I love working with Yogamedco because it truly feels like a family. It is inspiring to work with a team of professionals that genuinely care about your well-being. Suzie has created an empowering culture that utilizes the strengths of each team member and provides ongoing training opportunities to support our personal and professional growth.
- Racquel Barnes, YMC Master Trainer
Meet our YogaMedCo Team!
Dr. Suzie Carmack, CEO and Founder
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax, VA
About Dr. Suzie Carmack, PhD, MFA, MEd, ERYT 500, PMA-CPT, NBC-HWC
Founder and CEO of YogaMedCo / YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Dr. Carmack has over 29 years of experience in the promotion of well-being, as a coach, visionary, teacher, scholar, best-selling author and trainer. As the CEO and Creator of YogaMedco, she trains coaches, yoga teachers and yoga personal trainers worldwide in her evidence-informed approach to well-being coaching and yoga teaching (the YogaMedco Method), and applies these same strategies to create a culture of work well-being with the YogaMedco team. Dr. Carmack is the author of two #1 best-sellers: Well-Being Ultimatum (2015), Genius Breaks (2017), and the lead science contributor in the subject areas of stress and well-being for Weight Loss for Life by Johns Hopkins University Press (forthcoming, 2021). She is also a sought-after speaker, media personality, executive coach and thought leader, helping senior leaders in the "c-suite" and their teams to thrive personally and professionally with the many tools of her YogaMedCo coaching method. She is committed to training the public health and well-being promotion pioneers of tomorrow and to reducing health and well-being disparities, as an Assistant Professor of Global and Community Health and Senior Scholar for the Advancement of Well-being at George Mason University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership, stakeholder engagement, community-based participatory research, assessment, and stress and well-being.
Dr. Carmack holds a PhD in health communication from George Mason University (2014) where she was named Alumnae of the Year in 2018, as well as a Master of Education in Kinesiology (2009); a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre (1991); and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts (1989). She has earned multiple certifications in teaching, coaching, and master training, including Yoga Teacher Trainer (ERYT 500); third generation Pilates Teacher Trainer (PMA-CPT); and Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Trainer of Coaches (NBHWC). Her work as a transdisciplinary scholar is informed by her study with leaders and legends in the movement, communication and coaching fields, including: D.J. Mitsch (coaching); Marcia Reynolds (coaching); Dr. Gary Kreps (health communication); Shane O'Hara (dance); Judith Hanson Lasater (Yoga); Neva Ingalls (Yoga); Lisa Johnson (Yoga); Chinnamista Stiles and Indu Arora (Ayurveda); and Michele Larsson (Pilates).
Learn more about Dr. Carmack's work to promote well-being in the world at the individual, team, agency, and global levels, and her commitment to coaching the next generation of genius thought leaders at www.DrSuzieCarmack.com
Founder and CEO of YogaMedCo / YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Dr. Carmack has over 29 years of experience in the promotion of well-being, as a coach, visionary, teacher, scholar, best-selling author and trainer. As the CEO and Creator of YogaMedco, she trains coaches, yoga teachers and yoga personal trainers worldwide in her evidence-informed approach to well-being coaching and yoga teaching (the YogaMedco Method), and applies these same strategies to create a culture of work well-being with the YogaMedco team. Dr. Carmack is the author of two #1 best-sellers: Well-Being Ultimatum (2015), Genius Breaks (2017), and the lead science contributor in the subject areas of stress and well-being for Weight Loss for Life by Johns Hopkins University Press (forthcoming, 2021). She is also a sought-after speaker, media personality, executive coach and thought leader, helping senior leaders in the "c-suite" and their teams to thrive personally and professionally with the many tools of her YogaMedCo coaching method. She is committed to training the public health and well-being promotion pioneers of tomorrow and to reducing health and well-being disparities, as an Assistant Professor of Global and Community Health and Senior Scholar for the Advancement of Well-being at George Mason University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership, stakeholder engagement, community-based participatory research, assessment, and stress and well-being.
Dr. Carmack holds a PhD in health communication from George Mason University (2014) where she was named Alumnae of the Year in 2018, as well as a Master of Education in Kinesiology (2009); a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre (1991); and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts (1989). She has earned multiple certifications in teaching, coaching, and master training, including Yoga Teacher Trainer (ERYT 500); third generation Pilates Teacher Trainer (PMA-CPT); and Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Trainer of Coaches (NBHWC). Her work as a transdisciplinary scholar is informed by her study with leaders and legends in the movement, communication and coaching fields, including: D.J. Mitsch (coaching); Marcia Reynolds (coaching); Dr. Gary Kreps (health communication); Shane O'Hara (dance); Judith Hanson Lasater (Yoga); Neva Ingalls (Yoga); Lisa Johnson (Yoga); Chinnamista Stiles and Indu Arora (Ayurveda); and Michele Larsson (Pilates).
