Yoga class standing in a row with hands clasped in front of them

Our Teachers

Susannah Nolan

Susannah Nolan has always been a fitness nut; running, lifting weights, spinning and attending boot camp. It wasn’t until she moved back to the Chicago area that she became a regular at Yoga by Degrees. She often attended sculpt classes with her sister and she was hooked!  The Sculpt class was an invigorating hour that left her feeling energized while getting an amazing workout.  When the opportunity arose to attend the sculpt training program, she knew it was something she always wanted to do even though it was outside her comfort zone.  Becoming a Sculpt instructor is fulfilling a dream to do something Susannah loves; sharing her passion and enthusiasm for fitness with others in a group setting.
Teresa Rizzo portrait

Teresa Rizzo

Teresa Rizzo initially practiced yoga for the physical benefits but was surprised to discover, that after consistent attendance, yoga had changed not only her body but also her outlook on life.  She soon realized that by doing yoga ,she not only was stronger physically but she was much more content, fulfilled and more herself than ever before. Teresa completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training at Yoga By Degrees in June 2014.  She says she found her purpose in life as a yoga teacher. She encourages her students to find confidence and self awareness in her classes by challenging themselves both physically and mentally.

Terri Shannon, in a yoga pose

Teri Shannon

Teri Shannon began practicing yoga in 2003. She previously had a career teaching Photography at College of DuPage. Teri feels naturally connected to teaching since she has been doing it most of her life.  Her very first yoga class was Bikram style.  She says it sang to her and changed her in a way she’ll never forget.   Teri’s passion for yoga soared!  She says yoga helped slow things down and reduce her stress level afer being diagnosed with a chronic blood cancer in 2004.  She earned her Bikram Teaching Certificate in June of 2006 and has been teaching yoga full time ever since. In 2012 she became Vinyasa Yoga certified through the Chicago Yoga Center and soon after she trained to become a  Power Yoga teacher as well.  In addition, Teri is 100 hour Yin Yang yoga certified by Paulie Zink and Paul and Suzie Grilley, who are the three pioneers of Yin and Yang in the U.S. She says she loves mixing her passion for Photography with her love of Yoga in artistic ways, as well as documenting some of her students. She enjoys teaching all styles and all levels of yoga.

Todd Combs, sitting in a forest

Todd Combs

Todd Combs found yoga several years ago as a workout to counteract the effects of thousands of miles of cycling. As a newbie yogi, and not understanding the benefits of moderation, he let his ego drive him to take 340 yoga classes at YBD the first year it opened in Western Springs. Once skeptical of yoga’s “spiritual side”, his interest in the deeper meaning of yoga led him to sign up for YBD’s 200 hour teacher training course. Yoga transformed his life both physically and spiritually. Todd is the proud father of three daughters and one son.  He hopes to see you on your mat soon!

Trisha Wilson

Trisha Wilson initially found Yoga Sculpt to help with her love for running. Her body hurt all the time and Trisha was hoping yoga would help release some of the knee pain she was having. However, what she found was when she worked both her body and mind together, powerful change happened inside and out. Trisha chose to take on Sculpt Teacher Training to help guide her children through some of their own anxieties and disabilities. Again, what she found was more personal growth. Not only does Sculpt strengthen your body, but it will also strengthen and challenge your mind. AND…. We get to listen to great music while doing it which is a WIN, WIN!!!

Vanessa Luna

“There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from.” -Elizabeth Kubler Ross. As a nurse working in an ever-evolving stressful environment, Vanessa Luna was taking care of others but often not taking the time to take care of herself. After having the death of two family members and the loss of a professional position, she decided it was time to take care of herself. Vanessa enrolled in a two month Bikram based training.
Being able to practice and teach is a gift to herself and also one that she gets to share with others. Being able to share this as a nurse, a woman, and human being, she feels is one of the greatest gifts she can give to others.

Victoria Rowell in a yoga pose in the woods

Victoria Rowell

Victoria Rowell developed her passion for sharing the practice of Yoga soon after her very first class in 2001. She began exploring different styles of Yoga. Victoria came to love Hot Yoga (Bikram style) because of the heat and the many therapeutic benefits.  She also loves Vinyasa for the organic flow and creativity and considers it a dance.  She fell in love with Ashtanga Yoga for the lineage and discipline required. Inspired by her jouney, she now strives to motivate her students to experience good health, inner peace, incredible strength, beauty, truth and love. Victoria hopes that her students will discover, as she has, that anything is possible with regular practice!

What Our Students Say
About Yoga By Degrees

"Best yoga spot I've been to. And I can list 6 others I thought were nice but this blew them all out of the water!"

- Dane L

"Awesome teachers, good variety of class and very clean and inviting locker rooms. It's a great yoga studio."

- Ann J

"The studio is inviting, clean and warm. The instructors are excellent. It is my little escape for 1 hour a day - look forward to it and love every minute of it."

- Liz W

"Love this place ! Instructors are amazing!"

- Danielle S

"It's quickly become my favorite studio! Great variety of classes, I really love the instructors, the whole place is beautiful, clean and calming. Very grateful to have found YBD"

- Cliff R

"My first two classes have been great! Sculpt was killer with just the right amount of yoga thrown in. Vinyasa was perfect. The instructors are spot on!"

- Heather R

"This place is beyond fabulous. Great instructors, clean studios, and a friendly environment. I had never taken a yoga class before in my life, so I was a tad anxious to try it. After being welcomed and told that I could go at my own pace, I felt a bit more comfortable. After taking the first class, I was hooked. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and the instructor was willing to answer any questions I had without making me feel like I was asking silly questions."

- Maria P