Ren Oliver began her yoga journey in 2011 with Suzanne Perrine during a period of personal transition into single motherhood. She quickly discovered that yoga offered a sense of steadiness and grace that extended far beyond the mat. In 2019, she became a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and remains committed to creating a non-judgmental, resilience-building, and heart-centered space for her students.

Her classes blend thoughtful sequencing with breathwork and meditation, encouraging a deeper connection between the physical and spiritual self. While Ren enjoys all styles of yoga, her personal practice focuses on vinyasa flow, both at home and with her teachers.

A proud Double Duke with a BBA (’07) and MBA (’24) from James Madison University, Ren has a deep appreciation for personal and professional growth, creative thinking, and the arts in all its forms. She is the proud mother of three and wife to “one pretty amazing dude.”

“Balance, flexibility, strength: these are the things we practice on the mat; life balance, situational flexibility, strength of character: these are the things we take with us off the mat.” – Ren

Jennifer's passion flourished into a lifelong journey after discovering yoga in her high school. With over 50 years of personal practice and more than 16 years of teaching experience, she decided in 2009 to become a Certified Yoga Instructor. Over the past 16 years, she has obtained certifications as a Yoga Therapist, Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, and Certified Meditation Facilitator. She is also certified in several yoga disciplines, including Trauma-Informed Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Radiant Child Yoga. She proudly holds the credentials of RYT500, YACEP, and IAYT.

Jennifer loves sharing her passion for yoga with private clients, in group settings, and through her online presence. Currently, she teaches Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Chair Yoga, Restorative, and Somatic practices. In the Fall of 2025, she plans to host meditation sessions on Insight Timer and will continue her online presence with yoga classes. When she isn’t practicing or teaching, she enjoys being an artist, traveling, reading, engaging in needlework, and spending time with friends and family.

Suzanne supports students who are ready to deepen their connection to themselves, their bodies, and the natural rhythms of life. An E-RYT 500, YACEP, and Certified Ayurveda Health Counselor, Suzanne has been teaching for twenty years, guiding students through yoga, meditation, Pilates, and Ayurvedic wisdom to feel more grounded, energized, and aligned in both body and mind. She began by sharing yoga with her local community through The Center Yoga studio which she opened in 2005, and later expanded her offerings globally with Centered Living, her online home for conscious movement and intentional living. Though she is passionate about leading her international Yoga Retreats and coaching women in Ayurveda and vibrant living, Suzanne continues to find immense satisfaction teaching local classes and meeting students exactly where they are. She's super excited to be joining the team here at JMU!

Anna is both a maker and a mover. While working in corporate America, movement meditation in the yoga studio helped her stay grounded. As a natural cross-pollinator with over 25 years of teaching experience across disciplines —from art to dance to design, and now yoga— with students of all ages and abilities. She creates inclusive, supportive spaces where learners can explore, grow, and connect. Her daily teaching intention is simple: that everybody leaves class a better version of themselves. Off the mat, Anna teaches Industrial (Product) Design and works as an artist/designer and design consultant. Her line of upcycled leather jewelry and paper goods are sold locally at Great.ful Goods in the Shops of Agora Market, at The Center Collective, and at www.azzamarie.com.  She also finds joy in baking, cooking, and hunting/gathering for inspiration. Anna shares space on this planet with her partner and their dog, Rocco.

Dawn began a daily yoga practice in 2020 and took advantage of online yoga teacher trainings available during the pandemic.  As a result, she is now a 200 hour registered yoga teacher, 100 hour meditation teacher, and have trainings in teaching restorative yoga and chair yoga.  Dawn has been teaching gentle yoga classes on the weekends at the Staunton-Augusta YMCA since February 2022.  The feedback she gets from her students is that they love her playlists, they find benefit from holding the poses longer, and working on balance is helpful for them.   Her classes move at a slower pace, but still provide full body strengthening, stress reduction, and a deep stretch. 

Joyce is a dancer and yoga teacher whose lifestyle includes yoga and mindfulness. Prior to moving to the Shenandoah Valley, she was a professional ballet dancer and an Associate Professor of Dance at Kansas State University. Her background includes a BA and MFA in Dance and Related Arts, YTT 200/300, Accessible Yoga Teacher Training, Mindfulness Meditation Certification, and Pilates certification. She has also taught ballet as an adjunct instructor in the JMU Dance Program, teaches yoga and strength training on-line, as well as teaches ballet at Harrisonburg Dance Co-op. Her vinyasa flow class uses the breath to connect the body to the movement. Awareness of the breath helps to calm the nervous system and cultivate mindfulness. The foundational poses help to develop strength, stability, and flexibility. Feel the stress melt away as you focus on the breath and movement to gently stretch your body and bring mindfulness to your poses. This is a multi-level class with variations offered, and is accessible to those new to yoga, as well as the experienced yogi who wants to refine and deepen their yoga practice.

"Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. Between the two, my life flows."

~Sri Nisargadatta

Rachel is excited to bring High Fitness to JMU—a fun, fast-paced workout set to popular music that is amazing for reducing stress. Rachel is a certified High Fitness Instructor who taught for Penn State Campus Recreation prior to moving to JMU, where she is an assistant professor in the School of Integrated Sciences. She also teaches joint classes with her mom who is a Jazzercise instructor when she is visits her hometown in Woodbridge, Virginia. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and hanging out with friends and her dog.  

Having participated in High Fitness for multiple years before getting certified, Rachel has observed that High Fitness is a great workout for people with a wide range of experience and training goals. Whether you are new to group fitness or have been taking classes for years, High Fitness is a great format to try out!