Nurture Yoga & Massage
Nurture is a Yoga and Massage Studio that was established with one thing in mind, to create a community wellness center where you could come and Nurture your soul. Located in the heart of downtown Richmond Illinois, Nurture is a place for you to relax, breathe, grow stronger and be nurtured. Nurture offers numerous services including Yoga, Hot Yoga, Prenatal Classes, Massage, Essential Oil Classes & Education, , Raindrop Technique, Breath work, Private yoga and/or Counseling sessions in your home and wellness sessions avail by skype.
Please continue to visit our website often as we are continually introducing new workshops, services and events tailored to your health and wellness. Also, since we are dedicated to serving you, please feel free to make suggestions and tell us what services and scheduling better fits your needs.
Please continue to visit our website often as we are continually introducing new workshops, services and events tailored to your health and wellness. Also, since we are dedicated to serving you, please feel free to make suggestions and tell us what services and scheduling better fits your needs.
Tracy Soos-Walker
Meet Tracy
Tracy is the owner & operator of Nurture Yoga & Massage. She is also, a Master’s level, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Addictions Counselor, and Certified Yoga and Meditation Instructor trained through the Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center and member of Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT.
Tracy also has specialized training in teaching Hot yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Himalayan style Yoga and is certified in Thai Massage under the guidance of Jessi Rae.
Through yoga and meditation, Tracy enjoys working with individuals on a deeper levels to help them develop a better more intuitive understanding of themselves, increase self-esteem and body image challenges and address a multitude of personal concerns yoga can heal. Tracy performs group and individual sessions at the studio, in her home or yours and private skype yoga and welllness counseling sessions.
Tracy truly believes in nurturing one's soul. Tracy has done extensive research on the benefits of using yoga to cultivate the life you want and deserve and its healing properties when dealing with stress, anxiety and an overabundance of emotions. Her approach the yogic process is individualized and client-centered. Tracy believes happiness can be attained and optimism can be learned. Tracy's approach includes teaching her clients about the body-mind connection and she works with the “whole person." Tracy is a Certified Yoga and Meditation Instructor, and teaches both group and individual yoga sessions, open to all clients and offers a variety of different classes based on a person's needs. Tracy is also available for private wellness consultations. Tracy believes that yoga is a tool to help individuals find their own path to the mind-body-spirit connection. Tracy is known to be very respectful of each person’s individual needs and situation while working through the process of change and growth. Tracy believes that our difficulties in life are also our opportunities to grow and change. She is passionate about helping others become the people they want to be. Her personal background and professional training offer her clients a deep understanding of a wide-range of challenges so many of us face in life, as well as a path to change.
Tracy strongly believes, that people are not what happened to them, they are what they choose to become, an inspiration by Carl Jung.
Tracy is the owner & operator of Nurture Yoga & Massage. She is also, a Master’s level, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Addictions Counselor, and Certified Yoga and Meditation Instructor trained through the Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center and member of Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT.
Tracy also has specialized training in teaching Hot yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Himalayan style Yoga and is certified in Thai Massage under the guidance of Jessi Rae.
Through yoga and meditation, Tracy enjoys working with individuals on a deeper levels to help them develop a better more intuitive understanding of themselves, increase self-esteem and body image challenges and address a multitude of personal concerns yoga can heal. Tracy performs group and individual sessions at the studio, in her home or yours and private skype yoga and welllness counseling sessions.
Tracy truly believes in nurturing one's soul. Tracy has done extensive research on the benefits of using yoga to cultivate the life you want and deserve and its healing properties when dealing with stress, anxiety and an overabundance of emotions. Her approach the yogic process is individualized and client-centered. Tracy believes happiness can be attained and optimism can be learned. Tracy's approach includes teaching her clients about the body-mind connection and she works with the “whole person." Tracy is a Certified Yoga and Meditation Instructor, and teaches both group and individual yoga sessions, open to all clients and offers a variety of different classes based on a person's needs. Tracy is also available for private wellness consultations. Tracy believes that yoga is a tool to help individuals find their own path to the mind-body-spirit connection. Tracy is known to be very respectful of each person’s individual needs and situation while working through the process of change and growth. Tracy believes that our difficulties in life are also our opportunities to grow and change. She is passionate about helping others become the people they want to be. Her personal background and professional training offer her clients a deep understanding of a wide-range of challenges so many of us face in life, as well as a path to change.
