About Us

Behnje Masson and Rick Powell are the owners of From the Heart Yoga and Tai Chi Center.They are both Certified Anusara Yoga™ teachers and Rick has his Certification in “Chiu Chuk Kai’s Tai Chi Praying Mantis” from Sifu Yen Hoa Lee. We have a great community of people here and dedicated highly trained instructors(see below)

Our Instructors

Behnje Masson
Behnje is a certified Anusara Yoga™ teacher and a member of the National Certification Committee for this method. She began her study with the founder of Anusara Yoga, John Friend, in 1997. She received her certification in 2004 and continues her studies with him to this day. Behnje is inspired by Anusara Yoga’s ability to connect people to the wisdom of the heart. It is from this enthusiasm that she is honored to be representing such a rich and elegant method of Hatha Yoga.Behnje can be contacted at
behnje@fromtheheartyoga.com.

Rick Powell
Rick has studied Tai-Chi Jeung and Tai Chi Praying Mantis Kung Fu with Yen Hoa Lee since 1984. Since 1998 his yoga studies have been focused on Anusara Yoga. He is a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher who has studied with John Friend, Behnje Masson and many other great Anusara Teachers. His deep understanding of the body brings a supportive and encouraging flavor to his teaching. Rick can be contacted at rick@fromtheheartyoga.com.

Kriste Johns
Kriste has studied Anusara Yoga with Behnje Masson since 1999 and is a Birth Doula (labor and birth support). She loves teaching Anusara Yoga because it enables each student to access the strength and sweetness that exists within us all. You can read more about Kriste’s work at her website, Birthing Grace.

Mary Stahl has studied Anusara Yoga for 8 years with Behnje Masson, deepening her study and practice in workshops, immersions, and trainings with Behnje, Rick Powell, Desiree Rumbaugh, John Friend, and other inspirational Anusara teachers. Mary is a veteran public school teacher and offers hatha yoga to colleagues, parents, and elementary students. Yoga’s gift of profound connection inspires Mary’s life, practice, and teaching. She shares an encouraging perspective for practice on and off the mat.

Audrey Chapman
I was born and raised by a wonderful and loving mother and father in Lakewood, Colorado. I have two beautiful brothers, one perfect nephew, a kind and loving husband and amazing in-laws. My gratitude goes out to John Friend and Anusara yoga for being an extension of my family, and for helping me see with eyes of gratitude the abundance of love available in the world. Last, I am continually amazed at my good fortune to find a community as full as From The Heart with two such weighty, generous and deeply dedicated teachers as Behnje and Rick. Their steady teachings will lead me always. My heart is so full of excitement and joy at the opportunity to deepen my role in serving the From the Heart community!

Abby Whitenight is an elementary music teacher in Hudsonville Public Schools. She is a graduate of Hope College and is currently working on her masters degree in music education at Michigan State University. Abby has been studying yoga with Behnje Mason at From the Heart since 2005, and is working on her teacher certification.

Dawn Heartwell
has been studying Anusara yoga with Behnje Masson since 2002. The growth and insights that Anusara yoga has given her have enriched her life and encouraged her to spread that light and grace to others. Dawn is the mother of two boys and delights in the balance of family life.

Dawn has her Masters degree in Social Work and is currently a social worker with the public schools. She is challenged by and finds inspiration in taking her yoga off the mat and into the community.

Wellness Professionals

Jock Smith
Balanced Health
Oriental Assessment, Zen Shiatsu, Nutritional/Herbal Counseling
“I have been practicing holistic health care in the Uptown area since 1987. My practice consists of Zen Shiatsu, Oriental Assessment, Macrobiotic, Nutritional , and Herbal Counseling as well as Reflexology and Reiki. I received my training in Western Medicine as a U.S. Naval medical corpsman, and Eastern medicine from the Kushi Institute, a school of oriental health and philosophy. When I meet someone I respectfully listen, offer self-empowering information and treatment designed to create balance, facilitating a natural healing process.”
Contact Jock at 458-8820