Jenna has a passion for life, the outdoors, education and people. She is co-founder with her husband, Joe, of Awaken Studios, Awaken Retreats & Awaken Transformation. She is a certified LifeCoach, a Stott Pilates Lead Instructor Trainer in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels; along with being an Instructor Trainer for Total Barre, Zenga Mindful Movement, and CORE Athletic Conditioning and Performance Training. Additional credentials include being 500 hour Yoga Teacher Trained, Awaken Aerial co-founder, Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from the University of Utah, Masters in Education from the University of Utah. Along with teaching fitness, Jenna has also taught snowboarding, skiing, recreational therapy, and dance. She loves seeing how her clients’ lives improve as they work towards mindset shifts, personal and fitness goals, injury rehabilitation or an improved quality of life. Jenna’s life work however is her 4 children, whom help remind her through their examples how to live life in the present with an awe for the amazing world.

Michelle’s love for movement began as a child in dance and gymnastics. She stayed active throughout her life, but it was while attending the University of Utah that her passion for functional movement, fitness, and wellness was ignited in her physical fitness and nutrition classes. Around that time, She started taking Pilates classes and fell in love with the practice. After years of regular Pilates classes, she decided that she wanted to share her love of functional movement with other people. Michelle was trained at intermountain Pilates training center in the STOTT Pilates method. When she is not at the studio she is spending time with her husband and two active little boys.

Lisa got hooked on Pilates when she first tried it out her freshman year of college. It made her feel stong, long, flexible, and worked her body in a way that no other form of exercise could. She knew right away that this was something she needed to share with everyone she met! She kept practicing Pilates throughout her professional dance career and attributes Pilates to keeping her body healthy and injury free. After she retired from performing and gave birth to twins, she knew that life would never slow down and finally decided to get certified. She loves challenging her clients and helping them reap the benefits of Pilates!

Desirae has a great passion for fitness and movement. She has trained in dance all her life and was introduced to Pilates by one of her instructors years ago and fell in love! She completed the Stott Pilates Reformer course and graduated with a BSA in Communications from Utah Valley University. She has 10+ years experience as a dance instructor and choreographer, she has also danced professionally for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and multiple Utah based companies. She is a wife, and mom to an adorable baby boy and happy to say she loves what she does! Desirae trains in Pilates regularly and values that it generates core and muscle strength, length, and tone while creating stability to protect from injuries. She says from experience that Pilates has changed the way she feels and carries herself on a daily basis. She truly loves teaching and sharing the benefits of fitness and Pilates with others.

Kevin helped the owners (Jenna & Joe) open Awaken Studios in 2016. Kevin started out as a part-time membership sales rep. Over the years, Kevin dedicated himself & has become the General Manager of Awaken Studios. He continues to find new ways to build and support this community. Kevin’s had the opportunity of learning from the Awaken Staff and Instructors; taking classes, committing to the health and wellness industry, the human body, and everything in between.Kevin is a certified Yoga Instructor, Cycling Instructor, Group Fitness/T.R.X. Instructor, Pilates Instructor & Reiki Energy Facilitator.“We’re all here to learn and to teach. I feel so very fortunate that Awaken Studios continues to support my leadership, learning and desire to be a better version of myself. My mission has always been to connect with as many people as possible.. I truly believe that is what creates a fulfilling life. This journey has been more than i could express. I am beyond grateful.”It gives Kevin great pleasure to show up, create, engage, and learn alongside all of you. In and outside of the studio.

Rachel Barker is a dance artist, choreographer, and educator from Salt Lake City, Utah who loves the mountains and her bike. Working as a river-guide, traversing the mountains on her skis and bike, or heading out on solo adventure trips, she prefers to spend most of her time outside! Her creative work—including contemporary dance choreography and dance film— has received multiple awards and been presented nationally and internationally in various festivals and venues. She has taught dance in a variety of settings for 23 years; as a dance professor in both Utah and North Carolina for the past seven, and in various dance studios, as head of a high school dance program, and community centers in years prior.

She has practiced pilates for many years as a way to strengthen and find stability to her mobility, certifying through Balanced Body in 2015 and completing her Stott Reformer training with Awaken Studios in 2022. Rachel thoroughly enjoys helping others find the joy of movement, whether that be through healing body and soul as we discover all that we are capable of, or addressing particular injuries in order to live life to the fullest and pursue our passions.

