Deb Sommerhalder, E-RYT Founder of Inner Sun Yoga Studio, Llc
I took my first yoga class with my daughter and soon discovered that yoga was what I was looking for in my personal and professional life. With a 20 year background in the fitness industry teaching aerobics and prenatal classes I went on to become certified to teach yoga and am a member of the Yoga Alliance. In January 2004, I opened Inner Sun Yoga in Oshkosh. In February 2011 I graduated from David Newman's (Durga Das) Kirtan college. Most recently I trained with Cathy Gauch, Aircat Aerial Arts in Boulder for Aerial Yoga and am very excited to be bringing to the studio in February. I am certified in Thai Massage Bodywork and Christouch Energy Healing. In March I will be attending more training in Bhakti Yoga which involved chanting and playing some of the ancient indian instruments.
I enjoy teaching modalities from a variety of yoga styles that I practice. I acknowledge my students needs, providing them the space to explore their practice and advance at their own pace. Thru breath, movement and meditation I help them learn to listen to their body so they open their heart or "inner sun" and discover the true connection to who they are. With patience, dedication and a regular yoga practice, I believe that everyone has the opportunity to find strength, healing, balance, and peace.
I enjoy teaching modalities from a variety of yoga styles that I practice. I acknowledge my students needs, providing them the space to explore their practice and advance at their own pace. Thru breath, movement and meditation I help them learn to listen to their body so they open their heart or "inner sun" and discover the true connection to who they are. With patience, dedication and a regular yoga practice, I believe that everyone has the opportunity to find strength, healing, balance, and peace.
Terhi Mengel, RYT
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.” Courtney Johnson
Courtney Johnson has always loved experimenting with movement. She fell in love with yoga during her first class. The expressive movements reminded her of her background as a competitive dancer and figure skater. Courtney knew that she wanted to become a yoga teacher when she assisted a fellow student doing a headstand for the first time. Seeing the childlike joy on that student's face made Courtney fully realize the transformative nature of yoga and how she could be of service as a teacher.
She completed her Level 1 Teacher Training with Baron Baptiste in October 2011 and later trained at Power of Your Om in Naperville, Illinois to become a 200 hour certified yoga teacher. She is also a certified Yoga Body Bootcamp basic trainer, yoga personal trainer, and associate yoga life coach. Courtney is constantly participating in workshops and teacher trainings to grow as a yoga student and teacher. She strives to empower her students to live their best lives. Courtney leads playful, athletic, breath-based classes that challenge her students to try new things with a spirit of adventure and exploration. She views yoga as a vehicle for expression and play. Priscila Pires
After Priscilla graduated from college in Brazil, where she studied as a psychologist, she had her first experience with Kundalini Yoga. These experiences inspired her to bring yoga into a project focused on bringing enrichment to underprivileged children. Since that time, she fell in love with yoga and felt the need to go deeper and explore her practice. After moving to the States, she continued practicing until deciding to become a teacher as she felt the need to share with others all the wonderful things yoga has brought to her life. Her training includes a 200-hour Hatha Yoga training from the Himalayan Institute. She has also participated in several yoga intensive workshops on topics such as Ayuarveda and Yoga Strength & Stamina. She has also taught some specialized workshops for JuJitsu and other martial arts students in Brazil. In essence, what started out as a hobby has become a way of life, a job, and a new life path. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and working on expanding her local Brazilian Cheese Bread business.
One time my yoga master told me, “If you are grounded, everything else will be fine.” I find those words very insightful and wise. The main goals of my teaching are to cleanse stress, ease tension, bring balance, and keep one grounded in order to deal with the day to day ups and downs of the world. Jennifer Dutch, RYT
Jennifer Dutch is a certified 200-hour level RYT yoga teacher and an Energy Healing Practitioner (Reiki, Christouch). In 2010 she completed a 40-hour Restorative Yoga Intensive with Darren Main and a Kirtan Intensive with Ragani. From 2009 -2010 she assisted Michael Watson with a 225-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program.
Jennifer believes the most transformative part of our yoga practice is that which occurs off of the mat. As a yoga teacher she encourages students to be their own guide. When facilitating a class she allows each student freedom to explore and to hone their own experience, infusing a light-hearted spirit while creating a safe and sacred space for students of all levels. For her the greatest gift in teaching is connecting with the student and sharing in their journey. Combining over 14 years of professional experience in Logistics, Sales, Training and Project Management with her personal yoga practice of 12 years, she also assists other yoga teachers and authors by coordinating retreats, workshops and training programs. As well as offering consulting, basic web design, marketing and administrative assistance to small business owners. My intention... To assist you in restoring balance to your body, mind and soul. My practice... To guide you in a variety of wellness modalities, healing techniques and spiritual practices which relax the mind and renew the body: Yoga, meditation, breath-work, energy healing, tuning, toning and chant. My wish... We spend most of our day "doing" and leave little time for "be-ing". May you find that which makes your soul sing, May we all find our own song for healing... |
Stephanie Stieg
Stephanie began practicing Hatha Yoga in 2003. Yoga has brought so many benefits to Stephanie’s life. She believes yoga is a loving way to take care of your mind, your body and the soul, your true Self. Yoga has taught Stephanie to move through life mindfully with awareness and to be present in the moment, with the consequence being the inner peace she was searching for. Stephanie’s passion is to share these wonderful teachings with others and offer them the chance to learn how truly amazing their inner self is.
Stephanie earned her 200-hour yoga teacher certification through the Himalayan Institute. In addition, she is a certified Reiki practitioner and certified to facilitate the Seva Stress Release Acupressure Protocol. She is also in an active practice of accounting and income tax preparation. With all of these tools and an experienced business background Stephanie is confident in her ability to assist others while they heal and transform building a healthy, fulfilling life for themselves. Stephanie’s teaching style is a balanced mix of strength and relaxation. While practicing in her class you will have the opportunity to explore new horizons within the mind and the body. You will receive the benefits of a deep guided relaxation, pranayama practices and meditation. Stephanie strongly believes in the power of transformation through the asana practice as it is incorporated with relaxing the mind and body. Marisa Stromske
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. Molly Sommerhalder
Since Molly’s introduction to Yoga over 8 years ago, she has had the privilege to learn a variety of styles of Yoga with many great teachers. In addition to completing her 200 hr certification in Vinyasa Yoga, Molly participated in an apprenticeship at Turbodog Spirit Center in Chicago in the summer of 2009. At Turbodog, she studied Yoga assisting with Steve and Talya, senior Forrest Yoga teachers. During this time, Molly learned the practice of Forrest Yoga and found the healing force of yoga which helps her stay grounded with her busy schedule as the Public Relations Specialist for the Marcus Center for Performing Arts in Milwaukee and teaches yoga at Haleybird Yoga, Wauwatosa and Core Essence, Milwaukee. Molly resides in the Milwaukee area and teaches at Inner Sun Yoga when she is home visiting her family.
She believes if that if you put your practice first, everything in life will follow the way it's supposed to. Molly brings her love of music to her classes, as she encourages her students to create their own music with their breath. She teaches her students to utilize their Yoga practice as a source for healing and to travel inward and explore their emotions using their body. Molly’s classes invite all to let go, smile and find inner happiness! Jeff Stieg, RYT
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. |
