Harmony Total Wellness instructors are highly skilled experts. Our Bikram instructors have trained directly under world renowned Yoga masters like Bikram Choudhury (founder), Rajashree Choudhury, the legendary Emmy Cleaves, Jim Kallett, Mary Jarvis, Craig Villani, Esak Garcia, Joseph Encinia, Jared McCann, Mark Drost, Zefea Sampson, and the list goes on. Our Yin Instructors have trained under Bernie Clark, & Diana Batts. Our Unnata Aerial Yoga Instructors are certified by Michelle Dortignac (founder). Many of our instructors have global teaching experience and they are all committed to continuing education. Harmony Total Wellness instructors are the REAL DEAL!
Harmony Total Wellness Bikram Yoga classes are led only by Certified Instructors that have a minimum of 500 hours of training and 150 hours of teaching experience (or a combination thereof). This is important because students deserve to be coached by people that know Bikram Yoga at the deepest level. We have access to and will draw from a global network of thousands of teachers that have received their certification from the Bikram Yoga College of India. This is a serious endeavor because teachers that pass this rigorous 9 week 500 hr teacher training course are some of the most committed people on the planet! We believe this is an essential element in your achieving the maximum medical benefit from your Bikram Yoga practice. We have the ONLY certified Bikram Yoga Instructors in our area and maintain a continuous rotation of Bikram Yoga Zoom & Traveling Teachers in order to give our students the best possible experience.
Harmony Total Wellness Hatha, Vinyasa & Yin Yoga classes are led only by Certified Yoga Instructors who have a deep understanding of the theory and mechanics of Yoga and how to help you achieve the most out of a Yoga practice.
Harmony Total Wellness Inferno Pilates classes are led only by Instructors who trained directly under Gabriella Walters (founder of Inferno Pilates) and have a deep understanding of how to incorporate Pilates principles (breath, centering, concentration, control, flow & precision) into your Inferno Pilates practice. We have the ONLY certified Inferno Pilates Instructors in our area.
We will also be hosting posture clinics and seminars featuring international Yoga champions so stay tuned!
Kay Forrester – Owner and Director
Fierce yet compassionate, Kay’s energetic style and passionate delivery will leave you inspired and invigorated! She has a natural way of helping her students find their edge without them feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. Come to her class and you will leave with your spirits lifted, your body rejuvenated and the will to come back!
Throughout her life, Kay has tried many forms of physical fitness. In 2009, her best friend gave her a 10 day pass to Bikram Yoga Redmond, WA. Although her first class felt overwhelming, she decided to complete the 10 day challenge. Kay quickly realized the life changing benefits of this healing practice and knew almost immediately that she wanted to someday share this gift with others by becoming a certified Bikram Yoga instructor. She believes that as we age, strength, balance and flexibility are critical for health, well-being and vitality. She also believes in and practices good nutrition.
In fall of 2013, Kay and her husband, Dewey, became “empty nesters”. Instead of returning to corporate America, Kay decided to attend the world renowned Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Los Angeles, CA where she received her 500hr certification to teach Bikram Yoga. Since then she has been sharing her heart-felt passion for Bikram Yoga with students in studios across the United States. In the fall of 2016, Kay received her 60hr Unnata Aeria Yoga Teacher Training certification from Aerial Fit in Charleston, SC. She also traveled to Vancouver BC to train and receive her 50hr Yin Yoga certification under Yin Masters Bernie Clark and Diana Batts. In the Spring of 2017, Kay attended Inferno Pilates Teacher Training in Lake Norman, NC and trained directly under Gabriella Walters (founder of Inferno Pilates). A few months later she completed the rigorous 250hr certification to teach Inferno Pilates. She has now incorporated this amazing fitness regimen into the studio schedule. In January 2018, Kay spent two weeks at the Internationally renowned Jared McCann Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training at Lighthouse Yoga School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (NY) where she studied directly under 2x National and International Yoga Champion Jared McCann and received her 200 hour certification in JMY Vinyasa Yoga. In February 2020, Kay attended Inferno Pilates Level II teacher training in Houston, Texas and is currently working on this certification. Kay lives by the mantra “If you are strong, healthy and sound of mind, then you can help others & if you can help others help themselves, then you can change the world!
