ZenFest 2025 Teachers & Guides

A lifelong student of yoga, Amani completed her first Teacher Training in 2002 at the Asheville Yoga Center under the direction of Stephanie Keach. In 2009 she completed a Prenatal Yoga certification, and her passion for empowering women led her to create her own Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training . Her desire to learn more about yoga and all its facets led her to complete her 500 hour Teacher Training at Asheville Yoga Center (Classics Track), as well as Āyurvedic Wellness Counselor certification through Asheville School of Massage and Yoga. Her continued studies include yoga nidrā, meditation, and yoga philosophy. Amani has the unique ability to ignite, inspire, and uplift her students by incorporating her knowledge of āyurveda, mudrā and movement. Her classes are both challenging and light-hearted with a deep appreciation of the 8 limbed path of yoga.

Yoga found me at a time when I was experiencing a difficult shift in my life. The things I perceived to be solid and stable turned out to be subject to change and I found that reality uncomfortable. A dear friend invited me to a yoga class at The Yogaloft in Conover and I felt something that made me want to come back again and again. Over time I saw that it was possible to “go with the flow” of life and that change was absolutely beautiful and necessary. I completed my 235hr teacher training at Yoga with an Edge in October of 2023 and in March of 2024 I completed the 32 hr. Chakra Series with Yoga Alliance Continuing Education at Asheville Community Yoga. The daily practice of Yoga has invited me to find a joy of existence and community with all things.

I am very passionate about promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. My journey in fitness started over 20 years ago. I am a AFAA certified Group Exercise Instructor, personal trainer, and have recently completed my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. Not only do I love teaching Yoga but I love to also infuse my Yoga practice with Pilates, keeping my classes fun yet challenging. A major part of teaching is promoting self-love and encouraging others to grow in their Yoga practice. I want everyone who comes to my class to leave a better version of themselves. My classes are for all levels from beginner to those looking to push deeper through their practice. When not instructing I enjoy spending time outdoors with family and pets.

Ashley’s passion for yoga shines through in her dedication to her practice and her commitment to teaching others. She brings a well-rounded approach to her classes, incorporating elements of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Her training and credentials demonstrate her expertise in the field, and her focus on alignment and breath control ensures a safe and effective practice for her students. Outside of teaching, Ashley's active lifestyle continues with hiking and other physical activities, as well as spending quality time with her family. This holistic approach to health and wellness is reflected in her teaching style, emphasizing the importance of balance and self-care. Students can expect to feel supported and challenged in Ashley's classes, with a focus on personal growth and inner strength. Ashley is a 500 E-RYT and certified Baptiste Yoga Instructor.

I retired after working 45 years as a physical therapist and strongly believe that "exercise is medicine". A long-time PT friend convinced me to become certified to teach Tai Chi through the Tai Chi for Health Institute. I have been teaching Tai Chi for 10 years at Fitness Plus, a certified medical fitness facility at Catawba Valley Medical Center.

Briana is excited to be a part of ZenFest this year! She is the owner of High Country Yoga in Boone, NC, which she opened in 2014 out of her love for yoga and the High Country. Briana enjoys making yoga an accessible practice to and for all. She likes to balance the discipline of the practice with a light-hearted energy in her classes to make each moment spent on the mat meaningful, enjoyable, and relatable.

Deb has been practicing yoga for over 50 years and has been teaching for over 17 years. She has been trained in Sivananda Yoga, meditation, 12 Step Yoga and Yin Yoga.

A view of reality and spirituality developed over years of exposure to a diversity of people and cultures while serving 23 years in the US Marine Corp and working in local government. Today this mind/body seeks Truth and an answer to “What is Reality?” and “Who am I?”-- questions that cannot be answered by modern society and religion. I could write more, but it would be a lie.

Detra is a mom of 2 beautiful children, wife, yogi and owner of Down Dog Yoga & Wellness in Denver NC While attending UNCC Detra enrolled into a breath and movement class where she was introduced to yoga. Each week she looked forward to this class and was eager to learn more. After taking several “gym yoga” classes and “video yoga” classes she took her first class at a studio in 2010. Life as she knew it had changed. 5 years of practicing yoga daily Detra became certified in 2015 via Kim Zegil at Gotta Yoga Charlotte. From there she has been certified in Aerial Yoga and Prenatal Yoga. In 2018 she completed an additional 300hrs in advanced training focusing on mindfulness and meditation with Rolf Gates. Her classes are fun, creative and powerful moving body with breath, creating space, strength, flexibility, balance, peace, love and understanding. Detra believes when yoga is truly embraced one can become the best version of themselves. Detra’s mission is to grow yoga in the Denver and surrounding areas and to introduce yoga to those who have never experienced this ancient practice in hopes they fall in love with yoga as she has. Detra loves serving her community and giving back to those with fur and skin.