She holds an MFA in Dance from The Ohio State University, a Masters in Teaching from Westminster College, and a BFA in Dance from the University of Utah. She is so excited to be working with you all at Awaken Studios!

Cyndi holds a  Bachelor’s degree in Health and Fitness and a background that includes a successful career in banking. Her Pilates instruction  journey started with her wanting to take her personal Pilates practice to the next level.  She was quick to discover her desire to help others achieve their health and fitness goals.  

Cyndi is dedicated to providing clients with  Pilates sessions that enhance strength, flexibility, and overall health.  She/is committed to fostering a supportive environment where clients can reach their full potential.

Outside of the Pilates studio,  Cyndi enjoys  biking, skiing, gardening, baking, and spending time with family.

Hillary relocated back to Salt Lake City after living in Honolulu, Hawaii for 16 Years where she owns and directs Manoa Dance Studio (MDS). When she started MDS, many thought she was simply teaching kids the basics, when she was, in fact, learning to dance again herself. In 2008, Hillary suffered a major stroke that left her unable to speak and rendered her right side paralyzed. After a risky brain surgery, she nurtured her recovery over several years with Pilates, which enabled her to make leaps and bounds in her recovery and allowed her to return to her first passion, dancing. Hillary now specializes in Neuroscience recovery with movement, body mechanics for dancers, injury recovery and prevention for youth through seniors and holds over 2,000 hours in certifications in movement science, Pilates and Yoga. Hillary has one constant thread throughout her life- her passion for empowering people through movement.

Laura’s first exposure to Pilates was through her ballet teacher (who studied Pilates in 1970’s New York when she was a soloist with American Ballet Theatre). She had a Mat Pilates class every Saturday in what she now knows as a classical method for dancers. Some years have passed…and after being on bedrest for several of her 7 pregnancies, resulting in 7 amazing children, she has used Pilates to rehabilitate from an extremely non-athletic place, and certified in Stott Reformer and Mat repertoire in 2022. She just marvels at this conditioning method that can strengthen and improve a body’s function at any starting point, from bed rest survivors to elite athletes. Laura taught ballet classes for many years, homeschooled her children for some years, and now teaches Pilates whenever she can —when she isn’t teaching her kids to put their plates in the dishwasher, cooking, driving, gardening, cleaning, reading a book, traveling, or having a dance party in the kitchen.

I discovered Pilates during one of my pregnancies when my pelvis slipped out and was very disorganized....and physical plain painful! Pilates helped me stabilize and was one thing to bring me the slightest relief from pain. From there I was hooked, and began progressing into advanced levels and was astounded at what the human body could do when uniformly developed! I certified in 2017, spending 850 hours in my program... I learned and grew immensely during that time.I love teaching Pilates, but also love my four kiddos, playing tennis and doing anything in those majestic mountains of ours!I am honored to join the awaken team and can’t wait to get to know all of you better!!

Jamie is a passionate learner about the body. She loves sharing the way movement, is capable of improving, and supporting our individual journeys to move forward with strength, ease and grace. Being a people person and a good listener, allows Jamie to assist students in modifying, or adjusting their bodies to what’s best for them. Jamie knows, “Movement IS Medicine.” Jamie is currently certified as Pilates reformer and mat instructor... As well as a Yoga teacher. Most recently, she has completed her certification as a Myofascial release specialist. When not teaching, you can find her in nature, walking, hiking and cooking for her family, when she is not being their personal Uber drive.

Bianca has always been active and loved movement. She’s participated competitively and recreationally in many sports and activities, including; soccer, gymnastics, hiking, climbing and skiing. She especially loves anything in nature! Her love of movement paired with the mindfulness and intention of Pilates led to her passion and desire to become certified. The grounding and empowering connection that comes from Pilates is something she wants to share with everyone. Bianca believes Pilates is a gift that helps keep our bodies strong, healthy and moving so we can live our lives fully outside the studio.

Kat grew up dancing and has always loved movement. 

While recovering from a back injury, she found Pilates as an outlet for movement to help her recovery.  Kat  hopes to provide a balanced class where clients honor their body and  challenge themselves every class and leave  feeling strong and empowered. 

Outside of teaching Pilates and Barre, Kat loves to spend time with her 2 year old, her pup and husband. She loves musical theater. She loves to  hike, bake and read.

