Melody Francis

BHS, LMT, AdvCBP, ERYT500, Death Doula/IAPO, Shamanic Services

Founder (2025) of the Quantum modality, Awaken Universal Matrix (A.U.M.)

• Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Certified Body Talk Practitioner, Shamanic Journey Facilitator, Death Doula, Registered Yoga Teacher

• Inviting communication and links between Bodymind to encourage wholeness in the system.

• I love connecting with others and opening the conversation with BodyMind!

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Melody began her college career with a Bachelor's in counseling from UAA, where she spent two years interning at a place that provided services for people struggling with their mental health.   During that time, she completed a Yoga Teacher training in Alaska, and suddenly her focus shifted.

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After moving to Rapid City, SD in 2005, Melody cared for her maternal grandparents at the end of their life, and here she began to see her Soul's Journey unfold.   This led to furthering her credentials in Yoga and also massage school.   Further studies have been with Body Talk/John Veltheim, MFR/John Barnes, and Eastern Medicine/Janet Galipo.   Melody owns her own thriving Divine Touch Bodywork practice, Yoga Equilibre, and Black Hills Yoga School.

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Whether you see Melody for an individual or group experience, her philosophy remains the same: quantum science reminds us of the observer/observed.  The person observing (Practitioner) and the observed (client/student) have a holographic and symbiotic relationship.  

Erin Leach

RYT200, LMT

Erin graduated from Black Hills Yoga School January 2022 where she received her 200 hour YTT.

She is also a liscensed massage therapist and has been practicing massage since 2012.

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She enjoys incorporating vinyasa, restorative poses, and stretching into her classes.

Anastasia Smith

Dancer

Anastasia “Asia” Smith is an Artist, Dancer, and animal companion with a strong interest in using art and creativity to benefit others. Her path to dance has been unusual. She grew up with an odd collection of small farm animals and siblings near Rapid City, South Dakota, attended the University of South Dakota and studied Theater Design, then spent a few decades working in Las Vegas as a stagehand and scenic artist.

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While there she co-founded a training and rescue facility that offered programs for foster children, did rehab work with difficult animals, and used creative exercise like Ballet and Yoga to develop multispecies communication. She took her first belly dance classes, studied Equine Massage, learned Equine Vaulting, and began integrating art and functional movement into animal assisted learning programs.

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In 2014 she moved back to the Black Hills where she began to focus more on creating fine art and teaching. As a student of Kung Fu and Tai Chi and then as a teacher of basic Belly Dance classes she continues to learn about functional movement and the beneficial effects of physical activity.

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She currently teaches several Dance classes, produces her own art, and develops Equine Assisted Learning programs. The shared goal of all of these endeavors is self exploration and supporting others as they use these programs to develop skills and self knowledge.

Caroline Smith

Dancer

I have been interested in movement and dance since I was a teenager, when I began learning bellydance basics when dancing to drums around a fire. Since then I have taken classes and been a part of three different troupes in Las Vegas, NV. After moving back home to Rapid I had the chance to begin teaching.

My intention with this class is to help individuals get in tune with their body and begin to flow with the rhythms and strength that dance can bring out in us. I challenge you to take a step outside your comfort zone and feel with me the flow of Water dance.

Jason Hermanson

RYT200

Jason loves bringing his passion for helping others and simplicity to life to his yoga teaching. He brings connection & balance to create an environment where all can feel comfortable and confident.

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Together we can trust one another and provide the needed compassion to elevate ourselves for success.

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Let your heart and breath lead the way, it won’t lead you astray. 

Jonathan Roth

RYT200

Jonathan Roth was born and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota by his beautiful parents, David and Kathy Roth.  From a young age, he found a love for everything outdoors: rock hunting, skiing, surfing, and hiking. These are all activities he enjoys sharing with his two children as a connection to nature.  Additionally, his love for motorcycles sets him free.

