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Our Teachers and Healing Arts Practitioners
We are proud to have some of the best healing arts practitioners in Cincinnati practicing at Gracetree Yoga & Growth Studio. Our goal is to uplift your life journey with inspiration, education, and tools that create a holistic balance between mind, body and spirit and to assist you in finding the personalized inner healing you are looking for! From Massage to Reiki, Mental Health Therapy to Yoga Therapy, we offer you a variety of paths to support you in your journey of health and healing. Whether you are looking for alternatives to allopathic medicine, or a more energetic/spiritual experience, we are here to help you find the path to balance, wholeness and peace. Please call practitioners directly to schedule an appointment.
Betsy Brothers, RN, E-RYT200, Reiki II
I am co-owner and steward of the Gracetree mission and vision. I first discovered yoga in 1971 in a class at a neighborhood school and with Lilias Folan on WCET TV. I practiced sporadically through out my life until 1997 when I began consistent classes and exploration. Curiosity leading the way, I became Reiki Level I attuned in 2003 and Level II in 2004. The student was ready and Cincinnati Yoga School offered its first local Teacher Training with Shashank Lakhia and Will Brashear. Since completing my 200-hour training in 2007, I have trained with Doug Swenson, Kali Ray and became a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Yoga Teacher in 2011 after studying in Asheville, North Carolina, St. Augustine, Florida, and Hershey, Pennsylvania. With this variety of history and trainings I can only call my classes "eclectic" and strive to connect yoga philosophy and practice to direct application in today's world. Classes are created to meet the needs and requests of attendees. In addition to my usual Hatha Flow, I have taught yin, prenatal, power and chair classes.
In addition to being a yoga instructor, I am a retired Registered Nurse and a Tri-Life Leadership Training volunteer.
"Yoga gifts me with the continued opportunity for study, helping my fellow man, personal growth and lets me move forward without regrets and 'what ifs'."
Janet Nash, MSW, LISW-S, C-IAYT, RYT500, Reiki Master, Interiority Wellness, LLC
I am co-owner and steward of the Gracetree mission and vision. My experience as a yoga teacher and my studies in Buddhist and Hindu psychologies very closely parallel the principles of my classical Western psychotherapy training, in which I have 22 years of experience. I am a yoga therapist, and continue to received advanced yoga therapy training. I am also the owner and operator of Interiority Wellness, LLC at Gracetree [www.interioritywellness.com ]. I take a broad view of healing as not just the absence of symptoms and disease, but foster opportunities for self-knowledge, growth, and transformation through the ancient teachings of yoga. Services include a Health and Wellness Consultation, Mental Health Therapy, Yoga Therapy for Emotional Health, Yoga Therapy for Structural and Functional Issues, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction [MBSR] trainings, and Reiki.
I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service and received post-graduate training in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy at Fordham. I received additional training from the Westchester Center for the Study of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in White Plains, New York.
For the past 14 years I’ve worked extensively with clients with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders of all types and most recently for the past 11 years at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in the Eating Disorders Program. I live in Liberty Twp., OH with my husband, Tony and my cat, Coco.
To schedule an appointment or ask questions about mental health or yoga therapy, reiki or mindfulness training,, please contact me at jkn5022@gmail or 513-498-7850.
Valerie Allen, MSE, LPCC
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor providing individual and couples therapy at Gracetree Studio. I love seeing my clients in the soothing, healing, non-judgmental atmosphere of Gracetree!
As a therapist, I bring a compassionate and authentic approach to the counseling process. I work with adults and adolescents experiencing issues of stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. I often incorporate mindfulness and meditation training to help my clients practice relaxation, self-compassion, and peace of mind.
Couples often come to me for relationship issues such as loss of emotional/physical intimacy, communication problems, and infidelity. I offer an unbiased, yet direct approach to couples counseling to help partners work together as a team to create a stronger, more enjoyable relationship.
In addition to counseling, I am also a registered yoga teacher (RYT200) and trained in Reiki (Level II). I reside in Liberty Township, OH with my husband where we raised two children who have now flown the nest! I enjoy reading, gardening, yoga, hiking, and kayaking.
For more information about individual or couples counseling, please visit www.valallencounseling.com. If you would like to schedule an appointment or a free phone consultation, please call 513-317-8113 or email me at valallencounseling@gmail.com.
