Teachers

Intentions

Jay is passionate about bringing kirtan opportunities to Wausau. He has always loved devotional singing, having sung in church choir and as a Catholic Church cantor for many years. Jay was exposed to kirtan a few years ago and fell in love how kirtan can open the heart and touch the deepest parts of our being.

Credentials

Jay is certified as a 200 hour Viniyoga Wellness Instructor from the River Flow Yoga Teacher Training School and the American Viniyoga Institute.  He is a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 hour level with Yoga Alliance.  Jay has cultivated a lifelong interest in scripture, sacred music and chant that finds much resonance in the teachings of the Yoga Sutra and Bhakti Yoga.  He has studied at the Vedic Chant Institute, where he continues to take regular lessons. Jay is also studying Kirtan leadership with Kirtan artist Mike Cohen.

Relevant Work History

Jay Coldwell, FSA, MAAA worked for 36 years as a health insurance actuary and product manager, and is now studio manager of 5 Koshas Yoga and Wellness in Wausau, WI.

Offerings

Special Kirtan and Chanting Events Yoga teacher - Seniors, Yoga Therapeutics

Intentions

Mary’s intention is to meet you where you are and to help you move and change from that starting point. “This practice is about finding the tools and practices that help you. I’m not interested in trendy cookie-cutter practice that may not suit your interests, health condition or age. Let’s find what works for you.” Mary guides attention and awareness so that students come to a deeper understanding of their own body, breath and mind. “A good teacher should help you gain greater self-sufficiency and understanding with simple tools.” She observes students during practice and adapts the practice as needed for safety and effectiveness. Her teaching is infused with reminders about and perspectives on the breath. “The breath is the key to the work that we do. It’s the bridge between the body and the mind and once that connection is strengthened through practice, our structure, physiology and mind transform in subtle and profound ways. If you are coming to class to make your body feel better, you’ll leave with many additional tools.” Mary enjoys bringing the full range of yoga teachings into her classes with a gentle and playful nature. She teaches people of all ages, interests, and abilities. Her love of family, friends, hiking, biking, paddling, gardening, cooking, nature, reading and travel informs her approach to teaching and life.  

Credentials

• Over 3300 hours yoga teaching experience
• Practitioner of yoga for 26 years
• Teacher of yoga for 17 years
• Certified Viniyoga Therapist – 500 hour program – Studied with Gary Kraftsow and the American Viniyoga Institute, 2008-09
• Certified Viniyoga Teacher – 500 hour level – Studied with Gary Kraftsow and the American Viniyoga Institute, 2006-07
• Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher – 200 hour Level – Studied with Elizabeth (Chandler) Patric, 2002
• Registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 500 (Experienced 500 hour yoga teacher with over 2000 hours of teaching experience teaching yoga to groups and individuals)
• Member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists
• Registered Dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Past State President, Wisconsin Dietetics Association
• Certified Dietitian with the State of Wisconsin

Relevant Work History

• Training Coordinator, American Viniyoga Institute 200 hour Viniyoga Wellness Instructor Training
• Lead Teacher, American Viniyoga Institute 200 hour Viniyoga Wellness Instructor Training, Wausau, WI, 2014-15
• Faculty, American Viniyoga Institute’s Viniyoga Therapist Training, 2012 and 2014 programs
• Past Coordinator, Viniyoga Wellness Programs, Viniyoga Stress Reduction Program (worksite wellness program) and Former Director of Administration, American Viniyoga Institute
• Co-Teacher, American Viniyoga Institute 200 hr. Viniyoga Wellness Instructor Training in Warrenville, IL, 2012 and Training Coordinator, American Viniyoga Institute’s Foundation for Yoga Therapy Training, Watsonville, CA, 2011
• 30 year career in public health, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention, working in private practice and local and state public health agencies, most recently with the UW-Comprehensive Cancer Center and as a consultant to Marathon County Health Department

Offerings

• General & Therapeutic classes
• Workshops, Retreats, Mini-Retreats
• Worksite & Other Special Yoga Events
• 200 hr. Yoga teacher training in collaboration with the American Viniyoga Institute, LLC
• Private Yoga Instruction, Personal Yoga Classes or Individualized Yoga Therapy
• General Yoga and Yoga Therapy group class series program development for worksites and studios
• Mentoring and programs for professional development of yoga teachers and Yoga Therapists

Intentions

My aim is to meet students where they are and lead an exploration of the many benefits of yoga. Focusing on breath and movement with awareness opens a door for practitioners to reconnect with their inner wisdom and cultivate practice self-care. Yoga encourages people to bring their best to the present moment; practice rejuvenates the body and spirit. I am interested in exploring the connection between movement, mindfulness and leadership.

