Yoga Instructors
Jennifer Ewert
Allison Deputy
Jennifer Frisby
Kelly Pokharel
Janette Warner
Denise Yager
Jennifer Ewert, Director
When Jennifer started doing yoga for increased energy in 1996, she also realized how calm and centered she became as a result. She began with self-study at home, which led to a class with a friend. She became captivated because of the teacher’s ability to connect her to this wonderful ancient practice, inspiring Jennifer to become a Certified Yoga Instructor in 1999.
After teaching yoga at venues throughout McHenry County, Jennifer wanted to share her love of yoga more widely and was compelled to open Akasha Yoga Center. “Yoga can help to reduce stress and provide focus, enabling us to function more effectively and live more peacefully. Its benefits are immeasurable."
Jennifer’s classes draw from years of study with many teachers, resulting in her ever-evolving organic style. Her experience allows her to adapt her class plans depending on the needs of the individuals participating. Her ultimate goal for each participant is a rich, deep meditation at the end of each class in order to attain a sense of peace.
Allison Deputy
Allison Deputy has been a Tai Chi practitioner for over 20 years. She is the founder of MoonWillow Tai Chi & Wellness and serves the Northwest suburbs teaching Tai Chi, Chair Tai Chi, and Water Tai Chi. Her integrative studies have included chi/energy healing, dream analysis, developing intuition, meditation and the creative arts.
Allison is also a writer who has published poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, and is currently at work on a middle grade novel that has garnered agent interest. Allison has produced an audio CD, Meditation for Healing & Total Well-Being (2003), as well as instructional DVDs, Tai Chi: A Beginner’s Program (2005), Tai Chi: 108-Step Long Form Practice (2009), and is about to release Chair Tai Chi: Gentle Movement for Every Body (2011). Her forthcoming DVD, The Master Warm-Up is set to be filmed and released in early 2012. Allison is honored and delighted to be part of the Akasha team.
Jennifer Frisby
Jennifer discovered the benefits of yoga as a compliment to the rigorous training involved in running marathons. Over the years, she has developed a great appreciation and passion for yoga as it has helped bring balance and peace to her daily life.
In 2005, Jennifer earned her Level 1 Teachers Training certificate through YogaFit and in May of 2011, she completed her 200 hour RYT through Akasha’s Teacher Training Program.
Her Vinyasa style teaching reflects a love for fitness with a greater awareness and connection of mind, body, and spirit.
Kelly Pokharel
Kelly began attending yoga classes in 2003 out of curiosity. That curiosity quickly grew into a passion for yoga. Drawn in by the sense of calm and balance she felt after each class, Kelly found the strong desire to share the experience of yoga with others. Kelly completed her 200-hour teacher training with the Himalayan Institute in 2009 and is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor. She also completed the Global Yoga Center’s prenatal yoga training in 2009.
Kelly credits her yoga practice with helping her through a difficult time in life and seeks to make yoga accessible to all. She believes yoga can transform lives by awakening aspects of ourselves that have been buried by daily life.
Janette Warner
Janette has been practicing and enjoying yoga for ten years. She started doing yoga when she was pregnant with her first child as a low-impact way to exercise, and as a great way to learn about the importance of proper breathing. She completed her 200-hour teacher training through the Himalayan Institute and is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor. Her classes concentrate on asana practice supported by the breath, and relaxation— providing both a mind and body awareness.
She enjoys teaching kids as well as adults, and feels everyone can benefit from yoga, on some level, regardless of experience. She believes yoga is a way of life that brings inner peace, and only when we have peace within us, can we bring peace to the world.
Denise Yager
Denise has been enjoying the benefits of regular yoga practice since 2001, and completed her 200-hour teacher training at Kalitrea Yoga Studio in 2004. Her yoga style has Iyengar and Vinyasa Flow influences.
Denise enjoys introducing yoga to people of all ages; She has conducted classes for kids, teens, and adults. Her classes are accessible to those new to yoga, but still ensure that more experienced students find challenge.
