Depth of Expertise
"The depth of knowledge, expertise, caring and professionalism of all instructors at Prairie Yoga provided me with the knowledge to teach with confidence and the inspiration and insight to continue to grow my practice." - Jeff Brainbridge
Instructors Embody Yoga
"The Prairie Yoga 250 hour foundational yoga teacher training has given me a solid foundation to begin my teaching journey. The curriculum was comprehensive, with not only a focus on alignment and safety, but rich in the history and philosophy of this ancient discipline well beyond asana. The instructors are highly knowledgeable, caring, and truly embody yoga as a way of life. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to become a yoga teacher or deepen their knowledge of yoga, and I look forward to continuing my education with this program." - Danielle Dunn
Amazing Guidance and Support
"Prairie Yoga yoga teacher training provided an unparalleled educational experience. Training was authentic and delved deeply into philosophy, biomechanics and anatomy, advanced poses, usage of props, and adaptation of yoga for all bodies. I found the curriculum in Therapeutic Yoga techniques to be especially compelling and essential to my own ability to teach and adapt yoga in my classes as well as private yoga sessions. Moreover, the support that I received from my mentor, the teachers and owner, as well as my fellow students was invaluable. I would not have been able to receive and complete this amazing experience without their guidance and support. Prairie yoga teacher training has had an enormous impact on the way I teach yoga now and in the future." - Renee Mitchell
Dedicated and Knowledgeable
"Prairie Yoga's teacher training is by far outstanding. No where in the world have I experienced such dedicated and knowledgeable group of teachers that know how to teach teachers." - Heidi Liecker
They Care about You
"I needed an in-person training option and I sure am happy that I found the Prairie Yoga Teacher Training program, it was an amazing experience. The support and dedication of the teaching staff was consistent and unwavering. All members of the teaching staff were professional and knowledgeable. Beyond that, they TRULY cared about each of us and our own personal journey with yoga. I am certain I received the best training possible!" - Kateri Paeglow
Knowledgeable, Patient, and Kind
"Prairie Yoga offers an amazing teacher training program. It is a great mix of philosophy, teaching skills, and hands on practice/learning. The teachers are so knowledgeable, patient and kind. I would highly recommend this training program to anyone interested in becoming a teacher or just deepening their practice of yoga." - Sumiaya Caughey
Developed Deep Friendships
"I entered the teacher training program through Prairie Yoga because some of the teachers I admired had come from there as students and teacher trainers. My hope was to have the opportunity to share with others the same life changing benefits yoga had gifted me. I did end up having an amazing learning experience and much, much more. It opened up a deeper understanding of self and what I was capable of. I discovered strengths that I am using to move my life in new and sometimes challenging directions. And I have developed the deepest friendships of my life, which i contribute to finding like-minded people on the same path of discovery. They are exceptional teachers that encouraged and mirrored to us the possibilities of where this could take us and how to get there." - Keith Williams
Top Notch, Rigorous Curriculum and Skilled Teachers
"What you created at Prairie is very, very special. I'm forever grateful for the teacher training I took with Tricia and for the workshops I've taken with Marinda and Linda. Thank you for providing such a stellar YTT program and curriculum. I was led to YTT by a teacher who told me about a teacher training talk that Reeny was giving at The Yoga Shop in the city in 2018. I loved what I heard and signed up and am so very grateful for all that I've learned, including exploration of yogic philosophy, anatomy, proper alignment, the Sutras, Sanskrit, the 8 Limbs, etc., etc.! My training at Prairie has strengthened me as a practitioner and as a teacher. Thank you for such a top notch, rigorous curriculum and skilled teachers.
Lauren Streff, Park Ridge, IL
Gave Me Opportunity to Teach Yoga in My Home Studio for the Past 12 Years
"I am so grateful that Prairie Yoga has been a part of my life. My yoga teacher training has given me the opportunity to teach yoga in my home studio for the past 12 years… and through Zoom during Covid. Several other people in my class went on to open yoga studios of their own. I opted to stay smaller and teach from my home. When I started in 2011, I simply told my friends and massage clients about it, and soon started teaching 4 classes a week (with 7 students per class)…and by word of mouth, I quickly had over 30 people waiting to get a spot in my classes! I continue to have a list of “subs” who get in when they can. The friendships and bonds between students has been something I never anticipated. It is one of the best parts of teaching for me! Continuing to adapt and modify practices as people age and have health issues has given them the confidence they need to keep active…a personal interest you just can’t get in a large gym setting. I have kept in touch with other students from my Prairie class and those friendships are so meaningful to me. None of that would have happened without you, Lori Gaspar!! I would have gone on to do yoga training somewhere, but I can’t imagine being trained as well. The whole program you created was one I am so thankful for. I truly feel it was the most solid and comprehensive program for me."
