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.
Susan Alby has been sharing her joy of music and dance with people of all ages for over 30 years. It was when she played keyboard for a jazz combo in Milwaukee in exchange for ballroom dance lessons that she discovered the magic and fun of this form. Later she found the fun of studying and sharing Middle Eastern Dance. In 2006, Susan founded Chance2Dance and now teaches various forms of dance throughout the community.
Ferrell Alexander has recently relocated to Sheboygan from North Carolina with her fiancée who accepted a position at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. She received her yoga teaching certification in Vinyasa Yoga from Laughing Lotus in New York City and is registered with Yoga Alliance as a RYT200. “I am eternally grateful for having found yoga. It has changed my life. It is through teaching that I hope to share my love and deep respect for this practice.”
Ellen Crow began her exploration of yoga and dance to reconnect with her body and nurture self love. She is committed to empowering movement in others. Ellen has studied middle eastern dance, African dance, ballet, tai chi, Qu gong, and yoga. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher having completed the YogaLoft Teacher Training program.
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.
Andrea Gutiérrez has studied internationally with many authorized and certified Ashtanga teachers, practicing the traditional Mysore style for 7 years. She has spent over 12 months in India studying yoga, meditation, pranayama, yogic philosophy, and Sanskrit, including 9 months at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore. Andrea firmly believes that the practice of yoga brings positive life changes and a greater understanding of one’s self.
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.
Penney Johns has been practicing yoga for 10 years receiving her Yoga Teaching Certification from YogaLoft. She is registered and is a registered with Yoga Alliance as a RYT200. In 2004 Penney was Lay Ordained as a Sensei (teacher) of Rinzai Zen and practices with her husband at Still Point Zen Center in Random Lake, WI. Since 2002, Penney has been involved as a volunteer working with soldiers and veterans who experienced trauma, and in 2006 began working with a program called "Vets Journey Home".
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.
Rachael Haas Lewinski teaches an Anusara-inspired style of yoga. She is registered with Yoga Alliance as an EYRT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher). She began teaching yoga in 2005. Rachael has an undergraduate training in biology and is a collegiate volleyball player from Elmhurst College. She finished one year of training in physical therapy before realizing she was more interested in holistic healing when she discovered yoga. She has been studying yoga ever since and currently studies the Anusara method of hatha yoga, a playful heart-centered and strength building method including a sophisticated therapeutic emphasis.
Vicki Menuge began practicing yoga in 2006, having been encouraged by her oncologist to try it as an alternative form of healing and restoration. She enjoyed yoga so much that in 2010 she completed Yoga Teacher Training at YogaLoft. She is also an assistant teacher of Tai Chi at YogaLoft. Vicki teaches graduate-level courses in environmental science, is an active volunteer for the cancer community in the county, and adores bad puns.
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."
Rachel Nick has been practicing hatha yoga since 2009 and is currently in the Teacher Training Program at Yogaloft. "Yoga bridges many of my gaps. It helps me to know myself more deeply, to practice acceptance and experience the present moment, and to change freely. It causes real and positive effects on my well-being, mind, body and heart. I intend to express my gratitude and respect for this ancient and evolving practice through teaching and pass along what is taught to me and share my own personal experiences."
Greg Robinson considers mental and physical health as a lifelong pursuit. This attitude inspired him to take-up Tai Chi while vacationing in China. Greg is a highly active retired Oshkosh Postmaster who believes in hard work and having fun.
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 has successfully completed 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.