Meet Michigan Yoga Association
Michigan Yoga Association (MYA for short) exists to connect people, organizations, and teachers through meaningful gatherings and shared practice.
Our mission
To foster a community of Yoga enthusiasts by providing affordable access to diverse, in-depth, authentic Yoga education. MYA sponsors events, workshops, and retreats by Michigan, national, and international experts with the following priorities in mind:
A commitment to the advancement of Yoga education.
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Creating opportunities for community-building and state-wide networking.
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Outreach for new enthusiasts, with inclusive opportunities for all levels.
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What we do
We bring people together through thoughtfully curated Yoga gatherings, while supporting the broader ecosystem of organizations and teachers across Michigan.
Our goal is simple: to create more opportunities for connection, practice, and shared experience on and off the mat.
How we show up
Community Yoga gatherings
Bringing people together in meaningful, welcoming spaces
Studio and teacher support
Collaborating with local studios and organizations and highlighting the people who make this community thrive
Connection beyond events
Helping people discover opportunities to practice and engage across Michigan
Meet the team
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Howard Dembs
Board President
Howard took his first Yoga class at Western Michigan University as an elective physical education credit in 1976 and has been practicing ever since. He is currently taking a Yoga Teacher Training program in Saugatuck and is scheduled to graduate in June 2025. He recently retired from a local industrial contractor as their Chief Financial Officer.
‘I held this position since 2002 and have worked on a variety of corporate tasks including strategy, financial analysis, insight and system integration. Michigan Yoga Association is undergoing some dramatic changes, and I am excited about leading the team to reshape the direction of the organization.’
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Julie Klick
Board Vice President
Julie joined the MYA board in 2025, motivated by a deep commitment to the organization’s mission of education, outreach, and community engagement. Her journey with Yoga began in 2001, when she was first introduced to Vinyasa. In 2011, she earned her 200-hour Ashtanga-based RYT certification with Michele Fife, deepening her understanding of yoga traditions. Julie is dedicated to embodying Yoga’s principles both on and off the mat—as a practitioner, a teacher, and a parent—particularly its ability to raise collective consciousness through meditation.
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Mary Beth Thomas
Board Secretary
Mary Beth has been providing meeting minutes as secretary for the last several years and was a member-at-large before that. Her years as a project manager in the Healthcare industry have given her ample opportunity for honing her skills in taking meeting minutes and she welcomes the chance to put that skill to use in the service of her true passion, Yoga. Mary Beth would like to work with someone willing to take over MYA’s Board Secretary position. Please let us know if you are interested.
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Susan Freeman
Board Treasurer
Susan has been a student of Yoga since the early 2000s and joined the MYA board in 2025. She completed a 200-hour teacher training with Mona Ceniceros in Minnesota, and since moving to Michigan has been a regular yoga student, occasional substitute Yoga teacher, and eager participant in yoga workshops and retreats. A commitment to self-awareness, community, and liberation guides her Yoga and meditation practice as well as her work as a gender and women’s studies professor.
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Hannah Skiba
Director of Community Outreach
Hannah discovered Yoga in college, where her studies in holistic health deepened her interest wellbeing through movement. She started teaching in 2012 after completing her 200-hour Yoga teacher training. Hannah is the owner of Bent9 in Kalamazoo, where she is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all. As MYA’s Director of Community Outreach, she is passionate about expanding accessibility, connection, and empowerment in Michigan’s Yoga community.
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John Brady
Director of Information Technology
John volunteers his time to assist the board with technical concerns and creations. He first experienced Hatha Yoga in 1985 in upstate NY after college and has taken classes ever since. In Kalamazoo, he has landed at Sanctuary Yoga where he also volunteers behind the scenes. John is a runner (5K's to short ultra-marathons), has attended lots of MYA workshops and considers his Yoga practice, teacher and community to be at the core of his well being.
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Véronique Jewell
Standing Committee Chair
Véronique, RYT500, has attended workshops with MYA for many years. Born in France, she practiced nursing for 10 years before moving to the US in 1991 with her daughter. She has practiced Yoga on and off since the age of 17 and was excited when studios and teachers become accessible. She completed her teacher training with Melissa Spamer and now owns her own studio, Sanctuary Yoga, in Kalamazoo, MI. Veronique looks forward to making great teachers accessible to you!
