Our team
Joan Sherwood
I began practicing yoga in 2006 with a Hot Power Yoga class. I immediately fell in love with both the physical practice and the mindfulness that it demanded. When I left that fist class, I realized that I had not thought of anything else for 90 minutes. That is one of the many gifts of yoga! In 2009, I obtained my 200-hour certification at Yoga Source in St. Louis, and began teaching. I have taken several additional immersion studies with Tias Little and a study for cancer survivors at Balance Your Body Yoga in Houston, TX. I live in Carbondale with my husband. We have five grown children and seven grandchildren. I love teaching all styles of yoga and sharing the gifts of yoga with all ages.
Lexi Wheeler
Hi, my name is Lexi! I graduated from SIU-C in 2021 as a licensed physical therapist assistant where I went on to specialize and continue my education in pelvic floor therapy. This is where I developed my love for yoga as my training incorporated breathwork and yoga poses to help with regulating the nervous system. In January of 2023 I spent a month in Guatemala where I trained and earned my yoga teaching and reiki practitioner certification. I am passionate about helping others improve their quality of life along with sharing techniques to help tap into the wisdom of their mind, body and spirit. I’m looking forward to connecting with you as you proceed in your journey at True Nature.
Pat York
Pat York is a dedicated Sound Vibrational Energy Practitioner and founder/owner of True Nature. Pat 's journey into the world of healing frequencies began with a lifetime of experience in vocal resonance and percussion. For the past three years, Pat has expanded her practice, incorporating a rich array of resonant instruments such as Himalayan and crystal bowls, gongs, chimes, and more. These instruments, each with its unique vibration, create a symphony of healing frequencies that harmonize the mind, body, and spirit. With a profound understanding of the transformative power of sound, she has been on a mission to share the therapeutic benefits with others. Pat's commitment to mastering the art of sound healing led her to study the ancient wisdom and modern techniques of sound vibrational therapy. In Pat's sound baths, you'll find a welcoming space where the soothing sounds of resonant instruments envelop each visitor in harmonic vibrations.
Marianne Linn
Has been studying and practicing yoga and meditation for 3 decades. She taught in the San Francisco Bay area for 26 years and accumulated more than 14,000 hours of teaching classes, private yoga, workshops and retreats. In 2021 she moved with her husband to Carbondale, IL and here she continues teaching. Marianne has also worked for 25 years as a certified massage and bodywork therapist. She first was drawn to meditation before discovering the path of Yoga as a practical pathway to recognize our deepest intelligence. In 1992, while practicing meditation in Thailand, Marianne quickly realized that practicing yoga tremendously enhanced the quality of meditation. Since then, the practice and teaching of yoga and meditation has been fundamental to her life-long study of holistic well-being and the exploration of the nature of mindfulness. 'I practice Yoga to cultivate awareness, to bring strength, balance and ease to the body, breath and mind, to become deeply aware of my energy body and to develop a greater understanding of what matters most and to live accordingly. It brings me fulfillment and joy to see students unfolding in their practice.' 'My inspiration finds new sparks through my own practice, through every class, workshop and retreat I teach. I feel deeply grateful to share my knowledge and insights related to personal development and my studies of the human body, energy and mind.' 'The continuous study of the body, breath and mind and their relationship with each other have had a profound effect on my understanding of myself and other(s) and the world around me.
Maria Johnson
Maria Johnson (RYT-500, LFYP-1, Ph.D.) began practicing yoga in 2010. Seeking out yoga initially to help manage anxiety, she quickly discovered yoga’s power to transform, integrate mind-body-spirit, and foster compassion and community. She is passionate and playful in pursuing the integration of yoga with sound/music as a means of facilitating healing and transformation in herself and others. She completed her initial yoga teacher training at Yoga East (Cape Girardeau, MO) in 2018 and the 300-hour advanced training at Soul of Yoga (Encinitas, CA) in 2022. She also holds certifications in Vocal Yoga (Heather Lyle, 2019) and LifeForce Yoga (Rose Kress, Amy Weintraub, 2021). In December 2024 she will complete her 800-hour yoga therapy certification at The Soul of Yoga.
LAura Haldorson
I bring a wealth of experience to my work as a Dance Instructor (Lyrical, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Competitive) and Fitness Expert (Barre, Aerobics, Stretching, Core Workouts) for all ages, including adults. As a Certified Behaviorist, I understand the importance of fostering confidence and positive movement experiences. Additionally, my certifications in Reiki and holistic health allow me to integrate a mindfulness approach, creating a space for physical and emotional well-being.
Daniel Moreno
After 7 years working as a psychotherapist and finishing my masters in Clinical Psychology, I delved into the yoga and body work as an holistic therapist and for the past 4 years I have integrated these skills with spirituality, art and meditation.
My curiosity for a variety of cultures inspired me to travel to more than 30 countries; this has deepened my insight into humanity and the multitude of life adaptations.
renn harkey
My journey in sound therapy started at birth, because I’ve been involved in music and singing my whole life. When I attended a sound bath for the first time in 2021, I was immediately hooked and knew I wanted to share the experience with others. I was looking for stress relief, and the impact of that first session was profound! My over-active mind had stayed in the moment, flowing with the sound of bowls and gong. I started attending a yoga nidra class weekly, and noticed improvements to my state of mind, emotional resilience and quality of sleep. Since then, it has been one of my goals to share sound healing with other people who could enjoy its benefits as a gentle, inclusive and accessible way to support health and well-being.
Siri Radha Kaur LeBaron
Sat Nam! My name is Siri Radha Kaur LeBaron, and I hail from the west coast of our fair nation. I am a Kundalini Yogi, a PhD in Communication, a nature lover, deep breather, and dedicated Dog Mom. I live for kirtan, meditation, art, creative writing, and excellent conversations about inspiring subjects. I was raised by parents who were avid explorers of yoga, music, art, philosophy, and spiritual practices from many different traditions. When I found Kundalini Yoga (as Taught by Yogi Bhajan) in 2009, I felt like I’d come home. It’s not just about moving your body, it’s about finding that unlimited spirit inside yourself and living, moving, chanting, meditating, breathing, and communicating from that. I have been practicing this rich tradition ever since I found it and joyfully sharing it with others since 2013. My name means: Radiant lioness of the Divine who has great mastery of her spiritual path and inspires others. It is my fondest dream to live up to this. Bright blessings to you!