-Nikos Kazantzakis
Meet our team of dedicated instructors.
Sharon Thornton
Fourth Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do
Chung Do Instructor
Self-Defense Instructor
Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Yoga Instructor
Martial Arts Program Director at
Renaud Spirit Center
Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master/Teacher
“Martial arts changes lives. My life is enriched because of the privilege of engaging with students of all ages. I find so much joy in opening their eyes to the possibilities that their own strengths and talents are so much more than they realized.” -Sharon
Jamie Thornton White
Fourth Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do
Chung Do Instructor
Self-Defense Instructor
Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing, Pilates,
and Group Exercise Instructor
Adjunct Professor of Yoga, Self-Defense, and Tae Kwon Do at
St. Charles Community College
Martial Arts Program Assistant Director at
Renaud Spirit Center
“Yes, I teach martial arts technique, but the root of why I teach is to help enable students to arrive into their confidence, into their most powerful selves.” -Jamie
Lyndell Institute's Instructors
Jake west
Third Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do
“I was 20 when I began training at the St. Charles Community college TKD program instructed by Sharon Thornton. It was 2005. At the end of the semester, I enrolled at Lyndell Institute. In 2009 I was awarded the rank of 1st Degree Black belt. One year later I became the Monday night instructor. In 2019 I achieved the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt. I have also taught various other classes over the years and have helped many students throughout their martial arts training. Instructing has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my martial arts journey. Whether it be mentoring a student breaking a board for the first time, winning a tournament championship, or achieving their black belt, knowing I was a part in helping them achieve their goal continues to drive me to this day.”
rob puhse
Third Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do
“I started training in 2008 and achieved the rank of Black Belt in March 2013, along with my amazing daughter Amanda. It was an experience that I will never forget and will cherish forever. I have been teaching a Forms Review class nearly every Sunday at noon since then. I also substitute teach classes at Lyndell when needed.
I was awarded my 2nd Degree Black Belt on June 10th 2017 and was awarded my 3rd Degree Black Belt on September 24th 2022. I continue to train and teach at Lyndell as my journey continues . . .
I really enjoy teaching for two reasons. The first reason is the satisfaction I get from helping others achieve their goals – there is something very satisfying in seeing the joy on someone’s face when they learn a new form, improve on a technique, or to perform well on a test or in a tournament. The second reason is that I gain a lot of insight on our techniques and forms from the perspective of the instructor instead of the student. I believe this helps me take a deeper look at myself, helps me improve my techniques, and makes me a better student.”
justin caringal
Second Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do
“I’ve been training for nearly 15 years. I started when I was 6. I love teaching because it gives me experience with a wide array of different people and learning styles. Teaching also helps me further my understanding of my own training by letting me view other people’s techniques.”
syd gray
First Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do
“I had always wanted to do martial arts since I was young, but played competitive softball which took a lot of time. Once my college softball career was over, I decided to start my Tae Kwon Do journey. I have been training since 2017, and have been assistant teaching at Lyndell since 2022 when I was awarded my first degree black belt. Now, I currently teach board breaking and sparring classes, and assist in other classes as needed. I am also a doctor of physical therapy, which helps me heighten my understanding of the body and apply into my teaching. I absolutely love teaching–it brings me such joy to teach others about Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do is a huge part of my life and has become such a huge part of who I am, and I love being able to share that part of myself with people. I love helping others realize their potential and being there to support them in their journey. It is amazing to help someone figure out their technique or form and see them light up with pride and joy. Teaching also helps to further my understanding of Chung Do, which I apply when I train to make myself a better student.
sydney love
Second Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do
“I’ve been training at Lyndell for 13 years. I really enjoy teaching because I love to see my students discover potential they never knew that they had. The most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my teaching are when students work really hard towards something and finally achieve it. Their big smiles and the pride they show in themselves make everything I do worth it. I also like teaching because it helps me delve into my training more than I thought possible. I love when students ask me questions, especially when I don’t know the answer, because then we can figure out the answer together. This helps us both grow in our training, creates a bond between student and teacher, and helps the student realize that I’m learning the same way that they are. I think that’s my favorite part of teaching. I hope to continue my teaching and training , because Tae Kwon Do has taught me so many lessons about myself and my life, and I want to continue along that journey.”
Junior Instructor
junior instructor
junior instructor
What Our students say About us
“I am so incredibly lucky to have found this place to train. They have become like a second family over the years and I’ve never regretted having Sharon and Jamie as my teachers.”
“I just want to say that I am so thankful to have you both in my life, not only as my teachers, but as my friends as well. I am so glad that I found Lyndell, because I enjoy the peaceful environment that it has, and all of the wonderful services provided there. Through taking yoga, I learned how to overcome some of my emotions and fears, which used to get the better of me. I have also noticed that I have become a better person from what I’ve learned. I am so glad to have met you all. Thanks so much for all of the wonderful things you’ve taught me.”
“I am new to the martial arts and the experience at Lyndell has me kicking myself (pun intended) that I did not start earlier. Their professional approach makes the classes productive; and, their friendly attitude makes it a pleasure to return. It is amazing how the get the most out of each person, each class no matter what their skill level or their age. Cudos to the whole staff.”
“Awesome place to train. The owners and instructors make you feel like family. They have top notch fitness trainers as well.”
“My 7 yo daughter and I began taking Tae Kwon Do at Lyndell about 13 months ago. I cannot say enough about the amazing instructors and the wonderfully supportive family environment they have created. They make learning this physically and mentally challenging martial art a great deal of fun. The instructors are unbelievably positive and encouraging. It is a tremendous place for children to learn about respect, self discipline, self esteem, and form lasting friendships. I really cannot say enough about the program for children and adults at Lyndell Institute. I would absolutely recommend this school to everyone and anyone wanting to improve their quality of life!!”
“Absolutely awesome place! Ms Sharon and Ms Jamie are excellent teachers as well as the rest of the “seasoned” students. We are so happy we found this place!”
“The instructors are perfect for my child. This is the first activity he asks me to take him to –often!!! The instructors are top notch for children and there are plenty of classes to choose from. Being here feels like you are part of one big family!!”
“The supportive, friendly and “family” (no one is a stranger) atmosphere at Lyndell Institute is only surpassed by the teaching and nurturing skills of you two. I have met soooooooo many kind and friendly people there. I feel very blessed to be able to spend time with you and all of the new friends I have made attending classes. What a wonderful concept to be able to spend so much time around nothing but positive energy where people are so supportive of each other!!! If only I could bottle that positive energy and spread it at work ah, the possibilities would be limitless.”
“My son really enjoys coming here. He has learned so much for his mind, body and soul. Those you meet here become your friends and second family. I even take classes now too!”
“We LOVE Lyndell! They train the boys well and the family environment is great.”
“It was not difficult to get excited each class because my instructor, Jamie Thornton White, was so enthusiastic about self-defense. I really enjoyed the class and found it very beneficial. I have been able to show others what I have learned from this class and help them feel the same confidence I do. The world really is dangerous at times and anyone can become a target at some point. It is so good to know that I can defend myself and possibly protect others from an attacker. I am thankful to Jamie for the time and effort she put into our class to help us feel safer.”
“After I have taken this class, I find myself walking taller and I find that I have much more confidence when it comes to defending myself. I think this class is very unique. There is no way I would have ever known how to defend myself during an attack. I would have probably just started swinging. Hopefully I will never have to use my self-defense training, but now I know I will be fully prepared to do so.”