All instructors at YogaLoft are extremely knowledgeable and highly trained in their art form. All teachers of a specific system of yoga or movement have received certifications in those traditions. Several instructors have studied in the country where their art form originated. All YogaLoft instructors have first-hand experience in the power of movement to heal the body, mind, and spirit. We love to move our bodies and we know that MOVEMENT HEALS!
Marci Tousey owns, manages, and teaches classes at YogaLoft. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. She began her formal study of yoga in 1992 and her study of the somatic arts in 1998. “However, I have enjoyed stretching, exercising, relaxing, breathing, and creative movement since the day I was born.” In 1994, Marci quit her job as a Software Support Manager, sold all of her belongings, and bought a one-way ticket to Asia to learn more about her new-found passion, yoga. For two years she backpacked, absorbing the Asian way of life. She became certified to teach yoga at Sivananda Yoga Centre in India, received a Thai Yoga certification in Chiang Mai, Thailand, listened to a 10-day discourse by the Dalai Llama on “The Path to Happiness,” did one-month of intensive study in Iyengar yoga, attended a 10-day silent meditation retreat, and rode a 55-hour “standing room only,” 3rd-class train across China.
In 1996, Marci returned to Vail, Colorado and began teaching yoga. “Because of yoga, I became more comfortable in my body and realized that my spirit and emotions were also moving and changing. I also began to see this same change in others who practiced yoga regularly.” This led Marci to the Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado where she earned a Masters degree in Somatic Psychology. Somatic Psychology teaches that the body must be included for emotional healing and transformation to occur. It is the study of how moving the body freely and authentically allows emotions and thoughts to change and evolve. “We are like water in a river. Water that doesn’t move stagnates. Water that tumbles over rocks and continues to flow around each unknown bend is continually purified.” In 2002, Marci moved with her husband and two children to Sheboygan to live a life surrounded by family. In April, 2004, Marci completed a Teacher Training program with Richard Freeman in the Internal Form of Ashtanga Yoga. “My study of movement will never be complete. My life has changed dramatically because I no longer “stuff” what I feel, and instead “move” what I feel. I hope everyone has the freedom to constantly move their whole selves toward joy, peace, and happiness.”
Kathy Alby was very fortunate to have been guided by an outstanding teacher from Sheboygan, Marge Fisher. “My entire life has been transformed by her teachings.” Kathy has been practicing yoga for 30 years and teaching for six years and says, “it has been nothing less than awesome.” She is a Massage Therapist at Lighthouse Therapy Services and believes that “although massage work is demanding, I am able to maintain my own health and well-being because of my yoga practice.” Kathy has been certified as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) with Yoga Alliance.
Karl Byrand is currently enrolled in the YogaLoft Teacher Training program. Karl’s interest in yoga began about 20 years ago after discovering that the practice was aligned with his interest in and studies of East Asian religions and Chinese martial arts. Finding that yoga provides him with a greater sense of body awareness and peace, Karl now seeks to incorporate it into all aspects of his life. When not on the mat, Karl is an associate professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan.
Maryann Dolson is a certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200). She has been practicing yoga since 1973 and has been teaching since 1976. Her early studies began with Ashtanga and Iyengar styles of Hatha Yoga. Her current style reflects the inegration of hatha yoga, Phoenix Rising therapy work, and her 28 years of doing body work.
Dr. Max Haid is a practicing physician with a strong interest in alternative medicine and he believes that tai chi can help improve and maintain health. He has been practicing tai chi for over 16 years. He has also earned a first degree black belt in judo and a second degree black belt in tae kwon do.
Barb Kultgen was introduced to yoga over 10 years ago but started taking classes more regularly about 5 years ago. She became a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) through Yoga Alliance, after completing the teacher training program at YogaLoft. In addition, she has been fortunate enough to participate in numerous workshops with both locally and nationally recognized yoga instructors. Barb has been influenced by many styles of hatha yoga but has been most heavily influenced by Anusara yoga which combines principles of alignment and a heart-oriented philosophy. Through a regular practice of yoga, Barb believes that she has become a stronger and more flexible cyclist, jogger, swimmer, and person. Yoga has helped her to change her life through the body-mind-spirit connection. Barb is a juvenile court social worker who works with at-risk youth in an alternative school setting in Sheboygan.
Rhonda Mesanovic is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) and has completed the YogaLoft Teacher Training program. She and her family relocated from Grand Rapids, Michigan to the Sheboygan area in 2000. With a life long commitment to personal fitness her interest in the practice of yoga developed naturally. “Yoga has had a positive effect on my mind as well as my body."
Kellie O'Neill began her study of yoga with Kathleen Kelly-Hoffman at Bay Area Yoga learning the Ashtanga tradition of Vvnyasa yoga. Kellie has completed the YogaLoft Teacher Training and is registered with Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level.
Nikka Pamenter has over 14 years of experience studying dance and is currently majoring in dance at the Peck School of the Arts at UW Milwaukee. She specializes in modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and belly dance. She is a certified yoga instructor completing the YogaLoft Teacher Training program in December 2008. Nikka enjoys helping guide others in learning how to relax, have fun, and be healthy!
Kate Ward is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) having completed her certification with the YogaLoft Teacher Training program. As a student of Hatha Yoga including Kripalu, Baptiste, Anusara and Ashtanga, Kate has been practicing yoga for over twelve years. A former human resources professional, she initially explored yoga as a way to keep her body and mind healthy while dealing with the pressures of career and family. Now a teacher, Kate is helping others balance their lives through the practice of yoga.
Katrina Woltring has practiced yoga for 9 years, and found her personal practice intensified as she found yoga and meditation the perfect balance through a struggle in her life. While completing the YogaLoft Teacher Training courses, Katrina has instructed yoga for 3 years, and enjoys the reward of sharing her yoga practice. She places emphasis on honoring and loving the body, while getting to know the internal self through movement and mind body connection.
Lisa Zeier has enjoyed stretching, breathing and meditation since she was a child. She began practicing yoga with Marge Fisher over 9 years ago. She is currently enrolled in the Yogaloft Teacher Training program. “Self study through yoga is something I will be doing for the rest of my life.” As a mother of four, she sews, gardens, and makes household cleaners and soaps, working to naturally provide her family with the necessities.