Our Story
A practice Rooted in Community
Prana Yoga Center has been part of the Fox Valley community for over two decades—growing, evolving, and deepening its offerings while staying rooted in what matters most: authentic practice, meaningful connection, and a welcoming space for all.
Founded by Lisa Bertke
Lisa Bertke, founder and original owner of Prana Yoga Center, brought this vision to life through years of dedicated study in yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda.
After 15 years in the corporate world, she followed a different path—one rooted in purpose, service, and a desire to share the deeper teachings of yoga.
Her approach blended classical Hatha yoga with the energetics of Tantra, offering students a practice that was both grounded and expansive.
The Early Years
In its early days, Prana Yoga Center moved through a few different spaces, growing alongside the community it served. Each location carried the same intention—creating a place for practice, connection, and steady return.
What began in one small space continued to grow—carried by the same intention.
Founded in St. Charles
Prana Yoga Center began its journey in St. Charles at the Cedar Avenue Business Center—a historic brick building dating back to 1920, filled with character and quiet charm. Tucked within this mixed-use space, the original studio was a simple, one-room practice area, sharing hallways and restrooms with neighboring businesses.
Natural light filled the room through both windows and a large overhead skylight, highlighting the hardwood floors and beamed ceiling that gave the space its warmth and structure.
It wasn’t expansive or refined—but it held everything that mattered.
With a small but dedicated community gathering on their mats, this space became the foundation of Prana. The roots of connection, authenticity, and steady practice were established here—long before the studio grew into what it is today.
Over time, Prana became more than a studio.
It became a place where students returned—not just for classes, but for consistency, connection, and a sense of belonging.
The focus was never on trends, but on steady, meaningful practice.
A Move to Downtown Geneva
As the Prana community grew, the studio moved to 501 State Street, Suite 206 in the heart of downtown Geneva.
This second-floor space marked an important step forward. With its central location and a dedicated studio layout—including its own private bathroom—it offered both greater accessibility and a more self-contained experience for students.
Surrounded by the energy of downtown, Prana continued to grow while staying rooted in what mattered most: a welcoming space for authentic practice and connection.
In August 2010, Prana Yoga Center moved into its current home at 321 Stevens Street in downtown Geneva—a space that allowed the studio to fully expand and evolve.
For the first time, Prana had a dedicated, self-contained environment. With front and back entrances, a welcoming lobby, two bathrooms, and ample on-site parking. The experience became more accessible and easeful for students. The new space also introduced two studios—the Purple Studio (with infrared heat) and the Green Studio—along with a cozy Buddha Lounge for gathering and reflection.
Growing with the Community
Over time, the space continued to evolve alongside the needs of the community:
2012: The Buddha Lounge was converted into a third studio to support workshops and expanded programming
2013: A rope wall system was added to the Green Studio
2019: The third studio was transformed into a Himalayan salt room, with softly lit pink salt blocks lining the walls—now home to restorative classes and small group experiences
2025: Infrared heat panels were added to the Green Studio. Other changes included a refreshed lobby and hallway spaces, improved storage for props, and a simplified student registration experience.
The physical space grew more refined, while continuing to support a wide range of practices—from quiet, restorative sessions to more dynamic, strength-based classes.
Evolving Offerings
As Prana grew, its offerings expanded in ways that honored both tradition and continued learning.
Over the years, the studio became a home for deeper study through partnerships and programs, including:
A 250-hour Yoga & Ayurveda Teacher Training with Prairie Yoga Institute
Ayurveda consultations and workshops
The Heart of Yoga Program
Vishoka Meditation with the Himalayan Institute
Continuing education workshops inspired by the teachings of Rod Stryker
More recently, the class schedule has continued to evolve to support modern movement and strength-based practices:
Yoga Tone & Core (introduced 2024) blends yoga with light weights and functional strength
Hot Mat Pilates (45-minute classes) (added 2025) expands accessible, strength-focused options
Adapting Through Change
During the 2020 shutdown, Prana expanded into livestream and on-demand classes, allowing students to stay connected from home. These offerings were eventually phased out in 2025 as the community returned to in-person practice.
A Thoughtful, Ongoing Evolution
In 2024, Lisa stepped away from ownership and relocated out of state, continuing her work at Prana through online Vishoka meditation workshops and other programs.
Under the current ownership of Paige Roberts, the studio continues to evolve with care. Recent updates include expanded infrared heat, refreshed lobby and hallway spaces, improved storage for props, and a simplified registration experience.
Through each change, the intention has remained the same:
to create a space that supports authentic practice, meaningful connection, and a sense of belonging
A Home to Grow Into
Prana Today
Prana Yoga Center continues to offer a space where students can move, breathe, and reconnect.
A place grounded in authentic teaching, supportive community, and practices that meet you where you are.
Yoga looks different for everyone.
But the intention remains the same—
To create space.
To reconnect.
To support life as it is.