Owner, E-RYT 500, Nationally Ranked Yoga Therapist and Healer

Friends and family call her Bep! She is a nationally ranked yoga therapist and healer. Ellens motto is, “Practice YOGA every day not to be better at YOGA but to get better at LIFE!“ She believes it is nourishment that yokes, balances and intertwines the thinking mind, physical body, spirit, breath, emotions, and our energic being – allowing for our best life. It can be ancient healing for everyone in every way.

Ellen was employed in the corporate medical and wellness industry for 20 years following graduation from Appalachian State University. After finding and following her true path, she became a yoga master with advanced studies in Therapeutics from the Asheville Yoga Center. Professionally, her favorite areas to work with are trauma, the human spiritual layer, and the power of meditation. Ancient healing methods are her passion. Helping people feel connected and vital is also her passion. In May of 2018 she took the healer’s pledge to be “in creative service to humanity”. So, in addition to Yoga, she 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, etc.

Instructor, E-RYT 230, Special Certifications in Restorative, Senior, Kids & Prenatal Yoga

Susan has been practicing for over 30+ years and teaching yoga for over 10 years. She loves to share yoga through gentle, fun, and free spirited classes that are adaptable to every type of body. She is a grandmother of two precious little boys. In her free time she loves to cook, travel, walk, and garden. Sunny can’t wait to share her love of yoga with you!

E-RYT 500, RYS 200, YACEP, Chopra Ayurveda Lifestyle Instructor, Yoga Sports Coach

Yoga came into my life in my late 30’s. Initially I thought yoga was just a physical practice of movement and breath, something a person did. I enjoy being a student and learning about a variety of topics, and in 2012, I enrolled in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. My desire to learn more continued to grow and I completed my 300-hour yoga teacher training in 2016. The beautiful thing about yoga is that it is vast, with many areas of study to learn, grow and evolve, yet it is deeply personal.

Through my studies over the last 15+ years, I’ve learned that yoga is a way of life. Living the eight-limb path of yoga is a journey of change and evolution. When I come before a group of people as a teacher, it is always with a servant mindset to the students who paid to attend a class, workshop, course, or teacher training program. My focus is on their needs and how to impart my knowledge, so they create and design their life transformation.

I believe yoga is a gift to share with others. It is a privilege to teach yoga, but more importantly, a great responsibility to use this platform to serve others. Watching students

Instructor

Michelle has been teaching Pilates classes at various studios in our community for fourteen years. She is certified in Pilates Mat I and II (Pilates Certification Center), Core Barre (Stott Pilates), and has been trained in Pilates Reformer (Stott Pilates). Pilates is a form of exercise developed to focus on a mind-body connection. The mind, along with the breath, controls thoughtful, precise movements of the body. Pilates incorporates the concept of strengthening all of your movements as they are connected to one powerful core. It is perhaps the best work out when it comes to developing core strength (abdominals, low back, hips, and buttocks). However, it does much more than that. Not only will it help you build muscle in your core, it lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups in the body in a balanced fashion. It improves flexibility, strength, balance, and body awareness. Not to mention the added side effects of flatter abs! It also helps improve blood flow, and joint mobility, too. Even if you already walk, run, or do yoga, the precise and calculated movements of Pilates will allow you to perform better at whatever you choose to do for fitness. The element of breath work combined with focused movements leave you with a feeling of invigorated calm.

Yoga Instructor

Morganna discovered yoga in 2012 in her hometown of Sarasota, Florida. Though she initially practiced only Hatha styles, she ventured into Vinyasa (Flow) in 2015 while pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Fascinated with the neuroscience of communication, Morganna was enthralled by mind-body connections and the impacts of body manipulation on overall health—for her, this was when yoga became more than asanas (postures) to stay fit, but a holistic lifestyle to embody.

Morganna received her 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification through Charlotte Yoga studio. She enjoys catering to all levels of experience by specializing in Vinyasa (Power Flow, Slow Flow, etc.) and helping athletes—particularly runners and cyclists—recover.

Instructor

I was a professional classical ballet dancer for 21 years, and have been an instructor for the last 20 years. I began to explore yoga in 2010 and fell in love with the integration of breath, movement, and meditation during practice. Every summer from 2014 - 2020 I taught yoga and stretch as an introductory course at the Young Americans College of Performing Arts. In 2018, I joined a Kundalini Tantra Yoga Workshop developed and led by Mahatma Healer, Guru Ketut Arsana in Ubud, Indonesia. The year 2020 gave me the chance to broaden my knowledge in yoga and became a Registered Yoga Teacher (200h) with Yoga Alliance. My latest endeavor is creating Move NOW, a recreational program designed for older adults who are looking for a basic way to keep the body and mind in shape. In my decades of experience in dance I have always believed that movement is essential in mind and body wellness. I currently teach Grace & Strength, Hatha yoga and Chair yoga. I hold degrees in Gerontology and Human Services, graduating summa cum laude.