Cyndi Karges, Joliet, IL
Great Benefit to My Own Professional Work as a College Professor and Conductor
"Prairie Yoga’s 250-hour teacher training summer intensive was an eye-opening, powerful, and joyful experience! I expected great instruction but had no idea how comprehensive the training would be; beyond learning insightful detail behind the asanas, we learned how to teach, and how to understand yoga practice and instruction within a broader context that applied to all areas of our professional and personal lives. Tricia was a brilliant teacher; Chris, an invaluable mentor and assistant; and all the individual mentors helped make our experience truly life-changing. I consider my fellow trainees “family” and know that my own professional work as a college professor and conductor will benefit greatly from all I have learned. I look forward to continuing my growth through Prairie workshops and classes and I recommend this training to anyone who wants to experience rigorous and encouraging training; this is “the real deal!"
Ramona Wis, Ph.D., Naperville, IL
I Grew in So Many Ways Through This Program
"Prairie Yoga was such a great place to be this summer. I was sad (I'm sure my classmates felt the same way) when class sessions were over. I grew in so many ways through this program. I am more mindful in practicing asanas, not to mention I know what the Sanskrit names are! Pranayama and meditation were not a big part of my practice, but they are now. My perspective has changed from being all about the pose to bringing my mind, breath and body into my practice. Still learning!
Rose Gloor, Sugar Grove, IL
Thorough Training
"It has been an incredible nearly 2 years of teacher training and personal discovery. Thank you for the thorough training Prairie offers, I really appreciate all the requirements we had to do, I learned so much from taking my time with them. I am blessed to have you as my mentors and teachers, along with my people here in Fort Wayne."
Jess Kellenberger, Fort Wayne, IN
Deep Practice, Many Paths
The Prairie Yoga 250 hour teacher training was just what I hoped for! It offered a well-balanced and very foundational approach to a yoga practice, from a perspective of heading into the world to teach, as well as with my own personal practice. The program stripped everything I knew down to the core and rebuilt it from the ground up. At times, this wasn't an easy thing to go through, but it was a great stepping stone to deepening and growing my yoga practice. After practicing for 6 years, I thought I had learned a lot already. But, I really learned that this practice is so much deeper than I can imagine and there are so many paths to follow. The information and learning is endless. Wherever your passion takes you, you can grow. It's inspiring to know that there is always something so much more, and the practice can grow in many directions, from asana to meditation, pranayama, ayurveda, philosophy, and more. Coming to the training was a highlight for me each month, and I looked forward to learning in the "classroom" environment with the great community of teachers, assistants, mentors, and students. And... it was amazing that I got to do it right at home at the place where it all started for me, Cascade Yoga! April was a great teacher and I am honored to have spent the time learning from her. Her and Ellen were always available to answer my questions when they arose, and offered a very open and nurturing learning environment.
Jeremy Arndt, Grand Rapids, MI
Schedule Options Make it Easy to Take Training when Working
"Prairie Yoga 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is a wonderful program for anyone interested in becoming a Yoga instructor or deepening their knowledge of Yoga. The program is set up so that you can still work part-time or full-time. The 'mentoring' portion is an asset because it provides students with the 'one-on one' relationship with a person who completed the program. The reading materials provide valuable information and the teachers/mentors provide much integrity and support."
