Our Teachers
EmilÄ— (Divya) LisauskaitÄ—
Emile's holistic living journey began with self-mastery in meditation, subconscious reprogramming & Yoga in 2014 at age 18. She has been expanding her horizons since.
Emile is the owner of Rising Lotus Healing Center, Founder of/Creator for YOGAEM LLC, Experienced & Certified Yoga Teacher, Global & International Retreat Host, Lead Trainer of the Rising Lotus School of Yoga & Wellness 200-hour Teacher Training Program, Master Reiki Healer, Certified Sound Vibrational Therapist, Meditation/Visualization Guide, Channeler, Psychology Graduate, Holistic & Spiritual Living Devotee & Enthusiast.​
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"We are beings of evolutions. We are products of an evolutionary process. It is our duty to move towards evolution of the Self by nurturing this creative spark of the Divine, expanding it, and live in service to it. The way this creative energy is expressed is unique to each of us. This expression is our most authentic state. You fulfill your part by being true to you and what lights you up. No one else is here to be you, but you. Your authentic expression is medicine to the world. I am here to help you live in alignment with what feels expansive and moves you towards your evolution. There is no limit to your evolution." - Emile
Emile's Training & Certifications:
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E-RYT 200-hrs of Hatha Yoga - Trained by Vita Sireikis in 2017
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Graduated with a BA in General Psychology - University of Illinois, Chicago in 2018
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RYT 200-hrs of Kundalini Yoga - Trained by Samadhi Banks in 2020
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RYT 300-hrs of In Depth Iyengar Yoga (Yoga Therapy Focused) - Trained by Gabriel Halpern in 2022
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100-hrs of Yoga Nidra - Trained by Caley Alyssa
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Master Reiki Healer - Trained by Jenni Maes & Shaman Jay
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Sound Vibrational Therapist - Trained by Shaman Jay
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80 hours of "Living Wisdom" - Bridge Between Yoga & Activism - Trained by Bex Tyrer
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80 hours of "Unwind the Feminine" - Specialized Yoga Training - Trained by Bex Tyrer
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12 hours of Para Yoga - Trained by Rod Stryker
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10 hours of "Yoga on a Quantum Level" - Trained by Gina Antoun
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10 hours of the "Foundations of Meditation" - Trained by Gina Antoun
Gina Antoun
Gina’s altruistic nature and intuitiveness has led her to share the practice of yoga and conscious raising wisdom with others. The profound awakening of realizing her own divinity inspires Gina to share in helping her brothers and sisters of planet Earth to remember their own.
“Because it’s time for us to raise our vibration and the vibration of the human collective. The work we are doing here is important. It’s time for us to remember who we are and I’m overjoyed to be part of the lightworkers who are helping others reunite with their authentic Self”
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Her curiosity sparks passion for growth and learning. Gina is dedicated to higher living and loves sharing it withbothers. She received her E-RYT 200 Hr. Yoga certification from Soderworld Wellness Center in 2013, a Reiki practitioner, Circle Space Holder, Creatrix of Becoming:The Science & Practices of Becoming Your Higher Self, brainwave entrainment mentor & self employed hair stylist who volunteers teaching yoga and leading hikes through the Cook County forest preserves is dedicated to higher living and loves sharing it with others.
starlite
starlite 🌟 received her 200hr YTT in 2016. starlight is very passionate about the meditative aspect of yoga, connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit. She brings many styles of yoga into her classes, always making sure to dedicate time to create a space for stillness during practice. With her powerful meditative guidance, you truly open up the path to go into a space of stillness and peace within and feel the unity you share will all of life.
"Greetings. Eye am. Reflections abound. Healing me healing you. Describing me describing you. Loving me loving you. Slightly more yin than yang, and also more yang than yin. Eye balance like fire. Unpredictability is the plan, more of an evolution than a class. Are you breathing, or are you being breathed? Release. A loss, a purge, a deep wonderment that bends all cells, one. Breathe in the exhale. Notice. Just look at it. Come with me, be come a receiver. Abundant. Pure. Fulfilled. Now inhale. This always was an introduction to your cellf. Love you."
