Hatha Yoga with Lauren
Yoga Essentials with Molly
Hatha Yoga with Camelia
Vinyasa Flow with Lindsey
Vinyasa Yoga with Jessy
Hatha Yoga with Alison
Prenatal Yoga
* 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.
Chair Yoga
Stretch and strengthen the body using flowing movements, deep stretches and breathing techniques. All are welcome.
For virtual classes, be sure you have a strap, belt or towel for class. A dining room or sturdy folding chair is also recommended.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
Cynthia Akey - RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Fitness Instructor
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 TRX instructor, she enjoys teaching accessible fitness classes on the suspension trainers. 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
relaxation
Classes:
VIRTUAL - Tuesdays: 11:00 am
Gentle Yoga
Gentle yoga supports anyone on a healing journey. It’s wonderful for beginners, active agers, those suffering from an injury, or those that prefer a slower-paced class.
Join us to relax, unwind and de-stress while learning/refining the fundamentals of yoga. The class will consist of safe, effective yoga postures, along with basic breathing techniques and savasana. All are welcome.
Margaret Teshner
RYT
Margaret Teshner - RYT
RYT
Margaret Teshner has dabbled in creative pursuits, working with children, and social work throughout the years. She is passionate about integrating mental health and spirituality, so people from all walks of life can find a healing path that works for them.
Margaret holds a 200-hour yoga certification with an emphasis in Integrative Yoga Therapy. She believes that without darkness there is no light, and balance allows us all to move and act from a place of inner strength and wisdom.
Margaret holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Viterbo University with emphases in Theatre, Music, and Psychology.
Q&A with Margaret Teshner
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. Margaret has been teaching yoga since August 2020.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. She teaches yoga basics, restorative yoga, gentle yoga, hatha yoga, and integrative yoga therapy styles.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Margaret found yoga when she was struggling with her own mental health. Practicing yoga has continued to help her throughout all life challenges and new beginnings.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. New students can expect to experience a self-care yoga practice that is a mixture of yin, hatha, restorative, slow flow, meditation and mudras (hand postures).
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Her current wellness goals are to be as healthy as she can so her body can move freely in the world with ease.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. There are so many beautiful spots, but she love’s walking her dog through Reservoir Park overlooking the city and river.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I can’t say I have a favorite, but I did venture over to O’Lydia’s multiple times during the pandemic.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Sing, create, play.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To de-stress, I meditate, talk with mentors, read a book outside, play with animals, and laugh…lots of laughter.
Good for:
New to yoga
Relaxation & meditation
Body & breath awareness
Classes:
IN-PERSON: Tuesdays: 12:30 pm
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.
Devin Settle
RYT
Devin Settle - RYT
Registered Yoga Teacher, professional dancer
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Devin Settle has been practicing yoga since 2011 when she was introduced to it as a dance major at UW-Milwaukee. As a former front desk associate at Invivo, she was able to experience some of the best teachers Milwaukee had to offer and deepen her practice.
Devin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from UW-Milwaukee. She has taught dance and dances professionally with the Panadanza Dance Company.
In 2019, she decided to pursue a 200-hr yoga teacher training at Empower Yoga in Milwaukee. This experience held profound meaning and introduced Devin to a great passion for teaching. She loves connecting with students, especially those who are new to yoga.
Her past experiences with dance and the Alexander Technique influence the structure of her classes, and she always prioritizes offering students the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of meditation. Yogis are encouraged to playfully ride the edge of their perceived limits, and if you fall, smile and try again.
Q & A
How long have you been an instructor?
I’ve been a yoga instructor since the beginning of 2020.
What areas do you specialize in?
I primarily teach Slow Flow Vinyasa, Power Yoga and Guided Meditation.
What brought you to your current style of practice?
I try to teach what I know and what has provided me the most pain relief. I believe in remaining authentic by teaching what I practice.
What can a new student expect?
New students can expect me to break down poses and then offer more difficult layers for those who want to try to advance their practice. My classes start with a grounding pose, move through a flow, and then come back to grounding poses at the end.
What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
I’ve noticed an increase of yoga studios that offer heated classes. I’ve experienced heated classes which are very enjoyable, and some that I think go a bit past wellness and into potentially harmful territory. I would suggest to any student who is interested in heated yoga to start slow, drink plenty of water, and always keep their health as the top priority.
What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
Recently I’ve been working with a personal trainer to build strength, especially in my upper body. It’s tough but helps me grow in other areas of fitness!
What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
Kadish Park, just off of North Ave. It offers the most beautiful view of downtown Milwaukee, especially at sunset!