Rachel was born and raised in Utah. She has always enjoyed being active and living a healthy lifestyle. She was lucky enough to find and marry her husband that has the same passions. Rachel is a mother to three kids and a dog. They enjoy spending time together as a family in the outdoors; camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. Rachel received her degree in Nursing and worked as an RN at the University of Utah Hospital, in the Newborn ICU for several years. Being torn between her profession and staying home to be a mom, she decided to be with her kids. During her time as a stay-at-home mom, she started taking Pilates classes. This is where she fell in love with Pilates and how good it made her body feel. She decided to become an instructor and certified through Stott in Mat and Reformer. Rachel loves the body and is fascinated with how it works and moves. She has been teaching Pilates since 2014, and is currently working towards her full Pilates Certification and hopes to one day become an Instructor Trainer.

I attended my first yoga class 25 years ago. Coming from a background in dance, I immediately connected to the physical aspects of the practice. Over the years my practice became something much more. Through the teachings of yoga, my life was transformed as I discovered a profound sense of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Fueled with a desire to share these teachings, I completed my first 200- hour yoga teacher training in 2009. Since then, I have completed almost 2000 hours of trainings and study in many different lineages, learning and practicing with some of today’s most renowned yoga teachers from around the world. As an E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance, my own style of teaching is the culmination of my vast experience. I have over 15 years of teaching yoga, 8 years leading teacher trainings and 5 years as a sound healing facilitator. My intention as a teacher, sound healer and educator of yoga is to create a space and experience that empowers my students to connect to their own inner wisdom and to learn how to listen to the intelligence of their body to find more healing, peace and well-being. I am passionate about the ability yoga has to heal and am currently enrolled in a 3-year program to become a certified yoga therapist through the Soul of Yoga Institute in Encinitas California.

Liilu Hansen, 500E-RYT, invites you to come back to yourself—back to your own body and back to your personal intuition. Her energetic and approachable teaching style allows you to move through your physical and spiritual yoga journey in a deep and meaningful way, and all at your own pace. Liilu’s studies in a wide range of yoga styles combined with 15 years full of yoga teaching experience offer you something new and exciting to learn in each class. She teaches Power Vinyasa Flow and Restorative Yoga in Millcreek and also travels to teach in international yoga festivals, such as the Copenhagen Yoga Festival in Denmark. In addition to yoga, Liilu has four children and enjoys skiing, hiking and camping with her family. Yoga keeps her grounded and centered throughout her busy, full, challenging and joyful life.

Kevin started his wellness journey by becoming a yoga Instructor through the Awaken Studios Yoga Teacher Training program in 2017. Since then, Kevin has successfully completed his 500 hour RYT and continues his education/dedication. Kevin has certified in Group Fitness as a T.R.X. Instructor, Pilates Instructor, & pursued Reiki as an Energy Facilitator. “We’re all here to learn and to teach. I feel so very fortunate that Awaken Studios continues to support my leadership, learning and desire to be a better version of myself. My mission has always been to connect with as many people as possible.. I truly believe that this is what creates a fulfilling life. This journey has been more than i could express. I am beyond grateful.” It gives Kevin great pleasure to show up, create, engage, and learn alongside all of you. In and outside of the studio.

Cynthia is passionate about matters of the heart, connection, and soaking up the juiciness of life, optimizing health, and deepening her relationship to the Divine. This is what led her to yoga over 24 years ago. Cynthia has been teaching, mentoring and leading yoga retreats and events for over 14 years. She is an RYT 500/ E-RYT, and YACEP provider, as she is now leading yoga teacher trainings, teaching her personal development, HeartLife modules for various Yoga Teacher Training schools in Salt Lake/and Utah Valley “I AM honored to share my passions and grateful for the opportunity to assist others in both growing their physical practice, as well as supporting them in exploring, integrating and strengthening their spiritual journey, off of the mat and into their world! “I AM a stand for changing this world…one open heart at a time!”

