Jayme Spivey
Owner/Instructor

I’ve always had a passion for movement. I first practiced yoga as a young girl with Lilias Folan on PBS. I loved to swim and joined the “water ballet” group in high school.

I struggled for years with severe anxiety. After my two children were born I gained a lot of weight. I began swimming again and started a synchronized swimming team, The Dancing Dolphins. I coached, competed and judged synchro for over 10 years.

Synchro helped me to get back in shape, but I felt something was missing. I knew my life’s calling was fitness and wellness related so I began to take several classes and completed courses in different types of exercise. I just couldn’t find the "complete package.” That was when I went back to my roots, back to yoga. It was the perfect package. It gave me the workout I wanted, the stretching I love and the inner peace I needed, (yoga helped me immensely in relieving anxiety.)

I received my training through Yogafit, trained with Rebecca Drake in Aerial Yoga, took David Keil’s Yoga Anatomy and continue to train and attend classes and workshops.

Yoga for Exercise began as just that, yoga classes for exercise. I wanted to create a place where women can feel comfortable exercising. A place to talk openly with each other about life’s challenges. A place to feel relaxed and to nurture themselves. I believe strongly in taking care of ourselves in order to better care for those around us.

YFE has grown into a women’s fitness and wellness studio by offering a wide variety of classes, wellness sessions and events.

My passion is to offer a space where women can find their physical and inner strength. To empower them with the tools they need to become the best they can be.

Elena Espy
Yoga Inst.,
Aerial Yoga Inst.

Health and fitness have always been an important part of my life.

I was first led to yoga for fitness and to combat post-partum stress/anxiety following the birth of my son, and after suffering with panic and anxiety since childhood. I took my first Iyengar Yoga class in 2001, but it wasn’t until I experienced Vinyasa, (flow), Yoga that I fell in love with the practice. I believe that yoga can lead you to a place of peace and self-awareness like no other form of exercise.

Two of my passions are running, (I don’t run much these days), and having the opportunity to work with and empower young girls. I volunteer coach for “Girls on the Run” and am honored to serve on the Board for their Forsyth Chapter.

I am trained through YogaFit, trained with Rebecca Drake in Aerial Yoga, and hope to help bring balance and strength -both mental and physical- to YFE students.

Rebecca Thurmond
Yoga Inst.

I was plagued with asthma and allergies as a child and was never much of a fitness enthusiast. Not much for the gym scene, I took up running to get fit.

After discovering I had scoliosis and dealing with hip and back pain, I thought I was going to have to resign myself to a life of pain and frequent chiropractic visits. I had to give up running, but I didn’t want to give up exercising altogether. I discovered a few yoga poses in a fitness magazine and began practicing a bit on my own. I realized the yoga postures were helping to strengthen my body and help me maintain the chiropractic adjustments longer and with fewer visits.

I completed my 250 hour teaching certification at New Day Yoga School. I initially enrolled to improve my own practice and knowledge of yoga and in the process found I love teaching yoga as well. I feel blessed by each student that takes my classes, and I’m excited about helping people realize their goals for wellness and health and overcoming the obstacles to get there.

Crystal Peck
Yoga Inst.,
Girls Yoga, &
Mommy and Me

I discovered yoga shortly after the birth of my first child. Yogic breathing and practicing yoga poses brought me greater balance within my body, spirit and mind.

When I became pregnant with my second child, I practiced prenatal yoga throughout my
pregnancy, noticing a remarkable difference in both the pregnancy and delivery. Yoga then helped
me to restore and tone my body after delivery.

In 2009 I received my 250-hour yoga teaching certification from New Day Yoga, a program that was both challenging and rewarding.  I was trained in Iyengar Vinyasa, a style I have carried into my teaching.  I completed the YogaFit Kids! training and certification that same year.  I specialize in Vinyasa, Restorative and Girls Yoga.

I hope to offer others the same experience of freedom that the regular practice of yoga has given to me.