Jill Conyers, RYT200
Inspired by her love of life, living whole and self-care, Jill is sharing her vision of and passion for living your yoga to empower you to live a life you love. Jill is a wife, mom of 2, psychologist, Certified Personal Trainer and 200 hour RYT certified yoga instructor. Jill is dedicated to meeting people where they are along the path to wellness and offering them opportunities to discover a more peaceful, healthy and happy life. Jill discovered yoga as one of the many paths taken on a journey to recover from an eating disorder and has been practicing for almost 5 years.
In Jill’s classes you’ll experience a variety of energetic Vinyasa Flows, a revitalizing Gentle Flow or a calming and grounding Yin practice. You will move with your breath at a pace that allows you to observe, feel, and find stability and space in your body and connect with your inner self. Jill teaches with a focus on an appreciation for the energy in stillness and the strength in breath.
Jill’s classes will build strength, flexibility and balance through stability and inner peace through self discovery. She hopes to inspire and guide you on a journey to experience a deep connection, pure awareness of self and complete peace from the practice of yoga.
Jill offers private individual and group yoga sessions, one-on-one personal training, group training and workshops. To schedule a consultation or if you have any questions about your individual health and fitness needs, contact Jill at 513-267-0550 or at jillconyers@gmail.com.
You can learn more about Jill and her passion and commitment for healthy living visit Jill Conyers | Fitness Health & Happiness.
Dawn Creed, Psy.D, LP
As I do my own work, I grow increasingly more peaceful and content. I spend more time in my heart, interacting with others with love, forgiving myself and others, and focusing on what gives my life meaning. I find it both easier to accept and to act. I attribute my growth to my experiences with heart-centered hypnotherapy and my continued practice of breathwork and meditation.
I gladly offer to guide others on their own path of self-realization and self-actualization, to leave past traumas behind, and move into a position of empowerment. Both hypnotherapy and breathwork promote a light trance state, quieting the conscious mind, and tapping into the unconscious mind. Working with the unconscious allows for changes at a deeper level.
I am a clinical psychologist, licensed in Ohio. My formal education began at a preschool in California, occurred at 11 different schools throughout the United States and Europe, including 4 years at the College of St. Benedict, MN, and 5 years at the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, and continues at the Wellness Institute in Washington.
For appointments or more information, please call or text me at 513-370-6940, or email me at drcreed@zoomtown.com.
Kim Dawes, E-RYT200, RYT500
Kim Dawes, spiritual name Ambika, is an E-RYT200 / RYT500, Reiki Master-Attuned and Saraswati Yoga School 300hr graduate. Kim is a fun-loving, passionate and free-spirited yoga teacher inspired to share the gift of yoga after many years of reaping its benefits.
Kim has a passion for integrating the many principles and history of yoga into her classes to all levels and walks of life. Her intention is to offer classes in a positive environment to allow for growth from the inside and out, while encouraging and empowering students to embrace the holistic benefits of the practice - a balance within the body, mind and spirit!
Kim has taught many styles of classes over the years including: beginners yoga, vinyasa, yin with reiki, restorative and teen meditation. In her classes, she will guide you to turn your attention inward, set purposeful intentions, and get to know your True Self, while accepting exactly where you are in the moment, the only place life exists. Kim will incorporate themes, essential oils, stories, music, readings and quotes all aligned with the ancient teachings of yoga to help her students build a deeper practice.
Kim teaches from her heart with grace and acceptance. She truly believes there's a place for yoga in everyone's life. Her hope and commitment is that yoga is more & more accessible to all and to continually offer yoga in a sustainable and meaningful way! A consistent yoga practice can help build a better you, thus one beautiful soul at a time…a better world!
For more information: kimdawesyoga.com
Beverly Gorman, RYT200
My yoga journey began in 1999, when I started taking a weekly class. A highlight in my yoga journey was taking Grace Tree’s first 200 hour teacher training. I completed the training in June 2013. I am drawn to GT to continue nourishing myself. I am currently pursuing my 500 hour teacher training at Grace Tree.
After finishing my 200 hour training, equipped with more knowledge and confidence, I began teaching two classes a week – one at my school and another at a small gym. Yoga has taken such an important place in my life. Yoga has fostered my growth intellectually, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically. I am very grateful for my practice - it keeps me strong, grounded and purposeful. I plan to practice yoga for the rest of my life.
