Tribe Members
Our Tribe
Kari Hayden
STUDIO OWNER
As the owner of Palm Studio, Kari brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, compassion, and a passion for holistic wellness. With 25 years of experience as a Critical Care Registered Nurse, she has dedicated her career to caring for others and supporting healing through some of life’s most challenging moments. She now brings that same heart of service into Palm Studio, creating a space where healing, movement, and mindfulness come together.
For the past 7 years, Kari has embraced the role of business owner, growing Palm Studio into a welcoming community centered around wellness, connection, and mindful living. After years of traveling between different studios to experience the mind-body practices she loved, she was inspired to create a space where people could enjoy a variety of wellness offerings under one roof. Her vision expanded with the opening of Palm Pilates, a sister studio dedicated to the transformative benefits of Classical Pilates in a Gratz studio and intentional movement.
Kari believes that true wellness comes from nurturing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. She believes kindness is at the heart of everything, and her intention is for every student who enters Palm Studio or Palm Pilates to feel welcomed, supported, rejuvenated, and inspired.
She is especially passionate about making mindfulness accessible to all ages and proudly offers free Youth Yoga and Teen Yoga programs to help children develop self-awareness, confidence, and a lifelong connection to wellness.
Outside of her studios, Kari enjoys life with her husband of 25 years, Dave, and their three children. Through Palm Studio and Palm Pilates, she continues her lifelong mission of caring for others by creating spaces where healing, movement, and community can flourish.
Meagan White
Yoga Instructor
Originally from upstate New York, Meagan has called Englewood home since 1989 and considers herself a longtime local. With a lifelong passion for movement, wellness, and helping others, she discovered her love for teaching in 1999 when she stepped in as a substitute instructor for a step aerobics class—and the rest became a journey of inspiring others through fitness.
Over the years, Meagan has expanded her knowledge and training across a variety of disciplines, becoming certified in Beachbody PiYo, Insanity, POUND, TRX, Barre, and earning her 500-hour Yoga certification through the esteemed Heartwood Yoga Institute in Sarasota, Florida. Her diverse background allows her to thoughtfully create classes that support all levels, helping students build strength, confidence, and a deeper connection with their bodies.
Meagan believes movement is a powerful tool for both physical and emotional well-being. Her passion is creating an encouraging and uplifting environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to embrace their own wellness journey.
Outside of the studio, Meagan enjoys spending time on the water, staying active, and making memories with her husband and two sons, Miles and Nixon. Her personal motto says it all: “My heart is fitness. It is what I love to do. If I am moving, I am happy!”
Marisa Incelli
Thai Body Massage & Somatic Release
I am honored to hold space for others as they reconnect with their inner light, healing, and inherent wisdom. Through a blend of holistic modalities—including Thai bodywork, breathwork, energy work, moxibustion, Ayurvedic consultations, and mindful cooking—I support each individual’s journey toward balance, awareness, and well-being.
As an intuitive healer, I offer a nurturing and compassionate approach, creating a safe space for you to reconnect with your body, restore your energy, and awaken the natural radiance within. My intention is to guide you toward deeper self-awareness and help you rediscover your own divine sparkle.
Paula Rowe
certified Breathworker
Paula Rowe is a certified Breathworker. She has trained with and assisted Leonard Orr (Founder of Rebirthing International) in and out of this country. Paula also trained with Sondra Ray's Loving Relationship Training Program, where she became a very successful teacher, transformational coach, and lecturer. Breathwork is and always will be her most loved modality of healing work. In 1993, she traveled to the Island of Curacao, where she taught its history and elevated the school system's consciousness. Her private practice evolved to include many clients from Europe. She was residing on the Beach in South Florida at the time. Paula then moved to Miami and met Diane Aliana Torrey, who founded Light Touch Healing. The two of them opened a center in Miami Springs. Eventually, they combined their gifts and healing, which became The Espira Breath Experience. Dianba moved away, and Paula continues to teach Espire. Paula then moved to northern Michigan. In 2009, the Soul Awakening Project was born. In 2012, Paula held an event for the Awakening of Gaia 2012; everything became much clearer as to the mission. Paula realized that she was the project, her own life's journey. This was the premise of the Soul Awakening Journey, and noe more recently the journey of navigating the way into Global Unified Breathing, which is all about the Oneness Breath. Her vision is a mass amount of people coming together and one unified moment and breathing with a collective intentional goal to a person, place, or object. This Breath of oneness is what unifies us and awakens in us our true self-realized presence. Breath itself leads us to the truth. Paula's mission is huge. Paula says, "It's not about me, it is about the power of our own breath. To bring about peaceful change. This accelerated speed of light healing can take place in all of us.
