FOUNDER | YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Janice discovered the practice of Yoga in 1996 while pregnant with her first child. It wasn't until a little later that she began to truly understand the many benefits of yoga. Over time, Janice realized that yoga was her go to through many challenges in her life. The self-awareness and growth it offered her was so empowering that she decided to obtain her 200hr YTT through Yoga Farm Ithaca in New York in 2020. She is also a Certified Sound Healer Practitioner through Meditate:School of Mindfullnes, and a Movement for Grief Practioner. Janice brings a sense of peacefulness and calm to her classes and helps her students realize that yoga truly can be for Every Body.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Brenda has been practicing yoga for many years and has discovered not only the physical benefits of toning and strengthening, but also personal growth through self examination and spiritual renewal. Brenda teaches a slower paced class that offers fewer poses and longer holds. She believes that this mindful movement allows time for connection to the body and the mind. She emphasizes safe alignment, the use of props and conscious breathing. Her goal as an instructor is to foster a sustainable practice that is greeted with kindness and curiosity and to help each student feel welcomed and loved. Brenda loves teaching yoga! She brings Southern charm, positive energy and genuine joy to her classes. As a retired educator, she knows the importance of life-long learning and is constantly reading and studying to strengthen her practice and help her students. Brenda is a 500 hr. Registered Yoga Alliance instructor with over 10 years of experience. She has additional certification in Slow Flow and Yoga for Osteoporosis. Brenda is married to her high school sweetheart and has two fabulous sons. She enjoys gardening, walks in nature, and socializing with friends.

Yoga has given me a deep sense of connection to a Divine Source that opens me to an infinite, unconditional flow of love. This awareness fills me with peace, joy and an assurance that “all is well” even, and especially, in the midst of the uncertainty and challenges of life.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Monica Heidesch, RYT 500, takes great joy in sharing the brilliant balance of health, energy, and life yoga can bring throughout the various chapters of our lives.  She began practicing yoga as a child when her mom would take her along to a classical Hatha yoga class every week. In 2008, Monica attained her 200hr YTT with Rolf Gates in the Vinyasa tradition, and in 2009 she completed her 300hr YTT in Yoga Therapy with Ananda Seva Mission in Santa Rosa, California. Monica has a passion for introducing yoga to people who are new to it and also enjoys working with those who already have consistent yoga practices to aid in deepening their practice, whether through asana (physical poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), or meditation. She welcomes all, and would love to see you on the mat!

YOGA INSTRUCTOR | REIKI MASTER

McKenzie has over 1,000 yoga teaching hours and more than 10 years of practice as a student. Her 200hr Vinyasa YTT with Kula Collective in 2018 felt like the catalyst for living her yoga off the mat. In June 2019 she learned from world-renowned teachers like Amy Ippoliti, Gina Caputo and Yogrishi Vishvketu, Govind Das & Radha at Hanuman Festival in Boulder, CO. She went on to participate as a student in Durga Excursions (Kali Durga) Advanced Principles of the 5 Elements Online 50 Hour Yin Yoga Immersion and in January 2021 attended their 50 Hour 5 Elements Yin Yoga Teacher Training as a student and liaison in Mexico. She’s taught at various studios and locations across Colorado including her favorite offering, “hike & yoga” at over 10,000ft. McKenzie’s teaching style works to unite body and mind through movement and breath. She continues to be a student in her modalities and invests in her own knowledge & growth. In addition to teaching in group settings, McKenzie offers private Reiki and Life Coaching sessions. She moved from Colorado to Athens in October 2022 and is thrilled to be finding her community here at Feel Free! 

Growing up with a mom who was a reiki master meant McKenzie had evidence of the power of reiki energy from a young age. As a teen she was attuned to Reiki I  & II, for over 15 years practicing mostly on herself, pets and with other practitioners in organized "Reiki Shares". In May 2021 she received her Holy Fire Reiki Master Certification and started offering private Reiki sessions to clients. In April 2022 she hosted her first Reiki I and Reiki II Certification Classes. She’ll be hosting her next Reiki I & Reiki II Certification Class virtually on February 11th & 12th, 2023. Be on the lookout for your opportunity to learn reiki in our studio! 

PILATES NSTRUCTOR

Kim is a former dancer who began studying the Pilates Method in NYC after graduating college.  She was drawn to its physical and mental benefits, and the connection of mind, body and spirit.  In 2014, after relocating to Atlanta, Kim began studying at Body Central Pilates Studio, and also became an ACE Certified Personal Trainer.  She received her Classical Pilates training from 2nd generation Pilates instructor, Robin Blum, and continues her education with yearly workshops with other notable instructors such as Jerome Weinberg and Mejo Wiggin.  Kim is also a Certified Health Coach through Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (2021), and loves working with people to help them make meaningful changes in their lives.  

