Karissa James

Education and Teaching Certifications
RYT 200

Karissa’s yoga journey began over 20 years ago, when she first turned to the practice to complement her marathon training. What started as a way to enhance her physical endurance soon evolved into a deep exploration of yoga's mental and emotional benefits. This profound shift led Karissa to pursue her certification in 2019 through Prairie Yoga, and she’s been teaching ever since, sharing her love for yoga with students of all levels.

Karissa’s teaching style is rooted in Vinyasa, Hatha, and Restorative Yoga, with a particular passion for adapting yoga for different needs. She has taught Puppy Yoga for dog rescues at the Bensenville Park District and developed specialized programs for breast cancer survivors through Living Well. She is also a lead mentor in the Prairie Yoga Teacher Training program, guiding new teachers with knowledge and inspiration.

In addition to her yoga work, Karissa brings yoga’s mindfulness and healing qualities to her role as a public preschool special education teacher, where she leads workshops on using yoga to prevent burnout. She has presented these sessions at local and state conferences, empowering school staff with tools to find balance and nourishment in their work.

Outside of teaching, Karissa enjoys hiking with her partner, Gerry, and their two dogs, Zoe and Ada, while their two cats, Cody and Oliver, prefer to stay cozy at home. When she’s not outdoors, you can find Karissa reading, singing, or working on her latest furniture restoration project.

Join Karissa in the Studio

Karissa will be teaching Hatha Yoga at 5:00 PM and Restorative Yoga with Nidra at 7:00 PM on Tuesdays. These classes offer a perfect balance of strength and relaxation, ideal for unwinding after a busy day.