Meet our yoga instructors
Chicago's most experienced Hatha yoga instructors.
Interested in becoming a yoga instructor? Explore our 200hr Yoga Alliance Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, starting September 2021.
BSY Teacher Training
Karina Wong
It's well known at BSY that Karina is one of the most challenging teachers with a knack for developing stunningly creative sequences. She cares deeply for her students and ensures that they are cared for and encouraged while in her class.
Claire Harper
Claire has been teaching yoga since 2011. She practices so she can connect with her body, be playful, and recharge. She enjoys sharing those same feelings with others through her teaching.
Nicolette Downs
Nicolette is the owner of BSY, she has been teaching since 2012 and opened the studio in 2019. She's enjoys introducing new students to the practice and building the community of dedicated practitioners at BSY.
Emma Gyger
There's never a dull moment in Emma's class. She delivers a lighthearted approach to a challenging practice, some really bad dad jokes and all the smiles.
Gina Reynolds
Gina teaches because she wants everybody to discover and love this amazing thing that she loves—yoga! She enjoys the creative aspect of putting together a sequence and crafting a class to prepare the body for peak poses.
Cassie Grafstrom
Cassie has gained so much from her yoga teachers, and teaching is a way for her to give some of that back to others. She loves to connect with her students and the BSY community.
Annie V. Reynoso
Annie has been teaching since 2011, she is passionate about the practice and what it can do for someone - transforming the physical, emotional, and the mind. Her classes are energetic and challenging.
Dylan Batman
Dylan (no relation to Batman), has been teaching yoga since June 2020 he was in the first graduation class of BSY's YTT. His classes are filled with a whole lot of fun...and push ups.
Aryanna Mohseni
Although Aryanna would never admit it, she is an amazing teacher! Her calming presence puts students at ease in her class and she introduces poses is an approachable way that makes anything seem possible.
Jonathan Harper
Jon enjoys a challenge, but doesn't like to rush. This is exactly the energy he brings to his classes, expert long holds in poses, time to try new things, and fun, upbeat music.
Loredana Perri
Loredana holds the record at BSY for 'most soothing voice', try her class and see for yourself. She's recently expanded her teaching from just asana to meditation as well, and incorporates singing bowls on occasion.
Helena Baron
Helena is a bright light of a person and her cheery disposition motivates the students in her class to achieve their personal best. She provides a strong focus on proper alignment and accessible variations.
Alice Su
In Alice's class you'll have fun trying to push yourself, attempting challenging poses, and long holds. She supports her students and encourage them along the way; "the best part is one day, realizing how far you’ve come."
Adriana Parrilha
In Adrianna's class she shares her experiences as a dedicated student of yoga to help her students access poses and feel great about themselves. Plus, you can't help but love her Brazilian accent.
Amy Simoneau
Amy's teaching style incorporates strength, balance, flexibility, and self-awareness into each pose in order to stimulate the mind as well as restore and shape the body.
Kate Hardwick
The practice continues to delight and surprise Kate as she shares it with her students. Expect her classes to be sneaky strenuous with moments of hippie wisdom.
All you need to know
What COVID precautions are you taking?
It's our priority to keep staff and students safe. We require masks worn at all times and classes are limited to 12 students with mats spaced apart. In addition, an air filter is running in the studio and surfaces are frequently sanitized. 90% of our staff are already vaccinated and we offer consent cards for hands-on adjustments, so it's easy to opt-out if you're not comfortable being touched.
Why is yoga good for me?
Yoga is an excellent way to relax your mind and body. It's one of the best low-impact form of exercise and can be great for recovering from an injury or cross-training with another physical activity. It doesn't require any experience or special gear to get started, so try it out and see the benefits for yourself.
I'm new to yoga. What should I bring?
Just yourself dressed in comfortable clothing! We have free mats and props at the studio you can use. Of course, if you have your own mat or props you'd like to use, feel free to bring them. Sometimes a water bottle and hand towel can be useful too.
Can I book a class online?
Yes you can! You can register for both our in-studio and online classes on the schedule page of our website. You'll find the broadcast (zoom) link for online classes in the calendar widget after you register (and are logged into Tula).
Where is the studio located?
Big Shoulders Yoga is located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Our address is: 1645 West Chicago Avenue. We are one block west of Ashland Avenue on the south side of Chicago Avenue.