Jill Ray
Life Guide, Girl's Yoga Club Instructor

I have been practicing yoga since 2002 and have taught yoga to children ages 6 to 13 since 2008 as part of a school curriculum and as an enrichment program. I became a certified instructor through Yogafit and Grounded Kids yoga in 2010.

I earned a certification in Energy Medicine from White Winds Institute in Atlanta in 2006, a certification at the Botanologos School of Herbalism in 2008 and graduated from The Hope of Humanity spiritual leadership institute in 2010.

As a Life Guide I assist women and children in seeking balance in their mental, physical and spiritual lives. As the mother of three children I believe in teaching today’s youth that their internal power is essential and obtainable no matter one’s age or life situation.

Kelly Jewell
Zumba Instructor

I started dancing at the age of 3 and continued to dance throughout high school and college. After I graduated from college I began teaching with the Robert Ivey School of Ballet as the modern dance teacher. I also choreographed for the fall and spring concerts. Choreographing is such a wonderful creative outlet for me. 

When I moved back home to Suwanee it was very difficult to give up my teaching position. During that time I gained about 20 pounds. As a dancer and performer I struggled with my body image and weight.  

Thankfully, my mother introduced me to Zumba. I immediately fell in love with it. It didn’t feel like I was working out and the pounds fell off. My body became more tone than it was when I was in high school. I trained and received my Zumba certification. I love to dance and to teach. It is such a thrill to see my students experience the same confidence boost that I get from Zumba.

Kim Saunders
Yoga Inst.,
Yoga Massage Therapist,
Reflexology

There is a saying to “teach what we know.” Part of my life journey has included the experiences and struggles with both infertility and breast cancer. It is now that I am years on the other side of both that I can see more clearly and learn the life lessons from them.

I was fortunate to finally have my miracle daughter. My long term prognosis is excellent. Through both, my appreciation and joy for life has multiplied and I want to help others to access their joy as well.

I received my Reflexology certification in 1996 from The Health Center in Atlanta. My training in Thai Yoga Massage began with Leslie Rahn. I also participated in a workshop with Saul David Raye and trained at Radiant Lotus Academy of Thai-Yoga Body Therapy. I received my 200-hour yoga certification in 2009 through Etowah Valley Yoga.

My mission is to help clients enrich their lives and renew their vitality.

Leanne Terry
Massage Therapist

Working in an office setting wilted my soul. Feeling undernourished, I attended an open house at the Atlanta School of Massage in order to seek a deeper connection to my tactile genius.   That was in 1993.  Since then I have maintained certifications and expertise in Deep Tissue massage, Pre-Natal Massage and Chronic Low Back/Neck issues.

Working directly with physical therapists, chiropractors, ob/gyn's and psychologists have all provided unique landscapes for most neuromuscular issues.  Seasoned in the spa industry as well, I am certified in Hot Stone Therapy, Reflexology, Thai Yoga Massage and PNF Stretching.

As the perfect garnish to Neuromuscular Therapy, I received my ACE Personal Training Certification in 2007.  I maintain a healthy lifestyle by practicing yoga, running marathons, cycling, and I enjoy nutritional cooking.

Heidi Sapp
Studio Assistant

I began to explore the world of yoga several years ago when I lived in Japan. I had always been
athletic, but was never much of a gym person. Yoga seemed to fill many of my needs. Not only could
I get an excellent, total body workout to build physical strength, but I also learned to focus and calm
my mind. Being a registered nurse, I believe in and can see all of the healthy benefits yoga provides.

For me, yoga is challenging and inspiring. I believe I was led to Jayme's studio. I am passionate about spreading the word about this gem of a studio our community has. 

I recently completed my community teaching as part of my YogaFit Level I Instructor's Certification.
I hope to be teaching sometime in the future. For now, I am so very grateful to be Jayme's 
assistant and to help her nurture and grow this special place.