Rosa Devi Sangha Kaur
Kundalini Instructor
Rosa discovered Kundalini Yoga in 2012 after a 25-year corporate career, finding a powerful path to personal growth, mindfulness, and inner transformation. Inspired by the profound impact of the practice, she became a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher in 2017 and now shares these teachings with her community.
A graduate of Stetson University, Rosa currently serves as an interpreter for the Florida 12th Judicial Circuit Courts. Her dedication to growth extends beyond the studio through her personal meditation practice, continued learning, and participation in retreats that deepen her connection to self-awareness and spiritual wellness.
Through her Kundalini Yoga classes, Rosa creates a supportive space for students to explore breath, movement, meditation, and energy awareness—inviting them to cultivate balance, clarity, and a deeper connection within.
Dena McCabe
Yoga instructor
Dena relocated to Venice, Florida, in 2020 with her husband, Michael, after spending many years in Western Massachusetts. Following a successful career in business and education, she embraced the opportunity to pursue a lifelong passion—sharing the transformative practice of yoga with others.
Dena completed her Yoga Alliance 200-hour teaching certification and continues to deepen her knowledge through her pursuit of an Ayurveda Specialist certification. Her lifelong interest in philosophy, spirituality, and personal growth naturally flows into her teaching, creating a practice that honors the connection between body, mind, and spirit.
Her yoga classes incorporate chakras, mudras, breathwork, and mindful movement to encourage calm energy, positivity, focus, and clarity. Through conscious breathing and intentional practice, Dena helps students create space for energy to flow freely and reconnect with their inner balance.
Known for her uplifting spirit, Dena enjoys bringing modern yoga influences and acoustic music into her classes, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment where students can move, breathe, and connect more deeply with themselves.
Tammy Thebes
Reflexology
In 2020, I decided I wanted to live in Florida, so my husband and I pulled up roots and have been living in Port Charlotte, Florida, since 2024. I retired after 25 years in 2019, working in Governmental Accounting, and moved into Natural Health and Wellness. I did this to help not just others, but I went back to school and became a Board Certified Naturopathic Practitioner. Once in Florida, I needed something else, so I went to school for reflexology, and now I am a Board Certified Reflexologist, which has led me to massage therapy. Currently in school to become an LMT and wrap this all up in a loving bundle of gifts. Being able to help others find that balance within their bodies brings peace to my heart. I followed the call to help, and that is what has led me here.
Kristin Cimmino
Yoga Instructor
Kristin is a certified RYT 500-hour yoga instructor and ABT-certified Barre instructor with a passion for mindful movement and wellness. Her yoga journey began through her love of hot yoga while training for the High Peaks of New York State before relocating to Florida in 2020.
Kristin teaches yoga and Barre classes designed for all levels, focusing on strength, balance, breath, and connection. She believes yoga is for everyone—if you can breathe, you can practice. Her goal is to create a welcoming space where students can move, grow, and feel connected to their bodies.
Grace Perkins
Kids Yoga Instructor
Grace has a lifelong passion for nurturing and inspiring children. With over 10 years of experience in the ESE department, she has supported children with compassion and understanding while helping them discover their unique strengths. She specializes in helping children with dysgraphia through cursive writing support and private sessions designed to build confidence, focus, and self-expression.
A yogi for over 25 years, Grace believes in the powerful connection between movement, breath, and mindfulness. Her mission is to plant the seeds of mindfulness early, helping children develop tools for calm, awareness, and emotional well-being. She also loves sharing the importance of holistic nutrition and teaching children how the choices they make can help nourish their bodies and minds.
With her playful spirit and compassionate heart, Grace creates a safe and supportive space where children can grow, connect, and shine. Through mindfulness, movement, and wellness education, she hopes to inspire children to develop a lifelong foundation of balance, confidence, and self-care.
Karen Webster
Holistic Healer
Karen Webster is an ordained minister, holistic healer, Reiki Master, and energy healing practitioner dedicated to helping others find balance, clarity, and inner peace. Through compassionate, personalized healing sessions that blend Reiki, guided meditation, and subconscious healing techniques, Karen supports clients in releasing stress, anxiety, emotional blocks, and limiting beliefs. Her mission is to empower others to reconnect with their inner wisdom, restore harmony, and create lasting transformation.
Vicky Vazquez
Yoga Instructor
Krista Ruffoni
Reiki Master
Krista Ruffoni is a mindfulness and meditation coach, reiki master, and lifelong student of the universe. Krista believes meditation and mindfulness are life-changing, powerful practices for bringing more peace, joy, love, and presence into your daily life
Denese Venza
Yoga Instructor
Denese “Nese” Venza is a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer who brings a passion for mindful movement, strength, and personal growth to every class. She holds a 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification and is trained in the Barkan Method, with expertise in Hot Vinyasa, Power Flow, and Gentle Flow yoga.