As a native of Georgia and 1982 graduate of GCSU, Kay is excited to bring the finest Bikram Yoga, Yin Yoga, Unnata Aerial Yoga, Jared McCann Vinyasa Yoga, and Inferno Pilates experience to Milledgeville, GA.
Namaste!
Tiffany Ulrich – Occupational Therapist, Auricular Therapist & Biofeedback Practitioner
Tiffany Ulrich has practiced Occupational Therapy in various settings across the Southeast since 2010. She has also studied a variety of holistic modalities that help her determine the root cause of clinical symptoms in patients. Tiffany is trained in Dynamic Body Balancing, Rhythmic Movement, Reflex Integration, Bioenergetic Medicine, Energy Psychology, Auricular Therapy, Herbalism, and will soon complete her Doctoral of Natural Medicine.
“Learning and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive and feel their very best is my passion. I am also a wife and mother of three boys. Both my husband and children have been especially supportive of my journey in natural medicine and are behind me all the way.”
Tiffany is here to offer a holistic path that allows individuals to obtain balance and optimal health. Tiffany can provide a variety of treatment techniques that integrate beautifully together and allow individuals to heal naturally, achieve their health goals, and live a healthier life.
“I believe that knowledge is power. The more you know about yourself, the more grounded and healthier you will be.”
Download the MINDBODY app to book a session with Tiffany.
Sarah Handwerker – RN & Massage Therapist
Sarah Handwerker is a licensed massage therapist and registered nurse in the Central Georgia area. She is a graduate of both Georgia College & State University in nursing (BSN, MSN), and the University of Alabama in nursing education (EdD). After a 20-year career in nursing and nursing education she developed a passion for massage therapy.
While in the healthcare profession, Sarah often utilized massage services to help with painful muscles and stress reduction. Realizing the benefits of massage, experiencing burnout with the healthcare system, and having a desire to do something that she truly believed in all led her to massage school. She earned her certificate in massage from the Oconee School of Therapeutic Massage in Watkinsville, Georgia in 2022. Since becoming an LMT Sarah has enjoyed helping clients to ease muscle tension, reduce pain, increase range of motion, and promote relaxation through therapeutic massage.
During a massage session Sarah employs different techniques including Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Myofascial depending on the client’s desires and needs. Palpation is a means of assessment to guide the experience. Each massage is individualized depending on the client’s tissue and responses to techniques. Whether it’s reducing tension, alleviating pain, or enhancing range of motion, Sarah has you covered!
Download the MINDBODY app to book a session with Sarah.
Joy Lyle – RN & Christ Centered Counselor
Joy Lyle is a Registered Nurse who has a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling and over 10 years experience coaching people in emotional and mental health. Through “Rooted and Grounded Ministries”, Joy can provide:
Joy is also a Yoga/Pilates practitioner who has a passion for healthy eating and healthy living! Joy believes a healthy diet, exercise and mental wellness are the keys to living a healthy life. “Body, Mind and Spirit must be in balance to have true health, yet many are suffering with an unhealthy thought life.” Joy is here to help people navigate through difficult seasons and cycles of defeat, despair, anxiety and discontent. Joy can also offer tips and recipes for healthy eating and help you find an exercise regimen that works for you!
“Healthy eating is important, exercise is important, and your mental health is important. You are important! Take time for self-love!”
Click HERE to learn more about Rooted & Grounded Ministries.
