Meet the Happy Dog Yoga Studios Team


All of our instructors have met the training and teaching experience requirements under one or more of the following Yoga Alliance designations.

 

Emilee Hartwig

E-RYT500 & Thai Yoga Therapist, LMT, Reiki I & II and YACEP Provider, Doula, Studio Owner

Hi! I’m Emilee! I purchased the yoga studios in November 2019. I’ve been practicing yoga since 2011 and earned my 200-hour training in 2016. I followed my yoga training with Thai Massage training in 2017. In November 2018, I taught my 1,000th yoga class and became an E-RYT200 (experienced registered yoga teacher). I have heard people say “It isn’t work if you love what you do” but I never believed that until I started teaching yoga. I LOVE what I do! In every yoga class I teach, my goal is to challenge the student both mentally and physically by encouraging them to reach for their limits, grow and learn from these limits, and gain a whole new appreciation for their bodies. You will find my classes are built around creative flows and a few jokes to keep it fun!

 
 

Alyssa S.

E-RYT200, YACEP, Reiki, Acudetox

Healing is a journey. I was introduced to yoga by divine intervention when I was a college student at Central Michigan University. At this time I was struggling in all aspects of my young adult life. Yoga became my solace, my mirror, and discovery that I’m worthy of a beautiful life. In 2017 I completed my RYT 200 at UpDog and have since completed my E-RYT.

Certifications in Myofacsial Release, Trauma Informed Instruction, Reiki, and Acudetox have allowed me to grow my own healing toolkit and help others develop their skill set.

My passion is creating safe spaces to explore the mind, body, energy connection. When we can explore what our needs are we can open pathways to life our most authentic lives in joy. As a trauma informed yoga instructor my classes are designed to bring you through a mindfully moving practice. As a reiki practitioner my sessions are unique as we balance energies and dispel negativity.

Healing requires connection. It’s my hope that through my classes, sessions, or workshops that you can connect with yourself, and others to find new ways to create self love to heal and flow through life’s ups and downs.

Healing is hard. I encourage a practice of giving yourself space and grace to do the hard work. Because you are worthy of a beautiful life.

If you’re interested in yoga, reiki, Acudetox, trauma work, or yoga alliance continuing education-let’s connect.

 
 

Alma

ERYT200, YACEP, Reiki Master, Pilates Mat

I started regular yoga practice relatively late in life - in my forties to be exact, and it turned out to be a life changing decision.

My life to that point was exceptionally busy and stressful; I was raising two kids on my own, working on my Masters’ degree and working full time. Taking care of myself was not a priority, and it took a toll on my health. Add to that some childhood trauma and PTSD, and I was slowly sinking into darkness. Within a few months of practicing yoga, however, I noticed a big change. I became happier, healthier, stronger, and my mental health massively improved. I wanted to learn more, so I took yoga teacher training, and soon realized that I found joy in it, in helping people. I always liked teaching - I taught piano lessons most of my life, so it wasn't a hard transition.

I enjoy teaching different types of classes, and I usually have a specific theme or a goal in mind. It is my belief that it is equally important to do something challenging, something fun, but also to take the time to nurture your body. Our lives are so busy that we rarely take a moment to quiet down.

Yoga, just like music, is for everyone. And I mean absolutely everyone. We challenge our bodies, we challenge our minds to achieve that perfect unity. The point is not to be able to tie ourselves in a pretzel, it is to take the body to its own edge, to take control of the mind. This takes time. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to honor our body, to know when not to do something. We all have limitations (and they sometimes change!). The best thing you can do for yourself is to just keep coming back to your mat.

 
 

Tauvie

RYT200, Thai bodywork practitioner

I have been practicing Yoga for over 20 years. In 2023, I embarked on expanding my practice by earning my RYT200 and Thai Yoga Massage certification. This has been an amazing journey spiritually, mentally, and physically. I have a passion for teaching and embrace the opportunity to help guide others in practice. Whether you’re practicing for physicality, spirituality, or mental clarity, Yoga is a safe space for all. I hope you join me in practice!

 
 

Michelle

LMT, Reiki level I & II

Michelle graduated from Lakewood School of Therapeutic Massage in 2022 and immediately found her place with the Happy Dog Yoga family.

As a former nurse, she blends her medical background with a holistic approach to assist each client with their personal goals. From relaxation to deep tissue therapeutics, her focus is to give your body the treatment it needs and deserves.

Michelle is constantly learning ways to enhance your session with her current specialties including: hot stones, Bamboo Fusion, prenatal/maternal massage, Reiki, reflexology, considerations for clients with mobility concerns or limitations, massage related to anxiety and depression, and massage therapy for breast cancer patients. As a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, she has access to a never-ending array of publications, research and further educational courses

 
 

Tammy

RYT200, LMT

I started my healing career in 2001 as a nationally certified massage therapist. After years of practice I decided to move forward in my career by adding my RYT 200 hour program. I have added Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga and currently Somatic Yin. These have become my favorite modalities to share, as it is such an important part of healing, quieting both the body and the mind so we can prepare ourselves for healing.