What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
Ohh, so many amazing restaurants! I’m a huge fan of Blue Star Cafe.
What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
Biking/hiking the trails of Milwaukee’s park system, painting in my backyard, and performing as a dancer in a company.
What do you do to de-stress?
If I have the opportunity to get in a kayak, I love spending time on the water. I love to be outdoors, immersed in nature. If I can’t get outside, I enjoy taking baths with candles, salts, a great music playlist—all the good things! I also love to sing in my car and cuddle with my kitty.
Check out the INVIVO Wellness Class schedule.
Lindsey Ruenger
RYT
Lindsey Ruenger - RYT
RYT
Yoga Instructor
A Wisconsin native, Lindsey Ruenger has been teaching yoga since becoming certified in 2018. With a background in dance, she felt naturally drawn to the practice of yoga. Her exploration as a teacher has brought her a sense of overwhelming purpose. She finds it a gift to be able to offer students a safe space to let go and find ease in movement.
But even as a teacher, she sees herself as a student – always learning and exploring the practice with open eyes. You can expect her classes to be fluid, dynamic and strengthening with an emphasis on breath. In addition to yoga, Lindsey currently teaches mindfulness practices and dances professionally.
Q&A with Lindsey Ruenger
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since getting certified in summer 2018. However, I have taught dance and fitness classes since 2011.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I love teaching all styles of yoga but have a core understanding in Hatha.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I began practicing yoga throughout my dance career, explored different styles and landed on Hatha yoga during my teacher training. But, my personal practice looks different every day. I really try to listen to my body and its needs physically, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes this can result in a rigorous flow, and sometimes a meditation or restorative practice.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. Students can expect my classes to be easeful and flowing while also strengthening and dynamic. Most importantly, I prioritize connecting the movement to breath.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. I’m a big advocate for kids yoga and meditation. I really believe children need it because they can internalize stress and tough emotions in the same way that adults do. I also have been involved with teaching yoga at outdoor festivals, a trend I’ve been seeing bloom over the last few years. I think bringing people together to connect with nature, each other and themselves is so rewarding. It really makes for a fun and vibrant experience.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. My current wellness goals are to maintain a healthy, balanced diet while continuing to move my body in a variety of ways (yoga, pilates, circuit training, etc.). Most recently, I am working on building a consistent daily meditation practice. I also have chronic pain and tightness in my shoulders so an at-home yoga practice with lots of heart openers is very needed!
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Three Bridges Park. I performed there once and it has a special place in my heart.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Too many places to choose! – EE Sane, Maharaja, Thai Kitchen
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Aside from yoga, I love to dance, travel and spend time with my family, friends and hateful cat 🙂
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Practice yoga, mindfulness/meditation, take long walks or enjoy a glass of wine with cheese
Cynthia Akey
RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
Cynthia Akey - RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Fitness Instructor
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 TRX instructor, she enjoys teaching accessible fitness classes on the suspension trainers. 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:
Challenging your practice
Building alignment
Discovering strength
Classes:
In-person: Tuesdays: 6:30 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.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
Cynthia Akey - RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Fitness Instructor
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 TRX instructor, she enjoys teaching accessible fitness classes on the suspension trainers. 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.
Heather Eiden
RYT
Heather Eiden - RYT
RYT
Heather Eiden is passionate to facilitate a traditional Hatha Yoga experience for my students. The Yoga Sutras, the Chakras and the Eight Limbs of Yoga are a few of the sources that inspire my yogic teaching.
She feels successful as a yoga instructor when her students feel calm, inwardly focused, and outwardly strong. Teaching yoga is an honor and Heather leads yoga students to understand the authentic teacher that is within them.
Heather holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master’s of Science in Art Education from Concordia University, Milwaukee, WI. She completed her 200-hour Yoga Certification from Feel Your Best in Mequon, WI and holds a Yoga Health Counselor Certificate from Kanyakumari Ayurvedic and Yoga School. Heather continues her yoga studies at the Kripa Iyengar Yoga Foundation in India.
She is also a NAMC Certified Infant/Toddler Teacher and works as a early childhood art educator at Milwaukee Monteessori School.
Heather is also an accomplished contemporary folk artist. She primarily uses clay as a medium of exploration. Her art tiles are like traditional ceramic forms deconstructed into fine art. Heather diplays pieces at various local community venues and shows.
Q&A with Heather Eiden
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2005.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in teaching Prenatal Yoga, focusing on the Chakras, approaching yoga practice with a beginner’s mind and Yoga for meditation.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Traveling to India three times to study yoga has lead me to the Iyengar training specifically for ailments.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect yoga poses for meditation, internal action and external stillness, pranayama and good humor. I warm up my yoga class with movements for joints and glands.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. Recent industry trends of smaller classes and private yoga sessions have created a new level of focus that is inward for the practitioner. My current wellness goals are walking and running groups for mutual support.
