Our Story

Dori Thomsen, a Florida native, is the Co-Founder of Soluna Yoga+Spa, which she opened with her husband, Christian Thomsen. A 500-hour experienced yoga teacher, Dori’s yoga journey began in 2000 at the University of North Florida where she first explored Yoga as an extracurricular activity. Her interest in the practice deepened when she assumed a leadership role as a scuba diving instructor at a summer camp for teens in the Florida Keys. Here is when she first learned the importance of breath control and mindfulness. At the time, she taught yoga to her fellow instructors and teens at the camp without realizing that one could become certified to teach yoga. In 2008, Dori & Christian moved to Costa Rica, where she taught English at an art-based preschool. During this challenging period, yoga became an essential part of Dori’s daily routine, helping her maintain her mental health. Encouraged by her yoga teacher, Dori took the leap in 2010 to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Guatemala. Upon returning to Costa Rica, she quickly began teaching yoga across the Guanacaste region, from resorts to health clubs. Dori expanded her expertise by pursuing further certifications in Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga. She became one of the first yoga teachers to introduce stand-up paddleboard yoga to Central America and led numerous retreats and teacher trainings. In 2012, Dori opened her own yoga studio, Sol y Paz, near Playa Conchal. However, in 2013, after the birth of their first child, Dori and Christian decided to move back to the U.S. to be closer to family. They settled back into Jacksonville, Florida, where they opened Soluna Yoga+Spa in December 2014. Soluna Yoga+Spa was borne out of the couple’s time spent living abroad in Costa Rica, where they learned the importance of community, slowing down, connecting with nature, and nurturing a yoga and meditation practice. They opened Soluna as a small oasis and retreat center to share these values with others. She continued her yoga education by earning certification in Yoga Therapy under Dr. Marie Bailey, and in 2016, she traveled to India for advanced training at Aarsha Yoga Vidya under Master teachers Swami Yogesh and Bhoomaji. In addition to their yoga and wellness work, Dori and Christian have expanded their professional endeavors by becoming real estate agents with Coldwell Banker Vanguard in Avondale. Dori also serves as President of the 5 Points Merchants Association, where she is actively involved in her community’s growth and well-being. Through their business ventures and personal commitment to growth, Dori and Christian continue to serve and uplift the community they are proud to be a part of.

Christian and Dori opened Soluna in 2014, as not only a means for a vocation but also as a vehicle to raise the frequency of Love in the community with a place the people can come to connect and make time for themselves. His journey to the East originated as a youth growing up in New Orleans with the practice of Karate while earning a Black Belt. He was introduced to Yoga in college in Jacksonville and his practice chrystalized while living in Costa Rica for 5 years. Yoga to him is a journey to the center of oneself in order to realize Oneness with all beings and things in the Universe. And anticipates when the practice of Yoga becomes not so intimidating to the population at large. He believes a simple 30 minutes per day of asana, pranayama, and meditation does wonders for the feelings of happiness, balance, joy, acceptance, and gratitude in life. The focal point of Christian’s world is his family, and his daughter, Olive, is the light in his eyes. Christian also dabbles as a singer/songwriter with his musical project SPARS and has had a passion for the game of golf since boyhood. His inspiration is nature in all her forms.