Tracy strongly believes, that people are not what happened to them, they are what they choose to become, an inspiration by Carl Jung.
Frank Whiting
Meet Frank
Frank has been practicing yoga since the late ’90’s. He pursued his 200-hour teacher training under Rolf Gates to grow his own practice, but since completing his training has felt compelled to the gift that yoga has been in his life.
Frank has completed additional training under Todd Norian at The Kripalu Institute and with Veteran’s Yoga Project, and has practiced with teachers like Seane Corn, Shiva Rea and Gurumukh Kaur Khalsa.
He deepens his practice and his teaching toolbox by seeking out new teachers every chance that he gets.
Frank has been practicing yoga since the late ’90’s. He pursued his 200-hour teacher training under Rolf Gates to grow his own practice, but since completing his training has felt compelled to the gift that yoga has been in his life.
Frank has completed additional training under Todd Norian at The Kripalu Institute and with Veteran’s Yoga Project, and has practiced with teachers like Seane Corn, Shiva Rea and Gurumukh Kaur Khalsa.
He deepens his practice and his teaching toolbox by seeking out new teachers every chance that he gets.
Kandis Nissen
Meet Kandis.
The Warrior II posture was important to me as it was 4 weeks post colorectal cancer surgery. We all have challenges on our journey in life but I find the practice of yoga to facilitate our growth through our difficulties.
Yoga is often portrayed as a practice for the athletic, young, and pretzel types of people. But, Yoga is for everyone, all ages, sizes, and physical abilities. Together we share our energy in class with breath and awareness. We move the body, focus the mind, and calm our emotions to open ourselves to being a part of something greater. We practice moving with our breath and awareness.
I welcome your curiosity if you are new to yoga and welcome you if you already have a yoga practice. The classes I teach are oriented to the beginner as well as gentle or therapeutic. Therapeutic yoga classes are designed to work with students according to their needs but still in a class setting.
I look forward to meeting you on the mat!
Suzanne Ott
Meet Suzanne.
Suzanne's journey to yoga began when recurring health issues were not solved by standard medical practice. After her first yoga class, the instructor mentioned the science of breath. She spent an incredible amount of time on how to breathe long, deep, and slow, thus slowing down the nervous system. This was an “aha” moment for Suzanne. "If I can work myself into a frenzy through breath then I can slow it down through breath". Suzanne found a sense of calm and peace that lead to a lifetime of practicing yoga and improved health.
Suzanne is certified, RYT 200, from Lotus Centre under the direction of Anita Maher as well as a member of Yoga Alliance. When she is not practicing yoga, she is teaching middle school English Language Arts. Her teaching style focuses on sharing the benefits of yoga and working mindfully with the breath and body, creating balance and harmony. "I want my students to take this connection off the mat and into the world through their thoughts, words, and actions. I wish you health, happiness, and peace".
Lori Hanson
Meet Lori.
Lori is a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Instructor from the Lotus Yoga Center following the Himalayan Tradition of Hatha Yoga and Meditation. She is also Certified Reiki Master Teacher offering Reiki Healing Services onsite at Nurture at your request.
Lori has been inspired by the teachings of Swami Rama, Paul Grilley, Bryan Kest, Anna Forrest, Shakta Kaur, Sivananda Yoga and so many more.
“Yoga has been a refuge during stressful times. My wish is to make yoga accessible to all. Mindful- awareness of breath, and body begins to calm the mind, and lift the spirit. As simple as becoming aware of yourself on the mat is giving self-love. We then have that much more love to give."
Lori is a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Instructor from the Lotus Yoga Center following the Himalayan Tradition of Hatha Yoga and Meditation. She is also Certified Reiki Master Teacher offering Reiki Healing Services onsite at Nurture at your request.
Lori has been inspired by the teachings of Swami Rama, Paul Grilley, Bryan Kest, Anna Forrest, Shakta Kaur, Sivananda Yoga and so many more.
