Pink lotus flower blooming among large green leaves.

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.

Woman practicing yoga in a meditation pose indoors, sitting cross-legged on a blue mat in front of a white door, with Buddha statues and Asian decor around.
A woman practicing yoga in a meditation pose on a yoga mat inside a room with yoga-themed decor.

  • 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!