern California. I really missed Bradford Beach and Lake Michigan. I love to watch the waves and walk on the sand. It’s a great place to meditate and renew my spirit. I missed the seasons too – so it’s great watching the trees leaves change colors.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. So much has changed in the past few years while I have been away. It’s been fun to rediscover the Milwaukee area. I really enjoy Blue’s Egg because breakfast is my favorite meal.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I love to travel with my husband, spend time with my cat who behaves like a dog, and learn anything. I also enjoy being creative – with food, jewelry, graphic design, and event planning.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To reduce stress, I visit my “beach” – in person or just visualize it. I like to get some exercise – walking in nature, riding my spin bike, or practicing yoga and pranayama. I’m a fan of old movies and musicals. So a cup of tea and “Hello, Dolly” help me laugh and smile.
Good for:
Tight muscle
aches and pains
Reducing stress
Classes:
Wednesdays: 5:30 pm
Yoga for Body, Mind and Spirit (Therapeutic Level)
This class will leave you feeling balanced on all levels: body, mind and spirit! Classes include gentle and active postures, breath work, mudras and relaxation techniques. We offer the support of the floor, wall and multiple props to help everyone feel safe and supported. Come to our all-levels classes (Monday, Tuesday, Sunday) for more movement and strength, or join our therapeutic class (Friday only) if you are healing from a recent surgery, managing a chronic condition or just looking for a gentler practice. Ball work, self-myofascial release and aromatherapy may also be included.
Biz Casmer
PYT, RYT, ACE-CGFI
Biz has been teaching yoga since 2006 and practicing since she was a freshman in college. She enjoys dedicating her time and energy to sharing yoga with her students. Biz is a Professional Yoga Therapist (PYT-800 hour) and a Registered Yoga Teacher (e-RYT) through Integrative Yoga Therapy and the Yoga Alliance. She is also a certified Pre and Post Natal Yoga Instructor through Global Yoga Center in Chicago and a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through the America Council on Exercise (ACE). She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Advertising and a minor in Spanish from the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul, MN. Prior to teaching yoga full time, Biz worked in the fast-paced advertising world. Loved it, but she let it go to focus her energy on helping people get closer to their true self through the practice of yoga. In addition to practicing and teaching yoga, Biz enjoys walking and running, spending time with her husband and two dogs, traveling, cooking, gardening and partaking in just about any activity outside when the weather is warm!
Biz specializes in Yoga Therapy for stress management, back care, chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s Disease, female fertility and pre/post-natal care. If you are interested in working with Biz for private yoga therapy, please visit the front desk to schedule a consultation or email her directly at biz@invivowellness.com
Q&A with Biz Casmer
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2006 and practicing since I was a freshman in college.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in Yoga Therapy for stress management, back care, chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s Disease, female fertility and pre/post-natal care.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I began my yoga journey in a health club and practiced “competitive yoga”! Because of my overly flexible body, I ended up injuring myself and learned to love the therapeutic aspects of yoga instead. This changed my personal practice as well as the practice that I share with my students. I understand the importance of energizing and heating our body, but like to balance that with fluid movements to keep our mind and body mobile and hopefully free from injuries.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student to my group classes can expect a balanced class including body scans/awareness, breath, energy-body work (mudras/chakras), core work, a theme of some sort and definitely meditation. A private yoga or yoga therapy client can expect the same – just catered specifically to their special needs/injury/illness.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. Not recent, but as of late I have been very connected to the nutritional side of healing.Through the guidance of nutritionists, body-workers and friends I have been changing my personal eating habits and working really hard to cleanse my system. I have been sharing this with my group classes and private clients by leading yoga practices that cleanse different systems and organs in our body. I am finding that complimenting yoga with nutritional cleansing has been incredibly helpful for me and I love sharing what I have learned with my students.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. My personal wellness goals are to continue to find balance between work, family/friends, my personal time and my yoga/meditation practice. This will be a lifelong journey/wellness goal!
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Anywhere along the lakefront. I love being near the water and we are so blessed to have such a beautiful lake in our city!
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Juniper 61. It is a walk from my house and somewhere that my husband and I like to go to get a good meal and unwind.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Spend time with my husband and 2 pups, move – either yoga, walking or running and travel to new places.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Run, walk, meditate or enjoy an at-home yoga practice. Or – watch HGTV…for as long as humanly possible.