Bernie Rybarczyk, Jr
Bernie Rybarczyk, Jr. Bernie began practicing yoga at the age of 27 in February 2012. Within One year he began teacher training with Sarah Starnes at the Elmhurst Yoga Shala where he received his first 200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Certification. He began teaching on June 2013 for Lifetime Fitness and freelancing at studios in the Chicago-land area. In June 2014, Bernie went to Minnesota to train with Jason Hulshof of Lifetime Fitness and received his 2nd 200 Hour Vinyasa/Ashtanga Teacher Certification.
He has 7 years of teaching experience at Lifetime Fitness and other studios. Bernie was ranked Top 10 in the Country in Lifetime’s yoga program for class attendance & participation. He is also a music producer/artist/songwriter and Film Writer.
Celeste Santiago
Celeste Santiago, a certified yoga teacher, wellness coach, essential oil mentor, conscious food advisor, and a mother of two accepted the challenge to overcome years of ill advised prescriptions and health advice by tapping into her God given intuition to seek out what was right for her body and mind to heal. Years of learning and experimenting with holistic therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, homeopathy, just to name a few, helped bring her the health and healing she needed. It is with will and determination she continues to learn about other options to restore and maintain true vitality for herself and family. The practice of yoga was the biggest driving force in staying in alignment with her virtues and it is because of her journey that she wants to help others tap into their truest essence for healing, happiness, and positive mindset.
“Daring to emerge from adversity with courage and unwavering bravery is what we are built for, yet, we have forgotten this magnificent power within. With the right tools and people, we can recover more quickly and rise up to be the resilient, powerful, natural, resourceful, brave human beings we were born to be.”
Diane Frandsen
A RYT-200 teacher, Diane began practicing yoga late in life as a way to round out her cardio and strength training while increasing her decreasing flexibility. After just one class, she discovered that yoga was so much more… a true balancing of mind, body and spirit.
Diane loves to share her love of yoga asana, breath work and a sense of inner peace in her classes. Knowing that every day is a unique experience, so too is your yoga practice. Her philosophy is to let the poses meet the body where it is today, not trying to push your body to fit the poses, while developing your own self-awareness.
When not practicing or teaching yoga, Diane loves to walk in nature, kayak, try new vegetarian/vegan recipes, read, listen to music and enjoy family time.
Jennifer Maes
Jennifer discovered the transformative power of yoga at a time when life seemed overwhelming and stressful, which resulted in feeling burnt out from the corporate world and fast-paced society in which we live. Yoga opened a path to the journey of self-discovery, self-mastery, and embodiment. Jennifer completed her 200-hour YTT certification in 2017 and since then continues to lead classes that explore the connection between breath awareness, skillful movement, and mindful intention.
She aims to create a supportive environment where students can safely experience the celebration of movement and yoga as medicine. Jennifer encourages students to approach their yoga practice as an opportunity to deepen connection to the self, build confidence, reinforce self-love, cultivate discipline, and unlock creative expression. It is her intention for students to leave feeling connected, grounded, and inspired to take their yoga practice with them off their mat and into their daily life.
Titi Joerres
Having first discovered yoga on television through a PBS special in the early 2000s, Titi has been a dedicated student for almost two decades. As an avid learner, she has learned to apply yoga in all aspects of her life, on the mat and off the mat. Always a student first and a natural-born teacher, Titi was led to teach yoga through paths of fate. Known for her terrible dad jokes and her childlike spirit, the space she creates allows her students to be playful, let go, and connect to their true sense of Self. Mentored by Gabriel Halpern, Chicago’s Grandfather of Yoga, she sets herself apart from other yoga teachers by aspiring to stay true to yoga’s original roots by finding ways to incorporate all eight limbs of yoga in class. She goes above and beyond to ensure that all students have access to yoga practices regardless of background, in hopes that all students walk away with their most authentic selves.