Consumed with depression and anxiety at the age of 20, Kayla stumbled into a yoga class one Sunday in 2015 with a coupon for a free class and a world of baggage. All it took was 90 minutes of vinyasa to teach Kayla that her life was more than sitting behind a desk and trying not to be noticed. Yoga became a salvation for Kayla, where she ventured out of her comfort zone and into a world of self-care and self-realization. Kayla began teaching yoga in 2016. She has studied primarily in Jacksonville and in Bali, completing her 500-hour teacher training in 2017. Kayla expanded her teaching to prenatal yoga in 2019, opening a new door for personal development and spiritual growth. After the fears of 2020 changed her direction to a deeper calling, Kayla immersed herself into an off-grid lifestyle along the Appalachian Trail, where she began learning about nature's cycles and primitive survival skills; including foraging, Earth-work, natural shelter building, and sustainable ceremonies. Since returning to her home city in 2023, Kayla has studied and is now practicing Massage Therapy and Yoga Therapy, combining the bodywork modalities into a unique offering that includes Reiki and Pranayama. Her doula training and breathwork courses have amplified her skills to another level, inviting depth into all layers of practice. Kayla loves working with individuals who are transitioning: seeking to expand their practice of self-love and awareness, looking to open their capacity, and ready to take up space in our true calling. In her free time, Kayla enjoys immersing herself in nature. From camping and forest bathing to making recipes with foraged or locally sourced ingredients, Kayla loves learning from the divine source of nature. She likes to be physically active: rock climbing, Earth-work, and dancing. MA105328

Shea is a Jacksonville native who practices the art and science of massage therapy, helping people to relax into a healing state in order to promote longevity and maintain homeostasis. She attended Alpha School of Massage where she completed a 900hr program, and received her license in 2018. She is passionate about her work, and loves to continue to learn and grow her practice. In addition to the traditional Swedish, trigger point, and deep tissue modalities, some of her specialties consist of chair, sports, hot stone, and prenatal massage. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her family, as well as crafting, reading a good book, and enjoying a cup of tea. MA91741

Lakysha graduated in July 2010, from Florida School of Massage in Gainesville, Florida. She is an intuitive healer and a Licensed massage therapist with 13 years of experience. She loves inspiring and helping others find happiness through the array of modalities she specializes in. Lakysha is a Reiki level I and II practitioner, a 2OO hour certified Kirpalu Yoga Teacher and a licensed esthetician. She offers an intuitive massage, designed to help you feel renewed and balanced after each session. She believes in taking care of the body as a whole; mind, body and spirit. She specializes in Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular therapy, Deep tissue therapy, Reiki, Cupping and Prenatal Massage. Lakysha is dedicated to assisting clients in finding the root cause of their specific pain points so that you can live a healthier longer life while reducing stress. She believes that the body has the ability to heal itself as long as we give it the best conditions. Lakysha enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, working out, listening to music, yoga and meditating. MA63749

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Amanda went to massage therapy school during the end of her professional ballet career. She has been working as an LMT since 2010, in various settings and locations and on a diverse range of clients. Her goal is to help people help heal themselves, creating a space in their hectic lives to just breathe and be. Amanda specializes in focused pain relief and deep tissue work, cupping therapy, Thai massage, prenatal, and relaxing massage sessions with hot stones and a calming energy. She is also a yoga teacher with a 200 hour yoga certification, currently working toward becoming an RYT 500. When she’s not on the mat, in the gym or working on clients, Amanda is a full-time ER nurse. She currently lives in the San Marco area with two rescue dogs and way too many houseplants! MA102025

Hari Omॐ My name is Amanda but within the Soluna family I am affectionately known as “Mandy”. I live in Riverside and at any given moment you may see me zoom by on my bicycle. I have been called eclectic, an old soul and “Jill of All Trades”. Here at Soluna I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Certified Yoga Teacher. I received my Yoga Teacher Certification from Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik, India & Radiant Yoga and Wellness in 2022. I have continued my studies with them since, taking many classes, workshops and certification courses including Certification in Yoga Philosophy & Psychology and Yoga Nidra Certification, Omkara course and I am enrolled in an ongoing Patanjali Yoga Sutra course. I took my first yoga class in 2004 on the recommendation of my Massage Therapy school. I graduated from Montgomery School of Bodywork and Massage in 2005 as a Certified Therapeutic Massage Therapist and Certified Orthopedic Massage Therapist. Electing to add on the “Eastern Techniques” courses, I also earned Certification in Spa Therapy (Hot Stones, Body Wraps, Salt Glow, Spa Facial) as well as becoming a Reiki practitioner. I completed indepth studies on the Chakras, Aromatherapy, Cupping as well as several Spa Modalities. We also studied Yoga and Tai Chi. I have since added on to my Reiki training and become Certified in Integrating Sound Healing into Massage Therapy (sound bowls and tuning forks). I offer Private Yoga Sessions and yes, you can schedule this alongside your Massage. I teach traditional yoga classes as well as Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra. I also host workshops exploring different yogic philosophies. Join me for a yoga class, massage, or combine the two for a deeply restorative experience with me, ‘Mandy’. Together, we will create space for healing, balance, and overall well-being. ML#106801 Hari Om ॐ Oh, and I like fishing :)

