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 staff member and provides ongoing training opportunities to support our personal and professional growth.
- Racquel Barnes, YMC Master Trainer
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 29 years of experience in the promotion of well-being, as a coach, visionary, teacher, scholar, best-selling author and thought leader. As the CEO and Visionary of YogaMedco, she trains coaches and yoga teachers 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) 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 Master 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 thought leader. As the CEO and Visionary of YogaMedco, she trains coaches and yoga teachers 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) 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, MAT, RYT 200,
YogaMedCo Program Director and Master 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 Master 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.
Racquel Barnes, BA, RYT 200, NBC-HWC
YogaMedCo Master 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 Master 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.
Angela Hart, ERYT 500, ACE-CPT,
YogaMedCo Master Trainer + Yoga Teacher Training Lead
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 Master Trainer + Yoga Teacher Training Lead
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, MS, ERYT, NBC-HWC, ICF ACC,
YogaMedCo Master Trainer - Integrative Health Coach Training Lead
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 Master Trainer - Integrative Health Coach Training Lead
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 Lacayo, MA, NBC-HWC, RYT 200
YogaMedCo Master 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 Master 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.
Jodi Lynn Fennell, NBC-HWC
YogaMedCo Apprentice Trainer
Bio and Picture Coming Soon!
YogaMedCo Apprentice Trainer
Bio and Picture Coming Soon!
Nehruba "Ruby "Reddins
YogaMedCo Apprentice 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 Apprentice 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.
Megan Tally, BS, NBC-HWC, RYT 200
YogaMedCo Master 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 Master 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).
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Jennifer Petrie-Wyman, EdD
YogaMedCo Development Director Headshot and Bio Coming Soon!
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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
Dr. Suzanne Kennedy, PhD, RYT, NBC-HWC
Lt. Col. Karen Kraybill, USAF
Dr. Gary Kreps, PhD
April Thurfield, ERYT
Past Genius Council Members (2017-2018)
Lizette Ayala
Bree Dodd
Kaileen Dougherty
Aditi Joshi
Ilana Feuchter
The Genius Council
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
April Thurfield, ERYT
Past Genius Council Members (2017-2018)
Lizette Ayala
Bree Dodd
Kaileen Dougherty
Aditi Joshi
Ilana Feuchter
Genius Interns
2020-2021: Liz Della Sala
2019-2020: Sophia Celentano
2018-2019: Beatriz Escalante
2017-2018: Aditi Joshi
2019-2020: Sophia Celentano
2018-2019: Beatriz Escalante
2017-2018: Aditi Joshi
