Meet our YogaMedCo Team!
About Dr. Suzie Carmack, PhD, MFA, MEd, ERYT 500, PMA-CPT, NBC-HWC
Founder and CEO of YogaMedCo / YogaMedCo Senior Master Trainer
Dr. Carmack has over 28 years of experience in global education, in both higher education and professional learning contexts. As an ERYT 500 and PMA-CPT, she has trained Pilates teachers since 2003 and Yoga Teachers since 2006 and has also taught a variety of health, well-being and performance courses in higher education since 1992. When she isn't designing or leading trainings for YogaMedCo, or mentoring YogaMedCo affiliates in the creation of thriving businesses, she serves on the faculty of George Mason University's global and community health program, supports public and private sector clients as a well-being thought leader, researcher, coach and trusted partner; and lectures internationally to share her thought leadership, research, and themes from her books Well-Being Ultimatum (2015), Genius Breaks (2017), Coaching for Well-Being (forthcoming, 2020) and co-author with Dr. Larry Cheskin, MD of the second edition of his Losing Weight for Good by Johns Hopkins University Press (forthcoming, 2020). She 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); a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts (1989) and certifications as a Yoga Teacher Trainer (ERYT 500); third generation Pilates Teacher (PMA-CPT); and Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). She serves on the NBHWC task force for Group Coaching Competency, and is currently being mentored by world-renowned coachs D.J. Mitsch and Marcia Reynolds in their Healthcare Coaching Institute (an ICF Program). Dr. Carmack is spear-heading multiple community-based participatory research projects and consulting efforts to explore the efficacy of coaching (using her YogaMedco method) to promote well-being and to prevent burnout, compassion fatigue and suicidal ideation in healthcare, military, legal field and other team leadership contexts, including a pilot study with the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's Department of Pediatrics in Fall of 2020 and recent (Spring 2020). She has consulted multiple U.S. government agency and inter-agency working groups, and has been a trusted advisor to the C-suite in the Pan American / World Health Organization, the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Treasury Department, helping them to rethink workplace well-being and to conduct compassionate leadership training workshops based on her research and YogaMedco coaching frameworks. She continues to maintain her private practice coaching c-suite leaders in the public and private sector and other high profile individuals to thrive in all dimensions of their life and work. (www.DrSuzieCarmack.com).
Founder and CEO of YogaMedCo / YogaMedCo Senior Master Trainer
Dr. Carmack has over 28 years of experience in global education, in both higher education and professional learning contexts. As an ERYT 500 and PMA-CPT, she has trained Pilates teachers since 2003 and Yoga Teachers since 2006 and has also taught a variety of health, well-being and performance courses in higher education since 1992. When she isn't designing or leading trainings for YogaMedCo, or mentoring YogaMedCo affiliates in the creation of thriving businesses, she serves on the faculty of George Mason University's global and community health program, supports public and private sector clients as a well-being thought leader, researcher, coach and trusted partner; and lectures internationally to share her thought leadership, research, and themes from her books Well-Being Ultimatum (2015), Genius Breaks (2017), Coaching for Well-Being (forthcoming, 2020) and co-author with Dr. Larry Cheskin, MD of the second edition of his Losing Weight for Good by Johns Hopkins University Press (forthcoming, 2020). She 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); a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts (1989) and certifications as a Yoga Teacher Trainer (ERYT 500); third generation Pilates Teacher (PMA-CPT); and Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). She serves on the NBHWC task force for Group Coaching Competency, and is currently being mentored by world-renowned coachs D.J. Mitsch and Marcia Reynolds in their Healthcare Coaching Institute (an ICF Program). Dr. Carmack is spear-heading multiple community-based participatory research projects and consulting efforts to explore the efficacy of coaching (using her YogaMedco method) to promote well-being and to prevent burnout, compassion fatigue and suicidal ideation in healthcare, military, legal field and other team leadership contexts, including a pilot study with the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's Department of Pediatrics in Fall of 2020 and recent (Spring 2020). She has consulted multiple U.S. government agency and inter-agency working groups, and has been a trusted advisor to the C-suite in the Pan American / World Health Organization, the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Treasury Department, helping them to rethink workplace well-being and to conduct compassionate leadership training workshops based on her research and YogaMedco coaching frameworks. She continues to maintain her private practice coaching c-suite leaders in the public and private sector and other high profile individuals to thrive in all dimensions of their life and work. (www.DrSuzieCarmack.com).
