Raj Bendre
White Lotus Foundation RYT 200
Himalayan Institute RYT 500
Raj has been practicing for over 20 years. He was first introduced to yoga at the feet of his grandfather when he witnessed him meditating in silence for what seemed like an eternity. His questions of what, why and how were answered with stories of the yogis living in the Himalayas.
After completing a medical education in the western tradition, Raj embraced yoga as a means to alleviate some of the common maladies of daily living. He was attracted to the Himalayan tradition of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and eventually became a certified teacher through both the White Lotus Foundation and the Himalayan Institute.
Raj has studied advanced meditation and yoga techniques through the Himalayan Institute and has invested these teachings into his personal practice. Raj's classes are a skillful blend of asanas, pranayama, bandhas and mudras. For experienced students seeking to advance their practices, Raj will offer personal instruction in yantra, mantra and tantric meditation.
Himalayan Institute RYT 500
Raj has been practicing for over 20 years. He was first introduced to yoga at the feet of his grandfather when he witnessed him meditating in silence for what seemed like an eternity. His questions of what, why and how were answered with stories of the yogis living in the Himalayas.
After completing a medical education in the western tradition, Raj embraced yoga as a means to alleviate some of the common maladies of daily living. He was attracted to the Himalayan tradition of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and eventually became a certified teacher through both the White Lotus Foundation and the Himalayan Institute.
Raj has studied advanced meditation and yoga techniques through the Himalayan Institute and has invested these teachings into his personal practice. Raj's classes are a skillful blend of asanas, pranayama, bandhas and mudras. For experienced students seeking to advance their practices, Raj will offer personal instruction in yantra, mantra and tantric meditation.
Kate Mason
White Lotus Foundation RYT 200
The yogic philosophy has always resonated with Kate, becoming an increasingly essential part of her life. Kate first studied yoga with the Sivananda Vedanta Society and later began to incorporate an eclectic mix of Vinyasa, Anusara and Ashtanga into her personal practice.
After more than 20 years of practice, Kate received her 200-hour teacher certification from the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara with master teachers Ganga White and Tracey Rich. Kate’s classes emphasize the incredible power and grace that can be tapped into as we learn to link movement with breath, creating a meditative dance that brings us to a divine place of stillness and harmony.
The yogic philosophy has always resonated with Kate, becoming an increasingly essential part of her life. Kate first studied yoga with the Sivananda Vedanta Society and later began to incorporate an eclectic mix of Vinyasa, Anusara and Ashtanga into her personal practice.
After more than 20 years of practice, Kate received her 200-hour teacher certification from the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara with master teachers Ganga White and Tracey Rich. Kate’s classes emphasize the incredible power and grace that can be tapped into as we learn to link movement with breath, creating a meditative dance that brings us to a divine place of stillness and harmony.
Joe Schatz
Joe has been a trader at the Chicago Board of Trade since 1984. He has been practicing yoga for the last ten years. His teacher certification from the White Lotus Foundation, which is located in Santa Barbara, California, is in vinyasa flow yoga.
Joe, an avid golfer, lives in St. Charles with his wife, Kathy. His philosophy: "In my mind it cannot be any simpler; if you want to look good and feel great then practice yoga."
Joe, an avid golfer, lives in St. Charles with his wife, Kathy. His philosophy: "In my mind it cannot be any simpler; if you want to look good and feel great then practice yoga."
Karen Olson
Prairie Yoga RYT 200
Karen has been practicing yoga for over 15 years and completed her 200-hour Foundation Yoga Teacher Training at Prairie Yoga. Karen draws upon her classical yoga training at Prairie to focus on an alignment-based vinyasa flow practice, where every yoga student, regardless of age or ability level, can find steadiness, strength, fluidity, and power in their practice. Her energetic and inspirational teaching style includes an emphasis on the “whole student” ---mind, body, and spirit. Her goal is to provide a tranquil atmosphere that allows students to unwind and “let go” as they transform their minds and bodies through the timeless teachings of yoga.
Karen has been practicing yoga for over 15 years and completed her 200-hour Foundation Yoga Teacher Training at Prairie Yoga. Karen draws upon her classical yoga training at Prairie to focus on an alignment-based vinyasa flow practice, where every yoga student, regardless of age or ability level, can find steadiness, strength, fluidity, and power in their practice. Her energetic and inspirational teaching style includes an emphasis on the “whole student” ---mind, body, and spirit. Her goal is to provide a tranquil atmosphere that allows students to unwind and “let go” as they transform their minds and bodies through the timeless teachings of yoga.
Rachel Grundner
Temple of Kriya Yoga RYT 200
Rachel discovered yoga five years ago while exploring the benefits of meditation. She found that her yoga practice assisted in creating a beautiful balance between work and pleasure, and helped her gain a deeper understanding of her Self. As time progressed, Rachel was intrigued to learn more.
Rachel graduated with her 200 hour certification from The Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago and is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. Her focus is to encourage proper structural alignment while students move deeper into their practice at their own pace. As the Beatles sing, “When you move beyond yourself, you may find peace of mind is waiting there,” Rachel promotes a class for students to let go of their outside distractions and find peace within.