Note: The yoga therapy components of our teaching are based on our Professional Yoga Therapy Certification through Integrative Yoga Therapy [non-YAR credential or other qualification], not derived from our status as an [RYT/E-RYT] with Yoga Alliance Registry.
Good for:
Mind-body awareness
Relaxation
Meditation
Quieting the mind
Classes:
Fridays: 12:00pm
Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga
Prepare for the birth of your baby and work to alleviate pregnancy-and postpartum related discomforts by practicing gentle, modified yoga poses and breathing exercises. This class is a wonderful opportunity for pregnant women and new moms to connect with others who are at all stages of pregnancy and early parenting. Our classes are taught in the Hatha yoga tradition with a strong emphasis on healthy alignment.
Hatha yoga poses practiced in class aim to build strength and softness simultaneously in preparation for labor and improve postpartum recovery by helping new moms regain strength throughout body and release tension in the shoulders, neck and opening the chest. This class is appropriate for expectant mothers at all stages of pregnancy and postpartum.
A prenatal yoga class is also a great way to meet other pregnant women and feel a sense of community in a supportive and holistic environment. Prenatal classes are on-going and students may join anytime.
***NOTE: This is a Specialty Class.***
Drop-in $20
6-Class Pack $108
Prior to attending any prenatal classes, please print and complete the Prenatal Release Form and give it to your instructor.
Learn about all of INVIVO’s Prenatal and Postnatal services: personal training, massage therapy, and private yoga therapy.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Director
Living with painful headaches and joint instability, Cynthia began studying yoga and strength training to improve her own well being in 2003. Wanting to share this same sense of freedom and make yoga accessible to as many people as possible, she received her 200-RYT certification from Feel Your Best (FYB) whose philosophy is the “Person not the Pose.” Upon graduating in 2005, she began teaching a gentle, benefits-oriented teaching style that incorporates Iyengar (alignment), Ashtanga (power), Viniyoga (therapeutic) yoga. Over the last 10+ years, she’s lead alignment-based, accessible yoga classes that balance effort with ease. She encourages conversation, individual discovery as well as ways to personalize the yoga practice. Cynthia’s worked with clients of all fitness levels, abilities, and ages.
Ever inquisitive, she continues her yoga education through personal study, workshops and conferences. She’s certified in Chair Yoga with Stacie Dooreck’s SunLight Yoga and certified in Core Functional Fitness with Hope Zvara. As a certified ACE Personal Trainer, she brings functional movements, postural strength, and healthy range of motion to her yoga classes. As a certified NETA Wellness Coach, she shares ways to add healthy habits and reduce stress in everyday life. She’s also a member of Yoga Alliance.
Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Prior to teaching, coaching and consulting full time, she worked in corporate marketing and communication departments in several industries for 23 years.
To give back to the yoga community, for the past 10 years she has donated her service and talents at Yoga Journal Conferences around the USA.
Q&A with Cynthia Akey
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2005 and practicing since 2003. But I found my first yoga book when I was 13 and started practicing some of the asanas. It opened a whole new world.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in alignment-based practice and have experience teaching gentle, therapeutic, restorative, chair, yin, vinyasa, corporate, yoga for runners/athletes and yoga for beginners.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I came from a place of pain – migraines and joint instability. Being hypermobile, I sought structure and strength and was drawn to Iyengar yoga and its use of props to make it accessible. I am fascinated with intentional energy and breathwork incorporating these into each pose. As I age, my practice continues to evolve to better suit my daily needs.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A student can expect to approach each practice with a beginner’s mind and awaken personal “a-ha” moments. I specialize in uncovering the subtleties of asana, pranayama and meditation. In each class, I encourage discussion and offer moments for individual discovery so that each student may make the practice their own. To ensure classes are accessible, we’ll use props – wall, chairs, bolsters, blocks and straps. Mindful modifications and hands-on adjustments will be provided.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. I’ve seen a shift from a practice of personal development and self-reflection to one of action and activism. While yogis are here to inspire health and wellness, we can awaken and transform our hearts, minds and community.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Balancing work and life. Too often we overextend ourselves to do more. Currently, I’m focused on mantra, meditation, pranayama, making time for reflection and some quality sleep.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I spent the last few years living in a land-locked city in northern California. I really missed Bradford Beach and Lake Michigan. I love to watch the waves and walk on the sand. It’s a great place to meditate and renew my spirit. I missed the seasons too – so it’s great watching the trees leaves change colors.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. So much has changed in the past few years while I have been away. It’s been fun to rediscover the Milwaukee area. I really enjoy Blue’s Egg because breakfast is my favorite meal.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I love to travel with my husband, spend time with my cat who behaves like a dog, and learn anything. I also enjoy being creative – with food, jewelry, graphic design, and event planning.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To reduce stress, I visit my “beach” – in person or just visualize it. I like to get some exercise – walking in nature, riding my spin bike, or practicing yoga and pranayama. I’m a fan of old movies and musicals. So a cup of tea and “Hello, Dolly” help me laugh and smile.
