Yoga Instructors
Jennifer Ewert
Maripat Abbott
Lori Hanson
Tamara Rhodes
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.
Maripat Abbott
Until attending a retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in 1995, Maripat felt like James Joyce’s character, Mr. Duffy, living “a short distance from [her] own body.” After just one yoga class, she was amazed at how quickly she was able to drop into her body and let go of her mind. “Through yoga, I learned to honor my body’s wisdom.”
Having completed her 200-hour registered yoga teacher training from Feel Your Best Yoga®, which teaches an eclectic blend of Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Viniyoga, Maripat ascribes to the school’s philosophy: “The Person, Not The Pose”®. In her classes, she invites you to joyfully open your body, heart, and mind, while cultivating a deep connection with your breath.
Lori Hanson
After doing yoga briefly in the ‘80s for stress reduction, it wasn’t until over 15 years later that Lori discovered the profound results that yoga can provide. A near fatal car accident had left her with pain and suffering that six months of Western doctors and physical therapy had failed to relieve. A friend suggested yoga, and thanks to an excellent teacher, her physical and emotional pain began to subside. This experience inspired her to begin sharing this miracle called yoga.
Lori is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher through the Lotus Yoga Center as taught by Sri Swami Rama of the Himalayas. She is a Reiki Master/Teacher and has also studied Martial Arts, Pilates and Thai yoga.
Her teaching focuses on the restorative and therapeutic aspects of yoga with attention to alignment and fluidity of movement with the breath.
Tamara Rhodes
Tami has been practicing yoga for 10 years. She is a certified yoga instructor through the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago and is registered with the Yoga Alliance. She continues her studies by attending teacher training workshops with Gabriel Halpren, Mary Samano and other master teachers in the area. She also continues her yoga practice and studies with Jennifer Ewert. “This path is a process and each day, I learn more as I continue on my path to ‘the yoga way of living.’”
As a yoga teacher, Tami emphasizes body awareness & the connection of mind, body & breath.
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.
