Pure Yoga

A passionate Yogini, E-RYT 200, and
Energy Healer, Suzy Schaak has worked with thousands of students.
She opened her studio, Pure Yoga, over 7 years ago to create a
welcoming, gathering place where river valley residents could
stretch body, mind, and spirit. Pure Yoga has won “The Best
Yoga Studio and Best Yoga Instructor
in the River Valley” six consecutive years as well
as being a finalist for “Best Yoga Studio in the Twin
Cities” in City Pages. 
“I’m in the business of
transformation. My studio and my teaching are about much more than
the physical practice of yoga. I’m about meeting each student where
they’re at physically and emotionally.
When I step into a classroom, I
take my students on a journey Sometimes my job is about supporting
them to face their fears…even as simply as approaching a yoga pose
in a playful way. I intentionally challenge my students to step
outside their comfort zone by encouraging them to listen to their
own inner guidance. 
I don’t believe that yoga and
meditation need to be so serious. I want to allow my students the
experience without feeling like there is a right or wrong way along
their journey. Just enjoy the amazing benefits of yoga and have
some fun!”
I approach my healing
sessions in much the same way.  Each session has an organic
rhythm. My intention is to open and release your energetic and
emotional blocks.  In doing this, we  bring you back to
your natural state of peace, balance & vibrant health by
awakening your own power within. When you live in the power of your
own love, all resistance falls away and you have the freedom to
create a life that is beyond your wildest dreams.”
 

A passionate Yogini, E-RYT 200, and Energy Healer, Suzy Schaak has worked with thousands of students. She opened her studio, Pure Yoga, over 7 years ago to create a welcoming, gathering place where river valley residents could stretch body, mind, and spirit. Pure Yoga has won “The Best Yoga Studio and Best Yoga Instructor in the River Valley” six consecutive years as well as being a finalist for “Best Yoga Studio in the Twin Cities” in City Pages. 

“I’m in the business of transformation. My studio and my teaching are about much more than the physical practice of yoga. I’m about meeting each student where they’re at physically and emotionally.

When I step into a classroom, I take my students on a journey Sometimes my job is about supporting them to face their fears…even as simply as approaching a yoga pose in a playful way. I intentionally challenge my students to step outside their comfort zone by encouraging them to listen to their own inner guidance. 

I don’t believe that yoga and meditation need to be so serious. I want to allow my students the experience without feeling like there is a right or wrong way along their journey. Just enjoy the amazing benefits of yoga and have some fun!”

I approach my healing sessions in much the same way.  Each session has an organic rhythm. My intention is to open and release your energetic and emotional blocks.  In doing this, we  bring you back to your natural state of peace, balance & vibrant health by awakening your own power within. When you live in the power of your own love, all resistance falls away and you have the freedom to create a life that is beyond your wildest dreams.”

Dakota is the 2nd generation of two massage
therapists and brings lifelong knowledge to his practice. He has a
B.A. Degree in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College and as a
competitive runner, began his massage practice there working on his
Cross Country and Track & Field teammates. In 2018, he earned
his A.A.S. Degree in Massage Therapy from Northwestern Health
Sciences University with a focus on clinical/medical massage. He
also earned his Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage &
Bodywork though the National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage and Bodyworkers.
As a barefoot/minimalist runner of over 10 years and experienced
running coach, Dakota brings a unique perspective to his clients.
He understands the balance of fitness and recovery and strives to
support the body’s innate ability to adapt and heal. He specializes
in clinical massage but seeks to customize treatment for each
client with the use of varying modalities and techniques such as
Swedish (relaxation) massage, sports massage, deep tissue, trigger
point therapy, orthopedic assessment, and active isolated
stretching.
He is currently working towards a Personal Training
Certification to further expand his goals of teaching bodily
awareness, presence, and wellness.
   
Client
Testimonials
“Dakota has been my massage therapist for the past six years. As
a collegiate athlete (gymnastics and track), I heavily relied on
Dakota for his expertise to help with my recoveries and to maximize
my performance. Since, I have continued to work with him. 
Dakota’s presence is very calming, making for a trusting
massage. He is highly in tune with each person's body and their
needs and is able to adapt accordingly. He is diligent and thorough
and I always feel refreshed and relaxed for days after my massages
with Dakota. He is versatile with athletes and non-athletes and has
greatly assisted with my transition from college athlete to working
adult. I continue to return to him for the positive experience and
refer friends to him without hesitation!”
-Bo LaFountaine
 

Dakota is the 2^nd generation of two massage therapists and brings lifelong knowledge to his practice. He has a B.A. Degree in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College and as a competitive runner, began his massage practice there working on his Cross Country and Track & Field teammates. In 2018, he earned his A.A.S. Degree in Massage Therapy from Northwestern Health Sciences University with a focus on clinical/medical massage. He also earned his Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork though the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworkers.