Kristin Malone, Glen Ellyn, IL
Training for Life both In and Out of the Studio
"My 250 Hour Teacher Training experience with Prairie Yoga was way more than I expected. I went into it all unsure of things, of myself, and looking to dive a bit deeper into my practice and to see if I had what it would take to give my love and appreciation of yoga to others. Prairie’s training, with the wonderful guidance of Lori Gaspar, April Storms, and Ellen McNamara, instilled within me the knowledge and the confidence to spread the joy and benefit of yoga to others from the ground up. The instruction was so in-depth and flowed so naturally from these women, all while remaining at a level that was comfortable enough to soak in as a beginner teacher. Prairie allowed me to find my own spirit and confidence of teaching as well as open up a whole new side to myself that otherwise would not have been explored so deeply. Prairie’s training most definitely teaches you for practice both on and off your mat, for life both in and out of the studio. I would recommend Prairie’s training to others in an instant due to the appreciation I have for the training’s structure, the confidence I walked away with from the whole experience, the knowledge I have moving forward, and the solid relationships I made in the process. Thank you sincerely."
Claire Bos, Holland, MI
A Spark that Re-Ignited a Career
"The simple phrase, "Thank you," does not seem nearly enough to express the gratitude I feel for the light you've helped to shine upon my new path. With the age of 40 creeping up on me, I must admit the thought of starting a new career used to be terrifying, but now I can honestly say I couldn't be more thrilled and, more importantly, content with the feeling that this is what I am supposed to be doing. Ask me 5 years ago... and I would have never guessed. Your passion is truly a gift, as well as infectious, and I thank you. It is perhaps fortunate, however true, that prior to my time at Prairie I was feeling very stuck and in a bit of a stale dark place. Prairie became a spark which has re-ignited the fire in me and I am so grateful. Thank you for continuing to share your light and your gift and for keeping the bar set high. While I feel I have learned so much, I know there is so much left to discover and can't wait to see where this new knowledge takes me."
Jen Nielsen, Glen Ellyn, IL
What a Yoga Community Truly Is
"The program has so many strengths. First, I think the balance between topic areas was very appropriate. The balance between homework assignments, requirements, readings, asana, pranayama, meditation, and teaching experiences allowed me to be very challenged, yet I never once thought it was impossible to complete. Another strength was the approach to teaching proper alighment- the breakdown of each body part in an alignment-based practice or asana allowed us students to practice it on our own bodies and absord it completely, to better be able to teach it. In addition, the time requirements for all assignments offered a consistent schedule. Another strength lies in the teachers - April and Ellen put in so much effort which was evident throughout the full nine months. Their readiness to help with anything at anytime, and their support truly made the experience. April's knowledge, time commitment, wisdom, and authenticity in every area helped the training be so successful. Another strength was the layout of the TT Manual and texts required. The manual offers so much information in a readily accessible fashion and I find the text books selected to be very helpful in expanding my understanding and at-home practice. The high level of organization and communication throughout the nine months, allowed it to flow smoothly and seamlessly. I personally think one of the biggest strengths lies in the attitudes of the teachers and mentors, revealing the true importance of community in the yoga world. I did not enter into the trianing with many expectations, I had just seen my mother go through it, and saw her personal yoga practice blossom. Looking back over the past nine months, I seriously cannot believe how much information, understanding, and expereince I gained. My personal practice has transformed dramatically to a safer, truer practice, which has allowed me to gain such confidence. I came to the realization of what true Yoga is. And in addition to all the information I gained, I also came face to face with humility, learning how much there is that I do not know. And this has fueled such a passion in me to continue to learn. I am confident that my experience with Prairie is unlike any other program; Prairie teaches the practice of yoga using all the core values that yoga encompasses. The level of authenticity and commitment really made the experience life changing! I would recommend this training to others interested, knowing with certainty that Prairie training offers students with a complete understanding of a safe and proper alignment-based practice."
Erin Hilbert, Grand Rapids, MI
Caretakers of a Sacred Tradition
Ellen Scollins, Naperville, IL
From Power Yoga to Prairie
"I connected so well with your teaching style Lori and never felt confused or in over my head. I also think you do an excellent job of answering all the questions we trainees had. You were quick to perceive what was at the heart of our questions and to address all of our concerns. I'll be honest that before I started the training at Prairie I was a little worried because up to that point my yoga practice had been exclusively at studios that offered heated vinyasa flow or power yoga. I worried the program would not be rigorous enough and that I'd miss the heat. After completing the program I can say that my fears were unfounded. The program at Prairie deeply impacted my yoga practice and challenged me to grow and expand as a student of yoga and now a yoga teacher. I didn't miss the heat even once, and while I still enjoy a heated practice I have a greater appreciation for many styles of yoga and have even grown to love practicing on my own at home. I feel prepared to walk into almost any studio and teach in many styles of yoga. The program at Prairie gave me a depth of knowledge and a solid foundation of yoga that I will be building upon for years to come as both a student and a teacher. More then anything, the training taught me that there is so much more to learn and that yoga is a journey that is for a lifespan. Leaving the program I feel excited to start teaching and see where it leads!"
