Boontiva Truong-Quang was born in Thailand. Her parents were members of the Vietnamese Royal Family and the family was forced to flee Thailand to escape the Communist Regime. Educated in Bangkok where she learned English, later she immigrated to the US with her parents, and completed her studies at Northern Illinois University, earning a Masters of Science degree in Marketing and Management and a Masters of Arts degree in Fashion and Design.

In 1995, after an impromptu trip to India, Boontiva discovered Yoga and stayed at the Yoga Institute in Mumbai to became a Certified Yoga Instructor.

With more than 600 hours of formal training, Boontiva founded Optimum Health School of Yoga in Elgin with a mission to spread the message of good health, peace of mind, moral strength and spiritual enlightenment through Yoga. She now promotes an all inclusive Yoga Program that transcends all races, religions, economic, educational and geographical barriers.

She delivers her message through the business community, the educational system, health care facilities and hospitals, non-profit organizations and also serves the homeless, addiction centers and the disadvantaged.

The Yoga Institute system is the oldest in India tracing its roots as far back as 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. Currently, there are only three other instructors from the Yoga Institute teaching in the United States.

Boontiva has also instructed students in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, France England, Japan, Morocco, Malaysia, and Thailand.

"I have discovered more than I anticipated. Yoga has given me the inner peace that millions of people are looking for," Boontiva says of her yogic experience. She hopes that those she teaches will feel peace of mind as well.