“Yoga has been a refuge during stressful times. My wish is to make yoga accessible to all. Mindful- awareness of breath, and body begins to calm the mind, and lift the spirit. As simple as becoming aware of yourself on the mat is giving self-love. We then have that much more love to give."
Erika Rodriguez
Meet Erika.
I was introduced to yoga 5 years ago, and fell in love with the practice after taking only one class. I became physically stronger and mentally stronger, on and off my mat.Yoga is a beautiful way to connect the mind, body, and spirit as well as strengthen and tone the body. I began learning new ways to deepen my practice and having a desire to share with others, guided me to pursue my teacher-training certificate.
My teaching style aims to inspire, motivate, and empower students to share their practice of yoga with their friends and family creating a positive connection. Whether you're in a room with strangers or practicing yoga with family or friends, each person participating in the class will leave feeling more connected to one another.
In 2016, I became a 200-hour RYT yoga teacher through The Lotus Yoga Centre and I am also registered with the Yoga Alliance. I continue to attend numerous workshops and classes to deepen my knowledge and ability to teach my students. I am looking forward to spreading my love for yoga to others!
I was introduced to yoga 5 years ago, and fell in love with the practice after taking only one class. I became physically stronger and mentally stronger, on and off my mat.Yoga is a beautiful way to connect the mind, body, and spirit as well as strengthen and tone the body. I began learning new ways to deepen my practice and having a desire to share with others, guided me to pursue my teacher-training certificate.
My teaching style aims to inspire, motivate, and empower students to share their practice of yoga with their friends and family creating a positive connection. Whether you're in a room with strangers or practicing yoga with family or friends, each person participating in the class will leave feeling more connected to one another.
In 2016, I became a 200-hour RYT yoga teacher through The Lotus Yoga Centre and I am also registered with the Yoga Alliance. I continue to attend numerous workshops and classes to deepen my knowledge and ability to teach my students. I am looking forward to spreading my love for yoga to others!
Cindy Conlon
Meet Cindy.
Cindy is a college professor, dancer, mother, dog lover, and lifelong learner. She applies the wisdom of yoga to grow and thrive in all areas of her life. She is certified by the White Lotus Foundation (200 RYT) as well as Yogaview in Chicago, IL (300 hours). Cindy continues to study with master yoga and meditation teachers in places such as the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and the Esalen Institute.
Her education includes a Ph.D. in education from Northwestern University (where she teaches undergraduate students) and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. She is also certified to teach Pilates (800 hour through True Pilates, NYC)
Cindy is a college professor, dancer, mother, dog lover, and lifelong learner. She applies the wisdom of yoga to grow and thrive in all areas of her life. She is certified by the White Lotus Foundation (200 RYT) as well as Yogaview in Chicago, IL (300 hours). Cindy continues to study with master yoga and meditation teachers in places such as the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and the Esalen Institute.
Her education includes a Ph.D. in education from Northwestern University (where she teaches undergraduate students) and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. She is also certified to teach Pilates (800 hour through True Pilates, NYC)
Chloe Wysocki
Meet Chloe.
Chloe was lucky enough to grow up with two yoga teachers as parents- it feels as though yoga has always been a part of her life. She has been practicing seriously for the last five years and received her 200 hour certification through Melt Pilates and Hot Yoga.
As a health and fitness enthusiast, she enjoys challenging her body during yoga but also loves the way yoga allows her to disconnect from her busy life. She feels that teaching allows her to help others strengthen their bodies, minds, and spirits and she loves to share her passion with others.
Chloe was lucky enough to grow up with two yoga teachers as parents- it feels as though yoga has always been a part of her life. She has been practicing seriously for the last five years and received her 200 hour certification through Melt Pilates and Hot Yoga.
As a health and fitness enthusiast, she enjoys challenging her body during yoga but also loves the way yoga allows her to disconnect from her busy life. She feels that teaching allows her to help others strengthen their bodies, minds, and spirits and she loves to share her passion with others.
Lisa Selby
Meet Lisa.
