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

September 2025 - May 2026
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.

 JUNE 2025

Yoga Nidra & Sound Healing with Stepanie Bersh

Saturday: June 7, 2025 • 1:00-2:30pm • $35

 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 the practice of 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.

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

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. 

For those looking for overnight accommodations, we recommend exploring Lake Geneva, which is only 20 minutes away from the retreat center.

Please email Anna with any questions at:  [email protected]

Read more about Hackmatack Retreat

JULY 2025

 Monthly Livestream Meditation with Bhante Sujatha

Sunday, July 13, 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 ' notice is given. Thank you

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

Better Breathing and Mindful Living:
A 2-Part Series on The Art and Science
of Pranayama with Julia Jonson

Saturday, July 19, 2025 • 12:00 2:00pm 

Saturday, July 26, 2025 • 12:00-2:00pm 

Cost: $85 | Includes both dates
Cost: $45 | Individual dates

Pranayama, rooted in ancient yogic understanding, is a powerful bio-psycho-social tool that remains practical and relevant in modern times. It encompasses breath modulation techniques that align with contemporary scientific insights into the mind-body connection, offering effective methods for achieving balance, health, and clarity in the face of today’s challenges. 

Discover simple and accessible yogic breathing techniques designed to aid in stress management, enhance mental health, promote physical wellness, improve sleep, increase productivity, and much more! 

Explore the ancient roots and modern science behind these tried and tested techniques that effectively combat chronic stress and anxiety stemming from contemporary lifestyles, digital overload, and work pressure. We will also examine how pranayama (breath modulation), lung capacity, and heart rate variability are interconnected. Be introduced to both emerging research on pranayama and chronic disease, as well as the original teachings of prana as a “cosmic principle.” Students will gain a deeper understanding of how pranayama techniques can be practiced daily to cultivate a better relationship with their breath and with their lives! 


Part 1 | July 19 | 12:00-2:00PM
A look at yogic history, theory, and philosophy, along with the energetic components of prana and pranayama. Restorative and gentle poses that prepare the body for breath modulation, along with simple and more complex pranayama practices

Part 2 | July 26 | 12:00 - 2:00PM
A look at the science behind better breathing, along with the latest research on how breathing affects the mind, the body, and emotions. Gentler and restorative yoga asanas to prepare the body for better breathing, a review of practices from “part 1” - along with parasympathetic nervous system activating breathing techniques.

Livestream options are available upon request by emailing Julia at: [email protected].

Zoom links will be emailed out separately after registration.

Class recordings will be available for 30 days to view, including class notes.

About Julia:
Julia has devoted much of her life to yoga and the practical application of yogic philosophy. Since taking up all facets of yoga in 1991, Julia has completed advanced study and apprenticeship with her primary teacher, Gabriel Halpern. She currently studies regularly with Prasad Rangnekar.  With over 1,000 hours of formal training and decades of personal experience, she is dedicated to helping the world be a better place through the ancient practice of yoga.

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

Thank you

Yoga Teacher Training: Free Informational Meeting with Julia Jonson and Sally Gill

Saturday, July 26, 2025 • 2:30-3:45 pm 

Would you like to deepen your Yoga knowledge and gain wisdom while becoming a light for others? Join us for two opportunities to learn more about our Teacher Training Program.

Created and led by Julia Jonson of TBY Yoga, and hosted at The Yoga Effect, Sally Gill will partner with Julia, along with guest teachers such as Gabriel Halpern, Andrew Gurvey, Bhante Sujatha, and Anitha Bellary. This Program will run from September 2025 to May 2026.

Yoga offers us the 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. Yoga Teacher Training 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 own journey of self-discovery and help make a real difference in the world

SEPTEMBER 2025

Yoga Teacher Training: Free Informational Meeting with Julia Jonson and Sally Gill

Saturday, September 6, 2025 • 2:30-3:45 pm 

Would you like to deepen your Yoga knowledge and gain wisdom while becoming a light for others? Join us for two opportunities to learn more about our Teacher Training Program.

Created and led by Julia Jonson of TBY Yoga, and hosted at The Yoga Effect, Sally Gill will partner with Julia, along with guest teachers such as Gabriel Halpern, Andrew Gurvey, Bhante Sujatha, and Anitha Bellary. This Program will run from September 2025 to May 2026.