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 go to the Milwaukee River for inspiration.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. My favorite restaurant is Beans and Barley. As an native East Sider, I’ve been going there since high school.
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. My favorite things to do are hiking in forests, walking in cities, making clay sculpture and painting stories in my art studio.
Martha Wasserman
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Martha Wasserman - RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Registered Yoga Teacher, Prenatal Yoga Teacher
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Yoga Instructor
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.
Misa Schillaci
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Misa Schillaci - RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Prenatal Yoga Teacher
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Yoga Instructor
Misa found yoga in 2013 while searching for something gentler than running and to help deal with everyday stress. She found far more than she ever expected beyond the physical practice and immediately dove deeper into yogic studies.
After losing many loved ones including her father, she enrolled in yoga teacher training, and in 2017 completed her 200-hour at Asheville Yoga Center in part to honor her father who taught his entire life and it ended up being a form of therapy.
The gift of yoga transformed her outlook on life, allowed her to heal and to make a deeper spiritual connection which she had been missing her entire life. In giving back, she always holds a safe space for practice and advocates that yoga is for everyone to find and connect to what they need in this moment.
Teaching vinyasa flow in Atlanta, she found the style very meditative while connecting breath and movement, and currently as a new mama she is passionate about and teaches pre/postnatal yoga.
Q&A with Misa Schillaci
Q. How long have you been a teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2017 and practicing since 2013.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I’ve trained in alignment based yoga, or Iyengar and flow-based yoga, or Vinyasa. I am currently furthering my studies in accessible and pre/postnatal yoga practices so I can share yoga with everyone, especially current and future mamas.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I came to yoga to destress and find a less physically demanding exercise than running. I found a lot more than I was looking for and connected to the mental and spiritual aspects as well.
My day-to-day living has dictated what type of practice I follow. When I had a long commute and worked many hours, vinyasa flow took me to a meditative state and made me physically stronger.
After I became pregnant I took on a gentler, more restorative and yin style practice, but also continued a slow power flow to maintain strength. I now find a balance between all of these styles.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect to destress via connection to their breath and meditation, to lengthen and strengthen their body with focus on proper alignment, and to be given lots of options to practice what is comfortable for them that day utilizing a variety of props.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. There seems to be a focus on quick fixes and results seen through practices such as CrossFit and Orangetheory. These are great options for those who thrive in a competitive, fast-paced workout environment but may not be sustainable depending on one’s health history, age, nutritional intake, etc. I more so appreciate the rise in popularity of yoga, meditation and gentler, meditative more sustainable practices such as tai chi and qigong.
When it comes to yoga, I am thankful to see that there is currently a larger focus on making yoga work for you and not making you work for yoga. I also appreciate seeing yoga used as a tool in the hospital setting especially relating to pregnancy, labor and delivery, in the prison system and as an overall therapy for a myriad of ailments and situations.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I practice moderation across all aspects of my life and hope to re-establish a regular routine of yoga, meditation, cardio and healthy nutrition, which I lost a connection to due to postpartum complications at the end of last year.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I love the peaceful calm of Lake Michigan from Veteran’s Park as well as the view of the Milwaukee River from Invivo’s yoga and fitness studios.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. There are so many great places, many that I haven’t yet tried, but I’ve always enjoyed vegetarian delights at Beerline, lobster at Lakefront Brewery and the inventive southern inspired food at The Original.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Besides yoga, I enjoy running and hiking outdoors, playing volleyball, scrapbooking memories and beading/making malas. My real passion is travel and I am working on visiting all fifty U.S. states and all seven continents.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Anything outside to inhale fresh air and reconnect with my breath.
Alison Brown
RYT, Level II Reiki
Alison Brown - RYT, Level II Reiki
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 predominantly 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. I also hold a 50 hour Mindful Yin Yoga certificate and am Level II Reiki practitioner.
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:
New to yoga
Learning alignment
Body & breath awareness
Classes:
IN-PERSON: Saturdays: 9:30 am
Prenatal 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.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
Cynthia Akey - RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Fitness Instructor
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 TRX instructor, she enjoys teaching accessible fitness classes on the suspension trainers. 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.
Heather Eiden
RYT
Heather Eiden - RYT
RYT
Heather Eiden is passionate to facilitate a traditional Hatha Yoga experience for my students. The Yoga Sutras, the Chakras and the Eight Limbs of Yoga are a few of the sources that inspire my yogic teaching.