Nicole Mickelson brings over 22 years of yoga practice and 17 years of teaching experience to create deeply healing and nurturing yoga sessions. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Cognitive Science, along with certifications in Reiki, Meditation, and Neuroscience, offering a comprehensive approach to mind-body healing. As an ambassador for Forrest Yoga, Nicole integrates its grounding principles with wisdom from world-renowned restorative yoga teacher and mentor Judith Lasseter, as well as inspiration from Ana Forrest, Shiva Rea, and others. Her restorative yoga sessions, Deep Restore + Serenade, offer a unique blend of soothing practices that promote relaxation and renewal. Rooted in the wisdom of Sutra 1:2, “Yogas citta vritti nirodhah”—the stilling of the mind—Nicole’s restorative classes help reduce stress, improve sleep, and restore physical and emotional balance. The peace cultivated on the mat becomes a valuable companion beyond it. For Nicole, yoga is not just a practice confined to the mat—it is a way of living. “We take the shanti (peace) we reconnect with in our practice off the mat and into our daily lives by living from a more peaceful place in every moment, as best as we possibly can.”

Brittany recently graduated from our 200 YTT program here at Awaken and her first yoga class was with us in our earlier years. She is a native to Salt Lake City and has been teaching majority of her adult life. She believes that she was born to lead and guide others through movement, yoga being one of them. Her yoga style is empowering, connected, and grounding. Her mission is to share her life experiences authentically with others, so that they can feel a connection to themselves and with her. "I believe when we show up authentically as ourselves, it gives us an opportunity to be seen for our being. Our experiences shape us into who we are and when we own all of the parts of ourselves we can feel grounded knowing we are living for ourselves. It's not always easy, but just like yoga, life is a practice. A practice of coming home to ourselves, our truth and being grounded within that space." Brittany is a being of light and her genuine energy shines bright. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is always open to a vulnerable conversation. Through conversations comes connection and when we can become vulnerable and be seen, we can show up as our true selves on and off the mat. Brittany is ready to connect, elevate, grow and help guide you back home to yourself.

Cassie has been teaching yoga for the past 7 years and is a 500 HR RYT. She She has a background in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Yin Infused practices but her deep love is for Restorative Yoga. Cassie is passionate about awakening others to the quiet calm waters of their most deepest sacred hearts. “I am here to inspire and empower others to take the beautiful leap into a deeper relationship with themselves. My intention in each of my classes is to have you leaving feeling that no matter what life has thrown your way, you can always start anew. I am here as a messenger to remind you of your divine goodness, your divine power and beauty. Just by YOU merely existing dear one YOU are already enough. I want to create a safe sacred space for all to come into. No matter where you are on your awakening healing journey there is room for you to come and be just as you are, in all your many shades, colors, shapes and sizes. YOU always have a place here to find your grounded center on your own terms”.

Kayla has always understood that health is wealth and movement is medicine.
At the young age of thirteen, Kayla underwent a spinal fusion with two titanium rods and sixteen screws extending down the vertebrae from T3-L2 due to severe scoliosis.
Through yoga, she gained back her mobility, flexibility, and strength all with a positive mindset. Bent but never broken, she continues to prevail through medical challenges and show how endlessly capable our bodies are. She seeks to share this incredible gift of mindful movement and meditation back to the world.

A 200 HR Yoga Alliance Certified Awaken YTT graduate, trained in Ashtanga and Vinyasa practices.
Kayla seeks to offer a safe place to feel, heal, and understand one's body wherever you are on your journey.

Dre fell in love with yoga in her early 20s and dove into her 200 RYT shortly after. Over the years, she’s been a practitioner in many different communities-but always remained a student. She continues to learn and educate herself in different healing arts and modalities as a compliment to her yoga practice. Intentional movement has been a huge component in her healing journey and she felt the deep pull to share that with others.

When she’s not teaching fitness classes around the valley, she’s spending time with her son, dogs, and cats, getting up into the mountains, or making her own herbal remedies and concoctions for her friends and family. 

Dre invites you to come as you are and leave with a deeper connection to yourself. She really invites that playful energy into class. You’ll laugh, remember to not take yourself too seriously, and leave feeling empowered to breathe through whatever you may face in your day to day. 

Danae is a Michigan native currently living, practicing and teaching yoga in Salt Lake City, Utah. Danae currently works in the education setting and has experience as a classroom teacher and a teacher coach. Her love of teaching and learning led her to Yoga Teacher Training in 2015. She is also a Kids Yoga Teacher, certified through Next Generation Yoga and loves sharing yoga with kids of all ages. Danae loves to spend time outdoors and connecting the body and mind through movement.