About Alexis Hartwick, MAT, RYT 200,
YogaMedCo Curriculum Director + Director of the Genius Break Project
As Curriculum 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 Curriculum Director + Director of the Genius Break Project
As Curriculum 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.
About Racquel Barnes, BA
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Levels 1 and 2
Racquel Barnes is a Health and Transformation Coach who specializes in helping people reduce stress by replacing unhealthy habits and mindsets. After teaching for over 14 years in the inner city, she battled symptoms of depression, inattentive ADD and burn-out. Like many, she struggled to balance her career with her life as a wife and mom of three children. Racqueldecided to break free from the stress and find her personal path to peace. She overcame the effects of chronic stress as well as a negative mindset, and made it her mission to help others do the same. With over 20 years of experience in the wellness industry, Racquel uses her knowledge and expertise to teach, motivate and empower those experiencing high levels of stress through workshops and wellness programs. She holds a B.A in Health & Exercise Science with a specialization in Health Promotion and Fitness Management. She is a certified Health and Transformation Coach, K-12 Health/PE Teacher and Zumba/Zumba Gold Instructor and recently completed YogaMedCo's Coach Training Program.
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Levels 1 and 2
Racquel Barnes is a Health and Transformation Coach who specializes in helping people reduce stress by replacing unhealthy habits and mindsets. After teaching for over 14 years in the inner city, she battled symptoms of depression, inattentive ADD and burn-out. Like many, she struggled to balance her career with her life as a wife and mom of three children. Racqueldecided to break free from the stress and find her personal path to peace. She overcame the effects of chronic stress as well as a negative mindset, and made it her mission to help others do the same. With over 20 years of experience in the wellness industry, Racquel uses her knowledge and expertise to teach, motivate and empower those experiencing high levels of stress through workshops and wellness programs. She holds a B.A in Health & Exercise Science with a specialization in Health Promotion and Fitness Management. She is a certified Health and Transformation Coach, K-12 Health/PE Teacher and Zumba/Zumba Gold Instructor and recently completed YogaMedCo's Coach Training Program.
About Angela Hart, ERYT 500, ACE-CPT,
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Yoga Training Lead (Levels 3 and 5)
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 over twenty 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, Virginia Tech; Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer with Yoga Alliance; Reiki Level 3 Master Teacher; Personal Trainer and Faculty, American Council on Exercise; Rowing Master Trainer, Concept2 and UCanRow2; USRowing Level III Coach; and she is currently working towards and studying for the October 2020 National Board Exam for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC) through the YogaMedCo program.
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Yoga Training Lead (Levels 3 and 5)
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 over twenty 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, Virginia Tech; Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer with Yoga Alliance; Reiki Level 3 Master Teacher; Personal Trainer and Faculty, American Council on Exercise; Rowing Master Trainer, Concept2 and UCanRow2; USRowing Level III Coach; and she is currently working towards and studying for the October 2020 National Board Exam for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC) through the YogaMedCo program.
About Jennifer Marino Parsons, MS, ERYT, NBC-HWC, ICF ACC,
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Integrative Health Coach Training (Level 4)
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, moved to Camp Lejeune in September 2016. They welcomed a baby boy into their family in October 2019!
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Integrative Health Coach Training (Level 4)
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, moved to Camp Lejeune in September 2016. They welcomed a baby boy into their family in October 2019!