Ellen is the owner of Hickory Yoga & Wellness, an E-RYT 500, a therapist, and healer. Friends and family call me Bep! I am a nationally ranked yoga therapist and energy healer. My motto is, “Practice YOGA every day not to be better at YOGA but to get better at LIFE!“ I believe it is the nourishment that yokes, balances and intertwines the thinking mind, physical body, spirit, breath, emotions, and our energetic being – allowing for our best life. It can be holistic healing for everyone in every way. I was employed in the corporate medical and wellness industry for 20 years following graduation from Appalachian State University in 1988. After finding and following my true path, I became a yoga master with advanced studies in therapeutics from the Asheville Yoga Center. Professionally, my favorite areas to work with are psychological trauma, the spiritual layer, and the power of meditation. Holistic Healing Arts are my passion. Helping people feel connected and vital is also my passion. In May of 2018 I took the healer’s pledge to be “in creative service to humanity”. So, in addition to Yoga, I also has certifications in a diverse assortment of healing modalities including: Angelic Healing, Tai Chi/QiGong, Munay Ki Shamanism, Space Clearing Ceremonies, Usui Reiki, and Holistic Herbalism, Sound Bath Practitioner, etc.

NC native, Erica Derr, entered librarianship after adventures in previous careers including a stint in a radiology practice and a management role at Our State magazine where she was also a freelance columnist for seven years. She holds a BA from UNC-Greensboro in Media Studies and an MLS from the same institution. She is passionate about making health and wellness resources available to everyone.

Retired Youth Services Librarian, Fencing instructor, Catawba Science Center Educator, CVCC Early Childhood Instructor. Currently CEO of Scotty’s Book Barn, an organization distributing free books to children in underserved areas. She trains horses and finds her Zen in the fields of Catawba Farms.

With over 36 years of training, Josh Page, Owner/Lead Instructor at Hickory Martial Arts, holds black belts in Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, as well as the title of NBL Sport Karate Sparring World Champion. They also serve as a coach to various world and regional champions in organizations such as NBL, NASKA, WKC, and TCT. Additionally, they are an author and speaker on topics such as anti-bullying, personal success, and the importance of simple kindness. For more than two decades, the Hickory Academy of Martial Arts has been recognized as the top family martial arts school in the area. What began in a garage has evolved into a thriving and essential part of the community, dedicated to enhancing the lives of all students and their families. The academy has a track record of producing quality black belts, sport karate champions, and Jiu-Jitsu competitors, but more importantly, it instills confidence and leadership skills in its students. By teaching valuable lessons on the mat, the academy helps students and families carry those teachings into their homes and community.

Karen Chapman is an accredited 5Rhythms teacher who lives, works and plays in Asheville for over 25 years. Karen has been teaching 5Rhythms® since 2016 and hs been dancing for over 15 years! During her teaching years, she has held Sweat Your Prayers® on Wednesday nights consistently and a 5Rhythms® Waves class in Hendersonville, NC every third Sunday of the month for 3 years. Karen is passionate about 5Rhythms® movement practice and wants to keep teaching as long as she is able!

I'm Karla, and I live in Newton, NC. I've been spreading the Zumba love as an instructor for 5 years now, and I absolutely adore dancing, especially to the Salsa rhythm. When I first decided to become a Zumba instructor, it was all new to me, but I thought it would be perfect since my husband isn't a fan of dancing and you don't need a dance partner for Zumba. The passing of my grandmother really inspired me to start this Zumba journey. She always told me to do what makes me happy, and that's exactly what I'm doing!

I received my 250hr yoga certification from Asheville Community Yoga and also obtained certification in children’s yoga at the Heartwood Institute in Florida. I believe in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and understand that our mental health is closely tied to our physical well-being. Through breath work, movement, and practicing on our mats, we can begin to heal both our physical and mental symptoms. Over time, I developed a passion for hot yoga and Pilates as they provide a powerful release from fear and anxiety. Incorporating God into my practice is essential for my overall well-being, as I believe in the importance of moving my body to maintain mental and spiritual health. Recognizing that our emotional struggles are often linked to physical discomfort, such as pain, headaches, or dizziness, allows us to move purposefully towards alignment of mind, body, and spirit. I believe that true wealth lies in our health, and by embracing transformation and striving to be the best version of ourselves, we can achieve a state of holistic wellness. Come as you are and be open to the journey of becoming the best possible version of yourself.

