Yoga Bliss Festival 2026! ~ Cultivating Health & Wellness!

Augusta, MO – July 23 – July 26, 2026

July 23 – July 26, 2026 – You are invited to join this year’s festival in the exploration of yoga, health and wellness in your life! Choose from a multitude of experiences, including yoga, breath work, meditation, singing, fellowship, GF meals, and activities with sessions occurring at the following locations in Augusta, MO:

• Ebenezer Fellowship Hall (United Church of Christ) at 5543 Walnut Street
• Harmonie Verein Cultural Center at 5333 Hackmann Road
• Halcyon Spa at 211 Jackson Street
• Oaks Crossing Conference Center 5520 Locust Street

We all have our own journey, yet we do not have to walk alone. Bring yourself, your family, your loved ones! Cultivating new awareness with modalities of yoga, health and wellness from a new perspective in 2026.

The word ‘cultivation’ means an act of preparing land to grow crops, or improving something such as a skill, relationships, friendships through education or a focused effort; fostering growth through knowledge and inner actions with others. We are offering 2 hour sessions giving you an opportunity to cultivate your curiosity and your thirst for more knowledge and experiences in collaboration with your Festival leaders!

Register Now!

Prices for the Festival are the same as last year!

Total Access Pricing: Purchase a Total Access Package for the entire Yoga Bliss Festival ~

25 Sessions consisting of 18 sessions plus 7 meals for $555 (a $110 savings!!) 

Sign up for the Total Access Package: 25 Sessions of 18 sessions plus 7 meals for $555!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOTAL ACCESS PACKAGE!

We will always be available to assist you in making your selections!

Registration is open! Sign up for single sessions or smaller packages, take a look at the schedule and sign up for your sessions and mindful lunch and dinner meals:  

• You may purchase a single session ($35) or package of sessions (2 for $68, 3 for $99, and the more sessions you purchase the better the value.  For detailed price list scroll to the end of this page.)  Build it your way! 
• Please sign up for your first selection for a practice at the festival.
• Then purchase the number of sessions you would like for the entire festival. 
• Next, after completing the purchase, add yourself to each and every session you plan to attend, as class sizes are limited.
• Meals count as a session, please keep this in mind when you choose your package and sign up.  
• If you need assistance please call Kathy Kessler 314-369-6804 or Halcyon Spa 636-228-4110.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

We encourage you to also make it a full day or weekend experience with hiking and mountain biking in Klondike Park and Matson Hill Park nearby.  Ride a bike or take a leisurely walk on the beautiful Katy Trail State Park.  Enjoy the shops in town or visit a local winery or the brewery after yoga. Stay the night at a local B&B in Augusta, or nearby towns such as Defiance, Marthasville, New Melle, Washington or Weldon Spring.

Food Provided by Mosaic Café and Catering:  Lunch and Dinner sessions are all Gluten Free and Vegetarian.  They can be purchased with a session package. These meals will be available for a 90 minute window at lunch from 12:00PM – 1:30PM, and dinner from 6:00PM -7:15PM. Sunday Lunch is scheduled from 12:00PM-1:00PM. Serving time for all meals starts 15 minutes prior and you are encouraged to take advantage of this if you don’t have a session beforehand. Be mindful of your session times, and the type of session you will be attending after the meals so you have adequate time to eat and digest.  These are pre-set menus, see details below for each day’s offerings.

2026 Schedule

Thursday, July 23

10:00AM – 12:00PM – MFR Yoga Root to Crown – Karen Billberry (Indiana) – Harmonie Verein – What better way is there to start your Festival journey then through centering your mind, feeling your body, and deepening your spirit connection within? A session focused on opening, aligning and cleansing the Chakras using balls, blocks, blankets, bolsters, belts, and chanting. Whether you are new to Chakras or well versed, you’ll leave feeling centered, grounded and empowered. There will be a brief educational piece on each Chakra as we journey thru Root to Crown.

10:00AM – 12:00PM – Energetic Healing in the Akashic Records – Grace Lindsay (Kansas City, KS) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – Akashic Record Workshop & Guided Meditation Emphasizing Energetic Healing – Join Grace Lindsay to connect with the realm of the soul for a deep and meaningful experience in the dimension of Light called the Akashic Records. Grace will explain what the Akashic Records are, how to access them, and how to receive healing as well as information from this sacred resource. She will lead the audience in a guided meditation in the Records that focuses on energetic healing, including emotional, mental, or spiritual healing, as well as physical healing. Everyone in the room will experience something different and unique to their situation, and it has the potential to be a rich experience for attendees. After the guided meditation, Grace will answer audience questions and invite participants to share their experiences in the Records.

12:00PM – 1:30PM – Lunch provided by Mosaic Café and Catering – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall – Carrot Ginger Soup, Quinoa, Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad w/Arugula, Pumpkin Seeds and Lemon Vinaigrette, *Side of Feta*, Fresh Berry and Mint Cup.

1:30PM – 3:30PM – Roll and Renew Yoga with Myofascial Therapy Balls – Jill Dunlap (Wildwood, MO) – Harmonie Verein – Give your body the care it deserves with a deeply revitalizing practice that releases tension, builds strength, and restores balance from the inside out. This two-hour Hatha Yoga class blends traditional asana, breathwork, and modern self-care into a grounded, therapeutic experience. The practice begins with pranayama to regulate the nervous system and cultivate awareness to the breath, then moves through a strength-focused sequence designed to build stability and balance. Yoga Tune Up® therapy balls are interwoven throughout the class to target areas of tension and restriction and help improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance body awareness. Class will wind down with restorative poses to support deep relaxation and integration. Come explore the intersection of yoga and embodied self-care.

1:30PM – 3:30PM – Japa Yoga – from Sound to Silence – Jaya Lakshmi (Eugene, OR) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – This workshop is 2/3 practice and 1/3 theory and principles. It is for all ages and all levels. Japa Yoga consists of chanting a Divine word or phrase repetitively with a degree of concentration. Those who practice know it as the best purifier of thought, word and deed in this Kali Yuga. It is widely known that meditation rewires the brain in deeply beneficial ways. It is less widely known that repeating sacred mantra does the same in even less time.  Join us as we explore the relationship between mind, thought, mantra, ‘santosh’ (deep contentment) and the awakening of true spiritual power. This workshop focuses primarily on the practice of Shakti Mantras (mantras of creative power), with discussion of the science of sound through our program.

4:00PM – 6:00PM – Vinyasa Flow – Deconstructed with Live Hand Pan Music – Melissa Duchatschek (Washington, MO) with Ben von Harz (St. Louis, MO) on Hand Pan – Harmonie Verein – The Sanskrit word “vinyasa” translates to “to place in a special way” or “linking,” emphasizing the connection between the breath and movement. This practice will begin by exploring different options/modifications for flowing through Surya Namaskar A/B (Sun Salutation A/B). The intention is for participants to leave with more confidence in their ability to move safely through these sequences. Expect to learn how to use props to help build the strength necessary to perform Chaturanga and step through to Warrior, to learn how to modify both A and B series to make them accessible to you, and how to become more comfortable linking movement to breath in a faster paced flow. After the workshop portion of this session, you will be led through an all levels vinyasa flow practice where you will be encouraged to incorporate what you learned. Ben von Harz will enhance our practice by playing hand pan in the background. The session will conclude with a relaxing Savasana.