She feels successful as a yoga instructor when her students feel calm, inwardly focused, and outwardly strong. Teaching yoga is an honor and Heather leads yoga students to understand the authentic teacher that is within them.
Heather holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master’s of Science in Art Education from Concordia University, Milwaukee, WI. She completed her 200-hour Yoga Certification from Feel Your Best in Mequon, WI and holds a Yoga Health Counselor Certificate from Kanyakumari Ayurvedic and Yoga School. Heather continues her yoga studies at the Kripa Iyengar Yoga Foundation in India.
She is also a NAMC Certified Infant/Toddler Teacher and works as a early childhood art educator at Milwaukee Monteessori School.
Heather is also an accomplished contemporary folk artist. She primarily uses clay as a medium of exploration. Her art tiles are like traditional ceramic forms deconstructed into fine art. Heather diplays pieces at various local community venues and shows.
Q&A with Heather Eiden
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2005.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in teaching Prenatal Yoga, focusing on the Chakras, approaching yoga practice with a beginner’s mind and Yoga for meditation.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Traveling to India three times to study yoga has lead me to the Iyengar training specifically for ailments.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect yoga poses for meditation, internal action and external stillness, pranayama and good humor. I warm up my yoga class with movements for joints and glands.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. Recent industry trends of smaller classes and private yoga sessions have created a new level of focus that is inward for the practitioner. My current wellness goals are walking and running groups for mutual support.
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 go to the Milwaukee River for inspiration.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. My favorite restaurant is Beans and Barley. As an native East Sider, I’ve been going there since high school.
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. My favorite things to do are hiking in forests, walking in cities, making clay sculpture and painting stories in my art studio.
Martha Wasserman
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Martha Wasserman - RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Registered Yoga Teacher, Prenatal Yoga Teacher
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Yoga Instructor
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.
Misa Schillaci
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Misa Schillaci - RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Prenatal Yoga Teacher
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Yoga Instructor
Misa found yoga in 2013 while searching for something gentler than running and to help deal with everyday stress. She found far more than she ever expected beyond the physical practice and immediately dove deeper into yogic studies.
After losing many loved ones including her father, she enrolled in yoga teacher training, and in 2017 completed her 200-hour at Asheville Yoga Center in part to honor her father who taught his entire life and it ended up being a form of therapy.
The gift of yoga transformed her outlook on life, allowed her to heal and to make a deeper spiritual connection which she had been missing her entire life. In giving back, she always holds a safe space for practice and advocates that yoga is for everyone to find and connect to what they need in this moment.
Teaching vinyasa flow in Atlanta, she found the style very meditative while connecting breath and movement, and currently as a new mama she is passionate about and teaches pre/postnatal yoga.
Q&A with Misa Schillaci
Q. How long have you been a teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2017 and practicing since 2013.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I’ve trained in alignment based yoga, or Iyengar and flow-based yoga, or Vinyasa. I am currently furthering my studies in accessible and pre/postnatal yoga practices so I can share yoga with everyone, especially current and future mamas.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I came to yoga to destress and find a less physically demanding exercise than running. I found a lot more than I was looking for and connected to the mental and spiritual aspects as well.
My day-to-day living has dictated what type of practice I follow. When I had a long commute and worked many hours, vinyasa flow took me to a meditative state and made me physically stronger.
After I became pregnant I took on a gentler, more restorative and yin style practice, but also continued a slow power flow to maintain strength. I now find a balance between all of these styles.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect to destress via connection to their breath and meditation, to lengthen and strengthen their body with focus on proper alignment, and to be given lots of options to practice what is comfortable for them that day utilizing a variety of props.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. There seems to be a focus on quick fixes and results seen through practices such as CrossFit and Orangetheory. These are great options for those who thrive in a competitive, fast-paced workout environment but may not be sustainable depending on one’s health history, age, nutritional intake, etc. I more so appreciate the rise in popularity of yoga, meditation and gentler, meditative more sustainable practices such as tai chi and qigong.
When it comes to yoga, I am thankful to see that there is currently a larger focus on making yoga work for you and not making you work for yoga. I also appreciate seeing yoga used as a tool in the hospital setting especially relating to pregnancy, labor and delivery, in the prison system and as an overall therapy for a myriad of ailments and situations.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I practice moderation across all aspects of my life and hope to re-establish a regular routine of yoga, meditation, cardio and healthy nutrition, which I lost a connection to due to postpartum complications at the end of last year.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I love the peaceful calm of Lake Michigan from Veteran’s Park as well as the view of the Milwaukee River from Invivo’s yoga and fitness studios.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. There are so many great places, many that I haven’t yet tried, but I’ve always enjoyed vegetarian delights at Beerline, lobster at Lakefront Brewery and the inventive southern inspired food at The Original.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Besides yoga, I enjoy running and hiking outdoors, playing volleyball, scrapbooking memories and beading/making malas. My real passion is travel and I am working on visiting all fifty U.S. states and all seven continents.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Anything outside to inhale fresh air and reconnect with my breath.