Jonathan first started attending Qi-Gong classes in 2015 and eventually started practicing yoga with the encouragement of his instructors. He went on to complete his RYT200 online at the Yoga & Ayurveda Center in 2021. He has continued his training with certificates in Body Talk Access, Meditation, and Mindfulness Teacher Training. His favorite pose is Utthita Trikonasana (triangle), which symbolizes his belief in the connections between body, mind, and spirit and alignment of the head, heart, and gut. He acknowledges many variations of the trinity.

By moving forward in love, continuing to learn and grow, a warrior spirit continues to shine with gratitude.

Charlie Hartpence

LPC-MH, RYT200

Charlie attended a free yoga class 10 years ago and was immediately hooked. Through yoga, she found instant relief, confidence and faith during a time of deep suffering and growth. Since then she has enjoyed the benefits of both personal and group practices.

As a mental health counselor she has used yogic practices to help clients ease their own mental anguish, connect deeply with their true identity, and find the confidence to pursue their deepest desires. During her classes you can expect to be challenged physically while enjoying the support of gentle assistance with the overall goal of achieving some mental and emotional peace. 

Bobbi Buchholz

LMT, RYT200

Bobbi believes first in the power of the breath: breath is what fuels us and keeps us alive, healthy, and moving. Once breathing, the body can then move and “work out” any imbalances.  

Oh, and water too: drink lots of water!

Brigette Gildemaster

Instructor

After having many unexpected life altering events, Brigette was brought to the healing modality of Breathwork in summer of 2023, began her Breathwork facilitator training though PAUSE in June of 2024, and is expected to graduate in February of 2025!
 

For many of us, the norm is being constantly stressed, anxious, worried, and overwhelmed. Breathwork is a modality that allows us to be still, be with ourselves, feel through, and release our experiences.
 

Brigette’s wish is to create a safe space for those who seek healing.  She guides them through breathwork and emotional balance to reconnect with themselves, embrace their authenticity, and find peace.

Hadlee Denett

BHS, AdVCEP LMT, eRYT500, YACEP, IAPO, Shamanic Services

Hadlee is a dedicated yoga teacher, who trained with Black Hills Yoga School. She blends movement, breath, and energy work to create a holistic practice.

As a Reiki ractitioner and energetic healer, Hadlee believes in the power of connecting mind, body, and spirit to support healing and transformation.

In her classes, she creates a welcoming space where every body is a yoga body-honored, accepted, and supported exactly as they are. Her passion is helping others find balance, strength, and inner peace both on and off the mat. 

Joseph Kelso

Instructor

Joe has studied wrestling, jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, boxing, Tai chi, taikwando, and ISSA personal training. At an early age, Joe suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Injuries and pain led him to the art of healing as he ventured into careers as a wrestling coach, martial arts trainer, cage fighter, and personal trainer.

It became more and more evident to Joe that, in order to heal his mind, body, and soul, yoga was necessary. He was introduced to yoga at a young age, but did not dive in deep until the last several years of his life. Joe has a strong desire to share the skills that he has learned with great mentors, including his yoga guru, Melody Francis.

Come awaken your spirit and heal with Joe as we share this beautiful journey of life together.

Jacki Welbig - Stenson

RYT200

With over 25 years of dedicated yoga practice, Jacki brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and insight to her teaching. Her journey into yoga began as a personal pursuit to cultivate peace and balance, and over two decades, it blossomed into a passion for sharing the transformative power of yoga with others.

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Jacki's teaching style combines mindfulness, movement, and motivation, creating a welcoming space for all levels. Her training in the Hatha Style emphasizes the importance of the mind-body connection and the potential for growth and healing in every pose.

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From energizing flow-based sequences to stretchy restorative practices, Jacki's classes are crafted to mect each student exactly where they are. Her approach is inclusive, nurturing, and focused on fostering a sense of connection - both within oneself and within the community.

When Jacki isn't on the mat, she enjoys hiking, biking, travcling or spending time with family.

Join Jacki on the mat to explore the beautiful journey of yoga, where her two decades of practice and passion create a space for growth, self-discovery and self-acceptance.