4:00PM – 6:00PM – Soul in Motion: Movement, Creativity & Awakening – Jenna Angeleigh Israel  (Sedona, AZ) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – Come move, create, and awaken a deeper connection with yourself in this heart-centered experiential workshop. Through gentle movement, meditation, and the creative process of SoulCollage®, participants will explore different aspects of the self with curiosity, compassion, and play. This supportive and embodied experience invites you to open your heart, access inner wisdom, and reconnect with authentic expression — leaving you feeling more grounded, inspired, and connected to your true self. No artistic or movement experience is needed — only a willingness to explore and say yes to yourself.

6:00PM – 7:15PM – Dinner provided by Mosaic Café and Catering – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall – Vegetable Curry w/ Cauliflower, Carrots and Greens, Basmati Rice, *Side of Raita*, Almond Date Bites.

7:15PM – 9:15PM – Myo Yin/Yang Yoga – Kathy Kessler (Augusta, MO) with Jaya Lakshmi (Eugene, OR) – Harmonie Verein – Kathy Kessler will lead a Myo Yin/Yang Yoga Practice, sharing her passion for John F. Barnes Myofascial Release® (MFR), Yang and Yin Yoga, while Jaya Lakshmi provides live music for the practice.  They will collaborate to bring you an offering with 2 hours of movement and play for the yang portion and yin yoga for rest and stretching. Explore the concepts of JFB MFR® while contract relax, rebounding, unwinding, self care tools, and visualization practices are threaded into this practice to deepen your experience through resonance listen and creating the conditions to release your fascial web.

7:15 – 9:15 PM – Heart & Coherence: A Heart-Opening Yoga Class – Regan Caruthers (Washington, MO) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – This class blends heart-opening movement, breathwork, and gentle backbends with an introduction to the research and simple, practical techniques of the HeartMath Institute. Participants will explore how the heart helps regulate the nervous system and supports emotional balance. Expect an accessible, nourishing practice that weaves ancient yogic wisdom with modern science, leaving you feeling open, grounded, and connected to the intelligence of the heart.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THURSDAY!

Please purchase your first selection for a practice at the festival, purchase the number of sessions you would like for the entire festival, after completing the purchase, add yourself to each and every session you plan to attend, as class sizes are limited.  Meals count as a session, please keep this in mind when you choose your package and sign up.  If you need assistance please call Kathy Kessler 314-369-6804 or Halcyon Spa 636-228-4110.

Friday, July 24

7:30AM – 9:30AM – Lymphatic Flow – Amber Jacober (St. Augustine FL) – Harmonie Verein –  Experience the purifying blend of Yoga, Qigong, and Self-Lymphatic Massage in this workshop designed to support overall health. The often ignored lymphatic system is important for managing fluid retention and inflammation, and maintaining healthy detoxification, circulation, and immune function! Begin with a dynamic Yoga Flow and Qigong practice, paired with breathwork to stimulate your energy and blood flow, preparing you for the deeper benefits of Lymphatic Massage. Then be guided through a step-by-step lymphatic self-massage that will help to move stagnant fluid, detox the body, and assist in recovery from the active practice. Take home a written step-by-step guide of the Self-Lymphatic Massage sequence, so you can incorporate this self-care ritual into your routine at home! Suitable for all levels of experience. 2 CEUs eligible for Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructors.

10:00AM – 12:00PM – Cultivate Compassion through Partner Yoga – co-lead by Amber Jacober (St. Augustine, FL) and Kathy Kessler (Augusta, MO) – Harmonie Verein – Cultivate compassion in this heart-opening partner yoga workshop designed to deepen connection, and appreciation for yourself and others. Through playful movement, supportive postures, laughter and communication, you’ll experience the joy of shared experience.  As you safely move in unison with your partner, assist each other in stretches and common yoga postures, you will discover shared balance, strength, and a different kind of support than props can offer. This practice is designed to encourage self-awareness, and strengthen trust, and communication. Leave feeling grounded, uplifted, and gain a deeper sense of compassion. Come with a partner or by yourself and we’ll pair you up with a new friend! No experience necessary, all bodies are welcome. **Registration is per person. Each attendee must register separately.**

10:00AM – 12:00PM – SOLD OUT – The Way of Water – Angela L. Chostner (St. Louis, MO) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – Honor your spirit through water ritual and heart opening meditation, followed by community watercolor painting that unleashes inner joy. Playful, expressive, accessible. No experience necessary. **There is a $10 supply fee per person that you pay at the venue the day of the session.** 

12:00PM – 1:30PM – Lunch provided by Mosaic Café and Catering – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall – Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup w/Lemon and Dill, Lentil and Grilled Vegetable Salad w/Herbed Olive Oil, *Goat Cheese on the side*, Coconut Chia Pudding.

1:30PM – 3:30PM – Vocal Empowerment through Mantra & Yoga (Workshop) – Jaya Lakshmi (Eugene, OR) – Harmonie Verein – Learn to unlock and explore the power of your own voice through chanting & singing mantra, toning, special breath techniques and yogic practices. Working with sound is an essential part of the ancient science of yoga, the aim of which is to unite and empower body, mind and spirit, to liberate oneself from density and negativity, ultimately realizing a state of unconditional inner bliss and harmony. 

1:30PM – 3:30PM – SOLD OUT – Guided Meditation Sound Journey (maximum 12 people) – Eileen Wolfington (St. Louis, MO) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – Your body is a finely tuned instrument designed to respond to frequencies that can calm your mind, soothe your soul, and revitalize your entire well-being. Join me to melt away stress, tension, and anxiety. Allow yourself to feel refreshed, balanced, and at peace as you immerse yourself in the vibrational sounds of crystal quartz and Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, an ocean drum, a rain stick, and more. Whether you choose to sit or lie down, allow yourself to be transported to a place of inner tranquility.

1:30PM – 3:30PM – SOLD OUT – Myofascial Release Skills Workshop for Therapists: Learn, Practice, Receive (maximum 6 people) – Judy Raugewitz (Odessa, MO) – Halcyon Spa – This is a small-group, hands-on learning environment. Participants will practice, learn and refine MFR techniques. In the workshop we will address areas where you will “personally” benefit from MFR treatment and learn how to apply techniques effectively to clients fostering both professional growth and self care. Whether you’re new to MFR or looking to expand your skills, this class will help you integrate more effective, intuitive, and client-centered techniques into your practice.  Please wear comfortable clothing, shorts and t-shirts are best in order to reach the body with hands-on techniques.

4:00PM – 6:00PM – Pelvic Floor Myofascial Release (MFR) Yoga – Sarah Helle (Glen Carbon, IL) – Harmonie Verein – This gentle, integrative class focuses on creating balance, awareness, and support within the pelvic floor through mindful movement, meditation, and Myofascial Release–inspired yoga. Participants will explore the pelvic floor as the deep root of the body, cultivating connection, stability, and ease. The class is accessible to all levels and is appropriate for anyone interested in understanding and supporting pelvic floor health.

