Learn More About Us
Rachel Friedman, E-RYT 500, YACEP, MSW, CST
Rachel stumbled upon yoga in 2000 after graduating from her masters program in clinical social work. Working in a psychiatric hospital she was seeking ways to destress from long chaotic days. Soon after starting her yoga journey, she fell deeply in love with the practice. Having been a competitive gymnast through her childhood, the practice landed powerfully in her body. Shortly after, she began to experience the mental and emotional benefits.
In 2010 after moving to Georgia she embarked on her first of many yoga certifications with Peachtree Yoga. Since 2011 she has trained under Baron Baptiste, and assisted his trainings, as well as Sean Corn, and recieved her 500 hour certification with School Yoga Institute in Peru.
Rachel founded the Somatic Coach School where she trains healers to integrate somatics into their practice, as well as offering somatic therapy to clients 1:1 to heal and transform.
Stephanie Wright RYT-200
Stephanie is a travel junkie, health nut, foodie, and lover of animals, family, and life. She believes that yoga should be accessible to all and strives to create a positive supportive environment for a true mind-body connection.
Her path to yoga began after taking her first class at a local gym in Baton Rouge, Louisiana over 20 years ago. It was not until she moved to Alpharetta, Georgia in 2009 that she revisited the practice by taking a few classes a month at a local gym. In 2014, she discovered Lift Yoga Studio where she was able to learn from Kim Saunders and other amazing teachers. In this space she deepened her yoga practice on and off her mat.
After a minor back surgery in 2015, she struggled to find her balance and flexibility, and found it difficult to touch her toes. In Yoga, she found strength and peace every time she stepped onto her mat, and learned that all things take time, consistency, and love.
Life experiences and completing her 200hrs at Lift Yoga Studio with Kim Saunders has allowed Stephanie to follow her childhood passion and dream of helping others. She feels coordinating movement with breath during each asana, encourages acceptance and flexibility, not only in the body, but also in the mind.
Stephanie Rivera E -RYT 500, YACEP, Certified Breath Coach & Writer
Stephanie Rivera strives to give back to the community what her own practice has given to her. She believes our bodies are always speaking to us and yoga facilitates that communication. With over 1400 hours of teaching experience she is known for her cuing that fosters confidence through transitions. She infuses the idea of moving like water with music to entice students to move fluidly through life on and off the mat. She holds space for every student to dive deeper, tune in and to ultimately listen to and observe themselves. She often includes her own poetry and writing in her classes to deepen the experience. Stephanie travels and teaches a wide range of creative workshops. Her specialties are in breathwork, creative vinyasa, Bhakti yoga, sound meditation, and restorative yoga Nidra. You can follow her on Instagram @oceanflow_yoga
Aaron Brooks Pareigis RYT-200
Embarking on my yoga journey in 2016, my primary aim was to embrace meditation, an important practice of 12 Step Recovery. From this starting point, my journey has woven a tapestry of diverse experiences, each contributing to my growth as a practitioner and instructor.
In 2018 I established a solid foundation with 200 hours of training at Be Yoga in Marietta, paving the way for deeper exploration. My journey led me to specialized trainings, including 100 hours in Hot Sequence with Joe Sarty at Ember Hot Yoga, 50 hours in Yin Yoga with Douglas Johnson of Mahāpatha Yoga, and an additional 50 hours in Yin Yoga. I am also a Postural Alignment Specialist trained through the Egoscue Institute. Additional, delving into yoga literature and philosophy, I dedicated 60 hours to online instruction with Seth Powell PHD at Yogic Studies in the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad-Gita. This scholarly exploration deepened my understanding of yoga's ancient wisdom and philosophical underpinnings, enhancing my expertise and allowing me to embrace the profound teachings of different yoga practices.
Guided by the transformative principles of yoga, I discovered that its lessons extended far beyond the mat. Through yoga, I learned how to heal my physical body and navigate the delicate balance of strength and surrender. Simultaneously, I experienced a profound spiritual healing, rooted in self-exploration and a dedicated connection to a higher power.
Central to my journey has been an unyielding passion for guiding others on the path of self-discipline—a path that leads to the realization of one's highest potential. This transformative journey, I've come to understand, often emerges from a place of personal suffering. It is through the crucible of suffering that we find the key to growth and self-realization. The path from suffering to empowerment requires unwavering dedication, practice, patience and compassionate guidance. It's a path that has ignited within me an ardent commitment to share the art of self-mastery—a path that empowers individuals to transcend adversity and rise to their fullest selves.
My aspiration is to foster a community where the wisdom of yoga, meditation, and self-discovery converge, enabling fellow seekers to embrace their suffering as a catalyst for profound transformation. Together, let us embark on this journey of healing and empowerment.
“You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.”
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Ava Scarth RYT- 200
Ava began her journey into yoga after recovering from a spinal fusion surgery that corrected her once sever scoliosis. The surgery that Ava underwent implanted two metal rods that restrict her from any sort of arch or bend throughout her entire spine. What was once one of her biggest insecurities overtime turned into something that Ava believes uniquely makes her the person she is. Ava believes yoga is for everyone, regardless of any injuries or imperfections one may have.
Ava received her 200-hour vinyasa teaching certification through Lindsay Rodriguez at Ember Hot Yoga in 2024. Ava is also barre certified through Barre Above. She first started teaching barre at Infinite Warrior Yoga in 2019.
Ava believes in creating mindful movement accompanied by mindful breathing, all while truly immersing oneself into the present moment and connecting deeper within.
In Ava’s class, you can expect a fun, playful, and energetic flow accompanied by a curated, upbeat playlist. She looks forward to meeting you and being a part of the Soma community!
Melissa Hardison, RYT - 200
Melissa (RYT 200 hour) has been practicing yoga for over 16 years. After a hiatus from the practice due to a major back injury and complicated recovery, yoga was a lifeline back to herself. In recovery, she was made aware that energetic imprints from physical and emotional trauma are real, and when energy gets stuck and stagnant, the body gets loud. Movement is medicine and Melissa learned to heal herself through her practice.
Working as a full time pediatric nurse at CHOA, Melissa continues to realize that the endless benefits yoga provides are invaluable. As a front line Covid nurse in 2020, she fell into a dark depression and lost her way. Yoga was a lifeline back to herself yet again. The transformation was profound and her mat has been a place of solitude and alchemy ever since. Through her journey she has learned the immense power of breath, and that personal evolution is endless.
The desire to share a practice that continues to serve her life is something Melissa considers an honor and a gift. She is ready to serve the collective and hold space for you to feel safe as you evolve on your yoga journey and explore the magic yoga has to offer. “The nature of yoga is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest corners of the body.” (Jason Crandell).
Andrea Jowdry RYT - 200
My yoga journey began as a natural progression from my years as a gymnast during my childhood. In my early twenties, I found myself drawn to yoga's tranquil yet empowering world, and it has been an integral part of my life ever since. Last year, I decided to share this passion by leaping to become a yoga teacher. My teaching style is best described as calm, soothing, and nurturing. When you step into one of my classes, you can expect a warm atmosphere infused with gentle energy, tranquil yoga music, and a friendly vibe. My classes typically last for 60 minutes, offering a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.