Good for:
Mind-body awareness
Relaxation
Meditation
Quieting the mind
Classes:
IN-PERSON: Saturdays at 11:00 am
Restorative Yoga
Balance your fast-paced, busy lifestyle with a quiet, restorative yoga practice. Learn to unwind, relax, and slow-down.
With the use of props from around your home such as pillows, bath and hand towels, and blankets, restorative postures release tension and encourage surrender fostering a deeper sense of relaxation and stillness. Experience fundamental themes of grounding, creating space, listening, and conscious breathing.
Restorative yoga classes are perfect for all levels of experience and abilities.
Margaret Teshner
RYT
Margaret Teshner - RYT
RYT
Margaret Teshner has dabbled in creative pursuits, working with children, and social work throughout the years. She is passionate about integrating mental health and spirituality, so people from all walks of life can find a healing path that works for them.
Margaret holds a 200-hour yoga certification with an emphasis in Integrative Yoga Therapy. She believes that without darkness there is no light, and balance allows us all to move and act from a place of inner strength and wisdom.
Margaret holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Viterbo University with emphases in Theatre, Music, and Psychology.
Q&A with Margaret Teshner
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. Margaret has been teaching yoga since August 2020.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. She teaches yoga basics, restorative yoga, gentle yoga, hatha yoga, and integrative yoga therapy styles.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Margaret found yoga when she was struggling with her own mental health. Practicing yoga has continued to help her throughout all life challenges and new beginnings.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. New students can expect to experience a self-care yoga practice that is a mixture of yin, hatha, restorative, slow flow, meditation and mudras (hand postures).
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Her current wellness goals are to be as healthy as she can so her body can move freely in the world with ease.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. There are so many beautiful spots, but she love’s walking her dog through Reservoir Park overlooking the city and river.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I can’t say I have a favorite, but I did venture over to O’Lydia’s multiple times during the pandemic.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Sing, create, play.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To de-stress, I meditate, talk with mentors, read a book outside, play with animals, and laugh…lots of laughter.
Good for:
Relaxation
Quieting the mind
Balance
Classes:
VIRTUAL: Thursdays: 7:00 pm
Strong Flow
Vinyasa flow links breath and movement promoting mindful harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Energize, strengthen and build heat as you work to refine postures and deepen your connection to your body.
This athletic slow flow vinyasa class will challenge you through twisting, balancing, grounding, and back bending sequences. Move mindfully but powerfully and breathing deeply. As always, modifications are provided. Open to all.
Alecia Altstaetter
RYT 200
Alecia Altstaetter - RYT 200
Registered Yoga Teacher
As a yoga practitioner for 20+ years, as well as a former choreographer and dancer, Alecia enjoys challenging her students with a creative and varied Vinyasa flow. She considers the needs of each student, ensuring a safe space where all are welcome. She strives to combine the physical and the mental side of yoga, incorporating both into her teaching.
She received her 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training Certificate at Core Essence under the instruction of Shayne Broadwell.
On the weekends, you can often find her performing at ComedySportz or other improv comedy venues around Milwaukee.
Q&A with Alecia Altstaetter
Q. How long have you been a teacher?
A. Alecia has been teaching since 2018. She has been a practicing yogi for over 20 years.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. She specializes in power flow.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. She enjoys challenging her edge.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect to hear many cues to build alignment and technique. My goal is to nurture the body as well as the spirit.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. She enjoys focusing on creating themes for each practice.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. My personal wellness goal is to strengthen the mind/body connection.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. The beer garden at Estabrook Park.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Kawa
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. She enjoys participating in improv comedy, paleo cooking, and hanging out in nature with her kiddos.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To de-stress she listens to podcasts 🙂
Good for:
Challenging your practice
Building strength
Generating heat
Classes:
Mondays: In-Person at Noon
Thursdays: In-person at 5:30 pm
Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa flow yoga 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.
This class is appropriate for all levels including beginners who are seeking a more active practice. Accommodations and modifications are offered throughout class.
Analisia White
RYT
Analisia White - RYT
RYT
Analisia was born in Oklahoma and relocated to Texas in high school. She pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at the University of North Texas.
