Our Thrive Teacher Tribe

Yoga is my passion, it fixed me and started me on this wellness journey that now includes so many other facets.  I'm like a yoga evangelist that can't wait to show you how "yoga can fix that." I love to practice and teach, and I hope it shows in each class.  Although I do teach different styles, at my heart, I am a true, old school, get you super tired and sweaty Power Yoga fan.  I love a class that leaves me completely exhausted, free of the crazy squirrel thoughts, and super sore the next day.  I can't wait to see you on the mat soon!

I am passionate about movement (especially of the inverted type) and helping others build confidence in their own physical journeys. 

My love for helping others discover their confidence began early as a gymnastics coach for children and adolescents after participating competitively myself for many years.  Gymnastics can be really tough on the body and my time in the sport was no exception… enter Thrive with the restorative balance of yoga and Pilates! As an avid practitioner of both, I have experienced the rehabilitative effects and seek to share that positive influence with others.

"For me, yoga is a surprise that sneaked into my life as I was entering my middle age years. I love the vigor that it has brought to both my mind and body, at a time in life when vigor often is a diminishing factor. Teaching yoga to others has become a passion - it is almost magical to help people relax in a yin class, to share what could be a lifelong practice to children, and to lead others in their yoga practice. From turning upside down in aerial yoga, completely relaxing in a yin class, or being upside down in an aerial sling I look forward to the rigor and joy of each yoga class. Any day and any stage of life is perfect for pursuing a yoga practice! "

“I will always be a yoga student first.  I love to teach and practice what yoga has taught me on and off the mat.  My teaching philosophy is recognizes that we are all at different levels, so I will meet you where you are.

With over 35 years experience onstage, in the studio and classroom from Texas to Tennessee, Monica added multiple training certifications in PBT in 2017 and 2019. She’s eager to share this new method with studios nationwide offering workshops and private classes.

"I believe that yoga is an act of mindfulness. My education and work experience in the mental health field taught me the positive impact that mindfulness has on both physical and mental health. I want to give everyone the opportunity to experience the joy of slowing down and self care.
I work to create a safe place where every student can practice yoga without judgment. I want my students to leave my classes feeling empowered to practice mindfulness both on and off of their mats.

"With a background in dance and a passion for fitness, I was instantly enthralled by the movement and flow of Pilates. As I studied the history and techniques of Pilates while completing a 600-hour comprehensive training and then teaching for 6 years, I realized how Pilates can transform lives whether you are looking for rehabilitation or simply looking to supplement your fitness regime. Pilates offers a way to strengthen and lengthen your body through movement and resistance training. "

"Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts." Thich Nhat Hanh  "Focusing on the act of breathing clears the mind of all daily distractions and clears our energy enabling us to better connect  with the spirit within." Author unknown  "Throughout my life, I have often and very kindly been told that I am an "encourager."  My prayer is that I continue to carry that practice into every yin class I am blessed to share with others."

“The physical practice of yoga is what initially lured me in. I’ve always been drawn to a more playful, but challenging practice, and I enjoy bringing these components into each of my classes.

My goal is to create an encouraging space where anyone, any level, can tune into their bodies through breath and movement, and leave the baggage of their day behind in a puddle of sweat.”

Chamar is a wife, mother of two active children, and preschool teacher so knows how important yoga can be for a balanced lifestyle. She loves how yoga is truly an activity that can be tailored to every body

"It's always amazing where my yoga journey takes me, and in 2018, it brought me to the Thrive Studio where I met Jennifer Dixon. That encounter changed my life as it has for so many people who have become part of the Thrive Tribe.  Instead of just practicing yoga, I accepted the challenge of becoming a yoga instructor that year.

That challenge brought me balance at a very stressful time in my life. Accomplishing that challenge, opened a door to a brighter outlook of what my future could hold. I knew that teaching yoga was something I could do at any age.  

That is the beauty of Yoga; no matter what the age. It is a space where one can find peace and calm from the chaos. A place to move, stretch and challenge the body. A time to connect with one's self.

I'm moving into my 6th year of teaching and have loved every minute.  

I love being a part of yogis becoming the best they can be. To help them overcome challenges and to celebrate their achievements.

Come join me! Let's be a part of each other's yoga journey."

"I began my yoga journey in 1995 when pregnant with my daughter. My life changed when I discovered Aerial Yoga and Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga (SUP). In all yoga that I teach, I encourage students to only be limited by their physical limits, not their mental limits"

"I'm Minako Chong. My family and friends always call me Mina. I have been married for 25 years and have 2 grown sons and a dog. I started teaching yoga in 2006 and have been teaching ever since.
I do enjoy teaching gentle senior yoga because I understand what they are going through…constant pain and frustration with their bodies.
I like to provide a safe place to relax and get in tune with our minds & body, no matter how old we are"