Martha Wasserman
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Martha was called to yoga several years ago to become a better listener and to balance body-mind-spirit. She earned her 200 hour yoga certification from Yoga Institute in 2016.
Q&A with Martha Wasserman
Q. How long have you been a teacher?
A. Since 2017
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in Prenatal Yoga.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Working as a birth and postpartum doula lead me to teaching Prenatal Yoga. I am also a Reiki practitioner and practice Kundalini Yoga as well.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. Expect an all-welcome viewpoint. Each person opens to yoga in their own way. In a typical class, expect hatha alignment-focused instruction, a bit of flow, breathwork and guided meditation.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. I appreciate that yoga is increasingly recognized as a means to relax the body as meditation relaxes the mind. Yoga is now suggested and recommended by OBGYN’s, midwives, and mental health professionals. This is a great step.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. So my goal is to do what I do now: breathe, give thanks, walk whenever possible, release attachement to outcome, love, practice yoga, run, swim, and learn.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. The Milwaukee River.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Home! Eating out, I go to Riverwest Co-op.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Being outside, spending time with family and friends, and being a Doula.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Go outside, run, walk and practice yoga.
Good for:
Mind-body awareness
Relaxation
Meditation
Quieting the mind
Classes:
Thursdays: 5:30 pm
Saturdays: 11:15 am
Pricing
At INVIVO, we believe that wellness is for everyone. We believe in making fitness accessible and functional so that you can embrace an active lifestyle.
Achieving good health and fitness takes practice, consistency, and commitment.
Learn about INVIVO’s Memberships, Class Packages, and Class Pricing.
PRICING »
Hatha Flow
Come stretch, improve balance, and unwind from your day while discovering your inner and outer strength. Within INVIVO’s Hatha Flow yoga practice, explore the stability and alignment of static yoga asanas (poses) while we blend them with breath-connected flowing sequences.
The difference between Hatha and Vinyasa yoga is the pace and purpose of the practice. Hatha yoga is designed to align and calm your mind, body, and spirit. Vinyasa Flow repeats a series of poses that often involve increasing body heat and building strength. Together it’s an amazing combination.
Rae is an eclectic yoga teacher that is truly grateful she gets to share her ever evolving practice with students everyday. She has been growing in her personal yoga practice since 2003 when she was 16. Rae became a certified teacher at Yandara Yoga Institute in Bali, Indonesia and has been a teaching nearly daily since 2015. She follows the 8-limb path on and off the mat, and is thrilled to be a member of the Invivo team leading pranayama, asana and meditation. Rae is also a performer in dance, music, and acting as well as a visual artist of unlimited mediums.