 
 

Tobi

ERYT200

Hi - I'm Tobi Couture. I've been teaching yoga since 2009 when I graduated from Red Lotus. My focus then was Ashtanga and slow flow, but now I teach more of the yin and "slow burn" styles. If you attend my classes, you will discover that I like to focus on "letting go" and various philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga practice, which have been most helpful in my own life! I like to help people with their alignment, but also understand that modifying poses as needed is always a great option. I want to share my joy of yoga with others and hope you discover a yoga style that works for you!

 
 

Alyssa B.

RYT200, Thai bodywork practitioner

God gave yoga to me in 2015. It was an incredibly dark time in my life and I was desperate to find an outlet for my emotions. Little did I know then that God was preparing me for even bigger storms to come. The lessons I learned on my mat, made it possible for me to put into practice off my mat. Because of this, I have survived my past storms and now have the tools needed to persevere through future trials and tribulations. The strength I found in my practice, both physically and mentally, has allowed me to be free of medications for anxiety and depression as well as pain killers for chronic low back pain. Needless to say, yoga is an essential part of my life; I feel fortunate to be able to share my practice with others. In May 2021, I completed my RYT 200 hour teacher training through Yoga International with Noah Mazé, Rocky Heron and Nichol Chase. In October 2023, I became a Certified Brain Longevity Specialist through the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation where I have begun to incorporate the techniques I learned during the course into my classes. Throughout my journey, I found the healing power of Thai Bodywork and Massage and in April 2024, I became certified to offer this service. Thank you for entrusting me to help guide you along your journey.

 
 

Danielle Carroll

LMT, RYT200, Reiki level 2

Whether on the table or in studio my goal is always to have people leave feeling physically, emotionally or spiritually better than they arrived. I work toward providing a space for people to rest and relax in order to rejuvenate and feel better in their bodies. As a licensed massage therapist I strive to listen to clients needs and provide educated treatment plan. I use and combination of both therapeutic and Swedish massage techniques to address individual issues.

 
 

Dayna Vasbinder, MA

RYT200, LPC, Certified Brain Longevity Specialist

I was first drawn to yoga while training for half marathons. I found when I practiced yoga during my training my recovery time after races was greatly reduced. This started my love for learning about yoga and what it can do for our bodies. I received my certification in Brain Longevity Training in 2024, this training links the importance of yoga and meditation for a healthy brain and preventing Alzheimer’s. I love introducing yoga to students of all ages and capabilities. Yoga is a practice and not a perfect- you just have to be willing to try.

My favorite practice is a vinyasa flow, especially outside with the sun shining on my face. You can find me every summer teaching on the beach. Come join me in the sand!

 
 

Brooke

RYT 200, YogaFit Level 1 and 2

I started practicing yoga when I was 17 as a part of my treatment plan for an eating disorder. I was depressed, anxious, and felt like I had no control over my life. I felt my mind start to calm during my first yoga class. I had never focused on just breathing and being present. Yoga taught me to connect to my body in a new way. I learned gratitude and humility through yoga. It taught me to let go of my competitiveness with myself and with others. Yoga was an integral part of my recovery process.

I continued my yoga journey while at college.I took multiple classes each week and got to know my teachers. One of my teachers suggested I take my journey further and get certified to teach. I completed Level 1 and Level 2 YogaFit and started teaching at my college. I loved teaching and sharing yoga with my community. Soon I started teaching at a local studio as well. I continued teaching until I graduated in 2014.

I stopped teaching when I entered graduate school, but continued my own practice. As time went on, I began to miss teaching and being a part of a community. In 2018 I decided to continue my teaching journey by completing a 200 RYT program with Kindness Yoga in Denver, Colorado. Learning the history and principles of yoga gave me a new appreciation for the practice and for teaching.

I teach from a trauma-informed perspective and aim to dismantle stereotypes about who can practice yoga. Yoga is for all bodies! Props and modifications are always encouraged in my classes. I like to incorporate creative flows that challenge the body and the mind. My goal is for students to tune into their body and listen to what it needs. Mind-body connection is achieved through breathwork, meditation, and physical movement.

 
 

Meagan

RYT - 200, Reiki I & II Certified

Hi! I’m Meagan. I have had a love for yogi since the birth of my third child. I needed something more gentle for the body and something that allowed the chaos of my world to become a bit less loud. I was practicing yoga for years when the opportunity to become a certified teacher was presented and I haven’t looked back.

I have been teaching for about 4 years and enjoy bringing my students both challenging flows and classes that can also help calm the mind and spirit. My classes are made to be engaging and to find the fun and enjoyment of moving the body in ways that both encourage strength and support a health body with some light-heartedness and some laughter along the way.