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Certifications/Training:
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E-RYT 200 hours of Vinyasa Yoga with Luna Pierson and Linda Lehovec
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RYT 300 hours of Yoga Therapy Focused Iyengar Yoga with Gabriel Halpern
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200 hours of Qi Gong Teacher Training with Christopher Grant
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50 hours of Fascia Training with Joanne Avison
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50 hours of Yoga Nidra Training with Ram Jain
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6 hours of Restorative Yoga Training with Cyndi Lee
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B.S. Natural Sciences - St. Norbert College
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M.A. Early Childhood Education - Northwestern State University
Alina was awakened to the power of yoga back in 2000 when she felt deeply and unexpectedly drawn to try a class. She immediately experienced a strong sense of home, of belonging and as she developed her practice she became more drawn to the spiritual knowledge, pranayama and the way yoga can transform lives as well as bodies.
Alina has practiced many styles of yoga here and overseas and was moved to become a teacher, achieving her Yoga Alliance teaching certificate in Italy.
Radiating a positive, encouraging energy, Alina’s classes reflect her desire to help others find stillness, strength and joy through their practice.
Each class has a focus, a purpose and in her classes she manages to weave in the wisdom of the ancient teachings of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita and even her own mystical poetry. She has commitment to the asanas, her students and to the yoga community.
She is grateful to her teacher, Wade Gotwals for his guidance, encouragement and support and is honored to be teaching as his assistant.
“When I teach I become aware of the pure love and joy students feel when they master the breath and I am passionate about helping others find their inner light and healing power through this ancient practice,” says Alina.
Allison Barham
After 20 years of balancing career, family and expectations, Allison took a leap of faith to be more present at home and at ease in her life. Allison's passion for Yoga became a central focus as she completed her training with Brenda Temme and Life Power Yoga.
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Allison believes in the healing power of Yoga, the strength of its community and impact on the world. She's committed to empowering others to see themselves through their own eyes, finding peace through breath and cherishing the present moment. Allison keeps fresh with meditation, workshops and practicing with fellow Yoga teachers. Her classes are dynamic, powerful and full of heart!
Connie Ford
“I believe in the healing power of yoga, one breath and one moment at a time.”
With a background in dance, Connie first came to the mat seeking a physical practice for strength and flexibility but quickly realized yoga is so much more. The more she practiced, the more her mat became a sanctuary. A place to let go and find stillness. Connie fell in love with the spiritual side of yoga, and the way our connection to breath makes us whole in mind, body and spirit.
Yoga has helped Connie grow stronger, both physically and mentally, on and o( the mat. Her practice has taught her self-acceptance, and to see herself and others with only love. “When you lead with your heart, anything that no longer serves you begins to fall away and only love remains.”
Connie’s passion to help others led her to complete her 200 RYT certification in 2016 through LifePower Yoga. Always a student first, she continues to learn and holds additional certifications in Restorative Yoga, Restorative Yin Aerial Yoga, and Level 1 Reiki Energy Healing.
Connie is grateful to be part of the yoga community and Rising Lotus family, and looks forward to sharing space with you.
Natalie Sord
Natalie’s passionate and authentic style of teaching is accessible and engaging on all levels. She originally came to her yoga mat as a college student trying to seek calm and ease in her busy schedule but she ended up finding so much more. The amount of awareness she received from practicing yoga inspired her to start sharing her love for mindfulness with others.
In 2014, she completed her 200 hour teaching certification through Life Power Yoga. Natalie’s enthusiasm to deepen her studies and serve in her community led her to explore and complete multiple other teacher trainings- a trauma sensitive training with the Prison Yoga Project which encouraged her to teach incarcerated women at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago. She completed an Aerial Yoga Certification through Aviana Yoga and teaches hanging from Oak trees. She most recently completed her 300 hour teaching certification in Integrated Vinyasa through the Colorado School of Yoga, now a E-RYT with 500 hours. Natalie graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and is a Certified Horticultural Therapist- she incorporates her love for nature and the environment into her teachings.
She not only wants you to feel connected to your true self (Atman) but to the environment around you. Natalie’s calming and natural presence will allow you to feel grounded, nurtured, and rejuvenated. Off the mat, Natalie contributes her time volunteering for dog rescue, traveling, hiking, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her husband, chickens, and dogs.