Q&A with Rae Buth, CYT
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been practicing yoga since 2003 and teaching since 2014. I am currently a CYT-200 from Yandara Yoga Institute in Bali, Indonesia and will soon become an E-RYT 200. I have over 1000 teaching hours, and significantly greater number of hours of practice and study.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. A “Namastrae” class is an eclectic blend of yoga philosophy, based particularly around the 8-limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga), the chakra energy centers, and mindfulness meditation practices from various disciplines combined with pranayama, mudra, asana, and mantra and delivered in fun and creative vinyasa & yin classes. My positive experiences in travel, dance, music, and art and my less savory experiences with depression and anxiety and physical injury all inform my yoga teaching.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I’ve been growing in my yoga practice since I was a teen in 2003 and have seen vast and immense benefits in my quality of being as a whole, from mindfulness meditation and continuous evolution and absorption of the asanas.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect a calming atmosphere, thorough instruction and a space to feel safe – to laugh, to cry and to discover a deeper sense of their inherent being in an accessible but challenging way.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. I appreciate the growing trend of being in the practice of yoga off the mat; through breathing, thoughts, words, and actions. This allows a greater population to not just view yoga as asana postures but as a way of life to carry along with them.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. My personal wellness goals are to continue to live a balanced and creative life. I do this through observing my thought patterns and breathing through daily meditation and writing, study and application of yogic practices and lifestyle, dance, art and travel. Regarding the asanas, I am specifically working to advance my arm balancing, handstanding and backbending transitions in my physical practice.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I am a Visual Artist and a Performer. I have a BFA in Visual Art with a minor in Dance so I write songs, choreograph dances, and act in shows as the inspiration occurs. I also have a personal sustainable fashion brand called “Redish,” where I upcycle/re-purpose vintage fabrics into more modern wearables as well as make crystal necklaces and paintings. These are both hobbies and my alternative source of sustaining myself. Last but not least, I adore traveling and learning languages. I’ve been to almost all 50 states, and about 17 countries…and counting!
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. My favorite beautiful place to be in Milwaukee is in my backyard with my partner Aytan, and my kitties Azealia & Phinny soaking in the sun, or singing around the campfire on any given day. Away from home, I love the water. Anytime I am at the beach or by the river, among the trees, I feel blissful. Atwater Beach is queen!
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I simply adore the decor, small kitchen and deliciously clean cuisine of Riverwest’s original Cafe Corazon. Try it!
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To destress I practice pranayama & asana, ride my bicycle with my partner, sing & play piano or guitar, draw/paint and sew. My kitties also are great teachers and sources of comfort.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Director
Living with painful headaches and joint instability, Cynthia began studying yoga and strength training to improve her own well being in 2003. Wanting to share this same sense of freedom and make yoga accessible to as many people as possible, she received her 200-RYT certification from Feel Your Best (FYB) whose philosophy is the “Person not the Pose.” Upon graduating in 2005, she began teaching a gentle, benefits-oriented teaching style that incorporates Iyengar (alignment), Ashtanga (power), Viniyoga (therapeutic) yoga. Over the last 10+ years, she’s lead alignment-based, accessible yoga classes that balance effort with ease. She encourages conversation, individual discovery as well as ways to personalize the yoga practice. Cynthia’s worked with clients of all fitness levels, abilities, and ages.
Ever inquisitive, she continues her yoga education through personal study, workshops and conferences. She’s certified in Chair Yoga with Stacie Dooreck’s SunLight Yoga and certified in Core Functional Fitness with Hope Zvara. As a certified ACE Personal Trainer, she brings functional movements, postural strength, and healthy range of motion to her yoga classes. As a certified NETA Wellness Coach, she shares ways to add healthy habits and reduce stress in everyday life. She’s also a member of Yoga Alliance.
Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Prior to teaching, coaching and consulting full time, she worked in corporate marketing and communication departments in several industries for 23 years.
To give back to the yoga community, for the past 10 years she has donated her service and talents at Yoga Journal Conferences around the USA.
