Our Team
Get to know the team behind Elevate Yoga
Dana Bear
Dana began practicing yoga in 2010, and was hooked by its physical and mental benefits. Since then, she has delved into a variety of yoga styles, appreciating how intentional, mindful movement can calm and strengthen both mind and body. Dana believes in yoga's unique ability to meet individuals wherever they are on their journey, using it as a tool for personal growth and resilience in life's challenges beyond the mat. As a certified 200-hour RYT through YogaRenew, Dana also holds certifications in mindfulness and children's yoga. She primarily teaches vinyasa and power yoga but finds joy in the slower, more reflective practices as well. Outside of yoga, Dana loves cooking, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with her daughters.
Erika Farquhar
Erika is passionate about making exercise accessible and enjoyable for all participants. She has a bachelor's degree in exercise management and holds a variety of group fitness certifications, including barre. She loves waterskiing, walking her dogs, and watching her kids play LOTS of hockey!
Mark Meise
My journey with yoga began in 2021, and was accelerated by the discovery of Elevate, where I found not just a studio, but a community that embraced me with open arms. Through friendship, shared experiences and endless inspiration, my life was truly elevated, and I was empowered to let go of self-doubt and embrace personal growth.
2023 marked a new chapter when I enrolled in Moving Galaxy's 200-hour YTT program. This experience not only deepened my understanding of yoga but also introduced me to the enriching world of meditation.
My practice revolves around intentional breath and purposeful movement, finding balance, alignment, and mindfulness in every asana to create space within mind, body and spirit.
Yoga has changed my life profoundly, and I believe it's a gift everyone can enjoy. As a dedicated practitioner-turned-
Sara Smith
Jackie Kotyza
Meet Jackie Kotyza!
She is a mom of three beautiful adult daughters who with their partners have given her 7 gorgeous, active and healthy grandchildren!
When She is not in the classroom you can find her working in her yard, working out in some fashion, at the beach or playing in the snow with friends and family.
Her degree is in Child Development and Family Life from UW-Stout and has come full circle and landed here.
Being physically active is in her blood and in the last 18 months has fallen in love with yoga and mindfulness. Being in the classroom has made it clear that children and families need more resources to cope with everyday life. It has become Jackie’s passion to bring more tools to families.
"I am so excited about the opportunity to join Elevate Yoga and share what I have learned through my certification with Breathe for Change. My certification is a 200 hour wellness, SEL (social, emotional learning) and yoga teacher training certificate.
It is my hope through Elevate we can touch more families and make a difference to more children by using the tools we share. By teaching children and families more proactive approaches to what life throws at us everyday we may all find more peace. Let’s grow together on the mat. See you there."
Libbie Pribek
Libbie, who has previously guest instructed for us, has returned to her hometown of Sheboygan. With seven years of practice and two years of teaching experience, she continues to teach regularly at several Milwaukee studios. In her leisure time, she enjoys outdoor activities, especially in the mountains whenever possible.
Emily Nelson
I am a wife to an amazing husband and mother to two sweet boys.
Along with my love for spending time with family and friends, I love being active outdoors. Some of my favorite activities are hiking, snowshoeing, skiing (water & snow), golfing and playing tennis. My education background is in food and nutrition and I love to cook good food and explore new restaurants. Finally, I’ve always had a love for animals, especially dogs.
Chronic back pain which ended up with an emergency back surgery 11 years ago led me to yoga. What the practice did and continues to do for my body physically is the best medicine. Not only does yoga increase my range of motion, flexibility and strength but also keeps my spine healthy and mostly pain free. Along with what it offers for my physical body, yoga offers a great sense of calm, grounded and connected. Yoga empowers me by learning to love my true self and send so much love and gratitude outward.
Jess Childs
Kristie Splivalo
Kristie’s yoga journey started in 2011. Her physical health initially brought her to her mat but her mental health has kept her on her mat ever since. Dealing with bouts of depression and anxiety for most of her life, yoga has been an amazing tool in finding a sense of calm, strength, and acceptance. This deep connection to self is what led her to want to teach and share this practice with others.
In 2015 Kristie completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training and has since gone on to receive her 95hr Prenatal Yoga Teacher Certification as well as complete her 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher Certification. In her classes you’ll experience a strong, intentional yoga flow allowing space for exploration both physically and mentally; with a few laughs along the way.