Instructor

Nicole fell in love with the physical and mental aspects of yoga. This inspired her to share her practice with others and become a certified yoga instructor. She enjoys teaching intense strength and flow classes as well as restorative at HYW.

Instructor

Lynn was first introduced to yoga through an intense physical fitness program in 2010. Through this program, yoga was only a tool used for stretching and strengthening. Lynn was reintroduced to yoga in 2017 as a practice of meditation, breath work and movement. Experiencing yoga in a whole new way, sparked a curiosity within her to learn more about what yoga truly embodies and how to incorporate yoga into her everyday life. This simple spark of gaining more insight ignited a passion within Lynn to attain her 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification through everyone Yoga along with a desire to teach and inspire others the benefits of yoga and the beauty that lies within each of us. Lynn, a native from Connecticut, is a nature lover. She welcomes the opportunities to experience the natural world around her. She also enjoys sports, hiking, kayaking, and skydiving. Lynn is a grandmother to two adorable fur babies, Apollo and Charlie. She enjoys teaching beginners and intermediate levels of yoga. Lynn especially loves beginner’s yoga as it enables her the opportunity to reveal to her students the importance of incorporating the breath with movement. Her classes offer an atmosphere of encouragement, reflection, meditation, and positivity.

Instructor

I was a shy introverted girl. I was unhappy but didn’t know why. I had a friend beg me to try this new workout called Zumba. I thought, hey I like to dance lets go. First time I hated it. Wait what? That’s not how that story is supposed to go, but you read that right. I capital H-A-T-E-D-E-D it. It was too hard, too fast, and I didn’t feel successful. However, I grew to love it. That love grew to passion as I saw myself change for the better. My confidence grew, my body changed, and I was just happier. I wanted to share my newfound joy with others.

As a Zumba instructor I see the joy that dance and movement brings to others. It’s rewarding to me to be with people at the beginning of their fitness journey and through to the end when they meet their goals.

Then something changed…

As I got older my stress level increased from work, relationships, personal disappointments, etc… Then in 2017 I had a major health scare. I researched ways to heal my body and Yoga and Reiki were the first things that I found. I also changed my diet to a Pescetarian diet. Through Yoga and Reiki I realized that the more I let go and relax that I indeed do have control. Not just of my body but of my thoughts also. From my own journey with Yoga practice, diet change, and Reiki, I have decreased my stress and anxiety. In 2019 I decided to further my practice into teaching yoga to others. In 2021 I learned how to heal others with Reiki. I wanted others to experience the peace and overall change that I had.

My purpose

Through fitness I want to connect with people. I want to show others how they change from the inside out and offer a unique experience for them with fitness programs or one on one. To me success isn’t measured by a scale or how many followers I have, it’s how I interact with them. I don’t want people to feel that they simply walk into class and they are just another student. They have a teacher that cares for them. I want to know your story. I want to know what I can do for you, and give you tools to make simple changes. Fitness is far beyond the physical, and if you can change the inside the rest will follow.

Lisa is the Director and lead massage therapist at CHI of Hickory. She offers 30-plus years of experience in the field of massage with a specialty in tissue injury rehabilitation. A graduate of the Atlanta School of Massage, Lisa came to body massage therapy after suffering through several major auto accidents during which time she nearly lost her life. Her years of injury rehabilitation, physical therapy, and the study of the human body have given her a unique understanding of physical injury, pain, and the healing process.

She also possesses an amazing understanding of the healing power of nutrition, and its importance in overall health. Lisa's extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology gives her the unique ability to help people with sub-acute and chronic soft tissue pain for injury rehabilitation. She has been an active member of the NC chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association for many years, and recently, she has worked as an adjunct teacher in the massage therapy program at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute in Hudson, NC.

Instructor, YogaTherapyPractitioner, DBA Yoga Reflection

E-RYT, RCYT, YACEP; B.A. Philosophy

Namaste! I have been practicing yoga since age 5 and have over 25 yrs of teaching experience. I have acquired several Yoga Certifications including Yoga Therapy over the years. Giving back to the local community by offering free community yoga every Wednesday at Hickory Public Library for 10 yrs was a true joy. Yoga has always helped me stay grounded & calm; make fairly sound decisions in life; and improve my focus, concentration & memory not only in academics, but also in extra-curricular activities. I also accredit yoga to my being a mindful & present parent to my son who has grown to love music & performs all year long for his Honor HS Marching, Concert & Jazz Bands.