She graduated in 2017 and quickly found a place in the fashion industry focused on Technical Design. Technical Design is the process of engineering the fit of a garment. She handled an activewear line and this ignited her passion for understanding the movement of the human body.
Analisia relocated to Wisconsin in April of 2020 for her job with Kohl’s Corporate Office. During the pandemic, she worked on growing her yoga knowledge further with her 300-hour certification.
After needing a safe space to process life’s stresses in 2018, Analisia fell in love with yoga. She became 200-hour RYT certified in 2019 so she could share the peace she found with others. She believes that yoga is a healthy alternative to process traumas and hopes to create that same safe space for her students.
Q&A with Analisia White
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since June of 2019 upon graduating from Lifetime Fitness Yoga Teacher Training.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in teaching vinyasa, restorative, and yin yoga for all levels.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I started really enjoying yoga in 2018 when I needed a hobby that promoted my wellness and growth. Since then, I have put that at the forefront of my mind when I teach to students. I prefer vinyasa as it promotes strength and connecting breath to movement.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. New students can expect a safe space to explore the yoga practice. Modifications are always available and students have the option to take what they need, leave what they don’t.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. The industry trend of combining weights with yoga is interesting to me. I love how it has promoted yoga and brought attention to it.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Currently, my wellness goals are to learn and grow my health – physically and mentally. I try to move my body every day for at least 30 minutes and make sure I have a well-rounded diet.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. As I am still fairly new to the area, my current favorite spot is probably walking along the Milwaukee lakefront. I think it’s a gorgeous view.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I love tacos! So right now my favorite spot is Vagabond downtown.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. My favorite hobbies are reading, doing yoga, and crafting/sewing.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. I de-stress with meditation or yoga. I also find peace taking long walks with my dog or doing a clay face mask after a long day.
Lindsey Ruenger
RYT
Lindsey Ruenger - RYT
RYT
Yoga Instructor
A Wisconsin native, Lindsey Ruenger has been teaching yoga since becoming certified in 2018. With a background in dance, she felt naturally drawn to the practice of yoga. Her exploration as a teacher has brought her a sense of overwhelming purpose. She finds it a gift to be able to offer students a safe space to let go and find ease in movement.
But even as a teacher, she sees herself as a student – always learning and exploring the practice with open eyes. You can expect her classes to be fluid, dynamic and strengthening with an emphasis on breath. In addition to yoga, Lindsey currently teaches mindfulness practices and dances professionally.
Q&A with Lindsey Ruenger
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since getting certified in summer 2018. However, I have taught dance and fitness classes since 2011.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I love teaching all styles of yoga but have a core understanding in Hatha.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I began practicing yoga throughout my dance career, explored different styles and landed on Hatha yoga during my teacher training. But, my personal practice looks different every day. I really try to listen to my body and its needs physically, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes this can result in a rigorous flow, and sometimes a meditation or restorative practice.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. Students can expect my classes to be easeful and flowing while also strengthening and dynamic. Most importantly, I prioritize connecting the movement to breath.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. I’m a big advocate for kids yoga and meditation. I really believe children need it because they can internalize stress and tough emotions in the same way that adults do. I also have been involved with teaching yoga at outdoor festivals, a trend I’ve been seeing bloom over the last few years. I think bringing people together to connect with nature, each other and themselves is so rewarding. It really makes for a fun and vibrant experience.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. My current wellness goals are to maintain a healthy, balanced diet while continuing to move my body in a variety of ways (yoga, pilates, circuit training, etc.). Most recently, I am working on building a consistent daily meditation practice. I also have chronic pain and tightness in my shoulders so an at-home yoga practice with lots of heart openers is very needed!
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Three Bridges Park. I performed there once and it has a special place in my heart.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Too many places to choose! – EE Sane, Maharaja, Thai Kitchen
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Aside from yoga, I love to dance, travel and spend time with my family, friends and hateful cat 🙂
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Practice yoga, mindfulness/meditation, take long walks or enjoy a glass of wine with cheese
Kathleen Keegan
RYT, Barre Certified
Kathleen Keegan - RYT, Barre Certified
RYT
Kathleen Keegan was first introduced to yoga through her mom and the local PBS channel in Milwaukee. She practiced in front of the TV at a young age, feeling calm rush over her despite the craziness around her. Years later, yoga again brought her calm during difficult times. While practicing at a local studio, she began to see the effects of yoga on her mind, body, and well-being.
She completed a 200+ hour certification to teach yoga through Feel Your Best (FYB)Yoga and is aligned FYB philosophy, “the person, not the pose(TM), emphasizing that yoga is for EVERYONE. The knowledge of anatomy, modifications, and props she received, along with a sense of humor and attention to alignment, earned me a spot on the FYB Yoga Teacher Training faculty for 3 years.
