Meet the Team
We only teach to prenatal & postpartum people — additional training required. We are ready to support you mentally & physically every step of your journey.
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I began teaching at in 2017 and am thankful every day for it. I am passionate about offering tools to support the physical body and mental well being of each student so that they leave class feeling stronger, supported, and more at ease with themselves.
I am reminded constantly of the amount of strength and resilience it takes to becoming and being a parent and how the importance of having supportive connections can impact that, so I am excited to be able to provide a space to foster this community. Essentially, Whole Heart Space is everything I wish I had when my son was born — a space that feels right to keep coming back to at each different turn, knowing that you’ll be in good hands and that you’ll be accepted exactly as you show up.
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hour Prenatal Yoga Training, Yoga for Resiliency & Trauma Continuing Education, Postnatal Continuing Education, Pre/Postnatal Anatomy & Physiology Training
My Class in 3 Words: Easy Going, Supportive, Welcoming
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I teach because I love watching students learn more about their bodies and minds each week both on and off the mat. My goal is for people to leave my classes feeling knowledgeable, empowered, and centered. So many people think that yoga is just asana and contorting into pretzel shapes, but the truth is if you can breathe then you can do yoga. And if all you can do is breathe... that is still enough.
My Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Prenatal and Postpartum Coach, E-RYT 500, 85-hour Prenatal Yoga Training, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Full Spectrum Doula
My Class in 3 Words: Fun, Empowering, Informative
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I'm a working mom of 2. I've had two different, but empowering birth experiences and I'm so passionate about supporting other birthing people in advocating for their own empowered birth! I strive to make my classes a balance of fun and peace, and I welcome all levels of practitioners. One of my favorite aspects of teaching is getting to introduce someone to yoga, so if you're new to practicing come try my class!
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hour Prenatal Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Cues, Alignment, Inviting
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I am passionate about creating authentic, inclusive experiences for people - both on and off the mat. I'm inspired by the idea of “yoga for everybody” and wanted to become a teacher to bring accessibility to all kinds to yoga. I truly believe that yoga is not about the postures, but about connecting to the inner self and the body. In addition to being a yoga instructor, I am a professionally trained doula. The combination of yoga and birth work (in all stages) is magical and sacred. I believe there is work to be done in our world around supporting birthing people through fertility, pregnancy, and birth, and I hope to cultivate that supportive space in my classes.
My Certifications: RYT-200, Creative Sequencing Continuing Education, Professionally Trained Doula, 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Intuitive, Inviting, Grounding
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I began practicing yoga as a teenager in 2008 and I am so grateful to be stepping into this role to share the practice with others. I have been a nanny, a teacher, and a mother, and can not be more certain that breath, movement, and mindfulness practices are essential tools for the wellbeing of children and those who care for them. I am passionate about supporting parents and their little ones on and off the mat and look forward to shaping a mindful new generation together.
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Light-hearted, Supportive, Grounding
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I was first introduced to yoga in college as a runner seeking to balance my workouts with regular stretching exercises. Over the years, my practice evolved, and I began to appreciate not only the grounding physical benefits of yoga, but also the peaceful presence that comes with linking the mind and body with the breath. This has remained an anchor for me through the many ups and downs of life, and most recently, as I learn to navigate my own prenatal and parenting journey, I am reminded more than ever about the power of sharing this practice and being in community with others.
My teaching style offers unique sequences that combine traditional yoga postures with intuitive movement explorations, inviting students to connect to the rhythm of their breath and allow the body's natural wisdom to guide the way, both on and off the mat. It is my sincere hope that everyone leaves my classes feeling a sense of balance in their bodies, peace in their minds, and joy in their hearts.
