Teachers

Melissa Smith

Melissa's journey into the world of yoga began in 2004 when she discovered the invigorating practice of Bikram Yoga. She was instantly captivated by the intense sweating and the sense of release at the end of each class. It was a powerful purification that reconnected her with a part of herself she had long forgotten.

Her passion deepened after immersing herself in The Art of Vinyasa, where she realized that yoga encompassed far more than just postures—the experience was rich with depth and meaning. Driven by curiosity, she embarked on her first teacher training at Red Door Yoga (now Red Sun Yoga) with the inspiring Jeanie Laslo. Although she never intended to become a teacher, a hidden instructor within her began to awaken.

In 2008, Melissa took a bold leap and joined forces with fellow yogi Mellony Ritchey to establish Renew Yoga, a sanctuary for sharing the transformative power of yoga. Her extensive training includes Vinyasa with Stephanie Keach, Barkan's Level 2, Prenatal Training, Global Family Yoga, Bryan Kest's Power Yoga, and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Levels 1 and 2.

Melissa remains committed to her growth, drawing inspiration from the teachings of renowned mentors such as Jeanie Laslo, Sri Dharma Mittra, and Seane Corn. For her, sharing the gift of yoga is a lifelong dedication to her community, where every encounter is a chance to learn and evolve.

Stay connected with her inspiring journey on Instagram @followtheyogi

Mellony Ritchey

Mellony embarked on her transformative yoga journey in 2006, earning her 800-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, with the renowned Moksha Yoga Communities. Her passion ignited through the invigorating heat of Hot Yoga, driving her to dive deeper into the world of yoga through a comprehensive Teacher Training Program.

Since then, Mellony has been on an exhilarating quest to uncover every facet of yoga, from mastering alignment to understanding the myriad benefits of a consistent practice. She has been incredibly fortunate to train with a constellation of inspiring teachers, immersing herself in the rich tapestry of yoga’s roots and philosophies. Each class, each workshop has been a stepping stone, enhancing her experience and solidifying her fundamentals.

With over 900 hours of additional certified training in Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, and Prenatal Yoga, Mellony’s expertise is extensive and varied. She has had the privilege of learning from legends in the field, including Moksha School of Yoga, Sri Dharma Mittra, Johnny Kest, Bryan Kest, David Swenson, Michael Stone, and Stephanie Keach.

As both a teacher and a perpetual student, Mellony radiates enthusiasm and wisdom. She thrives on sharing her insights about the incredible potential of the human body, emphasizing the importance of being open to receiving, giving, and forgiving. Her classes are not just sessions; they are experiences filled with passion, growth, and a deep connection to the art of yoga.

Join Mellony on this exhilarating journey of discovery, where every posture tells a story and every breath is an invitation to explore the limitless possibilities of yoga!

Alexis Martin

Alexis Martin is a natural teacher with a passion to warm hearts, open minds, and diminish fear. As founder/director of Prenatal to the Cradle, Yoga Alliance certified E-RYT500, mother, doula and musician, she shows us what it means to really be alive. She is known for her uplifting energy, fun-loving attitude, warm contagious smile and animated laughter. Her deep and integrated knowledge of the human body and spirit allow her to connect with any student and cater to any body type. She truly makes yoga available to everyone.

Be prepared to sweat, grow, breathe, and fly because every moment is a chance to be infinite. Also known as the "flo-rida", Alexis's asana sequences are full of challenge, playfulness, and creativity. You will be right side up AND right side down in every class she leads. She has a very hands-on approach, and gives personalized information and adjustments to each student so that they may build a foundation based in impeccability of alignment. In addition to the invigorating flow, her messages lead to a place of self-inquiry, acceptance, and healing. It is nothing less than a dynamic combination. Experiencing more than just a typical asana class, students leave the yoga room feeling vulnerably empowered and craving the next chance to get on their mat or meditation cushion.

Storytelling and sharing life experience set a platform from which Alexis opens her heart & you truly meet the warm transparent spirit that lies within. She also loves to intertwine messages from the yoga sutras, 8 limb path, and insight from her own teachers, in order to support living a meaningful and satisfying life. She attributes her encouraging style of teaching to that of her mentors such as Seane Corn, Brock & Krista Cahill, Krishna Das, Dice Iida-Klein & Briohny Smyth, Anodea Judith, Marianne Williamson, Phillip Askew and Bryan Kest.

After Alexis' daughter, Emerson, was born in September of 2009, she discovered her calling to work with women through their birthing journey. Ever the dedicated student, Alexis devoured every scrap of information regarding pregnancy, birth and mothering while carrying, birthing and raising Emerson. It was this experience that opened her eyes to the deeper understanding of wordless compassion and selfless service that motherhood brings. It also opened her eyes to the understanding that yoga can be part of anybody's life, especially the lives of women going through the birthing process, which inspired her to pursue certification in prenatal yoga.

Following the integration of birthing into her yogic practice, Alexis decided to take her practice off her mat and into the birthing world as a doula. Her passion for support and encouraging women to use own their intuition and embrace their birthing choices has been a driving force for every birth yet. "There is nothing more magical than being invited into the intimate moment when a new mother receives her precious miracle for the first time. Many believe that when you see the face of your child for the first time, it is like seeing the face of God. For a doula, it is when we see the mother."

Alexis is currently based in Ormond Beach, Florida, has taught thousands of hours of yoga since her first yoga class in 2006, and is a certified 500ERYT with Yoga Alliance. She offers prenatal and postnatal yoga classes, women's intuition series, journey through breath and sound, detox classes, yoga asana (posture) clinics, and advanced yoga anatomy classes.

Alexis is a full-fledged lover of life and everything that comes along with it. When she isn't teaching or practicing yoga, she is adventurously traveling the world, savoring food, marveling at nature, being silly with friends, or stealing kisses from her husband and daughter. You will often find her with her hands down and heels up! Alexis finds inspiration and beauty everywhere she goes and in everything she does. Most importantly, she believes that yoga is a journey that allows all of us to live and practice our yoga on and off our mat daily so that we may be the change we wish to see in the world.

Amanda Barefield

With a deep passion for holistic wellness and a commitment to fostering tranquility, Amanda brings a nurturing approach to their Stretch and Restore classes. Certified in Hatha yoga and restorative practices, Amanda focuses on helping students reconnect with their bodies and minds through gentle movements and mindful breathing.

Having practiced yoga for over. Amanda believes in the transformative power of slowing down and tuning in. Each class is designed to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can release tension, cultivate self-awareness, and restore balance.

Incorporating meditation and guided relaxation elements, Amanda's sessions encourage students to find their own rhythm and embrace the present moment.

Join Amanda on the mat to discover the serenity that comes from stretching and restoring your body and mind. Let’s journey together toward greater peace and well-being!

Brittany Siebert

Tammy Kaleel

Edward Jasper

Heather Black

Shelbi Wolven

Julia Fresch

Melissa Paliani

Michael Kane

Teachers

Melissa Smith

Mellony Ritchey

Alexis Martin

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