about us
Nurturing a Safe
Space for Growth
and Self-Discovery
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals can discover the next stepping stones along their journey, reconnect with their inner strength, heal from past experiences, and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves.
About Our Studio
Opening The Door To Wellness
At Open Door, we offer a holistic approach to mental and physical wellness. We strive to help people reconnect with themselves and their bodies by offering opportunities for individual and group therapy, bodywork and breathing practices, mindfulness and meditation sessions, and movement and other types of classes.
We support clients in navigating life’s ups and downs by accompanying them as they explore thoughts and feelings and reshape negative patterns that no longer serve them. Open Door introduces people to healthy tools and practices for managing discomfort and celebrating ourselves across all seasons of the lifespan.
We hope everyone who leaves our space emerges feeling more balanced, resilient, and joyful. Together, we seek to foster a community that celebrates diversity, encourages authentic connections, and empowers everyone to live their best lives.
Our Team
Robin Block
Robin Block, BS, BFA, MS, LPC, RYT 200 has been an Integrative Movement Facilitator in Wisconsin since 2001. She holds a Master’s degree in Community Psychology and Bachelor’s degrees in Community Education and Fine Arts - Dance. Robin (she/her) completed her 200-hour teacher training in Integrative Yoga Therapy at Inner Light Yoga Studio. She is certified in Tai Chi Fundamentals®, Tai Chi for Arthritis, and Nia. Robin has guided trauma-informed movement practices that include meditation and mindfulness at Yoga studios, recreation departments, non-profit organizations, and corporations. She has enjoyed creating and teaching choreography to people of all ages, whether they are working out in a gym, participating in a theatrical production, recovering from a challenging life event, or cheerleading for their team. Robin is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Learn about her counseling practice here.
Robin is passionate about movement and knows the positive impact it can have on the brain and nervous system. She teaches “hold and flow” Yoga classes that combine movements to warm the body and poses that are held to retrain the brain to release habits that no longer serve us. Robin also teaches Integrative Dance, Tai Chi, Meditation, and Mindfulness to enhance overall well-being and connection with self and community.
She provides alignment-based instruction, encouraging students to adjust and rest freely to protect their bodies and personalize their practice. Robin offers meditations for preparation, creative sequencing of postures that carry guests to the next breath, shape, or movement, and provides relaxation at the end. She uses music, breathing techniques, and defined patterns of rhythm to integrate body, mind, and spirit fully.
Robin hopes you feel comfortable in our movement space, are open and willing to try something different, and feel empowered as a result. She looks forward to moving together very soon and invites you to meet her on the dance floor, at the dojo, on the mat, or in nature (with the hawks and herons). All are welcome!
Photo by Lila Aryan, www.lilaaryan.com.
“Robin helps me connect the dots in my day-to-day life. She offers creative options for all types of students and guides classes with a peaceful presence and a sense of humor. Robin encourages students to follow their inner knowing and practice loving kindness. I always leave feeling settled and stronger in my mind and body.”
Integrative Dance and Yoga student - June 2024
Patricia Corrigan Culotti
Patricia Corrigan Culotti, BSA, CTI, MTF, offers personalized Tai Chi instruction to the public, trains and certifies instructors, and brings ancient healing arts to medical settings such as the VA, Aurora, and ProHealth. She is a featured Tai Chi model in Tai Chi Mind and Body (DK Publishing, London).
Pat has practiced traditional Yang Style Tai Chi and Qi Gong since 1977 and is a lineage instructor certified by Grand Masters Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo and William C. C. Chen. She is a Tai Chi Fundamentals® Program Master Teacher, Course Instructor, Certification Reviewer, and certified ROM Dance® Instructor. She was the Lead Instructor for the Tai Chi Prime research study (2017-18) and the Inclusive Tai Chi Project in Milwaukee (2022-24). Pat is a Tai Chi Prime Master Teacher. She founded Enhancing Balance to teach traditional Yang Style Cheng Man-Ch’ing Tai Chi globally.
Pat teaches students of all abilities how to integrate mind/body practices into daily life. She offers classes and workshops virtually and in person in the Milwaukee area and enjoys helping people enhance balance in their lives.