Credentials

I have been practicing yoga consistently since 2004. My initial exposure to yoga was as a teen; my recent practice has led me to appreciate the benefits of yoga beyond the physical. I have incorporated yoga techniques into my professional life as an educator, teaching organizational development, leadership skills and conflict management. I completed my 200 hour Viniyoga Wellness Instructor certification in June 2015 with the American Viniyoga Institute and River Flow Yoga Teacher Training School. I have a BS and MS degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Relevant Work History

• Teaching a Yoga and Leadership course
• Organizational development, strategic planning, team building, conflict management and negotiation, compassionate communication
• Passionate about fiber arts, nonviolent communication, and building local economies.

   

Offerings

Group classes Retreats - special interest in leadership skills and team building  

Intentions

Susan Weinschenk is a behavioral scientist with a Ph.D. in Psychology. She is the author of several books on brain and behavioral science, the Chief Behavioral Scientist at The Team W, Inc. and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Susan has been practicing yoga and meditation for several decades, and Mindfulness meditation specifically for 7 years. She teaches workshops and presents keynotes on brain science and human behavior around the world, and locally has previously taught meditation and reiki classes at UW Marathon and UW Marshfield continuing education programs.  Dr. Weinschenk writes a blog at Medium.com and is a regular columnist for Psychology Today Magazine online.

Intentions

Beginning Pilate Mat introduction to the founding principles of the Pilates Method focusing on alignment and deep activation of core through breath integration.  Strengthening the core, flexibility and stabilization will be focused on throughout the class. Intermediate Pilate Mat continues to expand on the principles of the Pilates Method that challenges and expands the various activities creating a challenging flow of endurance. Alignment, breath integration of core activation, strengthening and flexibility will progress through repetition and clarity of form. Beginning Tribal Belly Dance introduces the beauty of isolation and flow of this natural organic movement. Students will experience a variety of isolations and deeply embody their individual exploration of movement.

Credentials

Pamela Luedtke is a certified Pilates instructor through Balance Body® Institute. She also instructs dance throughout Central Wisconsin and has been an Associate Lecturer instructing ballet and modern technique with the dance department at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point since 2002.  She is also the founder and artistic director of Point Dance Ensemble, a non-profit dance company in Portage County consisting of dancers ages 11-18. Pamela is also certified in Educational Kinesiology (Brain Gym) and is an instructor/ consultant for schools in Wisconsin assisting with curriculum integration of neuro-muscular movement and the founding member of Shuvani Tribal Belly Dance. She has instructed Belly Dance for the last 16 years. In addition to her busy career, Pamela also loves to sew and creates accessories such as jewelry, bags and various items for belly dance costumes.

Relevant Work History

• Movement Instructor at the Tomorrow River Charter School, Amherst WI 2015-Currently
• Brain Gym Certification through the Education Kinesiology Foundation Venture, California 2005
• Balance Body Institute, Sacramento California 2014
• Professional Dance experience in NYC, NY 1989-1997
• Soloist with the Mary Anthony Dance Theatre and Movement Instructor for Actors at the Herghof Studio, NYC

   

Offerings

Group classes and Private Instruction in Pilates and Belly dance, special events include Group Belly Dance celebrations for women.  

Intentions

"Much later in life, upon retirement, I decided to try a yoga class (really at my wife’s insistence). It was an awakening to a side of life that I had sometimes searched for and at other times had run from. I began practicing yoga on an almost daily basis. My mat was taken on vacations. My study and practice of yoga has led to a meditation practice and a spirituality of greater depth. I have lived a successful life because others took the time to recognize me as a person with a name and lend a helping hand. It is my intention to do the same for those whom I teach.” Bill wants students to experience increased confidence and renewed vigor gained from increases in strength and balance. The relationship between breath and movement is an important transmission that you will receive in Bill’s classes in yoga postures and with use of free weights. Bill’s classes are infused with yoga philosophy consistent with the Viniyoga approach, a comprehensive approach to yoga practice. His love of family, friends and the outdoors will be felt in his teaching. His experiences also inform what he brings into classes. Bill’s summers are occupied with paddling (solo canoe and kayak), hiking, biking (Wausau Wheelers), and entertaining 8 grandchildren. His winter silent sport activities include cross country skiing and snowshoeing. You can find Bill behind the counter at the Nine Mile Forest ski chalet a couple of days a week when there is skiable snow on the ground. His volunteer time is spent at The Neighbor’s Place in Wausau, repairing donated bikes, and at the Christine Center. The Christine Center is a retreat center located in Willard, Wisconsin where he constructs and maintains walking trails.