Rebecca Stiles, Woodridge, IL
A Life-Enhancing Program
"I am so thankful you offered this program at Cascade Yoga Studio and for the wonderful guidance and teachings by April Storms. This has been a fantastic, life enhancing program and I continue to put into practice all of my learnings."
Kathy Julien, Ada, MI
The Yale of Yoga
"I hold you and the teachers in our training in the highest esteem. You really are the Yale of yoga training."
Ruta Kulys, Springfield, IL
The University of Yoga
"Thank you Lori! I have learned so much from you and all the other teachers at Prairie in the 500 Hour Advanced Training. I think of your studio as the "University of Yoga." I look forward to many more years of practicing and studying with you and all the members of Prairie."
Juli Cronin, Elmhurst, IL
Picking Up More Clients—Even a Pro Hockey Player
"I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed the 500 hour yoga teacher training. I have learned so much and know I have so much more to learn. Much to my surprise, many more people have been seeking me out for privates. In addition to the few I already have, I have picked up a former pro hockey player recovering from 2 years off his feet with chemo and radiation and has neuropathy. Another woman who has scoliosis and was in a car accident 6 months ago, wants to start a consistent yoga program."
L.R. Winnetka, IL
Landing the Impossible Jobs
"Because I went to Prairie Yoga, I've been able to get jobs that I would not have gotten if I'd gone to any other school."
Julie Hopkins, Winfield, IL
Teaching in Community Grows Confidence
"The Training was more than I could have expected; I had hoped for a basic understanding of the poses but walked out with so much more. The instruction was very clear; Tricia/Linda (plus mentors) explained not only how to get into (and out of) the pose safely/correct but why positioning was important, how breathing came into play, what chakra was impacted, how emotions come into play, etc. I will say, the information provided on the way to sequence was fantastic. The time spent in class teaching to each other, the group work, the ‘team-teaching’ for community classes and video really allowed growth and confidence. The additional required workshops were icing on the cake."
April Waldrop, Geneva, IL
A Well-Rounded Yoga Education
"The Prairie Yoga 250 Hour program has given me a solid foundation to begin my teaching, as well as enhanced personal practice. Tricia Fiske is a knowledgeable and compassionate instructor who provided the essential pragmatic ‘how to do’, as well as the richness of the ‘why’. Linda, my mentor Jennifer, and the other mentors were all there for me. I felt the course provided me with an excellent foundational knowledge of a safe asana practice; ample but not an over-whelming amount of information on yoga history, philosophy, etc.; and a much better understanding of the various methods of breath work, along with how/when they should be applied. I love philosophy, history, theory, etc., but also I’m a pragmatist. I felt the syllabus provided a well-rounded yoga education. I thought that each of the three required workshops were excellent. I hope I can take each of them again someday! I could not ask for more. Thanks!"
Kathy Welsh, St. Charles, IL
The Resources to Teach Comprehensively
Lesley Ronson Brown, Wheaton, IL
Learning beyond the Classroom
Pat Perrier, Crest Hill, IL
More than a Pose
Barb Merrill, Geneva, IL
A Life-changing Experience
Misty Weeks, Caledonia, MI
Flexibility and Support When Lives Are Called Away from Coursework
Curriculum Challenges Instructor to Grow
“I travel an hour to come to Prairie Yoga. On my first day of the intermediate yoga teacher training, I was a little nervous. I knew my 200 hour training lacked any study of the yoga sutras or yoga philosophy. I thought I would be “behind” the other teachers. Right away, I felt a strong connection to Lori and Tricia’s style of teaching. I knew after the first day I would make the commitment for the 500 hour program. It won’t be easy, I know, but knowing Lori, Tricia and the amazing guest instructors in combination with the challenging curriculum and requirements, I will become a more well rounded and knowledgable yoga instructor.”
