Meet our teachers
Chicago's most experienced Hatha yoga instructors
Interested in becoming a yoga instructor? Explore our 200hr Yoga Alliance Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, starting January 2026 or reach out for intensive training options.
BSY Teacher Training
Karina Wong
She/Her
It's well known at BSY that Karina is one of the more challenging teachers, she has a knack for developing stunningly creative sequences. She cares deeply for her students and ensures they are supported and encouraged while in her class.
Claire Harper
She/Her
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
She/Her
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 Hatha yoga and building the community of dedicated practitioners at BSY.
Gina Reynolds
She/Her
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
She/Her
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.
Jonathan Harper
He/Him
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.
Helena Baron
She/Her
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
She/Her
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."
Kate Hardwick
She/Her
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.
Janna Bittle
She/Her
Janna supports her students and encourages them to have fun while attempting challenging poses and holds.
Kristan Saloky
She/Her
Kristan leads an energizing practice, with upbeat tunes and plenty of encouragement to meet your edge and/or find what feels right in your body that day.
Salma Qamruddin
She/Her
Salma empowers students to build confidence & curiosity....and maybe make some people laugh along the way.
Holly Lehmann
They/Them
Throughout class, Holly works to help students build a connection with their bodies so they can experience the healing benefits of yoga.
Gosia Łabno
She/Her
Come to Gosia's if you want to leave feeling grounded and refreshed (and maybe with sore abs)!
Maia Buess
She/Her
Maia's classes are designed to relax the worried mind by immersing you in a physical experience focused on alignment and breathing.
Marysia Do
She/Her
Marysia is passionate about empowering you, whether through mastering a Handstand, gently reconnecting with your body pre and postnatally, or deepening your connection with your baby.
Elaina Stephenson
She/Her
With an engaging and active practice, Elaina's class will get you out of your head and onto your mat.
Alina
She/Her
In Alina's class, she'll energetically guide you through a practice that helps you get to know yourself and your body a little better.
Regina Palmer
She/They/He
Regina brings you gentle, joyful, and intentional movement that provides you with the building blocks to continue advancing your practice as well as a space to rest.
Michaela Quaid
She/Her
Michaela's passion for yoga shines through in her classes, you'll sweat, you'll smiles, and maybe even build a community!
Brianna Suslovic
She/Her
Brianna facilitates a grounded and encouraging class environment with a balance of information, experimentation, and playfulness.
Io Grey
She/Her
With Io you can enjoy a challenging and creative practice that includes plenty of long holds and alternative poses.
Gaby Reyes
She/Her/Ella
Gaby's classes are light-hearted, intentional, engaging, and fun! You can expect some jokes and lots of encouragement.
All you need to know
How do I view pre-recorded classes?
Members can view our full library of over 300 pre-recorded classes
What COVID precautions are you taking?
It's our priority to keep staff and students safe. Vaccinated students and teachers may remove their masks, unvaccinated students may attend class with their masks on. In addition, an air filter is running in the studio and surfaces are frequently sanitized. 100% of our staff are 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 to my first class?
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.
