Andrea Parks

Hello, friend—I’m Andrea, founder and lead teacher at Toula Yoga. I opened this studio with a vision to create a welcoming, inclusive space where yoga could be shared with the entire family—from the tiniest yogis to the young at heart.

The name Toula means “divine light” in Greek (yes, just like in My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and “balance” in Sanskrit—two qualities yoga has brought into my life again and again. When things feel dark, confusing, or overwhelming, stepping onto my mat reminds me to breathe, move, and reconnect to my true self.

I began practicing yoga in 1999 while teaching high school German and coaching in Dubuque, Iowa. What started as a personal exploration soon became a life-changing journey. In 2002, I moved back home to Cedar Rapids to raise my three daughters and deepen my study of yoga.

In 2004, I found my teacher and mentor, Marsha Nieland, who opened the door to countless trainings and teachers. Since then, I’ve completed over 1,000 hours of study—including with John Friend (Anusara), Desiree Rumbaugh, Mathew Sanford (adaptive yoga), Amy Ippoliti, and Martin Kirk (anatomy), among many others. I am a licensed teacher through the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga and have been teaching since 2008.

I specialize in adapting yoga for real people, in real life—whether that’s corporate wellness, seniors over 60, athletes, men’s yoga, kids, or expectant mothers. You’ll also occasionally find me substitute teaching in local school districts, still honoring my love for education.

Toula Yoga is a space for everyone to explore all eight limbs of yoga—movement, breath, stillness, and more. I feel incredibly grateful to guide others on this path, and I’m always learning right alongside my students.