Stephanie McClure – Certified Yoga Instructor
Originally from Missouri, Stephanie McClure, has lived in Georgia since 2000 and Milledgeville since 2005. While her day job as a sociology professor is definitely a passion, she has loved Yoga since she took her first classes while in graduate school in Athens. She was in her late twenties, but even at that time she felt liberated by the ability to regain flexibility and range of motion she thought were long gone. She was certified to teach Les Mills’ BodyFlow/BodyBalance through a local gym almost ten years ago and has joined Yoga classes whenever and wherever she could find them, both in Milledgeville and in her travels, including in Waterford, Ireland.
Stephanie completed her Yoga Alliance certification from Asheville Yoga Center in October 2020. Stephanie believes the benefits of Yoga are available to everybody and finds the most satisfaction in working with individuals who are new to Yoga and not yet convinced it is for them. The previously mentioned gains in flexibility and range of motion can address a wide range of physical issues that get worse as we age, if we don’t take actions to counter them. However, those are just part of the benefits gained from a consistent Yoga practice. Strength, balance, and endurance are also gifts of a Yoga practice. For Stephanie, breath is at the heart of Yoga and offers the greatest benefits, as much mentally and emotionally as physically. The capacity to be still, to listen to your body, to choose right action with control and mindfulness, are tools that have been transformative for her in her yoga practice and that she is happy to share with others.
Kristina Dandy – Certified Yoga Instructor
Kristina Dandy has been practicing Yoga since 2006. She initially came to the practice of Yoga as a tool for stress management, only to find a deeper richness to the practice. She received her 200hr RYT certification at M3 Yoga in Athens, Georgia in 2021 with a focus on teaching Hatha and Vinyasa styles of Yoga. She also received her Shamatha Meditation teacher certification under the direction of Cyndi Lee at OM Yoga in Lynchburg, Virginia. Her classes invite playful exploration of postures anchored by mindful attention to the breath.
In addition to teaching Yoga, Kristina is a professor of psychology at Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia. Her approach to teaching is informed by her background in psychological science, rooted in providing a safe and supportive space for students to engage in the practice of Yoga with curious confidence. She hopes students leave her classes feeling strong and connected to a deeper sense of self.
Valerie Butterfield – Certified Yoga Instructor
Val developed a deep love of Yoga while using it as a tool to heal from hip replacement surgery in 2019. In May of 2021, Val completed her 200hr YTT at Dragonfly Yoga and Ayurveda School in Sandwich, NH under the tutelage of Katie O’Connell. In March of 2022, she continued to deepen her practice by becoming certified in Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra. Her philosophy is that Yoga is for everybody, and “every body”. She believes that the Yoga community should be welcoming to people of all ages and body types, recognizing that it can be daunting for people to try something new, especially as they age. Her personal practice includes daily pranayama breath work and meditation, as well as Yoga. She takes her practice seriously, but firmly believes that Yoga should be fun!! Many poses are challenging, especially to newcomers, so being able to laugh when you fall out of a pose and remembering that it is called “practicing” Yoga, not perfecting it, are key elements to how she teaches. Val is also certified in Shamanic Reiki.
Val hails from Northern NH and will now be spending her winter months in middle Georgia.and in her spare time is an avid motorcycle rider, hiker and bee keeper.
Hannah Daniel – Inferno Pilates Instructor
Hannah Daniel began her fitness journey began when she started college and began taking workout classes provided on campus. Soon, she found Harmony Yoga & Pilates and truly fell in love with working out. “Workout classes opened up new possibilities that greatly inspired me. I love the atmosphere and energy that workout classes bring to a community.” Hannah wanted to share her passion for health and fitness and decided to attend Inferno Pilates Teacher Training in July 2023. Hannah is currently working towards her 250 hour Inferno Pilates certification.
Hannah graduated from Georgia College & State University in May of 2023 with a degree in Mass Communications.