Laura Reynolds, Winnetka, IL
A Welcoming Atmosphere
Kathleen Heneghan, Chicago, IL
Amazing Mentors
Filled with Knowledge and Overflowing Gratitude
Preparation for Any Setting—from Health Club to a Private Studio
How I Learned to Help Students Reduce Pain with Yoga
Tracy Caracciolo, Owner of Yoga For You, Frankfort, IL
A Firm Foundation Matched by a Deep Love
Nancy Wedemeyer, Geneva, IL
Learning to Pay Attention
“I received everything I had hoped to gain from the Prairie Yoga Teacher Training. I am learning to pay more attention to what brings peace and joy in my life, as well as learning better ways to care for my body and my spirit.”
Dr. Judith Kuiper, Licensed psychologist; Ordained Christian Minister
A Better Teacher and a Better Student
Rachel Johanek, Denver, CO
Grateful for Mentoring
“I am so appreciative of the training and the mentoring I have had the chance to experience through Prairie Yoga and Cascade Yoga Studio.”
Evy Hazenberg, Ada, MI
Passing on the Truth: Yoga Is For Everyone
Cyndi Karges, Joliet, IL
A Reputation Expanding Beyond the Midwest
Every Experience: Always Fruitful
Amy Massat, Geneva, IL
Community Classes and Video Review Help Refine Teaching Skills
Tools to Be Extraordinary Teachers
A Serious Program for Students Serious about Yoga
Training Prepares You for the Job Search
Embracing the Resorative Power of Yoga
Cara Chang Mutert, Owner, The Yoga Lounge, Woodstock, IL
Peers+Mentors+Instructors=An Awesome Experience
Great Way for Me to Grow in My Practice
Prairie Yoga Is All about Integrity
An Excellent Reputation
Jo Meszaros, Wilmington, IL
“The teacher training at Prairie Yoga was life changing. It deepened every aspect of my practice. I am very honored and proud to have attended Prairie Yoga. It is highly respected and recognized in the yoga community. Thank you Lori!”
April Berta, Naperville, IL
A Manual of Sound Advice
Knowledge to Teach People of All Ages
Margaret O’Mullan, Hinsdale, IL
The Harvard of Yoga
“This is the Harvard of Yoga Teacher Training.”
Hollis Woodard
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
A Path to Personal Growth
“I loved the asana instruction, and it gave me the foundation and confidence to safely and effectively teach yoga classes. What I love the most about my training is that it helped put me on a path to personal growth. I am fascinated with how rich the discipline of yoga is, and about how my studies have helped me to develop as an individual. With the help of my wonderful teachers at Prairie Yoga, I see myself continuing on this yoga path for a long, long time to come.”
Lynda Carr, 200 hour and 500 hour graduate, Aurora, IL
The Spirit and Intention of Yoga
”Both Lori and April are such amazing teachers. The program taught me alignment and the skills to be a teacher. But I think most importantly, it taught me the spirit and intention of yoga that I can apply on and off the mat. And it has been so great to be a part of a community. All of the trainees have been very close and supportive of each other. I really can’t say enough.”
Alexandra Alcaraz, Grand Rapids, MI
High Expectations Balanced by Support
“One of the strengths of the program is the mentors–our group was wonderful! I liked the weekly pacing of the classes and the use of the props in our practice, as I don’t get that much at my home studio. Lori teaches what she loves, it’s so apparent. I appreciate her high expectations, not only of herself but also of the trainees. It’s important that trainees be supported and she does that very well.”
Becky Carlson, Marseilles, IL
Fortunate to Find Prairie Yoga
“I feel so fortunate to have found Prairie Yoga’s teacher training program. When I signed up, I didn’t even realize what great training and teachers I would be introduced to. Funny how things work out at the right time in our lives! The group of trainees were wonderful, too…I think there will be many long-time connections between us.”
Cyndi Karges, Joliet, IL
Treated with Respect and Maturity
“I highly recommend this training. Lori is very knowledgeable and exacting. Her love of yoga is inspiring. Also, she treats her students with respect and maturity. She wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is. I also like the fact that she has an advanced degree. That gives her program credibility.”
Cathy Mackenzie, Grand Rapids, MI
A Journey Launched
“I wanted to let you know that I am absolutely enjoying the Prairie Yoga teacher training program. Looking back at the past few months, I have grown so much and have met so many fantastic people. Although my yoga journey has just begun, I can’t wait to actually teach yoga. I am passionate about health and wellness, and I want to share with others the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental power yoga brings.”