Credentials

• Currently teaching a men’s yoga class and strength training class.
• Experience teaching a Men's yoga class and a yoga class focused on stress reduction for elementary school teachers.
• Co-taught a weekend yoga and meditation retreat at The Christine Center in Willard, WI.
• Yoga practitioner since 2004
• Graduate of the 200 hr. Viniyoga Wellness Instructor Training, Wausau, through the American Viniyoga Institute and River Flow Yoga Teacher Training School.
• Training with the Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX in police fitness testing and exercise prescription.
• Training with the Department of Kinesiology, UW – Milwaukee, in fitness appraisal and body fat measurement.

Relevant Work History

• Bill has taught a large variety of weight training and other fitness classes since 1971, both on a full time and part time basis.  He has been weight training weekly since 1964.
• Twenty years of testing and training police recruits and recruit applicants in strength and cardiovascular training.

Offerings

Yoga classes, including Men's No Lycra Yoga and Yoga-Infused Strength Training Yoga Retreats at the Christine Center that focus on meditation

Intentions

I have been belly dancing since 1999 and teaching tribal style belly dance since 2004. I have taught the American Tribal Style Belly Dance repertoire as well as classes in tribal style belly dance, tribal fusion belly dance, and classical Indian Kathak dance. Select studies include: American Tribal Style Belly dance, classical Indian Kathak dance in Varanasi, India, sufi whirling, Berber and Amazigh dance, trance dancing, Turkish Romani, North African, Egyptian, Ouled Nail, and flamenco styles.  I am a certified Women's Temple Leader through the Awakening Women Institute. I am an avid adventure racer, artist, aspiring yogini, and dog-mom.  I live in Rib Mountain with my husband and our dog, Mick.    

Credentials

Select Dance Studies

• Florida Tribal Dance Teacher Training: Lacey Sanchez, FL 2011
• Suhaila Dance Technique studies: Tiffany Bisconer, FL  2007
• American Tribal Style Belly Dance Training: Carolena Nericcio, CA 2007
• Tribal Fusion Intensive: Rachel Brice, NV 2007
• Kathak Dance studies: Matar Prasad, Varanasi India 2004
• Tribal Belly Dance studies: Pamela Luedtke, Stevens Point, WI 1999-2002
• Modern Dance: Turning Point Dance Academy, WI 1998-2002
• Ballet: Turning Point Dance Academy, WI 2000-2001

Select Workshops Attended Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Carolena Nericcio, Moria Chappell, Heather Stance of Urban Tribal, Paulette Rees Denis, Alicia of Belly Craft, Pamela Luedtke, Lisa Myers, Lacey Sanchez of Florida Tribal Dance, Echan and Mila of Japan, Jill Parker weekend intensive, Olivia Kissel and Maria Hamer of Zafira, the Mezmer Society, Megha of Devyani Dance Co., Sharon Kihara, Amy Sigil of Unmata, Kaya, John Compton, Ariellah, Neena and Veena, Dalia Carella, Artemis Mourat, Donna Mejia, Sera Solstice, Mira Betz, Sherri Wheatly, Artemis Mourat, Amel Taftsout.

Relevant Work History

Class and Workshop Teaching Experience

• Tribal style belly dance classes: University of Wisconsin Marathon County, WI 2012-2015
• Tribal fusion style belly dance classes: University of Miami, FL 2008-2012
• Improvisational belly dance workshops: CWES, WI, 2011
• Tribal belly dance classes: Lotus Dance Studio, Pembroke Pines, FL  2007-2010
• Belly dance conditioning and choreography workshops: Thorp, WI 2008
• American Tribal Style workshops: Dania, FL and Palm Beach, FL 2007
• Tribal belly dance classes: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, WI 2004-2007
• Kathak dance classes: UWEC Concert Dance Co., University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, WI 2005
• Kathak dance workshops: Turning Point Dance Academy, WI 2004

Select Performance Experiences

• Solo performances throughout California, Florida, and Wisconsin  2004-present
• Tribalcon: Decatur, GA, 2011 and 2012
• Miami Belly Dance Convention: Miami, FL 2011
• Spirit of the Tribes: Fort Lauderdale, FL 2007 and 2008
• Founder of Peanut Butter & Gypsy tribal belly dance troupe: Eau Claire, WI 2004-2007
• Member of Shuvani tribal belly dance troupe: Stevens Point, WI 1999-present

Offerings

• Co-teaching Tribal Belly Dance with Pamela Luedtke
• Group instruction available upon request.
• Solo or group performances with Shuvani Tribal Dance for artistic or cultural events.

Intentions

With over 20 years of experience as a practitioner and teacher in Martial Arts, Jamie is committed to sharing the history, techniques and life skills of Martial Arts to his students. Newcomers to consistent practitioners, children to seniors - all levels and abilities to Martial Arts are carefully guided and encouraged with Jamie’s skilled teaching techniques, sense of humor and strong ethics.  

Credentials

Jamie trains 7 different styles of martial art from all over the world in addition to teaching mental focus and concentration to students who want more tools for attention deficit, increased memory and stress relief.