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Nicole Schneider
Nicole Schneider is a full-time traveling yoga teacher, 500HR RYT, YACEP, with training in multiple Hatha styles. Along with her full teaching schedule, Nicole leads private and corporate yoga sessions, supports community efforts through yoga fundraising events, and shares her teachings online, in after school programs, outdoor classes, yoga workshops and trainings across the Chicagoland area. Nicole has developed her own Restorative Yoga Teacher Training Program and is passionate about training other teachers and students in the art of relaxation. With a global finance background and Northwestern MBA, Nicole understands the stress of corporate life and enjoys helping others cultivate their own peace and balance through yoga and meditation.
Visit www.justbewithnicole.com to learn more about Nicole and her yoga offerings.
Emily Szajda
Emily left “Corporate America” managing high-volume restaurants for an entrepreneurial life in Europe. After having launched a successful wellness studio in Brussels, Emily worked with the internationally recognized Belgian Beer and Food Magazine and catered sumptuous events with Bookalokal. She also taught courses and hosted retreats in and around Barcelona, Spain. Emily returned to the United States offering yoga and meditation classes and workshops focused on conscious awareness and stress management.
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In 2008, while balancing her studies at Arizona State University and pursuing a career as a restaurant general manager at the distinguished Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, Emily found yoga and meditation as tools to stay calm, compassionate, and centered while juggling the demands of a busy schedule.
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Initially drawn to yoga for its physical benefits, over time Emily's practice evolved into much more of a spiritual journey. Inspired by one of her early instructors, Vivienne Sio Tarquinio, she completed her 200-hour RYT in June 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona at At One Yoga sponsored by Life Power studying under renowned yoga instructors, Jenn Chiarelli and John Salisbury. She also earned her 85-hour PRYT in Pisa, Italy in 2017 with the Yoga Alliance International - Europe while pregnant with her son.
When she isn’t in the kitchen, teaching, or entertaining with friends, Emily can be found strolling through farmers’ markets, playing with her two cherished children in the park, practicing yoga, or nestled up with a good book.
Emily has appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters International and other multinational media platforms including the Bathtime 2 Boardroom podcast and People on the Grid.
Emily is a published author and speaker and resides with her husband and two children, Henry and Olivia, in Lemont.
Hannah Likness
Hannah grew up participating in gymnastics and cheerleading. From a young age. She enjoyed movement, flexibility and being within her body. She took some yoga classes in high school and college but it wasn’t until after she graduated college in 2017, that she dove in deep with her yoga practice. Yoga helped her reconnect
with herself by getting her back into her physical body and calm mental anxieties.
After several years of taking various styles of yoga classes and attending
workshops, Hannah decided to conquer a personal goal and signed up for a 200
hour yoga teacher training at Rising Lotus Yoga Studio. She achieved this goal in 2023 and began teaching yoga right away. Shortly after completing her 200 hour training, she became certified in Buti Primal Flow Yoga which is a vinyasa inspired practice that incorporates balancing out the divine feminine and masculine energy within the bodies.
Hannah is forever grateful she followed her intuition and is now able to share her passion with others. Hannah always
reminds her students that they know their bodies best and to listen to them
throughout practice and life!
Dana Fortner
I came to yoga over 20 years ago as a disconnected young adult and quickly fell in love with the practice. Yoga helped keep me grounded during my education, training, and work as a recreational therapist. For more than a decade, I felt drawn toward studying to become a yoga teacher, and I eventually decided to listen to my inner voice. The events of the last several years have made me realize that time is not guaranteed and that I want to spend my days sharing yoga and mindfulness with others. I completed my 200 hour with Edge Yoga in Naperville, IL in 2021.
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I am a yoga teacher who believes that connection is the key to peace. I help people find the balance they need to live their best lives by sharing yoga, meditation, and mindfulness techniques. I believe that connecting with others is the most powerful thing we can do as humans. It's what brings us together, helps us feel less alone, and allows us find our place in this world.