have completed certification with established organizations and train with Yoga Masters throughout the year.  

______________  A N N    W A R I N G ,   D i r e c t o r

My first yoga certification was in 1997 from the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago. One year later I went on to graduate from the Advanced Teacher Certification program at the Temple in 1998. I continued my relationship with the Temple as an advisor for their Home Study Teacher’s program for 2 years. In 2005, I received an additional Hatha Yoga Teacher´s Certification from the Chicago Yoga Center under the direction of Suddha Weixler.

In 2000, I traveled to Thailand where I received a Thai Yoga Therapy Certification from the International Thai Massage School in Chaing Mai, Thailand. (Please see the Thai Yoga Therapy Page for details on this yoga bodywork.)

Seva means “compassion in action”. As a certified Reiki Master and group facilitator, I expand on the theme of compassionate action as a way to explore the process of personal growth, reduce stress, and restore balance in workshops, classes, and private sessions. My style of teaching is both intuitive and progressive using a practical approach to assist beginners and continuing students alike.

I founded Yoga Seva Studio in Crystal Lake as a place that continues to inspire me, the staff, and the many students that attend my Hatha Yoga classes, Pilates classes, and workshops.The more I practice and teach Hatha Yoga, the more I learn from this vast, intricate, and time-honored tradition.

 

______________  B E T T Y    A N D R Y S I A K

My first experience with Hatha Yoga was at Yoga Seva in the spring of 2001, and it forever changed my life by opening a gateway to a totally new way of living for me. I soon was taking classes three times a week, assisting Ann with the Special Needs class, and I then enrolled in the Teacher Certification program at the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago. After earning my Teacher Certification, I began teaching at Yoga Seva, and I joined Yoga Alliance as an RYT as well as joining the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Since then, I have studied with Yoga masters who are nationally, and internationally known by attending various conferences and workshops as I seek to learn even more to become a more effective teacher. Studying and learning more therapeutic modifications in the yoga postures is a focus in my learning.

As a teacher of Yoga, I focus on effective breathing and bringing the body into balance physically, mentally, and spiritually so that students can take their yoga with them into their daily life. I consider the needs of each individual student paramount as we practice the art of Hatha Yoga.

Teaching is an art. The teaching of Hatha Yoga is an honor. Teaching at Yoga Seva is a Blessing. I am most grateful to all who have contributed to my teaching of Hatha Yoga.

 

______________  D E I R D R E    R E I S H U S

I first starting practicing yoga in 2002 after leaving a stressful job and I immediately recognized how yoga calmed my mind and emotions and eased the tension and holding in my body. For a number of years I relied on yoga to build strength, increase my flexibility and help prevent injuries while I participated in other sports such as tennis, running, strength training, swimming, cycling, and hiking. In 2009 I made the decision to deepen my practice and to make yoga a larger part of my life. I completed teacher training with Prairie Yoga in Lisle, Illinois. I am a 200 Hour teacher registered with the Yoga Alliance.

My prior work experience involved teaching, training and coaching so I am thrilled to now use those skills as a teacher of yoga. My aim is for students to gain a greater understanding of yoga beyond just the practice of asana (poses). I include meditation and breath work in every class so that students can feel renewed and de-stressed as they leave class. I am passionate about living a happy, healthy and peaceful life and helping others to do the same. When not teaching or practicing yoga, I enjoy playing tennis, organic vegetable gardening and crafting mala (prayer) beads. I consider yoga to be a life long journey and hope to continually expand my understanding and experience through study and practice.