Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) - Julia Jonson, Lead Instructor & Sally Gill, Co-Instructor

October 2024 - May 2025
Hosted at The Yoga Effect

Deepen Knowledge, Gain Wisdom While Becoming a Light for Others

Yoga provides us with an opportunity to get to know ourselves from the inside out. So when someone says YES to embarking on training, they open up a whole new path of learning and growth for themselves. YTT is an opportunity to work through self-limiting beliefs and build confidence. It’s an opportunity to awaken the higher Self and shine like never before. And importantly, it’s an opportunity to guide others in their journey of self-discovery and help make a real difference in the world.

FEBRUARY 2025

Be your own Valentine: A Self-Love Yoga Experience with Sally Gill

Friday February 14, 2025 • 5:30-6:45pm 

This is a free event

On Friday, February 14th, at 5:30pm, join us for a unique Valentine’s Day experience. Whether you are single, looking for something special to do with your partner, or spending time away from your partner, take the opportunity to honor the most important relationship in your life: the one with yourself. Come solo or bring friends and loved ones to celebrate love in its broadest, most beautiful form.

Through mindful movement, restorative practice, heart-centered affirmations, and inward reflection, we’ll cultivate self-love, gratitude, and appreciation. When we nurture love within ourselves, we radiate it outward, bringing more kindness and connection to the world around us.

Please note: as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hours of cancellation notice is given. Thank you.

Partner Yoga with Andrew Gurvey and Julia Jonson

Sunday February 16, 2025 • 2:30-5:00pm • $75 per couple

Yoga offers a myriad of options to explore the mind, body, and spirit connection. Adding a partner to practice can expand those options even further. Join Andrew Gurvey (assisted by Julia Jonson) as we explore techniques utilized from Thai Massage, Acroyoga, and the yoga asanas' expansions. Partner yoga explores more than poses with two people; it also offers opportunities for stretching further, working out kinks, and working on spoken and unspoken communication skills. Grab a friend or loved one for a fun and enlightening way to get out of your comfort zone. Coming to this workshop with a partner is preferred, as coming alone will not guarantee a pair-up option.

About Andrew Gurvey:
TBY Yoga President, Yoga Teacher, Engineer. Andrew has been practicing yoga since 2005 and teaching since 2009. He is passionate about providing people with stress relief and an opportunity to feel better in their bodies and mind. His favorite pose is, hands down, Handstand! If you are into inversions, check out his Flow and Balance class.

About Julia Jonson:
Julia has been studying and practicing yoga and meditation since 1991 and teaching since 2007. With more than a thousand hours of formal training, Julia offers teachers-in-training extensive knowledge of the practice and a whole lot of love and passion for sharing it. Her approach is alignment-based, functional yoga with a therapeutic feel — and she specializes in restorative, gentle, and intermediate yoga. Julia also earned a certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell and has been making plant-based creations since 1989

Please note: as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hours of cancellation notice is given. Thank you.

Monthly Livestream Meditation with Bhante Sujatha

Friday February 21, 2025 • 7:30-8:30pm • $15

Please join Bhante Sujatha from the comfort of your own home for this livestream meditation practice. The value of a consistent, ongoing contemplative practice is measurable. Joy becomes more constant, emotions become sturdy, and the ability to navigate life’s situations becomes easier.

All proceeds of these monthly meditations will be donated to Bhante’s Pregnant Women & Baby Project in Sri Lanka.

Please note: as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hours of cancellation notice is given. Thank you

This workshop will be offered via Zoom.
A link will be sent out following registration. 

4 Part Series: The Language of Anatomy with Rich Logan

Saturday, February 22, 2025 • 1:30pm-4:00pm

Sunday, February 23, 2025 • 1:30pm-4:00pm

Saturday, March 8, 2025 • 1:30pm-4:00pm

Sunday, March 9, 2025 • 1:30pm-4:00pm

$230 per person
(Includes all 4 session dates)

$60 A La Carte, also available and listed separately.

Dive deep into the science behind your practice with renowned yogi Rich Logan. This immersive 4-part series is designed to empower you with a comprehensive understanding of your body's anatomy, focusing on the shoulders, spine, and hips.