With extensive experience teaching in studios, schools, and fitness centers, Nese creates classes that welcome all levels—from beginners to experienced practitioners. Her approach blends physical strength, flexibility, breath awareness, and mindfulness to support overall well-being.
Nese’s goal is to inspire students to connect with their bodies, cultivate inner balance, and experience the transformative benefits of yoga both on and beyond the mat.
JoAnn Cooke
Light Language Transmitter
JoAnn Cooke is a gifted Light Language communicator and Reiki Master who has been channeling and speaking hundreds of Light Languages for over a decade. She serves as a channel for subtle, vibrational wisdom, bringing forward intuitive messages and healing energy to support deep transformation, awareness, and personal growth.
Through Light Language, a form of energetic communication that moves beyond the logical mind, JoAnn offers a unique experience that connects with the heart, soul, and deeper layers of the self. Her work supports the release of limiting patterns, emotional healing, and the restoration of balance and harmony within the mind, body, and spirit.
With compassion and intuitive guidance, JoAnn creates a safe and nurturing space for individuals to reconnect with their inner wisdom and experience the healing power of energy, vibration, and consciousness.
releasing trauma, and healing disease in the mind or body.
Robert Austin
Sound and Energy Healer/ Teacher
With over 25 years of experience, Robert is an internationally recognized Sound Healer and Energy Practitioner specializing in frequency-based healing and vibrational wellness. Through more than 1,000 sound healing events, workshops, and transformative experiences, he has guided individuals and communities in discovering the restorative and balancing power of sound.
Using crystal singing bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, didgeridoo, and intuitive energy work, Robert creates immersive healing experiences designed to support deep relaxation, inner harmony, and energetic balance. His sessions invite the body and mind into a state of restoration, helping to calm the nervous system, release tension, reduce stress, and reconnect with a deeper sense of well-being.
Robert offers private sound healing sessions in the studio and in clients’ homes, along with group sound baths and educational workshops. He also provides one-on-one training for those interested in exploring the art of sound healing through crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, tuning forks, didgeridoo, and other vibrational tools.
With a compassionate and intuitive approach, Robert creates a safe and welcoming space where relaxation, healing, and personal transformation can naturally unfold through the power of sound, frequency, and vibration.
Malori Eichler
yoga Instructor
Born in Tampa and rooted in Englewood, Malori was first introduced to yoga through Tai Chi during her time at the University of Utah. What began as a personal practice soon became a passion and a pathway to deeper connection, balance, and self-discovery. In March 2025, she followed her calling and became a certified yoga instructor.
She now shares her love of yoga through Hot Yoga and Power Flow classes, weaving together breath, movement, and mindfulness to help students connect with their bodies, spirit, and inner strength.
Grounded in her faith, Malori brings compassion, authenticity, and positive energy into everything she does. She is a proud fur mom to two Chihuahua-Terriers and an aunt to three beautiful girls.
When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her practicing yoga, exploring sound healing with singing bowls, deepening her connection to energy work, or creating through her business, Be Happy Painting.
I now love teaching, especially Hot Yoga and Power Flow classes that connect breath, movement, and spirit.
My faith is the foundation of everything I do, and I'm a proud fur mom to two Chihuahua-Terriers and an aunt to three beautiful girls.
When I'm not teaching, you’ll find me practicing yoga, playing sound bowls, exploring energy healing, or working on my business, Be Happy Painting.
Moriah Farrell
Yoga Instructor
Moriah was given the gift of freedom almost 10 years ago through her Yoga practice. She was trapped in her body and trapped by negative thought patterns. Self-doubt ruled her, and her body was a stranger. Yoga was the path to her freedom. Moriah had already undergone a successful Gastric Bypass surgery in 2002 but let the weight creep back on. Through diet and exercise, she lost 125 pounds. While that was an outstanding accomplishment, it didn’t teach Moriah how to love herself. How to give herself grace and understanding. How to release negativity and self-doubt. That occurred when Moriah began her Yoga practice.
Yoga has allowed Moriah to connect to her body while facing what is going on inside her mind. Through Moriah’s time on the mat, she is able to grant herself grace and ease whenever necessary. To accept where she is in the moment. Moriah expects nothing and is so very grateful for everything.
Moriah’s goal is to show that the practice of yoga is accessible to all body types and maybe help another being find their freedom. Moriah is a Certified Alignment-Based Yoga and Aerial Yoga.