Heidi Turcot
Certified Integrative Yoga Therapist : Kripalu Yoga RYT 500
Heidi has been teaching yoga therapy since 1996, is certified as an experienced teacher at the 500 hour level with Yoga Alliance, and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. The emphasis in Heidi’s therapeutic teaching is on personalizing the experience for each student using alignment for stability, the full integration of the breath, and a meditative, focused awareness. Students are encouraged to attune to their body wisdom and to use the various yogic practices and a focused concentration as a path to deepen their capacity for self-understanding and joyful living. Heidi also holds a Masters degree in Social Work and has worked as a licensed clinical social worker for over two decades. She lives with her husband Keith and dog Bodhi, who inspire her to remain present and open-hearted to life.
Kathryn Carr
Kathryn has been practicing yoga for more than 10 years. Initially drawn to yoga for the physical practice, she later discovered inner peace and bliss. Kathryn teaches vinyasa style yoga, linking breath to movement, to bring stillness and quiet the mind. Through a blend of poses, breathwork and meditation, Kathryn brings a sense of playfulness and relaxation to each class. Kathryn completed her 200 hour teacher training with Prairie Yoga in Lisle.
BJ Rahn
Prairie Yoga RYT 200
In 2010, after 20 years of teaching children and young adults, I left education. Or so I thought. Among other things, I planned to devote myself more fully to my own practice of yoga, but quickly found myself enrolled in yoga teacher training. I guess teaching really is in my blood! I completed my 200 hour training at Prairie Yoga in Lisle, Illinois where I had the privilege of learning from and apprenticing with many wonderful teachers. In addition, I had the honor of learning from well-known and respected yogis like Tias Little, Nicolai Bachman and Richard Rosen. I also studied with a nationally known teacher in Indianapolis, and received my certification in Yoga for 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR). I love teaching yoga and believe in the beauty and the power of yoga to change your life. I know it has certainly changed mine. As B.K.S. Iyengar once said, “Words fail to convey the total value of yoga. It has to be experienced.” I am so pleased to be teaching at Abhyaasa, and sharing the experience of yoga with you. Namaste.
In 2010, after 20 years of teaching children and young adults, I left education. Or so I thought. Among other things, I planned to devote myself more fully to my own practice of yoga, but quickly found myself enrolled in yoga teacher training. I guess teaching really is in my blood! I completed my 200 hour training at Prairie Yoga in Lisle, Illinois where I had the privilege of learning from and apprenticing with many wonderful teachers. In addition, I had the honor of learning from well-known and respected yogis like Tias Little, Nicolai Bachman and Richard Rosen. I also studied with a nationally known teacher in Indianapolis, and received my certification in Yoga for 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR). I love teaching yoga and believe in the beauty and the power of yoga to change your life. I know it has certainly changed mine. As B.K.S. Iyengar once said, “Words fail to convey the total value of yoga. It has to be experienced.” I am so pleased to be teaching at Abhyaasa, and sharing the experience of yoga with you. Namaste.
Neelam Akhand
Neelam has been practicing hatha yoga and meditation for many years and received her 200-hour teaching certificate in 2009 from the Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Center of Palatine, IL. Neelam, young, focused, and full of energy, has been married for 20 years and mother of two teenagers. In addition to her love for yoga, Neelam is certified to teach mat Pilates and is a teacher’s assistant with the Naperville 204 school district.
"It would be impossible to name all the benefits that I have received from my personal yoga practice. In summary, I am healthier, physically, mentally and spiritually, than I ever was or ever hoped to be. I started teaching because yoga had become such a passion that teaching it to others was so very natural. Teaching is the best way to learn." Neelam brings an awareness of learning styles to each student, infusing them with the idea that yoga can be for "Every Body and Everybody!"
"It would be impossible to name all the benefits that I have received from my personal yoga practice. In summary, I am healthier, physically, mentally and spiritually, than I ever was or ever hoped to be. I started teaching because yoga had become such a passion that teaching it to others was so very natural. Teaching is the best way to learn." Neelam brings an awareness of learning styles to each student, infusing them with the idea that yoga can be for "Every Body and Everybody!"
Tomek Bilan
RYT 200
Tomek has been a yoga student and teacher for over three years. Tomek's classes include a focus on proper breathing technique, so that students can push themselves beyond what their minds perceive as limitations, thus building strength in their practice. Students will learn how to use breath control not only to help them during asana practice, but also during everyday life, especially during stressful situations. Each class is designed to be different, challenging and fun, offering options for advance postures as well as modifications for beginners. Tomek blends the physical asana practice with the spiritual yoga tradition, leaving you with new insights to examine your life. He stresses the importance of getting into the experiences of the class and leaving your outside world behind.
Tomek has been a yoga student and teacher for over three years. Tomek's classes include a focus on proper breathing technique, so that students can push themselves beyond what their minds perceive as limitations, thus building strength in their practice. Students will learn how to use breath control not only to help them during asana practice, but also during everyday life, especially during stressful situations. Each class is designed to be different, challenging and fun, offering options for advance postures as well as modifications for beginners. Tomek blends the physical asana practice with the spiritual yoga tradition, leaving you with new insights to examine your life. He stresses the importance of getting into the experiences of the class and leaving your outside world behind.