JANE JOHNSON WAS AN AVID RUNNER UNTIL THE ARIZONA HEAT REQUIRED SHE COMPLETE HER MARATHON TRAINING ON A TREADMILL NEXT TO THE GROUP FITNESS ROOM AT THE GYM. SHE ACCIDENTALLY RAN RIGHT OFF THAT TREADMILL AND INTO THE HIP HOP ZUMBA CLASS, CANCELLED HER MARATHON RACE, AND HAS NEVER LOOKED BACK.

AS THE CO-FOUNDER OF UPBEAT BARRE, JANE HAS A PASSION FOR MUSCULAR ENDURANCE TRAINING AND DIVES DEEP INTO THE SCIENCE OF THE WORKOUT, ALWAYS CREATING A BALANCE OF FUN AND EDUCATION THROUGHOUT HER CLASSES.

WHEN SHE'S NOT TEACHING UPBEAT BARRE, JANE ALSO TEACHES HIGH FITNESS, HIGH YO, AND HUSTLES WITH HER HUSBAND, SETH, TO GET THEIR FOUR CHILDREN TO THEIR VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS. SHE LOVES SINGING, VOLLEYBALL, AND CRIO BRU WITH NUTPODS, AND WATCHES GILMORE GIRLS, FRIENDS, AND THE AMERICANS ON REPEAT.

*UPBEAT BARRE IS MUSCULAR-ENDURANCE HIIT FUSION OF CARDIO, STRENGTH, PILATES, AND YOGA. UPB USES POPULAR MUSIC TO CREATE AN ACCESSIBLE, SWEATY, AND BALANCED WORKOUT WITH VARYING LEVELS OF INTENSITY.

Born and raised in Laie, Hawaii. I grew up loving farm fresh foods, lots of big family gatherings and of course the beach. I was active in sports throughout my life and went to a small town college in Wyoming to play volleyball and later transferred to the University of Utah. Married my kind hearted husband and together have 3 energetic children (which includes a set of twins!). My love for fitness and wellness actually grew more when I stopped playing collegiate volleyball. I started to focus on my fitness and wellness goals as an individual and fell in love with the process of understanding my mind, and body collectively. Found myself attending many group fitness classes and WYLD fed my mind, body and soul in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined. It was a no brainer that I certified to share the gift of WYLD and spread love, light and aloha to those around me and of course myself. I am so excited to share this space with the awaken Ohana and of course you!

I HAVE BEEN TEACHING AND TRAINING FOR JUST OVER 20 YEARS, AND HAVE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH WITH MY BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN HEALTH SCIENCE-WITH AN EMPHASIS IN NUTRITION. I HAVE BEEN NASM, ACE, AFFA, AND LES MILLS TRAINED, AND LOVE WORKING WITH ALL AGES OF PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY YOUNG ATHLETES.

I HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 10 YEARS, HAVE 3 FUN AND CRAZY GIRLS, AND DON'T OWN ANY ANIMALS. I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT COOKING, TRAVELING, AND LEARNING ANYTHING NEW- AND MY FAVORITE QUOTE IS; "WHAT OTHERS THINK OF YOU, IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS"

Shawna Wilson has been teaching High Fitness since January of 2016. She is an avid lover of group fitness, birthday celebrations, Disneyland, summer pool days, Christmas magic, and of course, her family ranks at the tippy-top.

You'll rarely find her without a Diet Coke in hand. She loves to be the hype girl of every class and can be found grinning ear to ear while sweating head to toe.  

Shawna's motto is to "Live it!" Life was meant to be enjoyed, not just endured, so why not make it the most fun you can!

I was raised primarily on the north shores of Oahu, Hawaii. I love the outdoors and traveling so I feel fortunate that as a young adult I have been able to relocate to several areas and travel frequently outside the country. In 2010, we made the move from Seattle to settle in Salt lake city to be closer to my husbands family, raise our 2 fun loving kids, and hit the mountains.

After finally stepping away from a corporate job, I jumped back into the fitness Industry, managing and Instructing a variety of classes, but nowadays I mostly just enjoy taking classes from others :-)

I love to learn and meet new people. Finding Awaken studios has given me a place to enjoy doing what I love to do among individuals who aspire to do the same. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Awaken family!