4:00PM – 6:00PM – Guided Meditation Sound Journey (maximum 12 people) – Eileen Wolfington (St. Louis, MO) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – Your body is a finely tuned instrument designed to respond to frequencies that can calm your mind, soothe your soul, and revitalize your entire well-being. Join me to melt away stress, tension, and anxiety. Allow yourself to feel refreshed, balanced, and at peace as you immerse yourself in the vibrational sounds of crystal quartz and Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, an ocean drum, a rain stick, and more. Whether you choose to sit or lie down, allow yourself to be transported to a place of inner tranquility.

6:00PM – 7:15PM – Dinner provided by Mosaic Café and Catering – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall – Baked Acorn Squash Stuffed w/Quinoa, Cranberries, Herbs and Toasted Pecans, Sautéed Garlic Green Beans, Poached Pear w/Cardamom and Coconut Cream.

7:15PM – 9:15PM –  Somatic Dance: Stars in Motion: The Sage’s Journey ~ A Sagittarian Ceremony Building Toward the Aquarius Full Moon – Bex Feltmann (Washington, MO) – Harmonie Verein – Stars in Motion is a holistic health and well-being practice that weaves cosmic wisdom, somatic movement, and vibrational medicine into ceremonial healing experiences. This is where the sky meets the body—ancient wisdom translated into embodied medicine for mind, body, and spirit. Each ceremony is designed for the specific cosmic moment we’re living through. With this practice, we honor the waxing Sagittarius Moon—the seeker, the adventurer, the truth-teller—while building sacred energy toward the Aquarius Full Moon. What You’ll Experience: • A mini astrology lesson exploring current planetary alignments • Intentional altar elements aligned with the cosmic themes • A somatic ceremonial arc guiding you from stillness through release to renewal • Specially curated music to evoke emotional expression, catharsis, and grounding • Bach® Flower Essences offered for emotional balance and integration. This isn’t just dance—it’s embodied astrology, vibrational medicine, sacred ceremony, and holistic healing woven together. No experience required. Just wear comfortable clothes, bring water, and come with an open heart.

7:15PM – 9:15PM – SOLD OUT – Into Stillness: Restorative Yoga, Nidra & Sound Journey – Allison Chrisman (Washington, MO) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – Into Stillness is a practice of deep listening, a chance to arrive fully in your body, notice, soften, and settle. This evening class offers a space where nothing is required and rest itself becomes the practice. We blend restorative yoga, sound, and Yoga Nidra to support the body and mind as they unwind, release tension, and open into ease. The session begins with grounding and gentle awareness, bringing attention to the breath and the body. The heart of the practice is restorative yoga. Using supportive props, each posture is designed to encourage complete release. As the body is fully supported, the body and nervous system are invited to soften, settle, and move into a state of calm and presence. The props provide comfort and support, inviting you to relax on purpose, without effort or expectation. The class concludes with Yoga Nidra and a sound journey, featuring the gong, octave steel tongue drum, meditation chimes, and ocean drum. The layers of sound guide the nervous system into calm, helping the mind and body rest fully. This is your space to arrive, listen, and rest deeply – a pause in the middle of a busy world.

7:15PM – 9:15PM – Myofascial Release Skills Workshop for Therapists: Learn, Practice, Receive (maximum 6 people) – Judy Raugewitz (Odessa, MO) – Halcyon Spa – This is a small-group, hands-on learning environment. Participants will practice, learn and refine MFR techniques. In the workshop we will address areas where you will “personally” benefit from MFR treatment and learn how to apply techniques effectively to clients fostering both professional growth and self care. Whether you’re new to MFR or looking to expand your skills, this class will help you integrate more effective, intuitive, and client-centered techniques into your practice.  Please wear comfortable clothing, shorts and t-shirts are best in order to reach the body with hands-on techniques.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FRIDAY! 

Please purchase your first selection for a practice at the festival, purchase the number of sessions you would like for the entire festival, after completing the purchase, add yourself to each and every session you plan to attend, as class sizes are limited.  Meals count as a session, please keep this in mind when you choose your package and sign up.  If you need assistance please call Kathy Kessler 314-369-6804 or Halcyon Spa 636-228-4110.

Saturday, July 25

7:30AM – 9:30AM – Sunrise Flow Yoga – Elaine Blackmur ( Washington, MO) – Harmonie Verein – Expect Sun Salutations (and Sun Salutation variations), chest openers (opening the heart), twists, safe inversions, balance, all the bends (forward, side, & back), and a few strength postures as well (side planks, including on hand and forearm, dolphin), and more. There will opportunities throughout the practice for reflection and meditation. Elaine states, “When I lead Yoga, I always offer options and modifications so everyone feels content and successful after Savasana. The breath and staying in the present moment are the focal points of my classes.”

 7:30AM – 9:30AM – Communing with Nature: Exploring the Sacred Connection Between You and Mother Earth – Jenna Angeleigh Israel (Sedona, AZ) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – Step into the embrace of the natural world and embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. Join us for a transformative retreat experience as we delve into the rich tapestry of our connection with Mother Earth and uncover the profound wisdom and healing she offers. What to Expect: Healing Power of Nature: Immerse yourself in the restorative energy of the natural world and discover how it can support your journey of healing and transformation. Through guided practices and contemplative experiences, you’ll learn to attune to the rhythms of nature and harness its profound healing potential for body, mind, and soul. Silent Walk on the Katy Trail: Embark on a silent journey along the serene paths of the Katy Trail, allowing yourself to be enveloped by the tranquility of nature. As you walk in mindful silence, open your heart and senses to receive the powerful messages that nature is eager to share with you, guiding you towards deeper insight and connection. Exploring Personal Relationship with Nature: Through reflective exercises and group discussions, delve into your personal relationship with the natural world. Explore your unique connections, memories, and experiences with nature, and uncover the ways in which it has shaped your journey and nurtured your soul. Join Us: Experience the transformative power of reconnecting with Mother Earth and rediscover the profound wisdom and healing that awaits you in the natural world. “Communing with Nature” invites you to journey deep into the heart of nature, where you’ll find solace, renewal, and a sense of belonging.

10:00AM – 12:00PM – Sattva Yoga Journey – Jaya Lakshmi (Eugene, OR) – Harmonie Verein – A two hour yoga practice with pranayama (breath practice), asana (postures & movement), meditation, mantra, mudra. This is a transformative and fun practice that will clear and uplift your energy on all levels. We’ll begin with pranayama (breath) and spinal warm-ups, moving into a slow-medium vinyasa flow, then more restorative postures, eventually cooling down to rest in sivasana. The last part of the journey is seated meditation, and includes specific kriyas (evolutionary actions) that usually include mantras, mudras, breath and movement. All are welcome. 

10:00AM – 12:00PM – Cacao Heart Activation: An Opening into Sacred Devotion – Jenna Angeleigh Israel (Sedona, AZ) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – Join me for a powerful and intentional cacao ceremony designed to awaken and deepen your connection to the heart. For centuries, cacao has been honored in ceremonial traditions as a heart-opening plant ally. As we gather in intentional space, we will sit with the medicine resting over our hearts and move through guided somatic practices, meditation, and reflective journaling. This experience is an invitation to soften, open, and reconnect with the sacred intelligence within you. The cacao serves as a gentle guide — helping you access deeper layers of love, truth, and inner wisdom. Step into a space where your heart becomes your guide. Come with openness. Leave feeling grounded, connected, and heart-awakened.

