Sunni Nutt, is a long-time resident of North Springfield. As she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Gender Studies from Missouri State University and her Master’s degree in Nonprofit & Civic Leadership from Drury University, Sunni embarked on a 15-year career in nonprofit leadership, including domestic violence advocacy at Harmony House and youth development support at Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield.

After practicing yoga for twelve years, Sunni obtained her yoga teaching certificate in August 2021 and purchased her long-time yoga home in November 2022. After two-plus years with a foot in both nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship, Sunni made the courageous move to lean into full-time leadership of Essential Yoga Studio and stepped away from her nonprofit career. In support of her nonprofit roots, Sunni currently serves as the Board President for Ozarks Literacy Council and Board Secretary for Plotline and is employed part-time as Executive Projects Assistant for Leadership Springfield.

When she's not living and breathing yoga, Sunni can usually be found at home; she and her husband are slowly cultivating a mini homestead with two dogs, three cats, and a small flock of chickens. She is intrigued by gluten-free baking and vegan cooking, gardening, “kindergarten crafts,” Taylor Swift, and nature and reads voraciously. Sunni values whimsy and wonder, accessibility and a sense of belonging, and a healthy dose of sunshine in all of her interactions and is grateful to live a life aligned with those values.