Teacher Biographies:

Cassandra Shugailo, CYT

Cass first discovered yoga as a child when her mom gave her a yoga book. Growing up, she was exposed to many forms of creative expression and became greatly inspired by dance, yoga, gymnastics, art, and poetry. In 2008 she started her journey as a teacher of movement at Gemini Gymnastics Academy. In 2009, Cass followed her passion to teach yoga and began teacher training at Moksha Yoga Center. With much enthusiasm, she started teaching yoga to all ages that same year. In 2010, she completed her certification, logging over 1000 hours of study, while she simultaneously achieved her Associates Degree in Arts. Cass actively studies under the insightful and brilliant teachings of Rich Logan. Some other influential teachers in her life have been Tias Little, Seane Corn, and Gabriel Halpern. At the roots of her teaching philosophy lie anatomy, alignment, awareness, meditation, and the art of breathing. Cass mindfully teaches students to explore vinyasa yoga in a safe and playful environment. She quotes, "my intention is for students to leave class with a smile, a sense of balance, and a feeling of inner peace."

Chelsea Brown, CYT

Chelsea discovered Yoga at the age of 17 while studying at College of DuPage. The first class was all it took to spark a passion for the practice that is still alive and thriving today.  After taking several semesters of Yoga classes at the College, supplemented by classes at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicagoland in Lemont, she decided to take her study to the next level by pursuing the revered Teacher Training program at Prairie Yoga in Lisle, IL. After having the privilege to and study with some of the most well respected Yogis in the area (and the country) for the past five years, Chelsea’s style blends the core principles of alignment with breath-focused flow. Her youthful energy and encouraging demeanor shine through in each class she teaches.  She has experience teaching children as young as three, on up to adults in their eighties and is firm in her conviction that the practice can be tailored to suite every body. Chelsea believes mindful movement of the breath and body is the key to opening the heart.

Jaci Uhrick, CYT

Jaci began her yoga journey after a running injury. Jaci instantly noticed the benefits to her body however she did not expect the profound positive changes that would impact her thought patterns and habits. Through the practice of yoga Jaci discovered a deeper connection between her mind and body, as well as, she learned to cultivate the breath. Through breath awareness Jaci came to the realization that the breath could be used as a tool for creating positive changes in her own life. Once she discovered how yoga could be used for personal transformation, she wanted to share the benefits with others. Jaci completed her 200-hour teacher training at the Temple of Kriya Yoga Chicago, studying with Kim Schwartz and David Lipshutz and then went on to complete an advanced training at Prairie Yoga with Lori Gaspar. Jaci's teaching style is based on the Hatha Yoga tradition where she focuses on grounding and opening energy that helps her students to connect with their mind and body. Jaci enjoys teaching with the seasons and providing insight into everyday life. She has the intention of giving her students the tools to be able to take their yoga practice "off the mat" and use it in everyday life so they are able to live with intention and be the creator of their own life experience. Jaci is very passionate about sharing yoga with her students including middle school and high school aged children.

Julie Loftus, RN, MSN, CYT

Julie has been practicing yoga since 2002. Yoga began as form of exercise for Julie but quickly and quietly revealed itself as a source of healing for her body, mind and spirit.  Julie enjoys incorporating her love of yoga with the healing arts she has learned through her nursing career. She is also interested in the therapeutic application of yoga for all ages, abilities and stages of life.  Julie completed her 200-hour Teacher Training at Prairie Yoga in 2011. Julie strives to create a warm and safe environment where students learn to nourish their bodies, quiet their minds and renew their spirit through movement, breath and meditation.  

Sue Chilton, CYT

Kelly Preussner, ZUMBA

 -

Kim Cuenca, RYT, CIMT, CPR

-