Meet Our Teachers

Hello! Thanks for taking the time to read about our teachers. The vision for Toula is a yoga studio dedicated to offering yoga to the whole family. Toula means "divine light" in Greek. (Just watch, or watch the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and see for yourself!) Yoga has been a light in my life! Just getting on my mat and moving my body mindfully, and using my breath as my guide helps me see clearer when things get dark, confusing and twisty in life. It's a way to connect back to my true self despite any distractions that might come my way. Our intention at Toula Yoga Studio is to open up the practice of yoga to more people; all 8 limbs of yoga which also includes focus and meditation.

Toula Yoga studio offers quality instruction for individuals of all ages and abilities to develop strong, healthy bodies; calm, content minds; and receptive, open hearted spirits, which will help them become fully present in their lives and the world around them. I've been doing yoga since 1999 while living in Dubuque, IA, where I was a High School German teacher & coach, and in graduate school. I still hold an Iowa teaching license and you might catch me subbing once in awhile in many of the school districts in the Cedar Rapids/Mount Vernon area. Yoga was a life changer for me and gave me the courage to create a completely different life for myself. I moved back to Cedar Rapids, where I grew up, in 2002 and have been caring for my three daughters full time ever since.

Deciding to do something for myself, I found Marsha Nieland in 2004 and started to immerse myself in every yoga class, workshop and training I could. Marsha has also led me to many other wonderful yoga teachers and I've been lucky enough to have accumulated over a thousand hours of formal classes, workshops and trainings; plus hundreds of self-directed yoga studies. But who's counting! This is just the beginning! Marsha is my main teacher and I've also studied with Mathew Sanford (Adaptive Yoga), Dana Robinson (prenatal & baby/tots yoga), John Friend (Anusara & Sridaiva), Moses Brown (Philosophy & Therapeutics), Desiree Rumbaugh, Amy Ippoliti, Martin Kirk (Anatomy), and many others. I'm a licensed teacher through The Anusara School of Hatha Yoga and have been teaching public yoga classes since 2008. I specialize in private & corporate lessons and have taught at many businessses including Cargil, Lil' Drug, VanMeter, Raining Rose, and Schneider Electric. I've designed classes especially for people over age 60, Men Only, Athletes, Kids and Expectant mothers. I'm happy I found yoga and its benefits when I was in my 20's, but I would have loved to have found it even younger! I aspire to lead the youngest and the oldest, and the most "non-traditional" students into the healthy habit of a regular yoga practice. Namaste.

I have tried various styles of Hatha yoga over the years before finding "seriously fun" Anusara yoga. The principals of alignment to enhance poses and the playful attitude resonate strongly with me. Taking what I learn on the mat through my own practice has enriched my life off the mat; physically, mentally, and spiritually and I want to share that experience with others. I graduated from Marsha Nieland's Teacher Training Program in January 2010. I have participated in workshops with John Friend, Martin Kirk, Moses Brown, Desiree Rumbaugh, Amy Ippoliti, and Betsey Downing. I am also a RYT 200+ through Yoga Alliance. I encourage my students to have fun and experience the joy in their own yoga practice.

I teach Kundalini yoga at Toula Yoga in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I have taught yoga extensively worldwide for nearly a decade. I am also a Cloud Nine Yoga Teacher Trainer. With a passion for being a Soul on Fire and lighting up people's lives, my programs show others how to reach beyond their perceived limitations and into unlimited possibilities. My work as a spiritual navigation coach has led thousands of people from fear to living their purpose. With a degree in psychology from Coe College, I am a reiki master, theta clearer (clearing beliefs in the subconscious mind), and soon to be author.

I began practicing yoga for the mental health benefits and became a yoga instructor in order to share these amazing benefits with others. I received my 200-hour certification from Cloud Nine Yoga School Midwest at Toula Yoga in 2017. I am inspired by the potential that a regular yoga practice has for impacting so many areas of life. In fact, it was my yoga training that motivated me to begin crafting as a career, to share my crafting with others, and to regularly explore the intersection of yoga and creativity.