12:00PM – 1:30PM – Lunch provided by Mosaic Café and Catering – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall – Miso Vegetable Soup w/Grilled Tofu, Mushrooms, Bok Choy and Scallions, Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad w/Sunflower Seeds and Tahini Dressing, Oat and Almond Energy Balls.

1:30PM – 3:30PM – Master The Nervous System, Master Your Life – Tim Appelbaum (St. Louis, MO) – Harmonie Verein – Master The Nervous System, Master Your Life is a class that goes deep into the nervous system.  It includes Polyvagal Theory, Ayurveda, breathwork; as well as giving you real life tools to shift your state. This class is the culmination of all my experience and time in combat, teaching kids, cage fighting, and yoga knowledge. The difference between this class and others, is you will receive real tools, protocols, and strategies to take control of your own life.  

1:30PM – 3:30PM – Pocket of Stillness – SiriAtma Kaur (St. Louis, MO) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – Step into a pocket of stillness after lunch. This immersive workshop offers a guided visualization inspired by hypnotherapy, inviting you into a dreamy, relaxed state where the mind softens and inner awareness awakens. All you need is a willingness to rest and receive. The journey flows into a nourishing gong sound healing, where resonant vibrations help clear, ground, and integrate what’s been revealed. Come as you are and allow yourself to be carried by sound, imagery, and deep rest. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, centered, recharged, and gently re-enchanted.

1:30PM – 3:30PM – CANCELLED – FREEDOM!: What is Bondage, What is Freedom and How to be Free – Swami Sankarananda (West Virginia) – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall

1:30PM – 3:30PM – SOLD OUT – MFR Ease in Movement Workshop (maximum 6 people) – Judy Raugewitz (Odessa, MO) – Halcyon Spa – Who can Attend: Anyone can attend this workshop that is eager to learn Myofascial Self Treatment for chronic/acute pain or to maintain fluidity in your body for ease of movement during your day. In this class you will learn techniques and tools to use to facilitate greater movement for your body. This class is a small group so that I can see to your individual needs and guide you to feel better. Please wear comfortable clothing, shorts and t-shirts are best in order to reach the body with hands-on techniques.

4:00PM – 6:00PM – Meridian Fascial Flow Yoga – Sarah Helle (Glen Carbon, IL) – Harmonie Verein – In this class, Sarah guides participants through an exploration of the body’s meridian pathways as they exist within the deep fascial system. These pathways support the flow of vital energy and contribute to physical, emotional, and mental balance. Through mindful movement and fascial awareness, participants will experience how working with the meridians can create a sense of flow, grounding, and integration throughout the body. This practice is appropriate for all.

4:00PM – 6:00PM  – The Table of Selves ~ An Embodied Experience of Presence and Inner Listening – Sara Biermann (Washington, MO) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – We all carry many inner roles — the helper, the listener, the teacher, the one who holds it together. In this experiential session, you’re invited to explore what happens when those roles are allowed to rest. Rather than teaching or fixing, this two-hour experience offers simple, embodied exercises in listening, presence, and awareness. You’ll explore how different inner “selves” show up — and how coherence naturally emerges when nothing needs to be managed. This is a playful, grounded space with minimal talking and no pressure to share. Come as you are. Leave with a felt sense of ease, clarity, and a different way of relating to yourself and others.

4:00PM – 6:00PM – SOLD OUT – MFR Ease in Movement Workshop (maximum 6 people) – Judy Raugewitz (Odessa, MO) – Halcyon Spa – Who can Attend: Anyone can attend this workshop that is eager to learn Myofascial Self Treatment for chronic/acute pain or to maintain fluidity in your body for ease of movement during your day. In this class you will learn techniques and tools to use to facilitate greater movement for your body. This class is a small group so that I can see to your individual needs and guide you to feel better. Please wear comfortable clothing, shorts and t-shirts are best in order to reach the body with hands-on techniques.

6:00PM – 7:00PM – Dinner provided by Mosaic Café and Catering – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall – Baked Eggplant w/Tomato & Basil, *Mozzarella on the Side*, Creamy Polenta, Dark Chocolate and Avocado Mousse.

7:15PM – 9:15PM – Kirtronica Ecstatic Dance Set – Jaya Lakshmi (Eugene, OR) – Harmonie Verein – Jaya Lakshmi blends live vocals, mantra, sacred song, and original electronic tracks into an immersive journey of joyful movement and soul-powered connection. Weaving kirtan and sacred music traditions with trance, tribal house and downtempo genres, she artfully merges devotional depth and the modern electronic dance experience. 

7:00PM – 9:00PM – The Refining Fire: Breath, Stillness & Resonant Sound Journey – Aimee Slater (Ohio) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – In this immersive session, we will explore how the body holds tension as protection, and how gentle rhythmic input can support regulation and release. Through subtle breathwork, tuning fork vibration, and an extended Crystal singing bowl journey,  participants are invited into a quieter calibration of the nervous system. This experience offers space for stillness, refinement and embodied coherence, allowing the body to soften its defenses and return to a more regulated state.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SATURDAY! 

Please purchase your first selection for a practice at the festival, purchase the number of sessions you would like for the entire festival, after completing the purchase, add yourself to each and every session you plan to attend, as class sizes are limited.  Meals count as a session, please keep this in mind when you choose your package and sign up.  If you need assistance please call Kathy Kessler 314-369-6804 or Halcyon Spa 636-228-4110.

Sunday, July 26

7:30AM – 9:30AM – Moon Salutations – Kathy Kessler (Augusta, MO) – Harmonie Verein – Moon Salutation – Chandra Namaskar, is a fluid moving sequence to honor the moon.  In this salutation we travel the mat right to left.  We will start the practice with morning stretches to prepare for the salutation. Next, we will explore the variations of the Moon Salutation sequences.  We will start slow, holding the shapes, giving you the chance to get familiar with each posture and eventually we will create a flow for Moon Salutation and share the Moon Salutation Poem.

10:00AM – 12:00PM – Intrinsic Breathwork – Experiencing Dynamic Transformational Healing – Jenna Angeleigh Israel (Sedona, AZ) – Halcyon Spa – Intrinsic Breathwork is a powerful, dynamic healing process that supports transformation at a deep cellular and subconscious level. Through the breath, we can gently access and release stored stress, unresolved trauma, limiting beliefs, emotional patterns, and physical tension that may be keeping us from experiencing greater freedom, vitality, and wholeness. Much of our conditioning lives below the level of conscious awareness. Intrinsic Breathwork helps illuminate these hidden patterns, allowing them to move, integrate, and transform so you can reconnect with your authentic self and the wisdom of your body. In this experiential workshop, you’ll learn about the profound benefits of conscious breathwork before being guided through a one-hour Intrinsic Breathwork journey. We’ll conclude with a grounding integration experience to help you embody and anchor what has emerged. No prior experience is necessary. Simply bring an open heart, a willingness to explore, and allow the wisdom of your breath to guide you toward greater healing, aliveness, and inspiration. Props: yoga mat or pilates mat, minimum 2 blankets per person: 1 for under body, 1 for over; 1-2 pillows or bolsters per person: 1 under knees while laying on back & optional behind head; eye mask (bandana or strip of cloth works fine); journal & writing utensil, and water bottle.