As a barefoot/minimalist runner of over 10 years and experienced running coach, Dakota brings a unique perspective to his clients. He understands the balance of fitness and recovery and strives to support the body’s innate ability to adapt and heal. He specializes in clinical massage but seeks to customize treatment for each client with the use of varying modalities and techniques such as Swedish (relaxation) massage, sports massage, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, orthopedic assessment, and active isolated stretching.

He is currently working towards a Personal Training Certification to further expand his goals of teaching bodily awareness, presence, and wellness.

Client Testimonials

“Dakota has been my massage therapist for the past six years. As a collegiate athlete (gymnastics and track), I heavily relied on Dakota for his expertise to help with my recoveries and to maximize my performance. Since, I have continued to work with him. 

Dakota’s presence is very calming, making for a trusting massage. He is highly in tune with each person's body and their needs and is able to adapt accordingly. He is diligent and thorough and I always feel refreshed and relaxed for days after my massages with Dakota. He is versatile with athletes and non-athletes and has greatly assisted with my transition from college athlete to working adult. I continue to return to him for the positive experience and refer friends to him without hesitation!”

-Bo LaFountaine

Erin has a passion for making a
connection with students and wants them to discover something new
on the mat each class. She wants you to show up with no
expectations on yourself and will challenge you to break out of
your comfort zone and open up to new possibilities on and off your
yoga mat. 
Erin has lived in Minnesota her
whole life, and when not teaching yoga she enjoys spending time
with family and friends, loves to sing karaoke, and also teaches
kickboxing and strength training.  
Erin began teaching yoga in 2011
after receiving her 200 hour RYT certification as a part of Pure
Yoga’s very first teacher training program. She began teaching to
share her love of the practice with others and help them on their
journey of self growth. Erin is a 500 hour E-RYT with the Yoga
Alliance and a member of the Yoga Alliance Continuing Education
Provider® (YACEP®). She is also a
Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher and a representative of the
Baptiste Institute as a graduate of the Fit to Lead program and is
committed to bring the Baptiste Methodology to
Minnesota.
 

Erin has a passion for making a connection with students and wants them to discover something new on the mat each class. She wants you to show up with no expectations on yourself and will challenge you to break out of your comfort zone and open up to new possibilities on and off your yoga mat. 

Erin has lived in Minnesota her whole life, and when not teaching yoga she enjoys spending time with family and friends, loves to sing karaoke, and also teaches kickboxing and strength training.  

Erin began teaching yoga in 2011 after receiving her 200 hour RYT certification as a part of Pure Yoga’s very first teacher training program. She began teaching to share her love of the practice with others and help them on their journey of self growth. Erin is a 500 hour E-RYT with the Yoga Alliance and a member of the Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider® (YACEP®). She is also a Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher and a representative of the Baptiste Institute as a graduate of the Fit to Lead program and is committed to bring the Baptiste Methodology to Minnesota.

Heather Ramsay, RYT
200 through Green Lotus, with certifications in
Yoga Sculpt and Little Kids Lotus(11/2018). She continues to refine her skills as
an instructor and student and has found a new appreciation
for the capability of the body, mind and
breath/Prana. As the body is ever changing, she keeps this in
mind for each class, removing judgment and
expectations. Knowing the benefits of Yoga, Heather works
with intention making each class accessible, offering modifications
and freedom of movement based on what each individual body
needs. 
 Heather has experience instructing at Inspiration
Performing Arts Center, White Bear Area YMCA, 7 Vines Vineyard and
offers in home/private sessions
through her business, Yoga Sanity,
LLC. 
Heather is married
to her supportive husband Brady and together they have
two active boys.  Heather has a culinary degree from
the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in AZ and now focuses on healthy, tasty
food. She spends her free time gardening, crafting, knitting,
walking the family’s Golden Retriever and sharing joyful moments
with her incredible friends.
 

Heather Ramsay, RYT 200 through Green Lotus, with certifications in Yoga Sculpt and Little Kids Lotus(11/2018). She continues to refine her skills as an instructor and student and has found a new appreciation for the capability of the body, mind and breath/Prana. As the body is ever changing, she keeps this in mind for each class, removing judgment and expectations. Knowing the benefits of Yoga, Heather works with intention making each class accessible, offering modifications and freedom of movement based on what each individual body needs. 