It is with much excitement and gratitude that I continue teaching at my true home - Gracetree.
Away from my mat, I am further blessed to be married to my witty husband Mark. Kyle, is our amazing adult son. In my spare time, I am a CASA (court appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children) volunteer. I enjoy nature especially gardening and walking our yellow lab Beatrix
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Kara Garrod, RYT200
I became a student of yoga during my first pregnancy in 2008, and found in those days of carrying and caregiving for young children, that when I made the time for it, yoga sustained me in a way that very few things did. Yoga sustained me through grief as my father died of cancer (though I avoided savasana for nearly a year) and again as I homeschooled our children when our schooling options did not match our desires. When I started forming a daily practice, and I found myself counseling friends through all sorts of ailments by encouraging them to try yoga, I realized I was ready to learn – and give – more.
A friend introduced me to Grace Tree, and shortly after I enrolled in the 200 RYT through White Lotus. After graduation, I began my RCYT training so I can mindfully bring the benefits of yoga to children and their families. I enjoy teaching a vinyasa hatha style class to adults depending on the class’s needs, and a playful, engaging class to children, always striving to strike a balance between challenge and ease.
The truth is, yoga is more than asana and pranayama and meditation – it is also about giving ourselves permission to be playful, to attempt and to be OK with failing or falling, and to simply try again, without judgment. It is truly a metaphor for a happy life, and I am grateful to be able to share what I know and love about yoga with you. Together, we can make our world a better place … one breath at a time. Contact me at 513-886-1275 or via email at kgarrod@me.com with any questions. Loka samasta sukhino bhavantu.
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Heather Hewitt, E-RYT200, YACEP, Reiki II
My journey through the world of yoga began in a community centre while I was in high school, and the practice has been with me ever since. It’s presence in my life has changed, ebbed and flowed, been at times of greater importance than others, in other words it has evolved even as life itself took me on a roller-coaster ride.
After taking a Kripalu training through Cincinnati Yoga School more than a decade ago I began to teach and share the benefits of this fascinating practice. Whilst I have taught in a variety of locations, church schoolrooms, spas, and YMCA’s as well as private homes, I am honored to have found my home at Grace Tree.
I aspire to make my classes a safe place for self-inquiry and exploration, not only of the body through the practice of asana, but also of the mind. In the spirit of scientific investigation we observe our actions, whether physical or mental, in an unbiased manner to determine what is useful. What habits have we acquired that affect the way our bodies move, the way our minds think? It has taken each of us a lifetime to reach this point and we are perfectly adapted to the life we currently lead. We begin to question: what changes might benefit us? Do we need to work harder? Or surrender more? Be kinder? I teach a slower practice, the Yin class being the slowest of all. This is not necessarily “gentle” since this requires a presence, a mindful awareness at all times, an effort of concentration to stay focused. We begin to re-learn how we are actually moving the body, as well as how to relax the chattering mind.
I am a passionate learner, recognising that just when you think that you “know” something clearly, a new piece of information can shift your perspective and completely change your point of view. I have been fortunate to have had access to many wonderful teachers, some well-known, some not so famous, as well as my own physical injuries! I am currently continuing my education in aspects of Yoga Therapy with Dr Ganesh Mohan of Svastha Yoga.
In April 2017, in support of both the countinuing evolution of my personal practice,as wellas my teaching focus, I completed a 12-hour teacher- training immersionin Restorative Yoga. Antonia von Hirschberg and I have now co-created a popular,ongoing series of restorative yoga workshops called "The Art of Doing Nothing", in which we encourage the use of innovative props to support the valuable "practice of resting".
If you have questions or need more details about my classes I can be reached at: hihwtt@gmail.com
Amber Hue, A.A, B.A.,,M.A.T., 110 CSM, Reiki II, T’ai Chi, Arts, Enrichment
The focus of my work is to train clients to enhance the whole self while promoting healing, strength, discovery, and stress reduction. I utilize the ancient practices of T’ai Chi, Qigong, Intuitive and Relaxation Massage, and the Arts. These practices have enabled me to help others create positive change in mental, physical, and spiritual function including but not limited to: strength building, anxiety reduction, improved social skills, confidence, balance, concentration, and memory; all while having fun!