Learn more about Dr. Carmack's work to promote well-being in the world at the individual, team, agency, and global levels, and her commitment to coaching the next generation of genius thought leaders at www.DrSuzieCarmack.com
Alexis HArtwick, Program Director
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Alexis Hartwick, MAT, RYT 200,
YogaMedCo Program Director and Senior Mentor Trainer
As YogaMedCo Program Director, Alexis supports Dr. Carmack in assuring that YogaMedco overdelivers an inspiring, authentic, and evidence-informed experience to our trainees -- in our public trainings and our customized trainings for teams and organizations. As Director of the Genius Break Project, Alexis also coordinates delivery of Genius Breaks to schools and other nonprofit organizations - enabling us to bring the gifts of well-being to the underserved. In addition to collaborating with YogaMedCo, Alexis is also the Director of Education at the Keegan Theatre. She previously taught and directed theatre to middle school students in the Fairfax County Public School district for 10 years (where she met and began collaborating with Dr. Carmack). She received her Masters in the Art of Teaching from The University of Southern California and her Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
YogaMedCo Program Director and Senior Mentor Trainer
As YogaMedCo Program Director, Alexis supports Dr. Carmack in assuring that YogaMedco overdelivers an inspiring, authentic, and evidence-informed experience to our trainees -- in our public trainings and our customized trainings for teams and organizations. As Director of the Genius Break Project, Alexis also coordinates delivery of Genius Breaks to schools and other nonprofit organizations - enabling us to bring the gifts of well-being to the underserved. In addition to collaborating with YogaMedCo, Alexis is also the Director of Education at the Keegan Theatre. She previously taught and directed theatre to middle school students in the Fairfax County Public School district for 10 years (where she met and began collaborating with Dr. Carmack). She received her Masters in the Art of Teaching from The University of Southern California and her Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
mentor trainer team
Angela "angie" Hart
woodbridge, VA
woodbridge, VA
Angela Hart, ERYT 500, ACE-CPT,
YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Throughout her entire life, Angela has wanted to teach, inspire, and create transformative experiences that are positive and life-changing for those in her life whether they were family members, friends, public school students in her classroom, students in her yoga or fitness classes, personal training or Reiki clients, athletes on her rowing teams, or anyone in her presence she could benefit in any capacity. Having been a competitive rower as a teenager and adult, Angela started her yoga journey thirty years ago to connect her mind and body. Initially, her goal was to return her mind and body to a state of peaceful, balanced symmetry after so many years of mental disconnect from the physical discomfort of racing and the muscular imbalance developed as a competitive athlete in a sport with repetitive movement. In her first yoga class as a student, Angela knew immediately that she wanted to become a yoga teacher and eventually train other teachers. Angela is an ERYT with the Yoga Alliance, having completed the 200-hour RYT program through YogaFit in 2006 and then supplementing her teacher training annually as a student herself in addition to teaching other aspiring yoga teachers as a Teacher Trainer. Angela holds a Bachelors of Arts (BA) degree in Education from Virginia Tech. She is a Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer with Yoga Alliance; Reiki Level 3 Master Teacher; Certified Animal Reiki Master, Certified Personal Trainer and Faculty with the American Council on Exercise; Rowing Master Trainer for Concept2 and UCanRow2; USRowing Level III Coach; CrossFit level 1, level 2, and Rowing Specialty Certification Coach. Angela has completed the YogaMedCo Integrative Health Coach Certification which included Genius Break Coach Training, Team Well-Being Coach Training, Yoga Coach Training, and Health Coach Training. Additionally, Angela is a personal trainer and wellness consultant with Fitness4EveryBody for the Inova Hospital System VIP 360 Program in the DC Metro Area as well as a Master Trainer for PK Silver and Level 1 Coach for the World Freerunning and Parkour Federation. Angela enjoys hiking, kayaking, skiing, standup paddle boarding, and studying energy medicine.
YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Throughout her entire life, Angela has wanted to teach, inspire, and create transformative experiences that are positive and life-changing for those in her life whether they were family members, friends, public school students in her classroom, students in her yoga or fitness classes, personal training or Reiki clients, athletes on her rowing teams, or anyone in her presence she could benefit in any capacity. Having been a competitive rower as a teenager and adult, Angela started her yoga journey thirty years ago to connect her mind and body. Initially, her goal was to return her mind and body to a state of peaceful, balanced symmetry after so many years of mental disconnect from the physical discomfort of racing and the muscular imbalance developed as a competitive athlete in a sport with repetitive movement. In her first yoga class as a student, Angela knew immediately that she wanted to become a yoga teacher and eventually train other teachers. Angela is an ERYT with the Yoga Alliance, having completed the 200-hour RYT program through YogaFit in 2006 and then supplementing her teacher training annually as a student herself in addition to teaching other aspiring yoga teachers as a Teacher Trainer. Angela holds a Bachelors of Arts (BA) degree in Education from Virginia Tech. She is a Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer with Yoga Alliance; Reiki Level 3 Master Teacher; Certified Animal Reiki Master, Certified Personal Trainer and Faculty with the American Council on Exercise; Rowing Master Trainer for Concept2 and UCanRow2; USRowing Level III Coach; CrossFit level 1, level 2, and Rowing Specialty Certification Coach. Angela has completed the YogaMedCo Integrative Health Coach Certification which included Genius Break Coach Training, Team Well-Being Coach Training, Yoga Coach Training, and Health Coach Training. Additionally, Angela is a personal trainer and wellness consultant with Fitness4EveryBody for the Inova Hospital System VIP 360 Program in the DC Metro Area as well as a Master Trainer for PK Silver and Level 1 Coach for the World Freerunning and Parkour Federation. Angela enjoys hiking, kayaking, skiing, standup paddle boarding, and studying energy medicine.
jennifer marino parsons
Colorado Springs, co
Colorado Springs, co
Jennifer Marino Parsons, MS, ERYT, NBC-HWC, ICF ACC,
YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Jennifer Marino Parsons grew up in Colorado and attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. As a CH-46E helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps, Jenn deployed twice to Iraq, instructed junior pilots in aviation skills, flew presidential support helicopter missions worldwide, and served as Aide de Camp to the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She retired from the Marine Corps in August 2013 after 15 years of service. To celebrate her retirement and pay tribute to fallen heroes, Jenn completed a 2,590-mile cross-country bike ride during which she visited nearly 90 Gold Star families to learn about their heroes and share their stories with others. Jenn was honored to serve as the first Executive Director of Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness from October 2013 – June 2015. Jenn loves volunteering with service-minded organizations, teaching yoga, cooking healthy meals, advocating for safer ingredients in personal care products, and coaching clients as they strive toward health and wellness goals. Jenn holds masters degrees in Military Studies, Applied Positive Psychology, and Health and Wellness coaching, and she is a certified coach with both the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBC-HWC) and the International Coach Federation (ICF ACC). She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer (ERYT) with the Yoga Alliance. Jenn and her husband, CWO5 Bill Parsons reside in Colorado with their two baby boys.
YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Jennifer Marino Parsons grew up in Colorado and attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. As a CH-46E helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps, Jenn deployed twice to Iraq, instructed junior pilots in aviation skills, flew presidential support helicopter missions worldwide, and served as Aide de Camp to the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She retired from the Marine Corps in August 2013 after 15 years of service. To celebrate her retirement and pay tribute to fallen heroes, Jenn completed a 2,590-mile cross-country bike ride during which she visited nearly 90 Gold Star families to learn about their heroes and share their stories with others. Jenn was honored to serve as the first Executive Director of Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness from October 2013 – June 2015. Jenn loves volunteering with service-minded organizations, teaching yoga, cooking healthy meals, advocating for safer ingredients in personal care products, and coaching clients as they strive toward health and wellness goals. Jenn holds masters degrees in Military Studies, Applied Positive Psychology, and Health and Wellness coaching, and she is a certified coach with both the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBC-HWC) and the International Coach Federation (ICF ACC). She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer (ERYT) with the Yoga Alliance. Jenn and her husband, CWO5 Bill Parsons reside in Colorado with their two baby boys.
lorene Clark lacayo
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Lorene Clark Lacayo, MA, NBC-HWC, RYT 200
YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Lorene loves supporting people to create positive health behavior changes while rooting into their own inner wisdom! A mama, daughter, sister, native English speaker fluent in Spanish, dabbling herbalist, a huge proponent for justice, connection, vibrancy, and Soul, she is an outstanding thought leader in the realm of Coaching and Well-being. Her energy and passion for improving lives is infectious.