10:00AM – 12:00PM – Lymphatic Flow – Amber Jacober (St. Augustine FL) – Harmonie Verein – Experience the purifying blend of Yoga, Qigong, and Self-Lymphatic Massage in this workshop designed to support overall health. The often ignored lymphatic system is important for managing fluid retention and inflammation, and maintaining healthy detoxification, circulation, and immune function! Begin with a dynamic Yoga Flow and Qigong practice, paired with breathwork to stimulate your energy and blood flow, preparing you for the deeper benefits of Lymphatic Massage. Then be guided through a step-by-step lymphatic self-massage that will help to move stagnant fluid, detox the body, and assist in recovery from the active practice. Take home a written step-by-step guide of the Self-Lymphatic Massage sequence, so you can incorporate this self-care ritual into your routine at home! Suitable for all levels of experience. 2 CEUs eligible for Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructors.

10:00AM – 12:00PM – Two Topics in 2 hours: Aging Well 2026: The Science of Adding Life to Your Years and Years to Your Life!  & The Core of It All: How Gut Health Drives Chronic Disease – M. Chris Link, MD (Jefferson City, MO) – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall Lecture – Aging Well 2026: The Science of Adding Life to Your Years and Years to Your Life!   Explore the cutting-edge science of 2026 that redefines the human experience. We discuss the shift from disease management to health optimization, giving you the tools to increase your healthy years and maximize your physical and mental potential. The Core of It All: How Gut Health Drives Chronic Disease  The GI tract is the engine room of the human body. When it falters, the ripple effects can drive chronic disease across every system. We’ll explore the gut through a functional medicine lens, breaking down the management of common disruptors like SIBO, IBS, reflux, constipation. Learn how to rebalance the microbiome and gain optimal GI function.

12:00PM – 1:00PM – Lunch provided by Mosaic Café and Catering – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall – Red Lentil and Spinach Soup, Shoestring Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Salad w/Basil, Olives and Lemon Vinaigrette, Fresh Pineapple and Papaya w/Lime.

1:00PM – 3:00PM – Two Topics in 2 hours: Restoring the Rhythm: The Truth About Hormone Therapy in 2026 & Unbreakable: Your Essential Guide to Bone Health – M. Chris Link, MD (Jefferson City, MO) – Ebenezer Fellowship Hall Lecture – Restoring the Rhythm: The Truth About Hormone Therapy in 2026 For over two decades, misinformation from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study caused unnecessary fear and restricted access to HRT for women. This session reviews modern evidence supporting both the safety of HRT and its profound benefits. Unbreakable: Your Essential Guide to Bone Health What does every woman need to know about her bone health? From screenings to supplements, we’re breaking down the essentials of prevention and treatment. Learn how to protect your frame through exercise, nutrition, and informed medical choices to stay strong at every age.

1:30PM- 3:30PM – Kirtan & Sacred Music Concert – Jaya Lakshmi (Eugene, OR) – Harmonie Verein – Jaya Lakshmi’s kirtan and sacred music concert blends luminous Sanskrit mantra with her own original compositions, weaving soulful lyrics, dynamic rhythms, and transcendent vocals into a vibrant field of healing sound. As a kirtan artist and singer-songwriter, she brings ancient chant and contemporary song together in a shared experience that celebrates the timeless, loving presence of the sacred.

1:30PM- 3:30PM – HealthRHYTHMS®️ Drumming: Wellness Through the Rhythm of Drumming – Eileen Wolfington (St. Louis, MO) – Oaks Crossing Conference Center – HealthRHYTHMS®️:  Rhythm doesn’t belong only to musicians and drummers.  We experience rhythm every day.  It began with our heart beat.  We breathe and walk in rhythm.  Come to engage in a research-based, group empowerment wellness experience.  Immerse yourself in rhythm and creative music-making to support connection, relaxation, and joy.  You will leave feeling grounded, focused, and inspired.  No experience is needed.  Drums will be provided.

4:00PM – 6:00PM – Pranayama & Vin-Yin Yoga for Nervous System Regulation – Amber Jacober (St. Augustine, FL) – Harmonie Verein – In this two hour workshop you will learn about the autonomic nervous system and different techniques that can be used to target the desired response in order to regulate oneself. Enjoy a slow, mindful Vinyasa practice that emphasizes steady pacing, intentional transitions, and breath awareness to help discharge excess energy and build a sense of connection and autonomy with your body—supporting the nervous system’s capacity to regulate in motion. Then transition into an intentionally sequenced Yin practice, with the support of props and unhurried time, allowing yourself the space your body needs to surrender, the mind to settle into meditation, and the nervous system to downshift into a blissful state of being. Explore how different types of movement, stillness, and pranayama breathwork techniques can affect your internal state—collecting practical knowledge and tools you can carry into your daily life to support yourself in moments of stress, fatigue, or overwhelm. Suitable for all levels of experience. Modifications and options will be offered. 2 CEUs eligible for Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructors.

4:00PM – 5:30PM  –  Heart Body & Soul Retreat Closing Ceremony – Retreat Participants Only – Oaks Crossing Conference Center

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SUNDAY! 

Please purchase your first selection for a practice at the festival, purchase the number of sessions you would like for the entire festival, after completing the purchase, add yourself to each and every session you plan to attend, as class sizes are limited.  Meals count as a session, please keep this in mind when you choose your package and sign up.  If you need assistance please call Kathy Kessler 314-369-6804 or Halcyon Spa 636-228-4110.

Meet Your Chef:

Food Provided by – Mosaic Café and Catering:  Mosaic has been in business under Pat Long for over 15 years. He loves bringing healthy food options to his cafe located inside Mercy Clinic Building in Washington, MO. The cafe is open to the public Monday – Friday from 7:30 – 3:00. Pat and his staff take pride in the preparation of the cafe and catering food and drinks. Mosaic’s Catering services range from boxed lunches for schools and corporations to fine dining plated meals for weddings and fundraisers. Pat stands out from the pack by not only creating exciting cuisine for his catering clients but he locally sources seasonal ingredients for every aspect of the operation. Eat local—for your health, the environment, and your taste buds. Visit his website: https://mosaiccafeandcatering.com

Below is the complete menu for the Festival, for each day. All menu items are vegan and gluten free, *non-vegan dairy options served on the side where noted*, organic and local ingredients sourced whenever possible, monkfruit sweetener used where needed:

Thursday, July 23: 

Lunch:  Carrot Ginger Soup, Quinoa, Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad w/Arugula, Pumpkin Seeds and Lemon Vinaigrette, *Feta on the Side*, Fresh Berry and Mint Cup.

Dinner: Vegetable Curry w/Cauliflower, Carrots and Greens, Basmati Rice, *Raita on the Side*, Almond Date Bites.

Friday, July 24:

Lunch: Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup w/Lemon and Dill, Lentil and Grilled Vegetable Salad with Herbed Olive Oil, *Goat Cheese on the side*, Coconut Chia Pudding.

Dinner: Baked Acorn Squash Stuffed with Quinoa, Cranberries, Herbs and Toasted Pecans, Sautéed Garlic Green Beans, Poached Pear w/Cardamom and Coconut Cream.

Saturday, July 25:

Lunch: Miso Vegetable Soup w/Grilled Tofu, Mushrooms, Bok Choy and Scallions, Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad w/Sunflower Seeds and Tahini Dressing, Oat and Almond Energy Balls.

Dinner: Baked Eggplant w/Tomato & Basil, *Mozzarella on the Side*, Creamy Polenta, Dark Chocolate and Avocado Mousse.

Sunday, July 26:

Lunch: Red Lentil and Spinach Soup, Shoestring Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Salad w/Basil, Olives and Lemon Vinaigrette, Fresh Pineapple and Papaya w/Lime.

Meet Your Leaders:

New Leaders 2026

Tim Appelbaum – 1st year Festival Leader – Tim Appelbaum is a Breathwork Facilitator and 500 Hr YTT YACEP from Saint Louis. The journey to yoga included time in the Marines, Elementary School Teacher, Cage Fighter, and now yoga studio owner. Following the Marines and Afghanistan, Tim sought healing outside the VA and found breathwork through Brian Mackenzie’s Shift Adapt and work with fighters. Since 2016 he has been working on breathwork/nervous system with athletes, professionals, veterans, and clients. In 2020 he took the dive to full on yoga teacher and hasn’t stopped since, now owning Fox Company Yoga. He has taught at retreats in Texas, Brazil, the Teton Yoga Festival; in addition to teaching at the studio.  

Sara Biermann, LMT – 1st year Festival Leader – Sara Biermann, LMT is the founder of Blu Room Wellness and is an intuitive bodyworker with over 25 years of experience. Her work is rooted in presence, nervous system regulation, and deep listening—creating spaces where clarity, ease, and inner knowing naturally emerge. Sara’s sessions are experiential, grounding, and often described as profoundly unlike anything else.

Karen Billberry – 1st year Festival Leader – Karen Billberry is a 17 year licensed Massage Therapist in the state of Indiana. A former social worker focused on adults with severe and persistent mental health diagnosis in an outpatient setting, facing burn out, she stepped away from her career and began her journey in the massage world. Knowing there was a piece still missing, she finally found it in 2018 via the magical world of John F Barnes Myofascial Release. She is forever grateful for his encompassing spirit, loving words, and transforming hands.

Bex Feltmann, BSN, RN, Homeopath, Holistic Health Astrologer, Bach® Flower Practitioner – 1st year Festival Leader – After more than two decades as a registered nurse, Bex Feltmann’s path has gently guided her back to the heart of nursing—the art of true healing—through work that honors mind, body, and spirit. With a deep passion for whole-person wellbeing, she created a ceremonial healing dance practice that offers a supportive space for release, renewal, and personal reclamation. Drawing from training in classical homeopathy, Bach® Flower Essences, psychological and medical astrology, and other holistic modalities, she provides collaborative, trauma informed, heart-centered care that supports both individuals and groups in discovering their own pathways to balance, transformation, and deeper connection. Her work weaves together embodied astrology, somatic movement, vibrational medicine, and ceremonial ritual to create healing experiences that nurture the whole person. At its core, her approach is rooted in the belief that healing unfolds naturally when we honor the body’s innate wisdom, align with the rhythms of nature, and allow space for authentic expression and integration.

Amber Jacober, E-500RYT, RPYT, YACEP – 1st year Festival Leader – Amber began her regular yoga practice in college during a particularly stressful point in life. She was not a very physically active person so yoga became a safe place to explore her body’s physical capabilities, as well as process thoughts and emotions. She soon realized what a profoundly positive impact yoga made on her life as a whole and how it improved the way she interacted with the world around her. She decided to pursue her 200 hour Yoga Certification in 2014 as a way to share all the amazing benefits of this practice with others. Amber trained at Urban Breath Yoga School in Saint Louis, Missouri, where she acquired her E-RYT 500 status as well as her 85hr Prenatal Yoga Certification, and became a Yoga Alliance Certified Education Provider. She lived and taught in St. Louis for many years before moving to Kansas City, Missouri where she went on to complete her 25hr Aerial Yoga Certification at KC Yoga Kula. From there she assisted and co-lead multiple 200-hour teacher trainings at KC Yoga Kula alongside Nancy Kaul. She also taught many continuing education courses, yoga workshop series, and contributed specialized modules for other 200-YTTs at studios throughout the Kansas City Missouri area. She now resides in St. Augustine, Florida, where she teaches weekly classes, private sessions, workshops, and yoga education trainings. She has additional specialized training in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga techniques, AcroYoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Functional Anatomy, and has experience working with a wide variety of body types, skill levels, and health conditions. She loves helping individuals deepen their understanding of Yoga and cultivate a well rounded practice that can positively impact their everyday life. Her classes are safe, creative, relatable, and playful. Her goal is to always leave people feeling more balanced and regulated than the way they felt walking into class.

Jaya Lakshmi – 1st year Festival Leader – Jaya Lakshmi is a multifaceted artist, encompassing roles as a musician, singer/songwriter, yoga teacher, and retreat facilitator. Renowned for her authentic devotional spirit, Jaya Lakshmi has played a significant role in establishing kirtan and mantra music in the West. Since embarking on her professional music career in 1997, she has produced 20 albums spanning the genres of mantra music, singer-songwriter and electronica.  A devoted yogi since 1996, she is certified in Sattva Yoga and has led yoga and spiritual retreats since 2011, sharing her wisdom and illuminating music worldwide. Learn more about Jaya on her website, www.JayaLakshmiMusic.com

M. Chris Link, MD – 1st year Festival Leader – Dr. Link is a graduate of St Louis University School of Medicine. He completed emergency medicine residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1991 and practiced emergency and trauma medicine for 18 years. In 2009 he completed a 2-year integrative medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona, directed by Dr. Andrew Weil.  He completed a second post-residency fellowship in functional medicine, from the Institute Functional Medicine, fall 2017. He has trained additionally in acupuncture, nutrition, and western and Chinese herbal medicine. He opened Integrative Medicine – Natural Healing Alternatives and Medical Acupuncture, in 2009. There he leverages the power of food as medicine, utilizes herbs, supplements, advanced nutritional testing, metabolic/hormonal testing, as well as lifestyle interventions, to improve the care of patients with a spectrum of medical and physical conditions. He is a respected educator in the field of integrative medicine. He is a clinical instructor of integrative medicine in the MU, Capital Region Medical Center Family Medicine Program. He lectures frequently on natural approaches to optimizing health, optimal nutrition, safe and effective use of vitamins, supplements, and herbal medicines. 

Judy Raugewitz, COTA/L, LMT, Myofascial Therapist – 1st year Festival Leader – Judy Bradbury-Raugewitz is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) who has been practicing Myofascial Release (MFR) since 2002. She has worked in a wide variety of settings, including inpatient hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice.  Judy is Expert Level trained in Myofascial Release under John F. Barnes, PT, LMT, founder of the Myofascial Release Approach®. She is an Instructor for Myofascial Release Seminars nationwide and has also served as a staff therapist at “Therapy on the Rocks” in Sedona, Arizona, one of John Barnes’ Myofascial Release Treatment Centers, where she helped people from around the world find relief from chronic pain and complex conditions. Myofascial Release has profoundly impacted Judy’s life  both professionally and personally. Over the years, she herself has received MFR treatment for bulging discs, arm and leg pain, and other conditions, experiencing firsthand the healing potential of this work. Judy is Co-Owner of Inspired Body Therapy in Odessa, Missouri, where she provides hands-on care for clients of all ages and hosts mentorship workshops to guide other practitioners in effectively using myofascial release (MFR) techniques. Her work focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring ease of movement by releasing restrictions in the body’s connective tissue system through gentle, sustained manual techniques. In addition to her clinical practice, Judy has advanced her expertise by training under Grace Vedala, PT, in the Therapeutic Art of Myofascial Release and MFR Yoga Approach. This training blends traditional MFR methods with therapeutic yoga principles — integrating mindful breath, sustained postures, and myofascial stretching to help clients open the fascial system for greater flexibility, decreased pain, and a more active lifestyle. Judy’s holistic approach combines the science of fascia with movement and breath awareness, empowering her clients not only to find relief but also to cultivate long-term functional wellbeing. Through her mentorship, she helps other therapists deepen their ability to apply these transformative techniques in their own practices.

Aimee Slater – First year Festival Leader – Aimee Slater, LMT, is the founder of Myofascial Wellness LLC in Port Clinton, Ohio. Practicing John F. Barnes Myofascial Release, her holistic practice integrates hypnotherapy,  sound and vibration therapy to support nervous system regulation and holistic healing. Aimee’s grounded, frequency-based practice creates space for stillness, coherence, and transformation. 

Returning Leaders 2026

Elaine Blackmur, RYT-200 – 5th year Festival Leader – Mindful Movement, LLC, is a Group Fitness Instructor leading classes for over 20 years and is currently at the Four Rivers Area YMCA in Washington, Missouri. She holds A.A. degrees in Fashion Merchandising & Liberal Arts; B.A. Recreation & Leisure Studies from San Francisco State University; Univ. of Missouri Extension Master Gardener. In addition she is trained and certified in ACE Group Exercise Instruction, AFAA Group Exercise Instructor; AFAA Pilates; Black Belt – TaeKwonDo (former instructor); KickBoxing/Step Aerobics; Les Mills International – BODYBALANCE, BODYPUMP (AIM 1 level), SHAPES, & SPRINT (Cycling Intervals); LIVESTRONG; PiYo Strength; Reebok/YMCA Indoor Cycling Training; Silver Sneakers – Classic, Ener Chi, & Yoga; Turbo Kick; Yoga RYT 200 hours; YogaFit Level 1; Member of Yoga Alliance; and Zumba.

 

Regan Caruthers – 4th year Festival Leader – Regan Caruthers is a writer, spiritual teacher and founder of Aset Yoga Center, housed on her serene 10 acre estate in Washington, MO.  Regan began contemplative practice at the age of three, learning meditation and Tai Chi at an innovative elementary school. A former Silicon Valley executive, Regan served as teaching faculty at the HeartMath Institute, leading retreats and programs for business audiences. Now she draws on over 500 hours of yoga training and dedicates her life to supporting the inner life of others, providing free community yoga, private yoga instruction, and transformative inner life coaching.  Her memoir, Tragic Magic was published last year and is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Angela L. Chostner – 3rd year Festival Leader – is a St. Louis painter, poet and Reiki master. Collectors who resonate with her work have described it as “more than art” and “speaks to the parts of me that need light, joy and love.”  Her paintings and poetry provide a portal to the sacred space within. As a creative expression facilitator, she invites participants to rediscover their own sacred space and sense of delight. She facilitates workshops and creates sacred space for events and engages in community collaborations. Angela’s paintings and drums have been featured at the past 3 Yoga Bliss Festivals. She is a contributing author in the bestselling book, “Shine Your Soul Light,” a book that shares empowering stories of 11 international visionaries. At her core, Angela believes: “Within us all is the capacity to love without reservation, express ourselves fully, and see the beauty in each other and ourselves.” 

Contact at: www.AngelaLChostnerArt.com instagram.com/@achostner/ achostner@gmail.com

Allison Chrisman, RYT 200 – 2nd Year Festival Leader – Allison Chrisman is the founder of Elevate, Expand, & Evolve with Allison and the creator of The Restorative Reset. She is a Certified Life Coach through the Gaja Collective. She guides individuals to regulate their nervous system, reconnect with their body, and return to a more grounded, steady, and aligned way of living. With a background in psychology and body-centered practices, her work centers on restorative wellness, supporting deep regulation, reconnection, and sustainable inner balance through a grounded, heart-led approach. She completed her 200-hour yoga certification with Yandara Yoga Institute in Mexico and has continued her studies with advanced Yin and Restorative Yoga training through Yandara, as well as Yin Yoga training with Gabrielle Harris. She also trained in Restorative Yoga under Jillian Pransky, author of Deep Listening, whose work profoundly shapes Allison’s approach to slowing down and turning inward. Restorative yoga is her passion, not just because it’s gentle but because it’s transformational. She is deeply passionate about sharing the practice of Yoga Nidra, guiding participants toward relaxation and inner awareness. Her classes blend stillness, breath, and intuitive guidance to help regulate the nervous system, release tension, and create space for inner alignment. It’s not about fixing; it’s about remembering who you are. Allison specializes in crafting restorative experiences that weave yoga, meditation, Yoga Nidra, sound, Reiki, and energy work, inviting deep rest, renewal, and space to listen and access your inner wisdom. Rooted in the belief that transformation begins within, her work is about helping others reconnect with their true selves. Whether through movement, stillness, or sound, she holds space with honesty, compassion, and a deep respect for each person’s unique journey. Contact:https://linktr.ee/allisonchrisman

Melissa Duchatschek – 5th year Festival Leader – is a native of Washington, MO and opened Present Moment Yoga in 2011. She discovered the benefits of a regular practice in 1999 while looking for something to support her mind and body after childbirth. Quickly recognizing the amazing benefits that linking breath and movement have, she dove deeper into all aspects of the practice and became certified to teach.  Melissa’s teaching style is focused on making yoga accessible to all levels, challenging her students to achieve their goals through intelligent sequencing and mindful modifications, and helping them to learn more about the practice of yoga and about themselves.

Jill Dunlap – 2nd Year Festival Leader – Jill is the founder of Wildwood Yoga & Wellness, a thriving studio that has served its community for over 10 years. She began practicing yoga in 1996 and has been teaching since 2002, now holding over 2000  hours of training. Jill is an E-RYT 500, YACEP, certified Roll Model® Method Practitioner, Reiki Master, and a trained sound healer and sonic massage practitioner. Her teaching style is grounded, intuitive, and therapeutic—blending functional movement, breathwork, and self-myofascial release to support physical and emotional well-being. She often weaves in sound healing and energy work to create a deeply immersive experience. A mom to three boys, Jill brings authenticity, compassion, and a touch of magic to everything she offers. Her classes are a space to reset, reconnect, and return home to yourself.

Sarah Helle, PT, PhD, LMT, CHNC, RYT-500 – 5th year Festival Leader – is the owner of Optimize Health & Wellness in Glen Carbon, Illinois. With over 33 years of experience as a physical therapist, Sarah brings a deeply integrative approach to health that honors the connection between body, mind, and overall well-being. She earned her Ph.D. in Natural Health in 2010 and is an expert-level John Barnes Myofascial Release® therapist, blending hands-on manual therapy with movement, nutrition, and mindfulness practices. Sarah’s work is grounded in the belief that every person deserves to experience the joy of health, balance, and freedom in their body.

Jenna Angeleigh Israel, LPC, MA – 5th year Festival Leader – is a dedicated yogi and somatic psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience in trauma-informed, body-centered healing. Introduced to yoga during her first pregnancy in the 1990s, she has remained a devoted student ever since. Passionate about silence and the dharma, Jenna is a longtime practitioner of Vipassana meditation and regularly attends silent retreats to deepen her practice. She has led over 14 transformational retreats in Sedona and abroad as co-owner of Sanctuary Bridge Transformations, guiding participants in reconnecting with their hearts, healing trauma, and reclaiming their authentic selves. Jenna maintains a private practice, working with clients from all walks of life, and curates individualized healing intensives for those seeking deeper, immersive support. Her work weaves mindfulness, ceremony, somatic therapy, and embodied spiritual practice to create grounded yet deeply transformative experiences. For more information, visit www.sanctuarybridgetransformations.com

Siri Atma Kaur, CCHT with ACHE, KRI Level 2 Teacher – 5th year Festival Leader – SiriAtma is a devotee on the path of love & wisdom. Her fervent love is deeply felt in all of her offerings.  She nurtures with gentleness and playfulness in her facilitations. She is deeply steeped in the realm of the subconscious, and a teacher of ancient wisdoms of yoga & gong sound therapy. She is a clinically certified hypnotherapist (CCHT), and a well of knowledge in kundalini energy. She is Mom to 3 sons, however she mothers all who come to her seeking liberation.

Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200 – 5th year Festival Leader – founded the Yoga Bliss Festival in 2022.  In 2001 she founded and opened Halcyon Spa, Salon & B&B in her hometown of Augusta, MO and with the support of her dedicated staff, Halcyon Spa is thriving and getting ready to celebrate its 25th year in August. Her passion for the human body, yoga, and love for community called her to be a physical and massage therapist practitioner in JFB MFR® for more than 25 years, and a yoga instructor for 14 years. Kathy currently lives in Sedona, AZ and is working full-time as a Physical Therapist at Therapy on the Rocks in the Western Myofascial Release Treatment Center.  She creates a Spa newsletter twice a month and produces a daily inspirational email for her yogis. Kathy provides seven virtual yoga practices a week with teaching partner Allison Chrisman, teaches in-studio at Village Yoga in Sedona, AZ, and has co-created the YouTube Channel ‘Barefoot in America’ with her partner, Karl Mullings. During the summer she comes back to here hometown and sees clients at Halcyon Spa, offers her Barefoot in the Vineyard Series, and in December returns to Augusta for her yearly Winter Solstice Practice. She also offers Myo-Yin/Sound Healing Workshops when she travels.  Her goal is to lead yoga practices that are accessible to every-body and offer choices for each student to personalize their practice, to honor their limits and see their potential.

Grace Lindsay – 4th year Festival Leader – Grace Lindsay is an Akashic Record expert and Reiki Master with 25 years of professional experience. She is a Master Teacher of beginning and advanced Akashic classes and a gifted Akashic Record Reader. Grace has done Akashic Record readings from coast to coast and internationally as well. Widely acknowledged for her skill and compassion in bringing forth meaningful information from the Record, she is passionate about introducing others to the Akashic Record through readings, classes, meditations, events, and healing sessions.  Grace has pioneered Akashic Reiki as a potent modality that combines the healing properties of Reiki with the high-vibrational wisdom of the Akashic Record to form a powerful foundation for transformation. Grace has her master’s certifications in three Reiki disciplines, with additional training in Nervous System Energy Work. Grace gives Akashic Record Readings and Akashic Reiki sessions both in-person and remotely online via Zoom videoconferencing. See Grace’s website, AkashicGrace.com, for more information.

 

Eileen Wolfington – 3rd year Festival Leader – retired as a wellness coordinator. Coupled with her prior work experience as a community health worker, Eileen motivates others to live in harmony in mind, body, spirit, and soul.  She is a trained facilitator of sound journeys, community drum circles, guided labyrinth walks, grief movement, laughter yoga, and grief support groups.  Her interests include practicing healing touch, learning about complementary forms of medicine, and studying about grief, death, dying, and end-of-life education. Contact info:  https://linktr.ee/ewolfington

 Past Leaders 2022 – 2025

Kristen Ambrosi, RYT-500, E-RYT 200, YACEP – Festival Leader 2024

Elaine Blackmur, RYT-200 – Returning Festival Leader

Dr. Becca Blake – Festival Leader 2024

Shenee Alexa Booth – Festival Leader 2022 – 2025

Jessica Caimi – Festival Leader 2023-2025

Regan Caruthers – Returning Festival Leader

Angela L. Chostner – Returning Festival Leader

Allison Chrisman, Certified Chopra Coach, RYT 200 – Returning Festival Leader

Ananda Das – Festival Leader 2022-2025

Damiyr – Festival Leader 2025

Dhyanashanti, Yoga/kundalini yoga Teacher, life coach, and CHT with RTT– Festival Leader 2022-2025

Melissa Duchatschek – Returning Festival Leader

Jill Dunlap – Returning Festival Leader

Sarah Helle, PT, PhD, LMT, CHNC, RYT -500 – Returning Festival Leader

Jenna Angeleigh Israel, LPC, MA, – Returning Festival Leader

Soña Hernandez – Festival Leader 2025

SiriAtma Kaur, CCHT with ACHE, KRI Level 2 Teacher– Returning Festival Leader

Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200 – Returning Festival Leader

Billie Kincaid – Festival Leader 2023-2024

Grace Lindsay – Returning Festival Leader

Sangita Schroeder – Festival Leader 2022-2024

Juli Schuster – Festival Leader 2023-2024

Swami Sankarananda Saraswati  (Peace Swami) – Festival Leader 2024 – 2025

Amelia & Roger Williams – Festival Leader 2024-2025

Eileen Wolfington – Returning Festival Leader

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Festival Pricing (The same as last year!!):

Purchase single session or multiple sessions – lunches and dinners count as a session, along with all the yoga, breath work, sound healing and meditations.  We encourage you to customize the experience for YOU!  

Please purchase your first selection for a practice at the festival,  then buy the package you would like, after completing the purchase, add yourself to each and every session you plan to attend, as class sizes are limited.   Meals count as a session, please keep this in mind when you choose your package and sign up.  

• Entire Festival with 19 sessions, plus 7 meals $670
• Single Session – $35
• 2 sessions – $68
• 3 sessions – $99
• 4 sessions  – $132
• 5 sessions – $165
• 6 sessions – $199
• 7 sessions – $231
• 8 sessions – $262
• 9 sessions – $297
• 10 sessions – $333
• 11 sessions – $360
• 12 sessions – $385
• 13 sessions – $415
• 14 sessions – $444
• 15 sessions – $468
• 16 sessions – $495
• 17 sessions – $524
• 18 sessions – $555
• 19 sessions – $585
• 20 sessions – $615
• 21 sessions – $630
• 22 sessions – $644
• 23 sessions – $655
• 24 sessions – $660
• 25 sessions – $665