Julie Liotine, Lisle, IL
The Best Investment I Ever Made
“My experience as a trainee in Prairie Yoga Teacher Training was one of the best investments I have ever made. The program was incredibly organized and thorough, and I really appreciated the balance between learning hands-on techniques and exploring the history and ethics involved with yoga. But above all, one of the most influential teaching aspects this program instilled in me was the importance of the safety of my students.”
Anna Raphael, Owner, Laketown Healing Arts, Holland, MI
I’m a Senior and Enrolled in Teacher Training
“I was intrigued by the idea of enrolling in the teacher training offered at CYS, but was unsure if someone my age and upper-50’s-body could do it. I’m glad I accepted the encouragement of the other teachers at CYS and did it! The training helped me immeasurably in my own practice, including helping me manage arthritis that I have had for many years. The opportunity to teach others who have sporadically, or never, practiced yoga has been a real joy and has really enriched my life.
Linda Ketterer, Grand Rapids, MI
I Gained Depth and Ability
“I am so thankful that I chose Prairie Yoga to take my 200-hour teacher training. Lori taught us an incredible amount of information in a very organized, thoughtful, and respectful way. This teacher training has brought depth and ability to my yoga practice as well as my life. I am forever grateful for what this opportunity has given to me. “
Jamie Kozlowicz, Grand Rapids, MI
Couldn’t Have Asked for Better
“I couldn’t have asked for a better program and mentors.”
Carrie Davis, Lisle, IL
Difficult Material Accessible, but Not Dumbed Down
Marinda’s Anatomy Class– WOW THAT WAS GREAT. I was so worried that it was going to be over my head and that I was just not going to get anything from it. But she was wonderful and most important she didn’t dumb it down. She put everything into regular words and matched it up with stuff that I will use it for when teaching. Hats off to you and Marinda for a great set of classes.
Kathleen Hall, Lisle, IL
Training Made a Difference in My Career
“I LOVED the teacher training in Fort Wayne last year. I still refer to the beautiful training manual for the classes I lead. The class made such a difference in not only my career as a therapist, but throughout my entire life. I hope everyone in Indiana felt as lucky as I did to have such great training, and all the master workshops that Prairie Yoga was able to help provide. Thank you again.”
Christine Nifong, Ft. Wayne, IN
A Privileged Learning Experience
“I can understand why your studio and your teaching is so well known and acknowledged. You are truly remarkable and yet, so down to earth! I love your passion for the teaching and sharing of yoga. My experience the past 8 months has been rich and rewarding. Thank you so much for offering such a privileged learning experience.”
Colleen Fasbender, Geneva, IL
“I Love the Manual!”
“Thank you for such a wonderful program! I learned a lot from the training and I loved all of the teachers. Great inspirations! I also love the manual. I use it all of the time for making sequences and re-reading things.”
Jessica Burkett, Columbia City, IN
Proud to Be Prairie Yoga Certified!
I have truly loved being part of this program. I am so happy that I decided to sign up for it! I am thrilled that I’ll soon be able to say I’m a Prairie Yoga Certified Yoga Instructor!
Linda Ritter, Ft. Wayne, IN
Training When I Needed It Most
“I am so grateful for this training. It has truly deepened my practice and it came at a time when I needed it the most. The last 2 years have been filled with tremendous challenges and many highs & lows. My yoga has kept me focused, grounded, and level-headed. So thank you for launching me on this journey!”
Sharon Schmuker, Rockford, MI
Compassionate yet Challenging
“I love your teaching style and think you are a compassionate yet challenging teacher – a great balance and I really enjoy being your student. My path has been uber-challenging and your teaching and your acceptance AND your high expectations have all been really good for me. Just wanted to let you know how much you have touched my life and what a lifeline and amazing learning experience this training is. It really is a great class and I really love all the fellow students.”
J.B., Lisle, IL
Tough Subject Made Interesting
“Marinda was absolutely amazing! She made a tough subject [anatomy] interesting. I learned so much and a lot that will benefit me in my yoga practice.”