Lorene has worked professionally in Health Education for almost two decades, and in Health & Wellness Coaching for almost a decade. Lorene has a background working many years as a Group Fitness Instructor while also creating a holistic fitness approach based on her OLA model which integrated physical activity, coaching, and health education to improve both access to fitness opportunities and health behavior outcomes for underserved populations. She holds professional coaching certs from several different programs along with a Master’s degree in Holistic Health Education~Somatic Psychology and currently works as a Well-being Coach, Mentor, Trainer, and Consultant with mission-driven organizations, in corporate healthcare, and private practice. She has been an NBC-HWC for several years, is a member of MINT, and recently completed her RYT-200 with YogaMedCo.
YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Lorene loves supporting people to create positive health behavior changes while rooting into their own inner wisdom! A mama, daughter, sister, native English speaker fluent in Spanish, dabbling herbalist, a huge proponent for justice, connection, vibrancy, and Soul, she is an outstanding thought leader in the realm of Coaching and Well-being. Her energy and passion for improving lives is infectious.
Lorene has worked professionally in Health Education for almost two decades, and in Health & Wellness Coaching for almost a decade. Lorene has a background working many years as a Group Fitness Instructor while also creating a holistic fitness approach based on her OLA model which integrated physical activity, coaching, and health education to improve both access to fitness opportunities and health behavior outcomes for underserved populations. She holds professional coaching certs from several different programs along with a Master’s degree in Holistic Health Education~Somatic Psychology and currently works as a Well-being Coach, Mentor, Trainer, and Consultant with mission-driven organizations, in corporate healthcare, and private practice. She has been an NBC-HWC for several years, is a member of MINT, and recently completed her RYT-200 with YogaMedCo.
megan tally
denver, co
denver, co
Megan Tally, BS, NBC-HWC, RYT 200
YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Megan is passionate about the practice of coaching, and how it can help others to find that fire within to lead happier healthier lives. She is also passionate about working with other Health and Wellness Coaches as a mentor in navigating their transition into the field of coaching. Megan holds a B.S. in Integrative Health Care and minoring in Wellness Coaching in Lifestyle Medicine (2017). She then became a National Board Certified Coach through the NBHWC in 2018 and has been working as a coach ever since. She has recently started working with Eaton Senior Communities in Lakewood, CO as the Wellness Coaching Program Manager working on a project with Denver University conducting research with on the effectiveness of Wellness Coaching in a low income senior population, where she also interned as a Wellness Coach herself in 2017. Megan has also obtained a National Certificate in Tobacco Treatment Practice through NAADAC and ATTUD (2018). She has also most recently completed the Yoga Coach, Integrative Health Coach,and Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) certifications through YogaMedCo (2020).
YogaMedCo Senior Mentor Trainer
Megan is passionate about the practice of coaching, and how it can help others to find that fire within to lead happier healthier lives. She is also passionate about working with other Health and Wellness Coaches as a mentor in navigating their transition into the field of coaching. Megan holds a B.S. in Integrative Health Care and minoring in Wellness Coaching in Lifestyle Medicine (2017). She then became a National Board Certified Coach through the NBHWC in 2018 and has been working as a coach ever since. She has recently started working with Eaton Senior Communities in Lakewood, CO as the Wellness Coaching Program Manager working on a project with Denver University conducting research with on the effectiveness of Wellness Coaching in a low income senior population, where she also interned as a Wellness Coach herself in 2017. Megan has also obtained a National Certificate in Tobacco Treatment Practice through NAADAC and ATTUD (2018). She has also most recently completed the Yoga Coach, Integrative Health Coach,and Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) certifications through YogaMedCo (2020).
Racquel Barnes
Clayton, NJ
Clayton, NJ
Racquel Barnes, BA, RYT 200, NBC-HWC
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Racquel Barnes is a Health, Transformation, and Yoga Coach who specializes in helping people break free from stress, anxiety, and depression so they can find peace in all areas of their lives. Racquel was a teacher for over 14 years and personally experienced chronic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. She found her personal path to peace and now helps others find theirs. She is the CEO/Founder of Fit2You Wellness LLC., an organization dedicated to helping schools and organizations support the well-being of their staff. She is the co-Founder of Siyanda Wellness, an organization dedicated to providing wellness solutions for the community. Racquel has over 18 years of experience in the wellness industry and uses her knowledge and expertise to create custom wellness workshops and coaching services. Racquel has a B.A in Health & Exercise Science with a specialization in Health Promotion and Fitness Management from Rowan University. She is a licensed K-12 Health/PE Teacher and holds the following certifications: National Board Certification for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC), Health & Wellbeing Coach, Genius Breaks Master Trainer, Yoga Coach, Mastery Transformation Coach, Zumba/Zumba Gold Instructor and RYT 200 with Yoga Alliance.