In addition to my collegiate studies (Art, Journalism, and Education) massage certification, and Reiki practice, T’ai chi has been a wonderful companion for 20 plus years. Under the support of the Matsukaze Budo Kai Martial Arts Academy and Sensei Jeff Day, I continue to hone my skills, making new discoveries of how our bodies move, and how our chi (energy) can be beneficial to ourselves and others. I truly love sharing the study of t’ai chi, and teaching how it can be used in many ways to enhance EVERYTHING.
I am pleased to join the Grace Tree family, and look forward to sharing my gifts with you!
Question? Feel free to reach me via email, or phone: trytaichi@gmail, 513-545-9470.
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” -Lao Tzu
Natasha Kohorst, RYT200, RPYT, Reiki IV
My own personal growth came to me on my 40th birthday when I was given a cane to help me get around after a double hip replacement surgery. The second surgery did some nerve damage and caused a difficult road to recovery.Throughout the long road towards recovery, yoga gave me back the life I missed.
One of my passions is travel and yoga has helped me regain the strength to enjoy travel again. I have walked the hill to Dracula’s Castle, in Romania, hiked the jungle trails in Hawaii, and went rock climbing and horseback riding in Wyoming. No telling where my next journey may be.
Along with this beautiful journey, I decided that I wanted to share my story and guide others to learn this beautiful art of Yoga. I have earned my 200 hour teacher training through the beautiful and sacred space of Grace Tree Yoga Studio & White Lotus Home in West Chester, Ohio. During this process, I fell in love with working to inspire and support women during their pregnancy. To help honor the sacred process of motherhood.
I am a wife to a wonderful supportive husband and a mother of three beautiful adult children. I have been in Cincinnati for 15 years after relocating from Costa Mesa, Ca. Cincinnati has become my home I am a proud Moeller & MND Mom. I love all that our beautiful city has to offer. I hope to help guide you during your practice.
Please contact for your personal journey: natasha@nkoyoga.com
Laura LeJeune, E-RYT200
I came to yoga, when a trifecta of back injuries took me out of running shoes and onto the yoga mat. The gifts that I found there inspired me to share the joy that comes from self-acceptance and the peace that inevitably follows.
Ever the biologist from my formal education and earlier life, I enjoy articulating the science behind each asana. I also relish the anatomical and physiological explanations and benefits behind each asana in accordance with the student’s bodily structure and needs. My teaching aspiration is to bridge the gap b/w body and mind; designing flows to support the individual’s journey towards wellness and peace. Through conscious breath to center the mind and interoception to feel the body in kind and compassionate curiosity, one begins to see that yoga more than simply a healing tool. It is a life implement intended to release long held tension and negativity in the muscles and in the mind. It is a life practice that encourages one to find inner peace and acceptance on and off the yoga mat. To offer one an opportunity to “let go of all that no longer serves’, and to allow a place for health, peace and sweet content to abide within. I strive to create a community of brilliantly, radiant, imperfect perfect yogis/yoginis, exploring what it means to cultivate peace (in our hearts, bodies AND minds) and create a more joyful existence…. Shanti.
Please contact me at: www.joyfulpeaceyoga.com
Kellie Pringle Rubenacker, RYT500
I am a Certified 500 HR Yoga Teacher, Emotional Polarity Technique (EPT) Practitioner and a Learning Consultant for a local Insurance Company. I am currently studying Embodiyoga with Becky Morrissey and Lisa Clark. I am also embarking on another training in 2018 to study Taoist yoga. I will be able to bring this perspective to my classes soon as well. I have come to realize that what makes me truly happy is helping people and making a difference in their lives, it is when doing this I feel most myself.
I received my EPT certification in 2012. As a patient of this healing I saw great strides very quickly in my outlook on life and connection to my true self. I then found yoga and was IN LOVE! It gave me a connection with my body that I had lost by sitting at a desk all day, every day. Yoga has taught me how to relax, trust and forgive. That is what I strive to pass on to others. My favorite classes to teach are Gentle Yoga with Pranayama (focused breath work) and meditation for that reason.
I am still amazed with the person that I am evolving into. Each day brings new awareness. I am here to assist you in your own journey without judgment and with my whole being. We are all just practicing to be human. I am constantly learning from not only other teachers but also my students and will forever be a student myself.