Q&A with Cynthia Akey
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2005 and practicing since 2003. But I found my first yoga book when I was 13 and started practicing some of the asanas. It opened a whole new world.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in alignment-based practice and have experience teaching gentle, therapeutic, restorative, chair, yin, vinyasa, corporate, yoga for runners/athletes and yoga for beginners.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I came from a place of pain – migraines and joint instability. Being hypermobile, I sought structure and strength and was drawn to Iyengar yoga and its use of props to make it accessible. I am fascinated with intentional energy and breathwork incorporating these into each pose. As I age, my practice continues to evolve to better suit my daily needs.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A student can expect to approach each practice with a beginner’s mind and awaken personal “a-ha” moments. I specialize in uncovering the subtleties of asana, pranayama and meditation. In each class, I encourage discussion and offer moments for individual discovery so that each student may make the practice their own. To ensure classes are accessible, we’ll use props – wall, chairs, bolsters, blocks and straps. Mindful modifications and hands-on adjustments will be provided.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. I’ve seen a shift from a practice of personal development and self-reflection to one of action and activism. While yogis are here to inspire health and wellness, we can awaken and transform our hearts, minds and community.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Balancing work and life. Too often we overextend ourselves to do more. Currently, I’m focused on mantra, meditation, pranayama, making time for reflection and some quality sleep.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I spent the last few years living in a land-locked city in northern California. I really missed Bradford Beach and Lake Michigan. I love to watch the waves and walk on the sand. It’s a great place to meditate and renew my spirit. I missed the seasons too – so it’s great watching the trees leaves change colors.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. So much has changed in the past few years while I have been away. It’s been fun to rediscover the Milwaukee area. I really enjoy Blue’s Egg because breakfast is my favorite meal.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I love to travel with my husband, spend time with my cat who behaves like a dog, and learn anything. I also enjoy being creative – with food, jewelry, graphic design, and event planning.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To reduce stress, I visit my “beach” – in person or just visualize it. I like to get some exercise – walking in nature, riding my spin bike, or practicing yoga and pranayama. I’m a fan of old movies and musicals. So a cup of tea and “Hello, Dolly” help me laugh and smile.
Martha Wasserman
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Martha was called to yoga several years ago to become a better listener and to balance body-mind-spirit. She earned her 200 hour yoga certification from Yoga Institute in 2016.
Q&A with Martha Wasserman
Q. How long have you been a teacher?
A. Since 2017
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in Prenatal Yoga.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Working as a birth and postpartum doula lead me to teaching Prenatal Yoga. I am also a Reiki practitioner and practice Kundalini Yoga as well.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. Expect an all-welcome viewpoint. Each person opens to yoga in their own way. In a typical class, expect hatha alignment-focused instruction, a bit of flow, breathwork and guided meditation.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. I appreciate that yoga is increasingly recognized as a means to relax the body as meditation relaxes the mind. Yoga is now suggested and recommended by OBGYN’s, midwives, and mental health professionals. This is a great step.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. So my goal is to do what I do now: breathe, give thanks, walk whenever possible, release attachement to outcome, love, practice yoga, run, swim, and learn.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. The Milwaukee River.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Home! Eating out, I go to Riverwest Co-op.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Being outside, spending time with family and friends, and being a Doula.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Go outside, run, walk and practice yoga.
My experience with yoga began when I had severe neck and shoulder pain as a result of poor posture and years of competitive swimming. The reduction of stress I experienced set me on the path I am on today. Since that first class in 2009, I have tried many styles of yoga out there and my favorite approach is still Integrative Yoga Therapy. Each session involves the awareness of our full experience which includes body, energy, mind, emotion and spirit which allows for healing on every level. There were times when my practice was predominant body focused yet I found that real transformation occurs when all aspects are integrated which is what I strive for in each class I take and teach.
Q&A with Alison von Brown
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I became a yoga instructor in 2014.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in mind-body awareness and guided meditation.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. My yoga journey began in 2014 with power vinyasa. As my interest grew in the practice, I loved any opportunity to change up the pace either with a slower flow, a Hatha class or yin class. I believe there is a sweet spot in each pose–different for each yogi, of course–designed to challenge and support growth for that individual. That’s one thing I think about when I teach and practice.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. To learn something new, I love including facts, ancient wisdom, and modifications in each class.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. Trauma-informed teaching, kids yoga, and mental health specific classes.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. To maintain a positive mindset regardless of how busy my life may be. To do this, I practice mindfulness daily and strive to adhere to my Naturopathic Doctor’s recommendations seeing food as my medicine. Feeling blue? Eat some cashews! Trouble sleeping? Try some magnesium-rich foods!
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I love the view overlooking the lake next to the North Point Water Tower at the end of North Ave.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. So many great spots but a go-to is the Milwaukee Public Market. I love having options and can get whatever you may be craving in one space!
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Flow arts like hula hoop, playing the Native American flute, spending quality time with family (especially my cat).
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To de-stress, I dance, get an acupuncture treatment, attend floatation therapy, and practice mindful meditation.
Good for:
Challenging your practice
Building alignment
Discovering strength
Classes:
Fridays (All Levels) 5:30 pm