Autumn is a massage therapist who has always had a passion for helping people. She went to school for social work but found massage therapy to be a perfect fit. She then moved to Florida to pursue her career at Florida School of Advanced bodywork. She is able to fulfill her passion by helping to relieve pain and stress through massage therapy. Autumn enjoys writing, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with her dog. MA106318

Laura is a highly experienced massage therapist with 22 years of expertise in therapeutic and deep tissue techniques. She is known for her intuitive approach and ability to target tension, relieve pain, and support overall wellness. Originally from Wisconsin, Laura recently relocated to Florida, where she continues to provide personalized, results-driven care to help clients feel their best. MA108654

Elizabeth Henrichsen has been teaching at Soluna since 2014. She is an experienced and certified Yoga Instructor, Yoga Therapist, and Ayurveda Wellness Consultant with a deep foundation in classical Yoga and holistic health. She holds over 1000 hours of teacher training certifications from esteemed institutions in India, including the Himalayan Yoga Academy, Rishikesh (RYT 240, with Highest Distinction) and Aarsha Yoga Vidya Peetham, Kerala (RYT 300, with title of Yoga Acharya in Hatha Yoga), where she was trained in the Sivananda lineage. She is a Level 3 Teacher and Evaluator and Level 2 Professional Yoga Wellness Instructor, certified by the Yoga Certification Board, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Elizabeth also holds certifications in Yin Yoga, Chair Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga (through Yoga4Change), Advanced Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, and Yoga Philosophy & Psychology. She completed her Diploma in Yoga Therapy at Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nasik, India. Her Ayurvedic training includes courses at Kerala Ayurveda Academy and certification as a Yoga and Ayurveda Wellness Consultant through the American Institute of Vedic Studies under Dr. David Frawley. Elizabeth’s focus is on education and conducts a variety of Yoga Teacher Training Courses in partnership with Yoga Vidya Gurukul and facilitates retreats in both the USA and abroad. She teaches a wide range of yoga styles to students of all ages and abilities, integrating asana, pranayama, meditation, and Ayurveda for holistic well-being. Through an integrative approach, she seeks to link the ancient wisdoms of Yoga and Ayurveda to create and maintain balance in her students. In private sessions, she offers individualized Yoga Therapy and Ayurvedic consultations tailored to each client’s needs. Practicing yoga since 2004, Elizabeth draws from her study, life experience, and teachers to share the transformative wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda. She honors her teachers and finds inspiration in every student.

Victoria began practicing yoga in 2000 and has been teaching since 2006. She has studied with a variety of teachers and completed her 500 hour teacher training at Bliss in August 2012. In early 2012, she took mantra initiation with Rolf Sovik, Spiritual Director at the Himalayan Institute. Victoria’s yoga and meditation practice has been a transformative force in her life, and she hopes to help her students find what they need in their practice. Her recognition of the therapeutic aspects of yoga has encouraged her to pursue the Degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy. Victoria plans to use the knowledge gained from these studies to help her students at a deeper level.