Namaste’
Britney Rudolph, RYT 200
My yoga journey began in 2013 when I started practicing while watching yoga movies in my home. Later a friend suggested that I come with her to a class at Grace Tree. I am so grateful for that invitation and for the beautiful safe space Grace Tree has become for me. Yoga has helped me to find peace within and self acceptance. It's a passion of mine that continues to grow daily. My love for yoga inspired me to want to share what I had found with others so I earned my 200hr RYT through Grace Tree Yoga & Growth Studio and White Lotus Home.
I believe in teaching yoga from the heart and I aim to help others practice self love and compassion; to focus on inviting positivity inward and loving your true self. During my classes we focus on using breath with movement as we move through gentle warm ups, twists, sun salutations, standing poses and finish with calming poses on the mat. We end in a restful shavasana, inviting peace in the stillness.
I am a wife to a supportive husband and mother of two sweet boys & two silly cats. I have lived in the Cincinnati area all of my life. I hope to meet you soon!
Namaste
Marie Scheponick, RYT200
Marie teaches Yoga, Dance and Art Therapy classes. Her passion and experience working with mature adults provides the opportunity to utilize training as well as a professional background in the visual and movement arts to benefit her students. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with over twenty years of practice experience and ten teaching. Marie earned an MFA in textile design and MLS in Library Science, and worked in the fashion industry and academia before transitioning to teaching full-time. Every day with her students is rewarding, challenging and fun. Recently added teaching credentials; Silver Sneakers Classic(s) and Splash.
Tanuja Singh, RYT200
I have been practicing yoga for almost all my adult life. I was never satisfied by the usual 9-5 jobs and always found myself missing my practice, so I pushed myself to get a teaching certificate to practice and help myself as well as others. I became certified at the Yoganjali School of Yoga as a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and have been teaching classes for over four years since then.
My practice starts with centering and breathing or pranayams and small muscle asanas that are followed by sun salutations and large muscle asanas, ending with a shavasana . I do not make fixed routines for my class—I prefer to go with the flow by watching my audience and responding to their needs. I truly believe that everyone can make a place and time for yoga in their life; it’s only a matter of discovering that connection between your mind and body.
Yoga has helped with my personal growth, in finding peace within myself and not worrying about what ifs & why nots and coming to terms with the fact that everyone has their own journeys. I like watching my students discover their own inner strength, balance, and growth as they practice with me. I love hearing from students how yoga has helped them improve their lives. I believe yoga is for all levels and that age should not be a limiting factor, which is why I teach different types of yoga for various age groups, including chair, hatha, and vinyasa yoga.
I look forward to continuing this journey and helping myself and other yogis to optimize their potential.
Namaste.
Antonia von Hirschberg, RYT200, ShantiMom Certified, Reiki Level II
Yoga is a practice, a practice of living in a whole and peaceful way, a practice of balance, of ease, of mindfulness, of conscious breathing, and of moving the body in ways that contribute to good health and wellness. Living a yoga-inspired life is a constant practice.
I was introduced to yoga in high school and over the years lost my interest and then found it again. Over the past 30 years, and through many moves, I have been privileged to find many interesting and engaging teachers and, through them, have come to learn how fluid and changeable a yoga practice can be.
I completed my 200-hour teacher training at Grace Tree Yoga & Growth Studio in 2013. I am Shanti Mom certified for teaching prenatal yoga. My studies continue with Dr. Ganesh Mohan of Svastha Yoga, in a 7-module program with the emphasis on yoga therapy. The continued evolution of my training and practice also includes a focus on restorative yoga. I completed a 12-hour teacher training immersion in restorative yoga in April 2017. Following this training, Heather Hewitt and I developed an ongoing series of restorative yoga workshops called “The Art of Doing Nothing”, in which we encourage the use of innovative props to support the restorative practice.
My teaching blends gentle yoga, meditation, restorative and yin together to create a safe and nurturing space for students to express themselves, discover their personal strengths, and leave feeling peaceful and balanced.
Cathy Zeiger, CRTS (Certified Raindrop Technique Specialist)
Cathy provides a unique service called Raindrop Technique. This service utilizes Young Living Essential Oils that are layered on sequentially to bring structural and electrical alignment. Cathy has been trained in this technique by a Board Certified CARE Instructor. (CARE: Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education). Cathy is also a licensed Physical Therapist and has been practicing for over 20 years. Come and experience a Raindrop!