Alyssa Paponetti
yoga Instructor
Alyssa Paponetti is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher who believes in the transformative power of yoga to heal, strengthen, and reconnect the mind, body, and spirit. Although yoga had been part of her life for years, it was during a challenging season that she truly deepened her practice and discovered yoga as an anchor for healing, self-awareness, and inner balance.
Inspired by the profound impact yoga had on her own journey, Alyssa followed her passion and completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training through YogaRenew, becoming a Yoga Alliance certified instructor. She now shares her love of yoga through Vinyasa-style classes that blend mindful movement with breath, creating space for students to build strength, increase flexibility, and cultivate a sense of calm and connection.
Alyssa believes yoga is more than a physical practice—it is a pathway to greater awareness, resilience, and overall well-being. Her intention is to create a welcoming environment where students can honor where they are, move with intention, and experience the healing benefits of the practice.
Outside of the studio, Alyssa is a proud mom of two teenagers and enjoys spending time at the beach, grounding in nature, and embracing the moments that bring peace, gratitude, and balance to everyday life.
Melisa Feustel
Pilates Instructor
After a 25-year career as a dental hygienist, Melisa discovered Pilates as a pathway to healing, balance, and reconnecting with her body after years of physical demands. Through her own practice, she experienced the transformative power of mindful movement and became passionate about helping others build strength, improve mobility, and create greater awareness within their bodies.
Melisa completed her comprehensive Pilates teacher training through Balanced Body Pilates, grounding her teaching in the classical principles established by Joseph Pilates while incorporating functional movement techniques that support the body’s natural alignment and everyday movement.
Her approach focuses on the connection between breath, concentration, control, and precision—helping clients move with intention, develop strength from within, and cultivate a deeper understanding of their bodies. Melisa’s goal is to create a supportive environment where each person can improve their physical well-being, enhance their quality of life, and experience the lasting benefits of a mindful movement practice.
As Joseph Pilates believed, “Not only is health a normal condition, but it is our duty not only to attain it but maintain it.”
Shelly Storch
Barre Instructor
Shelly brings a unique blend of professional experience and a lifelong passion for fitness and wellness. After a successful career in advertising sales, she followed her passion for movement and community by purchasing a fitness center in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2007. There, she began teaching senior fitness programs, which inspired her journey into Barre and mindful movement.
After relocating to Florida in 2021, Shelly continued sharing her love of fitness in Punta Gorda before moving to Englewood in November. She creates a welcoming and supportive environment where students can build strength, improve balance, and connect with their bodies.
Outside of the studio, Shelly enjoys boating, decorating, and hiking—embracing an active, balanced, and inspired lifestyle.
Giuliana Losito
Pilates Instructor
Tiffany Simpson
Kundalini Instructor
Tiff’s path to Kundalini Yoga began as a personal journey toward deep healing, grounding, and reconnecting with inner peace. After experiencing firsthand the transformative power of breathwork, mudras, and sound, she felt a profound calling to share these sacred tools with others.
As a certified Kundalini instructor, Tiff creates a compassionate, non-judgmental space where students of all experience levels can pause, release stagnant energy, and awaken their vital spirit. Her classes blend rhythmic movement, intentional pranayama, and restorative meditation—guiding you to quiet the mind, balance the nervous system, and reconnect with your divine vitality.
When she’s not holding space for her students, Tiff can be found enjoying daily outdoor walks, practicing mindfulness, and spending quality time with the people that matter most and three beloved cats. She believes that true wellness begins when we meet ourselves exactly as we are, and she looks forward to welcoming you into the Palm Studio community.
"Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light." — Yogi Bhajan
Jocelyn Hoch
Holisitic Nutrition & Biofeedback Specialist
Jocelyn Hoch, is a minister, holistic nutritionist, biofeedback specialist, organic farmer, and lifelong student of spirituality and natural health. For more than 27 years, she has studied nutrition, comparative spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all life, including the teachings of Yeshua through the Aramaic language, as well as Hindu and Buddhist traditions. For over 20 years, Jocelyn has practiced biodynamic organic farming inspired by Rudolf Steiner's principles, cultivating a deep relationship with the rhythms of nature. Her work also draws from Native American-inspired meditation, helping others reconnect with the natural world, deepen self-awareness, and experience greater harmony in body, mind, and spirit. Jocelyn's classes & counseling sessions offer nutritional suggestions, past life karmic releasing, Angel & ancestral connections, tips on channeling, and holistic insights on how all these things are interconnected into our current time.
Riley Chewning
Yoga Instructor
I am a certified 200hr RYT from Southern California, with experience teaching yoga in Mexico and the Bahamas. My classes usually involve hot yoga, hatha/vinyasa flows, and a fun playlist. When I'm not practicing yoga, I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, and sipping iced coffee. I'm passionate about helping my students develop and deepen their yoga practice.