“The success of yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures but in how it positively changes the way we live our life and our relationships.”
TKV Desikachar
Healthy body, healthy mind – you can’t have one without the other.
Healthy body, healthy mind – you can’t have one without the other.
When you begin to heal and strengthen your body through the practice of yoga and all its wonderful poses, the healing “auto-magically” moves to the inside taking you on a journey of self-realization – the true essence of yoga.
Relaxing. Energizing. Strengthening.
This is yoga!
You need it. You’re worth it! You’ll feel so much better, it’s true! Peace of mind. Better health. More enthusiasm for life!
This is yoga!
Why not yoga?
The number of benefits gained by practicing yoga is practically endless. EVERYONE should practice yoga!
Practicing yoga is a journey that starts from the outside and gradually moves inward – like peeling away the layers of an onion.
A large number of Santosha Yoga students step foot through our doors upon the recommendation of a trusted family physician, cardiologist, chiropractor, massage therapist or counselor.
Yoga is for everyone!
Anyone can do yoga; yes anyone, regardless of age, physical limitations, or lack of flexibility. If you can breathe, you can practice yoga!
And, did you know… Yogis are awesome! Yogis are caring people who are on a journey just like you! A journey of a thousand miles really does begin with one step – the first one!
Anyone can practice yoga; yes anyone, regardless of age, physical limitations or lack of flexibility.
Discover the yoga class that is right for you and start your journey today!
“Over the top friendly and helpful! Each and every class that I’ve taken I have LOVED!
Each teacher and class has made me want to be a better person; I leave there with such a feeling of contentment and happiness.
I’m new to Yoga but I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, I have to thank everyone who is a part for all that you are and all that you do.“
MD
“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Santosha’s impact on my life has been profound.
I checked it out in May 2011 at the recommendation of a friend, and from the first moment I walked through the door, I felt like I was “home,” thanks to the warm, serene atmosphere and the friendly staff.”
CC
“Thank you for opening up Santosha and running such a wonderful place.
Since I’ve been coming to Tuesday morning, for stress relief, I am happier with my thoughts, calmer with my kids, and just feeling better about my life.
I look forward to Tuesdays and I feel bummed when I miss it. I can’t wait until the fall when I can come more than once a week!”
KY
Read more of what our clients are saying here!
Over the top friendly and helpful! Each and every class that I’ve taken I’ve LOVED! Each teacher and class has made me want to be a better person, I leave there with such a feeling of contentment and happiness. I’m new to Yoga but I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, I have to thank everyone who is a part for all that you are and all that you do. M.D.
“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Santosha’s impact on my life has been profound.
I checked it out in May 2011 at the recommendation of a friend, and from the first moment I walked through the door, I felt like I was “home,” thanks to the warm, serene atmosphere and the friendly staff.”
CC
“Thank you for opening up Santosha and running such a wonderful place.
Since I’ve been coming to Tuesday morning, for stress relief, I am happier with my thoughts, calmer with my kids, and just feeling better about my life.
I look forward to Tuesdays and I feel bummed when I miss it. I can’t wait until the fall when I can come more than once a week!”
KY
Read more of what our clients are saying here!
“Over the top friendly and helpful! Each and every class that I’ve taken I have LOVED!
“Each teacher and class has made me want to be a better person; I leave there with such a feeling of contentment and happiness.
“I’m new to Yoga but I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, I have to thank everyone who is a part for all that you are and all that you do.“
MD
“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Santosha’s impact on my life has been profound.
“I checked it out in May 2011 at the recommendation of a friend, and from the first moment I walked through the door, I felt like I was “home,” thanks to the warm, serene atmosphere and the friendly staff.”
CC
“Thank you for opening up Santosha and running such a wonderful place.
“Since I’ve been coming to Tuesday morning, for stress relief, I am happier with my thoughts, calmer with my kids, and just feeling better about my life.