Tai Chi uplifts Pat’s well-being by helping her stay centered and present. The philosophy aligns with nature, and Pat strives to bring this harmony into her favorite activities. An avid cyclist, cross-country skier, and hiker, she credits Tai Chi with improving her balance, resiliency, and stamina in these pursuits. Grateful for the gifts of Tai Chi, Pat is excited to help others enjoy these benefits and more.
Photo by Lila Aryan, www.lilaaryan.com.
“Pat’s teaching style and expertise have made learning Tai Chi much easier and more enjoyable. Learning Tai Chi Fundamentals from Pat has improved the quality of my life and given me the passion to pursue this daily practice both as a student and as a teacher.”
Tai Chi student and Occupational Therapist - April 2025
Laura Halfmann
Laura Halfmann, BA, RYT 200, has enjoyed teaching Yoga since 2012. Her favorite Yoga practices hold space for body, mind and spirit to reconnect. Her classes often include breath practice, mudras (hand poses) and creative movement, and may draw inspiration from poetry, art or a random snippet of overheard conversation. Laura creates inclusive and supportive environments and encourages people to make each practice their own. She believes something magical happens when people practice in community.
Laura has been teaching classes for 30 years, ranging from art to Yoga to personal development to how to drive a forklift (true story!). She has a long career as a training consultant for a local Fortune 500 company. Laura holds a Bachelor's degree in Art Education/Art Therapy from Alverno College and completed her 200-hour teacher training in Integrative Yoga Therapy at Inner Light Yoga Studio. She has led Yoga practices at Yoga studios, recreation departments, and corporations. Laura offers special workshops that integrate Yoga and creativity.
When she's not teaching or working, Laura loves to make art in her home studio, read her way through her local library, travel, grow as many flowers and vegetables as possible in Wisconsin's tiny window of Summer, explore the Ice Age Trail with her dog, Zeke, and snuggle with her cat, Moonshadow.
Yoga has been a quiet, undeniable game changer in Laura's life. When she goes to her mat, she feels like she’s coming home. She hopes you will join her.
Photo by Stephanie Bartz, www.sbartzphotography.com.
“I look forward to Laura’s Yoga class. From the moment I step onto the mat, I slow down and relax, knowing I’m in good hands. She reads the room and adjusts to her students’ needs and skill levels. She puts you at ease and gently guides you. She has such good energy. I love the variation of poses and always learn something new. I highly recommend her class!”
Yoga class participant - April 2025
Tyra Hildebrand
Tyra Hildebrand, BA, MEd, PhD, RYT 200, has enjoyed teaching Yoga since 2019. Her Yoga classes center on connection, self-compassion, and inner strength. As a lifelong educator and trauma-informed Yoga teacher, Tyra creates thoughtful, welcoming classes where all bodies and experience levels are truly seen and supported. Her classes weave in accessible pose variations, mindful readings, and intentional themes that help students feel grounded - on and off the mat. Whether you are new to Yoga or are deepening your practice, you’ll find a space with Tyra to move in a mindful way that honors your body and strengthens emotional resilience.
Besides teaching community Yoga classes, including with the Wauwatosa Recreation Department, Tyra teaches weekly Mindfulness and Yoga classes for individuals in recovery from addictions. She also offers private and special-occasion sessions for individuals celebrating life’s meaningful milestones. Learn more at www.yogawithtyra.com.
Photo by Stephanie Bartz, www.sbartzphotography.com.
“Tyra is everything I want in a Yoga instructor. She’s welcoming, down-to-earth, calming and conscientious. Her classes and teaching style are accessible to all levels, and she leads with expertise and warmth. I leave feeling refreshed all over, grounded, and ready to return for more.”
Yoga class participant - October 2024
Jean Hoffmann
Jean Hoffmann, BA, MA, MS, EdD, RYT 200, AFAA, and Movement Wisdom Seniors Yoga, is pleased to join Open Door Movement Studio to help support others on their wellness journeys. Jean holds several education degrees and wellness certifications. Since 1991, she has taught in several capacities in fitness, mind/body health, high school English, and higher education. Having experienced the many positive benefits of Yoga and Mindfulness in her life, Jean appreciates being able to “pay it forward” by supporting others who are looking to maintain or enhance their health span.
Jean loves to learn. She often gravitates toward new research on Yogic topics such as slowing the cycle of fragility through Yoga, the neuroscience of Yoga, and supporting the fascial network in the body (something that was often ignored until the last decade or so). As eager as she is to learn and apply new knowledge, Jean is also excited to share.