We strongly recommend registering for all four workshops to fully engage your learning experience, but these workshops can be booked separately. 

What You'll Learn:

Part 1: The Overview

• A comprehensive overview of basic anatomical terminology
• Explore the skeletal and muscular systems that support your yoga practice.
  
  

Part 2: The Spine

• Discover the intricate structure of the spine
• Explore the importance of spinal alignment and flexibility in yoga
  
  

Part 3: The Shoulder Joint

• Understand the complex anatomy of the shoulder joint
• Learn how to safely and effectively strengthen and mobilize your shoulders
  
  

Part 4: The Hip Joint

• Unravel the mysteries of the hip joint
• Learn how to open and strengthen your hips for deeper yoga poses

Why Attend?

• Enhance Your Practice: Gain a deeper understanding of your body and improve your alignment.
• Prevent Injuries: Learn how to modify poses to suit your individual needs.
• Learn from a Master: Benefit from Rich Logan's years of experience and expertise.

Please note:  to qualify for a full refund, you must cancel your reservation by February 1, 2025. Unfortunately, any cancellations made after this date will not be eligible for a refund.

The Language of Anatomy Overview with Rich Logan

(Single Workshop Option).

Saturday February 22, 2025 • 1:30-4:00pm • $60

What are we made of? It is essential for yoga teachers to familiarize themselves with the basic language of anatomy
and to start to grasp what is holding us together.

In this workshop, the first of a five-part series, we will move from a cosmological perspective to the introspective view of the yoga practitioner. We will ask the question, “What are we?” and begin to understand the answer on a physical level. 

This workshop will give students a healthy balance of experiential activity and lecture. Topics of discussion will include but are not limited to, general kinesiology, planes of the body, muscular terminology, connective tissue, bone structure, and how being “comfortable” isn’t always healthy.

Join celebrated Chicago yogi and anatomy fanatic Rich Logan on this journey through muscle, bone, and connective tissue. Register for this session or all four sessions in the Language of Anatomy series.

  
Please note:  as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hrs' notice of cancellation is given. Thank you

The Language of Anatomy, The Spine with Rich Logan

(Single Workshop Option).

Sunday, February 23, 2025 • 1:30-4:00pm • $60

The spine is literally the backbone of the musculoskeletal system; understanding its functions and vulnerabilities is crucial to developing a sound approach to yoga anatomy. This class will combine lecture, discussion, and demonstration to help us identify and recognize the spine's capabilities and limitations.

We will become familiar with the form and function of a healthy spine and identify some common spinal imbalances. Applying this knowledge of spinal function, we will learn to assess imbalances and practice some safe ways to adjust the spine within a yoga class. Through this workshop, you will learn the kinesiology and muscular anatomy of the spine. We will explore a range of motion and yoga techniques to balance the spine.

 Please note:  as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hrs' notice of cancellation is given. Thank you

MARCH 2025

Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath with Jessica Spalding

Saturday, March 1 2025 • 6:00-7:30pm • $35 per person

Join us for a transformative and deeply restorative experience combining Yoga Nidra and the healing vibrations of crystal sound bowls. This 90-minute workshop is designed to guide you into a state of profound relaxation, where body and mind can release tension and stress. Through Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep), you’ll be gently guided into a meditative state while the harmonious sounds of crystal healing bowls resonate through your being, balancing your energy and promoting inner peace. This workshop is a serene space for deep healing and renewal, perfect for all levels.

Come unwind, rejuvenate, and connect with your inner self.

About Jessica: Jessica Spalding, Yoga Teacher, RYT-200 Jessica specializes in flow, restorative, and gentle yoga. She completed her Hatha Yoga Training Program in 2019 under Terry Crews. Since then, she has broadened her studies in Adaptive Yoga with Ryan McGraw, Alignment-based Yoga Immersion with world-renowned Desiree Rumbaugh, and mentorship with Julia Jonson from TBY in Restorative Yoga & Hands-on Adjustments. Her teachings are deeply rooted in tradition with a modern-day understanding of anatomy, physical fitness, and alignment. Jessica believes strongly in incorporating meditation and breathwork in her teachings, creating a full experience for the body and the soul.