“I look forward to Tuesdays and I feel bummed when I miss it. I can’t wait until the fall when I can come more than once a week!”
KY
Read more of what our clients are saying here!
Your Health and Well-being is Important to Us!
We went the extra mile and took a big step to help you stay healthy!
We have installed an Aerus Air Scrubber in our studio for improved air quality.
To learn more about the Aerus Air Scrubber click here.
In 2009 Santosha Yoga was born of my desire to share with my students the true essence of yoga; born of a desire to bring to Macomb County, a more authentic way of learning yoga in a zen and tranquil setting.
Hometown: Detroit MI
Birthday Date: August 24th (Virgo, was there any doubt!)
Training/Education: RYT 200 & E-RYT 500 with Michael Johnson of Asheville, NC, in 2005. Reiki Master with Gina Ambrosia and countless workshops & retreats over the many years with the most amazing teachers on the most amazing topics.
Mentor(s): My teachers past, the teachers of Santosha Yoga and anyone who has walked through the doors of Santosha Yoga.
Favorite Prop: Blocks & Walls
What pose do you love to teach? It depends on what day it is.
What is your favorite pose? Ardha Chandrasana (half-moon), doesn’t matter what day it is.
What is your least favorite pose? Hmmm, again it depends on what day it is.
What is your favorite season of the year? Fall with spring being a close second.
MAC or PC? PC of course, the only one that’s allowed in the house.
Favorite Dessert: Crème Brulee
Favorite Fruit: Watermelon for sure.
Where/when did you take your first yoga class? Almost 19 years ago in a small rec center in Macomb MI, by a sweet gal named Desiree that taught us as she flipped through pages of a book. But it stuck!
Interests outside of Yoga: Reading, thinking of crazy things to do with my grandkids, bike riding very fast.
We are blessed to have a wonderful group of experienced teachers who bring their own unique style and individuality to the yoga experience. Their instruction comes from the heart and from their love of yoga. We offer a variety of class times and types; there is something for everyone.
Debbie Kowalski
RYT 500, PT, CPI
Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
Birthday Date: Dec 29th
Training: YogaFit L1-3 & YogaSweat, Vinyasa 200 hr., Pilates Certification, Physical Therapist
Mentors: Have learned from many awesome teachers
Favorite Prop: Block
What pose do you love to teach? Warrior II
What is your favorite pose? Triangle
What is your least favorite pose? Splits
What is your favorite season? Spring
MAC or PC? PC
Favorite Dessert: Brownies
Favorite Fruit: Grapes
Where/When did you take your first yoga class? Milford 2005
Interest outside of Yoga: Lifelong learning; Volunteering; Walking
Cindy Chase
E –RYT 500
Hometown: Detroit MI
Birthday Date: November 14th
Training/Education: 200 and 300 RYT Certification-Santosha Yoga Studio, Reiki Levels I and II
Mentor(s): Theresa, my Mom, Jessica and Christopher
Favorite Prop: Blocks, always blocks you can use them in so many poses
What pose do you love to teach? Utthita Trikonasana, Extended Triangle Pose, Delightful
What is your favorite pose? Ardha Chandrasana, Half Moon
What is your least favorite pose? Arm balances – UGH!
What is your favorite season of the year? Summer
MAC or PC? PC
Favorite Dessert: Lemon Meringue Pie, preferably made by my Mom. ?
Favorite Fruit: Raspberries
Where/when did you take your first yoga class? 1998 at the L’Anse Creuse Community Center with Tom King
Interests outside of Yoga: Traveling, Cooking, Reading, Gardening
Amanda Hodge
RYT 200
Hometown: Petoskey, MI
Birthday Date: September 10th – Virgo all the way
Training: RYT 200 from Santosha Yoga 2013, CCYT (Certified Chair Yoga Teacher)
Mentors: Theresa May & all of my students
Favorite Prop: Chair
What pose do you love to teach? Warrior II
What is your favorite pose? Side Angle Pose
What is your least favorite pose? None
What is your favorite season? Fall
MAC or PC? Neither! I’m technically challenged that’s my hubby’s department!
