Mara turned to restorative yoga back in 1998 to help her manage the stress of being an elementary school teacher. She found that the more she gave to yoga, the more it gave back physically and spiritually. After many classes, workshops and teacher trainings, she became certified in 2007 and now holds her E-RYT certification. In 2013, Mara developed the Emerald Heart School of Yoga, with her own curriculum. She has now trained, mentored and certified over 30 yoga instructors as the lead director of the school.

Mara loves the heart opening, life affirming practice of Anusara yoga, which literally means, “stepping into the flow of grace.” She also embraces a Vinyasa Flow style in her teaching, allowing the mind to quiet by connecting to breath, body and heart. She sequences her classes in a thoughtful manner, encouraging everyone feel empowered, safe and connected as they move through their practice.

Mara was an elementary school teacher, college faculty and educational consultant for 15 years but now channels her energies to the teaching the healing energies of yoga. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, she now calls Mundelein her home.

Brooke fell in love with yoga 12 years ago when she first started practicing out of necessity in order to relieve back pain from a herniated disc while pregnant with her first child. Not only was she able to eliminate her back pain while other methods failed, but she quickly learned that there was a lot more going on then just the physical practice. With yoga, she was able to take time for herself and really focus on the connection between her mind, body and spirit.

Over the years, Brooke found that being on the mat was some of the only time she had to decompress while working in a stressful job environment and raising her two young children. Her long struggle with panic attacks and anxiety began to disappear with a regular yoga practice. It had been such an incredible gift and necessity in her life that she decided she wanted to learn as much about yoga as she could.

Brooke completed her 200 hour certification through Wendy Dahl of Blue Sun Yoga and she is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. She continues to expand her knowledge and find inspiration through many workshops and classes from various teachers and styles of yoga. Her intention as a yoga teacher is to help share the healing effects of yoga with others. Ultimately she realizes she is simply a guide for her students to find their own practice and do what speaks to them.

Brooke’s biggest joy is spending time with her family. She also loves hanging out with friends, seeing live music, reading and spending time outside.