Jessica is also Reiki III Certified with a deep connection to spiritual practice. Creating a holistic approach, Jessica brings a healing intention to all her sharings.

Please note:  as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hrs' cancellation notice is given. Thank you

The Language of Anatomy, The Shoulder with Rich Logan

(Single Workshop Option).

Saturday, March 8, 2025 • 1:30-4:00pm 

In the third meeting of this series dedicated to the Language of Anatomy, we will focus on the shoulder. When considering its normal, healthy range of motion, the shoulder is relatively free compared to other major joints. As a result, it is functionally less stable than some of the other joints and is characterized by less innate freedom.

In this workshop, we explore the anatomy of the shoulder girdle. We will analyze the rotator cuff musculature, important bony landmarks, and connective tissue that comprise this complex joint.

We will examine healthy and unhealthy patterns of movement and imbalances commonly found in the shoulder girdle. After learning to identify what may inhibit the shoulder from its fullest potential, the students will participate in practical exercises to help find safe and effective ways to increase mobility and strength. In addition, the heart plexus and the role of the surrounding connective tissue will be reviewed. Discussion and demonstrations will be presented throughout the workshop to explore and instill the anatomical complexities of the shoulder described above.

Please note:  as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hrs' notice of cancellation is given. Thank you

The Language of Anatomy, Hips/Pelvic Floor with Rich Logan

(Single Workshop Option).

Sunday, March 9, 2025 • 1:30-4:00PM • $60

The pelvis serves multiple anatomical purposes, supporting viscera and operating as the stabilizing structure from which the legs explore the world. The pelvic girdle is a matrix of checks and balances: something must compensate for every degree of imbalance below the pelvis, creating imbalance above. Its subtle mobility is essential in movement, and the rest of the body suffers if lost in either inflexibility or hyper-mobility.

As we become more familiar with the innate kinesiology and muscles of the hips, we can assess and address imbalances within the pelvic girdle. We will also discuss how imbalances within the pelvic region affect our physical health, mental well-being, and emotional balance.

Rich will teach simple exercises and techniques for maintaining healthy hips and correcting or managing imbalances.

 
Please note:  as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hrs' notice of cancellation is given. Thank you

Parent & Tot Yoga Workshop: Move, Play, and Bond with Anna Ottolino

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • 11:00AM-12:00PM • $30
 

Spend special time with your little one in this playful Parent & Tot Yoga Workshop designed to nurture connection, movement, and joy! This interactive class blends gentle yoga, fun partner poses, and engaging mindfulness activities to support early development while strengthening the bond between you and your child.

Together, you and your tot will:

• Move through playful yoga poses that encourage flexibility and coordination
• Breathe with fun, simple techniques to promote calm and focus
• Bond with partner poses that foster connection and trust
  Play through music, and movement games
• Relax with soothing mindfulness tools to bring more presence into your daily routine

This workshop is led by Anna Ottolino, author of The Feathered Bridge, a children’s book about kindness and the power of our actions. She loves teaching children about compassion and how when we help others, it comes back to us.

This class is designed to be lighthearted and interactive, creating a space where both parents and tots can enjoy movement, laughter, and relaxation together.

Ideal for parents (or caregivers) with children ages 1-4. No prior yoga experience is needed just bring your little one and a playful spirit! 

 Please note:  as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hours' notice of cancellation is given. Thank you

Parent & Child Yoga Workshop: Connect, Breathe, and Play with Anna Ottolino

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • 4:00PM-5:00PM • $30
 

Join us for a special Parent-Child Yoga Workshop, a fun and meaningful way to bond with your child through movement, breath, and mindfulness. This engaging session will introduce simple yoga poses, partner activities, and playful mindfulness exercises designed to strengthen connection, encourage teamwork, and cultivate calm.

Together, you and your child will:

• Move through interactive partner yoga poses
• Breathe with fun, easy-to-follow breath-work techniques
• Play mindfulness games that teach focus and relaxation 
• Connect in a joyful, screen-free space
• Learn practical tools to manage stress and anxiety and bring more presence into everyday life

Both adults and children will leave with simple, effective techniques they can use at home to navigate emotions, cultivate mindfulness, and create moments of calm together.

