I’ve been practicing yoga since 1998, completed yoga teacher certification in 2008, and have been teaching yoga in the Fox Valley ever since. When I began practicing, it was to relieve stress but I’ve received much more.  I began to teach to share the gift of yoga that my teachers shared with me.   

For me yoga is always different and challenging and at the same time it’s a way to quiet the mental chatter that disrupts my ability to focus on what’s important in life.   Each time I step on the mat, yoga is a new journey that can be both invigorating and humbling.

Hatha classes begin with warm-ups and move into a variety of poses, breath work, and finish with relaxation.  You can count on being challenged to find your own edge, build awareness of your body and expand its resiliency.  All levels of students are welcome.

My most recent training is in Yoga Therapy.  Here I teach small classes or personal, customized sessions using an anatomical yoga therapy approach.  We’ll break down yoga postures utilizing anatomy and pure movement theory to help move you out of pain, gain mobility and increase fine motor strength.   The combination of movement and increased awareness helps people with chronic injuries heal.  Yoga therapy is not used instead of traditional physical therapy or a Doctor’s care but as a compliment to those methods.  It can also increase athletic performance by increasing major joint functioning.   No prior yoga experience is needed.   

I earned a B.S. from Iowa State University (Biology/Chemistry) and an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  My yoga teaching certification is from the Himalayan Institute and my Yoga Therapy training continues through Susie Hately @ Functional Synergy.  Susie is a registered kinesiologist, RYT, and yoga therapist.  

Chelsea found her calling in yoga when she began practicing the Bikram method in 2000.

After discovering how the awareness she could cultivate within her practice could bring clarity to the mind, peace to the heart, and could free the soul from judgment; she felt compelled to share the fruits of the practice with others.

Chelsea completed her formal training through the Yoga Works program with James Brown and Lisa Walford in 2006; studying the harmonious blend of Ashtanga and Iyengar traditions to unite the mental self with the physical. With a focus on the fine balance between stirha, strength; and sukha, surrender; she brings light to the power of intention as a method for self transformation. She uses an energizing yet soothing technique in conjunction with restorative poses to integrate that of the soul into the body.                   

Terhi Mengel, originally from Finland, relocated to Wisconsin with her husband and 3 daughters in August 2005. Terhi has been practicing yoga since 2005 and attained her 200-hour RYT certification in February 2009.  In 2020 Terhi graduated from Dharma Mittra's teacher training program.
 
Terhi found many benefits from the practice of yoga, including inner peace and clarity. Terhi has been absorbed in the study of yoga enabling her to get deeper on her yogic path. Terhi is a gifted and passionate teacher enjoying all styles of yoga making her teaching style unique. Terhi will help students find their breath allowing them to go deeper into their practice resulting in freedom of all obstacles. Terhi is inspired by B.K.S Iyengar, relating to his philosophy of how this ancient practice relates to us today, as we search for inner peace and happiness. Terhi agrees with Iyengar’s statement: “Yoga is like music, the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul creates the symphony of life.” 

I began practicing the teachings of yoga to better understand myself and the world around me. Through my own practice and study, I have learned invaluable tools that assist me in every facet of my life. I eventually chose to become a yoga teacher to pass along the gifts that yoga has given to me. 

I earned my 200-hour yoga teacher certification from the Himalayan Institute and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health. In addition, I am a Certified Reiki Master practicing in the Usui tradition.

My teaching style is mindful and holistic. My intention for every class is to assist students in improving overall wellness while promoting mindfulness and body awareness. Each student can expect an educational and uplifting class in a light, fun, and energetic atmosphere. 

Marisa Stromske is an Oshkosh native who enjoys traveling and spent several years living in Los Angeles and Chicago before she settled down outside of Oshkosh with her husband, little boy, 2 dogs and 2 cats.  She has a B.A. in Theatre and French from UW-Oshkosh.  Aside from yoga, Marisa also has a passion for running and has participated in 6 full (26.2 mile) marathons and numerous shorter races. Marisa completed a 200 hour hatha yoga teacher training through The Global Yoga & Wellness Center in Chicago, IL in July, 2010 and has also completed a 2 day intensive prenatal yoga workshop.   She is a registered yoga teacher with yoga alliance. 

 Marisa was introduced to yoga in 2003 through the L.A. Leggers “Yoga for Runners” program which was led by Heidi Skvarna.  She attended these yoga classes out of curiosity but she soon learned there was much to love about yoga.

She fell in love with the slow dance like movements, strength building postures and pranayama that helped her pay attention to her breath.  She always leaves her yoga mat with a renewed appreciation for life and feeling lighter in mind, body and spirit.

Marisa loves that yoga (much like running), gives us the opportunity to set aside our electronics, turn away from the worries of our busy lives and live in the moment.  She feels that practicing yoga allows us to give thanks to our physical bodies, to calm our minds and for some, to feel more connected to spirituality. She strives to create a peaceful, non-intimidating classroom environment.  She offers modifications to make poses more accessible to all and also tries to offer a variety of challenging postures to keep experienced yogis inspired.