 Heather has experience instructing at Inspiration Performing Arts Center, White Bear Area YMCA, 7 Vines Vineyard and offers in home/private sessions through her business, Yoga Sanity, LLC. 

Heather is married to her supportive husband Brady and together they have two active boys.  Heather has a culinary degree from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in AZ and now focuses on healthy, tasty food. She spends her free time gardening, crafting, knitting, walking the family’s Golden Retriever and sharing joyful moments with her incredible friends.

 

Kerry
has been practicing Physical therapy for over 20 years.  Kerry
graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a Master’s
Degree and has completed extensive training in pelvic health,
manual therapies and orthopedics.  Sisu is a Finnish word
meaning grit, tenacity, and perseverance.  Kerry founded Sisu
Therapy and Wellness with the mission to help empower patients
break down barriers and find their own sisu.
 
Kerry
believes in a holistic approach and treatment is focused on the
individual not just the diagnosis.  Treatments may include
manual therapies, stabilization training, biofeedback,
neuromuscular re-education, visceral mobilization, rehabilitative
ultrasound imaging training, myofascial therapy and other soft
tissue techniques.  Kerry will provide you with tools to
continue self- care outside of the clinic.
 
Kerry
is a sought-after speaker and has presented at many
physician/provider and therapy symposiums and conferences in
several states and has served on several healthcare committees with
a goal of improving inpatient and outpatient access to women’s
health resources. She has worked with the Center for Victims of
Torture and international clinics in both St. Paul and Stillwater
to partner with physicians to improve access to services as well as
ease of access for immigrant, asylee and refugees in our
communities. Kerry also enjoys opportunities for community outreach
and has given seminars for ECFE, moms groups, high school athletics
and senior centers.
 
Prior
to founding Sisu Therapy and Wellness, Kerry started several pelvic
health practices for physician groups, private practices and
hospitals in MN, WI and FL.  Practices she has managed have
ranked in the top 15% nationally by US World and News Report for
time spent with therapist and quality measures.  She also has
extensive orthopedic and trauma experience working in private
practice and level one trauma centers.
 
Kerry
enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters and her adorable
dog. She loves being active--especially running, paddle boarding,
water-skiing and just being out on the water.
Feel
free to reach out to Kerry at 651-341-9504

Kerry has been practicing Physical therapy for over 20 years.  Kerry graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a Master’s Degree and has completed extensive training in pelvic health, manual therapies and orthopedics.  Sisu is a Finnish word meaning grit, tenacity, and perseverance.  Kerry founded Sisu Therapy and Wellness with the mission to help empower patients break down barriers and find their own sisu.

Kerry believes in a holistic approach and treatment is focused on the individual not just the diagnosis.  Treatments may include manual therapies, stabilization training, biofeedback, neuromuscular re-education, visceral mobilization, rehabilitative ultrasound imaging training, myofascial therapy and other soft tissue techniques.  Kerry will provide you with tools to continue self- care outside of the clinic.

Kerry is a sought-after speaker and has presented at many physician/provider and therapy symposiums and conferences in several states and has served on several healthcare committees with a goal of improving inpatient and outpatient access to women’s health resources. She has worked with the Center for Victims of Torture and international clinics in both St. Paul and Stillwater to partner with physicians to improve access to services as well as ease of access for immigrant, asylee and refugees in our communities. Kerry also enjoys opportunities for community outreach and has given seminars for ECFE, moms groups, high school athletics and senior centers.

Prior to founding Sisu Therapy and Wellness, Kerry started several pelvic health practices for physician groups, private practices and hospitals in MN, WI and FL.  Practices she has managed have ranked in the top 15% nationally by US World and News Report for time spent with therapist and quality measures.  She also has extensive orthopedic and trauma experience working in private practice and level one trauma centers.

Kerry enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters and her adorable dog. She loves being active--especially running, paddle boarding, water-skiing and just being out on the water.

Feel free to reach out to Kerry at 651-341-9504

Kammi did her first yoga class in 2000, but it would be five
years before she did another. In 2005 it was initially the physical
asana practice that drew her to the mat. She was hooked instantly.
It quickly grew from just a physical practice into a passion for
the full meaning of yoga both on and off her mat. With her growing
practice and greater sense of presence in her own life, she knew
that she wanted to have a way to share the joy that yoga has
brought into her life with others. She completed her 200-hour Power
Teacher Training with CorePower Yoga in the fall of 2010. Kammi
realizes she has barely scraped the surface of the many levels of
yoga and its philosophies. She believes the practice of yoga is an
ongoing process. She continues to search out opportunities to grow
in her own self-awareness as a student and as a teacher so is
currently enrolled in an additional 300-hour teacher certification
through the Yoga Center of Minneapolis. When she is not teaching or
taking yoga she loves being active in other ways…running, biking,
hiking, paddle boarding. She also loves spending time with her
family and traveling. She hopes to share the gift of yoga with her
students no matter where they are in their own life journey.

