kristen mansch
BFA, E-RYT500, YACEP
I’ve dedicated over 20 years to the practice and study of yoga. For more than a decade, I’ve maintained a daily Ashtanga Yoga practice with connection to the lineage. I came to yoga in 2001, as a stressed out young adult in the graphic design corporate world. Feeling a new awareness and sense of peace, I committed to regular practice and experienced benefits for the body, as well as mind and spirit.
In 2004, I immersed myself in a classical Hatha Yoga training at The Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago. A few years later, I continued my studies with Daren Friesen in a Krishnamacharya lineage based training at Moksha Yoga Center. Soon after having my second child, I was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga in a workshop with Kino MacGregor in 2012. I felt like the Primary Series was putting me back together so to speak, both from childbirth and running injuries. It was healing for me on many levels, and I've maintained a daily Ashtanga practice since.
We moved our family to the Twin Cities area of Minnesota in 2013. I studied and apprenticed with Ellie Wannemacher; during this time also learning from her teacher Angela Jamison. The Mysore program at Ashtanga Yoga Minneapolis became my home away from home. Through years of apprenticing, I learned to teach the method in Mysore style classes—where students learn through individualized instruction.
It’s my belief that to be a good teacher, being a good student comes first. In 2019, I began studying with John Bultman in the Mysore Ashtanga program at the University of Virginia. Through my ongoing study, experience, and exploration I share the healing practice of yoga. I’ve learned it’s adaptable, meets you where you’re at, and can improve the quality of your life.
Welcoming all levels, I offer weekly classes, private lessons, and workshops around the Twin Cities. I teach with an emphasis on the breath to inspire mindful movements and a feeling of peace. Let’s practice!
study + experience
2000+ hours of extensive yoga training and continuous study since 2001
E-RYT500 Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher 500 Level with Yoga Alliance
YACEP Certified by Yoga Alliance to provide continuing education for yoga teachers
BFA in Design Northern Illinois University
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04.2023. SomaYoga Therapy & Somatics Training Immersion
04.2020-06.2022. Studied Ashtanga Yoga with John Bultman, Mysore classes University of Virginia (online)
06.2019. Studied Ashtanga Yoga with John Bultman, Mysore classes at University of Virginia
03+06. 2019. Studied Yoga Nidra, guided restorative meditation
2015-2018. Ashtanga Yoga Mysore style teaching apprenticeship with Ellie Wannemacher, Ashtanga Yoga Minneapolis (approx. 500 hours)
09.2018. Studied chair yoga for corporate workplace sessions
07.2017. Studied Ashtanga Yoga with Angela Jamison, Mysore classes at Ashtanga Yoga Ann Arbor
06.2017. Practiced with Sharath Jois in NYC while on U.S. tour
2015-2017. Studied pranayama (breathwork), dhyana (meditation), chanting, and Ayurveda self-care practices
07.2015. Studied Ashtanga Yoga with Angela Jamison, Mysore classes at Ashtanga Yoga Ann Arbor
2014-2018. Studied Ashtanga Yoga with Ellie Wannemacher, Mysore classes at Ashtanga Yoga Minneapolis
[ 11.2013. moved to MN ]
06.2012. Found Ashtanga Yoga in workshop with Kino MacGregor, began daily practice
[ 10.2011. birth of daughter ]
[ 04.2009. birth of son ]
2007-2008. Studied with Daren Friesen, Moksha Yoga Center, Chicago. Krishnamacharya Lineage Based Yoga Training (200 hours)
2006. Prenatal Yoga Training with Rhonda Kantor, RN, Chicago
2004-2005. Studied at The Temple of Kriya Yoga, Chicago. Classical Hatha Yoga Training (200 hours)
2001-2004. Found yoga in 2001, explored and studied with many master teachers
2000. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Northern Illinois University (major GPA 4.0)
For graphic design services and inquiries, please visit bijadesign.com
