Meet Your Wellness Guides…
Jessica Merwin
A war veteran, turned yogi… Hi! I’m Jess, and I’m on a mission to help people master their energy, release stress, cultivate inner resourcefulness and become radically resilient. I am a certified HeartMath Mentor and an actively practicing Kundalini Yoga Teacher and I’ve spent over a decade studying the effects of stress on our bodies and quality of life.
As someone who started a career in the military and later on went to numb my discontent with toxic substances, I spent way too many years consumed by stress. It wasn’t loving to myself and I knew that. Which is why when I saw a different, more self-conscious, self-compassionate way to live, I made the decision to change.
While it’s been a continuous process of mastery and self-love, I’m proud to say that I’m in love with life, I live in a deep state of gratitude and my deepest desire is for more people to experience what changing stress into inspiration and empowerment feels like.
Owner, 500RYT, YACEP. 800 hours + in Kundalini Yoga training. Certified HeartMath Mentor & Coach. Bachelor in Science in Sustainable Management. Learn more about my offerings at Jessicamerwin.com
Shelley Smith
Hi, I’m Shelley. As a longtime ashtanga yoga practitioner and teacher I've experienced the power of yoga to create positive change in myself and others. Devoted yoga practice can be a path to greater self-awareness, enhanced wellbeing, and deep personal transformation. It’s also a healthy and effective tool to manage the stresses of life in our ever-changing world.
I invite you to join me in vigorous ashtanga or soothing yin classes, detailed intro-to-yoga courses, and monthly moon circles.
Feel free to reach out to shelley@yogafoodlife.com if you would like to learn more about my classes or book private lessons. Contact Shelley: shelley@yogafoodlife.com
Stephanie Lynn
Fifteen years of teaching yoga and meditation have offered me an opportunity to connect with students and fellow teachers in deep and meaningful ways. My journey and evolution as a student and teacher of yoga will be lifelong and is always fulfilling.
With a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry, I have a fascination and understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics that helps me to guide students in a more comprehensive way.
As a student of yoga, I have studied directly under Sandra Carden, Raghunath Cappo, John Friend, Gopi Kinnicutt, Gaura Vani Buchwald, Radhanath Swami, and Laura Kupperman, and have taken workshops with Krishna Das and Jai Uttal. I have specialized training with The Connection Coalition (yoga and meditation for teens dealing with special and challenging circumstances) and Yoga for Survivors (yoga and meditation for oncology patients and survivors), and I have a special passion for Yoga Nidra. In 2015, I recorded and released a Yoga Nidra CD and download entitled Bathing in the Sunrise. You can also find my guided meditations, talks, and music on Insight Timer.
My classes are disciplined and challenging, but light-hearted and filled with compassion, as I strive to meet each student where they are, and serve as a guide and steward. Please join me on the mat! Peace, Steph (she/her)
NICKI MATTERS
Hi! I'm Nickie, a dedicated nurse and passionate yoga teacher whose dharma is to illuminate the path to unconditional love. Through my compassion and big heart, I guide others on a journey of self-discovery and inner harmony.
With every class, I share the teachings of yoga with curiosity and creativity to support others in discovering and receiving what they need during their practice. I hope to inspire others to embrace their true selves and cultivate unconditional love for themselves and others.
Drawing from my experience as a nurse, I bring a unique perspective to yoga, emphasizing holistic well-being and the healing power of self-care. I hope to serve others by teaching the benefits of self-care as we are best able to serve when our cups run over. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, my classes offer a space to explore, grow, and connect deeply with your inner light (and inner dark if you choose).
I’ve been a yogi and a nurse for over 20 years. I have a Master of Science in Nursing and am currently diving deeper as a student of yoga and will finish my 500 RYT in December 2024.
Join me on the mat to embark on a transformative journey or simply to find a moment of being. Please reach out if you have questions, would like to connect, and/or book a private session. nickiematters19@gmail.com
Britt Unsei Wildfong
Hi, I’m Britt, and many folks know me by my Dharma name, Unsei (OON-say, meaning Cloud Teacher).
I’m a licensed massage therapist, registered yoga teacher, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. My background includes extensive time spent learning about craniosacral therapy, meditation, Buddhism, coaching, structural integration, the politics of trauma, and traditional Chinese medicine. All of these things influence the way I teach, along with my sense of wonder at the fact that we exist at all!
With over 20 years of practice in the healing arts and the lived experience of managing my own chronic illness, I know that each person’s path looks different. I intend to meet you where you are and offer practices to help you feel more at home in your body. Our bodies, minds, and spirits are not separate from one another. I think movement practices are beautiful and innate to us as humans, even crucial for our well being. I hope to meet you in the studio! Please check out my website for more information and services I offer: brittwildfong.com or find me on Instagram @wisdom.body
Joan D’Argo
Perhaps, like you, I was born with big, bold dreams for myself and the world. I knew I had a mission and vision that was meant to be shared. Today, I am a leading intuitive soul coach known as the Wise Woman Channel. I have a successful eighteen-year coaching practice, guiding hundreds of clients to claim this title boldly. But it wasn't always this way. For much of my life, I was overcome with anxiety and self-doubt, so much so that even though I knew what I had to say was important, I literally couldn't open my mouth, and my face would turn bright red. Maybe you've had a similar experience. Talk about frustrating! I knew I had a message and gifts to share, and I deeply wanted to be of service. But I had no idea how to fully channel my gifts. After spinning my wheels in the hyper-masculine do-do-do mode for years, I realized I was no closer to owning my gifts and claiming my mastery than when I started. There was nothing left to do but surrender. And that’s when my intuitive channel fully opened. It was during this potent awakening, that the Way of the Wise Woman was downloaded to me. I cannot wait to share this divinely guided process with you! To keep myself grounded and embodied, I've been practicing and teaching qigong for 18 years, one of my greatest joys!
Please visit my website for more information and offerings: www.joandargo.com
Stephanie Nagy
Stephanie started exploring yoga during mental health "flare-ups", that became harder to manage when she went to college and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephanie has always been curious about exploring the body, stretching the body in new ways, and what makes us who we are. As a young girl, she was involved in cheerleading and tumbling and always loved moving and stretching her body. Stephanie went to her first yoga class in East Lansing, MI, and gave much consideration to her and her friend about whether they should go to this yoga class. She initially loved it and continued going semi-regularly to get the "workout" in. After taking a break from the practice, Stephanie reunited with her mat at yoga classes offered at the climbing gym and a yoga studio that helped her feel a sense of community. Stephanie immersed herself in the practice, committing to a daily practice and 200-hour YTT within the following year. She continued learning through a mentorship program.
She quickly discovered how yoga helped her heal from past trauma, manage day-to-day uncertainties and stressors, and find purpose, creativity, and confidence. In her free time, Stephanie hikes with her dog, loves skiing, kayaking, and climbing, and finds relaxation in nature. She moved to Traverse City from metro Detroit during the summer of 2024. She has always loved exploring and finding peace in Northern Michigan, and she loves being outside and experiencing all four seasons!