Teacher Bios
JAMES MILLER, ERYT, LMT, CPT
As founder and director of Tree House Yoga Studio, James has over 18 years of experience in health and wellness. As a former United States Marine, veteran personal trainer, and licensed massage therapist, he has practiced yoga as his primary discipline for the past 14 years.
Through yoga, James has personally experienced such radical transformation physically, mentally, and emotionally, that it compells him to share what he has learned with others. He currently directs the Yoga Teacher Certification program at Tree House Yoga Studio, teaches regular classes and workshops, and sees individual clients privately.
James informs his teachings with the direct knowledge and experience that yoga can truly improve anyone’s quality of life, regardless of age or prior condition. His heart-felt passion for yoga and desire to help people feel better through movement create the right classroom conditions for the growth and transformation of his students.
RACHAEL WILLEKE, BA, RYT
Rachael began as a yoga student attending class regularly and eventually developed a strong home practice. She became certified to teach through Tree House Yoga Studio in 2008, and she has found that her daily yoga routine helps guide her both in teaching her students at Tree House Yoga Studio, but also in all aspects of her personal life.
Rachael is a full-time board-certified music therapist, and uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of her clients, most of whom are terminally ill patients and their families. As a hospice worker, presence is one of the most important aspects of visiting with patients. Rachel’s daily yoga practice has allowed her to see very clearly the connection between movement and presence. She loves helping other to see this connection as well.
When she’s not doing yoga or music therapy, Rachael enjoys finding new vegetarian recipes, caring for her guinea pigs, and stiving to be as earth-friendly and socially conscious as possible.
ANN MERREN LANDGREN, RYT
A natural teacher, Ann brings a unique energy and excitement to each of her classes at Tree House Yoga Studio. Her devotion to yoga and the depth of her daily practice is a constant source of new insight and discovery which inform her dynamic teaching style.
Ann started practicing yoga in 2007. From her very first class, she knew she wanted to share the joy and wisdom she had found in yoga with others by teaching. In 2008, she discovered Tree House Yoga Studio and began taking private yoga coaching lessons. In 2010, she realized her dream of becoming a yoga teacher by graduating from the Tree House Yoga teacher certification course.
In addition to her love of yoga, Ann is passionate about animal rights and spends her free time reading and pampering her two beloved cats.
VICTORIA WATSON, RYT
Victoria’s positivity and natural charisma help create the perfect environment for her students to blossom – AND it’s rare to see her without a smile.
During her stay at Maharishi University in Fairfield, IA, Victoria developed an interest in Eastern studies, including yoga and meditation. Although she had a regular practice at the time, it wasn’t until she came to Tree House Yoga Studio that she felt she began to fully understand the discipline of yoga. She was certified at Tree House Yoga Studio in 2010.
Victoria closely follows the traditional path of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in her personal practice, and she feels it’s her life mission to assist others on their own path to self-mastery. You can find Victoria regularly at Tree House Yoga Studio practicing and teaching, as well as serving delicious meals at local Iowa City area restaurants.