This workshop is led by Anna Ottolino, author of The Feathered Bridge, a children’s book about kindness and the power of our actions. She loves teaching children about compassion and how when we help others, it comes back to us.

No prior yoga experience is needed just come ready to move, laugh, and enjoy quality time together!

Ideal for children ages 5-11 and their grown-ups.

 Please note:  as a courtesy to our teachers who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hours notice of cancellation is given. Thank you

Celebrate 15 Years of
The Yoga Effect with Us!

We are delighted to invite you to
a heartfelt celebration marking
The Yoga Effect's 15th Anniversary!

Saturday, March 15, 2025  

2 Special Free Events!

Anniversary Blessing & Bathing the Buddha Ceremony 
3:00pm - 4:00pm

Join us for a special studio blessing as we reflect on the incredible journey of our community over the past 15 years. As part of the celebration, we will honor the tradition of bathing the Buddha, a beautiful ritual symbolizing purification, renewal, and gratitude. Pouring water over the Buddha statue serves as a reminder to cleanse the mind and heart, inviting kindness, wisdom, and compassion into our lives. This timeless practice encourages us to embrace new beginnings while expressing appreciation for the path that has brought us here.

All-Levels Class with Sally & Live Violinist Yuyla
4:30pm - 5:30pm

Experience a deeply nourishing all-levels yoga class led by Sally, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of live violinist Yuyla. Let the combination of movement and music inspire a sense of harmony and connection as we flow together in celebration.

Stay and Connect

After both events, linger a little longer to enjoy a cup of tea, connect with fellow yogis, and share in the joy of this special milestone.

We are beyond grateful for your presence and support over
the years. Let’s come together to honor the past, celebrate
the present, and step into the future with open hearts.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Please note:  Each event is free but requires registration.
If you need to cancel, please email Sally at: [email protected]  so that someone else can
have your spot. Thank you

APRIL 2025

Cultivating Self-Compassion: A Restorative Yoga and Journaling Workshop with Sarah Lill

Sunday, April 13,  2025  3:00-4:30pm • $35 

In a world that often demands perfection, self-doubt can quietly take hold. This workshop creates a nurturing space to release those doubts, build self-compassion, and reconnect with your authentic self. Self-love is not indulgent or luxurious—it’s an essential part of daily life.

Through gentle yoga, guided journaling, and restorative meditation, you'll cultivate a calm, healing environment to restore your inner balance and embrace self-kindness.

In this supportive workshop, you will:

• Release tension and self-criticism through gentle, restorative yoga poses.
• Cultivate self-awareness and compassion with journaling prompts designed for self-reflection and growth.
• Find inner stillness with guided meditations to soothe the mind and nourish your heart.
• Walk away with practical tools to integrate self-compassion into your daily life.

Perfect for all levels, this workshop offers the time and space to pause, reflect, and embrace the incredible person you already are. Reserve your spot today and give yourself the gift of healing and renewal.

  
Please note:  as a courtesy to our teachers and guest presenters who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are not refundable if less than 24 hrs' cancellation notice is given. Thank you

Overcoming Obstacles: A Weekend with Desiree Rumbaugh 

Friday, April 25 - Sunday, April 27, 2025 

Friday, April 25, 2025 • 6:00pm-8:30pm • Session 1

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • 10:00am-12:30pm • Session 2

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • 2:00pm-4:30pm • Session 3

Sunday, April 27, 2025 • 10:00am-12:30pm • Session 4

$250/WEEKEND OR $70/SESSION

HOSTED AT  THE YOGA EFFECT
1134 E. WASHINGTON STREET, GRAYSLAKE, IL 60030 


We are excited to welcome back Desirée Rumbaugh for another weekend of joyful learning.  With over four decades of experience, her teaching goes beyond physical practice.
She embodies the strength and resilience that yoga can bring, having used it to navigate personal tragedy and physical pain over the years, both in her body and mind.

Whether you’ve been practicing for years or you’re just starting out, Desirée will offer you powerful insights that go beyond the mat. Her teaching will help unlock your potential, guiding you toward a deeper understanding of yourself and your practice.

5,000 years ago, people faced many of the same challenges we're navigating today. Life has always been unpredictable, messy, and full of chaos. And that’s why practices like yoga were created—to help us find peace in the midst of it all.