Rachel Kempski – Inferno Pilates Instructor
Rachel Kempski started her fitness journey in her childhood by playing competitive soccer until she got to college. She found a passion for Pilates as she was looking for a workout to replace soccer. She loves to get her day started by surrounding herself with motivating and positive people at Harmony Yoga & Pilates. She has always had a love for working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Rachel wanted to expand her knowledge of Inferno Hot Pilates and attended the Inferno Pilates Teacher Training in July 2023. Rachel is currently working towards her 250-hour Inferno Pilates certification.
Rachel is a Sophomore at Georgia College and State University majoring in Nursing.
Queen Jones – Inferno Pilates Instructor
Queen Jones began her fitness journey began as she searched for ways to stay active after transitioning to a remote career. She became dedicated to challenging herself in Pilates and Yoga classes each week. That passion grew as she found Harmony Yoga & Pilates in her hometown of Milledgeville, GA. At Harmony, she was introduced to Bikram Yoga and Inferno Pilates, and found that both improved her physical, mental and overall well-being. Eventually, Queen was motivated to become an instructor to share her love for fitness.
“As I work toward my 250 hour certification, I look forward to pushing everyone to be the best versions of themselves. Grab your mats and meet me at the studio!”
Queen graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Biology, and currently works as a Consultant. She enjoys traveling, reading, and perfecting her Yoga poses!
Dewey Forrester – Certified Yin Yoga Instructor; Inferno Pilates Instructor
Dewey received his Yin Yoga teaching certification In Vancouver, Canada from Bernie Clark, who is one of the more renowned masters of Yin Yoga in the world. Bernie is a physicist from Waterloo University who combines his interest in Yoga with an understanding of the underlying science. As a 1984 engineering graduate from Georgia Tech, Dewey enjoys teaching from this angle as well. Dewey enjoys the combination of Yoga & Inferno Pilates as his formula for maintaining wellness. He teaches the importance of Yin Yoga and why it is vital for us all to properly exercise our joints, tendons, and ligaments in parallel with exercising our muscles.
Dewey was inspired to become a Yin teacher after losing a significant amount of weight and then using Yoga as a means to increase his cardiovascular stamina and maintain a healthy weight. He says “If I can do it, anyone can!”.
Dewey’s style of teaching uses the three basic elements of Yin Instruction. Get into the posture, relax and find your edge, and then hold the posture in stillness allowing gravity and time to work their magic on your joints. Dewey provides information on the science, physics, and health benefits of each Yin posture.
Dewey teaches our Sunday evening candlelight class where Prayer is encouraged during the quiet times of the class. As a piano musician, he plays his own light piano arrangements of sacred hymns as background music.
Dewey traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to complete his Inferno Pilates training in July 2017. He loves to incorporate theme based music into this incredible workout!
Hannah Thomas – Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Hannah Thomas graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas in December, 2016 with a degree in Exercise Physiology, the study of the acute responses and chronic adaptations to a wide range of exercise conditions. Exercise physiologists study the effect of exercise on pathology, and the mechanisms by which exercise can reduce or reverse disease progression.
Hannah received her Sports Nutrition and Strength and Conditioning certifications as a part of her undergraduate studies at Baylor University. She also interned as a strength and conditioning coach for the highly acclaimed Baylor Bears Basketball team. Hannah is currently employed as a Personal Trainer by Equinox River Oaks in Houston, Texas. Hannah has a deep passion for health, nutrition, and is deeply committed to her own fitness routine. Hannah entered her first power lifting competition in Dallas, Texas in the summer of 2016. Not only did she win, but she set several amateur world records in her weight class. Way to go Hannah!
Hannah was born in Georgia, but grew up in Seattle, Washington where she attended the Bear Creek Christian School. She moved back to Georgia when she was 16 and finished high school through a dual enrollment program at Georgia College and State University that was custom designed by Dr. Janee Moss of EBLA Academy. Hannah graduated as valedictorian of her class.
Hannah is available for strength and conditioning as well as sports nutrition, food preparation, pantry management and healthy grocery shopping consultations.