I was fortunate enough to become Reiki I & II certified and have enjoyed guiding my clients through their health journeys through energy movement. Reiki has allowed me to serve not only myself but my family and community in ways that I never thought possible.

I look forward to seeing any new faces and enjoy encouraging all my students to strive for their version of their best selves. Namaste.

 
 

Vicki

RYT200, RAD Yoga 1, Reiki I & II, Qi-Yoga, Thai BodyWork Practitioner

I have been practicing yoga since 2015. Yoga came into my life when I was unconsciously searching for something. I have a great husband, a job I enjoy, but there was something missing. I needed something that was just for me – I found that in yoga.

Soon after I began practicing regularly, I found myself attending as many classes as I could get to, trying out different styles and different teachers. I found that I was drawn to slower and more mindful practices, especially Yin and meditation.

Before long I decided to join a yoga teacher training, completing my 200 hours in May 2020. Since completing my 200 hour training, I have taken additional certifications including Reiki Levels I & II, Qi-Yoga, and Thai Body Work.

Yoga has and continues to provide a positive effect on all aspects of my life, mentally, physically and spiritually.

In my classes, I hope that you will find time to take space for yourself, see how your body feels when you listen and observe as you breathe and move. See what comes to light in your own journey.

 
 

Kristyn

RYT200, Reiki I and II, Certified Sound Healer

I have been practicing yoga in Saint Clair since 2009. I decided to deepen my practice in 2019 and completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Bodhi Seed Yoga in Mount Clemens that focused on Ashtanga Yoga. I earned my RYT200 certification.

Since then I have been humbly and joyfully teaching yoga at both Happy Dog Studio locations. My classes are thoughtfully crafted with flows that increase strength, balance, and flexibility by incorporating multiple styles of yoga.

I also discovered a special passion for Yin Yoga and received certification for Yin Yoga in 2020. Yin is gentle mindful release through asanas that are held and sometimes supported for several minutes. I often incorporate themes, relaxing and grounding meditations, pranayama breath work and soft mantra music in my flows. I always like to begin my classes with an intention or prayer to bring focus and grounding to my students.

In 2023 I became certified in Sound Healing and occasionally enjoy incorporating various sound healing instruments into my flows. I look forward to practicing with you on the mat. Namaste.

 
 

Taylor

RYT200

Taylor is a Yoga instructor who started her yoga journey after getting diagnosed with PTSD,Severe Anxiety & Depression. She came into yoga with the assumption that it was only for the pilates girls but she found so much more. She is passionate about guiding her yogis through meditation, all levels yoga, yin yoga, and many more practices that focus on moving the body in a creative way while maintaining a safe space that encourages the creation of mindful habits that bring relief into daily life when we need it the most. She hopes to bring healing in the most unexpected ways & growth that transcends limits without even noticing it. She wants to invite you on this journey of self exploration, self awareness, self love & self creation. We are so excited to be a part of this self honoring journey with you!

 
 

Ashley

LMT, Reiki I & II

I became passionate about holistic wellness and healing after having my first child in 2011. I knew I wanted to begin a career in helping people heal naturally, so I decided to start Massage Therapy school where my passion grew even more. I graduated from Irene’s Myomassology Institute as a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2016. I am experienced in a variety of modalities including myofascial release, trigger point release, deep tissue, prenatal, reflexology, hot stone, cupping, and I am also Reiki I & II certified. I love what I do and I love hearing my clients tell me I’ve helped them get rid of their pain. My thirst for knowledge in holistic wellness is never ending and I hope to become a yoga instructor and birth/postpartum doula in the future as well!

 
 

Jacqueline Neisz

RYT-200 Reiki Level I & II

Yoga entered my life when I was 21 years old, not only was I a new mom, but a new nurse as well. I found myself struggling with new onset anxiety and depression for the very first time in my life.

I will never forget when I took my first yoga class, the feeling I felt during and after the class is something I still struggle to describe to this day. I was absolutely hooked from that moment on! Yoga healed me, yoga saved me. To me, Yoga is more than just a class at a studio, it is a way of life. I am beyond honored to be able to spread the knowledge of this beautiful practice with my community. Looking forward to guiding you :)

 
 

Vanessa

RYT200, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Hi! My name is Vanessa and I started practicing about 10 years ago in college. As a busy college student, yoga was the perfect way to get some movement and calm my anxious mind. Years later, as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I was recommending yoga to clients so often that I finally decided to take the leap and become a yoga teacher, so in December 2022 I completed my RYT 200 hour. Nutrition and yoga compliment each other so perfectly in creating overall wellness and yoga and breathwork remain some of my top recommendations to improve energy and GI health. I absolutely love guiding my students through classes that challenge them and make them feel strong. There is nothing quite like being a part of the energy of a full Vinyasa class or taking big collective breaths as a group.