Jean structures her classes general enough for most participants. She offers suggestions for alternative postures of modifications to meet participant’s needs, knowing that we all come to our mats with different anatomies, different biological histories, and different needs and wants from our practices. She encourages participants to come to the mat with self-trust, self-love and self-compassion, creating an atmosphere of non-judgment, non-competition, and non-attachment to what postures “should” look like. Each step we take toward bettering our physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual selves is valid and valuable. Jean’s foundational belief is “Where love flows, everything grows!” She approaches all she does with an attitude of love and service.
Photo by Stephanie Bartz, www.sbartzphotography.com.
“Jean is an excellent teacher. I have taken other Yoga classes, but some were not challenging enough, while others were too difficult for me. Jean never asks you to push yourself harder than you are comfortable doing. However, at the end of the class, I feel stretched, challenged, and relaxed.”
Yoga class participant - April 2025
Chad Novak
Chad Novak, BS, RYT 200, Transformational Breath® Facilitator, has enjoyed supporting others in navigating through life transitions, holding space for transformation to occur and empowering people to step into their authentic selves since 2015. Chad is the founder of Soulful Breath and currently guides others on a path to expanded consciousness, helping people clarify their life purpose and mindfully transform their quality of life by leveraging conscious connected breath, Yoga, and ontological coaching.
Chad is passionate about the evolution of consciousness and believes the one true thing that is going on in all of our lives is the journey of self-realization.
When he was going through Yoga training, breathwork found him. “It came up at a time in my life when a lot was coming up for me internally. The gifts and awareness that revealed themselves through the power of breath have been truly transformational.” Breathwork is one of Chad’s passions and he wishes to pass on the transformational power of breath to others. “Breathwork is such a great tool to have in our tool belts as we navigate these times.”
Chad considers himself to be a perpetual student of life and he looks forward to growing, learning, and evolving right beside you. “I’m excited to see what this next chapter of life opens up for me along my journey, and I’m looking forward to walking the path with you. Namaste!”
Photo by Stephanie Bartz, www.sbartzphotography.com.
“You made everyone so comfortable and were able to provide one-on-one support within a group dynamic while still maintaining the group. The breathwork was amazing, letting go of layers of trapped emotion and pain. The techniques you taught and shared from your heart I’ve utilized since. I’m so thankful.”
Breathwork class participant - November 2024
Monica Stevens
Monica Stevens, PhD, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, creates Yoga classes that are warm, welcoming, and nurturing and where people of all levels and backgrounds can move at their own pace and reconnect to a sense of wholeness and inner calm. Her teaching style emphasizes mindfulness, relaxation, and the importance of listening to your own body - while also inviting challenges in a fun and compassionate way.
In her Yoga Therapy work, Monica specializes in helping people manage pain, reduce stress, and improve posture and mobility. Whether you’re dealing with persistent discomfort or simply looking to feel more at home in your body, Monica aims to support you in finding greater ease, comfort, and confidence through the practice of Yoga.
Monica first discovered Yoga during graduate school, thinking it would be a fun way to challenge her body as a former gymnast. But during that first class, she experienced something more profound - relaxation and mental clarity that she hadn’t felt in a long time. Since then, Yoga has become a steady anchor in Monica’s life, offering tools like movement, breathwork, guided meditation, and philosophy that have supported her through many of life’s ups and downs.
Before becoming a Yoga teacher and Yoga therapist, Monica worked as a wildlife researcher and college biology instructor. While raising her three children, she pursued Yoga teacher training and, now, after 15 years of teaching and completing an 800-hour certification in Yoga Therapy, she feels deeply grateful to share the healing power of Yoga with others.
Monica lives in Wauwatosa with her husband, kids, and dog. She enjoys outdoor adventures, such as hiking, skiing, kayaking, and biking, as well as relaxing activities at home, including reading, cooking, and watching movies with her family.
Photo by Stephanie Bartz, www.sbartzphotography.com.
“My husband and I have been practicing Yoga with Monica for years. She consistently teaches at all levels with an understanding of her students. We leave her class feeling rejuvenated and grounded. We love Monica!”