When she’s not on her mat you’ll most likely catch Kristie hanging out with a cup of coffee or with her husband and their pup on some wild adventure hiking, sailing, surfing, or exploring.
Kate Ellis
Kate discovered her love for barre in 2017. She was certified and began teaching in 2018. She has been an educator for 18 years beginning as a high school math teacher, then providing therapy for autistic children, and transitioning to teaching fitness classes 8 years ago.
When Kate is not at the studio, she spends her time with her supportive husband and four kids, reads, and enjoys working on DIY house projects.
Kate teaches the type of class she would want to take herself - focusing on alignment, balance, and breath, but most of all having fun!
Peggy Osthelder
Peggy Osthelder is a passionate yoga instructor who likes to create fun, balanced yoga classes for her students. She completed her 230-hour yoga teacher training through the Yoga Center of Minneapolis in 2017, and has been teaching regular, weekly classes ever since.
Recently, she completed a 55-hour Yin Yoga and Meditation Training through Yoga Medicine. She is excited to offer these introspective classes along with fun vinyasa flows to the Elevate Yoga Community.
Her mission as a yoga teacher is to move people. The benefits of a yoga practice reach far beyond the physical body. If she can just get people moving their bodies, she knows it will create a ripple effect on the quality of their entire lives.
Peggy Osthelder is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, which acknowledges the completion of a yoga teacher training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS).
Robyn Denning
For Robyn, yoga continues to bring balance, strength, flexibility, pain-relief, and emotional stability. She believes yoga is a vital part of achieving one’s optimal self both physically and mentally.
Robyn received her 200-Hour YTT in 2012 in Koh Phangan, Thailand, and completed the Yogi Empowerment Program at Yoga on the Lake in Kohler, Wisconsin. She is also a Certified Health Educator. She has an overall passion for wellness and enjoys helping others embrace their wellness journey.
Robyn teaches Ashtanga-inspired yoga classes with a focus on asana (posture-building) and pranayama (breath-work). She loves a good svavasana and can be quoted saying, “Always feel free to sneak into class late, but don’t ever leave early!“
“Being a part of a studio who’s main goal is to elevate the community and foster healthy relationships not only with each other but with themselves, is such an honor."
Allison Wallner
Allison's yoga journey started with the physical movements and quickly grew to a deeper understanding. An understanding of empowerment, connection, love and high energy. The practice has brought great joy and happiness to her life and she looks forward to sharing that with you at Elevate! She received her 200HR training through Yoga on the Lake, in Kohler, WI, and is registered with Yoga Alliance. Allison is a plant and outdoor enthusiast with a deep love for black coffee.
Katie Hammer
Katie Hammer fell in love with yoga on her 21st Bday- she took her first class ever while visiting her Aunt in NYC. The rest is history. She then eventually obtained her 200 hour Yoga Teaching Certification from The Studio in Madison WI the summer of 2015. Before Katie taught yoga, she spent 10+ years in the dance world teaching at local spaces including the JMKAC and the Sheboygan YMCA, as well as choreographing for youth theatre organizations. She has always loved movement and brings creativity and passionate energy to all of her classes. A focus on sustainable physical shapes and awareness of the body is also an emphasis. Currently enrolled to begin her 500 hour Teacher Certification with Jason Crandell in July 2021:
she enjoys all aspects of the learning process and is motivated to share continuously. In her non-yoga time, Katie is the mom of 2 fierce, ferocious young sons Ben and Peter. Along
with her husband Dave, they enjoy many active hours camping, biking, days at the beach, and
visiting friends near and far. Katie is beyond ecstatic to be a part of Elevate Yoga! Being a part of this beautiful space for all to move, learn, heal, grow and explore makes Katie feel truly fortunate. Let’s move together!
Jackie Wing
Jackie Wing, owner of Elevate Yoga LLC, first found her yoga practice as a counter balance to both running and her desk day job over a decade ago. She found herself drawn to diving deeper into both the physical and mental dimensions of the practice the more time she spent in class. She went on to receive her 200 hour teaching certification through Yoga on the Lake, in Kohler, WI, in 2016. She takes great pride in preparing a class that leaves you feeling better than when you started through dynamic movement, authentic energy, and a variety of music. She was also trained through Barre Intensity, has a Yin Yoga certification through YogaRenew, and has a 15hr Prenatal Certification through Awakening Yoga Academy. She is currently studying for her 300hr certification, and is looking forward to the continued growth with both students and teachers in their respective practices.