Before starting Kundalini yoga ten years ago, Heidi O’Toole suffered from anxiety attacks that left her unable to breathe. A former elementary school teacher in the Chicago Public School system for 16 years, Heidi found that Kundalini’s mantras and breathing techniques were precisely what she needed to quell the anxiety and calm her mind. In fact, Kundalini so spoke to Heidi’s mind, body and soul that today, she calls her yoga mat her church because it is where she can center herself and find the Divine within. “The mantras in Kundalini help focus me and I’ve noticed subtle changes in me, like things roll off my back more,” she said. Heidi has studied Kundalini with Shabad Kaur Khalsa, and Shiva Singh Khalsa, who teach at Spirit Rising Yoga in Chicago, IL. She has her Kundalini Research Institute International Level One Kundalini Yoga Instructor Certification, has completed three of the five level two trainings, certified in Yoga Tune Up, trained in The Roll Model Method, Breath and Bliss Immersion, and has her 200 RYT certification through Yoga Alliance. In addition to her yoga training, Heidi studied dance for 18 years and has a Master of Fine Arts degree in musical theater. She sang with the USO and has traveled to more than 26 countries, entertaining the troops. She is currently a English/Drama teacher at Sun Prairie West High School where she also directs and produces musicals and plays. But she always comes back to her mat for the physical challenge of perfecting a posture, and the reward of a calm and focused mind. “I hope to offer my students a way to calm their minds and become more attuned to their bodies,” she said.



CERTIFICATIONS

Level 1 - Kundalini Yoga Certified, 200 hours, 2014; Level 2 - Lifestyles and Life Cycles, Kundalini Yoga, 50 hours, 2015; Level 2 - Authentic Relationships, Kundalini Yoga, 50 hours, 2016; Level 1 - Yoga Tune Up, 70 hours, 2016; The Roll Model Method - Science of Rolling 8, hours, 2016; The Roll Model Method - Ball Sequencing and Innovation, 8 hours, 2016; Breathe and Bliss Immersion, 18 hours, 2017; Restorative Yoga Training, JennStar Yoga, 6 hours, 2020; Hip Immersion, 18 hours, 2020.


"Kundalini yoga classes are a dynamic blend of postures, pranayama, mantra, music and meditation, which teach you the art of relaxation, self-healing and elevation. Balancing body and mind enable you to experience the clarity and beauty of your soul. No previous experience in yoga is required for you to achieve results with your very first class. " ~ Yogi Bhajan