

My name is Tyra (teer-a) Hildebrand and I created shining light yoga in 2023. I believe in the power of yoga to release stress, cultivate strength, as well as build emotional resilience and physical stability. My experience with the many benefits of yoga drives me to share this transformative practice.
Since 2019, I have been teaching yoga in the Milwaukee area, most recently at Open Door Wellness Movement Studio and for the Wauwatosa Recreation Department. For the past four years, I have also been teaching weekly yoga and mindfulness classes for people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. I bring a culturally competent, inclusive, and trauma-informed lens to my teaching practice.
My 200-hour teacher training was completed at Tosa Yoga (2019) and I am currently completing my 500-hour training at Soul of Yoga. Additional training includes trauma-informed & somatic yoga, yoga for addiction recovery, and yoga for mental and emotional health.
Originally from California, I have lived in Wauwatosa for over 27 years and love the connected and vibrant Tosa community. As a lifelong learner and educator - I started my education career as a middle school Social Studies teacher in Milwaukee and Minneapolis and shifted into administrative leadership roles at three local universities leading teacher training programs and creating faculty development programming. I love to read, travel, spend time outdoors, play tennis, pickleball, and spend time with family and friends.
Please reach out if you would like to set up a private, small group, special occasion, work place or teen group yoga class. Let's practice together.
- Tyra Hildebrand, Ph.D., RYT 200



What are the benefits of yoga?
There are multiple benefits to yoga.
Yoga helps
strength, balance and flexibility
mental well-being
relaxation - can enhance sleep
increase energy
enhance mood
manage stress
heart health
increase muscle strength and tone
balance metabolism
cardio and circulatory health
back pain relief
ease arthritis
Woodyard C. Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. Int J Yoga. 2011 Jul;4(2):49-54. doi: 10.4103/0973-6131.85485. PMID: 22022122; PMCID: PMC3193654.
I have never done yoga before. What can I expect?
You can expect a welcoming, inclusive environment where you are guided to move your body in ways that feel right for you. Classes move at a pace that works for beginners, as well as for those who have a regular yoga practice. Classes have a mindful, gentle beginning with guidance on how to connect to the breath. A poem or reading is usually shared that connects to a theme. Movements usually begin on the back or in a seated position. Gradually students move through some balancing and strengthening poses with a stretchy wind down and time at the end of class for savasana, or resting pose. Gentle music is often played during class. At the end of class, people often express feeling more relaxed and calm. The key is to make this your yoga practice and move in ways that honor your body.
What should I wear and bring to class?
Wear clothes that are comfortable for movement. There are no official "yoga" clothes needed. Many people wear some type of leggings, sweat pants, or shorts with a t-shirt or tank top. Layers are helpful - like a sweatshirt - as an extra layer is often used at the beginning and end of class. Be sure to bring some water.
I have extra mats available if needed. A block and blanket is also typically available.