My services at Hickory Yoga Wellness include listed group classes, Yoga Vidya workshops from time to time as well as Private Therapeutic Yoga & Yoga Therapy sessions by appointment held at the studio's serene Yoga Therapy Room. I am passionate about helping people regardless of their yoga level and whatever stage of life they are at by offering a wide range of Premium Yoga solutions. Scheduling a free phone consult with me can help you jumpstart your journey to explore, discover & nurture your True Self. After all, “The best investment you can ever make is in your own Health!” - Stuart Hodgson.

Hi I’m Sara. I grew up in Newton, NC and attended college at Appalachian State University where I received a degree in Social Work. My favorite pastimes include hiking, exercise, church, as well as listening to and playing music. I went to my first yoga class six years ago for a good muscle stretch - completely unaware of the way it would impact me overall. So, although I attended my first class for the physical aspect I soon found out that it was a great benefit for my mental health as well. I started taking free meditation classes in a neighboring town which quickly led to a deeper dive into a few mindfulness based stress reduction workshops and a silent retreat at Southern Dharma. Through these various trainings and classes, I connected to teachers who encouraged me to pursue yoga teacher training. In February 2020 I began the nine month journey and finished. It was at this time I gained a greater understanding of yoga’s full impact on my health spiritually, mindfully and physically. As I teach, I hope to impart these wonderful experiences, connect with my students and share my light in our hour together.

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 Angela enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, son and 3 dogs.

Nicole’s joy in life is to help people grow, change, and become stronger. Teaching Pilate’s is one of those ways she loves to invest in people. She is comprehensively trained through Polestar Pilates. She loves to teach mat and equipment. For private lessons on the equipment, email at pilatesbynicole11@gmail.com or contact at 828-302-1226 to discuss availability.

Nicole and her husband Andy are blessed to be the parents of 6 incredible children and 2 very large and fluffy Golden Retrievers. Along with nurturing children and fluffy Goldens, she’s working on developing a green thumb in her garden. She loves watching the different ways her flowers grow and blossom, and likewise, she can’t wait to help her clients grow and prosper in their pilates journey!

Brandon's journey into yoga began during his teenage years when he discovered its calming effects on his personal anxiety and its ability to foster self-connection. Even back then, he found joy in introducing others to yoga and dispelling the common misconceptions surrounding it, well before it gained widespread popularity.

In 2019, Brandon achieved his 200-hour Vinyasa certification, marking the start of his teaching journey at Creative Therapies. Collaborating with counselors and clients, he skillfully integrated yoga practices with traditional therapy, supporting individuals on their path to wellness. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the closure of studios and halted in-person yoga sessions.

Adapting to the new circumstances, Brandon shifted his focus to virtual instruction, working closely with private clients. During this time, he felt a strong desire to deepen his understanding and expand his skill set, which led him to pursue an additional 300-hour certification in Hatha yoga with the esteemed Himalayan Institute.

Eager to immerse himself further, Brandon made the decision to join the residents program at The Himalayan Institute, during his residency here, Brandon was able to serve and teaches. Here, he continues to refine his skills, drawing from a rich living tradition and constantly striving to support others on their individual journeys.

Brandon's dedication to yoga and his commitment to personal growth enable him to guide and inspire others while remaining an integral part of a vibrant.

Joe is very passionate about Yoga and Pilates and translates his 14 years of experience into not only caring for his students but also learning from them as well. Joe is a master of encouraging safe challenges and pose variations to maximize your potential and build confidence. Understanding the principles and fundamentals are a high priority in Joe’s classes in tandem with having fun. He’s also famous for bringing snacks! Here’s an interesting fact: Joe holds the record for the most daily headstands in the country. He did at least one a day for 2303 consecutive days!

Yoga and Pilates Instructor

Jean's journey with yoga began over 30 years ago, when she was seeking ways to manage the stress of a demanding corporate sales career. Growing up in Hickory, she was introduced to yoga by a friend who connected her with Amy Campbell, one of the few yoga instructors in the area at the time. Under Amy's guidance, Jean delved into the Iyengar form of yoga, which emphasizes precise body alignment and attention to detail—practices that helped her stay centered during challenging times.

Inspired by several transformative Bryan Kest Power Yoga workshops, Jean knew that yoga would become an integral part of her life. Over the past 20 years, she has shared her passion for yoga by teaching at various studios across the Hickory and Newton area.

Always eager to expand her practice, Jean began attending Pilates classes taught by Michelle Morgan. She now seamlessly integrates Pilates into her weekly yoga routine, believing in the complementary benefits of both disciplines.

Jean encourages students of all levels to take their time, focus on alignment and breath, and challenge themselves in every practice.

She currently resides in Conover with her husband Phil and their beloved Goldendoodle, Nellie Velvet.