Founder | Educator | Visionary in Yoga, Pilates & Integrative Wellness

J. Renée DeTar, founder of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Yoga Studies and certified citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has dedicated over 50 years to the art and science of mindful movement. Beginning her yoga practice in 1973 and teaching from 1991, she launched the first yoga teacher training program in the Midwest in 1999, which grew into an accredited yoga therapy school (2020). Her approach blends the precision of Iyengar, the functional strength of Pilates, and the holistic insight of Ayurveda—offering students a deeply integrative path to strength, balance, and vitality.

Highlights & Credentials

• Founder — Institute of Interdisciplinary Yoga Studies (accredited yoga therapy school since 2020)

• Yoga Experience — Practicing since 1973 | Teaching since 1991

• Pilates Training — Pilates Method with Colleen Glenn (Peak Pilates, 2002) + continued Stott training

• Mentors — Bobbi Goldin (Iyengar), Aadil Palkhivala (Purna Yoga), Dr. Vasant Lad (Ayurveda), Ray Long, MD Osteopathic Trauma Surgeon (BandhaYoga), Norm Shealy, MD, Hanna Kroeger.

• Program Development — Yoga & Pilates Director for Genesis Health Clubs (12 years) | Built yoga teacher trainings in U.S. & U.K. (YogaCampus London)

• Studios Founded — Barefoot Studio (Wichita, 1999) | The Institute of Interdisciplinary Yoga Studies (2000) | Barefoot Studio KC (2019)

• Degrees — B.A. Communicative Disorders & Sciences | M.A. Liberal Studies (Neurological Development) | Post‑graduate work in Counseling & School Psychology

• Certifications — E‑RYT 500, Yoga Therapist (IAYT/AAYT), Pilates Method, Ayurveda Yoga Specialist, Pulse Diagnosis, Yamuna Body Rolling

Renée’s classes and programs are thoughtfully crafted to unite the body and mind through movement, mindfulness, and wellness. The photo at the right was taken near Kansas City in 2025 featuring IIYS Yoga Therapists in the KC area. From left to right, Katie Hurcomb, Annette Kucia, Julianne Hutchcraft, Christy Harris, LeAnn White and J. Renée DeTar, center.