Our Instructors
Toni Dussex, E-RYT 500
Toni Dussex, E-RYT 500, is currently immersed in advanced studies in Yoga Therapy through an IAYT accredited yoga therapy school. As the Owner and Creator of Freedom Yoga, Toni has been a notable presence in the industry since 2013, specializing in Trauma Informed Yoga. Her impact is felt throughout East Texas, where she stands out as a foremost authority in yoga for stress, trauma, and PTSD.
Toni is highly regarded for her expertise in teaching somatic or body-based tools specifically designed for releasing both physical and emotional trauma. Alongside her extensive yoga background, Toni holds dual certifications as a Sound Healing Practitioner and is a level 2 Usui Reiki Practitioner. This diverse skill set offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to well-being, addressing the interconnected realms of physical, emotional, and energetic dimensions. Toni strives to empower her students and private clients with evidence-based tools they can use on and off the mat to facilitate continued healing.
As a survivor of PTSD, Toni's personal journey with yoga has shaped her into an empathetic and compassionate teacher. She recognizes the profound need for trauma survivors to establish or re-establish a sense of identity and safety in their bodies. Consequently, Toni conducts all her classes with a "trauma-sensitive" approach, creating a secure space for her students to experience deeper states of relaxation and healing. She teaches tools and techniques that work to balance the nervous system. This helps with a broad range of common issues from stress to chronic pain.
Toni Dussex is not just a yoga instructor; she is a dedicated advocate for the holistic well-being of her students, leveraging her diverse skill set and personal experiences to guide others on transformative paths to healing and self-discovery.
Chris Dussex, RYT 200
Chris began his yoga journey back in 2012 and completed his 200-Hour Trauma Informed Teacher Training with Befree Yoga Tyler and Freedom Yoga in 2022. Chris enjoys both practicing and teaching Vinyasa, Yin yoga and Meditation. He has seen some pretty significant health benefits from his own consistent yoga practice such as decreased blood pressure and weight loss.
Through yoga, Chris has built physical strength and balance with challenging postures, increased his flexibility, and has learned to harness the power of meditation and breath work to manage stress and focus his mind.
He recognizes the fact that a lot of men are hesitant to begin a yoga practice and wants to help break some of the stigma and stereotypes around yoga to prove that it’s for every body.
Chris and his wife, Toni are so grateful to be teaching and growing in their journey together.
Robin Shuttlesworth, Level 2 Certified Aerial Instructor
Robin is a Certified Aerial II Instructor through Wild Roots Yoga. Like many of us, she's a trauma survivor. Robin began practicing yoga over a decade ago as part of her mental and physical rehabilitation following a crippling car accident. After years of practicing yoga, Robin discovered aerial yoga at Fly & Love and fell in love! With a background in dancing, jazz, tap and drill team, Robin loves the challenge and dance-like fluidity of Aerial Yoga. She loves teaching and can bring out the fun side of everyone around her! Her infectious laugh and encouraging teaching style are two of our favorite things about her.