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Ann Maxwell
Member
Ann first learned about yoga when visiting her “weird Aunt Virginia“ in San Francisco in 1973. Ann has practiced Yoga on and off since then, but became a more serious student when Sanctuary Yoga was built next door to her home! Ann finds that Yoga helps her reach places both physically and spiritually, that other practices or therapies cannot. Ann enjoys the MYA retreats, and looks forward to working with the MYA board.
Bring your voice and energy to MYA
We’re always looking to connect with teachers, studios, Yoga organizations, and community members who share our vision. Whether you’re interested in collaborating, hosting, joining our board, or simply learning more, we’d love to hear from you.
Open board positions
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Position purpose
The Secretary is responsible for maintaining accurate records and documentation for Michigan Yoga Association and ensuring clear and timely communication regarding official actions and meetings.
Key responsibilities
Records and documentation:
Record accurate minutes of Board and membership meetings
Maintain official records, including bylaws, policies, resolutions, and minutes
Meeting administration:
Ensure proper notice of meetings in accordance with MYA bylaws
Support orderly meeting procedures and documentation of decisions
Correspondance:
Manage official correspondence as directed by the Board or President
Governance:
Attend and actively participate in all scheduled board meetings
Support transparency, compliance, and good governance practices
Term and commitment
Volunteer, three-year term
Flexible schedule
Remote participation is acceptable
Attendance at quarterly board meetings (virtual or in-person)
Impact
This position plays a vital role in keeping MYA active and moving towards our goals and objectives and recording the work and history of our organization.
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Position purpose
The Director of IT oversees the technology systems and digital infrastructure of the Michigan Yoga Association to support communication, operations, and data security.
Key responsibilities
Technology management:
Manage and maintain MYA’s website, email systems, and digital platforms
Oversee software tools and online services used by MYA
Security and continuity:
Support reasonable data security, privacy, and continuity of operations
Maintain access controls and documentation for digital systems
Board and committee support:
Provide technical support and guidance to board members and committees
Advise the Board on technology needs, upgrades, and best practices
Governance:
Attend and actively participate in all scheduled board meetings
Collaborate with other board members to support organizational effectiveness
Qualifications
Knowledge of computer system security and data privacy
Familiarity with Squarespace, social media platforms, and digital marketing tools
Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Commitment to MYA’s mission and values
Term and commitment
Volunteer, three-year term
Flexible schedule
Remote participation is acceptable
Attendance at quarterly board meetings (virtual or in-person)
Impact
This position plays a vital role in shaping MYA’s public presence, maintaining trust, and strengthening its connection with the yoga community across Michigan.
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Position purpose
The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for leading the Michigan Yoga Association’s marketing and communications strategy to advance its mission of promoting yoga throughout Michigan. This position ensures consistent branding, effective outreach, and clear communication with members, partners, and the broader community.
Key responsibilities
Strategic marketing:
Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan aligned with MYA’s goals.
Oversee branding initiatives to maintain a strong and consistent organizational identity.
Manage digital presence, including website updates and social media engagement.
Communications:
Direct internal and external communications to ensure clarity and alignment with MYA’s mission
Prepare newsletters, press releases, and official announcements
Serve as the primary point of contact for media and public relations
Community engagement:
Promote MYA programs, events, and initiatives to increase participation and visibility.
Foster relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders
Governance and evaluation:
Attend and actively participate in all scheduled board meetings
Provide regular updates on marketing and communications activities
Collaborate with other board members to support organizational priorities
Monitor and report on marketing and communication effectiveness
Recommend improvements based on data and feedback
Qualifications
Experience in marketing, communications, or related fields
Strong writing and editing skills
Familiarity with social media platforms and digital marketing tools
Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Commitment to MYA’s mission and values
Term and commitment
Three-year term
Flexible schedule
Remote participation is acceptable
Attendance at quarterly board meetings (virtual or in-person)
Impact
This position plays a vital role in shaping MYA’s public presence and strengthening its connection with the yoga community across Michigan.
“Yoga, as a way of life and a philosophy, can be practiced by anyone with inclination to undertake it, for yoga belongs to humanity as a whole.”
– Sri K. Pattabhi Jois