Every obstacle we face presents an opportunity. These challenges teach us important life lessons and help us develop qualities like determination, patience, and adaptability. They force us to examine our beliefs, clarify what matters most to us, and approach problems in new, creative ways. Even though we would prefer an easier, smoother road, we all know that we grow stronger in facing life’s challenges.

In this workshop, we will explore yoga as a practice of flexibility and strength. When we think of yoga, we often picture poses that demand flexibility—but strength is at the core of it all. And isn’t that just like life? Those who are most vulnerable who lack inner and outer strength, are often the ones who suffer most—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

• Friday 6:00PM-8:30PM — Stronger: Hip Mobility and Lower Back Freedom
• Saturday 10:00AM-12:30PM — Power: Core Strength For Your Spine
• Saturday 2:00PM-4:30PM — Ignite: The Key to More Powerful Twists 
• Sunday 10:00AM-12:30PM — Everything, Everywhere, All At Once

The classes in this workshop are thoughtfully designed to build on each other, giving you a rich, comprehensive experience. Because of that, we’ll first open enrollment for the entire weekend, ensuring everyone can benefit fully. Starting April 1, single-session registration will become available for those who prefer to join for just one session.You are encouraged to sign up for the entire weekend as the learning is a cumulative experience.

Cancellations will not be accepted after 4/1/24 unless space can be filled by another student on the waiting list.

Learn more about Desiree Rumbaugh

 JUNE 2025

The Yoga Effect presents:
A Blue Zones Inspired
Yoga & Meditation Retreat

Hackmatack Retreat Richmond, IL
Saturday, June 28 | Sunday, June 29, 2025
9:00am - 5:00pm Daily

 $475/Person
  Includes both dates

Led by Anna Ottolino & Stacy Wheeler
Special Guest Bhante Rahula from The Blue Lotus Temple

Immerse yourself in a restorative retreat inspired by the Blue Zones regions, where people live the longest, healthiest lives. Blending yoga, meditation, mindful movement, and nourishing food, we’ll explore simple yet powerful ways to cultivate longevity, vitality, and inner peace.

Day 1:  Saturday, June 28 | 9:00am – 5:00pm

Introductions: 9:00am -9:30am

• 9:30am - 10:30am | All-Levels Flow with Stacy
    A revitalizing practice to awaken energy and restore balance. 

• 10:30am - 11:00am |  Let’s Talk About the Blue Zones
   How to incorporate Blue Zones' wisdom into daily life. 

• 11:00 am - 1:30 pm | Homemade Minestrone Cooking
    Class & Meal 
    A plant-based, nutrient-rich, and heart-warming
    Blue Zones classic. 

• 1:45pm - 2:30pm | Walking Meditation & Journaling 
    Stroll the beautiful grounds or relax in a hammock
    for mindful reflection. 

• 2:45pm - 3:15pm | Breathing Techniques & Somatic Movement 
   Tools to relieve anxiety and enhance well-being. 

• 3:30pm - 4:45pm | Restorative Yoga with Yoga Nidra with Anna
    A deeply relaxing practice to close the day. 

•  4:45pm - 5:00pm  Question & Answer Session

Day 2:  Sunday, June 29 | 9:00am – 5:00pm

Introductions: 9:00am -9:30am

• 9:30am - 10:30am |  Gentle Yoga with Anna
   A slower, nourishing practice to promote balance and longevity. 

• 10:30am - 11:00am |  More about the Blue Zones
    Practical ways to integrate their wisdom into daily life. 

• 11:00 am - 1:30pm | Handmade Pasta Cooking Class & Meal 
   Experience the joy of making fresh pasta from scratch and enjoy a       meal together. 

• 1:45pm - 2:15pm | Walking Meditation & Journaling 
   Connect with nature or find a cozy spot for self-reflection. 

• 2:30pm 3:30pm | Slow Flow with Stacy   
   Slow and mindful movement connecting breath to movement.

•  4:00pm - 5:00pm | Metta Sound Healing with Bhante Rahula 
    A transformative closing practice of deep relaxation & healing. 

Limited overnight accommodations are available.
Please email Anna for details at:  [email protected]

Read more about Hackmatack Retreat