Lisa Selby is a holistic healer, certified yoga instructor, and reiki practitioner. She is an intuitive empath who began working with her fathers chiropractor at the age of 6. At the age of 12 she learned shamanic dreamwork. Lisa studied nutrition, aromatherapy, and crystals for healing in 1996. In 2018 she studied Reiki with Mescalero Apache teacher Billie Topa Tate. Lisa became a certified Hatha yoga instructor through Lotus Yoga school in 2019.
Lisa is a Bhakti yogi who utilizes Reiki, Reiki cranial facia, yoga, meditation, prayer, and chanting to hold sacred space and connect to your energy to assist you in removing blockages, healing wounds and assisting you to live your life’s purpose.
Lisa Selby is a holistic healer, certified yoga instructor, and reiki practitioner. She is an intuitive empath who began working with her fathers chiropractor at the age of 6. At the age of 12 she learned shamanic dreamwork. Lisa studied nutrition, aromatherapy, and crystals for healing in 1996. In 2018 she studied Reiki with Mescalero Apache teacher Billie Topa Tate. Lisa became a certified Hatha yoga instructor through Lotus Yoga school in 2019.
Lisa is a Bhakti yogi who utilizes Reiki, Reiki cranial facia, yoga, meditation, prayer, and chanting to hold sacred space and connect to your energy to assist you in removing blockages, healing wounds and assisting you to live your life’s purpose.
Ann Torp
Meet Ann.
Ann is a licensed massage therapist and a certified yoga instructor, having completed her 200 RYT teacher training with Lotus Yoga Centre, in September, 2019.
In addition to her massage certification, Ann has advanced training in Craniosacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage and Visceral Manipulation and certifications in Reflexology, Reiki and Orthopedic Massage. As a holistic, integrative bodyworker, Ann believes that true healing happens when we nourish not only our bodies, but also our minds, hearts and souls. To that end, she encourages clients to create a life that supports the vitality of the body, healthy expression of thoughts and emotions and connection to nature, spirit and community. Her intention is to help enhance your personal self-care efforts with therapeutic bodywork and a regular yoga practice, so you can leave pain and fatigue behind and enjoy your life.
Ann’s approach to healing aims to support the vital forces in the body. Her therapies are designed to clear stagnation and release restrictions that interfere with your body’s amazing capacity for self-repair.
A bodywork session can be designed to help you meet your short-term and long-term goals, and usually includes Swedish Massage for increased circulation, combined with deeper, more specific therapies most appropriate for your body’s present needs.
Ann is a licensed massage therapist and a certified yoga instructor, having completed her 200 RYT teacher training with Lotus Yoga Centre, in September, 2019.
In addition to her massage certification, Ann has advanced training in Craniosacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage and Visceral Manipulation and certifications in Reflexology, Reiki and Orthopedic Massage. As a holistic, integrative bodyworker, Ann believes that true healing happens when we nourish not only our bodies, but also our minds, hearts and souls. To that end, she encourages clients to create a life that supports the vitality of the body, healthy expression of thoughts and emotions and connection to nature, spirit and community. Her intention is to help enhance your personal self-care efforts with therapeutic bodywork and a regular yoga practice, so you can leave pain and fatigue behind and enjoy your life.
Ann’s approach to healing aims to support the vital forces in the body. Her therapies are designed to clear stagnation and release restrictions that interfere with your body’s amazing capacity for self-repair.
A bodywork session can be designed to help you meet your short-term and long-term goals, and usually includes Swedish Massage for increased circulation, combined with deeper, more specific therapies most appropriate for your body’s present needs.
Gianna Beatty
Meet Gianna.
Gianna is trained through the Usui Reiki Tradition under the guidance of Reiki Master Teacher, Lori Hanson. She is an avid Beach Body Piyo practitioner and will be working on her Reiki Master Certification in Fall 2019. She hopes to meet you in a yoga class or two. Gianna believes that Reiki brings peace,love and healing for one's mind, body and spirit.
