Meet the Team

Our commitment to excellence in yoga practice is grounded in a rich tradition of teaching that emphasizes both physical and mental well-being. With a team of experienced instructors, we offer a diverse range of classes designed to enhance health and inspire a lifelong journey of mindfulness.

  • Meet Laura “The Sunshine” Black:

    Everyone who meets Laura “The Sunshine” Black loves her and knows her name! As a dedicated and experienced yoga instructor, Laura is renowned not only for her grounding and empowering classes but also for her deep compassion and commitment to supporting others. With over a 10 years of personal practice and a 200-hour RYT certification from the College of Lake County, Laura brings both heart and skill to every class she leads.

    A registered Yoga Alliance teacher since 2020, she has evolved her teaching style to blend Hatha and Vinyasa with slow flow and gentle, mindful movements that promote balance, strength, and self-awareness. Laura’s background as a college-level English professor for over a decade allows her to naturally infuse clarity, creativity, and inclusivity into her yoga instruction.

    Her journey into yoga began as a way to manage anxiety and reconnect with her body, and now she shares these healing tools with others in a welcoming and accessible way. In class, Laura encourages students to listen to their bodies, honor their breath, and practice from a place of self-compassion. Her calm presence, thoughtful cues, and grounding energy help students of all levels feel seen and supported.

    Beyond the mat, Laura is truly the heart of the studio. As the Studio Manager, she serves with grace and generosity, supporting fellow instructors and every student who walks through the door. Her warmth, reliability, and willingness to go above and beyond make her an invaluable part of the community.

    Whether she’s teaching a class or helping behind the scenes, Laura “The Sunshine” Black leads with presence, purpose, and a genuine desire to help others feel more at home—in their bodies, their minds, and in the studio itself. Join her at Nurture Yoga and experience the magic of her classes—you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and ready to return!

  • Meet Tracei Walker: The Heart and Soul of Nurture Yoga & Massage!

    Get ready to roll out your mat and dive into a transformative experience with Tracei Walker, the vibrant owner and founder of Nurture Yoga & Massage! With a rich journey in yoga that began in 2005 and blossomed into teaching in 2010, Tracei is not just a yoga instructor; she’s a passionate healer and community builder.

    For Tracei, yoga is a magical blend of self-care, spiritual exploration, and personal therapy. It’s her lifeline and her joy! The warm and welcoming community at Nurture Yoga & Massage inspires her daily, fueling her passion as a teacher, guide, and fellow human being.

    Tracei’s impressive journey includes foundational training at the Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center and a 300-hour advanced teacher training under the incredible Jeannine Busch Clinton (ERYT-500). She has also delved deep into alignment and therapeutic techniques with the renowned Gabriel Halpern in the Iyengar Yoga tradition.

    Her credentials are as diverse as her classes: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Pre-Natal, Hot Yoga, Himalayan Yoga, and trauma-sensitive yoga—all infused with her unique flair! As a Reiki Master trained in Thai Massage, Tracei’s classes are a delightful fusion of strength, serenity, and a sprinkle of compassion.

    With a master’s degree in clinical counseling specializing in trauma, Tracei brings a profound depth to her teaching, ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and supported.

    In every class, Tracei invites you to come home to yourself—encouraging intentional movement, mindful breathing, and nurturing your spirit from the inside out. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the mat, Tracei’s classes promise to uplift, inspire, and leave you glowing!

    Join Tracei at Nurture Yoga & Massage, where every session is more than just a workout; it’s a journey toward joy, connection, and self-discovery. Let’s flow together!

  • Meet Marcie Marzullo: Your Yoga Guide to Calm and Clarity!

    Marcie Marzullo is a certified yoga teacher with a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, along with specialized training in Trauma-Informed Yoga. As a certified Mindfulness Coach and Meditation Practitioner, she brings a sprinkle of zen to everyone she meets.

    In her professional life, Marcie serves as an elementary school principal, where she expertly juggles the challenges of leadership and learning. She turned to yoga as her secret weapon against the daily hustle, seeking calm and clarity amidst the chaos. What began as a personal escape has blossomed into a full-blown passion for yoga, which she is eager to share with her students.

    In her classes, Marcie weaves together mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, creating a warm and welcoming space for all. Whether someone is stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening an existing practice, her mission is to meet them right where they are. Together, they will unleash inner strength, melt away stress, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and balance.