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainee, Ft. Wayne, IN
Always the Student’s Best Interest in Mind
“I cannot say enough good things about Prairie Yoga’s Teacher Training Program. Lori Gaspar is not only a fantastic yoga teacher, but she directs the program with heart and the students best interest in mind. She encourages every prospective teacher to find their strengths and nurture them. The new facility in Lisle is outstanding and will support the awesome learning that takes place in the program. Her staff of co-teachers in the program, Tricia Fiske and April Storms are top notch – they are both compassionate and passionate about teaching yoga.”
Reeny Linstrom, 500 CYT, Glen Ellyn, IL
Applying What I Learn
“My workshop [for my Advanced Training Thesis] is going great. I am learning so much by taking the information I studied and applying it to the needs of the students. Working with Gabriel has also been a significant influence on expanding my knowledge and confidence. I am very grateful to have met him through your program. Before I started your program, I never would have thought that I could teach such a specialized workshop. Thank you for all your efforts to build a training program that prepares a teacher to become much more than just another person who teaches yoga.”
Tracy Caracciolo, 500 CYT, Owner, Yoga For You, Frankfort, IL
So Much to Learn from All the Limbs of Yoga
“We had a great weekend in Fort Wayne with April and Paula. I just wanted to again thank you for putting together such a comprehensive teacher training. I have been doing yoga for over 15 years and have been teaching several years already and was very concerned that I would not get my time and money’s worth if I did a 200 hr program BUT your program is so detailed and so full of ALL the limbs of yoga that there is always so much for me to learn and grow. You have such a well trained AND heartfelt group of teachers and we have such an open and ready to learn group in Fort Wayne. Its just been fantastic– true synchronicity.”
Tina Tazian, Ft. Wayne, IN
Grown So Much as a Teacher
“I received the greatest compliment the other day and I wanted to share it with you because I feel that you are directly responsible for this. I taught our annual “Om for the Holidays” class. Several teachers came, including one whom I ‘ve known since I started teaching. She came up to me afterward and said, “You have grown so much as a teacher.” That made my day because I certainly have intended that and I feel that I have. To have a colleague acknowledge that made me glow. And, Lori, it was your training that put it all together for me and continues to help me find my voice as a teacher and as a yogini. It illumined my path in ways that prior to your training were unclear at best. So, thank you again. I’m so grateful for your presence in my life.”
Paula Gardner, 500 CYT, Orland Park, IL
Challenging Concepts Explained in a Clear and Concise Way
“I love this program and feel so blessed to be a part of it. What I love the most is the philosophy. Exploring the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and looking at the prana vayus on a deeper level have been my favorite. Lori has a wonderful way of explaining challenging concepts in a clear and concise way. She is ALWAYS available to answer all my questions and has given me a safe place to explore and find my path.”
April Storms, 500 CYT, Plainfield, IL
Coursework Freshened My Teaching
“Lori is an amazing teacher/facilitator and creates a wonderful environment for learning and for connecting with the other teachers in the group. The outside workshops and assisting teachers are top quality as well. It is a commitment– there is homework and reading assignments, but all very worthwhile. This program has deepened my knowledge so much, freshened my teaching greatly and I’ve made some new friends! I feel so thankful that I have done it.”
Reeny Linstrom, 500 CYT, Glen Ellyn, IL
A Rich and Varied Curriculum
“Thanks for providing such a rich and varied curriculum Your dedication and enthusiasm for yoga is a source of inspiration for us aspirants! The more I learn, the more I am aware of how much more there is to learn. Is there a 1,000 hour teacher training?”
Libby Scanlan, 500 CYT, Sugar Grove, IL
A Complementary Faculty
“I’m really enjoying the program. Tricia is a great teacher, as are all of you. You each have your own style, but yet seem to play off each other very well. I’ve met some great people. I’m learning so much and I always look forward to Fridays. I see great things happening with this program and all who have the privilege of taking part in it.”