At first, in my early 20s, I was guilty of the sweat=effort misconception. After knee surgery, I really began seeing yoga practice in three dimensions: using it for pain management- for life management; learning to be patient with a limited me; constantly assessing whether it was ego or therapy leading me to to push or pull back. Five years later, I see the therapy in touch, trust and resetting the perceived limitations of our capabilities. I believe wholeheartedly we are #bettertogether. I earned my 200hr +100hr yoga therapy from Santhosh Kumar of Yogadarshanam in Mysore, India. I completed my 200hr AcroYoga training with AcroYoga Montreal. I am an ERYT-200 and Continuing Education Provider with Yoga Alliance. I've written the curriculum for and lead my teacher training program in Busan, Korea annually. I am a lover of eggs on pizza and waterfalls. Yes, I will go chasin'!

I found yoga during a chaotic time in my life; it amazed me how an hour of mindful movement helped relax my mind and body. Yoga was such a useful tool for improving my physical/mental health, I suggested yoga to my veterans when employed as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the Department of Veteran Affairs. My interest in yoga intensified after being diagnosed with Lymes disease in 2008. Yoga was the only physical activity I could do that did not aggravate my joints. Yoga brought me through illness and back to wellness. My recovery inspired me to complete my 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2013. I look forward to being part of your yoga journey at Toula.

Raelene is a native of Cedar Rapids. She is a mother, a daughter, and a sister to many. A lifelong learner, living by the motto: always a student, always a teacher. Her love of plants transpired to training in herbalism and horticulture. She graduated from Cloud Nine Yoga Teacher Training with her 200 hour RYT in 2017 and soon after started teaching Aerial Yoga. She recently became certified in SUP Yoga and Hot 26. She also has training in Sound Therapy and Reiki. Raelene enjoys challenging and empowering her students, weaving together her love for adventure and yoga. Her teaching style is playful and invigorating, she teaches the type of class where you might laugh, perhaps you'll cry, no matter what you'll get a good work out. She hopes to meet you soon on the mat, in the water on a paddle board, or in the air for aerial yoga. Namaste. Love more.

Sheri began practicing yoga in 2009. She received her 200-hour certification in July of 2016 from Cloud Nine Yoga School.
Always a learner, Sheri received her Chair Yoga Certification in May of 2017.
Since that time she has also received her 300 Hour Master's Training through Cloud Nine, and also with Holy Yoga.
Sheri also has a certification in Pilates and Adaptive Yoga.
She balances body and mind through yoga and teaches to share those benefits.
She knows that a regular yoga practice brings a sense of grounding and peace. Through her teaching she hopes to share the many benefits of yoga with others

I have been practicing yoga for many years. I decided I wanted to deepen my practice and my understanding of yoga, so I signed up and did my 200-hour training in July 2016 with Cloud Nine Yoga. During my training I studied Hatha yoga and I enjoy teaching slow flow yoga. I believe yoga is a never ending "improving your life" journey. It has certainly had that effect on my life. My classes will improve your mind, body and spirit.

Coming to yoga instruction as a natural extension of her work as a doula (labor coach) and childbirth educator, Tammy enjoys keeping prenatal classes informative and emotionally enriching. Tammy also draws on her many years spent teaching to make yoga fun for our smallest yogis. A life-long learner, Tammy has completed many yoga trainings to best serve all populations: Baby & Me Yoga, Tots Yoga, Yoga for Tykes, Kids Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, 200 hour yoga teacher training, and Trauma Recovery Yoga.

In search of a workout to compliment running, yoga was suggested and after one class, I was hooked! With a dance background, the flow of vinyasa was very natural, but the idea of working to explore the mind, body and spirit connection was new and quite a challenge! I love all there is to know about the body's mechanics and have a degree in health sciences so yoga teacher training drew me in easily. I completed my 200 hour certified yoga teacher training at Corepower in 2010. During my yoga journey I ran across many pregnant mamas, myself included, and felt there was much more to know about the woman's body during this time of change and growth and wanted to explore more. In 2013 completed Blooma's Prenatal Yoga teacher training and Birth Doula training in Minneapolis, MN. My passion for teaching and alignment is a full body experience; beginning with yourself, nurturing and loving you first and embracing all the changes that life may bring. Prenatal yoga offers this wonderful mind, body, spiritual AND baby connection. It is an honor to be a part of the mama's journey into mother hood! Come visit me with baby on board or after baby arrives in a Baby and Me Yoga class. I love watching little ones grow!

