Terri Atkinson

It wasn’t until I started attending classes in 2007 that I cultivated the desire to learn more. I enjoy learning various teaching methods and I am especially drawn to learning about the history of yoga, particularly ancient philosophy and texts in the Buddhist and Yogic traditions. I continue to deepen my knowledge of anatomy of the physical body, the energies of the subtle body, and interactions between the two.My teaching style is based on small focused movements that bring awareness to connective tissue and subtle energies. I incorporate traditional hatha yoga asana into my classes with intention on breath and alignment of the poses. I work to enlighten the student’s capacity to sense and feel within their physical and energetic self. I enjoy seeing the transformation in students as they continue to deepen their practice and become more attuned to their own body and true spirit. I believe that yoga is as much about learning as it is doing, so I always begin with sharing knowledge that aligns with the structure of the class. I often use hand mudras, chanting, meditation, and pranayama in my teachings.In 2016, I embarked on a journey by completing a 200-hour Yoga Teacher training at the Prairie Yoga Institute of Lisle, IL. Under the guidance of remarkable teachers, Ellen McKenzie and Tammy Mitchell, I delved deep into the art of yoga instruction, laying the foundation for my future as a yoga educator. This was just the beginning, as I went on to complete a 300-hour Yoga Teacher training curriculum with Tias Little of Prajna Yoga, Santa Fe, NM.Expanding my knowledge, I completed a certification for Sensory Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement (SATYA) with Tias Little in 2021, enhancing my expertise in yoga for the subtle body. I also completed training in somatic movement with the Somatic Institute of Northampton, MA, and deepened my understanding of mindfulness with Dr. Dan Seigel. Additionally, I obtained the Brain Longevity teaching certification with the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF), enhancing my knowledge and teaching skills for the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.Passionate about sharing my knowledge, I dedicated myself to serving as a teacher assistant and mentoring students in a 200-hour training at Om on the River in Peoria, IL. Along my path, I have had opportunities to study with esteemed senior teachers including Theresa Murphy, Gabriel Halpern, Nicholi Bachman, and Linda Spackman. I remain committed to continuous growth, regularly seeking wisdom from Surya and Tias Little at Prajna Yoga. My journey is a testament to my unwavering passion for yoga and my fervent dedication to evolving as a teacher and practitioner.I have over 30 years’ experience in Engineering as a leader and project manager in test and development. I hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Bradley University in Peoria, IL and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University School of Engineering, Carbondale, IL.