Our Story
Stephanie Freed
Owner + Lead Yoga Instructor
Certification: E-RYT 500, RYS 200
Hi! I am Stephanie and have been practicing yoga since 2004 and earned my first yoga certification 15 years ago through Maureen Bosker @ Yoga in the Woods, training in Ashtanga for 10 years.
I lead a broad range of classes at the studio, finding something special which each style that resonates in a different way. My goal is to always ensure that each student feels special and builds confidence in themselves and their yoga practice.
With so many walks of life we are each created uniquely with our own Yoga language that is ours to find, I hope to help you identify yours and guide you along your journey.
With great attention to detail and technique, each student is ensured to feel stronger and either a little more or less like themselves. There's always something a little different while holding to traditions and practice habits.
Laura Payment
CERTIFIED NKT SPECIALIST, OT, CRANIAL- SACRAL SPECIALIST
Laura earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Wayne State University before becoming a certified massage therapist through the Flint School of Therapeutic Massage. She's highly regarded as a true specialist in manual therapy and movement, focusing on the nervous, fascia, and connective tissue systems of the body.
With more than 15 years of experience specializing in massage and self-healing techniques, Laura had an opportunity to train with some of the most brilliant pioneers of bodywork advancements, including Sue Hitzmann
(The MELT Method), Kevin Lucas (Relief Through Rolling), David Weinstock (Neurokinetic Therapy) and more.
Massages with Laura are by appointment only. Additionally, Laura leads special MELT events at the studio. Interested in learning more about MELT or enrolling in a special session? Click button below.
Pat Bone
Yoga Instructor
Certification: RYT 200
Pat earned her RYT certification over a decade ago and since then has taught a variety of yoga classes, including gentle, slow flow yoga, Yin and water yoga.
Her classes are great for people of all ages who are looking for a relaxed, focused yoga practice. She also has a soft, relaxed voice and manner; and believes it is an honor to share her experience of yoga with others.
Anne Mancour
Yoga Instructor
Certification: E-RYT 200
Anne has been practicing Yoga for 25 years and earned her RYT certification in 2001 from Namasté Yoga in Royal Oak. Passionate about the mind-body connection, she also earned a post-graduate certificate from Oakland University in Complementary Medicine and Wellness.
Drawn to the traditional teachings of Raja Yoga, Anne focuses on the mind-body connection and has practiced a variety of Hatha and gentle yoga styles over the years.
She considers herself a lifelong student and feels honored to share her practice with fellow students along this humbling Yogic journey.
Paula Orminski
Yoga Instructor
Certification: RYT 200
Paula has been a certified yoga instructor for the past 15 years, earning her RYT certification from Jewels Yoga + Fitness under the leadership of Julie Keilitz and Barb Heuerman.
She believes yoga is for everybody and her classes are very gentle and can be modified for any individual. Her favorite classes to teach and practice are Yin and gentle yoga.
Sarah Popp
Yoga Instructor
Certification: RYT 200
Sarah earned her RYT certification in the Kaivalya Yoga Method in 2020. This system that integrates intelligently sequenced Vinyasa, yoga philosophy, and a continuous focus on the highest aim of yoga.
Her passion for yoga overflows into all of the classes she teaches and she inspires those around her with such joy and love. Sarah loves to lead Slow Burn Yoga with a special way in guiding Yin, leaving students with happiness and bliss all around.
Renee Greer Alvrez
Yoga Instructor
Certification: R-YFT 200
R-CYAT200
Renee is an amazing certified yoga and mindfulness instructor. Originally from New Mexico the "Land of Enchantment", Renee is drawn to the spiritual benefits of yoga and the healing power of living in Perfect Unity. This harmony occurs when bound together with love and compassion, our mind, body and spirit are one. Renee strives to meet others where they are and guide them towards the light, wellness and that sacred space between one thought and the other.
Melanie Wilhelm
Yoga Instructor
Certification: RYT 200
Ashley Marks
Yoga Instructor
Certification: RYT 200
Ashley trained at the Kripalu School of Yoga and Ayurveda in Stockbridge, MA, where she received her yoga teaching certification in addition to being a certified Holy Fire Reiki I & II practitioner. Her continued education includes certifications in Family, Postnatal, and children's yoga from Rainbow Kids Yoga and a training in the Ashtanga tradition and Barre Fitness.
Ashley aims to push her students to the edge while simultaneously discovering their own inner peace.
Sherri Handley
Yoga Instructor
Certification: RYT 200
Sherri has been practicing yoga for 15 years and earned her certification in 2018 at Clarkston Hot Yoga. She is also certified as a Reiki Master along with being a licensed Massage Therapist since 2013.
With a passion for health and wellness along with the mind-body connection, she is honored and humbled to guide you through your yoga practice.
She has a great love for practicing and teaching Yin yoga, basking in the beautiful dance of breath linked with movement that is Yoga.
Patti Dolan
Yoga Instructor
Certification: RYT 200
Patti, a registered nurse, believes in the healing benefits of mind, body, and soul that yoga provides.
A graduate of the Yahweh Yoga Teacher Training Certification program in Chandler, AZ, Patti has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years and teaching for almost 15 years. She earned her registered Hatha Yoga Teacher certification in 2007 at Namasté Yoga Studio.
Patti’s classes are uplifting and gentle, combining a slow-flow and Yin.
Brooke Polecyn
Yoga Instructor
Certification: RYT 200
Brooke is a certified yoga instructor, certified Reiki master, licensed massage therapist, and practicing cranial sacral therapist. She's trained in a variety of holistic health such as Ayurveda, Ancient Chinese Medicine and acupressure, and has taught many different holistic and fitness classes throughout Michigan including different forms of yoga, meditations, bootcamp classes, massage classes and cranial sacral classes.
She invites you to encourage creativity in your movement and yoga practice, to listen to your intuition, and do what you enjoy.
Anthony Harris
Anthony has been embodying his own practice of Yoga for the last four years and is newly a certified Yoga Instructor as of 2023. He received his 200 hr RYT certification from Jonah Kest through the BecomeA Yogi and Kest Yoga Program in Costa Rica.
Taking a deep dive into the practice of yoga, Anthony regularly travels, teaching a broad range of classes and learning how to deepen his own practice and help share it with others as well. From his background is Exercise Science (BS) as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor he brings an in-depth understanding of the human body and how to care for ourselves.
He encourages all students to tune inwards and find what resonates greatest within their own bodies each and every day. So that we can all grow, expand and adapt. No matter what age, experience, or capability level there is always something new to discover.
Fadi Michail
RYT 200 with Porsche VanBrocklin Fischer
I began my yoga journey back in 2018 and fell in love right away. It helped me slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. My certification was earned the following year while specializing in Yin. I focus on making my classes soothing and grounding. Nothing brings me grater joy than the gratitude my students show after class.
Amanda Partain
Certification: RYT 200 , Mat Pilates Certified, Reiki Certified
Hi! I'm Amanda, a 200 hr certified yoga instructor and Reiki Master. I hold certifications in trauma-informed yoga and Ayurdevic nutrition.
PiYo combines the elements of Yoga and Mat Pilates into one class. It holds a great variety and can be the key to a feel-good session that is suitable for everybody.