Favorite Dessert: Coffee with Grandmas Xmas Cookies
Favorite Fruit: Strawberries & Honeydew Melon
Where/When did you take your first yoga class? At Santosha Yoga on Sunday April 3, 2011
Interest outside of Yoga: Watching my kids play sports, Rooting on the Detroit Tigers, walking, listening to audiobooks & travel
Stacey Connors
RYT 200
Hometown: Ray, MI
Birthday Date: October 7th
Training/Education: 200 RYT Certification from House of Yoga, Berkley/Royal Oak MI
Mentors: I enjoy learning from everyone
Favorite Prop: Block
What pose do you love to teach? Not so much a pose, but the flow of mini sun A salutations
What is your favorite pose: Tie between supta virasana (reclining hero pose) and standing forward fold
What is your least favorite pose? Changes daily
What is your favorite season of the year: The transitional seasons, autumn and spring
MAC or PC: PC for work, but MAC for portable devices
Favorite Dessert: I can never turn down a homemade cookie
Favorite Fruit: Watermelon, grapes, and apples
Where/when did you take your first yoga class? The Yoga Studio of Shelby in 2005/2006
Interests outside of Yoga: Spending time with my boys, visiting craft/art shows, walking around little towns, eating at new restaurants
Laura Zedan
RYT 200
Hometown: Detroit Michigan
Birthday Date: July 14th
Training/Education: RYT 200 with Theresa May and Reiki Master with Gina Ambrosia
Favorite Prop: Strap
What pose do you love to teach? All of them
What is your favorite pose: I love to play with balances and transitions
What is your least favorite pose: Cow Face Pose
What is your favorite season of the year: Fall
MAC or PC: MAC
Favorite Dessert: Anything with Nutella
Favorite Fruit: Any kind of berry
Where/when did you take your first yoga class? Rodney Yes on VHS when my boys were little
Interests outside of Yoga: Spending time with my sons, weight training, running, bike riding, playing with my dog Lotus
Gail Turner-Sobczak
RYT 200
Hometown: East Detroit (Eastpointe now)
Birthday Date: October 4 I am a true Libra
Training/Education: RYT-200 at Santosha, Massage Therapist and Esthetician
Mentor(s): Theresa May and really all the teachers at Santosha
Favorite Prop: Block
What pose do you love to teach? Tree pose
What is your favorite pose: Triangle
What is your least favorite pose: Dragon/Lizard
What is your favorite season of the year: Fall
MAC or PC: We really don’t have either. My husband has his work PC that I don’t use. Everything I own is apple so if I had to choose MAC
Favorite Dessert: Apple pie or lemon meringue pie
Favorite Fruit: I love all fruit
Where/when did you take your first yoga class? 2000, Petoskey MI, I was is a classroom after school
Interests outside of Yoga: Nature, boating, water activities, reading, gardening, walking, cooking and baking
Missy Pierson
RYT 200
Hometown: Harrison Township, Michigan
Birthday Date: August 23rd
Training/Education: RYT-200 at Santosha in 2018
Mentor(s): Theresa May
Favorite Prop: Blocks
What pose do you love to teach? Warrior 2
What is your favorite pose? Eagle Pose or Reclined Spinal Twist
What is your least favorite pose? Seated Wide Leg Forward Fold
What is your favorite season of the year? Summer! My kids are out of school so that means a lot of adventures together and no lunches to pack.
MAC or PC? PC… I know nothing about MAC’s except it was on my 8-year-old son’s Christmas List this year.
Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Favorite Fruit: Watermelon or Michigan Cherries
Where/when did you take your first yoga class? February 2, 2014 at Santosha with Penny Carroll
Interests outside of Yoga: Spending time with my family and friends, reading, doing puzzles, and golfing
Kelly Ramirez
RYT 200
Hometown: St Clair Shores
Birthday Date: February 3rd
Training/Education: RYT-200 at Santosha Yoga
Mentor(s): Theresa May, Cindy Chase and all my Yoga teacher training classmates
Favorite Prop: I love all props! But if I have to pick one, I’d say the bolster
What pose do you love to teach? Downward dog
What is your favorite pose: Wide leg forward fold, or half-moon
What is your least favorite pose: cow face pose and hero
What is your favorite season of the year: Spring, summer, fall and winter in that order
MAC or PC: PC
Favorite Dessert: Anything chocolate
Favorite Fruit: Strawberries
Where/when did you take your first yoga class? I started taking yoga on YouTube around 2015. My first in person class was at Santosha yoga at the end of 2019
Interests outside of Yoga: Painting, puzzles, game nights, shopping, musical theater and concerts
Karen Burke
RYT 500
Hometown: Macomb Twp., MI
Birthday Date: May 23
Training/Education: RYT200 with Theresa at Santosha, BS/MS in Physics
Mentor(s): Theresa, my family, and last (but absolutely not least) my dogs, Zakara and Aspen
Favorite Prop: My yoga wheel
What pose do you love to teach? Tree pose
What is your favorite pose: Dolphin
What is your least favorite pose: Depends on what’s hurting that day. Generally bridge (knees) or boat (lower back)
What is your favorite season of the year: Winter! Give me all the snow!
MAC or PC: PC, preferably running on Linux, but Windows is ok too.
Favorite Dessert: True (Irish) bread pudding
Favorite Fruit: Slightly green bananas (so they’re still tart!)
Where/when did you take your first yoga class? I don’t remember the year, but when I was attending Oakland University for my BS degree. Took it at the university recreation center with the lovely Meaghan (Zeoli) Brown!!!
Interests outside of Yoga: Science, reading, making things, quality time with my dogs, traveling, kayaking
Massage, like yoga has a whole host of health benefits; the two together are a recipe for optimal health and well-being…mind, body and spirit. Our therapists are experienced in a variety of modalities – you are sure to find exactly what you need!
Gail Turner-Sobczak
*ABMP Certified Massage Therapist
ABMP* certified massage therapist. Gail graduated from Irene’s Myomassology Institute in 1999.
Gail’s experience ranges from physical therapy and in-patient hospital care to working in a full service spa.
Her mission is to help relax and de-stress her clients, whether it be from an injury or day to day stress. Nothing is impossible.
Pam Kraft
*ABMP Certified Massage Therapist
ABMP* certified massage therapist, Pam graduated from Irene’s Myomassology Institute in 2014 and completed Beaumont’s Oncology/Hospital Massage Program in 2015.
”The power of touch during grief and pain benefits not only the patients, but their caregivers too. Everyone can benefit from the healing power of touch. “
Pam offers Swedish, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Myofascial Release, Sports Massage along with Table Thai massage, Reflexology and Aromatherapy.
Whether your goal is relaxation or pain relief or both, she can tailor a session with techniques specific to your personal needs.
Dani Wade – Maternity Leave 8/1/2022
*ABMP Certified Massage Therapist
ABMP* certified massage therapist since 2013. Dani graduated from “The Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy,” a COMPTA accredited school. The 800 hour program consisted of training in many different modalities, but focused mainly on Neuromuscular Therapy and Myofascial Release.
Dani’s goal is to help you with your chronic pain patterns or through an injury. Using a combination of techniques, she will tailor your massage to your specific needs.
Dani has worked with clients who sought out massage therapy as an alternative to medication or surgery. She has also worked with clients before and after surgery to promote a quicker and healthier healing process.
Dani is dedicated to helping others understand more about their own bodies and believes this knowledge will lead to healthier future generations
*ABMP – Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
Just follow the steps below and you’re on your way to a healthier, happier you!