    So, roll out your mat and get ready to create some magic with Marcie! You will find Marcie on the Mat on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon, beginning in October!

  • Bio coming soon

  • eet Tom Buske: Our Heartfelt Healer on a Journey Through Sound and Spirit

    Tom Buske is a deeply spiritual and compassionate individual, always attuned to the needs of others. A natural healer with a caring heart, he has dedicated his life to exploring the profound connections between music, spirituality, and healing.

    From an early age, Tom felt an undeniable pull toward music. His journey began with piano and guitar lessons, followed by playing the trombone in the school band starting in the sixth grade. As a sensitive and empathic child, he often felt out of place, but the powerful sounds of the pipe organ and the beautiful harmonies of the choir during family church visits ignited a sense of spirituality within him. It was in those moments that he discovered how music could evoke deep emotions and connect him to something greater.

    As he matured and encountered diverse artists and genres, he recognized the profound emotional resonance music held for him. Hours spent listening at home, in the car, or at concerts revealed how interwoven music was with his very soul—a realization that continues to unfold as he reflects on his life.

    When college approached, Tom knew he wanted to weave music into his career. Although he briefly considered music therapy, he ultimately pursued an applied performance degree and later a degree in Music Business. After several years in the music industry, he felt a persistent tug within him, leading to significant life changes. In 2017, a spiritual awakening transformed his path, guiding him toward meditation, chanting, and the teachings of Buddha and modern spiritual masters. This journey deepened his connection to nature, spirituality, and music, renewing his sense of self and purpose. Leaving behind a long-term marriage, he relocated to northern Illinois with his bikes and a few possessions, ready to embrace new experiences and the guidance of those who would help him along his journey.

    His first encounter with crystal and metal singing bowls was a pivotal moment. The emotional and physical resonance of these instruments captivated him, leading him to purchase his first Tibetan bowl tuned to the note ‘F.’ This marked the beginning of a transformative exploration. Attending sound baths, drum circles, and sound healing events, he expanded his collection and delved into the harmonic complexities of these mystical bowls. The positive effects became undeniable—better sleep, deeper meditations, and profound emotional releases. This realization sparked a desire to develop a dedicated practice, sharing the healing energy of sound with others. Thus, the vision for Anahata was born.

    The name came to him during a moment of inspiration while researching the significance of sound. Drawn to bowls tuned to the note ‘F,’ he learned that this note corresponds to the heart chakra, symbolizing balance, harmony, trust, loving awareness, and growth. The heart chakra plays a vital role in our emotional and physical well-being, governing the heart, thymus, and lungs, as well as our overall immune system. The number 4, representing strength and stability, further solidified the connection.

    Welcome to Anahata, where sound meets healing, and hearts come alive!

  • Meet Gabriel Halpern: The Godfather of Yoga in the Chicagoland Area!

    Gabriel Halpern is not just a master instructor; he’s a vibrant performer with a hilarious sense of humor who always tells it like it is. With over five decades of dedicated practice in the Iyengar tradition, he has earned his reputation as a distinguished yoga educator and mentor.

    Armed with a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Health Psychology, Gabriel honed his skills through formal training at the Iyengar Yoga Institutes in both San Francisco and Pune, India. In 1985, he founded the Yoga Circle in Chicago, transforming it into a cornerstone of traditional hatha yoga in the city. Under his visionary leadership, the studio was honored by Chicago Magazine as the "Best Traditional Hatha Studio" in 2016.

    Gabriel's influence extends far beyond the studio walls; he spent over two decades as a core performance faculty member at DePaul University's Theater Department, bridging the worlds of yoga and the arts. His teaching is deeply inspired by the legendary B.K.S. Iyengar and is enriched by his own extensive study and practice. He views yoga as a holistic discipline that encompasses physical practice, scientific understanding, artistic expression, lifestyle, and mystical insight.

    But that’s not all—Gabriel is a true Renaissance man! He’s also a talented vegetarian chef, guitarist, songwriter, sacred dance leader, men’s group facilitator, and stand-up comic. His diverse talents infuse his teachings with warmth, humor, and depth, inspiring students of all ages and backgrounds to embrace their practice.

    Join Gabriel Halpern on the mat and experience the unique blend of wisdom, laughter, and authentic connection that only he can provide!