Roslyn was intrigued by Yoga due to becoming stressed at work and inflexible sitting at a desk all day. She has been practicing for over 20 years now. Roslyn noticed physical changes after about 3 classes and eventually found a calm, zen-like, one pointed focus during her practice. She has over 500 hours of training and certifications as well as taught over 1000 hours of classes. Her favorite aspect of yoga is simply moving the body with the flow of breath. One of her many mottos is to “let the breath lead and the body follow, like a dance”. Sometimes we can take ourselves too seriously so allowing a bit of humor, creativity and exploration in our practice proves to be a nice re-set for the spirit. In her opinion, yoga is not solely about a headstand or touching your toes but more about being mindful, calm, objective, in-the-present-moment. Quieting the mind to help reduce stress, distractions and anxiety as well as strengthen the body to help with balance, flexibility and agility. Roslyn’s flow classes are creative and unique. Her stretch and Yin classes are deep and rich. She encourages students to use a variety of modifications and adjustments along the way to really make their practice their own - allowing the movement, poses and stretches to evolve organically from within. This is important since we come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and have varied levels of strength and flexibility.

Nicole has had a long-time passion for teaching and helping others. Her yoga practice began in 2005. She recently completed her 500-hour certification training through Regenerative Living School. Nicole loves to hold space for others and cultivate a sense of community. She enjoys teaching classes that are playful, challenging, and accessible. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, being in nature and reading.

Jayme is from the native lands of Timicua, now known as Jacksonville, FL. She is a 500 Hr RYT Yoga Instructor at Soluna Yoga and Spa and Earth Salt Stone in San Marco. Her 15 year history of teaching yoga includes studio spaces around Jacksonville, Hilo HI, and to people experiencing incarceration in Duval and Clay Counties through the nonprofit, Yoga 4 Change. Her foundation as a Yoga Instructor was originally in Vinyasa and has expanded into Trauma Informed Yoga, Restorative, Yin, and Yoga Nidra. Jayme has experienced trainings with local teachers such as Mark White, Dawn Clapp and Tara Rawson. She has also trained with Baron Baptiste and James Fox with Prison Yoga Project. Some of Jayme’s favorite offerings included a co-led Trauma Informed Yoga training with Yoga 4 Change, and a training for Trauma Informed Yoga in the classroom for Teach For America. She has recently added a certification in Breathwork to her repertoire and now offers Breathwork and Movement classes once a month on full moons at Earth Salt Stone. Jaymes enjoys being a loving wife and mother to her young daughter.

Samantha is a New Jersey born yogi who began her teaching journey with her 200 hour vinyasa certification under Erica Stanzione. As a teacher, she encourages students to listen to their bodies and allow their breath and intuition to lead their practice. She weaves together her knowledge of the subtle body with creative, yet mindful movement and visual imagery to create a balanced experience, accessible to all levels. Her classes create a safe space where students can cocoon, reconnect, breathe and move their bodies in ways that feels intuitive and nourishing for them. Her vision for this training is to create a supportive environment to help guide others through the deeply reflective and transformative journey that yoga teacher trainings often inspire. You can find Samantha teaching every Tuesday at 9:00am at Soluna, as well as leading seasonal sound bath and meditation workshops. When she’s not teaching, she’s often hiking with her dog, traveling, or baking something delicious.

Samantha is a yoga teacher (RYT200), doula, breathwork facilitator, nutritionist, and intuitive healer whose work bridges science and spirituality. Rooted in a foundation of traditional yoga and energy work (Reiki II), she weaves movement, breath, sound, and ritual into grounded, soul-nourishing experiences. An aerialist, lifelong dancer and homeschooling mother of six, Samantha brings deep presence, lived wisdom, and a touch of magic to every space she holds—both on the mat and in the mundane. Her offerings invite transformation through embodiment, reverence, and remembrance.

Carmen started yoga in 2011, when her sister invited her to a class at Ananda Kula. Little did she know, these first steps on the mat would lead her down an amazing journey. After having postpartum depression and suffering the loss of her father, she went back to yoga to help cope with the stress. When Carmen lost her father, she felt she needed positive direction and somewhere to focus her energies. She continued practicing Yoga and it lead to completing her first 200 hours of Yoga teacher training with Tara Rawson, in May of 2019. Shortly after her training, she was guided to becoming a certified Doula which she accomplished in 2020. After going to several births, she finally understood more about the connection between movement in the body during pregnancy and breath work. So she decided to advance her yoga education and became a Prenatal/ Postpartum Yoga teacher. She stated: ‘I never felt better until all the pieces were put together.’

