Our Mission
Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness was founded on the belief in making yoga and mindfulness practices accessible to all, especially those seeking recovery, health, and wellness. We are a diverse and dynamic, inclusive community, with compassionate teachers and practitioners. We understand the transformative power of yoga, meditation, and the healing arts and are excited to share the benefits with you.
Our Team
Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness’ teachers and practitioners are dedicated to delivering a knowledgeable, inclusive, and transformative experience that strengthens and inspires.
Robyn Childers
Co-Founder/Owner of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness
E-RYT 500, YACEP
Fun Fact: Robyn studied in Moscow, Russia.
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Over a decade ago, I found a pathway of yoga and meditation, following a serious auto accident. With extensive injuries and very little hope left, I sought out a program of holistic wellness and began practicing yoga. Physically and spiritually, I underwent a profound transformation, experienced recovery, and discovered my life’s purpose. In 2014, I became a yoga teacher and haven’t looked back. Over the years, while gaining experience as a yoga teacher, I completed additional training in trauma-informed and recovery-based yoga, as well as an E-RYT 500 certification.
With an ever-evolving passion for expanding access to yoga, integration, and recovery, I co-founded Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness in 2018. Today, I teach a variety of classes with a mission deeply tied to my life’s work: making yoga accessible to all. When I’m not teaching yoga or leading yoga teacher training, I am training for marathons, volunteering within the LGBTQIA+ and recovery communities, and enjoying adventures with my lovely wife and our adorable dogs.
I am a proud Why Bars Athlete, served for 3 years as a Detroit Free Press Marathon Race Ambassador, and currently serve as an Ambassador for Lululemon, Nuun Hydration, and Fierce Calm.
Melissa Childers
Co-Founder of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), RYT 200
Fun Fact: Melissa studied in Boizenburg, Germany.
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After graduating from The Michigan School of Myomassology, located in Berkley, Michigan, I began my career as a full-time licensed massage therapist in 2003. My approach to bodywork is rather unique, integrating Deep Tissue and Trigger Point style massage, myofascial and connective tissue release, Craniosacral Therapy and Aromatherapy, as well as weaving in my knowledge of yoga, healing, and intuition. I believe we all contain the innate ability to heal and my use of a more intuitive approach helps to create a supportive, relaxing environment for your body to heal.
Through compassionate and careful listening, I address both physical and energetic issues, gently ushering your body toward peace, balance, relaxation, and the potential for deep releasing of all kinds. My specialty is in therapeutic massage with a focus on trauma-related recovery, athletic-related recovery, postural deviation correction, and joint manipulation, as well as educating clients on how to provide self-care to progressively reach a point of living without pain. While firm pressure is one of my strengths, relaxation, and comfort are still the ideal goal.
Additionally, I enjoy working with clients to resolve chronic pain, headaches, and plantar fasciitis, among other issues. By tailoring each massage to the individual, I am able to provide a very specific massage for your needs. Each customized massage highlights all of my skills, allowing me to cultivate a thorough healing session for you.
Dawn Stroud
HR Director, Lead Yoga Teacher
E-RYT 200
Fun Fact: Dawn was an air traffic controller in the USAF, stationed at McGuire!
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For over 17 years, I have worked as a School Psychologist with students of all ability levels. In that time, I have observed that students are franticly running from one activity to another; experience mental and emotional traumas at an alarming rate, and have few (if any) skill sets to help them quiet their minds. This trend is concerning and prompted me to take a closer look at how I might better serve my community.
Personally, yoga has been the source of light and self-love I very much need in my own busy and hectic life. By practicing the yoga principles of breath and movement, I have learned to slow my mind down and be present with myself. Drawing on my own yoga practices of mindfulness and breathing, the idea of helping students sprung to life. In the summer of 2019, I became 200-hour RYT certified with the goal of bringing the healing practice of yoga and meditation to as many students as possible.
Since becoming certified, I have helped create a sensory room to support students when in emotional crisis; run a yoga and mindfulness meditation class for students and staff during school; and co-chair an after-school yoga program. This is only the beginning. I am excited to see how the healing practice of yoga will improve lives within those communities from which I work and live.
Julie Brazen
Yoga Teacher
RYT 500
Fun Fact: Julie once traveled solo around SE Asia for four months!
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I am very passionate about the transformational power of yoga, on and off the mat.
My first yoga experience was a semester in college as an elective. But the yoga thread didn’t really start to unravel in my life until many years later, starting with prenatal during pregnancy.
Becoming a Mom and then navigating postpartum anxiety during the pandemic inspired my deeper dive into a consistent practice, which led to a 200hr teacher training in 2020.
I’ve been teaching since 2021and have continued to study and learn from many different teachers, I’m currently halfway through a 300hr YTT. I’m also an Ayurvedic Health Counselor and a Certified Holistic Coach.
Yoga has brought a new level of awareness to my life, helping me find healing through embodiment, self compassion, and sobriety. It is a lifelong path that continues to inspire and guide my life.
I believe getting quiet and connecting to our bodies, breath and inner wisdom can shift our perspectives, open our minds, and change our lives.
Francesca Cattabiani
Yoga Teacher
RYT 200
Fun Fact: Francesca likes to cook everything from scratch!