Kellie Rae is a distinguished entrepreneur specializing in dance movement and education, photography, and videography.
With a BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah, she has traveled to Berlin, Europe, Australia, and across the Western United States to train with leading companies and embrace diverse ideologies.
As the founder of The Mind Body Confidence, Kellie Rae combines mental health and the arts through a holistic approach to performance mindset. She has trained thousands of students and clients within the last 17 years, fostering mind-body connectivity and cultivating genuine confidence.
Her program equips participants with skills that unlock their true potential, nurture self-love, and earn recognition and awards in their fields. Kellie Rae is dedicated to building a community that champions radical self-love and authenticity, striving to create a better world for all.

ALLI MANGRUM IS A DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY WHO HAS TAUGHT GROUP FITNESS AND YOGA FOR 24 YEARS. ALLI IS PASSIONATE ABOUT EDUCATING HER CLIENTS ABOUT MOVEMENT AND INJURY PREVENTION. SHE LOVES HELPING PEOPLE FEEL THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THEIR PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND ENERGETIC BODY AND BELIEVES THROUGH MOVEMENT AND AWARENESS WE CAN HEAL ALL THINGS AS WE EXPAND INTO OUR BEST SELVES.

Emily is the co-owner and creator of the new hardcore fun fitness class HIGH FITNESS.

Emily was born and raised in Bountiful UT in a very active lifestyle home. She spent the first 18 years of her life keeping active through dance, dance, and more dance. Emily’s passion for fitness came about when she headed off to college and joined her first gym. She immediately fell in love with group fitness and knew she needed to be a part of it. Working full time as a Fitness Director Emily received several fitness certifications such as BOSU, TRX, Bootcamp, Step, Bender Ball, Zumba 1 & 2 and Zumbatomic, LesMills BodyAttack and BodyJam fitness programs. Emily’s passion for dance and fitness came together through her diverse fitness classes and has expanded from there. Emily believes that exercise and getting fit should not only make you physically stronger but mentally and emotionally stronger as well. Because of this belief and passion Emily teamed up with her Canadian friend, Amber Zenith, to bring to life a new Fitness class that they felt was missing in the industry. They created HIGH Fitness and gained an instant following and decided to share it with the masses.

Annie VanLeeuwen & Heather O’Fee, or together known as BFFHighFit, have a deep rooted passion for health & fitness. After becoming best friends in college, and both getting degrees in health related fields, they realized they share a passion for getting others excited about fitness. Both avid fitness lovers, they were hooked on HIGH FITNESS after their first class, and couldn’t wait to get certified and share their love with the world! Annie comes from a background in Dance, Cheer & also holds Les Mills BodyPump, Bodycombat & CX works certifications. When she isn’t busy raising her 3 beautiful kids, Annie loves relaxing with an ice cold DDP and a fresh swig cookie. Heather is a self-proclaimed foodie and is always on the lookout for the best new place to grub in SLC. She spends her free time outside of work traveling, and dreaming of summer. BFFHighfit believes every class should leave you feeling motivated and empowered.

Lindsi's superpower is her ability to connect. She helps others connect with the light inside of them and with others around them. It doesn't matter if it's a Wyld dance class or TRX strength training, connection is what motivates her and brings her joy.

Lindsi enjoys exploring all avenues of fitness and wellness. Being the mother of their brilliant girls and the wife of the world's best treat maker fills her heart and keeps her on the go.

Lindsi's primary goal at Awaken is simple: to share light and help others find and share theirs. Individually sharing light pushes personal growth and development, but collectively sharing light makes this sometimes-challenging world a beautiful place.

Jessie Peck is a new mama to her son, Fred, and a former first grade teacher. She loves family, friends, and giving hugs. Jessie and her husband love to spend time outdoors hiking, fishing, and people watching. Jessie loves making new friends as an adult, and group fitness has been her biggest way to do just that. She feels Wyld is a way to fuel her soul, not just exercise her body. She can't wait to share it with you.

Born and raised in Laie, Hawaii. I grew up loving farm fresh foods, lots of big family gatherings and of course the beach. I was active in sports throughout my life and went to a small town college in Wyoming to play volleyball and later transferred to the University of Utah. Married my kind hearted husband and together have 3 energetic children (which includes a set of twins!). My love for fitness and wellness actually grew more when I stopped playing collegiate volleyball. I started to focus on my fitness and wellness goals as an individual and fell in love with the process of understanding my mind, and body collectively. Found myself attending many group fitness classes and WYLD fed my mind, body and soul in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined. It was a no brainer that I certified to share the gift of WYLD and spread love, light and aloha to those around me and of course myself. I am so excited to share this space with the awaken Ohana and of course you!

