Lindsay
Schleis
What is your role with OTYF?
I am an Ambassador and a key member of the OTYF team here in Wisconsin. I help organize and fund many of the organization's events and trainings in the area and work for fundraising throughout the year. I am also the Business Manager for Kula Yoga & Wellness, OTYF's first Ambassador Studio.
How would you describe yourself?
I would say I am a go-getter. Enthusiastic about new opportunities and not afraid of change. I like to take on more than I can chew. I prefer to live life FULL of activities and adventure rather than sitting in the wings. I love spending time with my kids and husband.
What is your yoga journey?
My yoga journey began in college. I was a dancer and distance runner and I took yoga for credit in college. I loved it! I had drifted in and out of yoga classes and studios for years after college. I liked it and kept going back but was not sure why. Then after battling post-pardum depression and becoming pregnant with my second child, I landed in Ruthie's class. The Baptiste yoga practice taught me to live life without fear, to believe in myself and it gave me the courage to make some serious changes in my life. Yoga has offered me the courage to be the person I know that I am. The person I want to be for myself, for my kids and for my family. I love that about it. I have participated in Baron Baptiste's 40 Days to a Personal Revolution, Art of Assisting and I will be attending Level 1 in summer of 2013!
Where else have you called home?
Fennimore, WI; LaCrosse, WI; Milwaukee,WI; New York City and Costa Rica.
What inspires you?
What inspires me the most are my kids in the morning. Each morning they wake up so full of life and excitement. There is a sparkle in their eyes that is just so amazing. As adults, we often drag ourselves out of bed ready to repeat the same behaviors. With them its a whole new day. A clean slate. Eager for what's to come.
Why have you chosen to work with Olive Tree Yoga Foundation?
I work with OTYF as an outlet to offer change and peace outside of my community. There are always opportunities to share my passion of Yoga within the community, but to reach those that deeply need it in areas that we don't have access to everyday is powerful.
What is your connection to the region in which you work?
I have always been interested in the Middle East. As a Christian, I was taught from a young age about the land and journey through the Bible. As a naive mid-western American, when I learned of what was really happening there it sparked something within in me.
Ambassador
Ambassador Studio Business Manager
Kula Yoga & Wellness
Cottage Grove, WI