About
Maile Wicklander, MA, C-IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist
I founded Tula Yoga Studio in Logan Square in 2011 with the intention of creating a place where people could practice in a way that felt honest, supportive, and connected to their actual lives. Over time, my work has grown beyond group classes to include individualized yoga therapy, mindfulness-based programs, teacher education, and partnerships with healthcare and community organizations.
As a C-IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist and Qualified MBSR Teacher, I work with people seeking a more individualized and therapeutic relationship with yoga and mindfulness. My approach is shaped by training in yoga therapy, somatics, mindfulness, trauma-sensitive practice, accessible yoga, and psychology. At the center of the work, however, is always the person in front of me: their goals, health history, abilities, lived experience, and existing sources of care and support.
Yoga therapy does not begin with a predetermined sequence of poses. It begins by listening. Together, we explore practices that may support greater steadiness, mobility, body awareness, nervous system regulation, resilience, and connection. Sessions may include accessible movement, breathing practices, mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, somatic education, and practical tools that can be incorporated into daily life.
Practices can be adapted for someone working in a chair, standing, on a mat, in bed, or through a combination of approaches. No previous yoga experience or particular level of flexibility is required. My intention is never to ask someone to fit themselves into a prescribed form of yoga, but to help identify practices that are realistic, meaningful, and responsive to the person’s changing needs.
I work with individuals navigating stress, chronic pain, injury, changes in mobility, neurological conditions, recovery from illness or surgery, healthy aging, caregiver strain, and significant life transitions. Yoga therapy may be offered at Tula Yoga Studio, in a client’s home, or remotely when appropriate. It is designed to complement—not replace—appropriate medical care, psychotherapy, rehabilitation, or other licensed healthcare services.
I also collaborate with healthcare providers, care managers, home-care organizations, senior communities, nonprofits, and other professional partners. These relationships may include individual referrals, in-home yoga therapy, accessible group programs, mindfulness and MBSR courses, caregiver support, workshops, and staff education. When appropriate and authorized by the client, I welcome communication with other members of the person’s care team.
Before devoting myself fully to yoga, mindfulness, and integrative health, I worked in organizational psychology, project management, learning strategy, and program development. I hold a master’s degree in Industrial–Organizational Psychology, and that background continues to inform the way I design programs, communicate with professional partners, and translate broad wellness goals into thoughtful, well-organized services.
Whether I am working with one person, teaching a group, or developing a program for an organization, my approach is grounded in accessibility, curiosity, consent, and respect for each person’s experience. My hope is to help people feel more at home in themselves and better supported in meeting the realities of their lives with steadiness, awareness, and compassion.
Credentials & Professional Training
My work integrates clinical training & contemplative practice. I believe in lifelong learning and regularly pursue continuing education in integrative health, pain science, trauma-informed care, and healthy aging.
Professional Credentials
C-IAYT® Certified Yoga Therapist
Awarded by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), the internationally recognized professional credential for yoga therapists.Qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher (Brown University)
E-RYT 500® (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher)
YACEP® (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider)
Education
M.A. Industrial–Organizational Psychology
B.A. Psychology
Advanced Clinical & Professional Training
1,000-Hour Professional Certification in Yoga Therapy
Yoga North International SomaYoga Institute (ISYI)Advanced Training in Clinical Somatics & SomaYoga
Yoga North International SomaYoga Institute (ISYI)Certified Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM) Practitioner
David Treleaven, PhDCertified Accessible Yoga Teacher
Accessible YogaMindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP)
Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield
Professional Standards
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1184547663
Adult First Aid / CPR / AED Certified
Professional Liability & General Liability Insurance
