Co-founders of Wellness Playground, retreat organizers and leaders, Laura and Anastasia have been teaching together for about 15 years! Both certified massage therapists, Thai therapists, aerialists, performers and instructors, they share a passion for playful movement practices. They also love to travel!  Leading their first wellness festival in Lake Tahoe in 2014, they decided to take it internationally, from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Greece, Bali, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Fiji and now Dominican Republic this year. They have so much excitement for leading Wellness Playground Retreats and love bringing the tribe together in joyful movement in breathtaking locations. Classes: AcroYoga & Thai Massage

WERQ is the wildly addictive cardio dance fitness class based on trending pop and hip hop music. WERQ is a pre-choreographed workout with routines designed to be easy to follow and bring the fun! Classes are made up of unique playlists based on routines designed by high-caliber WERQ choreographers.  Movements are repeated in ways that students can easily master for all levels of fitness and dance background. Classes are a judgement free zone: we WERQ, Twerk, and leave it all on the dance floor!!

Shari Beard was introduced to yoga in 1996, took the leap to start teaching in Truckee,CA in 2003 and has been teaching and serving the bodies, minds and hearts of her beloved community ever since. She is a meditator, yogi, climber, skier, art dabbler and nature enthusiast. She is a mama, lover, daughter, sister, teacher and friend. Her greatest teachers have been her 17 year old daughter Tessa and her wonderful pets. And she has trained with the BEST in Ashtanga, Iyengar, Maya and Anusara Yoga. She was so blessed to assist the Wanderlust Teacher Training for 6 years. She also completed Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach's Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training in 2022. Shari teaches to the life that is presenting itself. She loves asana for everything it does for the body and being, but it is not the main focus of what she likes to share.  She intends to nurture the connection to ones own heart. She is a lover. People come to her classes, workshops and trainings to learn how to love, be loved and remember they are love. She encourages vulnerability, imperfection, getting messy and falling apart. She strives to embrace with her students the tougher emotions such as shame, guilt, anger, grief and doubt.  She walks alongside students where they support each other in this school of life, where life is continuing to experience itself. Shari has been a friend/co-league of Laura Green for many years and is so delighted and honored to be asked to teach sunrise yoga for The Wellness Playground Community in Fiji. You can expect an all levels, heart opening and connecting time together with somatic movement, asana and meditation. We are going to have so much fun with each other!

Invite the transformative power of sound healing into your home for a deeply personal and vibrational healing experience. Whether you seek a private session to relax and align your energy or wish to share this sacred journey with friends or family, sound healing offers a profound way to connect and rejuvenate together. We bring all the instruments needed to create a rich, immersive soundscape that promotes relaxation, balance, and healing in your home. These soothing tones of crystal bowls, chimes, gongs, and other sacred instruments wash over you, creating space for harmony and renewal, all in the comfort of your chosen environment. This is more than an experience—it's a gift of healing and connection for yourself and/or your loved ones.

John is thrilled to be a part of this years wellness festival. As an energetic exercise instructor, dancer and performing artist, he is honored to bring the energy of movement and dance to our special event.

DJ Shikari mixes an energetic, eclectic style of spiritually inspired music of Kirtan, mantras, and beyond that pairs well with the fluidity of his audience. In the past he has played at such yoga studio's as Wanderlust Squaw, Tahoe Yoga Institute, Namaste, Tahoe Yoga & Wellness, and Yoga Studio Tahoe, as well as house parties and local bars as well.

Deeply rooted in my family's Persian heritage, my passion for sound and movement is enriched by the tribal rhythms of my native culture. A showgirl at heart, I've been sharing dazzling performances for over two decades while holding space for empowering students to grow and connect with their sacred power through dance. Specializing in Belly Dancing, I’ve developed a unique style that blends free-flowing expression, electric beats, and fire. Trained and recruited by Amira Mor at The Broadway Dance Center in New York City in 2004, I continue to refine my artistry, merging ancient traditions with modern innovation that ignites the stage.

GROOVE is a dynamically interactive and creative group dance experience. With great music, your facilitator will UNITE everyone in a simple movement or rhythm but you get to DANCE it in your own UNIQUE way. While exploring a variety of styles and genres, you will experience everything from slow, delicious, meditative grooves to heart thumping and strength building cardio beats. The perfect recipe to nurture your body, mind, heart and soul.  No SHOES - No Fancy Clothes needed - No Experience Necessary - FUN for everyBODY!