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One day a friend asked me to join her for a yoga class and I did. It was 2009. I didn’t have a mat. I didn’t know a thing about yoga. I kept practicing in different environments and countries, and in 2016, felt the need to go deeper into my practice. I was intrigued by the connection I was experiencing with myself, and in 2017, I became RYT 200 certified.
During the following years, I had some health issues that kept me in and out of the hospital and away from the mat. Knowing I could go back to my yoga practice helped me so much, and the sacred space held by the community supported me to come back to life. Teaching gives me the opportunity to hold this safe space for anyone who needs it.
During the pandemic, I taught a lot of online classes, bringing together friends and family, even from other countries, to enjoy a moment of union and kindness. These moments helped affirm the importance of yoga in my life and the desire to study and keep sharing.
My yoga practice supports my commitment to living an intentional life, working on self acceptance and trust in myself and my whole journey.
Mark James
Yoga Teacher
E-RYT 500
Fun Fact: Mark is the oldest of six kids and was born and raised in Detroit.
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I've been blessed to call yoga part of my life for 20 years. In 2004, I took my first class after my sister suggested it casually. It was a challenge, but fun, and so I continued- yoga spoke to me in ways other workouts couldn't.
Over the years, I've traveled around the world, immersing myself in and assisting with retreats, festivals, soundbaths, teaching at hospitals, summer camps, corporate events and backyard classes. My heart led me back to Detroit and the people I love. I'm so grateful to pass this practice on to my kids & my community. Looking forward to seeing you in class sometime soon!
Candice Lamarand
Yoga Teacher, RYT 200 Certified Reiki Level 2
Somatic Breath Worker, Sound Healer
Fun Fact: Candice completed her first 15k Tough Mudder (30 obstacles) in 2023!
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I was first introduced to yoga in my high school gym class. Around 2006, I took my first yoga class in a studio and began practicing regularly in 2015. In 2017, I entered YTT and completed my 200-hr certification. I didn’t go into the program with the intent to teach but felt yoga was necessary in my life. I decided to go through the feedback process and from the start, fell in love with teaching. I first taught Ashtanga, then other formats followed. Today, I also enjoy teaching yoga for mamas, moms-to-be, yoga for kids, and partner yoga.
My yoga practice has helped me become more connected, intentional, and less reactive. Yoga helped me develop grace and compassion for myself, honoring my strengths and weaknesses, reaching a level of self-love that—as someone who as a tween/teen/young adult suffered from eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and more—never imagined was possible. Yoga helped me become and stay sober for over six years now—and most importantly, has helped me raise my children with deep love and respect.
Holding a safe space in all of my classes, where all feel supported and respected as they are, is very important to me as a yoga teacher.
Karla Lockard
Front Desk Associate
RYT 200
Fun Fact: Karla was in high school and collegiate marching band!
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Born and raised in Detroit, MI, I have a deep love for my city. I was a classroom aide for three years before earning a Master’s degree and certification in Elementary Education in 2006. I taught in Detroit, Highland Park, Maryland, and Washington D.C. for 12 years, before leaving the classroom.
I have also worked within the corporate sector, where I learned a deeper appreciation for prioritizing self care. I turned to online yoga videos to help manage my stress and to support my physical recovery from several injuries. In 2023, I became RYT 200-hour certified and am eager to learn as much as possible from the fabulous community of yoga teachers around me.
I am one of the friendly faces at the front desk, and look forward to welcoming you in for your wellness appointment and/or yoga classes at Welcome Home Yoga and Wellness.
Mackenzie Marsh
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Fun Fact: Mackenzie lived and traveled in a 22ft renovated bus for a year!
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Born and raised in San Diego, CA, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2010, where I first fell in love with Massage Therapy. While working in the restaurant and hospitality industry for over 10 years, I found that massage made a profound difference in my overall mental and physical health. For years I wanted to attend massage school, and after moving to Detroit in 2019, I found Irene’s Myomassology Institute in Southfield, where I immediately felt at home. I graduated and received my license in September 2021.
I utilize my customer service skills from years in hospitality to actively listen and provide transparency along with my experience in restorative massage, myofascial release, and energy balancing to achieve a relaxing and wellness goal-oriented session for all of my clients. By entrusting me with your wellness goals, I will customize each session based on your needs and comfort level. While I can provide you with your preferred pressure, I find a lot of the real healing occurs with slow, intentional massage strokes and pressure, while mobilizing joints and using intuitive touch, allowing the tissue adequate time to respond.
After spending the last few years as a self-employed massage therapist in the Metro Detroit area, I am so excited to join the Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness team to contribute to their mission in helping those in our community.
Fun Fact: Nicole has a love for water sports. Whether diving, jet skiing, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the water, she finds joy and peace in the water.
Nicole Williams
Front Desk Associate
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As a devoted advocate for positive change, I currently serve as a Community Group Leader for the Michigan Abolitionist Project, raising awareness and championing the eradication of human trafficking.
I was a former Liaison for the American Field Service, facilitating cross-cultural exchange and understanding among diverse communities. I believe in the transformative power of connecting with people from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and harmony. My commitment to the transformative power of connecting with people from various backgrounds is at the core of my belief system. I have actively worked towards fostering a sense of unity and harmony by bridging gaps and encouraging dialogue. This commitment extends beyond borders, creating a ripple effect in my approach to community engagement and holistic well-being.
I work as a social media manager for both small and large brands, curating captivating content that resonates with audiences and building strong online communities.