Recently Kathleen’s taught at studios in the Milwaukee area, owned a yoga studio for 5 years, and worked and volunteered on staff for Yoga Journal for 15+ years. She expresses her thanks and gratitude to all the teachers who have shared and taught her yoga over the years. They helped her become aware of what is within herself that had been previously forgotten or never experienced.
Currently, she teaches Corporate Yoga and has presented at A Yoga Vacation to Jamaica for the past 4 years!
When not teaching yoga, Kathleen enjoys traveling, baking bread, being creative, outdoor activities and event planning.
Kathleen’s style of teaching yoga is a “slow flow,” meditation-inmotion, using the breath as a guide. Classes can be as gentle or as active as each student would like, as she provides suggestions to both modify and challenge based on individual needs. She invites you to come with her on this journey to see and feel the amazing benefits yoga has to offer!
Kathleen (Bump) Keegan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cardinal Stritch University.
Q&A with Kathleen Keegan
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2003 and practicing since the 1980s.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in a mindful alignment-based yoga and am experienced in teaching gentle, therapeutic, restorative, yin, vinyasa, corporate, and yoga for beginners.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I came to my current style of yoga practive with a need for calm and mindful movement along with meditation support.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect a class catered to them including use of props, modifications for their ability and needs.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found noteworthy?
A. The effects of body memory and how yoga and mindfulness can help.
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Eating mindfully and locally along with practicing meditation and being present.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Milwaukee has beautiful places everywhere – to seek them out & enjoy each one.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Milwaukee has beautiful places everywhere – to seek them out & enjoy each one.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Travel, Nature, Live & Love Life.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Meditate and enjoy time in nature.
Good for:
Challenging your practice
Building strength
Generating heat
Classes:
Virtual: Sundays 9:30 am and 11:00 am
In-person: Mondays 5:30 pm
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.
Misa Schillaci
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Misa Schillaci - RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Prenatal Yoga Teacher
RYT, Prenatal Yoga Certified
Yoga Instructor
Misa found yoga in 2013 while searching for something gentler than running and to help deal with everyday stress. She found far more than she ever expected beyond the physical practice and immediately dove deeper into yogic studies.
After losing many loved ones including her father, she enrolled in yoga teacher training, and in 2017 completed her 200-hour at Asheville Yoga Center in part to honor her father who taught his entire life and it ended up being a form of therapy.
The gift of yoga transformed her outlook on life, allowed her to heal and to make a deeper spiritual connection which she had been missing her entire life. In giving back, she always holds a safe space for practice and advocates that yoga is for everyone to find and connect to what they need in this moment.
Teaching vinyasa flow in Atlanta, she found the style very meditative while connecting breath and movement, and currently as a new mama she is passionate about and teaches pre/postnatal yoga.
Q&A with Misa Schillaci
Q. How long have you been a teacher?
A. I have been teaching yoga since 2017 and practicing since 2013.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I’ve trained in alignment based yoga, or Iyengar and flow-based yoga, or Vinyasa. I am currently furthering my studies in accessible and pre/postnatal yoga practices so I can share yoga with everyone, especially current and future mamas.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I came to yoga to destress and find a less physically demanding exercise than running. I found a lot more than I was looking for and connected to the mental and spiritual aspects as well.
My day-to-day living has dictated what type of practice I follow. When I had a long commute and worked many hours, vinyasa flow took me to a meditative state and made me physically stronger.
After I became pregnant I took on a gentler, more restorative and yin style practice, but also continued a slow power flow to maintain strength. I now find a balance between all of these styles.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. A new student can expect to destress via connection to their breath and meditation, to lengthen and strengthen their body with focus on proper alignment, and to be given lots of options to practice what is comfortable for them that day utilizing a variety of props.
Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. There seems to be a focus on quick fixes and results seen through practices such as CrossFit and Orangetheory. These are great options for those who thrive in a competitive, fast-paced workout environment but may not be sustainable depending on one’s health history, age, nutritional intake, etc. I more so appreciate the rise in popularity of yoga, meditation and gentler, meditative more sustainable practices such as tai chi and qigong.
When it comes to yoga, I am thankful to see that there is currently a larger focus on making yoga work for you and not making you work for yoga. I also appreciate seeing yoga used as a tool in the hospital setting especially relating to pregnancy, labor and delivery, in the prison system and as an overall therapy for a myriad of ailments and situations.
Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I practice moderation across all aspects of my life and hope to re-establish a regular routine of yoga, meditation, cardio and healthy nutrition, which I lost a connection to due to postpartum complications at the end of last year.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I love the peaceful calm of Lake Michigan from Veteran’s Park as well as the view of the Milwaukee River from Invivo’s yoga and fitness studios.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. There are so many great places, many that I haven’t yet tried, but I’ve always enjoyed vegetarian delights at Beerline, lobster at Lakefront Brewery and the inventive southern inspired food at The Original.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Besides yoga, I enjoy running and hiking outdoors, playing volleyball, scrapbooking memories and beading/making malas. My real passion is travel and I am working on visiting all fifty U.S. states and all seven continents.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Anything outside to inhale fresh air and reconnect with my breath.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
Cynthia Akey - RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Fitness Instructor
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 TRX instructor, she enjoys teaching accessible fitness classes on the suspension trainers. 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:
IN-PERSON: Mondays: 6:45 pm
Yoga Essentials
Empower your personal yoga practice. Connect breath, body, and mind in a fun, non-competitive environment.
Develop balance, strength, and flexibility with Sun Salutations, alignment-based poses, and challenging sequences. Together we approach each practice with a beginner’s mind.
Learn to integrate asanas (poses), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation/relaxation into your daily life. Instructors provide hands-on adjustments and offer variations and options. This class is appropriate for all levels from beginners to advanced yogis.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
Cynthia Akey - RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Fitness Instructor
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 TRX instructor, she enjoys teaching accessible fitness classes on the suspension trainers. 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:
New to yoga
Learning alignment
Body & breath awareness
Classes:
Virtual - Tuesdays: 5:30 pm
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.
Margaret Teshner
RYT
Margaret Teshner - RYT
RYT
Margaret Teshner has dabbled in creative pursuits, working with children, and social work throughout the years. She is passionate about integrating mental health and spirituality, so people from all walks of life can find a healing path that works for them.
Margaret holds a 200-hour yoga certification with an emphasis in Integrative Yoga Therapy. She believes that without darkness there is no light, and balance allows us all to move and act from a place of inner strength and wisdom.
Margaret holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Viterbo University with emphases in Theatre, Music, and Psychology.
Q&A with Margaret Teshner
Q. How long have you been a yoga teacher?
A. Margaret has been teaching yoga since August 2020.
Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. She teaches yoga basics, restorative yoga, gentle yoga, hatha yoga, and integrative yoga therapy styles.
Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Margaret found yoga when she was struggling with her own mental health. Practicing yoga has continued to help her throughout all life challenges and new beginnings.
Q. What can a new student expect?
A. New students can expect to experience a self-care yoga practice that is a mixture of yin, hatha, restorative, slow flow, meditation and mudras (hand postures).
Q. What are your current wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Her current wellness goals are to be as healthy as she can so her body can move freely in the world with ease.
Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. There are so many beautiful spots, but she love’s walking her dog through Reservoir Park overlooking the city and river.
Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I can’t say I have a favorite, but I did venture over to O’Lydia’s multiple times during the pandemic.
Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Sing, create, play.
Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. To de-stress, I meditate, talk with mentors, read a book outside, play with animals, and laugh…lots of laughter.
Cynthia Akey
RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
Cynthia Akey - RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Fitness Instructor
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 TRX instructor, she enjoys teaching accessible fitness classes on the suspension trainers. 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:
Mind-body awareness
Relaxation
Meditation
Quieting the mind
Classes:
IN-PERSON - Fridays: 12:00 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 Casmer - PYT, RYT, ACE-CGFI
Professional Yoga Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher
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:
Temporarily on hiatus
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.
The first week of each month’s practice is Chair Yoga. Experience a self-care practice of flowing yoga movements and breathing techniques – all from the comfort of a chair!
Cynthia Akey
RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
Cynthia Akey - RYT, Personal Trainer, TRX Trainer, Wellness Director
RYT, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Fitness Instructor
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 TRX instructor, she enjoys teaching accessible fitness classes on the suspension trainers. 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:
VIRTUAL - Wednesdays: 5:30 pm
Yoga
Our Milwaukee yoga classes offer the tools to help you achieve a high state of focused performance and wellness. From beginner to advanced yoga classes, we offer a variety of styles and levels to keep your practice inspired, balanced and challenged.
Hours
Mon: 9 am-8 pm
Tue: 9 am-8 pm
Wed: Noon - 6 pm
Thurs: 9 am-7 pm
Fri: 9 am-5 pm
Sat: 9 am-3 pm
Sun: Closed
2060 N. Humboldt Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212 | Map
ph: 414-265-5606 | fax: 414-265-5649 | info@invivowellness.com
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