Yoga class participant - August 2025
Alli Williams
Alli Williams, MA (she/her) discovered the magic of Hula Hoop Dance in 2024, initially drawn to the practice as a fun and portable way to stay active. This hobby quickly blossomed into a deep passion that she used to incorporate movement and joy into each day.
Alli’s classes are built on three core pillars: Joy, Flow, and Play. She believes that the best learning happens when students feel safe to explore, experiment, and even stumble. Her favorite classroom sounds: the delighted laughter of students and the satisfying “thwap” of hoops hitting the floor as people courageously attempt moves just outside their comfort zone.
Alli believes that Flow comes when students are comfortable moving between different technical skills - it’s all in the transitions. Every class with Alli is designed to help students practice flowing between moves and finding new ways to be in their bodies and add their own unique flair to their dance. Alli invites you to join her on the dance floor with your willingness to experiment, laugh, and play! Alli also offers private group and special occasion classes for individuals looking for quality time together that is light and playful.
In addition to practicing Hula Hoop Dance on her own and teaching to others, Alli loves to read, craft, and practice aerial circus arts in her spare time.
Photo by Stephanie Bartz, www.sbartzphotography.com.
“Alli’s class was pure joy and overflowing with positivity. I loved the playful mix of right and left side movement, which made me feel like a kid again. Such an enjoyable way to learn something new!”
Hula Hoop Dance class participant - August 2025
Turam Turkish Folk Dance Ensemble
Turam Turkish Folk Dance Ensemble is the premier Turkish folk dance group in the Midwest. Turam is a very diverse group that welcomes all to learn about Turkish culture and dance, as well as the culture and dance forms of other Asia Minor countries.
Turkey faces three seas, straddles essential trade routes, and has a complex, sophisticated culture that reflects these factors. Turkish dance is one of the oldest dances in the world and uses a variety of movements and tempos. With over 400 different dance styles, such as Halay, Zeybek, and Horon, Turkish dances often involve instrumental accompaniment, group performances, and are characterized by upbeat rhythms and colorful costumes. Turkish dances are closely linked to Turkish cultural heritage, as they reflect the customs, traditions, and social habits of the Turkish people. These dances are performed in a group setting, showcasing synchronized moves and traditional costumes. Some of the different types of cultural significance of Turkish dances include unity, community, bravery, peace, and joy.
If you are looking for an opportunity to learn and perform vibrant folk dances, make new friends while learning about Turkish culture, and stay active, we invite you to come and try something different with us, whether you are a seasoned dancer or a beginner. Our group welcomes everyone. No fee to join or participate in these classes and we provide the beautiful costumes you will need when you are ready to perform. Please join us for our last group folk dance session of 2025 or find us dancing up a storm at the next Holiday Folk Fair International taking place at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 18-20, 2025!
Our Core Values
Safety
Creating a safe space for healing and growth is crucial. Open Door prioritizes safety by fostering an environment where individuals can feel emotionally and physically secure, free from harm, judgment, or discrimination. This includes the collective practice of confidentiality, community building, respect towards personal boundary setting, and the provision of personalized, insightful, and trauma-sensitive care and services.
Inclusivity
We welcome and embrace individuals from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We’re committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels accepted, respected, and valued, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, or any other aspect of their identity. Open Door strives to be an inclusive space where all individuals can access mental health and wellness services without fear of discrimination or judgment.
Body Positivity
All bodies are deserving of respect and acceptance, regardless of size, shape, appearance, or ability. Open Door aims to create a body-positive environment where individuals can feel comfortable and confident in their own skin and free from body shaming and bullying. We strive to create a learning and growing environment that encourages self-love and self-acceptance.
Teach With Us
Do you want to join our team, collaborate, or be a guest artist in our studio? Please reach out! We are eager to add new practitioners to our class schedule who can provide specialized classes, offerings, and services that we may not yet offer.
Seeking Massage Therapist or Other Bodywork Practitioner
Are you looking for a brand new wellness room in which to offer massage or other bodywork services? Please connect with us soon! We would love to meet you, give you a tour, and have a discussion about the services we currently provide at Open Door Wellness. We will share who is currently on our team and how we can come together to provide collaborative holistic care for clients.
Rent Our Space
We welcome outside practitioners and other community members to use our 850 sq ft studio space to teach classes, host meetings, events, and workshops. Folding chairs available. Please contact us to inquire about pricing, technology, and availability.