My Certifications: 200-hr RYT, 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training, 95-hr Children's Yoga Training, Reiki Master, Foam Rolling and Myofascial Release Training, Self-Awakening Yoga Therapeutics Training, Pre/Postnatal Pump & HIIT Instructor Training
My Class in 3 Words: Thoughtful, Nourishing, Relatable
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Amidst a rocky pregnancy physically and emotionally, fate somehow landed me in my car, parked outside Whole Heart Space and Googling what it was. Without hesitation, I signed up for a membership in that parking lot and from that point forward, my pregnancy experience was positively transformed. I found peace, community, and shared experiences with the journey of pregnancy and motherhood. As a lifelong dancer, I fell (back) in love with compassionate movement through yoga and this love was furthered through 85-hour Pre/Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training certification led by Kelly Cox at Whole Heart Space. I’m passionate about people (especially babies!) and hold awed admiration for the birthing community who I hope to help empower, nourish, and care for in this space. Students can expect an empathetic, welcoming atmosphere with a custom class tailored to various needs, abilities, and pre/postnatal journeys.
My Certifications: 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Nourishing, Energizing, Compassionate
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I found yoga my freshman year of college and instantly fell in love with mindful movement and meditation. After graduating with a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Mary Washington, I became a certified yoga instructor, RYT-200, from Dragonfly Yoga Studio in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I have lived all over Virginia — from the Shenandoah Valley, to Northern Virginia, to Charlottesville and finally Richmond — and have been part of such wonderful, inclusive yoga and fitness communities that have nurtured both my personal practice and my teaching style/methods. Yoga, Pilates, Barre, Resistance Training and Meditation have all helped me through my two pregnancies, my childbirth recoveries, and the epic rollercoaster of motherhood — physically, mentally, and spiritually. I love being able to share my passion for mindful movement with others.
My Certifications: RYT-200, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Barre, Postnatal Yoga, Baby and Me Yoga, 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Regulating, Accessible, Sustainable
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Since completing my RYT-200 in 2022, I’ve enjoyed teaching and practicing wherever life has taken me. From working in studios in Phoenix, to leading morning poolside flows in Italy while travel nannying, and joining expats in Costa Rica for afternoon yoga. After making Richmond my home in 2023 and becoming pregnant with my daughter, I pursued an 85-hour Prenatal Yoga Training. I attended prenatal classes at WHS throughout my pregnancy and fell in love with the atmosphere and supportive community. In my classes, I strive to create a nurturing environment where students feel engaged and guided. I value each student's individuality while fostering openness, community, and safety.
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hour Prenatal Yoga Training, Yin Yoga Continuing Education
My Class in 3 Words: Welcoming, Mindful, Grounding
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Over 10 years ago, I was first drawn to yoga for its spiritual depth and mental clarity. After becoming a mother, I completed my master’s degree, stepped into corporate America, pursued leadership, and, eventually finding myself often more connected to my calendar than to myself. After my second child’s birth, during maternity leave, I experienced a pause that brought me back to yoga with intention. I completed my prenatal and postnatal certification followed by my 200-hour training, and now as a stay-at-home mom, and doctoral student in psychology, my teaching is rooted in the belief that slowing down, listening inward, and practicing self-care is a true form of strength and healing. I love being part of a community that creates intentional space for women to show up as they are, breathe deeper, and return to themselves.
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hour Prenatal Yoga Training, Somatic Healing
My Class in 3 Words: Grounding, Restorative, Healing
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I am a former Montessori educator who adores working with babies & toddlers. My son, Archie, my husband & our black cat, Zuzu, are all currently learning to navigate this whimsical, weird & wonderful toddler world. I can't wait to meet you & your children & continue on this wild journey together!
My Class in 3 Words: Fun, Friends, Learning
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I began my yoga journey in my early 20’s needing something to quiet my overly active and anxious mind. After quickly falling in love with the practice and its healing qualities I knew I wanted to be in both taking and teaching regularly. Since wrapping up my certification in 2019 I have completed additional supportive trainings. I like to incorporate the foundational practices while putting a bit of originality in to it. My goal is to leave you eager to hop back on your mat as soon as you step off.
