Meet Our Powerhouse Team

Joy founded Pettaway Commons to reinforce the idea that common gathering spaces that provide ~healing centered connection~ are a necessary and vibrant component of business districts. She believes in the transformative power of place in building healthy, happy communities. To this end, she is dedicated to creating a network of spaces in Central Arkansas that connect us to each other, showcase community talents, and provide diverse and inclusive activities. 

 

"I hope you will give one of our classes a try, attend a workshop, consider renting the space for your next event, or sharing your talents in a class of your own.”

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A yoga practitioner since 1999, Joy received her Level 1 Iyengar Yoga teaching certification in 2015 and Level 2 in 2017.  Learn what these levels mean and what is required to obtain and maintain this certification. In addition to teaching public classes Joy implemented a 13-week yoga program at Hope Rises during the early stages of COVID designed for women transitioning out of prison. During 2021-22, she taught weekly yoga classes at Natural State Recovery, a detox and rehabilitation facility in Central Arkansas. Both of these experiences greatly informing her teaching style and approach.

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In addition to her study of yoga, Joy is a scientist and trained facilitator who worked for 15 years leading programs at The Nature Conservancy before launching Common Ground Solutions, LLC in 2023—a consulting and facilitation company focused on empowering communities to integrate nature into future planning. In this capacity she coordinates the Arkansas Forests and Drinking Water Collaborative and leads the Arkansas CommuniTree Program.

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Joy's classes:

 - Sun Salutations Fridays @ 8 am

 - Gentle Yoga Fridays @ 9 am

 - Beginner Yoga Series Sundays @ 3 pm

 - Intermediate Yoga Sundays @ 4:15 pm.

 - 2nd Saturdays Pranayama (@8:15 am) & Advanced Yoga (@ 9 am)

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Joy 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:

 - Bootcamp Tuesday and Thursdays @ 4:00 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 

 

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:

- Rhythm & Flow/Hot Yoga/Trap Yoga popup classes, watch Special Events page for these dates.

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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.

As a dancer, musician, and teaching artist with the Arkansas Arts Council, Colleen believes in the power of movement to build community and connection. Her teaching blends musicality, body awareness,, and authentic expression. She creates space for students to explore rhythm and presence through improvised partner-centered motion.

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Colleen teaches a wide variety of Latin dance styles. She has trained under gifted national and international instructors and draws from a background in tribal belly dance, bringing precise body mechanics and embodied awareness to her teaching. 

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At Pettaway Commons, Colleen shares her love of rhythm, culture, and artistry - helping others find joy, creativity, and connection in every step.

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Colleen's Class:

- Mondays 8-9:30 pm. KizME Dance Lab, a six-week progressive Kizomba series designed to introduce fundamental movement and explore how to sequence those foundations into musical combinations.

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 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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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 2nd Mondays of the month. 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

Lisa Perk is an American Mah Jongg instructor specializing in beginner-friendly introductions and advanced strategy workshops grounded in official NMJL play.

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Her philosophy is simple: honor the rules in public play, enjoy house rules in private games, and use mahjong as a way to build community, confidence, and connection. Whether she’s working with brand-new players or seasoned ones, Lisa is known for her patient, welcoming, and genuinely fun teaching style.

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Lisa is a member of the Mahj Life Instructors Guild and regularly pursues professional development to sharpen both her game and her teaching. Lisa holds micro-credentials in NMJL rules and sportsmanship.

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“Luck is realizing what’s an opportunity… and what isn’t.” — Lucille Ball

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Lisa's classes:

 - Thursdays 10 am - 12 pm (starting Jan 29th) Play with Intention: Table Strategy for American Mah Jongg (6 wk series)

- Tuesdays in February 5:30 - 7:30 pm (check out our class page for more info)

DeLisa Shaw-Johnson is an educator and youth development leader. With over 20 years of experience working with children in community and classroom settings, she blends literacy, math, movement and creativity into joyful, hands-on learning experiences that build confidence and curiosity. A native of Little Rock, she grew up in the Pettaway neighborhood and is the founder of Bee STEAM Fit, a play-based STEAM enrichment program (Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math) designed to help young children become confident readers, thinkers, and learners.

 

DeLisa's work is deeply personal and is not just a program, it is her way of serving the neighborhood that helped shape her.  DeLisa has an unwavering commitment to ensure families and children in the neighborhood have access to high-quality, engaging, and encouraging learning experiences.

 

DeLisa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. She is a Recess & Results Play-Based Fitness Coach, an Elite Reading Coach, and is certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED. 

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DeLisa's classes:

 - 1st & 3rd Saturdays (starting Feb 28th)

Bee STEAM Fit Juniors (ages 4-7). 10:00 - 11:30 am

- 1st & 3rd Wednesdays (starting in March)

Bee STEAM Fit Explorers (ages 8-10) 3:00 - 5:00 pm