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Racquel Barnes is a Health, Transformation, and Yoga Coach who specializes in helping people break free from stress, anxiety, and depression so they can find peace in all areas of their lives. Racquel was a teacher for over 14 years and personally experienced chronic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. She found her personal path to peace and now helps others find theirs. She is the CEO/Founder of Fit2You Wellness LLC., an organization dedicated to helping schools and organizations support the well-being of their staff. She is the co-Founder of Siyanda Wellness, an organization dedicated to providing wellness solutions for the community. Racquel has over 18 years of experience in the wellness industry and uses her knowledge and expertise to create custom wellness workshops and coaching services. Racquel has a B.A in Health & Exercise Science with a specialization in Health Promotion and Fitness Management from Rowan University. She is a licensed K-12 Health/PE Teacher and holds the following certifications: National Board Certification for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC), Health & Wellbeing Coach, Genius Breaks Master Trainer, Yoga Coach, Mastery Transformation Coach, Zumba/Zumba Gold Instructor and RYT 200 with Yoga Alliance.
Stephanie Dyke
Overland Park, ks
Overland Park, ks
Stephanie Dyke, BA, LMT, RYT 200, NBC-HWC
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Stephanie's passion for embodied wellness began when she was introduced to massage therapy as a collegiate athlete in Track & Field. She was immediately impressed with the benefits of decreasing recovery time and increasing performance through the power of massage. After completing her bachelors degree at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Sports Management, she continued her education in Massage Therapy at BMSI Institute and became a licenses massage therapist. As she has grown in her massage career, she has also grown an interest in wellness -- to help her clients to live well between sessions.
After looking for a training program in wellness coaching, she discovered YogaMedCo. She then attended YMC's Integrative Health Coaching and Yoga Teacher Trainings in Fall 2020, and was invited to join the trainer team in 2021.
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Stephanie's passion for embodied wellness began when she was introduced to massage therapy as a collegiate athlete in Track & Field. She was immediately impressed with the benefits of decreasing recovery time and increasing performance through the power of massage. After completing her bachelors degree at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Sports Management, she continued her education in Massage Therapy at BMSI Institute and became a licenses massage therapist. As she has grown in her massage career, she has also grown an interest in wellness -- to help her clients to live well between sessions.
After looking for a training program in wellness coaching, she discovered YogaMedCo. She then attended YMC's Integrative Health Coaching and Yoga Teacher Trainings in Fall 2020, and was invited to join the trainer team in 2021.
jodi lynn fennell
Lake Tahoe, NV
Lake Tahoe, NV
Jodi Lynn Fennell, RYT 200, NBC-HWC
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Since 2017, Jodi Lynn has provided professional group and individual holistic health coaching online. She now coaches clients transforming chronic pain into freedom through movement and pain neuroscience education while attending graduate school for trauma recovery. Jodi Lynn is trained in Levels 1-4 of the YogaMedCo method for Genius Breaks, Team Well-Being, Yoga Coach, and Integrative Health & Lifestyle Medicine Coaching. She identifies as a Christian mystic; as an overcomer of a disability since age 3 with NDE; as an artist-healer; and as a passionate, Civil Rights trained agent of justice.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations with minors in psychology and Spanish: Jodi Lynn began her career serving as a PR advocate with local law enforcement to coordinate services for child survivors of pedophile crimes; volunteered as a trained D.C. Rape Crisis Center hotline counselor; and helped organize D.C.’s Take Back the Night March. Jodi Lynn served with D.C.’s National Women's Health Network (NWHN) as a natural health researcher at The Library of Congress; lobbied the FDA for women’s holistic health rights; and coached women from across the U.S. on the NWHN hotline.
Being invited to co-direct an inner-city after-school education program in D.C., Jodi Lynn then decided to pursue MSW graduate studies at Columbia University, NYC. She has applied these studies by coaching and advocating for the human rights of foster youth, seeking justice for these children and their families. This culminated in her testifying twice as a whistleblower -- once in NYC, 1999, and the other in Las Vegas, Nevada, 2013-2016. Through these efforts, Jodi Lynn raised public awareness for the plight of foster children and generated local and international media attention (with coverage by the BBC and local outlets).
Jodi Lynn's approach to coaching and living are both informed by these travels as well as her training in yoga and alternative modalities and her work as an artist-healer. In addition to her formal education, Jodi Lynn also holds her RYT 200 in Kundalini Yoga, with over 1,000 hours certified in Thai Yoga, Ayurveda, natural medicine, musical neuroplasticity, and holistic health coaching. She has also shared her artistic-healer gifts while living in residence in the remote, virgin jungles of Costa Rica with her dogs and a Shaman.
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Since 2017, Jodi Lynn has provided professional group and individual holistic health coaching online. She now coaches clients transforming chronic pain into freedom through movement and pain neuroscience education while attending graduate school for trauma recovery. Jodi Lynn is trained in Levels 1-4 of the YogaMedCo method for Genius Breaks, Team Well-Being, Yoga Coach, and Integrative Health & Lifestyle Medicine Coaching. She identifies as a Christian mystic; as an overcomer of a disability since age 3 with NDE; as an artist-healer; and as a passionate, Civil Rights trained agent of justice.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations with minors in psychology and Spanish: Jodi Lynn began her career serving as a PR advocate with local law enforcement to coordinate services for child survivors of pedophile crimes; volunteered as a trained D.C. Rape Crisis Center hotline counselor; and helped organize D.C.’s Take Back the Night March. Jodi Lynn served with D.C.’s National Women's Health Network (NWHN) as a natural health researcher at The Library of Congress; lobbied the FDA for women’s holistic health rights; and coached women from across the U.S. on the NWHN hotline.
Being invited to co-direct an inner-city after-school education program in D.C., Jodi Lynn then decided to pursue MSW graduate studies at Columbia University, NYC. She has applied these studies by coaching and advocating for the human rights of foster youth, seeking justice for these children and their families. This culminated in her testifying twice as a whistleblower -- once in NYC, 1999, and the other in Las Vegas, Nevada, 2013-2016. Through these efforts, Jodi Lynn raised public awareness for the plight of foster children and generated local and international media attention (with coverage by the BBC and local outlets).
Jodi Lynn's approach to coaching and living are both informed by these travels as well as her training in yoga and alternative modalities and her work as an artist-healer. In addition to her formal education, Jodi Lynn also holds her RYT 200 in Kundalini Yoga, with over 1,000 hours certified in Thai Yoga, Ayurveda, natural medicine, musical neuroplasticity, and holistic health coaching. She has also shared her artistic-healer gifts while living in residence in the remote, virgin jungles of Costa Rica with her dogs and a Shaman.
Tara Karch
Orlando, FL
Orlando, FL
Tara Karch, RYT 200, NBC-HWC
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Carrying gratitude in her heart for the transformative power of Yoga and meditation in her own life, Tara is passionate about holding space for others who are on their own journeys of prioritizing their well-being through the mind-body connection. As YogaMedCo's Program Assistant and member of the Mentor Trainer Team, Tara provides support to Dr. Carmack and the YogaMedCo Team, as well as to trainees in the coaching programs.
Tara previously spent 14 years in education as an elementary school teacher, and along the way she developed a passion for her students’ mental and emotional well-being, in addition to their academic success. She brought such tools as meditation, breathing exercises, gratitude, mindful movement, and kindness activities into her classroom in order to enhance her students’ well-being and academic success. Tara was chosen as Teacher of The Year twice in recognition of her commitment to and care of her students, and she also served on her school's Social Emotional Learning Leadership team.
Tara holds a BA in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. She completed Levels 1-4 training with YogaMedCo and is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, as well as a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and Level 2 Reiki Practitioner. Tara also works as a Social Emotional Learning Coach for students. She lives in Florida with her husband and enjoys spending time with her family- especially at the beach or in the mountains.
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Carrying gratitude in her heart for the transformative power of Yoga and meditation in her own life, Tara is passionate about holding space for others who are on their own journeys of prioritizing their well-being through the mind-body connection. As YogaMedCo's Program Assistant and member of the Mentor Trainer Team, Tara provides support to Dr. Carmack and the YogaMedCo Team, as well as to trainees in the coaching programs.
Tara previously spent 14 years in education as an elementary school teacher, and along the way she developed a passion for her students’ mental and emotional well-being, in addition to their academic success. She brought such tools as meditation, breathing exercises, gratitude, mindful movement, and kindness activities into her classroom in order to enhance her students’ well-being and academic success. Tara was chosen as Teacher of The Year twice in recognition of her commitment to and care of her students, and she also served on her school's Social Emotional Learning Leadership team.
Tara holds a BA in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. She completed Levels 1-4 training with YogaMedCo and is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, as well as a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and Level 2 Reiki Practitioner. Tara also works as a Social Emotional Learning Coach for students. She lives in Florida with her husband and enjoys spending time with her family- especially at the beach or in the mountains.
sarah o'neill
bar harbor, me
bar harbor, me
Sarah O'Neill, NBC-HWC, RYT 200
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Sarah O’Neil is a Certified Health Coach working in a clinical setting (at Mt. Desert Island Hospital) where she helps patients to transform healthy lifestyle changes into daily habits. She specializes in mindfulness education, yoga, meditation, and healthy kitchen routines. She is adept at meeting people where they are, so that she can support them in exploring how daily routines, seasonal eating, intermittent movement, and attitude can shape their personal health and happiness.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of University Studies in Health and Wellness, is a Certified Health Coach, a Mindful Life Coach and a Growth Mindset Coach. She trained with YogaMedCo in 2020 and is board-certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching as an NBC-HWC.
Sarah's outside interests include Ayurveda, yoga, nature, dance and delicious food. She also has a strong interest in brain health and neuroscience, new research on circadian code and clock genes, kitchen medicine, real food movements, and the science of habit change.
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Sarah O’Neil is a Certified Health Coach working in a clinical setting (at Mt. Desert Island Hospital) where she helps patients to transform healthy lifestyle changes into daily habits. She specializes in mindfulness education, yoga, meditation, and healthy kitchen routines. She is adept at meeting people where they are, so that she can support them in exploring how daily routines, seasonal eating, intermittent movement, and attitude can shape their personal health and happiness.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of University Studies in Health and Wellness, is a Certified Health Coach, a Mindful Life Coach and a Growth Mindset Coach. She trained with YogaMedCo in 2020 and is board-certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching as an NBC-HWC.
Sarah's outside interests include Ayurveda, yoga, nature, dance and delicious food. She also has a strong interest in brain health and neuroscience, new research on circadian code and clock genes, kitchen medicine, real food movements, and the science of habit change.
nehurba "Ruby" Reddins
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Nehruba "Ruby "Reddins
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Coaching has been Ruby's passion since 2017. She is a Nationally-Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), trained by YogaMedCo's program in 2020. She is also an ACE-certified Behavior Change Specialist, with the American Council on Exercise. Whens he is not empowering others to become their best selves through coaching, she refuels herself by spending time in nature and with her teenagers in fun fitness activities.
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Coaching has been Ruby's passion since 2017. She is a Nationally-Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), trained by YogaMedCo's program in 2020. She is also an ACE-certified Behavior Change Specialist, with the American Council on Exercise. Whens he is not empowering others to become their best selves through coaching, she refuels herself by spending time in nature and with her teenagers in fun fitness activities.
Carrie Robinson
atlanta, GA
atlanta, GA
Carrie Robinson RYT 200, NBC-HWC
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
As the founder and CEO of My Well Living, Carrie loves helping her coaching clients to achieve their life and wellness goals. Trained in the YogaMedCo method as a yoga teacher and health coach, and now board-certified as an NBC-HWC with the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching, Carrie provides helps her clients to achieve self-determined goals related to well-being by helping them to identify and build upon their internal strengths and external resources. She also helps clients to develop self-management strategies for lasting healthy lifestyle behavior changes.
In addition to her coaching practice, Carrie is co-owner of a restaurant, gourmet market and a small business consulting practice to help other small business owners. In all of these endeavors,, Carrie pulls from her extensive and eclectic background which includes a prior career managing teams in Accounting & Finance; building businesses with employee development tools; and flipping residential properties.
Carrie is also an advocate for domestic violence survivorship and mental health awareness -- having had first hand experience with anxiety, PTSD and domestic violence herself. She states, "I know what it is to feel worn down and what it takes to get back up and how to help others gain access to resources for overcoming trauma.
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
As the founder and CEO of My Well Living, Carrie loves helping her coaching clients to achieve their life and wellness goals. Trained in the YogaMedCo method as a yoga teacher and health coach, and now board-certified as an NBC-HWC with the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching, Carrie provides helps her clients to achieve self-determined goals related to well-being by helping them to identify and build upon their internal strengths and external resources. She also helps clients to develop self-management strategies for lasting healthy lifestyle behavior changes.
In addition to her coaching practice, Carrie is co-owner of a restaurant, gourmet market and a small business consulting practice to help other small business owners. In all of these endeavors,, Carrie pulls from her extensive and eclectic background which includes a prior career managing teams in Accounting & Finance; building businesses with employee development tools; and flipping residential properties.