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Sydney began her yoga journey after sustaining injuries that changed her experience moving through life. Through yoga, Sydney was able to discover a holistic embrace for mind and body on her path to recovery. Sydney completed her 200-hr training in 2017, received her master’s degree in nursing in 2019, has education in trauma-informed yoga, and completed a 100-hr advanced yoga studies program in the summer of 2021. She is in the midst of continuing her education with a 300hr Embody Yoga's Roots teacher training. In competitive culture, there can be a tendency to think about the product of your practice rather than the process. Sydney hopes to encourage you to explore and investigate on your own journey in your unique body, practicing in gratitude to the teachers who came before us and gifted us this ancient wisdom that gives us access to tools of awareness.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

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YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Lindsay Giedl is a 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Teacher Alliance. Lindsay also has a 40 hour Trauma Informed Certification through My Vinyasa Practice. When Lindsay is not teaching at Feel Free Yoga and Wellness she is a dance teacher and choreographer for The Studio Athens, The University of Georgia, The Joffrey Ballet School and more! Follow Lindsay at @lindsgiedl on Instagram for more! 

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Kelsey Wishik, based in Athens, GA, is a guide in the realm of self-discovery and natural connection.  Kelsey holds ERYT 200 and RYT 500 certifications, with over 14 years of experience in yoga. Her teachings are a rich blend of yoga's philosophy, posture, pranayama, meditation, and mantra, reflecting a deep commitment to the holistic exploration of self and nature. She is passionate about sharing the rich lineage of yoga with people from all levels of experience and walks of life and her classes promote self-discovery through movement and reflection. 

My training accreditations: ERYT 200, RYT 500, and Yoga Alliance CEU Provider

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Meri first came to yoga as a teenager due to chronic health concerns. Since then, she has found the practice pivotal in better understanding, trusting, and honoring herself. As a teacher, she creates a space that invites students to experience themselves–their bodies, sensation, and breath–as they are in the moment without judgment. She believes that through movement, wonder, and curiosity students can build trust within themselves and find their body as a safe space—practices and effects that permeate far off the mat. Meri is a 200 hour RYT and Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES) with trauma-informed training, and a passion for the intersection of movement, breath, and the pelvic floor. When not teaching, she can be found writing or painting.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Erika was introduced to yoga in college through many of her friends. The habit did not stick due to a desire to focus on her career in Graphic Design. After several decades of a high stress design career, Erika was drawn back to yoga as a way to de-stress. She began practicing yoga online and by watching DVDs of prominent well known yoga instructors.

In 2020, Erika enrolled in a local yoga studio. She was immediately drawn to the community environment and practicing yoga with fellow practitioners. After several months, she decided to immerse herself in a deeper understanding of the teachings of yoga. Erika enrolled in a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at M3Yoga. She quickly started teaching yoga after graduation. Her professional teaching journey continues as she has trained with Lucas Rockwood (Science of StretchingTM) and is currently working with Michelle Young on her 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification.

Erika’s approach to yoga remains focused on the balance between strength and flexibility. Her classes focus on Vinyasa Flow. Her students can expect to move, sweat, stretch and breathe.

Deena is a lifelong dancer who first experienced yoga in 2000. After having both her children she came back to the practice in 2014 when she obtained her 200 hr CYT from Five Points Yoga. The experience was transformative in a way that healed a lot of negative thought patterns that were established earlier in her life. Yoga is her tool that helps to heal the mind, body and soul. As a nurse for over 25 years, Certified Health & Life Coach (Health Coach Institute) and Certified in Reiki I & II, Deena utilizes these modalities to inform her practice of yoga and teaching from a place of mental, physical and spiritual alignment. 

Deena also continues to dance and perform with The Studio Athens in Boulevard Burlesque Company throughout the year.

“Yoga gives me the ability to be grounded in my body and get out of my head. It helps to keep me aligned physically, mentally and spiritually.” 

Ryan is a doctor of traditional East Asian medicine and a somatic guide. Originally from Boston, he has spent decades studying and practicing the healing arts. Ryan’s specialty is mental health—he takes a body-based approach to healing the mind. Ryan offers wellness sessions featuring a variety of trauma-informed therapies, including “needle-free” acupuncture and gentle bodywork. And he teaches Qigong (an ancient form of mindful movement), meditation, and somatics.

Come see Ryan for a wellness session at Feel Free! He takes a body-based approach to issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma. Ryan infuses his sessions with a variety of traditional therapies, including “needle free” acupuncture and gentle bodywork. He weaves somatic awareness practices into these wellness sessions, so that you’re continually nurturing the skill of being embodied. To learn more about Ryan’s sessions and to book a session, click here.