Debra Zielke, Evergreen Park, IL
Yoga for Men and Women of All Ages
“The 200 hour Teacher Training has been almost life-changing for me. I have met so many interesting people in our class. It is filled with a very diversified group of men and women of all ages. That is one of the most amazing things about it because you can begin practicing yoga at any age. And the mentoring aspect of it is extremely beneficial… I just love the training!”Kristin Malone, Glen Ellyn, IL
Learning How Yoga Moves through Us to Others
“Thank you, Lori… Once again, I am reminded of what a gift it continues to be that I found your Prairie Yoga ad in that issue of Yoga Chicago. For the first time in my 10 years of physical yoga and 25 years of emotional yoga/meditation, I feel part of a community with lots and lots of room to grow on as many different levels as I can sustain. You truly do embody the essence of the thread that yoga moves through us to others. You work hard for this to happen and I want to tell you how beautifully you succeed.”Paula Gardner, 500 CYT, Orland Park, IL
“Great 500 hour classes! The round robin last week was fun and educational and I appreciate the feedback. The senior information is helpful too; at my Hatha 1-2 classes, I’m seeing a good number of 60+ women coming in who have never done yoga before. While I’m certainly not teaching with a brahmacharya focus, it’s been a challenge to introduce them while also meeting the needs of 30-somethings. The info in the manual and the discussion yesterday helped me better understand the challenges these students may have.”
Rebecca Russell, 500 CYT, Glen Ellyn, IL
Learning Yoga Can Be for Everyone
“Through the teacher training program and the expertise of the teachers and mentors, I have learned that yoga is so much more! It has been a very rewarding experience and has enriched my life. I realize that Yoga can be for everyone, whether you are 3 or 93. I look forward to the opportunity to teach children, as well as seniors. My hope is to be even a fraction as good as the teachers that I have encountered.”
Patti Steffensen, Bensenville, IL
Growth as a Person and a Teacher
“I’ve enjoyed the depth of instruction from both Lori and Tricia during the teacher training. Their knowledge has allowed me to grow as a person as well as a teacher.”
Magy Rehayem, Hoffman Estates, IL
Tools to Teach Better
“Although it’s early days, I have already received so much from the program: the cueing of the koshas has been a highlight!!! It opened a whole new world to my teaching: how to access the subtle bodies, how to cue it, how to guide students (that are ready) to delve a little deeper, without scaring the pants off them. Enriching my own practice and giving me the tools to teach better.”
Marinda Stopforth, 500 CYT, Lisle, IL
Delving into the Spiritual Aspect of Yoga
“This is an excellent training. It has challenged me to hone my teaching skills. It has also enabled me to delve into the spiritual aspect of yoga. I feel grateful that I was able to participate in a training of this caliber.”
Linda Troutman, 500 CYT, Lombard, IL
New Relationships in a Teaching Community
“I joined the program entirely to learn what Lori has to teach. Her strengths cut across the breadth of yoga: from focus on alignment and clear cues in postures, to deep knowledge of the historical and spiritual context of yoga. The non-classroom requirements are also very valuable, including Anatomy with Tias Little and Therapeutics with Gabriel Halpern. The program gives me an opportunity to expand my knowledge of yoga and develop new relationships in the teaching community.”
Grateful for the Resonance
“I feel blessed to be in classes with you and Laura Jane. It’s been so long since I’ve experienced a teacher or teachers that resonate with my needs and desires of yoga practice and to feel this way with two at once is a wondrous thing. I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity and for the resonance!”
Discussions Lead to Camaraderie
“What a great group we have! I love our discussions and the camaraderie.”
Enthusiastic about the Exploration of Yoga
“I love that you encourage people to try a variety of things and explore on their own. This allows them to develop a very personal practice that speaks to them. Although the basics are in there as well, it’s just great that it is so much more than that. I think that is what I am enthusiastic about– I get to explore.”
Tina Tazian
Esoteric Topics Made Accessible
“I am so impressed with your ability to organize and explain these sometimes esoteric concepts in such a way that they are so INTERESTING and UNDERSTOOD. On top of that my love of yoga is increasing TEN-FOLD as I read it. Thank you so, so much. I am so happy to be in possession of this body of knowledge in the form of your manual. TRUE FOOD.”
Gobbling Up the Information
“I am just gobbling up the information you are passing along. Cueing for the koshas–I can’t tell you how much I love that. This is exactly stuff I want to know. Secondly, I appreciate so much the safety of the environment you have created for our group.”
Loving Care and Kindness Poured into Teacher Training
“Thanks, Lori, for being who you are and for all your hard work in putting this training together. The loving care and kindness that you have poured into it are deeply felt and deeply appreciated.”
Awesome Group Energy
“I am getting so much out of the Teacher Training. The group energy is awesome!”