Caroline Cowan
I have been practicing Yoga since the age of 11. I started taking classes from Boontiva in 2001 and Classical Indian Yoga for the Householders Education from Boontiva year 2005. Wellness and balance in my life have been achieved through the daily practice of Yoga and a healthy lifestyle. Yoga has taught me many ways to recognize my physical needs for taking care of my self. In times of wellness and stress I am able to recognize my own balance. Following a healing path I am a RN since 1976, Master Herbalist since 1999, Reiki Master Teacher since 2001, and a Craniosacral therapist since 2002. All of these healing art forms have helped me to round and balance my ability to help people maintain health and self healing. My commitment to the community is to continue assisting you in your path for wellness and health. Through the practice of Yoga I will incorporate all the aspects of Yoga daily living to help you achieve and recognize your own way of lifestyle balance.

Stacy Davis
Stacy Davis’ journey began in early 2003 when she discovered “Power Yoga.” She was instantly passionate about the feelings of bliss experienced. Naturally she began to research more about this modern style of yoga and found it derived from a more traditional teaching called Ashtanga. In February 2005 she obtained her 200hr level certification with The Lotus Yoga Teachers Association. The prior year of training proved to her she was on the right path, so in the summer of 2007 she attended an Ashtanga Yoga teachers training with Manju Pattabhi Jois and plans to practice with him annually. Learn more about Stacy’s background at her website www.LoveOfYoga.com

Aakanksha Doctor
I have been learning dance since the age of seven. I am a Trained Classical Dancer (Bharat Natyam). My training consisted of Bollywood and Folk styles. In India, my passion for dance also led me to choreograph and teach Folk, Bhangra and Bollywood. I have choreographed dances for weddings and college events too. In the US, I would like to continue teaching various forms of Indian dance, including the most popular Bollywood dance.

Lucinda Flodin
I have lived two places for a long time: Illinois, where I was born, grew up and returned to this decade; and my mountain home in Tennessee, what I would call my hearts home, where I tended the land, raised two children, worked as a midwife, herbalist and actor/storyteller. In between there were many bridge places – “on the road” as we touring artists used to say. The performing arts, principally theatre and storytelling have been the principal work of my adult life. Right now I work with an arts foundation to raise funding and advocate for the arts.

I have studied with Boontiva since 2001 when my family moved to Elgin. The student (me) was ready and my teacher (Boontiva) appeared. Initially, I started yoga to gain more flexibility and mobility. Through teacher training, I continue to deepen and broaden my practice and bring yogic philosophy into my life. My intention is to return to the mountains and share my practice with the hard working people in that community.

Kenny Kolter
Recording artist Kenny Kolter has been conducting Gong Meditation workshops and drum circle presentations throughout the Chicago area for the past two and a half years at major conferences, yoga studios, healing centers & churches to rave reviews and critical acclaim. Kenny conducts sound therapy sessions weekly for patients at the state of Illinois largest mental health facility in Elgin. Kenny has been practicing Transcendental Meditation since age 12, graduated from Maharishi International University with a B.A. in Comparative Literature where he was steeped in Ayurvedic (health) and Gandharva Veda (music) learning. Kenny has released two mediation CD's; has been playing drums and percussion since age 9 and  traveled/performed internationally as a professional musician. Kenny has attended & staffed the New Warrior, Pathways, Actualizations, seminars and been a seeker his entire life. YOGA Chicago interview

Rebecca LaGesse
Rebecca began practicing yoga in 1992 after her father and brother passed away. She went to an open house at the Sivananda Yoga Center in Chicago.  Looking for a way to relieve stress, she found a new way of thinking and living that totally changed her life. The clarity she gained through yoga allowed her to
abandon a career at a high profile law firm and go back to school to pursue her dream of becoming a filmmaker. Rebecca began studying with Boontiva in 2004 and has found her true calling as a yoga instructor.

Recently, she completed the 200-hour certification through the Himalayan Institute Teacher Training Program. Their curriculum focuses on meditation, pranayama and asana practices as well as traditional yoga philosophy. Rebecca’s approach balances ancient practices with a modern understanding of how the mind and body work. She is excited to begin teaching at Optimum Health and looks forward to sharing her knowledge of the health, wellness and peace of mind yoga can offer with you.

Carrie Lisson
My personal journey with yoga began when the corporation I am employed by full-time, introduced it nearly five years ago. I still recall that first class and the peace, energy, and gratitude I felt, with a definite interest to continue inner "work on the mat." I have kept up with my practice and have seen the many gifts yoga has given me physically, emotionally and spiritually. Yoga has given me the strength and courage to live my life more authentically, with more joy, more compassion, and more connection. Teaching yoga became an interest of mine as I kept craving more from yoga and it kept delivering deeper and wider than I could have imagined. Then an opportunity to train under two of the best yoginis in the area presented itself ~ with a twist! FOR KIDS AND TEENS! How fun! How awesome! What impact!  How touching! Teaching kids the great ancient art of yoga and having loads of fun is wonderful. Their thoughts, feelings, and flexibility never cease to humble me and make me smile! My website is www.movemeyoga.com

Debbie Schaefer
I have been practicing yoga since 1999 and with Optimum Health since 2004. Yoga provides me with a deep calm and peace which transfers to my personal life as well as my professional life. Practicing with Optimum Health has transformed my practice from a physical-based practice to a more spiritual-based practice. This transformation has deepened my inner peace and strengthened my compassion for the world around me.

Karen TerHorst
I have studied yoga with Boontiva since 2000. For me, yoga provides several positive aspects to my life. It is a mental and a physical escape from my computer work and from my busy life of raising a family. I often utilize yoga breathing techniques in times of stress. I enjoy the asana positions, trying to move smoothly from one pose to the next, this is meditative to me. I have gained back flexibility which came easily when I was younger. Boontiva has a rare talent of teaching with beauty and grace. I appreciate her approach of instructing variations of asana poses, meaning no two classes are the same. I always leave Boontiva’s classes feeling invigorated and ready to take on a new day.

Testimonials

Jo Ann Armenta
I have started and stopped taking yoga classes for more than 15 years, but never stuck with it. After taking Boontiva’s chair yoga class, I feel that I have found an exercise program I can stick with and that works for me. After just about 9 months of regular classes, I’m feeling much better than I have in years!

Medina Gross
I have been attending Boontiva's seated yoga class for over a year, and I look forward to it every week because of her peaceful presence and energizing exercises. I attend Boontiva's regular yoga classes also and even though the seated yoga class is great for new beginners, it is still challenging for those with more experience. I find it to be more mindful than a regular class.