om shanti.
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 studied classical Hatha Yoga at The Temple of Kriya Yoga Chicago. A few years later, I studied with Daren Friesen at Moksha Yoga Center Chicago in a Krishnamacharya lineage based training. Soon after having my second child, I was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga in a workshop with Kino MacGregor. I felt like the Primary Series was putting me back together from both 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 in 2013. I apprenticed in the Mysore room with Ellie Wannemacher; also studying with her teacher Angela Jamison. The Mysore program at Ashtanga Yoga Minneapolis was 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 ongoing study, direct experience, and exploration—I share the healing practice of yoga. I’ve learned it’s adaptable, meets you where you’re at, and improves 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)