My Certifications: 200hr-RYT, 85hr Prenatal Yoga Training, Hamstrings, Yoga Sculpt & Bootcamp, Yin
My Class in 3 Words: Inclusive. Intentional. Fun!
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I found Whole Heart Space while searching for resources for my doula clients and quickly discovered the benefits of yoga for myself. As someone who didn't come from a yoga background, I was surprised by how much it improved both my physical comfort and mental well-being. The supportive community here showed me that yoga is truly for everyone.
As a birth doula, I'm especially passionate about prenatal yoga and encouraging pregnant people to explore movement, breathwork, and community throughout their pregnancy. I believe every person's journey is different, and I strive to help students build confidence, trust themselves, and recognize their own strength both on and off the mat.
My Certifications: RPYT-85, Professionally Trained Birth and Postpartum Doula, Certified Meditation Guide, Sound Healer, Childbirth Educator
My Class in 3 Words: Mindful, Grounding, Supportive
My Certifications: RYT-200, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Barre, Postnatal Yoga, Baby and Me Yoga, 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Regulating, Accessible, Sustainable
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Ian has been a professional performing musician for the past decade having performed with local acts like No BS Brass and on national stages with the Marine Corps Bands. Ian has used his experience as a performer to augment his clinical skills as a music therapist. He currently works as a music therapist in hospice treating people in their homes, assisted living spaces and hospitals.
Ian lives in Church Hill on the east end of Richmond with his wife, who is an RPS middle school English Teacher and their 2.5 year old child, who is a boundless well of energy and excitement.
My Certifications: MT-BC, double major in music performance/jazz studies and graduate level professional studies program for music therapy
My Class in 3 Words: Healthy, Adaptive, Fun!
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MJ (they,them) is a birthworker, yoga instructor, somatic practitioner, lactation specialist, aspiring midwife, and parent that has been bodyfeeding for over 3 years! Their center is rooted in love, liberation, autonomy, and reproductive justice. Through their multifaceted approach, MJ offers a supportive environment where individuals can connect more deeply with their bodies, themselves, and have more access to joy. You can catch them doing community offerings, whipping up body care products, playing in herbs, taking a walk, belly laughing, or dancing while cooking or baking in the kitchen!cultivating a sustainable practice throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. My teaching blends tradition with creativity, and I love weaving music and sound into each class. Rooted in openness and empathy, my approach honors each client's individual path. I look forward to practicing with you!
My Certifications: RYT-200, Certified Doula, Lactation Specialist, Somatic Healing
My Class in 3 Words: Embodying, Regulating, Pinch of Chaos
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Sara first got into yoga after needing a real mental shift in thinking. She started off with online classes and loved how the movement and breath work got her out of her head and into her body. She kept a strong home practice for several years before finally receiving her 200 hour vinyasa training at The Yoga Dojo. Yoga has single handedly changed her perspective on life. She enjoys teaching from a place of compassion, where everyone in her class can be at ease with how they feel in that moment. After completing level 1 + 2 of Meridian Yoga Therapy Sara likes to add this healing practice to all the flows she teaches, whether through acupressure points, the slapping technique, or specific stretches of the meridian energy lines. Sara is excited to continue to learn and grow as a teacher and a forever student.
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training, 100-hr Meridian Yoga Therapy, Reiki Level 1 + 2, Nada Protocol
My Class in 3 Words: Compassionate, Joyful, Present
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Hi! I’m Aryana, a VCU alumnus and aspiring physician. I first was introduced to yoga (and group fitness, in general) when I was pregnant with my son, Cairo, and struggling with SI joint pain that left my usual weight training activities inaccessible to me. Truly, discovering WHS has been transformative. I was able to move my body with the comfort of knowing the movements were safe for my baby and me— all while discovering amazing community along the way. I decided to pursue pre/postnatal teaching as a way to pass that gift on to others! My other passions include medicine, social determinants of health, working with domestic violence survivors, and indulging in all things nerdy, including cosplay and anime. If you are new to group fitness and need some good vibes, come check me out!