Gianna feels so much joy in helping others heal. She has been in the veterinary science field for over 6 years. In addition to her work with animals, Gianna is an intuitive reader and can give Angel Card Readings which help recipients attain clarity. Gianna is very encouraging and helps others heal through a variety of different modalities including Reiki, Intuitive Angel Card Readings, with positive affirmations and through her kindness.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Zach and their fur child, Fiona the cat. Gianna also plays guitar, sings and love being with my family.
Gianna is trained through the Usui Reiki Tradition under the guidance of Reiki Master Teacher, Lori Hanson. She is an avid Beach Body Piyo practitioner and will be working on her Reiki Master Certification in Fall 2019. She hopes to meet you in a yoga class or two. Gianna believes that Reiki brings peace,love and healing for one's mind, body and spirit.
Gianna feels so much joy in helping others heal. She has been in the veterinary science field for over 6 years. In addition to her work with animals, Gianna is an intuitive reader and can give Angel Card Readings which help recipients attain clarity. Gianna is very encouraging and helps others heal through a variety of different modalities including Reiki, Intuitive Angel Card Readings, with positive affirmations and through her kindness.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Zach and their fur child, Fiona the cat. Gianna also plays guitar, sings and love being with my family.
Angie Pote
Meet Angie.
Angie is new to Nurture but no stranger to yoga! She is a single mom living in McHenry Illinois. Angie stumbled upon Yoga during a time in her life she really needed to find herself. She started in Aerial yoga which was life changing for Angie. This inspired her to further her knowledge in the world of yoga and all facets. Yoga has given Angie a healthy sense of clarity as well as a group of inspirational individuals that motivate her to bring more to the studio and to their practice. Angie Specializes in Restorative Yoga Practices, Aerial Yoga, Vinyasa and Vinyasa Sculpt.
In her free time, Angie spends her time furthering her knowledge in yoga science, spreading her light and love and enjoys spending time with her children and fur baby, Bella.
Angie is new to Nurture but no stranger to yoga! She is a single mom living in McHenry Illinois. Angie stumbled upon Yoga during a time in her life she really needed to find herself. She started in Aerial yoga which was life changing for Angie. This inspired her to further her knowledge in the world of yoga and all facets. Yoga has given Angie a healthy sense of clarity as well as a group of inspirational individuals that motivate her to bring more to the studio and to their practice. Angie Specializes in Restorative Yoga Practices, Aerial Yoga, Vinyasa and Vinyasa Sculpt.
In her free time, Angie spends her time furthering her knowledge in yoga science, spreading her light and love and enjoys spending time with her children and fur baby, Bella.
Amanda Hunt
Meet Amanda.
Amanda is new to teaching yoga, but not new to teaching or yoga. Amanda is a Kindergarten teacher and has been teaching for eight years. Her yoga journey began in 2012 where she fell in love with hot yoga and yoga sculpt. Amanda's love of yoga has continued through the years and she finally decided to take it a step further; she is currently enrolled in a RYT 200 program at The Yoga Lounge in Woodstock. She is ecstatic to teach yoga sculpt on Mondays alongside Chloe, as well as, warm yin on Thursdays.
Amanda is also certified in Thai Massage under the guidance of Jessi Rae.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband Bo & running their business, playing soccer, reading, puzzling, furthering her education, and being outdoors.
"Yoga has changed my life for the better; I know that I can be the best version of myself through yoga and hope to inspire you to do the same. I cannot wait for you to join me on the mat!"
Amanda is new to teaching yoga, but not new to teaching or yoga. Amanda is a Kindergarten teacher and has been teaching for eight years. Her yoga journey began in 2012 where she fell in love with hot yoga and yoga sculpt. Amanda's love of yoga has continued through the years and she finally decided to take it a step further; she is currently enrolled in a RYT 200 program at The Yoga Lounge in Woodstock. She is ecstatic to teach yoga sculpt on Mondays alongside Chloe, as well as, warm yin on Thursdays.
Amanda is also certified in Thai Massage under the guidance of Jessi Rae.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband Bo & running their business, playing soccer, reading, puzzling, furthering her education, and being outdoors.
"Yoga has changed my life for the better; I know that I can be the best version of myself through yoga and hope to inspire you to do the same. I cannot wait for you to join me on the mat!"