Our Teachers

Lauren S. Deaton
Aja Rhodes


Katie Foley
Katie been teaching Vinyasa style yoga throughout the city of Chicago since 2016 and has been growing her personal yoga practice since 2008. Katie was inspired to begin teaching by her love and genuine desire to help others with their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. Katie completed her 200 hour RYT at Chicago School of Yoga in June 2016. Katie spends her summers teaching SUP Yoga on Lake Michigan and she is an active student at the Second City Conservatory. Her background in creative arts and her love of music and people create a dynamic flow that encourages you to have fun, center your mind, and pursue growth in your own personal yoga journey.
Janelle (Elle) Knippen
Janelle (*Elle*) Knippen is a 200hr RYT, Dance/Movement Therapist, trained counselor, and Reiki practitioner. She currently counsels caregivers at a non-profit social service organization for seniors. Janelle has had experience leading yoga, movement, and meditation practices for various populations over the years including: seniors, adults with brain injuries, individuals recovering from addiction, and children and teens struggling with mental illness. In her work, Janelle is passionate about helping individuals strengthen their mind/body/spirit connection in order to awaken to their true sense of purpose and authenticity.


Nicole Kalantzis
Nicole discovered yoga as a teenager through her mom’s Lillias Folan “The First Lady of Yoga” tapes. She reconnected with it years later while working at a newspaper in downstate Illinois. Then she moved to Madison, Wisc., enrolled in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program and has been teaching ever since. Nicole’s classes are accessible to all practitioners, beginner to advanced. She likes holding poses and connecting breath to movement, offering both a physical and mental release.