Danni lives from the passion of her heart. This passion proved strong as she began her journey in health and wellness. A Midwest gal who migrated to Costa Rica in 2012, she has chosen to devote her life to helping and guiding others as a massage therapist, yoga instructor and Reiki master to better health. After living in Costa Rica for over 6 years she has decided to bring back the Pura Vida vibe to Northern Illinois to share with others.

She began her spiritual journey in 2005 when she entered a yoga studio in Chicago in searching for another way to move her body. She did not expect to discover her purpose. Through her yoga practice, she adopted a deep appreciation for her breath, a compassionate connection with her body, methods of stilling her mind and dwelling in the peace within her heart. She felt as though she was reunited with a long lost friend – herself.

Within the next few years of practicing yoga, Danni decided to go back to school to become a massage therapist. Having many years of experience of being a potter she knew she wanted to use her hands and always enjoyed helping others. She has 6 years of experience assisting others with ergonomic seating and that’s when she became very familiar with the spine and all the back issues that there are from long term sitting. She studied 11 months at The New School for Massage, Bodywork & Healing in Chicago, IL. She graduated in 2011 with 600 hours and passed her licensing exam right after which she keeps current. Find out about all the different modalities she offers under the massage page.

While traveling around Costa Rica to find out where she wanted to start her massage business, Danni realized that she would need something else to compliment the one side of her business. Feeling compelled to share with others the powerful effects of yoga on the body, mind, and soul is what led Danni to the seat of the teacher. Danni traveled to India in September 2012 to gain her 200-hour certification from Rishikesh Yog Peeth, a Registered Yoga Alliance school. For Danni, the practice of yoga is not about touching her hands to her toes, but rather integrating the body, breath, and mind all into one. It is this integration that has led to the unwavering belief that the practice of yoga, regardless of “flex-ability” has the potential to change one’s life, if the practitioner is open to receiving. While the lessons of yoga can be serious, it is with lightheartedness that Danni encourages her students to explore their potential, relax with what “is” and not to take things too seriously and they, too, will discover their path. Please click on the yoga section for location and time information.

Massage Education

The New School for Massage, Bodywork & Healing ~ 2010-2011
Reiki I & II ~ Insight Awareness ~ 2-day course September 2012
Ayurveda ~ Kerala Ayurveda Academy ~ 1-week course October 2012
Thai Massage & Foot Reflexology ~ Ong’s Thai Massage School ~ 3-week course ~ September 2013
Reiki III ~ Insight Awareness ~ 1-day course October 2014
Reiki Masters & teaching cert. ~ 4-day course September 2016
ACE Massage Cupping Therapy ~ 3-day course October 2018
Currently Licensed with the State of Illinois

Yoga Education

Rishikesh Yog Peeth, Rishikesh India ~ 200 Hour Training ~ Oct/Nov 2012

Dannielle Mares