About Lorene Lacayo, MA, NBC-HWC
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Integrative Health Coach Training (Level 4)
Lorene is a California native who has lived some time in both Central America and Hawaii and has utilized her Spanish language fluency in most of her professional work. She has worked in human services for over 20 years in both corporate and non-profit organizations earning her a niche as a holistic community health specialist. She is passionate about building community, creating connections, and inspiring health and wellness in the world. Lorene holds a Master’s degree in Holistic Health Education with specialization in Somatic Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. She has multiple certifications from American Council on Exercise including Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach, with specialty certifications in Therapeutic Exercise, Mind Body Fitness, Yoga, and Fitness Nutrition. For years she worked as a fitness instructor culminating in the creation and launch of her own business OLA Movement. Lorene has also worked in the healthcare setting for 15 years as a Health Educator, Wellness , and Emotional Well-being Coach. She became a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach in 2018, is a Certified HeartMath Coach, a Lifestyle Medicine Coach certified by Wellcoaches, and will finalize her official certification as a MINT joining the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers in 2020. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her daughter, their dog, goats, and horse, and enjoys hiking, surfing, yoga, and studying plant medicine.
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Integrative Health Coach Training (Level 4)
Lorene is a California native who has lived some time in both Central America and Hawaii and has utilized her Spanish language fluency in most of her professional work. She has worked in human services for over 20 years in both corporate and non-profit organizations earning her a niche as a holistic community health specialist. She is passionate about building community, creating connections, and inspiring health and wellness in the world. Lorene holds a Master’s degree in Holistic Health Education with specialization in Somatic Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. She has multiple certifications from American Council on Exercise including Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach, with specialty certifications in Therapeutic Exercise, Mind Body Fitness, Yoga, and Fitness Nutrition. For years she worked as a fitness instructor culminating in the creation and launch of her own business OLA Movement. Lorene has also worked in the healthcare setting for 15 years as a Health Educator, Wellness , and Emotional Well-being Coach. She became a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach in 2018, is a Certified HeartMath Coach, a Lifestyle Medicine Coach certified by Wellcoaches, and will finalize her official certification as a MINT joining the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers in 2020. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her daughter, their dog, goats, and horse, and enjoys hiking, surfing, yoga, and studying plant medicine.
About Megan Tally, NBC-HWC, BS
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Integrative Health Coach Training (Level 4)
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 and Integrative Health Coach certifications through YogaMedCo (2020).
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Integrative Health Coach Training (Level 4)
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 and Integrative Health Coach certifications through YogaMedCo (2020).
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 (2019 - 2020)
Dr. Lisa Clow, PhD, RYT, NBC-HWC
Dr. Kristina Hannum, PHD
Dr. Suzanne Kennedy, PhD, RYT, NBC-HWC
Lt. Col. Karen Kraybill, USAF
Dr. Gary Kreps, PhD
Dr. Jennifer Petrie, PhD
April Thurfield, ERYT
Past Genius Council Members (2017-2018)
Lizette Ayala
Bree Dodd
Kaileen Dougherty
Aditi Joshi
Ilana Feuchter
The Genius Council (2019 - 2020)
Dr. Lisa Clow, PhD, RYT, NBC-HWC
Dr. Kristina Hannum, PHD
Dr. Suzanne Kennedy, PhD, RYT, NBC-HWC
Lt. Col. Karen Kraybill, USAF
Dr. Gary Kreps, PhD
Dr. Jennifer Petrie, PhD
April Thurfield, ERYT
Past Genius Council Members (2017-2018)
Lizette Ayala
Bree Dodd
Kaileen Dougherty
Aditi Joshi
Ilana Feuchter
Genius Interns
2019-2020: Sophia Celentano
2018-2019: Beatriz Escalante
2017-2018: Aditi Joshi
2018-2019: Beatriz Escalante
2017-2018: Aditi Joshi
