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.

Group of people doing yoga in a dimly lit room, kneeling on yoga mats, stretching with their arms raised and leaning to the side.

Our Team

Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness’ teachers and practitioners are dedicated to delivering a knowledgeable, inclusive, and transformative experience that strengthens and inspires.

Headshot of Robyn Childers

Robyn Childers

Co-Founder/Owner of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness

E-RYT 1000, YACEP, Certified Reiki II

Fun Fact:  Robyn studied in Moscow, Russia.

  • 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.

Headshot of Melissa Childers

Melissa Childers 

Co-Founder of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), RYT 200

Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT)

Fun Fact: Melissa studied in Boizenburg, Germany.

  • 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.

Headshot of Dawn Stroud

Dawn Stroud

HR Director, Lead Yoga Teacher

E-RYT 500

Fun Fact: Dawn was an air traffic controller in the USAF, stationed at McGuire!

  • 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.

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Jake Belknap

Yoga Teacher

RYT 200

Fun Fact: Jake played Dracula in a community theater play just before the pandemic!

  • I came to yoga through no choice of my own. In 2011, I found a workout program that had different workouts on different days, one being a yoga flow. I knew stretching was important (who doesn't need that?!), but soon found so much more. My ever-busy (and often overwhelmed) ADHD mind began to quiet through the mindful movement of my flowing body.

    When I went to yoga classes, I found myself surrounded by others who were all quietly seeking self-improvement. Instead of priding performance, it emphasized authenticity, honesty, humility, and respect. I took my teacher training with the desire to learn more about this tool that stilled and honed the mind by developing the body.

    For close to a decade, it has been my goal to help others reach their physical, mental, and emotional goals; leave behind mindsets that have become obstacles; and allow the most authentic version of themselves to shine. Come flow with me to explore the structure of Ashtanga and the creative, playful Vinyasa style. 

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Francesca Cattabiani

Yoga Teacher

RYT 200

Fun Fact: Francesca likes to cook everything from scratch!

  • 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.

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Matthew Edwards

Yoga Teacher

E-RYT 500

Fun Fact: Matt once won 3rd place in an ice carving contest!

  • I first tried yoga in high school gym class and didn’t think much of it. In college, I started practicing more regularly for recreational purposes, finding the movements familiar from my wrestling days. However, it was after a major breakup that yoga truly entered my life in earnest. I began working full-time as an assistant manager at a chain of yoga studios, practicing every day, and truly fell in love with yoga.

    For me, the real joy of yoga comes from the personal empowerment of working on myself, combined with being in a community of like-minded individuals doing the same. I earned my teaching certification shortly after and am proud to say I’ve been teaching for over ten years. My experience spans workshops, teacher trainings, festivals, corporate/private classes, and online sessions. I specialize in Vinyasa and Slow Flow yoga.

    My classes are light-hearted and fun, yet deeply focused on technical proficiency. I believe that yoga should be both enjoyable and transformative, and I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all my students.

    Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, I can't wait to share this journey with you!

  • I remember looking up schools and contemplating Massage Therapy when I was fresh out of high school, but I decided on a different path at the time (good ol singin and dancin).

    After deciding to retire from performing a decade or so later, I was led right back tomassage. I attended Irene’s Myomassology Institute in Southfield and finished my program and received my license late Spring of 2026.

    I utilize an intuitive approach to massage, in which I align to how your body both resonates and responds. I hold the sacred space so that you can always feel safe and relaxed, which allows you and your body the space to heal.

Headshot of Candice Lamarand

Candice Lamarand

Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 500

Somatic Breath Worker, Sound Healer

Fun Fact: Candice completed her second 15k Tough Mudder (30 obstacles) in 2024!

  • 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.

  • For nearly two decades, yoga has been one of the deepest threads in my life, shaping the way I understand stress, healing, and change. My connection to this path is both personal and lifelong. Because of my own experiences, I found myself wanting to understand why people suffer, how real healing happens, and what truly helps ease the discomfort we all face. That search led me into advanced yoga study, trauma-informed practice, Yoga Nidra, auricular acupuncture, and, beginning in 2014, a deeper study of addiction and recovery.

    I’ve had the privilege of offering auricular acupuncture to thousands of people, from large conferences to intimate treatment centers. I’ve also seen how powerful it can be when combined with Yoga Nidra, helping people experience deep rest, emotional balance, and a greater sense of steadiness. Above all, I’m passionate about creating spaces that feel safe, grounded, and real — places where people can simply be themselves and learn how to live with greater ease, no matter what life brings. 🌿

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Mackenzie Marsh

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT); Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT)

Fun Fact: Mackenzie lived and traveled in a 22ft renovated bus for a year!

Fun Fact: River was directed by the late Lynne Taylor-Corbett (choreographer of Footloose) for a touring production of Swing!

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River Ivy

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Certified Reiki III

Fun Fact: Merrily has taught over 10,000 yoga classes—and still learns something new every time she steps on the mat.

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Merrily MacDonald

Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 200, Certified Reiki Level 2

  • 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: Miguel was born and raised in the huge metropolis of Mexico City. He loves to camp in the woods and get far away from civilization.

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Miguel Tovar

Yoga Teacher, RYT 200

  • I started practicing yoga a few years ago and I decided to deepen my practice at Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness with the first cohort of yoga teacher trainees. While I’ve always had a deep connection with my mind, yoga gave me the opportunity to explore and learn to trust my body, my spiritual self and strengthen my meditation practice.

    Yoga, for me, is a constant that has always helped me find balance during all of life’s changes. I believe that the yoga practice grows within a community. I want to actively participate in this growth by sharing my journey and knowledge with my friends and family at Welcome Home.

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!

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Nicole Williams

Studio Operations Leader

  • 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.

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