Greetings and Salutations, my name is Melissa Brown. I am a loving, powerful, multidimensional spiritual being navigating this human existence. And what an existence it is!! I enjoy providing massage therapy, teaching reiki, and YOGA! I have enjoyed joining the wonderful world of Yoga as a teacher since 2021. I am always looking for ways to expand my spiritual life and Yoga is an integral piece to my Peace. My desire to share that with others is what inspires me to teach! I hope to meet you in the studio, from my Cosmic Heart to yours, Namaste

Hello World!!
My name is Jasmine Dennis, creator of InnerJazz Yoga! "Inner" being all the gifts each of us hold INside and "Jazz" -a childhood nickname because personally, yoga brings me back to my playful, joyous Inner Child.

My yoga classes are all about leaving the things in life we spend our Energy on OFF of the mat. While bending, moving, breathing & redirecting that Energy to take care of your InnerSelf.

I was first introduced to yoga in 2013. The physical practice eventually shifted into something mental, emotional, spiritual and quite beautiful. When I really started to learn & understand the benefits of yoga I wondered... "Why don't they teach us these things when we're younger." And have now made it a huge goal of mine to spread yoga to kids & teens to help them establish balance both on and off the mat.

During the pandemic in 2021 I obtained my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification. As of June 2023 I am now a 500hr yoga teacher at Toula Yoga Studio.

My intention is to spread yoga to children, teens, women & men of all colors, shapes & sizes helping them build a healthy relationship with their ✨InnerSelf✨

Natalie has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and has had the opportunity to teach in several states over the last 7 years. She fell in love with yoga when a specific teacher related the teachings to everyday life. This has shaped the way Natalie approaches her classes and she is intentional in helping the yoga meet you where you are, rather than the other way around. She is a rocker at heart and a scientist by trade so she infuses her classes with her love of music, passion for professional and self development , anatomical alignment and brain engaging flows. Her favorite class is the one where someone surprises themselves with what they are able to accomplish. Her favorite mantra is 'Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti' and her favorite posture is any fun arm balance. Outside of the studio, Natalie uses her 'off the mat' yoga to help balance a career as a manufacturing professional, wife to a super stellar spouse, mom to an amazing little girl and 2 bonus kiddos and lover of all things outdoors and a good book.

My teaching style can best be described as a combination of Hatha and Vinyasa flow. My intention in every class is to help the student connect with their body and to choose positions from my cues that best work for them. A core value for me in teaching is inclusion, making sure that all feel welcome. I love working with beginners and those in larger bodies who may be unsure of how poses will work for them. I have a BA in English and Creative Writing from Mount Mercy and my MBA from the University of Iowa. I have received my 500 hour RYT and am a certified Ayurvedic Nutrition and Mindfulness Coach. Yoga and mindfulness have changed my life and I am honored to help others find their own yoga practice.

After over a decade of personal practice, Ronni completed her RYT 200 training with Cloud Nine Yoga in 2023. Her classes work to focus attention in the present moment as a form of meditation, and are informed by her study of philosophy and appreciation of the natural world. Her goal is to hold space for a practice that allows others to achieve a sense of release and healing.

Hello Radiant Souls!!
My first love is my family. I'm a momma to three beautiful daughters, two handsome sons, my fur babies, and a grandmother to two sweet grandbabies. I was able to live my dream of being a stay at home mom for 20+ years. As my children have grown I now have the time to live another dream of mine by teaching empowerment, health and mindfulness through yoga and belly dance. Also, among the many things I love to do in life includes cooking, hiking, traveling, reading, being in the sun, going to the beach and spending time with my super amazing family. I have been practicing yoga and belly dance for many years and received my certificate to teach yoga in May of 2022. Both modalities have helped me to gain confidence and strengthened my body and mind, which in turn empowered me to find a new found love for myself and my ever changing body. It's so exciting to have the opportunity to show my love and creativity for both of these beautiful art forms. As we work toward evolving into higher versions of ourselves, join me as we learn, move, grow and have fun on this beautiful journey called life. May you all be surrounded in the love and light of this magnificent universe. Blessings!!

Yoga came into my life about 15 years ago when I was training for a half-marathon. Mindfulness and stretching helped my training. Over the years I continued my practice off and on. In 2022, I received my 200 hour yoga teacher training through Cloud Nine at Toula. I enjoy learning from a variety of yoga teachers and have been on several yoga retreats. To continue my growth, I am currently enrolled in a 300 hr advanced yoga training program. I look forward to creating a safe and peaceful space for all. Namaste ~

Hello friends!!

I am mom to 4 and gigi to 4 of the most amazing littles! I am a wife, daughter, and sister. My family brings me so much joy!!