Jeremy Ann Anderson is a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, educator, and retreat leader with over two decades of experience guiding others back into balance through nature. A faculty member for 20 years at the California College of Ayurveda and 5 years at Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda, she brings depth, clarity, and grounded wisdom to her teaching. Jeremy’s work centers on reconnecting people to their bodies and the living world around them. Through immersive retreats, seasonal rituals, and nature-based practices, she helps participants recalibrate through forests, water, sunlight, breath, and rhythm. Her nature immersion experiences blend Ayurveda, meditation, breathwork, and sacred seasonal awareness, offering a space that is both deeply restorative and quietly transformative. Jeremy creates environments where insight feels embodied, healing feels accessible, and balance feels possible.

As a competitive athlete and Freeride Snowboard Coach combined with his friendly demeanor and complete understanding for compassionate communication, he is an extremely supportive teacher. Continuously practicing his artistry as a skilled wood-worker, carpenter & handyman, botanist, mountain biker, slackliner, golfer, snowboarder, surfer, frisbee golfer, AcroYogi, and performer, he is a huge benefit to the Wellness Playground events and retreat.

Kate Leist is a community builder, yoga instructor, sacred space holder, playful spirit, and soulpreneur who helps her students come home to themselves. Since 2013 Kate has been leading her students through yoga, ritual, ceremony, and community gatherings — weaving in permission to feel, rest, and receive. Kate creates safe, grounded spaces that are both spiritual and practical. Real talk. Real tools. Real connection. When she's not teaching or holding a circle, you'll find Kate wandering through the mountains, petting all the dogs, dancing at a festival, or drawing mandalas in the sand.

I started my path of healing over 17 years ago. Since then I have dedicated my life’s purpose (dharma) to bettering myself, and assisting others in their transformational journey. I am dedicated to always learning new techniques to be of service in the best way possible. I am forever a student, and forever a teacher. The wisdom I obtain is meant to be shared, and taught so that others can be self-sufficient and grow on their own. I am merely a spark, a guide, a compass to help point you back towards your true radiance. I teach many different healing modalities including, meditation, movement therapy, therapeutic myofascial release, yin yoga, vinyasa yoga, haha yoga, body awareness counseling, rehabilitation to body imbalances, written healing practices, personalized programs based on my clients needs.

Denielle’s Musical Wheel is a family music class for all ages that approaches music education through play-based learning. During class we’ll discover different rhythms while playing shaker eggs, bells and an array of musical instruments. We'll explore our voice & pitch through vocal warm ups and singing fun, familiar songs. We'll also build on our motor skills with scarf play, find balance and rhythm in dance, and circle up for group coordination.  Playing music uplifts our spirit, inspires creativity and builds community. It’s a beautiful, collaborative way to connect with others and we hope you join in the fun :) …for more information you can find @deniellesmusicalwheel on Insta.

Lynell Garfield, RYT-200, is a yogi, energy worker, mama, author and scientist. Her practice is inquisitive, humorous, and a blend of active and restful. She encourages all to stretch and find those liminal spaces of discovery, without taking life too seriously. Lynell homesteads in Reno, NV, but has studied with teachers around the world. Making a point of fresh perspectives, Lynell has just started playing the violin and loves to dance with the beginner's mind!

I fell in love with HENNA in 2007 while visiting India. I purchased two boxes of henna cones & started drawing designs on people a week after I returned! Soon I became a vendor at our local street fair, festivals, private events & I also teach classes. HENNA designs often create themselves while the energies flow between 2 humans. Sometimes small and simple, other times intricate or free-flowing. Mehndi, as it is often called, is instant art that you can wear ❤️ I invite you to experience the magic & fall in love with HENNA as I have. Designs last 7-14 days depending on body location and aftercare. i mix my own henna paste & can guarantee it's quality! the 4 ingredients are: henna powder,lavender essential oil, sugar & water.