My name is Kellie Allie, and I am a wife, a mother of two, and a yoga teacher in the Newton/Conover community for the past 6 years. I have 500 hours of certified yoga training from Yoga with an Edge and am continuously seeking more knowledge and training to better serve my students. Discovering yoga in 2013 was a transformative moment for me. It felt like I had finally found my place in a community and within myself. Through yoga, I have embarked on a journey of self-discovery, mindfulness, and personal growth, leading me to a fulfilling life. My goal with my students is to remind them that each time we step onto our mats is an opportunity for new beginnings, with each breath and movement bringing us closer to a more fulfilling life. I predominantly teach strength vinyasa flows at Hot Yoga Newton, but I also enjoy incorporating restorative classes, slow flows, yoga nidra, and other specialty classes. All of my classes focus on setting intentions, linking breath to movement, proper alignment, and striving for personal growth. In addition to my yoga training, I am Reiki level 2 certified and have been integrating this practice into my restorative yoga classes for several years. The combination of Yoga and Reiki brings relaxation and healing to the mind, body, and spirit, offering my students a transformative and positive experience.

Certified Yoga + Meditation Instructor since 2016. I have been consistently teaching all over since! I've always been a seeker.. Growing up in the small town of Bassett, Va, I hit the road at age 20. 13 years and 46 states later, it has only ever been yoga that can truly make me feel whole and at peace within myself. My intention is to connect students to this peace, bringing a unique sense of empowerment with influence from many different instructors, studios, and styles spread all over the country. I know that my calling is to share the many blessings of yoga and I intend to teach in a way that provokes thought and meaning, allowing each student to connect and experience these blessings in their own way.

Michael has immersed himself in the practice for over a decade. Initially practicing at his wife's studio, Yoga Loft in Conover, NC, he embarked on his first 230 HR yoga training at Yoga with an Edge in Hickory, NC after a year. Following the completion of this training, Michael began teaching classes at Yoga Loft. After five years of teaching, he returned to Yoga with an Edge to undertake his 500 hr. training. Throughout this journey, yoga has deeply influenced both his personal and professional life, becoming a fundamental aspect of his daily routine.

Michelle has guided her Pilates practice with passion and dedication for 16 years in the Catawba Valley. Certified in Pilates Mat I and II, Core Barre, and trained in Pilates Reformer with Stott Pilates, Michelle brings seasoned experience to her twice-weekly classes at Hickory Community Yoga. Michelle is excited to be a part of ZenFest.

Sierra Hollister delights in the physical: yoga, running, digging into the soil, traversing curvatures, and chanting mantra, finding perpetual love-struck wonder in the deep interconnectedness of all life. Love, movement, gratitude and devotion coalesce and shape all of Sierra’s offerings. Sierra would happily end my bio there but some folks are interested in the finer details : E-RYT 500 and “yoga universalist” (loving all the paths and traditions), multiple certifications in different lineages, kundalini being deepest in her heart. Sierra’s first book, “Moon Path Yoga” is available everywhere fine books are offered. For more information on Sierra – visit www.sierrahollisterliving.yoga

A little over 20 years ago, I was invited by my (then) girlfriend, Mary, who is now my wife, to attend a yoga class with her. Chronic shoulder injuries and an acute back injury prompted the invitation as she felt yoga could help heal those injuries. And heal they did. The unsuspected outcome was the inception of a mysteriously enchanting healing process for the body mind and heart mind. For the next 13 years, I studied and practiced various yoga disciplines. In 2017, the luring call to go further and deeper was answered by enrolling in a 21-day yoga immersion training. I received my 200-hour RYT certification from Asheville (NC) Yoga Center. Afterward, I taught primarily Yin yoga, and secondarily Hatha yoga asana. 2019 came and I once again felt the familiar call. I enrolled in and received my 300-hour RYT certification from Yoga With an Edge Yoga School (Hickory, NC). It was in the quiet still space of practicing and teaching Yin that prompted a formal meditation practice, which unfolded into Yoga Nidra practice for the past seven years. I have practiced varying techniques of meditation and yoga Nidra with Christopher Wallis, Adyashanti, and Rupert Spira. Currently, I am studying yoga Nidra through an online immersion with Nirlipta Tuli and Uma-Dinsmore Tuli of YogaNidraNetwork.org. I facilitate yoga Nidra/meditation when requested.

My spirituality holds the utmost importance in my life. I am certified as a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and in Mindful Resilience for Trauma Recovery from the Veterans Yoga Project. Currently, I follow the direct path of non-duality as a devotee of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, engaging deeply with his teachings. I incorporate non-dual Eastern philosophy into my Yoga and meditation offerings as pointers to Truth. Together with my husband, Dennis Baucom, we steward Catawba Farms and the nascent nonprofit AnandaRasa Catawba, which fosters the Catawba Valley Festival of the Arts. We share the non-duality tradition and provide a space for the healing arts for the benefit of all beings interested in awakening and liberation. Through my presence, I honor my eternal friend and brother, Michael Waltuch, my Ganesha, and all the Ganeshas in my life. Om namah shivaya 🕉️