Martha began studying yoga in her college dorm room 16 years
ago before there were any yoga classes in Bemidji, MN. It was
fascinating and a way to counter balance the intense training
required to compete in DII cross-country and distance track. With
minors in health education and coaching, Martha is passionate about
wellness. She recently completed her 230 hour yoga certification
program with the Yoga Center of Minneapolis and is in training for
Core Strength Vinyasa with Sadie Nadrdini. She She has been
influenced primarily by Vinyasa Power Yoga, Hatha, Astanga, and
meditation. We all experience times of darkness and difficulty in
our lives whether through disease, loss, or injury. Martha is
especially interested in how yoga can help us transform those rough
patches into opportunities to wake up to our true selves and tap
into our potential. She wants to apply yoga to healing as a whole
person, on and off the mat. She is focused on progress and
longevity in an individual’s practice by teaching safe alignment
and proper technique. Martha’s other areas of interest include
using yoga and meditation to help people connect to their innate
spirituality, preventing injury and improving performance in
sports, ageless living, and getting people in touch with their
purpose or calling so they can live their best possible
lives.

Suzy Valek is a 500 RYT (Registered Yoga
Teacher) who teaches vinyasa flow yoga classes focusing on
alignment and breath work.  She received her Yoga Alliance
Certifications for 235 hour TT, 340 hour TT and Ayurveda Yoga
Specialist through Devanadi School of Yoga & Wellness in
Minneapolis.  Suzy studies with and is influenced by her
amazing teachers: Tanya Boigenzahn, Amy Ippoliti, Desiree Rumbaugh,
Ali Certain, and Rod Stryker.   Since 2015, Suzy
leads/has led: studio classes, classes at Lululemon, up-north yoga
retreat, workshop series for dancers, and a workshop series at a
battered women’s shelter.
2009 is when Suzy’s yoga journey began.  She started
practicing yoga for the physical benefits to complement light
weight training, Pilates and training for 5k’s.  She quickly
realized there were many more awesome benefits.  Not only was
Suzy stronger and more flexible physically, she was less stressed
and less reactive in her daily life; living with more awareness and
ease.  She noticed. The people around her noticed. 
She felt the urge to learn more and obtain her teaching
certification so that she could share these life-changing benefits
with others.  And it doesn’t stop there.  Suzy continues
to learn.   She is a forever student immersing in yoga
workshops, classes, books, podcasts, and more that deepen her
personal practice along with her teachings.  She has worked
with and met many wonderful teachers and students (many now
friends!) from all over the world.
What you can expect from Suzy’s classes:  a welcoming
environment!  Suzy works to create community with her
down-to-earth nature and love of connecting with others. She
brings the depth of her studies and daily home practice to create a
nurturing space.  Suzy creates fun and unique playlists to
pair with her sequences (and share her love of music!).  Suzy
is known for giving thoughtful and “new” cues bringing students to
a deeper, more empowered place.  Students are guided by Suzy
through creative sequences with themes that link asana (physical
practice) to our daily lives off the mat.  Pose modifications
and assists are offered with sensitivity and knowledge.  
Questions are welcomed.   Class begins with a grounding
exercise, intention setting, and a brief dharma talk then moves
into a strong, deep, compassionate and playful practice.
  Savasana is mandatory (ok, not mandatory… but highly
encouraged!).   You might luck out and Suzy will offer
neck traction and scalp massage during svasana. If offered -
Opt in! 
End of class high fives are optional. :)

Suzy Valek is a 500 RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) who teaches vinyasa flow yoga classes focusing on alignment and breath work.  She received her Yoga Alliance Certifications for 235 hour TT, 340 hour TT and Ayurveda Yoga Specialist through Devanadi School of Yoga & Wellness in Minneapolis.  Suzy studies with and is influenced by her amazing teachers: Tanya Boigenzahn, Amy Ippoliti, Desiree Rumbaugh, Ali Certain, and Rod Stryker.   Since 2015, Suzy leads/has led: studio classes, classes at Lululemon, up-north yoga retreat, workshop series for dancers, and a workshop series at a battered women’s shelter.