Living and working at Esalen for years has allowed me to grow in my practice and in my personal life. I now split my time between Esalen Institute in Big Sur USA and south east Asia. Happy to offer Esalen massage sessions and classes @amdbodywork

Intuitive, wise and occasionally hilarious, Kerstin invites profound relaxation with her signature presence-based massages. She is the founder of Gravity and her education at the Esalen Institute puts her in a distinguished lineage of American master bodyworkers. ABOUT KERSTIN’S WORK “My presence and depth of attention invite your nervous system to drop in and feel safe on my table. As I move through the body, my pressure is a mirror reflecting the felt-sense of your own tissues under my hands. This detailed, three-dimensional awareness is foundational to the body’s ability to self-integrate and heal.” “During a session, I’ll be listen intently to what is happening under my touch, while simultaneously tuned in to my own experience, observations and intuitive impulses. I perform highly-detailed precision work and can often find just the right spot and then sink into it with perfect pressure. You may find your body instinctively aware of the high quality of my contact, drinking it in as nourishment, and blossoming into a feeling of satiation and well-being afterwards.” More info: https://www.gravitybodywork.com/kerstin-santa

Inspired by the ocean, Vivé’s massage sessions weave together ancient wisdom, intuition, and bodywork. Specialties include Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Esalen, Deep Bodywork and Traditional Thai Massage. Vivé loves facilitating transformative journeys, supporting others to find freedom within. She creates a sacred heart centered space, welcoming in divine healing energy to support your well being on all levels. Her flowing bodywork style encourages relaxation while also aiming to help relieve painful conditions. She is happy to discuss your needs and create a unique healing session for you.

a Reno-based DJ known for hosting "the most fun" sets and mixtapes, often blending funk, soul, and modern beats. Also known as Kicks Modern, he is active in the Nevada music scene, performing at local house parties, venues, and events. He offers energetic DJ sets, often featuring funky and modern music blends!

Because the world is a Circus! Drinking with Clowns is a non-stop celebration of life, love, and culture that will get you up and dancing in no time. With a sound that blends Latin rhythms such as cumbia with funky beats, reggae vibes, and more, Drinking with Clowns will take you on a fun musical journey and keep you dancing until the last beat drops! From the infectious drum beats and groovy guitar riffs to the smooth bass lines and catchy lyrics, Drinking with Clowns is a band that knows how to have fun. Their unique blend of cumbia, samba, reggae, and other genres is a musical journey that takes you on a wild ride of emotions and energy. With both Spanish and English lyrics, their songs are a true fusion of cultures and styles that will get your heart pumping and your feet moving. Whether you’re at a club, a festival, or just hanging out with friends, Drinking with Clowns’ music is the perfect soundtrack to a good time. So come on and join the party! Let Drinking with Clowns take you on a musical journey that will make you forget all your worries and just dance. It’s time to raise a glass, let loose, and enjoy the ride!

Randy Gates is a breathwork facilitator and wellness educator. He is a professional firefighter with Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in Washoe County. In addition, he is a member of their peer support team and health and wellness committee. He has a master’s degree in education. Randy has a passion for teaching and emphasizes the value of proactive practices/habits to minimize stress, depression, and anxiety. He is a Truckee local and an original member of the community maker space, the Truckee Roundhouse. Randy recognizes the value of creative outlet for his personal growth and happiness. He emphasizes finding your creative outlet as a key component for thriving. Randy is a metal sculptor and a DJ. His passion for electronic music and helping individuals heal is how he came to these unique live DJ transformational breathwork journeys.

​Ann Marie moved to Truckee in 2002 to begin her full-time career as a yoga teacher and massage therapist. From working at various clinics, wellness centers and hospitals, Ann Marie learned about the impact of injuries, and was continually inspired to discover how massage techniques and yoga could help reestablish a healthy and balanced lifestyle for her clients. Ann Marie is the heart behind Namaste Holistic Healing and Yoga Center. In 2010, Namaste opened its doors. Her dream of creating an affordable and educational hub for the community has continued to grow year after year. Over time, she has brought in practitioners from various health and wellness services. The group of practitioners at Namaste cater to the local mountain community as well as visitors and create a space that is both non-intimidating and welcoming. She and the team look forward to helping you on your journey to wellness.

Scott earned his Masters in Physical Therapy from UC San Francisco. He has lived in the Truckee/North Lake Tahoe area since 1996 and in 2002 was one of the first in the Tahoe area to become an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. He has worked around the globe with professional cycling teams including T-Mobile, Team Columbia/High Road and most recently with Garmin/Barracuda. He has also worked as a performance therapist with EXOS/Athletes' Performance in LA and Arizona working the NFL combine, international soccer including Aston Villa in the English Premiere League as well as Al Arabai in Qatar. He also was one of the first PTs to work with the Chinese Olympic Teams in Beijing. He continues to perform physical and performance therapy, bike fitting and other athlete training services in Truckee, CA.