Julie, a native of Sandy, Utah, has always been immersed in the world of dance and music, fostering her love for movement and expression from an early age. With a deep-rooted passion for overall well-being, Julie believes in nurturing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. As a certified Wyld dancer and for 8 years, and now instructor, Julie's vibrant energy and expertise shine through in her classes. Julie is a mom to two daughters who have caught the Wyld bug. Witnessing the transformative power of this practice on her girls' confidence and happiness, Julie is on a mission to bring the magic of movement to all teens.

Emily Jacobs has a passion for teaching that extends back as far as she can recall. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education and music from Westminster College in 2004 and has been teaching professionally ever since. Emily is currently a level 2 certified AntiGravity Fitness instructor with certifications in AntiGravity Fundamentals, AntiGravity Aerial Yoga, AntiGravity Suspension Fitness, AntiGravity Pilates, and AntiGravity Just Kids. Her clientele range in age from young infants to individuals in their golden years. In fact, the adaptability of AntiGravity Fitness is one of the many reasons why Emily loves practicing and teaching. Emily has taught music and movement to young children for 15 years and currently owns her own thriving music studio. Emily and her husband Nick are the proud parents of four amazing boys and together they love to bike, camp, hike, travel, play in any capacity and most importantly, jam out together.

Jenny is a level 1 Certified Aerial Yoga instructor. & a 500 hour Yoga Teacher graduate. She was born and raised in Utah and never wants to leave the amazing Wasatch Front mountains!! She loves adventuring in the outdoors and always brings a hammock along with her so she can hang out wherever she goes. When she was first introduced to Antigravity she fell in love immediately. A fitness routine in a hammock?!?! Is there anything else more perfect than that?!?! Well, yes, she also discovered all the benefits of Antigravity and now wants to share her knowledge with everyone else. Come and hang with Jenny!!

Heather is an enthusiastic aerial instructor at Awaken Studios. As a full-time professional in the tech industry, she understands the need for a balancing escape from the digital world. Heather's journey with aerial yoga began nearly two years ago at Awaken, and she completed her aerial essentials training here in 2023. Having lived with type 1 diabetes for over 20 years, Heather found in aerial yoga a feeling of safety with exercise. For her, it is a liberating experience that transcends the physical demands of chronic illness; a space where she can 'fly’. You may even see her adjusting medical devices on her arms and stomach throughout class! Leaning on her doctorate in Disability Studies, Heather encourages her students to embrace the trust-exercise that comes with fitness in a moving apparatus, guiding them through each movement with care and focus on accessibility. Join Heather in aerial classes at Awaken' to experience the exhilarating blend of fitness, fun, and flying!

Nicole is trained in Aerial Yoga. Born and raised in a small mountain town in Utah, she continues to love adventuring in the mountains. When not at the studio she is taking care of her 4 kids & husband or working as a nurse. She loves traveling, crafting, making art, reading & taking naps in her spare time. She has always loved fitness & it has always been a big part of her life. Back in 2015 Nicole was invited to come try a fitness class in a hammock. Intrigued, she went and fell in love with aerial fitness and how great she felt after class. Nicole feels strongly that exercise should be fun, and is so important for your body and mind. Aerial yoga is all that and more! Come and hang with Nicole!

I’m a firm believer in the transformative power of movement. Moving reinvigorates our bodies. It clears our minds and balances our emotions. It helps us feel capable. It connects us with others and with our surroundings. Movement has played a central role in my life. I trained at Ballet West Conservatory when I was younger, and I still cherish the emotional therapy that comes from dancing. A few years ago, I co-founded a nonprofit youth running program—Wolfpack Running Club—to give kids a place to work hard, get in better shape, and be part of a team. Now I coach rock climbing at Momentum, where I guide and support climbers of all ages. And I feel lucky to have an adventurous husband and three awesome boys who are willing to join me in all my shenanigans. If we’re not careful, it’s easy to let negative influences tear us down. I decided a long time ago that I want to be a builder, and I feel honored to help build you up through this aerial class—a place where we’ll work and move together along a path of healing, strength, and connection.