“It is my goal to provide my students with a tailor made, individualized personal experience that will foster growth in mind, body and spirit for years to come.”

Since the early 1990’s, Jamie has studied and practiced with Guro Steve Fristoe and Guro Dan Inosanto and many other world renowned martial artists. Guro Jamie has worked his way through a seven year Apprenticeship program in the Inosanto International Martial Art Instructor Association and is currently an Associate Instructor in Kali ( Filipino Martial Art ), Jun Fan ( Bruce Lee) Gung Fu & Majapahit Martial Arts.  Guro Jamie is the only person in Wausau with all three certifications.  

Relevant Work History

Jamie currently studies Human Services at Northcentral Technical College where he serves as Vice President of Fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa which is an International Honor Society for two year colleges.  

Offerings

Kali Martial Arts classes

Intentions

Pauline’s intention is to weave her love of nature, art and movement into her classes inspiring you to tap into a simple, yet powerful lifestyle.  “You leave feeling calm, yet energized. The stressful parts of your day, or bigger challenges you face, have faded into the background. Yes, you increase your flexibility, strength, balance and mental clarity, but more happens.” “The conscious movement and breath awareness you practice in yoga class goes deeper and carries over into your daily life. It is fun to notice how you begin to make subtle shifts, changing old habits, both physical and mental.” Yoga presented itself to Pauline in her late forties. At first the freedom and curiosity of the physical postures drew her in. Through training, self-study and practice, the deeper benefits of yoga unfolded.  With a desire to share yoga with others, in 2007 she trained at the 200 level, studying a blend of yoga disciplines with a focus on modifications and moderation to make the practice available to all. Upon completing her 200 level training with Mary Hilliker and the American Viniyoga Institute in Spring 2015, Pauline will become certified in the teaching of Viniyoga, a tradition of yoga that can be adapted to support your physical and emotional needs throughout the various stages of life. Pauline has been an aerobic dance student for 33 years, enjoys social ballroom dance and walking/hiking.

Credentials

• Registered Yoga Teacher – 200 hour level with Yoga Alliance
• 2007 – Completed 200 level yoga teacher training
• 2015 – Completed the 200 hr. Viniyoga Wellness Instructor Training through the American Viniyoga Institute and River Flow Yoga Teacher Training School
• Ongoing – workshops and continued education

Relevant Work History

• Teaching group yoga classes since November 2005
• Experience in teaching private lessons
• Offers yoga classes for special events

Offerings

• Group classes
• Private instruction
• Special events

Intentions

Heather’s intentions include providing you with a welcoming space to begin from where you are, cultivating strength, balance and awareness. Self transformation is a daily practice and Heather supports you in your journey by sharing many yoga tools you can use on and off the mat. Each practice focuses on breath guided movements to help muscles stretch and strengthen, the body release tension and the mind become quiet from the multi-tasking of the day. Time with her family near Lake Michigan ranks as Heather’s favorite.  She explores many seasonal outdoor activities and enjoys participating in half marathons. Heather continues to experience firsthand how the tools of yoga can cultivate ‘mindful living’ for a balanced body, focused mind and open heart. With a touch of humor and creative sequencing, Heather looks forward to practicing with you in a beautiful studio space. In the summer and autumn months, join Heather for outdoor classes atop Rib Mountain on Monday evenings. Additionally, Heather is passionate about local food and offers mini-retreats combining yoga & nutrition. Meeting yourself where you are at, Heather invites you to reconnect to what is important to you within your body, breath, mind, character and heart.

Credentials

• Practitioner of yoga for over 15 years
• Teacher of yoga for over 4 years
• Over 2,500 hours yoga teaching experience
• Registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 500 (Experienced 500 hour yoga teacher with over 2000 hours of teaching experience teaching yoga to groups and individuals)
• Certified Viniyoga Teacher – 500 hour level – Student of Gary Kraftsow, founder of American Viniyoga Institute
• Registered Yoga Teacher – 200 hour level – trained in the Viniyoga Tradition as a Student of Mary Hilliker
• Master’s Degree, Education
• Student of Leslie Kaminoff, founder of the Breathing Project, Advanced Studies in Anatomy and Movement

Relevant Work History

• Full-time Yoga Teacher
• Teacher assistant for Mary Hilliker, American Viniyoga Institute 200 hour Viniyoga Wellness Instructor Training, Wausau, WI, 2014-15
• Former Business owner
• Former High School & Jr. High English Teacher and Coach

Offerings

• General classes
• Outdoor summer and autumn classes
• Corporate wellness classes
• Workshops
• Mini-retreats
• Yoga and vegetarian meal mini-retreats
• Yoga and art mini-retreats
• Special events
• Family yoga
• Private yoga instruction