2009 is when Suzy’s yoga journey began.  She started practicing yoga for the physical benefits to complement light weight training, Pilates and training for 5k’s.  She quickly realized there were many more awesome benefits.  Not only was Suzy stronger and more flexible physically, she was less stressed and less reactive in her daily life; living with more awareness and ease.  She noticed. The people around her noticed.  She felt the urge to learn more and obtain her teaching certification so that she could share these life-changing benefits with others.  And it doesn’t stop there.  Suzy continues to learn.   She is a forever student immersing in yoga workshops, classes, books, podcasts, and more that deepen her personal practice along with her teachings.  She has worked with and met many wonderful teachers and students (many now friends!) from all over the world.

What you can expect from Suzy’s classes:  a welcoming environment!  Suzy works to create community with her down-to-earth nature and love of connecting with others. She brings the depth of her studies and daily home practice to create a nurturing space.  Suzy creates fun and unique playlists to pair with her sequences (and share her love of music!).  Suzy is known for giving thoughtful and “new” cues bringing students to a deeper, more empowered place.  Students are guided by Suzy through creative sequences with themes that link asana (physical practice) to our daily lives off the mat.  Pose modifications and assists are offered with sensitivity and knowledge.   Questions are welcomed.   Class begins with a grounding exercise, intention setting, and a brief dharma talk then moves into a strong, deep, compassionate and playful practice.   Savasana is mandatory (ok, not mandatory… but highly encouraged!).   You might luck out and Suzy will offer neck traction and scalp massage during svasana. If offered - Opt in! 

End of class high fives are optional. :)

Pablo was introduced to
yoga in 1992 while working as a touring musician. Traveling
city-to-city and country-to-country for almost five years, while
glamorous and exciting, had begun to take a toll. Seeking a means
for better sleep and a clear mind, Pablo found ashtanga yoga, a
practice handed down from Krishnamacharya, the godfather of all
modern yoga, to his pupil Sri K Pattabhi Jois. Pablo immersed
himself into his practice, studying postures, alignment,
breathwork, anatomy, and philosophy.
Pablo has studied
ashtanga with David Swenson, Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldman, and
Patrick Nolan, and hatha yoga with Rod Stryker and Bikram
Choudhury. He has taken pranayama classes with Max Strom and
Patrick Nolan and anatomy and yin classes with Dr. Paul Grilley.
His Thai yoga massage studies with Cheri Clampet Borda and Arturo
Peel allowed him to deepen his knowledge, specifically with bodies
that have experienced injury or trauma. He has put this training to
work for many years as an outreach volunteer with Lutheran Social
Services, Project Pride for Living, and The Link where he teaches
yoga to homeless youths, people recovering form addiction, and
those transitioning in life.
Drawing on his years of
direct experience and training Pablo will help guide you to a
deeper understanding of your own practice. Pablo's yoga training
and experience includes a 200-hour vinyasa certification, 40-hour
Primary Series Ashtanga certification, 40-hour Intermediate Series
certification, 40-hour Para Yoga Certification, 40-hour training in
Therapeutic and Thai yoga massage, and over 24 years of yoga
practice.
Pablo is available for
private instruction, offering posture alignment and breath work,
discussion of yogic practice and philosophy, and Thai yoga
massage.

Pablo was introduced to yoga in 1992 while working as a touring musician. Traveling city-to-city and country-to-country for almost five years, while glamorous and exciting, had begun to take a toll. Seeking a means for better sleep and a clear mind, Pablo found ashtanga yoga, a practice handed down from Krishnamacharya, the godfather of all modern yoga, to his pupil Sri K Pattabhi Jois. Pablo immersed himself into his practice, studying postures, alignment, breathwork, anatomy, and philosophy.

Pablo has studied ashtanga with David Swenson, Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldman, and Patrick Nolan, and hatha yoga with Rod Stryker and Bikram Choudhury. He has taken pranayama classes with Max Strom and Patrick Nolan and anatomy and yin classes with Dr. Paul Grilley. His Thai yoga massage studies with Cheri Clampet Borda and Arturo Peel allowed him to deepen his knowledge, specifically with bodies that have experienced injury or trauma. He has put this training to work for many years as an outreach volunteer with Lutheran Social Services, Project Pride for Living, and The Link where he teaches yoga to homeless youths, people recovering form addiction, and those transitioning in life.

Drawing on his years of direct experience and training Pablo will help guide you to a deeper understanding of your own practice. Pablo's yoga training and experience includes a 200-hour vinyasa certification, 40-hour Primary Series Ashtanga certification, 40-hour Intermediate Series certification, 40-hour Para Yoga Certification, 40-hour training in Therapeutic and Thai yoga massage, and over 24 years of yoga practice.

Pablo is available for private instruction, offering posture alignment and breath work, discussion of yogic practice and philosophy, and Thai yoga massage.