I started yoga to build strength after back surgery. I found an immediate love in the power of moving my body. I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2021. I completed an additional 300 hours in 2022. I also completed 100 hours in Yoga for the Mind. Yoga is a journey. I am a seeker.

I love creating a warm and comfortable space for my students. I love leading through breathwork and meditation. I want my students to feel peace and calmness through their experience.

Love & Light

A proud native of Cedar Rapids, IA and father to two amazing boys, Lovar Davis Kidd, known by L.D., is a poet, author, dance educator, musician, fashion activist, and recent graduate from the University of Iowa's Dance Department where he received his Master of Fine Arts.

L.D. is no stranger to the stage, having performed extensively in dance and musical theatre productions throughout the US and overseas over the last 25 years.

His passions revolve around fostering community through movement in all its forms. With a deep understanding of the human body acquired through years of practicing massage therapy, yoga, and his background as a professional dancer, L.D. creates the perfect environment for students and clients to experience growth and transformation.

He firmly believes in the power of Yoga & Massage Therapy to elevate ones entire being, helping students rediscover their true self and empowering them to shape the life they dream of. His mission is to offer massage therapy and yoga classes prioritizing holistic well-being, inspiring individuals to take positive steps toward self-improvement.

Stacey is a Yoga Alliance 500-hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) and RCYT (Registered Children's Yoga Teacher) with a deep passion for all things yoga, particularly philosophy and mindfulness. She enjoys weaving these elements into her classes, which range from gentle to challenging, but are always thoughtful. Stacey feels humbled and honored to create a space where you can connect, release what no longer serves you, and develop a deeper awareness of your true self. She firmly believes that yoga is for everyone and is eager to help you find your unique style, wherever you are on your journey.

To maintain balance, Stacey practices a variety of yoga styles, recognizing the importance of being in tune with the flow of life from moment to moment. Her diverse training includes Yoga Den in Florida, Asheville Yoga Center, and Little Flower Yoga in Brooklyn. She has specialized training in yin, nidra, prenatal/postnatal, pelvic floor, trauma-focused, chair, children's, teen, barre, mudras, chakras, and kundalini yoga. This fall, she is excited to begin the MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) program at Boston University, founded by one of her greatest inspirations, Jon Kabat-Zinn.

This winter, she will be offering her 12 week Children's Yoga Program at Toula to children ages 6-9 years old. This fun and creative secular series uses topics such as; compassion, mindfulness and physical sensations of the body along with props and practices to learn how to connect, breath, move, focus and relax. It begins with 1-2 poses and finishes with a full 45 minute yoga class!

Originally from Canada (you might hear it in her "sorry" or "about"), Stacey has called Iowa home for nearly four years.

Favorite Quote: "To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts." - Thoreau
Favorite Book: Wherever You Go, There You Are - Jon Kabat-Zinn
**Favorite Sutra: "yoga chitta vritti nirodhah" - Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. (No flexibility required!)
Favorite Things: Her husband, James, and two dogs, Rosie and Edward
Favourite Activities: Yoga, Cooking, Hiking, Travel

Cynthia Dennis has been teaching yoga since 2017 after completing an alignment- based, heart -centered 200 hour yoga teacher training program with Marsha Nieland and Betsy Rippentrop.

Cynthia completed a Wisdom Warrior training with Desiree Rumbaugh and Karen Church, P.T. which focused on keeping your yoga practice strong and vital into your 50s and beyond. She also holds certifications in trauma informed yoga, therapeutic yoga, Chair Yoga and the Art of Rest Restorative Yoga.

She teaches an all levels class that is appropriate for beginners to the more seasoned yogi. Her classes set an intention and then flow from engaging movements with breath to creating moments of ease to set the tone for the rest of your day. Cynthia has a passion for wellness and truly believes yoga can be practiced for a lifetime.

Mother, wife, mentor, energy worker, business owner, yogi and educator.

Graduate of Carlson College of Massage, licensed in the State of Iowa, and American Massage Therapy Association member since 2000. Owner of Hands in Harmony, a full-service spa, and Managing Partner of Empowered Healing Institute, a continuing education platform located in Iowa.

My massage therapy practice includes lymphatic, cranial sacral therapy, vibrational medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine. My Yoga Practice includes the Bikram based 26x2 Hot Series and Ashtanga. I practice yoga and meditation daily as it makes me a better person.