Simonne Meszaros
I spent most of my growing-up years in Northern California, and I still consider myself an ocean junkie. My favorite walk was always along Seabright Beach, where the sound of waves allowed me to turn inwards. Facing the water, I would pause to breathe deeply, stretch, and practice yoga for healing in the sand.
In my late 20s, I relocated to this lovely part of Illinois for my family, to raise my children, and to excel in my yoga practice as a student and teacher. I have also spent many years in the world of information technology, managing relationships, and partnerships, and generally helping businesses to excel. This experience has taught me the importance of connection, communication, and fostering growth—values that now strengthen my yoga teaching and my passion for wellness.
Yoga has been a significant part of my life for many years, providing a source of balance and inspiration. And now, as a fully experienced and trained certified yoga instructor, I am excited and inspired to share the remarkable benefits of yoga with others in my community. My yoga journey has finally delivered me to this time of opening my own studio. In 2015, I completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification (YTT) with my next step of completing the Kid’s Yoga & Mindfulness Certification (RCYT). Other individual certifications I’ve achieved include Yin Yoga, Yoga for Athletes, Prenatal Yoga, Trauma Informed and Yoga & Mindfulness in prisons. I teach to all levels of practice, so that everyone can participate at the level they feel most comfortable during any class. Yoga for healing
Certifications:
RYT200, RCYT, RPYS Prenatal Yoga Training Certificate
Laura Taylor
I have worked in the Mind-Body-Soul realm for 25 years, assisting others to experience their intrinsic wholeness and deep well-being. As a licensed Unity Teacher, I use powerful tools, including EFT Tapping, meditation, and other strategies for overcoming life's challenges, losses, and disappointments. I founded my own private practice, "Embody Your Spiritual Essence", and worked in the San Francisco area for many years as a Hypnotherapist and Energy Worker.
My interest is to turn the residue of painful experiences into fertile ground for growth, and aliveness. Clients discover an inner strength and peace that empowers them to create a joy for living and a life of meaning. Working on a foundation of unconditional acceptance and compassion, I honor every individual's unique process in order for them to find strength from their inner knowing and inner resources to form lifelong skills that sustain well-being as they actualize the person, they long to be in a life they love.
Valerie Barber
Valerie Barber is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher with nearly three decades of personal practice and over ten years of teaching experience. Her approach is rooted in the calming, restorative power of yoga—offering students a way to feel better in their bodies and deepen their connection to self and others.
Valerie creates a welcoming space for all levels, blending breath-led movement with mindful awareness. Her classes invite presence, ease, and gentle strength, encouraging students to explore their own inner balance both on and off the mat
Dana Flood
Dana is a passionate yoga teacher with a 200-hour certification rooted in Hatha, Vinyasa, mobility, and Sculpt. She believes deeply in yoga’s power to transform both body and mind, and creates a welcoming space for students of all levels.
Her classes emphasize mindful movement and breath awareness, helping students build strength, presence, and deeper self-connection. Inspired by her own journey balancing work, family, and wellness, Dana encourages self-awareness and personal growth through practice.
Committed to lifelong learning, she continues to study meditation, stretch, Pilates, and yoga philosophy. Off the mat, Dana enjoys nature walks, travel, reading, gardening, and connecting through family and community events.
Emily Love
I began practicing yoga in 2015 with online videos—studios and public classes felt intimidating at the time. After a few years of self-guided practice, I completed my 200-hour certification through Yoga Buzz STL. What started as a personal journey to deepen my own practice quickly became a passion for guiding others through theirs.
In my classes, you’ll find breath-centered movement, space for authenticity, and gentle encouragement to explore with curiosity and compassion. I aim to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels free to be themselves—and leaves feeling a little better than when they arrived.
I teach Slow Flow Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative Yoga. For those who prefer a more private setting, I also offer one-on-one sessions tailored to your unique needs.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll likely find me barefoot in the backyard with my husband, our daughter, and our two wild dogs.
Certifications:
200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification
Master’s Degree in Sociology
Julie Hamilton
Julie is a resident of Edwardsville, Illinois, a proud mother of three, grandmother of three, and great-grandmother of two. A retired interior decorator, she now finds joy in gardening, cooking, reading, and sharing the benefits of yoga with her community.
Her yoga journey began over twenty years ago, drawn to the peace and physical well-being she felt after each practice. In 2014, she deepened her commitment by completing a 200-hour yoga certification. As her practice evolved, Julie embraced chair yoga to support students of all ages and abilities—believing that yoga should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or health concerns.
She holds certifications from Yoga Vista Academy, Get Fit Where You Sit, and Accessible Yoga, and is registered with Yoga Alliance. Currently pursuing a 300-hour advanced training, Julie continues to expand her knowledge and refine her teaching.
She teaches at YMCA studios and senior centers, where her classes offer gentle movement, breath awareness, and a welcoming space for connection and healing.