My Certifications: 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training, Pre/Postnatal Strength Training
My Class in 3 Words: Upbeat, Inspiring, FUN
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Colleen is an experienced yoga instructor and birth doula trained by Birth Arts International in 2018, based in Richmond, VA. She lives with her husband, two sons, two cats, two dogs, and a flock of chickens. Colleen holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. With trauma-informed training, Colleen is well-equipped to support clients from diverse backgrounds and those with various mental health diagnoses. In 2024 she completed an 85hr training in prenatal yoga, and in 2026 her 200hr YTT.
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hour Prenatal Yoga Training, Certified Birth Doula, Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, Certified VBAC Doula
My Class in 3 Words: Exploratory, Cozy, Spacious
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My path to yoga began during my senior year of college, where I discovered its profound ability to regulate my nervous system while building physical strength. In 2017, I completed my 200-hr RYT with the goal of teaching yoga to students of all abilities. After teaching in the classroom and studio settings, I stepped away from my mat for quite some time following the birth of my first son. Now, as a mom to three littles, I’m passionate about using mindful movement and breath to help others find connection and calm within the chaos of parenthood one moment at a time.
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training, Pre/Postnatal Strength Training
My Class in 3 Words: Grounding, Playful, Personalized
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About a decade ago, I stepped onto a yoga mat and discovered just how expansive the practice could be: physical strength, mental clarity, the freedom to move at my own pace, and that steady return to the present moment. Yoga gave me a sense of grounding and agency that stayed with me far beyond the mat. When I became pregnant, prenatal yoga and the community at Whole Heart Space supported me through a season of immense physical and emotional change. Having a practice that can carry you through every phase of life, while also connecting you to a meaningful community, is truly priceless. I teach because I’ve experienced firsthand the power of that kind of support, and I hope to help create the same sense of connection, steadiness, and belonging for others.
My Certifications: 85-hour Pre/Postnatal Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Relaxing, Fluid, Functional
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I began practicing yoga in 2010, and the positive impact on my life was immediate as I navigated through anxiety and panic attacks. I wished I had found it sooner, and decided that one day I’d like to share this gift with my community. After having my 2 sons, Miles and Heath, I obtained my RYT-200 certification in 2023. Since then, I have been teaching a wonderful community in Richmond. I decided to pursue the 85-hr Prenatal Yoga Training in 2026 because taking prenatal yoga classes during my pregnancies was such a highlight, and I wanted to create that supportive, empowering experience for those on their parenting journey. Outside of yoga, you can find me training for a road race or ultra, or at the baseball field cheering on my boys.
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hour Pre/Postnatal Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Welcoming, Energizing, Mindful
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I am a teacher at heart; I teach yoga to kids, guide backcountry retreats, and teach paddling and outdoor education to people of all ages. Yoga and meditation, along with other creative and nature-based outlets, have helped me immensely with physical aches and pains, mental health, and emotional regulation. I am passionate about teaching these practices to our future generation!
My Certifications: RYT-200, Trauma Yoga Training, Kids Yoga Training, Deep Stretch and Mediation Training, Intro to Meridian Yoga Therapy Training, Buti Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Rejuvenating, Relaxing, Restful
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Hi, I’m Hannah—a mother of two, musician, and clinical mental health counselor-in-training. After over a decade of teaching in the Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga tradition, I found my focus shifting during my first pregnancy, when a consistent yoga and mindfulness practice became a powerful source of grounding and support. That experience led me to pivot toward working with the perinatal population. I enjoy guiding both new and seasoned students in cultivating a sustainable practice throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. My teaching blends tradition with creativity, and I love weaving music and sound into each class. Rooted in openness and empathy, my approach honors each client's individual path. I look forward to practicing with you!
My Certifications: RYT-200, 85-hour Prenatal Yoga Training
My Class in 3 Words: Traditional, Creative, Energizing