Carrie is also an advocate for domestic violence survivorship and mental health awareness -- having had first hand experience with anxiety, PTSD and domestic violence herself. She states, "I know what it is to feel worn down and what it takes to get back up and how to help others gain access to resources for overcoming trauma.
vanita smith
sydney, Australia
sydney, Australia
Vanita Smith RYT 200, NBC-HWC
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
As Founder of Ayubowan (Health & Lifestyle Medicine) Vanita helps busy professionals, organizations, and health professionals to find their optimal picture of health and wellbeing and to bridge the gap between their health intentions and daily life. Trained by Dr. Carmack in the YogaMedCo method and some of the world’s leading researchers and practitioners in health, wellbeing, and behaviour change, Vanita is a genius at translating evidence-based insights, tools and support into practical and inspiring coaching for her clients.
Throughout her career, Vanita has helped and supported her clients to help achieve their goals with her "bigger picture" approach. She loves helping her coaching clients to find the tools they have within themselves to bring it all together, and helping YogaMedco trainees to progress through the same pathway she trained in herself.
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
As Founder of Ayubowan (Health & Lifestyle Medicine) Vanita helps busy professionals, organizations, and health professionals to find their optimal picture of health and wellbeing and to bridge the gap between their health intentions and daily life. Trained by Dr. Carmack in the YogaMedCo method and some of the world’s leading researchers and practitioners in health, wellbeing, and behaviour change, Vanita is a genius at translating evidence-based insights, tools and support into practical and inspiring coaching for her clients.
Throughout her career, Vanita has helped and supported her clients to help achieve their goals with her "bigger picture" approach. She loves helping her coaching clients to find the tools they have within themselves to bring it all together, and helping YogaMedco trainees to progress through the same pathway she trained in herself.
Jessica Villalobos
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Jessica Villalobos, MBA, NBC-HWC, RYT 200
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Jessica is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, certified in lifestyle medicine. She holds a Master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in marketing and entrepreneurship. Jessica is also a registered yoga teacher and completed her 200-hour training with YogaMedCo.
Jessica enjoys working professionally with clients 1:1 daily in employee wellness settings, and helping them to transform their lives. In her private coaching practice, Jessica combines her passion for wellness with her unique background and education in business, to mentor and coach budding ‘mompreneurs’ to discover their purpose while optimizing their well-being and preventing burnout.
Jessica also loves her most important role -- being a mommy. Jessica resides in Los Angeles with her husband and their two young children.
YogaMedCo Mentor Trainer
Jessica is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, certified in lifestyle medicine. She holds a Master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in marketing and entrepreneurship. Jessica is also a registered yoga teacher and completed her 200-hour training with YogaMedCo.
Jessica enjoys working professionally with clients 1:1 daily in employee wellness settings, and helping them to transform their lives. In her private coaching practice, Jessica combines her passion for wellness with her unique background and education in business, to mentor and coach budding ‘mompreneurs’ to discover their purpose while optimizing their well-being and preventing burnout.
Jessica also loves her most important role -- being a mommy. Jessica resides in Los Angeles with her husband and their two young children.
Genius Council
The Genius Council is our advisory board of volunteers who have helped us to launch ourselves as a start-up, and continue to help us grow with their wisdom and support. The title is inspired by our CEO Dr. Carmack's book Genius Breaks -- because we are so grateful for the genius support they give us.
The Genius Council
Dr. Lisa Clow, PhD, RYT, NBC-HWC
Dr. Kristina Hannum, PhD, NBC-HWC
Dr. Jennifer Petrie-Wyman, PhD
Dr. Suzanne Kennedy, PhD, RYT, NBC-HWC
Lt. Col. Karen Kraybill, USAF
Dr. Gary Kreps, PhD
April Thurfield, ERYT
Prior GC Members:
Lizette Ayala
Bree Dodd
Kaileen Dougherty
Aditi Joshi
Ilana Feuchter
The Genius Council
Dr. Lisa Clow, PhD, RYT, NBC-HWC
Dr. Kristina Hannum, PhD, NBC-HWC
Dr. Jennifer Petrie-Wyman, PhD
Dr. Suzanne Kennedy, PhD, RYT, NBC-HWC
Lt. Col. Karen Kraybill, USAF
Dr. Gary Kreps, PhD
April Thurfield, ERYT
Prior GC Members:
Lizette Ayala
Bree Dodd
Kaileen Dougherty
Aditi Joshi
Ilana Feuchter
Genius Interns
2021 - 2022: Cam Pendercrast
2020-2021: Liz Della Sala
2019-2020: Sophia Celentano
2018-2019: Beatriz Escalante
2017-2018: Aditi Joshi
2020-2021: Liz Della Sala
2019-2020: Sophia Celentano
2018-2019: Beatriz Escalante
2017-2018: Aditi Joshi