Jesse discovered yoga in 2016 and quickly fell in love with the practice. Through life’s ups and downs, yoga was a constant friend, showing her the importance of the mind-body connection. In 2025, Jesse completed her 200-hour teacher training with Feel Embodied Yoga School, with a foundation in Hatha yoga. She also holds a 50-hour Trauma-Informed Yoga certification from Solara Yoga School, deepening her understanding of how to create inclusive and supportive spaces for all bodies and experiences. Jesse is passionate about helping others feel safe, seen, and empowered in their practice. Her classes are designed to honor each individual's unique journey, encouraging a deeper connection between mind, body, and breath.

Cheyenne began practicing yoga at 16 years old, discovering early on how deeply it could support both body and mind. Since then, yoga has been a steady companion through life’s most intense and transformative seasons—from moving across the world to navigating divorce to becoming a mother. These experiences led her to complete her teacher training in June 2024 and to cultivate a passion for prenatal and postpartum yoga, where she finds deep joy in helping others connect with their bodies, breath, and intuition during the journey into parenthood. In addition to teaching, Cheyenne is a doula and childbirth educator, devoted to creating safe, nurturing spaces for people to feel seen, supported, and empowered. She believes yoga is not just about movement, but about remembering our inner strength and carrying that sense of grounding into every stage of life.

Alexis Nicole is a yoga instructor & sound healing practitioner with an ever-growing range of education in all things Healing & Zen. With a deep love & passion for this lifestyle, she offers intentional guidance throughout every class. Alexis understands that each person is on a unique journey, & she is devoted to meeting you exactly where you are, with care, support, & wholehearted acceptance. Alexis has been practicing yoga since the age of 12 & began teaching at just 20 years old. Through both life & yoga, she has learned that with yin there is always yang, & with effort there is always ease. No matter the style of class you share together, her intention is to help you grow, heal, & reconnect with your truest inner self. When Alexis isn’t sharing her love for the practice, you can find her walking with her dog, Chai, soaking in the sunshine, searching for shells & shark teeth at the beach, spending quality time with loved ones, or traveling to explore. Come experience a class with Alexis & allow yourself the space to breathe, grow, & reconnect. She can’t wait to welcome you exactly as you are!

Aaron Matthew is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher with over 13 years of personal practice and experience teaching Vinyasa, Hatha, Power, Restorative Yoga, breathwork, and meditation. His classes combine purposeful movement, mindful alignment, and intentional breathwork to create a powerful yet accessible experience. With grounded guidance and space for authentic self-exploration, Aaron invites students to build strength, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with who they truly are. Outside the studio, Aaron is a performing musician, husband, and father of two girls. He spent nearly a decade living abroad in the Dominican Republic. He is bilingual, loves nature, growing food, and dreams of creating a small family farm one day.

Shyenne’s yoga journey began in 2013, after discovering an ad for a local yoga studio. Four years after a life changing car accident, she was hoping to find relief from long term injuries and connect with a spiritual community. Upon taking her first class, she was immediately intrigued by the mind-body connection and physical challenges yoga had to offer. After two years of a consistent practice, she was amazed at the healing benefits of yoga and became eager to deepen her knowledge. In 2015 she found herself on her first solo, international flight to Costa Rica. She spent the next two months traveling and completing her 200 hour teacher training. Although trained in an alignment-based/hatha practice, a mindful vinyasa flow is her favorite style to lead. Her class invites you to flow, sweat, play and find your balance between effort and ease. Outside of the yoga studio, you can find her exploring nature, floating in a spring, dancing to live music and rollerskating.