Yoga offers us the 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. Yoga Teacher Training 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 own journey of self-discovery and help make a real difference in the world

Understanding Pranayama: A 6-week Series
on The Art & Science of Better Breathing
with Julia Jonson 

Tuesdays • 12:30-2:00pm • $250
September 23 and 30 |  October 7, 14, 21 and 28

Registration includes all six dates

In this six-week workshop series, we’ll explore prana and pranayama. Students will be led to understand the greater context of how the breath works from scientific and spiritual perspectives. We will learn about the timeless connection that our breath has with everything around us. We will practice employing sacred modulation (pranayama) in a simple and accessible way for modern yoga practitioners. The series will explore stress relief as a first step, then move on to ideas about thriving and cultivating well-being, healing, and harmonious balance in our daily lives. 

Students will also learn about the things that deplete prana, such as too much TV and computer screen time, artificial light, certain foods, chlorinated swimming pools, and more. This workshop will also teach how prana is responsible for the millions of chemical processes regulating the body’s functioning without conscious effort (the miracle of existence!).

This series will include pranayama techniques, simple yoga postures to prepare the body for breath practices and meditation, lectures, simple and insightful reading assignments outside of class, and day-to-day practices to incorporate into life outside class.

Livestream options are available upon request by emailing Julia at: [email protected].

Zoom links will be emailed out separately after registration.

Class recordings will be available for 30 days to view, including class notes.

 Single sessions are not available. Must attend all lessons as the curriculum builds.

About Julia:
Julia has devoted much of her life to yoga and the practical application of yogic philosophy. Since taking up all facets of yoga in 1991, Julia has completed advanced study and apprenticeship with her primary teacher, Gabriel Halpern. She currently studies regularly with Prasad Rangnekar.  With over 1,000 hours of formal training and decades of personal experience, she is dedicated to helping the world be a better place through the ancient practice of yoga.

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

Thank you

 OCTOBER 2025

Autumn Evening Candlelight Flow,
Live Violinist and Mocktails
with Sally Gill and Yuyla Grantova

Saturday October 4, 2025 • 6:30-8:00pm • $40

Join us for an unforgettable fall evening of movement, music, and mindful connection. Sally will guide an all-level yoga class as the room glows with candlelight and Yuyla's soulful live violin sounds fill the space.

Let yourself unwind and be carried by the music as you flow, breathe, and ground into the present moment. After class, stay for handcrafted mocktails
and good company.

Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot soon!

 Please note: As a courtesy to our teachers, who plan their workshops thoughtfully, workshops are non-refundable if a cancellation notice is given
less than 24 hours prior.

Thank you

 OCTOBER 2026

The Yoga Effect presents:
Yoga, Meditation & Hiking Retreat in Boulder, Co

Historic Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Co
Thursday, October 1 | Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Led by Bhante Sujatha, Anna Ottolino & Liz Carpenter 

Pricing:

All rooms include 1 queen bed and 1 private bathroom

•  Single Occupancy: $3,200 per person
  
  
• Discounted pricing: $2,650 per person
  (For couples or friends sharing 1 queen bed)
  
  
• Check-In: Thursday, October 1 at 4:00 pm
  *Please note: The Denver airport is approximately 1 hour from Boulder.
  
  
• Check-Out: Tuesday, October 6 at 10:00 am

Payment Schedule:

•  A 50% deposit is required at the time of registration. 

•  Remaining balance due August 31, 2026

•  Details below

  
   

Every autumn, for just a fleeting moment, Colorado’s aspens turn to gold, setting the mountains ablaze with breathtaking color. This brief and magical time is one of nature’s most spectacular displays a season of transformation, beauty, and deep reflection. Because this time of year is so sought after, we’re securing this retreat far in advance to ensure a truly special experience.

Nestled in the historic Chautauqua Park, this retreat offers a powerful blend of yoga, meditation, and guided hiking, creating space to reconnect with yourself and nature. Led by Bhante Sujatha, Anna Ottolino, and Liz Carpenter, you’ll be guided through practices that nourish the body, mind, and spirit as you move through the golden-hued trails and stillness of the mountains.

General Itinerary:

• Daily yoga and breath-work sessions with Anna and Liz

• Teachings, Meditation, and Wisdom from Bhante Suhatha

• Guided hikes among the golden aspens

• Inspiring practices for mindfulness and renewal 

• Accommodations at The Historic Colorado Chautauqua

• Included: All meals and transportation to and from the hiking locations
 

 
Not Included:

• Airfare

• Transportation to and from the airport

This is more than a retreat, it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's beauty, deepen your practice and witness a rare, fleeting moment of autumn's brilliance. Because this one of the most sought-after times in Colorado, space is extremely limited. 
 
Reserve your spot ASAP!

Registration:
To reserve your spot, please email Anna Ottolino at [email protected] for instructions on
submitting your 50% deposit. Thank you