Meet The Team

​Joy opened Pettaway Commons because when a community thrives the local businesses thrive. In providing a space where the talents of the local community are shared and where the connections between people are based on what we have in common, we collectively build a community of healthier and happier people. “I hope when you visit Pettaway Square, you will give one of our classes a try, attend a workshop, or consider sharing your talents in a class of your own.”

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A yoga practitioner since 1999, Joy is particularly interested in studying how yoga can help people during periods of high stress, recovering from trauma, and transitioning through all life’s stages. She received her Level 1 Iyengar Yoga certification in 2015 and Level 2 in 2017.  Learn what these levels mean and what is required to attain this certification here.

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Joy's classes:

 - Sun Salutations Fridays @ 8 am

 - Gentle Yoga Fridays @ 9:00 am

 - All Levels Yoga Saturdays @ 10 am

 - Intermediate Yoga Sundays @ 4:00 pm.

 

She also offers private lessons or group sessions to those interested. Email for more information.

Wendy is a certified fitness trainer and has been teaching fitness classes for 11 years. She is the founder of KrunkFit where she incorporates her love of trap/hip-hop music into a cardio and body weight training program. With Wendy, your goals become her goals and in exchange, her drive becomes your drive.  She also works with a great food preparation vendor to provide excellent meal options to those interested.

 

Wendy received her group fitness training credentials from the American Council on Exercise (ACE). ACE is nationally accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). ACE provides continuing education, and access to science-based health and fitness information.

 

"KrunkFit connects people who love movement and are ready to become a stronger version of ourselves, internally and externally. Designed for you to advance at your own pace in a supportive environment. I am excited to share my passion with all the other passionate people at Pettaway!"

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Wendy's classes:

 - Core & Tone on Tues/Thursdays 5:00 pm

 - Cardio Tues/Thursdays at 6:00 pm, Wednesdays at 5 pm.

 

Visit her website to learn more.

Howison is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, a Little Rock native, and spent much of her adult life working and practicing yoga in Atlanta, GA.  She is grateful to have studied with many senior Iyengar yoga teachers over the past 28 years and to have studied with the Iyengar family in Pune, India.  She brings to her teaching a delight in sharing the gifts of living a more embodied life through the practice of yoga, and a desire to meet each student wherever they are on the journey.

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"I love teaching, learning, and being part of the community at Pettaway Square!"

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Howison's classes:

 - "Yoga for Healthy Aging" class Monday & Wednesdays 11:00 am 

 - All Levels Yoga 10 am class (2nd Saturdays)

 

Additionally, she offers private lessons tailored to your individual needs. Email for more information.

Coffy was born and raised in Oakland, California and is a trauma informed yoga teacher, author, and poet. She is a Spoken Word artist that has won various local and national slams and she has spent much of her working career finding numerous ways to bridge art and literacy with at-risk communities.

 

"My Trauma-Informed Yoga certification has given me the tools to provide a yoga practice that is sensitive to the needs of all. I find joy in helping others connect with themselves in a safe and healing environment."

 

Coffy's classes:

You'll find Coffy rotating in to the Saturday morning 10 am yoga class.

 

Winter Session Rotation:

 - Saturday, January 25th

 - Saturday, February 15th (*special Valentine's Day Class)

Coined as the “Southern Slow Burn Belle”, Bastet Dafoe is an up-and-coming burlesque performer and producer. She began her burlesque journey in March 2020. Since her debut, she has worked diligently to become a household name in Burlesque. Bastet is known for her sultry movements, mixing classic burlesque with current dances and various genres of music. She’s the creator of Bombay Cabaret, which intertwines her love for live music and burlesque. Bombay Cabaret is a traveling Cabaret featuring BIPOC performers and musicians. Bastet’s efforts are to reestablish Burlesque as mainstream entertainment in Arkansas and surrounding areas.

 

Bastet's Classes:

 - Slow Burn Class 3rd Fridays 6-7 pm.

 

Learn more about her on her website where you can purchase her Slow Burn Class directly.

Zina Al-Shurkri is a multidisciplinary artist, creative and healer specializing in art therapy, astrology, energy work, and sound healing. She received her MFA from the California College of Arts in San Francisco and travels all over the United States exhibiting her work and performing healing rituals and soundbaths with the purpose of cultivating awareness and safe and diverse communities.

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Zina co-leads the monthly Grief Tending + Soundbath

 - 1st Mondays of the month 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

Candace is a mental health therapist who specializes in a somatic, trauma-informed approach. She seeks to offer transformative experiences for people who find themselves in the lonely, lost, grieving, and painful phases of life. She draws on her own life experiences of processing trauma and grief, and she uses ritual, nature, somatic awareness, dreamwork, poetry, and community to create safe spaces where healing can naturally emerge.

 

"We aren't stuck in the old, unhealthy systems we were born into. Let's re-imagine and re-connect. We can live into something new together." 

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Candace co-leads the monthly Grief Tending + Soundbath

 - 1st Mondays of the month 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

Maya is the founder of Creative Expressions. She hosts the monthly craft party at Pettaway Commons to bring together both seasoned artists and DIY enthusiasts for relaxed, creative evenings. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, she welcomes everyone to come and explore their creativity in a fun, supportive environment.

 

"My passion for arts and crafts has always driven me, and I love the idea of building a community where locals can connect through creativity."

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Maya's leads a crafting workshop monthly featuring a different theme each month.

 - Crafty Party Last Saturdays of the month 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Akia is a passionate fitness instructor and founder of Ivy Strong Fitness. She is dedicated to helping individuals transform their bodies, minds, and lives. With over 6 years of experience in the fitness industry she has built a reputation for providing expert guidance and motivational coaching that inspire clients to reach their full potential. Her background includes certifications in Les Mills, personal training, HIIT, group fitness, cardio, and strength training. 

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Driven by a love for helping others achieve their goals, Akia works with clients of all fitness levels, with a focus on improving not only physical strength but also mental well-being. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive and supportive environment, where every client feels empowered, confident, and capable.

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Outside of teaching, Akia is constantly expanding her own knowledge through ongoing education and training. She is an advocate for a balanced lifestyle, incorporating wellness practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and proper recovery techniques. Whether through one-on-one sessions, group classes, or virtual coaching, Akia is committed to helping you achieve your fitness goals and live a healthier, happier life.

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"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."

 

Akia's classes:

 - Circuit training in January on the 2nd and 4th Saturday (11th & 25th) 8:45 am - 9:45 am and the

 - Circuit Training: 2nd and 3rd Monday (13th & 20th) 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm.